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Eufy Smart Scale P1 review

Jason England
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If you’ve gained weight in 2020, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the quarantine fifteen or just some holiday weight, we’re all probably looking for a way to drop a few pounds.

That’s where a quality scale comes into play. There’s nothing like seeing that number go down to keep you motivated and help you stick to your New Year’s resolution. Thankfully, our friends over at Eufy make a fantastic smart scale that’s able to measure your weight and much more.

Design

The Eufy Smart Scale P1 uses a sleek design featuring a glass top with rounded corners and a slim profile. It’s surprisingly lightweight in comparison to my old smart scale, which now feels like a bulky antique.

There is a large LED display at the top that makes it easy to read, and on the bottom are four non-slip feet along with the battery compartment. The Smart Scale P1 is powered by three AAA batteries, and considering I have a box full of rechargeable AA batteries, I wish it used those instead. However, that’s only a minor grievance with a scale that looks and performs this well.

User Experience

To get started, you’ll need to grab the EufyLife app from the Play Store and set up an account. After this is done, you can pair the scale with the app and get started with your weigh-in. The entire process was incredibly simple and I had the scale set up and working in no time.

Ever since the first day, it has functioned perfectly, and the results have been very consistent, unlike my previous smart scale which could be all over the place when measuring my weight.

If you want to get the most benefit out of the Eufy Smart Scale P1 then it will require weighing barefoot. That’s because the P1 is capable of tracking 14 different body measurements, including weight, body fat percentage, BMI, water percentage, BMR, visceral fat, body age, body fat mass, lean body mass, bone density, bone mass, muscle mass, muscle, and protein levels.

It takes all these measurements by a combination of knowing your height, age, and gender along with sending an electrical signal through your body to generate the results. Hence why you need to be barefoot for the more advanced measurements.

If you only want to use the weight measurement then you can weigh yourself in socks, shoes, or use the weight only option in the EufyLife app.

As far as how accurate these results are, that’s difficult to say. You’d need to go get a professional work up with proper equipment to compare.

However, for being an affordable at-home device to give you a general idea of your measurements, the is perfect. Remember, it’s most important that you watch the trends to see if you’re going up or down, instead of relying on it for pinpoint accuracy of the additional measurements outside of your weight. In this way, the Eufy P1 Smart Scale P1 is a wonderful companion in your weight loss and fitness journey.

App

The EufyLife app has a clean and simple user-friendly layout. It’s easy to see the most important stats on the screen and view all the additional measurements by tapping on the “More” button. From here you get a comprehensive overview of all the advanced measurements with a helpful explanation about each one.

The main page also has sections to view your weigh-in history and trends to keep track of your progress. The trends menu is probably one of the most helpful sections because it allows you to keep an eye on weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and muscle mass. This way you can know if your diet and exercise routine is helping you or not.

EufyLife also allows tracking for up to 16 different users, which it automatically matches within the app. The only downside is that all users must be under one account, so you can’t all have your own separate account.

Finally, EufyLife also syncs with third-party fitness apps such as Google Fit and Fitbit. All you have to do is connect your account and your weight will sync with the additional apps. This is great if you like having a better overview of all your stats such as your exercise and weight all in one place.

Final Thoughts

When you’re looking for a smart scale to help keep your fitness goals on track, it’s hard to beat the Eufy Smart Scale P1. It provides a lot of bang for your buck by tracking 14 different measurements for up to 16 users and has a fantastic app that syncs with third-party apps. It retails for $44.99 but it can sometimes be found on sale for $29.99 and at that price, it’s a steal.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Eufy

Google Play Store: The main source of malware

AndroidGuys
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Android is the world’s most popular operating system. More than 3 billion devices and growing are currently operating Android in some form. There’s a lot to love about it. It’s lightweight, flexible, and can work on both the most expensive flagship phones to budget offerings under $100.

Unfortunately, things aren’t all good in the world of Android. And while we don’t think it will make you want to jump ship and join Apple, it is something to pay attention to. We’re talking about the huge number of apps found infected in the Google Play Store. That means you may even have one malware on your phone and not even know it.

Understand this threat and what you can do to be safe below.

Google Play Store Malware Infection

Most of us are under the impression that if we download something from the Google Play Store, it should be safe. Google is part of this problem as they tell users that it’s much safer to download from it than other channels.

Recently, however, security researchers at Kaspersky discovered 20+ Minecraft Android apps that are malware in disguise. Even scarier is they’ve found that some of the app installs have topped out at over 1 million!

