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Getting a great pair of wireless earbuds can be an expensive endeavor, but sometimes a deal crops up that saves the day. Right now, Amazon will sell you a pair of Google Pixel Buds Pro for just $119, a price that saves you $80 off the original $200 asking price.

This deal doesn’t require that you enter any of those pesky discount codes and there are no on-screen coupons to deal with, either. Even better, Amazon is offering this special price on most of the Pixel Buds Pro’s various color options. The blue bay color isn’t part of this deal, however, so make sure that you see the correct price before adding anything to your cart. Note also that the price is being matched (or very close to it) at both Walmart and Best Buy, should you prefer to shop there.

In terms of features, the Pixel Buds Pro have plenty to write home about. The spec list includes active noise cancellation, designed to ensure you don’t hear the outside world when you don’t want to. You’ll get up to 11 hours of battery life from a single charge as well, increasing to 31 hours when you take the included charging case into account.

Like all good wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro can be used for making and taking calls, with the beamforming mics ensuring that everyone will hear you just fine even in windy environments. CNET’s David Carnoy particularly called that out in his Pixel Buds Pro review last year.

It’s important to note that Amazon hasn’t yet said when this deal is going to end, which means that it might happen without any notice — make sure to get your order in now if you plan on taking advantage of that massive $80 saving.

It’s not often that you see something marketed as a smart monitor, but Samsung’s M8 is certainly that, with the hybrid ability to be both a monitor, TV and a standalone workplace for basic tasks. That makes the M8 great for those who don’t really need a PC or who’d like to have the option to use their monitor without having to switch a PC on. Even better, while the M8 usually goes for $700, you can grab it from Amazon for $400 if you clip the on-page coupon. That’s a chunky $300 discount and well worth it if you find the M8 intriguing.

One of the big selling points of the Samsung M8 is the ability to work without a PC, and it does that by allowing you to do things like access Microsoft Office 365. You can also connect supported Samsung devices with Samsung DeX to stream your screen, and you can even connect remotely to a PC (although, at that point, you might as well link it with a cable). If you don’t want to do any work, you can switch it to TV mode, where you can access all the streaming apps you want, like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

As a screen, it’s also pretty great; with a slim profile and a 32-inch size, it’s perfect for any desk space. It also runs at 4K and supports HDR10 Plus, although with a peak brightness of 400 nits, it’s not as good as HDR on a standalone TV. The only real downside is that you can’t adjust the height of the screen; you can only tilt it left, right, up and down. Its refresh rate is also just 60Hz, so if you’re gaming on a high-end PC, it might not be enough, although the consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X should be able to use it just fine, since there aren’t a lot of console games that hit higher than 60Hz.

The Samsung M8 is an interesting device because of its extreme versatility and somewhat niche concept. That said, it’s well worth grabbing for the massive discount if you think you could use it. Otherwise, if you’d like a more traditional monitor, check out these monitor deals for alternatives.

If you want to upgrade your home theater system, one of the best things you can do, besides getting a bigger TV, is to go for a TV with an OLED Panel. They have much better image reproduction and quality, mostly because they can manage true blacks and higher brightness. OLED TVs tend to cost quite a lot, but Woot has a great sale going on LG C3 OLEDs of various sizes from 48 inches to an enormous 83 inches. Prices are discounted by as much as 42% there.

There’s a lot to love about the C3, and CNET’s resident TV expert David Katzmaier said that the LG OLED C3 “sets the standard for high-end TV picture quality.” Beyond the OLED panel, it has a lot of great tech behind it, such as the A9 processor, which can upscale older content into 4K. While the results can vary depending on source material, having the option is great, especially if you have a lot of 1080p content lying around.

The LG C3 also supports both HDR10 and HLG, and if you aren’t familiar with the latter, it’s an HDR standard used by broadcasters, especially in sports. That’s great news if you’re into sports, but what’s even better is the 120Hz base refresh rate, which makes it a lot more versatile since that also works well for things like action movies. It’s also great for those who play on the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, and it even has Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium for PC gamers, so it’s an excellent all-around TV.

It’s not an understatement to say that the LG C3 is probably one of the most versatile OLED TVs you’ll find right now that are going for a great price. That said, if you still want something a bit different, be sure to check out these other OLED TV deals.

