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This 12-course training bundle will jump-start your career in computer programming

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There’s a great deal of opportunity in the tech space when it comes to programming, coding, and hacking. More and more businesses are bulking up their team with experts in Python, Javascript, and other computer programming languages.

Likewise, there are plenty of options when it comes to learning some of these disciplines. You can get books from the library, check out videos on YouTube, or enroll in school. Or, you can start down the path with some online instructor-led courses.

The Complete Computer Programmer Super Bundle, available in the AG Deals Store for just $45, is exactly what it promises. It’s a 12-course boot camp on Java, Python, C, C++, SQL, and more.

Spanning some 1,330 lessons you’ll have access to more than 120 hours of education from Rob Percival. Along with a primer for newbies, you’ll get training on the algorithms and massive data sets you can build and maintain as well as constructing and debugging a website.

Other topics include object-oriented computer programming, advanced arrays and functions, C# and the .NET framework, Linux Command Line, Ruby, SQL, and IoT (Alexa voice assistant).

Availability

Purchase your lifetime license to the Complete Computer Programmer Super Bundle for just $45 from the AG Deals Store. Normally, each of these 12 courses would run about $200 on their own, so you can see what an incredible bargain it is.

TCL debuts MoveTime Family Watch for seniors

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TCL this week announced its MoveTime Family Watch (MT43A), a wearable device designed with senior citizens in mind.

Looking very much like an Apple Watch, it features a number of communication, safety, and health functions. It’s IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, has fall detection, and a built-in SOS button.

Should a wearer have a fall, or need to contact someone in an emergency situation, the watch can send a message to designated contacts with an exact location. Additionally, a “safe zone” can be created; an alert can be automatically triggered if the wearer ventures outside of the area.

Similar to other smart watches and activity trackers, the MoveTime Family Watch has a built-in pedometer, sleep tracking capabilities, and heart rate tracking. The watch can alert users if it detects unusually low or high heart rates.

Other features include two-way voice and texting, an OLED touch display, 600mAh battery (up to two days), and software that allows for extra large icons.

The MoveTime will be sold as a standalone watch that can be added to a cellular plan this fall. Priced $199, color options include dark grey and black.

TCL announces pair of branded tablets

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TCL, who stepped out from behind the curtain with its own branded smartphones this year, is doing the same for tablets. The Chinese manufacturer this week revealed a pair of tablets at what would have been IFA 2000.

The two tablets, the TABMAX and TABMID, are powered by Android and come in 10-inch and 8-inch screen sizes, respectively.

TCL TABMAX

The TABMAX has a 10.36-inch IPS LCD screen that employs TCL NXTVISION image processing to dial up color saturation and detail. Moreover, it features “intelligent eye protection” to help shield users against blue light and will even warn users if they get too close to the screen.

Running the show are an octa-core MediaTek MT8768T chipset with 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and an 8,000mAh battery. A rear 13-megapixel camera can capture 1080p video while the front houses an 8-megapixel camera and dual speakers.

The TCL TABMAX runs €249, or about $300 USD. An LTE version will be available for €299, or approximately $350 USD. Optional accessories include a keyboard case and low-latency stylus.

TCL TABMID

The TCL 10 TABMID comes with an 8-inch IPS display (1200 x 1290 pixels) with the same NXTVISION screen tricks and features.

Interestingly, the TABMID is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor with 4GB RAM. A 5,500mAh battery, 8-megapixel rear, and 5-megapixel front-facing camera round out the main specifications. The TABMID will be priced €229 (~$270 USD) when it arrives.

Both the TABMAX and TABMID are slated to go on sale in the fourth quarter of the year. As of now neither tablet is expected in the US but that could change over the coming months.

LG Velvet will be cheapest at T-Mobile

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T-Mobile on Thursday announced that will begin selling its version of the LG Velvet starting on September 10.

Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1000C processor, as opposed to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, it comes with a slightly lower price tag than the one offered at competing carriers.

This marks the first 5G phone in the US to be powered by the MediaTek chip. The handset supports T-Mobile LTE and both 5G (600 MHz and 2.5 GHz) networks.

T-Mobile customers can look forward to the LG Velvet in Aurora Gray and Pink White colors. With a full retail price of $588, it will run $24.50 per month for 24 months for well-qualified T-Mobile subscribers.

TicPods Free vs. TicPods ANC: What’s the difference between Mobvoi’s two silicone tipped headphones?

Jason England
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Out of Mobvoi’s extensive lineup of headphones–only two of them include silicone ear tips–the TicPods Free and the newly released TicPods ANC (Read our review). The question many of you may have is what’s the difference between these two sets of headphones? More importantly, which would should you consider buying?