These fake apps pretend to be part of legit Minecraft modpacks. Once installed, the app icon disappears and will start loading a string of advertisements to play constantly while you use your phone. There’s also concern that these may be exporting user data. Worst of all, this is far from the first example of Play Store malware. Across so many different apps, hackers have managed to penetrate the store and put users at great risk.

What Should You Do?

The first thing is clear. You can’t always trust Google to keep you safe. While Google talks a big game about looking out for your best interest, they seem ill-prepared for actually doing so.

For this reason, we strongly advise you to take cybersecurity into your own hands because iOS honestly isn’t much better. Cybersecurity tools are a great way to protect yourself and secure your internet connection at the same time.

First and foremost, you need a VPN. VPN or virtual private networks anonymize your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, greatly enhancing your privacy and security. They are vital tools for mobile, desktop, and everywhere in your digital life.

As an added perk, high-quality VPNs like NordVPN aren’t just extremely secure but also have many other benefits like unlocking different streaming content and even helping you find deals shopping online. Next, you have to be extremely careful with any app you download.

No matter what awesome security tool you use, it might not help you if you just let the hackers in the front door! This is harder than it looks, unfortunately. Generally, you can be confident that apps from huge names like Facebook, Microsoft, or even Google will be safe. So, you always have to check who the developer is.

That doesn’t mean smaller developers are always risky. As the Minecraft malware shows, even apps with 1,000,000+ downloads can be dangerous. Instead, take some time to vet the app. Look online, read reviews, and use security tools that can scan apps for malware. This is the best way to make sure something is safe.

Finally, be careful about app permissions. There is no reason an app like a Minecraft mod needs to know your location at all times. That might be a sign of malware or just something trying to invade your privacy. Either way, regardless of who the developer is, it would be a good idea to limit permissions to apps.

Beware the Google Play Store

The Google Play Store is the number app delivery portal in the world. It just makes sense that hackers would target it.

Before you download any malware, start being careful, and vet all your apps. And if something does seem strange on your phone, then don’t risk it. It’s better to reset your phone and not take any chances of having a hacker get their hands on your data.

Stay safe and start keeping an eye out for these risks now.

EDITOR NOTE: This is a promoted post and should not be viewed as an editorial endorsement.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag is an upcoming Tile competitor

Josiah Ward
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A few days ago, the NCC certified the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, a Bluetooth tracker like the Tile. The news seems to follow rumors of an Apple AirTag, suggesting that Samsung is trying to pre-empt them.

Not much is known about the tracker, but the images 91mobiles obtained show off a Tile-like design.

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag

The tracker will likely pack Bluetooth 5.1 and Samsung’s SmartThings Find feature, which is a map feature that works across many Samsung devices.

In addition, 91mobiles suggests that the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag could be priced at around $20 a pop and might launch alongside the Samsung Galaxy S21 series at the now-confirmed Galaxy Unpacked event.

How to use Watch Party with Amazon Prime Video to stream videos together online

Jason England
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We’ve seen a lot of normal every day activities change during the coronavirus pandemic. Some have changed for the short term, but some will be long-lasting changes. Before COVID-19 hit a lot of us took for granted the ability to get together with friends and family to watch movies and TV.

Fortunately, many of the streaming services have stepped up with Watch Party features to allow us to stream together while apart. Some of the services that support this include Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Today, we’ll look at how to start a Watch Party on Prime Video so you can watch your favorite shows and movies with others.

Heads Up!

Before you get started, every member of the watch party must either rent or own the video you’d like to watch. Alternatively, if it is a Prime eligible video title, then every member will need to be a Prime subscriber.

Furthermore, Watch Party is only available on the web at this time. Every member will need to use the browser on their computer to join, and Apple’s Safari browser is not supported.

Let’s Go!

Now, follow these simple steps below and get to binge-watching with your friends and family.

1. Open the video title you’d like to watch in Prime Video using your desktop browser.
2. Click on the “Watch Party” icon.
3. Enter the name you’d like to use while chatting and click Create Watch Party.
4. Copy the link to your Watch Party and share it with up to 100 friends. Remember, each person will also need to be a Prime member or they will need to rent or buy the same video title.

That’s all there is to it. Once everyone joins in, the host of the Watch Party can start the video. It’s important to note only the host will have control over the playback of the video, just like in the good ole days when one person was in control of the remote.

Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer review

Jason England
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I get it. You saw the headline and you immediately had questions. To answer the first question, no, the Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer is not certified to kill COVID-19. However, just because it doesn’t kill COVID-19, doesn’t mean it’s not useful. Ultraviolet light has been shown to effectively kill up to 99% of harmful germs and bacteria, such as E. Coli, Staphylococcus, and Candida albicans. 

