Google’s Chromecast with Google TV is getting an update to reduce crashes and improve Dolby Audio

Google has released an update for the Chromecast with Google TV, bringing the firmware version to 200918.033. The update includes a number of new features, along with the December 2020 security patch.

The changelog reveals the update introduces improved 4K support for TVs and AVRs, and Dolby Audio improvements for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus passthrough content. Most importantly, however, the update means users will be less likely to encounter an error that shows the Android recovery screen.

If the screen does appear, Google said the update will feature improved instructions when it’s shown. That means it will be more obvious how users can fix their device, rather than forcing them to completely resetting it.

Here’s the update’s full changelog for the Chromecast with Google TV:

• Improved 4K support for TVs and AVRs
• Dolby Audio improvements for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus passthrough content
• Android recovery screen improvements and fixes
  • Reduced the occurrence of users seeing the Android recovery screen
  • Improved instructions when the Android recovery screen is shown
• Security update: security patch level increased to December 5, 2020
• General security, stability and performance improvements

Chromecast with Google TV owners have been running into errors for a while now that would show the Android recovery screen. Google recently rolled out more detailed troubleshooting instructions to help users recover the device, and now similar instructions are available right on the device for easier recovery.

The update is in the rollout phase, so if you don’t see it right away, don’t worry. To check your device’s firmware, click on your profile avatar > Settings > System > About > System update.

Today’s update arrives on the heels of a recent announcement that said the Apple TV app would arrive on Google’s new device. At just $49.99, the Chromecast with Google TV is one of the better set top boxes money can buy.

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Keep your browsing truly private with up to 72% off Windscribe VPN Pro

Running a VPN is the best way to keep your online activity concealed from trackers and protected from hackers. Windscribe VPN has a strict no-logging policy to ensure your activity cannot leak. It also plays nicely with torrents and blocks ads automatically. Right now, you can get a one-year Pro subscription for just $55.99 at the XDA Developers Depot.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6BvEtiS5ga0

Whether you are more concerned about privacy or accessing online content, Windscribe VPN gets the job done. Rated at 4.4 stars on G2 and  “Very Good” by Tom’s Guide, this service has masking servers in 110 cities for excellent speed around the world.

An encrypted tunnel keeps your connection secure on public networks, and you have three VPN protocols to choose from. If you don’t fancy diving into the settings, you can connect instantly via the desktop and mobile apps.

One subscription covers unlimited devices with uncapped data, so Windscribe is a good choice for streamers. The strict no-logging policy guarantees your privacy, and you can even sign up without an email address.

In addition, Windscribe improves your online experience by blocking ads, trackers, and malware as you browse. You can even set up port forwarding to access services on your PC from anywhere.

Order today for $55.99 to get one year on the Pro plan, which is normally priced at $108. 

For even bigger savings, get two years for $69.99 (reg, $216) or three years for $89.99 (reg. $324).

 

Windscribe VPN Pro Plan: 1-Yr Subscription – $55.99

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Prices subject to change 

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Samsung brings Android 11 to its Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A71 5G, and Galaxy M30s

Samsung is bringing Android 11 with One UI 3.0 to three more devices this week, growing its portfolio of handsets that feature the latest version of Android. The devices being updated are: Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A71 5G, and Galaxy M30s.

It appears the firmware update for the Galaxy M30s is only available in India at the moment, but it should roll out to additional markets in the coming days. The latest firmware version is identified as M307FXXU4CUAG, with the update weighing in at nearly 2GB.

The same update of Android 11 with One UI 3.0 is also rolling out to the Galaxy A51 5G and Galaxy A71 5G. Samsung recently introduced the same update to the Galaxy A51 and Galaxy Cover Pro, and also began beta testing the release for the Galaxy A51 5G.

Android 11 with One UI 3.0 update for the Galaxy M30s

With such an expansive portfolio of mid-range and high-end devices, it’s difficult to keep track of what Samsung has updated to Android 11 with One UI 3.0. The company has constantly updated devices with stabled and beta releases, which is remarkable considering the amount of products it releases.

All of the updated firmware releases include the January 2021 security patch, according to the release notes.

Samsung describes One UI 3.0 as being designed to help users focus on what matters.

“Our visual redesign has improved the places you visit the most, like the Home screen and quick panel, to reduce distractions, highlight important information, and make your experience more consistent,” Samsung’s release notes explain. “Performance improvements will help apps run quicker while using less battery power. And One UI 3 puts control in your hands with new privacy controls, one-time permissions, and enhanced Digital Wellbeing.”

If your Samsung device hasn’t yet been updated to Android 11 with One UI 3.0, Samsung has shared a roadmap that includes a few dozens devices, from the Galaxy Fold to the Galaxy Tab A.

