Best math apps for Chromebooks: Wolfram, Desmos, and more

Whether you’re looking to help your kids with their math homework, or need help in your own college courses, math apps can be very helpful. If you use a Chromebook as your daily laptop, there are a number of math apps available, in the form of web apps and Android apps. Many of these apps also exist on iOS, Windows, and other platforms as well. Many of the apps focus on graphing capabilities, while others can help with unit conversions, symbolic algebra, or other advanced mathematics like calculus or differential equations. In this article we took a look at the best math apps for Chromebooks out there for help on math homework at any level.

Navigate this article:

• Best overall: Wolfram Alpha
• Best for graphing: Desmos
• Best for geometry: Geogebra
• Best with mobile compatibility: PhotoMath
• Best for algebra help: Mathway
• Best for Microsoft users: Microsoft math solver
• Best pocket reference: All Math Formulas

Wolfram Alpha

Existing as both a web app and mobile app, Wolfram Alpha is the computational knowledge engine from the makers of popular computational software Mathematica. Mathematica itself has a long history in higher education as one of the best symbolic calculators for algebra and calculus operations. Over time, Wolfram began developing tools that could be used outside of the more complicated programming framework of Mathematica. The result of that development was the Wolfram Alpha web app and subsequent mobile application for iOS and Android.

Wolfram Alpha can help with any level of mathematics, from basic number crunching all the way through differential equations for engineering. In addition, you can also get plenty of useful information about just about any subject. You can type in your physics, biology, chemistry, and even history questions and get answers from the Wolfram AI engine. One of the nice new features of Alpha is the ability to enter mathematics in textbook notation with a graphical user interface. This feature makes the program more intuitive, as you no longer need to be familiar with the Mathematica syntax conventions to enter an advanced mathematics problem into the Alpha engine.

On Chrome OS, your best bet is to run Wolfram Alpha in the browser. You can install Mathematica as a web app shortcut just like any other browser application on Chrome OS. If you want step by step calculations for your math problems, you’ll need to subscribe to Wolfram Pro, which runs $4.75 per month for registered students. That may sound like a lot, but if you consider how much a personal math tutor costs, this is a steal. Wolfram Alpha also has specific web apps for each popular subject for Pro subscribers, including apps tailored for algebra, calculus, and financial mathematics in particular. With the improvements in user interface and an impressive computational engine, Wolfram Alpha is the among the best math apps for Chromebooks. This is one you can use for homework help or as a reference as a researcher.

Desmos

Desmos wants to build a world where every student learns math and loves learning math, where a student’s access to the power and beauty of math doesn’t depend on their place of birth, race, ethnicity, gender, or any other aspect of their identity.

Their free suite of math software tools, including the renowned Desmos Graphing Calculator and Scientific Calculator, are used annually by over 40 million teachers and students around the world. These tools power core math curricula for many of the world’s largest publishers, and our calculators are built into the majority of U.S. state-level assessments and digital college entrance exams. Desmos is also partnered with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, the International Baccalaureate MYP, and NWEA (view the full list of assessments here).

Indeed, Desmos’ cutting-edge technology also powers our free digital classroom activities, thoughtfully designed by teachers for teachers to support and celebrate the different ways students come to know mathematics. These activities are guided by our pedagogical philosophy and open up a world of possibilities for students to explore concepts more deeply, collaborate with their peers on problem-solving, and apply knowledge creatively as mathematicians.

Overall, Desmos has a more intuitive graphing calculator interface than any of the other math apps out there. This interface is used throughout classrooms around the country and has a proven track record of helping students learn concepts in algebra and precalculus.  If you want to have a nice web app for graphing and don’t want to spend $100+ on a graphing calculator at Target, Desmos is perfect.

Geogebra

GeoGebra is dynamic mathematics software for all levels of education that brings together geometry, algebra, spreadsheets, graphing, statistics and calculus in one easy-to-use package. GeoGebra is a rapidly expanding community of millions of users located in just about every country. GeoGebra has become the leading provider of dynamic mathematics software, supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and innovations in teaching and learning worldwide.