Design

While both pairs of earbuds share design language, there are some major differences between them. For starters, the size of the case, the TicPods Free have a substantially larger case that is much bulkier and heavier to carry around.

The TicPods ANC on the other hand, use a slimmed-down lightweight case. Another big difference between the two is the charging port. The newer TicPods ANC make use of the universal USB-C port, which I am a massive fan of, while the TicPods Free are using the old standard micro USB port.

Next up, is the difference between the earbuds. Both use the AirPod inspired stem design, however, the ear tips are distinctively different. The TicPods Free use the typical round silicone ear tips, while the TicPods ANC use more of an oval shape.

Overall, I’d have to give the TicPods ANC the win here for using a more compact case with a USB-C charging port.

Comfort

Initially, I thought the TicPods Free would be the clear winner in comfort. Between the two, they provide the smallest ear tips, and as someone with smaller ear canals, these are usually the most comfortable for me.

I was surprised to discover that the TicPods ANC were more comfortable overall. However, both sets of buds are lightweight and should offer a comfortable fit for most users.

Features

Neither set of buds are what I would call feature-rich, but they both have some distinctive attributes. Both include touch-sensitive buttons on the buds that allow you to control music playback and access Google Assistant. However, the TicPods Free stands out with Mobvoi’s “tickle” gesture on the stem to adjust the volume, as well as in-ear detection that pauses your music when an earbud is removed.

Both sets allow you to use the buds independently with one huge caveat on the TicPods Free, they only allow you to use the right bud, not the left bud, while you can choose either bud with the TicPods ANC.

Finally, both support IPX5 sweat and water resistance, so you won’t have to worry about ruining your buds when you go for a run on a hot day.

Again, the TicPods ANC comes out on top by doing independent connections better and offering active noise cancellation.

Sound Quality

Both sets of the TicPods have a similar sound signature skewing slightly to the highs for a crisp sound. The TicPods Free tend to be a little more forward in the mids though with plenty of detail and a nice thump of bass. The TicPods ANC have more of a V-shaped signature with deeper sub-bass with brighter treble. I like the sound of both, but I’d have to give a slight edge to the TicPods ANC because I’m a fan of deep bass with crystal clear highs.

Battery Life

Going into this, I would have thought the TicPods Free would have the best battery life, surprisingly, that’s not so. Even with the smaller case, and battery hungry ANC technology, the TicPods ANC still manages to last longer.

According to Mobvoi, the TicPods ANC provide five hours of listening time without ANC, and with noise cancellation enabled, they still pull off an impressive 4.5 hours of playback time. Combined with the case, they will get you a total of 21 hours. The TicPods Free, on the other hand, will get you four hours of listening time and a total of 18 hours with a fully charged case.

Price

This is one area where there is absolutely no contest. Between the two, the TicPods Free win easily with a current price of $39.99, while the TicPods ANC are selling for $71.99 at the moment. That is no surprise, considering the TicPods ANC offer a premium feature such as active noise cancellation.

Final Thoughts

Neither pair of headphones are bad, however, it’s pretty clear the TicPods ANC come out on top. It stands apart by offering longer battery life, great sound, and active noise cancellation–all in a smaller package. The TicPods Free wins in one category, and that’s the price. If you can’t quite afford the TicPods ANC, rest assured the $40 TicPods Free still offer quite the bang for the buck.

If you do decide to pick up a pair of TicPods, our friends over at Mobvoi have sweetened the deal with a 15% discount. Just enter the code Droid15 at checkout, but make sure to hurry, the code expires on September 30, 2020.

TicPods Free

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TicPods ANC

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Studying abroad: Five best countries to get higher education

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Every year scads of prospective students decide to go abroad for higher studies. Some of them are adventurers who are willing to explore the world. Others focus solely on prospective professional opportunities and how international experience can help them achieve their career goals. Here are our top picks of the best places around the globe to pursue higher education, so you can find a perfect fit for your aims, budget, and expectations.

Australia

Australia is one of the major global trendsetters when it comes to the standards for excellence in higher education. Considering its relatively small population, the country has a surprisingly high number of institutions regularly featured in the top 100 in global academic rankings. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, 5 out of Aussie 50 universities — the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, the University of Queensland, and the University of Sydney — are among the 50 best educational institutions worldwide.

With so many renowned schools, Australia is currently one of the most attractive, study abroad destinations for international students. In 2019, almost 180,000 foreigners decided to pursue their higher education in The Land Down Under (PDF). Australian colleges offer a wide variety of courses and degree programs, the most popular being medicine, engineering, environmental sciences, and business studies. The curriculum is designed to help students enter the workplace and thrive in the competitive job market.