During the past year, we’ve all become obsessive about disinfecting and killing germs, bacteria, and viruses. Not only are we sanitizing our hands at an alarming rate, but we’re also looking for convenient ways to disinfect items we’re constantly touching. And I’m sure if you’re anything like me, your smartphone ranks as one of the most touched items you own.

Design

The Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer resembles a cellphone tanning bed. It has a clean white design that wouldn’t look out of place in a lab or on a random counter in your house. On the back is a USB-C port used for connecting it to a power source. Unfortunately, there is no power brick included, so you’re going to have to supply your own.

There is a solitary button on the front which is used to turn on the UV light for 10 minutes at a time. The lid uses a strong magnet to keep it closed during cleanings, and can be a little difficult to open. It would have been nice if there was a button to help release the magnet making it easier to open up.

Inside there are ridges on the bottom to help elevate your phone or device, with the UV lights positioned on the left and right sides. The inside dimensions are deep enough to allow for objects such as a phone, keys, glasses, earbuds, and perhaps your wallet.

However, I wish it was a little deeper. I wasn’t able to fit the charging case for my earbuds in there, nor was I able to fit my smartwatch with the wristband stretched out.

User Experience

What’s there to say? The Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer is as simple to use as pressing a button. The light will only come on if the lid is closed, and the lights will turn off for safety reasons if you open the lid in the middle of sanitizing.

How can you tell if the lights actually come on? I’m glad you asked. If you’re in a dark room you can see the lights through the white casing. You can also try what I did, and place your phone in while taking a video to ensure the lights come on and stay on the entire 10 minutes, spoiler alert, they did.

The manual suggests that you place the phone in for 10 minutes with the display facing up and for 10 minutes with the display facing down. Even though it has some ridges at the bottom to lift your device up, the light coverage will be much more even on the top than it will on the underside. However, wireless charging will only work reliably if the phone is placed inside with the display facing up.

Speaking of wireless charging, the Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer supports fast-charging. As I mentioned above though, you’re going to have to supply your own power brick, and it will need to be fast-charged enabled for this to work. While the UV lights won’t come on unless the lid is closed, you can charge your phone with the lid opened or closed.

How well does it work?

It’s hard for me to say just how well the Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer disinfects smartphones or other items. I lack the equipment and expertise to test this. Samsung says it has been “tested by world-leading inspection and testing companies, Intertek and SGS” though, and with Samsung’s reputation, I’m willing to put a little faith in them.

Besides, this is a preventative measure, and it’s not the only cleaning method I’m relying on to ensure my phone and other devices stay clean.

Final Thoughts

While it’s difficult to say just how effective ultraviolet light sanitizers like this are, it gives me some peace of mind after the roller coaster of a year the pandemic has put us through. In 2020, I’ve become much more active in keeping my house and frequently touched items clean and disinfected.

Disinfectant wipes are fantastic for cleaning most everyday items, but they can also damage the protective coating on your phone’s display. For that reason, I was looking for a safer way to sanitize my phone, and even though it’s not proven to kill COVID-19, it can’t hurt to be proactive and UV light has been proven to kill other germs and bacteria. At the very least it might help prevent me from catching some other sickness and it’ll keep my phone charged up.

The Samsung Qi Wireless Charger and UV Sanitizer retails for $49.99, but at times it can found on sale for as low as $39.99.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Samsung

POCO F2 mid-ranger may launch in 2021 following POCO spin-off

Josiah Ward
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Last year, POCO was officially spun off by Xiaomi into an independent brand, though this is a brand independence, with POCO still using MIUI as well as Xiaomi supply chains. Now, in a video tweeted by POCO recapping 2020, you can see the text “F2” flashing intermittently, hinting at the launch of the POCO F2.

While not much is known about the F2, discussions suggest that the device will be a mid-range smartphone featuring a Snapdragon 732G, a quad-camera setup and a 4,250mAh battery.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 480: 5G chip for budget phones

Josiah Ward
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Today, Qualcomm announced their Snapdragon 480 chipset, bringing 5G to ultra-budget handsets in addition to other premium features.

Connectivity

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 features 5G connectivity, both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G.

The Snapdragon 480 also features a variety of networking technologies, in addition to Qualcomm’s FastConnect 6200 system, which supports dual WiFi-6 antennas, Bluetooth 5.1, and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio, among other things.

AI

The chipset features a Hexagon 686 DSP and a Sensing Hub to improve AI performance over 70% over the Snapdragon 460 by allowing for ultra low-power always-on AI processing.