Most math calculators are lacking in features when it comes to Geometry, but Geogebra excels at integrating geometric learning with the other mathematical disciplines. In addition to a web app, Geogebra has apps specifically designed for download on Chrome OS as well as all of the other popular desktop operating systems. Specific calculators are available for geometry, algebra, spreadsheets (useful for statistics), and more. You can also sync your work in Geogebra across devices by logging in with your Google account, perfect for Chromebook users. On top of these computational tools, Geogebra offers a web-based notebook to keep track of your math notes and computations for later review.

Photomath

Photomath (Free⁺, Google Play) →

Photomath was created by a dad who was looking for a way to help his kids with their math homework. An engineer by background, Damir often found it challenging trying to explain math concepts in an easy, approachable way, and so it was out of his personal struggles that sparked the idea for Photomath.

Now, with over 220-million downloads, Photomath is the world’s most used math app. Their current mission is to help people understand math, one step at a time and it’s the company’s belief that everyone can be good at math.

Photomath does not have a native Chrome OS app and doesn’t work in a browser, but there is an Android app that you can use on your Chromebook. It’s a little awkward, but the core functionality of the app still works fine on all of my Chromebooks. One thing I don’t like about Photomath is that it takes the emphasis away from learning mathematical concepts and more on giving instant solutions from a single picture. Students looking to cheat on exams or even homework find it too tempting to snap a simple photo and get all of their problems solved right away. This approach is a lot less work than properly formulating a problem to enter into Wolfram Alpha, which can also lead to less overall learning when using the app.

You can still get step by step solutions, with a premium subscription, but I still find Wolfram Alpha a bit better when it comes to the rigor of each explanation. Photomath is overall quite good for algebra and basic mathematics, but for more advanced courses, take a look at Wolfram Alpha for more efficient computations and more in-depth explanations on a technical level.

Mathway

Mathway is another app that is incredibly popular with students, just like Photomath. The reason for that popularity is also the simplicity of use and the quick results on answers submitted to the calculation engine. A few years back, Mathway was purchased by popular homework help site Chegg, which is responsible for a lot of cheating on exams at colleges and universities across the nation. While Mathway certainly has a wide variety of calculators for help on all levels of math, the temptation to simply copy the exact solutions or access them via Chegg is somewhat of a down side in my opinion.

Thankfully, if you want to use Mathway on a Chromebook, it does have a web portal. You can also choose to use the Android app if you so desire. There is the ability to snap a quick picture as well, if you need that functionality from Photomath. Algebra steps are well explained in this app, so if you need help with that subject in particular it might be worth considering.

Microsoft Math Solver

If you’re a loyal Microsoft user, Microsoft Math Solver might be your favorite math app. The interface is very similar to Wolfram Alpha and the functionality is improving day by day. This is a newer app, but it has a variety of subjects and the computational engine is solid. You can see a nice break down of the subjects covered on the home page, which makes this is one of the easier apps to navigate. The graphing UI is more intuitive than Wolfram Alpha, but you can’t get help with more advanced subjects like real analysis or abstract algebra.

Overall, I believe Microsoft Math Solver is a better option than most math apps, outside of Wolfram Alpha. You can copy and paste formulas into a Word or Excel document and explore step-by-step solutions that are in general very well presented. If Microsoft keeps up development, this could be one of the best math apps for Chromebooks.

All Math Formulas

All Math Formulas - Offline (Free, Google Play) →

For researchers or math majors, sometimes all you need is a solid reference app for math formulas and theorems. All Math Formulas is a perfect app that provides all basic to advance formulas in mathematics. Available in 30+ languages. Now no need to make notes to remember mathematics formulas. Easily search any formula. Formulas are very simply explained with necessary figures where appropriate.