Students can start exploring their professional opportunities while they are still studying. They might gain some hand-on training through work experience programs and various internships or seek employment on their own. International students in Australia are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and even take a full-time job during semester breaks.

Canada

Canada is widely recognized as one of the safest and most comfortable places to live in. It is currently ranked the second best country in the world, beaten only by Switzerland. Just like its European “rival,” Canada can offer international students the opportunity to enjoy a high standard of living as well as the benefits of being surrounded by a multicultural environment. The country is very welcoming to foreigners, and its flexible immigration policies promote friendliness, inclusive values, and diversity.

Canada is officially bilingual, with the fifth of its population using French as their mother tongue. While most Canadians know English, one can also expect to hear locals talking in Chinese, Spanish, Punjabi, German, Italian, and dozens of other languages. Thus, students can seize the chance and use their time in the Great White North to learn the additional language or brush up the existing linguistic skills.

One of the biggest reasons why Canadian higher education institutions become such a magnet for hordes of students from all over the world is their strong focus on research and development. Local universities are known for their technological innovations in the fields of telecommunication, agriculture, computer, and information technologies. On top of that, the tuition fee rate in Canada is the lowest among English-speaking countries.

Germany

Germany is the # 1 European study abroad destination. It has the largest international student population outside English-speaking countries. Such immense popularity among foreigners is due mainly to the fact that Germany is one of the few nations in the world that offers free higher education. In 2014, 16 of its states abolished tuition fees at all their public universities. That includes some of the world’s top schools, such as the Technical University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and RWTH Aachen University. The only thing students are required to pay is a small fee for enrollment and administration, which is usually no more than €300 per semester.

Being the largest economy in Europe, Germany is a perfect place for doing internships. Students can participate in dual learning programs that integrate university studies with professional practice in a real-life work environment. The variety of options for vocational training is truly outstanding as the nation is home to some of the most recognizable companies in the world, such as Volkswagen, Allianz, Siemens, Bosch, Lufthansa, and Adidas.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is known as the biggest provider of English-taught degree programs in mainland Europe. Nearly every university in the country has an English version of any course instructed in Dutch. That adds up to more than 2,100 international study programs across a diverse range of disciplines. The best institutions to look for your perfect curriculum are the Delft University of Technology, the University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University & Research, and the Eindhoven University of Technology.

When it comes to international coursework, Dutch schools have pretty strict requirements. First, unless you come from a native English-speaking country, you will have to pass an IELTS or TOEFL exam to prove that you have sufficient language mastery to enter the desired program. Make sure you arrange all the documents needed for the application well in advance. Those normally include a high school diploma, resume, letter(s) of recommendation, and personal statement. Sometimes It is hard to get everything ready before the application deadline, so you might use some help. There are dozens of professional writers at essayservice, who can create an impeccable CV or compelling motivation letter for you.

France

The French are so passionate about higher education that there are more than 3,500 universities and colleges across the country. Not only is the nation’s education system very advanced, but it is also extremely flexible. French universities encourage students to be creative with their choice of classes, let them explore the cross-curriculum opportunities, and offer tons of diverse academic routes through the combined degree programs.

The country has gained international recognition for its prestigious engineering and science schools, including École Polytechnique, Université PSL, and Centrale Supélec, to name a few. It’s also worth coming to France if you are looking to compete in the global economy. HEC Paris and INSEAD are consistently ranked among the best business schools in the world.

Image by Quinn Kampschroer from Pixabay

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

TicPods ANC review

Jason England
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The TicPods ANC are the latest to join Mobvoi’s headphone portfolio, and as you may have guessed, it includes active noise cancellation. And while this feature is a welcome addition, the buds lost some of the smart features other TicPod headphones are known for. Keep reading to find out more about the new buds.

Thanks to Mobvoi for sending these out for review.

Design

The TicPods ANC now mimic the AirPods design more than ever, utilizing a compact top-loading case design for the headphones. The buds are easy to insert and are held securely in place with strong magnets.

In my TicPods 2 review, I remarked how impressed I was by how lightweight the case and buds are. In fact, they were so light, I easily forgot I had them in my pockets on some days.

The TicPods ANC aren’t quite as light, but still not heavy, coming in at an extra 12 grams. Fortunately, part of the reason for that slight weight increase is a larger battery, and that’s a good thing because ANC is battery hungry tech.