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The Samsung Galaxy S21 series sees its first flat discount, and it’s a good one

Good things come to those who wait. There’s been a lot of hype surrounding the Samsung Galaxy S21 series of phones, and the hype is justified–The S21 Ultra is pretty darn good! The next line of flagships is expensive, though, with the Ultra retailing at $1,200. It’s painful for the wallet, but if you’re frugal, you know to wait for a nice deal to take the sting out of the price tag a bit. This time, you didn’t have to wait long either, with the series getting a flat discount of up to $200 at multiple retailers.

That’s right, it’s just up to $200 off the MSRP. No trade-ins, no nonsense with rebates or coupons, nothing. Just $100 off the Samsung Galaxy S21 and $200 off the Galaxy S21 Plus and S21 Ultra. This isn’t just available at one retailer, either–the discounts are live at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo and Video. So you have all sorts of choices ahead of you!

With Amazon, you can use Prime Shipping to get your new S21 in just two days. Also, with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa, you have an option to pay over 18 months, which makes the cost barrier even lower than the competition. Finally, well, almost everyone uses Amazon for online orders, so it’s not too difficult to just hit that ‘Buy Now’ button and not worry about your Galaxy S21 until it’s at your door.

Galaxy S21 at Amazon

Save $100

Galaxy S21 Plus at Amazon

Save $200

Galaxy S21 Ultra at Amazon

Save $200

At Best Buy, you’ll get the $100 or $200 discount like Amazon. However, Best Buy also gives a $50 discount if you activate the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S21 series phone today! So if you already know your carrier or are switching to one available at Best Buy, it’s the perfect way to save a little extra.

Galaxy S21 at Best Buy

Save $150

Galaxy S21 Plus at Best Buy

Save $250

Galaxy S21 Ultra at Best Buy

Save $250

Finally, we have B&H Photo and Video. As I mentioned before, they’re a great retailer in terms of tech deals, and while not as well known as Amazon or Best Buy, they’re worth making an account for just for some of the incredible deals they have. In this case, they have the $100 and $200 discounts on the Samsung Galaxy S21 phones, but they’re probably not going to sell out as quickly as the other two retailers. So, if Amazon and Best Buy are sold out of the phone of your choice, make sure to check B&H!

Samsung Galaxy S21 at B&H

Save $100

Galaxy S21 Plus at B&H

Save $200

Galaxy S21 Ultra at B&H

Save $200

This is a great discount, but there’s no telling how long it’ll last. If you miss out, though, you can always check our Samsung Galaxy S21 deals and Galaxy S21 Ultra deals posts to see how else you can save on this new flagship!

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Twitter exploring subscription model and other features to augment revenue

Twitter is reportedly looking at alternative ways to bring in revenue, with a subscription model being one possibility. This would make the social network less reliant on targeted advertising.

According to Bloomberg, Twitter’s subscription product has gained more steam over the last several months thanks to the pandemic and pressure from activist investors.

“Twitter, the thinking goes, would benefit from a separate revenue stream that isn’t as reliant on brand advertising,” Bloomberg said. “The company’s user base in the U.S., its most valuable market, has also started to plateau, meaning it can’t rely on simply adding users to juice revenue.”

Twitter is exploring a few different ideas. One would be related to “tipping,” which would allow users to pay people for exclusive content. The social network might also charge to use services like TweetDeck, a popular Twitter alternative that makes it easy to manage multiple accounts and lists.

Twitter might also charge a fee that would give users access to premium features, including “undo send” and advanced profile customization options. A feature that isn’t mentioned in Bloomberg’s report, but one that people would undoubtedly pay for, is the ability to edit Tweets. It’s a feature Twitter users have requested for years.

Social media platforms are typically free as a way to grow their users base and also encourage engagement. The cost of running these services is offset by ads. But ad spending has slowed considerably thanks to the pandemic, which is why Twitter is now seriously considering premium options. Bloomberg notes that Twitter has entertained the idea of subscription options for a few years, but things are still “very, very early.”

Twitter’s head of revenue product Bruce Falck told Bloomberg that increasing the social network’s durability “is our top company objective.”

In addition to exclusive content or charging for TweetDeck, Twitter is reportedly considering other possible premium features, including high quality video, more in-depth analytic tools, and a feed that’s ad-free. The latter feature, however, could heavily cut into Twitter’s most prominent business.

“While we’re excited about this potential, it’s important to note as are still in very early exploration and we do not expect any meaningful revenue attributable to these opportunities in 2021,” Falck said.

Twitter (Free, Google Play) →

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The Nintendo Switch can now run Android 10, unofficially

Android 10 has just been ported to the Nintendo Switch. Thanks to the hard work of the SwitchRoot team, it’s now possible to enjoy an Android 10-based LineageOS 17.1 port on your Nintendo Switch console. This release comes from the same team that originally ported Android 8.1 Oreo to the Nintendo Switch.