This app includes formulas for geometry, algebra, calculus, differential equations, analysis and more. This app is available as an Android app, but the app works well and is easy to navigate on a Chromebook. If you don’t need math help, but just a great reference, this is my go-to choice on Chrome OS and Android and it’s definitely one of the best math apps for Chromebooks.

Those are out picks for the best math apps for Chromebooks. Keep in mind that many of these apps are available on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS as well. The best choice for math help is Wolfram Alpha. Not only does it have the longest development history, but it also has the most robust computational knowledge base and the ability to help with the most advanced coursework. Microsoft Math Solver is a newer app that also has a clean interface and a fairly impressive computational engine. For those that use Microsoft apps regularly, this might be the best bet for you. I would recommend avoiding apps that simply require a picture to get instant help, but only because it tends to discourage real learning and mathematical understand at a deeper level. If you’re looking to get started in the Chrome OS ecosystem, check out our list of best Chromebooks available at Best Buy.

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Massive Twitch leak reveals the site’s source code, Amazon’s Steam competitor, and so much more

The entirety of Twitch has been dumped on the internet as a part of what appears to be a massive leak. A developer took to Twitter earlier today to share the information about this leak after an anonymous hacker posted about on 4chan. We are looking at 125GB of data shared through torrent, so it is indeed massive.

As confirmed by VGC, the files are publicly available to download just like the hacker described. According to the hacker, the leak is intended to “foster more disruption and competition in the online video streaming space“. An anonymous company source confirmed to VGC that the leak is legitimate.

https://t.co/7vTDeRA9vt got leaked. Like, the entire website; Source code with comments for the website and various console/phone versions, refrences to an unreleased steam competitor, payouts, encrypted passwords that kinda thing.
Might wana change your passwords.

— Sinoc (@Sinoc229) October 6, 2021

Twitch has confirmed that a breach has indeed taken place, but their wordings do not shed light on the veracity of claims in the leak that is floating around.

We can confirm a breach has taken place. Our teams are working with urgency to understand the extent of this. We will update the community as soon as additional information is available. Thank you for bearing with us.

— Twitch (@Twitch) October 6, 2021

A Massive Leak

Legitimate or not, there is a lot to take away from this leak. In addition to the source code of the website, the code for the console and phone versions has also been leaked. The download file is also said to have encrypted passwords, presumably of both the creators and the viewers. It’s a good idea to change your Twitch password as a precautionary measure. And if you are a streamer, then you might want to reset your stream key at this point just to be on the safer side.

Interestingly, the leaked data also seems to have information about an unreleased Steam competitor codenamed Vapor. This digital storefront is said to have a lot of Twitch integration, but it remains to be seen what comes out of it. A digital game distribution service by Amazon Game Studios does sound like something we could see in the future, especially considering the fact that we are already seeing a lot of efforts from Amazon Game Studios. Yes, their new MMO ‘New World’ is bricking GPUs, but it is still very popular right now.

Speaking of games, the torrent also reportedly includes Unity code for a game called Vapeworld. It appears to be some sort of a VR chat software. The leaked info has a lot of other things including the commit history for Twitch “going back to its early beginnings”. Additionally, we are also looking at proprietary SDKs and internal AWS services used by the platform. There’s also an internal tool that’s designed to improve security by having staff pretend to be hackers.

Twitch Creator Payouts Report

Lastly, the leak also includes creator payout reports dating all the way back to 2019. The report includes both the total payout from August 2019 to October 2021 and the figures from September 2021. The list includes the names of all the popular creators along with their Twitch payout excluding donations, sponsorships, merchandise, etc.

Twitch was recently under the spotlight for the controversy around “hate-raids” due to which a huge chunk of streamers took #ADayOffTwitch. The leak appears to be in relation to all this harassment as the hacker said the motivation was to disrupt the space because “their community is a disgusting toxic cesspool.”