The TicPods themselves have a familiar design, featuring the earbud with a long stem, which has been popularized by Apple. Each bud is held in your ear with a silicone tip that is used to help isolate sound.

Unlike previous generations of Mobvoi headphones, the TicPods ANC lack the convenient “tickle” gesture to adjust the volume. However, they still feature a touch-sensitive button on each side to control playback and cycle through the different noise cancellation modes.

Comfort

As someone with smaller than average ear canals, it’s not always easy for me to find the best fit when it comes to headphones. In the case of the TicPods ANC, I would have loved if Mobvoi had included a set of smaller ear tips.

Regardless, the smallest size wasn’t uncomfortable, and I was able to wear them without issue for a couple of hours. It just would have been more comfortable for me if they were smaller.

User Experience

When connecting true wireless earbuds there are usually two different methods employed. One has the buds connect after they are removed from the case, while the other connects them as soon as the case is opened. Mobvoi chose the latter with the TicPods ANC, which means as soon as the buds get in your ear, you’re ready to start listening.

Speaking of pairing, the TicPods ANC earbuds work independently, which allows you to use one bud at a time or both. This way, you can choose to wear both when enjoying music and blocking out distractions, or you can wear one as a Bluetooth earpiece for when you need more awareness of your surroundings.

Along with noise cancellation, the TicPods ANC includes a passive mode to allow sound in from the outside world. This is fantastic for when you need to speak to someone or be aware of your surroundings while allowing you to leave the buds in your ears.

Unlike some other buds I’ve tried with this feature, the TicPods ANC don’t lower the volume of the music which makes having a conversation more difficult. However, it should be good enough for helping you stay aware while commuting.

I must admit, previous TicPods have spoiled me with their app support. Unfortunately, Mobvoi didn’t see fit to add support for the TicPods ANC. That means, there is no app where you can change the equalizer, view the battery level of the case, and certainly no way to adjust the level of noise cancellation. That’s a real pity, because one of the main strengths of Mobvoi’s products comes from the additional features the app provides.

Sound Quality

The TicPods ANC lacks aptX support and an equalizer like some of its predecessors, yet they still manage to impress with sound quality. They skew slightly to the highs providing plenty of clarity and instrument separation, while still preserving the low-end with the help from the silicone ear tips which aids them in producing deep thumping bass.

While I would have preferred more customization with an equalizer and a higher bit rate Bluetooth audio codec, AAC is fine and maintains compatibility between Apple and Android devices.

ANC

I tested the noise cancellation on the TicPods ANC in a couple of different scenarios and found it does a good job at significantly reducing repetitive sounds. These are the sort of sounds you might hear while on an airplane or when your air conditioner is running. However, while it does reduce the noise, it does not completely silence it, but if you listen to your music at around 30% or higher, you’ll essentially block it out.

Battery Life

Mobvoi rates the TicPods ANC for five hours of battery life with ANC off and 4.5 hours with ANC enabled, and along with the case, that gives you 21 hours of battery life overall. In my experience, they live up to this claim, but without being able to monitor it in the app, it’s a bit more difficult to keep track of the number of recharges left.

Final Thoughts

More and more headphone makers are adding ANC to true wireless headphones these days. These earbuds are the latest from Mobvoi to do so–and while it skimps in features compared to its previous models–the TicPods ANC provide active noise cancellation, good battery life, and decent sound at an affordable price.

If you do decide to pick up a pair for yourself, our friends over at Mobvoi have sweetened the deal with a 15% discount. Just enter the code Droid15 at checkout, but make sure to hurry, the code expires on September 30, 2020.

Buy from Amazon Buy from Mobvoi

Top-rated LingvaNex translates text, voice, images, websites, and documents

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Managing business in 2020 is much different than it was just a decade or so back. Now, thanks to the internet, it’s as easy to work with someone in Spain as it is in Cleveland. We can be anywhere at any time.

One of the biggest barriers to working with others is language. If you don’t know what they’re asking for, you don’t know if you can deliver. Likewise, how do you ask for the sale if you can’t speak the right language?

Pitching a document, idea, or presenting a contract is nearly impossible if you’re not on the same page. How does one ensure things are not lost in translation?

LingvaNex Translator, offered in the AG Deals Store, is the tool that one might use to eliminate language barriers. It’s a top-rated tool that translates not just text, but images, websites, voice, documents, and more.