Finding an affordable way to stay connected while traveling abroad can be a serious challenge. Your options are typically limited to paying sky-high roaming fees, or hoping you can find a compatible SIM card when you land. If you’re looking for a more convenient alternative, you could grab yourself an eSIM and instantly connect to data networks around the world. This pay-as-you-go aloSIM is compatible with data networks in more than 170 countries around the world, and right now you can score a lifetime subscription — plus $50 of credit — for just $19 at StackSocial. But this deal is only available until 11:59 p.m. PT (2:59 a.m. ET) tonight, so be sure to get your order in before then if you don’t want to miss out on theses savings.

Instead of dealing with monthly fees, this SIM gives you more flexibility when traveling abroad. Once you install your lifetime eSIM on a compatible device like your phone, tablet or computer, you’ll be able to roam on local data networks. And if you do run out of data, you can add more via aloSIM’s travel app, which allows you to buy eSIM data packages for over 170 countries.

Be sure to install the eSIM on your device before you leave for your destination. You can check your device’s compatibility here. Then, once you arrive, you’ll be able to activate your package and start using your data. With this deal, your eSIM never expires, so you’ll be able to add more data packages as often as you need to or on future trips.

Note that the data itself will expire — that means that your data package is only valid for the length of time stated at purchase, and will expire after that time window has passed, even if you haven’t used all of your available data. Case in point: This promotional coupon must be redeemed and used within 12 months. Additionally, eSIMs do not come with phone numbers — you’ll still be using your carrier’s number, this will just provide you mobile data at a lower rate so you won’t be relying solely on Wi-Fi while you’re abroad.

If you’ve been using the internet for any substantial period of time, it’s very likely that your online personal data has been scattered all over the place. Each and every time you sign up for a new social media platform or purchase something online, for example, you give those companies bits and pieces of your personal data.

These pieces of your data are then collected by both companies and data brokers — which then sell it to other companies that can use your info to sell ads targeted at you. If you’re anything like me, you’ve given out your online data pretty liberally when signing up for rewards programs, for example, without knowing where your data was really going. And you’re paying for it now with ads that track you across the internet.

The fix to this can be somewhat complicated and confusing, but Consumer Reports’ Permission Slip app that reaches out to companies on your behalf and orders them to stop selling your information.

Read on to find out how exactly to use Permission Slip to reassert some control over your online data. Plus, here are six tips to help keep your data private and why you need a password manager.

What is Permission Slip?

To help you claw back a bit of your personal data, some states have passed legislation that allows you to exercise some control over what happens to it. Depending on the state, you can prohibit data brokers from selling your data or delete your online data outright. But the process of controlling your data on websites can be confusing, and it’s often unclear whether you’ve opted in or out of selling your personal data. And due to the nature of how your data is shopped around, it could be nearly impossible to locate all of your online data and protect it.

This is where services like Consumer Reports’ Permission Slip come in. Permission Slip does the legwork of collecting the places that might have your data, including more than 100 companies that use your personal information. All you have to do is submit your request for your info to either be deleted outright or simply not sold any more.

How do I use Permission Slip?

To get started using Permission Slip, all you have to do is sign up for the service with your email address. I decided to sign up with the email address that I frequently use when signing up for rewards programs or making accounts online — that way I would be addressing most of the places that could be selling my data.

After signing up, you’ll be presented with options of popular companies and data brokers that could have your information. If you think that company might have your data, and you want to do something about it, select Learn More & Take Action. If you don’t think this company has your data and you would like to no longer see it as an option, select Hide and it won’t clog up your suggestions.

Once you’ve selected Learn More & Take Action you will be taken to a screen that shows you what sort of data the company usually collects, and what your options are. Depending on the company and the state that you live in, you could have the option to prohibit companies from selling your data or to delete your account outright. It’s important to note that if you’re deleting your account and you have a rewards program with that company, you will lose those rewards upon deletion.

When you’ve decided whether you want to delete your account with a specific company or simply prohibit them from selling your data, Permission Slip will ask you a couple of questions that can help companies and data brokers correctly identify you and properly take care of your information.

After you input your personal info the first time, the process for continuing to remove your data is pretty simple. You will just scroll through Permission Slip’s suggestions, select companies that might have your info and then delete your account or prohibit the company from using your data.

It’s important to note that while Permission Slip is submitting the request on your behalf, you still might have to confirm the request directly with the company. It also might take a bit of time to have your request processed and your information deleted, so patience will be your friend during this process.