As we mentioned earlier, now would be a good time to change your Twitch account’s password. And if you are a streamer, then be sure to refresh the stream key too. It goes without saying that you should also enable two-factor authentication if not already done. It will ensure that your account will be safe even if your password is compromised.

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Android Development Basics: How to add Kotlin to an existing Java Android project

Kotlin is pretty great. It’s got a whole bunch of useful language features, and the syntax is generally clean and simple. It’s also cross-platform, and the base language can compile to a whole bunch of different languages and platforms.

Kotlin for Java (called KotlinJVM) compiles to the same thing Java compiles to — JVM bytecode for pure Java, and whatever Android is using these days for its version of Java. This means code written in KotlinJVM has access to all existing Java and Android APIs, along with any Java classes, methods, and fields that are already in your app.

That compatibility works the other way around, too. Meaning, you can access Kotlin APIs from Java. The code might end up looking a little messy if you try to use more advanced features, but it’s possible.

This tutorial is going to go over how you can add Kotlin to an existing Android project that’s made in Java. It also assumes you’re using Android Studio. Before we get started though, you may want to familiarize yourself a bit on how Kotlin works, if you haven’t done so already. JetBrains, the company behind the language, has a handy FAQ for this.

Dependencies

Kotlin is technically a library. It’s a fancy library, with a lot of features and an accompanying IntelliJ/Android Studio plugin, but it’s a library. So to add it, you’ll need to add some dependencies.

In your project level build.gradle, add the Kotlin dependency.

buildscript {
    ...
    dependencies {
        ...
        //1.5.10 is currently the latest stable version of Kotlin.
        classpath "org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-gradle-plugin:1.5.10"
    }
    ...
}

In your module level build.gradle, apply the Kotlin Android plugin and add the dependencies.

...
//This should be near the top of the file, underneath the "android" plugin.
apply plugin: 'kotlin-android'

...

dependencies {
    ...
    //1.5.0 is currently the latest stable version of AndroidX Core for Kotlin.
    //If you already have "androidx.core:core" implemented, remove it.
    implementation 'androidx.core:core-ktx:1.5.0'
    implementation 'org.jetbrains.kotlin:kotlin-stdlib:1.5.10'
}

And that’s it for implementing Kotlin. The latest version of Android Studio already comes bundled with the IDE plugin.

Basic Usage

Now the integration is done, you can start actually using Kotlin. To make a new class, just right-click on the package where you want the file to be created, click New, and click Kotlin Class/File.

Once you click that, you’ll be shown a dialog asking for the name of the file, along with what type of object it should be (Class, Interface, Object, plain file, etc). This is pretty similar to creating a new Java Class.

Choose what you want, and the file will be created. Now you can get started programming in Kotlin.

Conclusion

Adding Kotlin to an existing Java Android project is easy. Just include a few Gradle dependencies, apply a plugin, and you can start programming in the language.

For more advanced usage, including how to automatically convert Java code to Kotlin, check out Google’s official documentation.

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How to use Focus across devices on iOS 15 and macOS 12 Monterey

Apple announced the upcoming versions of their operating systems during WWDC21, back in June. One of the greatest features across iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12 Monterey, and even watchOS 8, is Focus. What’s Focus? Briefly, it’s Do Not Disturb 2.0. This latest feature — already available on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, coming to the Mac later this fall — makes concentrating on a certain task effortless. So whether you’re working on your iPad, MacBook Pro, or iPhone, no notifications will distract you — unless you choose otherwise.

Navigate this article:

• What is Focus: A brief history
• A breakdown of Do Not Disturb
• How Focus is similar to and different than DND
  • Similarities
  • Differences
  • Conclusion
• What are Focus modes
  • Introduction
  • Available modes
  • Custom modes
• How to set up and use Focus
• Bottom Line

What is Focus: A brief history

Focus is a feature that Apple introduced in iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12 Monterey, and watchOS 8. As we have mentioned, it’s basically DND (Do Not Disturb) 2.0. DND had been an iOS feature for a few years, allowing users to silence calls and notifications on their iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches — individually, out of sync.