  • Text translation into 112+ languages
  • Translate text on images
  • Speak and translate your voice
  • Listen to translated text
  • Translate documents (.docx, .rtf, .txt, .pdf* and etc)
  • Website translation
  • History for all apps with your account
  • Save your favorite translations as bookmarks
  • Dictionary with many alternative translations and meanings of a word
  • Share your translated text with friends or other applications

Like having a personal translator in your pocket at all times, you can use LingvaNex Translator on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. Save your translations as bookmarks, check out alternative translations and meanings, and share your translations with colleagues.

Regularly priced at $400, you can save 80% and get a lifetime subscription to LingvaNex Translator for desktop and mobile for just $79.99.

Best Sellers

Earn Credits!

For every $25 you spend in the AG Deals Store you get $1 credit added to your account. And, if you refer the deal via social media or an email that results in a purchase, you’ll earn $10 credit in your account.

First Time Buying?

If this is your first time buying, you are also eligible for 10% discount! Just be sure to subscribe for email updates.

Free Stuff

Not looking to spend any money today? No worries. You can still visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and pick something anyhow.

LG teases new “Explorer Project” ahead of September 14 debut

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LG on Tuesday released a video teasing its first phone in a new “Explorer Project” lineup of devices.

The video includes very basic visuals that dovetail with recent rumors of a “Wing” phone. Reportedly, the device will have two halves that rotate to create a cross shape comprised of two displays.

LG created the Explorer Project in response to the diverse usage needs of today’s smartphone customers and to deliver much-needed curiosity and excitement to the mobile sector. The initiative aims to “explore” and inject new life into untapped areas and reshape and expand the current user experience, with assistance from its trusted platform partners.

LG, in a press release, says that mainstream phones like this 2020’s Velvet are now considered part of what it terms its “Universal Line”. The new “Explorer Project” devices will be aimed at new usability and innovative designs.

Does that mean we’re in for some weird designs and one-off models? Likely. Does it mean potential failures or limited-run phones? Yes, that too.

LG will reveal more details for its first Explorer Project device on September 14.

TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88 Truly Wireless Earbuds review

Andrew Allen
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Wireless earbuds are easy to find these days, but good ones are not so readily available. Reviewing them has been one of our more popular posts of late and TaoTronics asked if the new SoundLiberty 88 earbuds could be next on our list. I’ve been using these little audio buds for the last two weeks and want to share my findings.

Design

The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88 earbuds have a lightweight teardrop design. This is not dissimilar to many others we’ve tested but makes for a snug, comfortable fit in the ear. Otherwise, the SoundLiberty 88 has a sleek, black outer plastic shell.

On the bottom of each earbud, you’ll see a seven mic system for AI noise reduction while making phone calls. The inside of each earpiece holds two copper pins for inductive charging from the carrying case.

Audio Controls

One key component of the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88 earbuds are the touch controls on the outside edge of each device twice. You can tap either the left or right earpiece to play/pause in progress audio. The same input will also hang up ongoing phone calls.

Tapping and holding the right earbud for three seconds will increase the audio volume. Conversely, doing the same on the left side lowers the output levels. Fairly simple, right?

Now it gets kinda touchy. To move forward a track you can triple-tap the right SoundLiberty 88. To play the previous song, you tap the left three times. However, the timing is tricky and I could only successfully activate this about every other time or so.

Rounding out the touch controls is tapping and holding the earbuds for two seconds. This will decline and incoming phone calls when you are in a meeting. While not getting an unwanted dial, the two-second delayed touch will activate your favorite voice control software like Google Assistant, Siri, or even Bixby.

Sound Quality

I was pleasantly surprised by the audio of the TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88. The sound is crisp, clear, and loud enough to enjoy your favorite playlist. I found the bass to be a little lacking, but I prefer it that way. The balance of the mids and highs is nice resulting in a smooth listening experience.

The same is true for phone calls. With the noise cancellation, both lines of conversations had a pleasant talk time. I also found that the mics picked up my voice better than most in this segment. Multiple callers on my Pixel 4 XL and Microsoft Teams said they had no idea I was on Bluetooth.

Battery Life

TaoTronics rates thee SoundLibery 88 earbuds at five hours of playback per charge and I found this estimate to be fairly accurate. If you really crank up the volume you may kill the tank faster, but overall I hit this mark consistently.

Add that endurance with the power case, and you can recharge up to four full times for a total of 25 hours of tunes. Need to top off the case power cells? USB-C is onboard, but sadly, no wireless charging.

Final Impressions

The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 88 Truly Wireless Earbuds have left me with positive vibes. The headphones offer solid sound, lightweight comfort, and good battery life. And you can snag them for less than $70 making them pretty affordable.

The SoundLiberty 88 is available in one color, black, on both the company’s website or if you want to cash in on your Prime membership Amazon has them for sale as well.

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