For more, here are the best internet providers of 2023 and the best VPNs of 2023.

We get it, sometimes you just need to cast whatever is on your Android phone over to your TV. It doesn’t matter whether you’re streaming a movie or if you want to browse through TikTok, you might want to do it on a bigger screen. You could use a tablet if you have one, but really there’s not a better option than mirroring your phone screen onto your television.

The best part is, you might already have everything you need. If not, don’t worry, it’s not too expensive to get everything set up. Here’s how you can start mirroring or casting your Android phone or tablet’s screen to your TV.

Everything you need to mirror your Android phone to your TV

For starters, you’ll need an Android device that has mirroring capabilities. Android has had mirror casting since Android 5.0 Lollipop, so unless your device is truly ancient, you’re in the clear.

In addition to a compatible Android phone or tablet, you’ll also need a Google Chromecast streaming device, like the Chromecast with Google TV HD (with a full-fledged remote) or a TV with built-in Chromecast support, like the Hisense U8H Google TV.

If you don’t know whether your TV has Chromecast support, the best way to check is to see if it shows up as an available casting device when you follow either method below.

Cast your screen to a TV using the Google Home app

The most reliable and consistent way to mirror your Android phone’s screen is to use the Google Home app. If you’ve already set up any of Google’s smart speakers, Nest Wifi Pro or Chromecast devices, you likely already have it installed. If not, you can download it from the Play store.

To connect to your TV, open the Home app on your mobile device and select the Chromecast device you want to use. At the bottom of the screen you’ll see a button labeled Cast my screen — tap it. Then, tap Cast screen on the prompt that appears to begin casting whatever is on your phone or tablet onto your TV.

To stop casting your screen, tap on the button labeled Stop mirroring in the Home app.

There’s an easier way, depending on your phone

Using the Home app isn’t a lot of work, but there’s an even easier way: the Casting shortcut in the quick settings panel. Access the quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of your Android phone or tablet’s display. There should be an option labeled Screen cast. If you can’t find it, use the Smart View shortcut, which is usually only on Samsung devices.

Once you tap the cast button, pick the device you want to mirror your display on from the list. It can take a few seconds for your phone to connect to the Chromecast-enabled device, but once it does, your screen will show up on your TV. Stop casting by repeating the same steps we just outlined.

You may also see a cast button inside of an app like YouTube, which allows you to cast the contents of that app and only that app. If you exit the app on the phone while you’re casting, it should remain playing on your TV.

But here’s the rub: Not every phone includes a cast button option in the quick settings panel. It’s not clear why, but if your phone doesn’t have the shortcut option, don’t give up. You can still mirror your phone using the Home app.

Remember, whenever you’re mirroring your screen, anything and everything that shows up on your phone or tablet’s display will also show up on the TV. Meaning, any alerts and notifications, along with their contents, will be broadcast for all to see. I suggest turning on Do Not Disturb to keep the disruptions at a minimum. Also, since there will potentially be a lag between your phone and TV when casting, if you want to game, avoid more intensive titles like Fortnite.

If you’re looking for ways to get more out of your Chromecast, check out these tips. Google Assistant has a trick you’ll want to keep in mind the next time you have a song stuck in your head.

Apple fans have been playing around with all of the exciting new features that iOS 17 brought to compatible iPhones earlier this fall. These new upgrades include several exciting additions, including StandBy mode and the Journal app. Among these new-to-iPhone features is NameDrop, a contact-sharing feature that allows you to share your number with just a tap of your phone.

The release of iOS 17, and NameDrop, follows the announcement of the iPhone 15 series, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Apple’s Wonderlust event in September.

If you’ve got an iPhone running iOS 17, you’re in luck: NameDrop is simple to use. Read on for everything you need to know about this feature.

What is NameDrop?

NameDrop is the newest way iPhone users can share contact information with each other. You no longer have to fork over your phone to strangers if you want to swap contact info. All you need to do is simply tap your phones together to swap information.

When can I use NameDrop?

If you’re an iPhone user, you’re in luck. NameDrop is available to you right now, or as soon as you update to iOS 17 — that is, as long as you have a supported iPhone.

Go Inside the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro: See How the New iPhones Look and Work

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How does NameDrop work?

In a Newsroom post, Apple called NameDrop a “new AirDrop experience.” People with iPhones can “hold their iPhone near another to share their contact information with only their intended recipients.”