A breakdown of Do Not Disturb

DND was a pretty limited feature. While it allowed you to whitelist some contacts to let their calls come through, you couldn’t whitelist apps (messaging or otherwise). You could only allow phone calls from all, favorites, or no contacts at all. It also had the option to bypass DND if someone who isn’t whitelisted repeatedly called you within three minutes.

One of the perks of DND was the ability to let notifications and calls through if your device was unlocked. If you were using your iPhone for example, you were awake (or so we hope) and not focused on a different task. So it made sense having the option to only silence calls and notifications when a device was locked. Unfortunately, this feature has been removed from Focus, for now at least.

DND offered basic automation — scheduling and while driving. Time-based and driving automations were the only supported ones for DND. At the time, it made sense. People tended to use it when they were asleep mostly, so they’d set it to automatically turn on during their sleep hours. And it would also turn off on its own when it was past their sleeping hours. While you could have had DND turn off on its own after you left a certain location, a current event in your calendar ending, the next morning/evening, or an hour later, there was no way to get it to automatically turn on apart from the time-based schedule you chose or when driving.

DND while driving would detect when you were driving your car and turn on to avoid distractions. It supported auto-replies in the Messages app to let people know you were driving. However, the way we used and needed DND evolved. That’s why Apple came up with a solution that offered more options and customizations — Focus.

How Focus is similar to and different than DND

Similarities

Both:

• are accessible from the Control Center, even though Focus has a bigger toggle now and Screen Mirroring has the smaller one.
• allow you to whitelist people for incoming calls.
• have time-based scheduling.
• have driving automation.
• can turn off automatically after you leave a certain location, a current event in your calendar ends, the next morning/evening, or an hour later.
• offer an option to dim your Lock Screen.
• can sync your on/off status across your iPhone and Apple Watch (but not other Apple devices such as iPad or Mac).
• support auto-replies in Messages when driving.

Differences

Only DND:

• could let you temporarily unmute notifications when your device is unlocked.

Only Focus lets you:

• create different Focus modes — elaboration in another section below.
• sync your on/off status across all updated iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches — as long as they all share the same Apple ID and have an internet connection.
• choose a color, icon, and name for your Focus mode.
• create advanced automations:
  • Smart Activation — automatically enables Focus depending on time of the day, location, app usage patterns, and more.
  • location-based.
  • app-based — when entering a specific app.
  • workout-based — when starting a workout on your Apple Watch.
  • controller-based — when connecting a gaming controller to your device.
• whitelist apps or people — not just for phone calls.
• allow Time-Sensitive notifications to go through, if you choose so.
• hide notification badges on Home Screen apps.
• create custom Home Screen pages that change depending on your Focus mode and status.
• choose whether notifications are shown or hidden on the Lock Screen.
• share your on/off Focus status with support apps, such as Messages.

Conclusion

As you can see, we can safely call Focus a “DND 2.0” — it simply takes the original DND to the next level. These complex customizations and automations make it possible to create all sorts of modes that suit your different needs. A significant portion of Earth’s population work remotely from their computers now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So it makes sense being able to create custom Focus modes for work that are different from those for sleep, driving, or other activities.

What are Focus modes?

Introduction

Focus modes are different DND profiles that you create for your various needs. They work under different preset conditions and have specific purposes. For example, when you’re asleep, you might not want to whitelist any apps. However, when you’re working, you’ll need to whitelist work apps, such as Slack, to receive notifications from your coworkers, while filtering out other distractions.