Camera

One notable feature of the Snapdragon 480 is the triple Spectra 345 ISP, which can capture photos from three 13MP cameras at once or three 720p video streams.

It can also support up to a 64MP still shot from a single camera.

Other Features

The Snapdragon 480 features Qualcomm Quick Charge 4+, support for Full HD resolution at up to 120Hz refresh rate, and support for both UFS chips and LP4x RAM.

There is no information on when the chipset will be available, though it is known that HMD Global, OPPO, and Vivo will be manufacturing phones with this chipset. We can expect that these devices will be around $125-$250.

This bundle will make you safer in 2021 and includes VPN, cloud storage, password manager, and more

AndroidGuys
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It’s a new year and for many people that means it’s time to start fresh with a resolution or two. What do you have in mind for 2021? Do you resolve to be smarter and safer in the coming year?

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The Internet Privacy & Security Lifetime Subscription Bundle, just $89 in the AG Deals Store right now, is your five-part peace of mind kit. It provides users with safe encrypted browsing, 500GB of cloud storage, a terrific password management tool, ad blocker, and more. Valued at roughly $1,700 if you were to purchase the various pieces on your own, you can get it for a fraction of the price.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro revealed in first impressions video ahead of launch

Jason England
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Samsung recently announced that its Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on January 14, 2021. While the big star of the show will be the brand-new Galaxy S21 lineup of phones, if the rumors are true, that won’t be the only hardware Samsung shows off at the event.

Samsung is also expected to launch its latest true wireless headphones dubbed the Galaxy Buds Pro. Over the past few months, we’ve seen plenty of information leak out about the Galaxy S21 phones, including renders, specs, and even a hands-on video review. However, all we’ve seen of the Galaxy Buds Pro are some renders and specs. That is until now.

YouTuber Digital Slang recently got his hands on a pair ahead of the launch. Apparently, he saw a listing for the unreleased Galaxy Buds Pro on Facebook Marketplace, took a chance, and turns out they were the real deal.

After teasing us with some photos on his Twitter account he’s now posted an unboxing and first impressions video about the upcoming true wireless headphones from Samsung. In the 17 minute long video we get a detailed look at the packaging, the case, and the Galaxy Buds Pro themselves.

Furthermore, we get an overview of the app and he shows off the touch-control options which include, noise controls, Bixby, volume, and Spotify integration. The standout features here being the active noise cancellation and Ambient sound or transparency mode that will turn on automatically when it hears you speak.

When it comes to sound quality, he was a big fan, but unfortunately, the ANC was lacking when compared to the AirPods Pro. On the bright side, the Galaxy Buds Pro supports wireless charging which makes them easy to keep topped up.

Digital Slang also has a comparison video between the Galaxy Buds Plus and Galaxy Buds Pro on his channel, and that’s about as good of a look at Samsung’s latest headphones we’re going to get until they officially launch at the Galaxy Unpacked event in ten days.

It’s official, Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for January 14, 2021

Jason England
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Over the past few months, we’ve covered the multitude of rumors and leaks about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21. We’ve seen renders, videos, specs, and heard that the Ultra variant will include support for the S Pen. Among those rumors, was also one that stated Samsung would host its Galaxy Unpacked event much earlier than last year.

Now, Samsung is making it official, by announcing that the Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on January 14, 2021, at 10 a.m. EST. Considering we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic, we can expect the event to be much different from usual. However, Samsung will be streaming the event live on Samsung.com so you won’t have to miss a second of the action no matter where you live.

Along with the announcement of the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung also posted a video teaser to its YouTube channel recently teasing the Galaxy S21. In the video, we see a brief history of previous Galaxy S devices and the design evolution of the series.

Unfortunately, the video doesn’t confirm anything about the new Galaxy S21. Although, after the past couple of months we’ve learned just about everything there is to know about the devices. All that is left now is for Samsung to officially unveil them and confirm all of the leaks.

If you’ve been following along and you’re already psyched up for the latest Galaxy phone, Samsung has already opened registrations for pre-orders. Even if you’re still on the fence about the new phone, it doesn’t hurt to sign up. Samsung won’t charge you anything and there is no commitment to buy, and by signing up you’ll be able to check the trade-in value of your current device and receive $50 towards accessories.

However, there are sure to be plenty of deals for the new devices whether or not you register for a pre-order at this time. Samsung is notorious for its launch promotions, and registering for pre-order has never been a requirement to get in on the deals.

Besides the new phones, we’re also expecting Samsung to launch its latest true wireless headphones called the Galaxy Buds Pro. Recent leaks have pointed to the new headphones featuring an ambient sound mode, ANC, support for Bixby, and more.

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