Apple clarified that you’ll be able to select what information you share with other people, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally sending super personal information to strangers.

Essentially, all you have to do is place your iPhone close to the intended recipient of your NameDrop, and you’re done. Once you’ve placed the phones together, a Contact Poster will pop up (this is the image that pops up when you call someone). After that, you’ll have the option to just receive the contact or send your own back.

You’ll only be able to NameDrop with other iPhone users running iOS 17 or later and Apple Watch users running Watch OS 10 or later. So, if you want to get in on the contact sharing action, you’ll want to make sure your device is running the right version of its operating system.

So… how do I turn NameDrop off?

Not everyone is going to be a fan of this new feature, and if you fall into that category, Apple’s got you covered.

All you have to do is open the Settings app, and then tap on General. After that, navigate to the AirDrop tab. Once you open the tab, simply toggle the Bring Devices Together option off. And just like that, no more NameDrop.

For more iOS 17 details, check out everything you should do before updating to iOS 17 and five hidden iOS 17 features we think you should know about.

It’s an odd time for Apple to launch new processors, but launch it did. The company on Monday rolled out the update to most of its processor line, the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max, along with refreshes of systems using them: The iMac and 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. All are available for preorder now and shipping next week except for the M3 Max models, which are slated to ship later in the month.

The processor upgrades bring typical generation-over-generation performance bumps — generation-over-two-generations for the iMac, which remained on the M1 chip. In other words, it’s somewhat faster, significantly faster or seriously faster depending upon what you’re doing, what you’re comparing it to and who’s doing the comparing. But they’re likely fast enough that given the last generation of MacBook Pro 16 just shipped in February, I’d be peeved if I’d bought it.

The iMac jumps to the M3, which Apple claims makes it twice as fast as its predecessor, the two-generations-old M1. There’s nothing else new; same colors, same screen, same accessories and same design. It starts at the same $1,299 price as before.

You’ll be able to get the updated MacBook Pros in a new Space Black as well as silver, though the Black is available only in the M3 Pro and Max configurations. Their screens remain the same, but Apple has upped the power it drives them with, which raises their standard peak brightness to 600 nits, up from 500 nits. And Apple added a fingerprint-resistant coating to avoid the Midnight MacBook Air kerfuffle.

The 14-inch M3 model is new, in that there were only Pro and Max versions for the previous model. Using the M3 lets Apple set a lower starting price of $1,599 for the 14; the next step up Max model still starts at $1,999. One perk you may get with the 14-inch model is improved battery life: Apple rates it as 22 hours, up from 18, and the same as the MacBook 16. As before, the 16-inch model comes in M3 Pro and Max variants and starts at $2,499.

What the chips bring to the party

Most notably, in addition to the general speed gains and optimizations, they inherit some advancements Apple rolled out with the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and Max. They use the same 3nm fabrication process, for which Apple chose to engineer into a smaller die (it could have used the same size die and crammed more stuff in); a smaller process generally means faster and more power efficient overall. And going with the smaller die leaves more room for cooling — faster usually also means hotter.

As you’d expect, the M3 chips have more CPU cores, or at least the Pro and Max do. The M3 has the same nominal specs as the M2, the M3 Pro has the same core count but a different balance of performance and efficiency cores (six of each vs. eight P and 4 E) and supports up to 36GB of memory rather than 32GB. The Max gets the biggest bump, to 16 CPU cores (12P and 4E) and 40 GPU cores. In terms of both types of core counts, it’s still behind the M1 Ultra, but it does get a boost to 128GB maximum memory. All of the chips get AV1 — a popular video codec — hardware decoding via the updated Media Engine.

The M3 series also has the revamped graphics architecture that debuted in the A17 Pro, which isn’t just faster but adds hardware acceleration for ray tracing and mesh shaders. Ray tracing delivers more realistic rendering of lighting, reflections and procedural textures for applications and games that have been designed to take advantage of it. Mesh shaders take the graphics data used to calculate object visibility and and rendering characteristics (vertices and geometry) and do more of the processing up front, more efficiently and in bigger chunks that older methods. This in turn improves gaming frame rates.

Another change to the GPU operation is Dynamic Caching, which more efficiently allocates memory between the CPU and GPU as needed so that it’s not starving or overallocating to either one. This is important for Apple’s chips because its Unified Memory Architecture basically puts everything in a big pool.