Available modes

Whether you’re on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS 12 Monterey, there are modes already available for you. They’re inactive by default, but setting them up takes only a few clicks, thanks to Apple’s simple implementation. These Focus modes are:

• Driving — can optionally be automated based on CarPlay, car bluetooth connectivity, or detected motion.
• Fitness — can optionally be automated based on Apple Watch workouts.
• Gaming — can optionally be automated based on connected gaming controllers or when entering apps (games) of your own choosing.
• Mindfulness.
• Personal.
• Reading.
• Sleep — connected to the Sleep schedule and Wind Down routine in the Health app.
• Work.

Note that all available modes support Smart Activation, scheduling, location-based, and app-based automations.

If, for whatever reason, none of the available modes match the DND theme you’re going for, Apple gives you the option of Custom modes. What are Custom modes?

Custom modes

Think of a Custom mode as a blank canvas, and you’re the artist looking to design the perfect Focus mode that restores the peace of mind this restless world has stripped you from. What does it look like? What does it do? Should you allow that nosey aunt’s messages to come through? Maybe not. Apple provides you with the tools — how you use them is up to you.

Here are the things you can customize in a Custom mode:

• Its name.
• Its icon, out of 39 available ones.
• The color of the icon sand other buttons inside the mode’s settings, out of 10 available colors.

• Which people are whitelisted.
• If all, favorites, or no contacts can call you.
• Whether a second call from the same person within three minutes comes through.

• What apps are whitelisted and can notify you.
• If Time-Sensitive notifications can come through or not.

• Whether your on/off Focus status is shared with other apps, such as Messages.

• If notification badges are shown or hidden on Home Screen apps.
• Home Screen pages layouts and contents.

• Whether your Lock Screen is dimmed or not.
• If silenced notifications show on your Lock Screen or not.

• Scheduling and the advanced notifications we’ve discussed above.

Want more? You’re going to have to wait for “DND 3.0” but we’re sure the average user is more than satisfied with these options and customizations. As you’ve seen, Apple has taken the original DND to the next level with the introduction of Focus.

How to set up and use Focus

Whether you’re on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, setting up Focus is a straightforward process.

• Make sure you’re running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS 12.
• Go to the Settings app on iOS/iPadOS or System Preferences on macOS.
• Click on Focus.
• Turn on Share Across Devices (at the bottom of the screen) if it’s off and you want your Focus status to stay in sync between your updated Apple devices.
• Click on the plus sign (+) in the top right corner.
• Choose one of the available modes if what you’re aiming at happens to be one of them. If not, choose Custom mode at the top of the list.
• Once you choose an available mode, your device will then prompt you a few times regarding who and what apps are whitelisted and other settings revolving around the mode, such as automations. The prompts are very easy to go through and require no significant time. If you go for the Custom mode, you’ll start with an extra prompt to choose the name, icon, and color of your new mode.
• When you’re done with setting up one of the available modes or your custom mode, you’re ready to go.
• You can always head back to Focus settings to tweak your existing modes or create new ones. The possibilities are limitless!

• Focus modes can be quickly accessed from the Control Center by Haptic Touching the Focus toggle.
• Once set up on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Focus modes can be toggled from the Control Center of the Apple Watch on watchOS 8 as well, and the on/off status is synced across all updated Apple devices.

Bottom Line

Focus truly takes DND to the next level on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS 12, and watchOS 8. It makes organizing your life a subconscious action, once you’re done with setting up Focus modes. They’ll just revolve around your workflows and routines, without you necessarily needing to interact with them.

This is the purpose of technology after all, serving us and revolving around our habits. It’s supposed to adapt to us and our lives, rather than us adapting to it. Focus is one example of how a well-implemented feature can become transparent, and run in the background while it serves its purpose.

---

What do you think of Focus on Apple’s latest operating systems? Do you think Focus is the most notable change of iOS 15, or is there another feature you’ve been enjoying more? Let us know in the comments section below.

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NVIDIA is reportedly testing an Android TV 11 update for the SHIELD TV

In August this year, an NVIDIA staff member confirmed that the company was skipping the Android 10 update for the SHIELD TV. While at the time, the company revealed no information about a potential Android TV 11 update for the Android TV box, recent reports suggest that it’s in the works.