The Android 10 release is based on the LineageOS 17.1 build for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV and brings many improvements over the previous release, including a much-needed deep sleep mode so the OS doesn’t murder your console’s battery life. It’s also generally faster and more responsive than the previous Android 8.1 Oreo version, according to the SwitchRoot team.

The unofficial* LineageOS 17.1 port for the Nintendo Switch offers the following features:

• Android 10 based on Lineage 17.1
• OTA updates.
• Full Joy-Con and Pro Controller support with analog sticks and rails.
• Hori Joy-Con support.
• Deep sleep that can last for weeks.
• An Android TV-based build.
• Reworked fan profiles for quieter operation.
• Optimized dock support with resolution scaling.
• A rewritten charger driver supporting USB-PD and third party docks.
• Optimized touch screen driver.
• Easier install via Hekate partition tool.
• Reworked, simpler, power profiles.
• Much improved WiFi driver with less dropouts.
• Shield TV remote app support for easy docked control.
• Reboot to payload support.
• Improved Bluetooth accessory support.
• Autorotation support.

The ROM comes in two flavors: a Tablet build that offers a standard Android UI with support for all apps and an Android TV build that supports both docked and undocked use cases but has more limited app support. The former is recommended if you primarily use your Nintendo Switch while undocked, while the latter will offer a much-better docked experience.

As for bugs and broken things, the developer says games built for the SHIELD (Half-Life 2, Tomb Raider, etc.) aren’t supported, and you might notice some stuttering with Bluetooth audio. Some apps also may not support the Joy-Con D-Pad.

In order to install this build, you’ll need an RCM-exploitable Nintendo Switch, a USB-C cable, a high-speed microSD card (formatted to FAT32), and a PC. If you already have the Android 8.1 Oreo build installed on your SD card, just make sure to back up your data before installing the Android 10 build, as flashing this new ROM will wipe all data. After installing the ROM itself, be sure to flash the Google Apps package, Alarm Disable ZIP, and Xbox Joycon Layout ZIP if you use an Xbox controller.

Installing Google Apps onto a Nintendo Switch via TWRP. Photo: Adam Conway

If you’re interested in trying out the LineageOS 17.1 ROM with Android 10 on your Nintendo Switch, head over to the linked thread below, where you will find all the necessary information, including a step-by-step flashing guide. Kudos to developers bylaws, Steel01, CTCaer, Langerhans, Ave, and other contributors for their efforts in making this happen!

Download LineageOS 17.1 for Nintendo Switch

*To be clear, this is an “unofficial” build of LineageOS 17.1 because it isn’t being built by the LineageOS team. However, it’s “official” in the sense that it’s made by the SwitchRoot team who originally ported Android to the Nintendo Switch.

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Windows 10X may notify you when the camera is being used

A couple of weeks back, we reported that a Twitter user going by the name Gustave Monce managed to install and run a pre-release build of Windows 10X on an old Windows Phone smartphone. While it wasn’t a fully-functional build on that device, it did give us an idea about how the new OS will scale down to devices with screens as small as 5.7-inches, which is the case on the Nokia Lumia 950 XL.

For those who are not up to date, Windows 10X is a new version of Windows that was originally designed for foldable and dual-screen devices. However, the massive boost in demand for single-screen PCs thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic pushed Microsoft to change its focus. Now, Windows 10X has been revamped for single-screen PCs, with access to progressive web apps (PWA) and Microsoft services in a cheaper package. You can read more about Windows 10X over here, and if you’re interested in testing the OS, you can follow try the Device Image Generator tool we covered earlier.

Windows 10X has a “camera in use” indicator, whenever an app is using a camera.. Neat! pic.twitter.com/uMoHBQIQ95

— Gustave Monce (@gus33000) February 7, 2021

Said to be a competitor for Chrome OS, today we have new details on the lightweight version of Windows 10. Monce has now pointed out that Windows 10X has a ‘camera in use’ indicator whenever an app is using the camera(s). Similar to what you might see on select Android or iOS devices, this indicator is seen next to the Wi-Fi and Battery indicators sitting in the right-hand corner of the system tray. Windows 10, on the other hand, currently only includes an indicator for the microphone, but maybe we could see the same indicator roll out for all versions soon. Just two days back, the Windows 10X port for the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL received a new update with version number 2102.21. You can access it on GitHub over here.

If you own an old Android device and are worried about malicious apps running in the background getting access to your camera or microphone, then you should definitely check out the Access Dots apps. Developed by XDA Recognized Developer jagan2, Access Dots shows colored dots whenever the camera or the mic is in use. The dots show up at the top right corner of the display, but you can also choose the location for the dots from within the app’s settings. Read more about it over here.

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