A deleted post on the r/nividiashield subreddit (via Android Police) suggests that NVIDIA has started beta testing a new version of NVIDIA SHEILD Experience 9.0 based on Android TV 11. A cached version of the post reveals that the update doesn’t seem to look noticeably different compared to the Android TV 9 release, but it likely has several under-the-hood changes.

The Reddit user who made the original post also confirmed that they had received the update after enrolling in NVIDIA’s closed beta testing program. However, the post and the user’s account have since been deleted. A different user in the comments reveals that NVIDIA imposed a confidentiality agreement on beta testers, which seems to be the reason behind the deletion. The agreement allegedly states:

“Beta software is confidential. Do not post any information, bugs, or issues on public forms (e.g. SHIELD forums on NVIDIA.com, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, etc. The success of this beta program depends on your discreet cooperation.”

At the moment, we don’t know much else about the Android TV 11 update for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV. We reached out to the company for more information, but a spokesperson declined to comment. We’ll make sure to let you know as soon as we have more information about the update.

For the unaware, Android TV 11 brings some noteworthy improvements, including native support for more controllers, like the Nintendo Switch Pro controller and the Steam Controller, over Bluetooth and USB. It also includes support for the Auto Low Latency Mode introduced with the HDMI 2.1 spec, which can turn off graphics post-processing and therefore greatly reduce latency.

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You can now buy Google’s new indoor Nest Cam

Google announced a bunch of new products in its Nest line-up earlier this year, including a wireless doorbell, the Nest Cam, the Nest Cam (battery), and the Nest Cam with floodlight. While the Nest Cam (battery) and Nest Doorbell (battery) went on sale shortly after the announcement, Google didn’t share a definite launch timeline for the other two Nest cameras. Two months after the announcement, you can now finally buy the new wired Nest Cam and Nest Cam with floodlight.

In a recent blog post, Google announced that the second-gen wired Nest Cam and the Nest Cam with floodlight are available for purchase in various colorways starting today. The second-gen model without the floodlight is meant to be used indoors, and it’s designed to be kept on a tabletop or mounted to a wall, which is why it even has a new variant with a wooden base that blends in with your furniture.

The Nest Cam with floodlight is nothing but a second-gen wired Nest Cam with lights on either side to illuminate the surroundings. The camera is flanked by 2,400-lumen floodlights on either side, which makes it a great buy for your porch or backyard. The lights have an IP65 rating, while the camera has a slightly inferior IP54 rating.

The main highlight of Nest Cam with floodlight is that it uses on-device intelligence to detect people, pets, and vehicles to turn the light on instead of using a single motion sensor. It is mainly for areas where you want the light to turn on automatically when someone passes by. Both cameras can locally store footage for up to an hour which, according to Google, is sufficient enough for a week.

The second-gen wired Nest Cam starts at $99.99, while the Nest Cam with floodlight will set you back $279.99. For more information about the cameras, check out our previous coverage.

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Best Surface Pro 8 accessories: Tesha, Microsoft, and more

The new Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is an impressive tablet and PC all in one sleek package. With a new design that resembles the Surface Pro X, the Surface Pro 8 is a device that looks as good as it performs. If you recently purchased a new Surface Pro 8, you’re going to need a few accessories to get the most out of it. Microsoft doesn’t bundle the keyboard cover or pen with the new Surface devices, so you’ll first want to consider whether you need either of those items. You may also want an external mouse or monitor for use at home when using the Surface Pro 8 as a desktop. In this article we round up the best Microsoft Surface Pro 8 accessories overall, in each category.

We start off with a quick look at pen options. You can of course go all out and pick up the new Microsoft Slim Pen 2, which has some impressive haptic feedback capabilities when used with the Surface Pro 8. However, if you are on a more strict budget, it might be working at some of the third-party options we’ve selected from Best Buy and Amazon. There are a number of pens that are designed for the Microsoft standard and still work great with your Surface Pro 8.

After deciding on a pen, we’ll do a deep dive into the best keyboards covers, external keyboards, mice, and monitors available for the Surface Pro 8. You may not need all of these things, but it’s best to consider your intended use case and look at all available options.

Best Surface Pro 8 accessories: Pens

Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2

Amazing haptic feedback

The new Microsoft Surface Slim Pen 2 provides amazing haptic feedback when paired with your Surface Pro 8. The haptic feedback is specifically engineered to give the feeling of writing on real paper.

View at Amazon

Microsoft Official Surface Pen

Microsoft reliability

If you want to match your new Surface Go 3 perfectly, the official Microsoft Surface Pen is the way to go. Writes like pen on paper. Surface Pen is a natural writing and drawing tool, with precision ink on one end that now enables tilt and a natural-feeling rubber eraser on the other. Responds to an artists touch. Effortlessly express the finest sketches and lines with Surface Pen. Rest your hand on the screen of your Surface device, just as you would writing on a notebook.

View at Amazon

Tesha Surface pen

Best affordable alternative

At under $30, the Tesha Surface pen has just about everything the Microsoft version offers. It features 1024 pressure points is designed for writing, drawing, and notes taking. Instant response, low latency, truly accurate handwriting reproduction. alm rejection technology allows you to rest your hand naturally on the screen while writing, no need wearing anti-friction gloves. Super convenient for kids.

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Letech+ Surface Pen

Excellent pressure sensitivity

Ergonomic Design with palm rejection which allows resting your hand comfortably on the screen while working. Equipped with 2 buttons for option on eraser or mouse mode. With the 9.5 mm diameter streamlined tip point, this stylus is sensitive to pressure and tilt for making subtle shadow or creating delicate drawings. It is also multifunctional to use it for the slideshows presentations.

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Dell Premium Active Pen

Excellent pressure sensitivity

The Dell Premium Active Pen features flexible, multi-protocol compatibility with select Dell 2-in-1s with a Windows Ink compatible display. Quickly launch OneNote by clicking the top button and write notes (even on a locked screen), capture a screenshot, or activate Cortana. Efficiently erase or launch the context menu with the side buttons. Install Windows Ink Workspace to customize buttons to your needs.

View at Dell

HP Tilt Pen

Integrated presenter controls

Elevate your creativity with the improved precision of the HP Tilt Pen. Write, draw, and compute as naturally as ever with true-to-life feel creating a seamless and enjoyable working experience. Activate presentation mode to conveniently move your cursor, flip through slides, and highlight key points of your presentation—without the need for a clicker.

View at HP

Best Surface Pro 8 accessories: Monitors

Razer Raptor 27 Monitor w/ 165Hz

Super high refresh rate

If you're looking for a stylish monitor with a super fast refresh rate, Razer now has the Raptor gaming monitor with 165 Hz refresh rate. In addition to the high refresh rate, you also get the patented Chroma RGB lighting which looks awesome.

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Lenovo ThinkVision M14

Best portable

Looking for an external monitor you can carry with you? Lenovo offers its customers the ThinkVision M14 that features a 14 inch full-HD panel and dual USB-C ports for a seamless connectivity experience.

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ASUS ProArt Display 27

Best for creative use

The ASUS ProArt PA279CV is suited for customers looking for an external display for the purpose of photo or video editing. It features a 27 inch 4K resolution IPS panel that offers 100% sRGB coverage, factory calibrated for Delta E < 2 color accuracy and a USB-C port for seamless connectivity.

View at Amazon

Dell U2520DR

Best with built-in hub

The quality and reliability of Dell's Ultrasharp series is well-known. This monitor also includes two standard USB 3.0 ports, along with a USB-C, HDMI port and dual DisplayPort options, allowing the monitor to act as your hub so you can connect additional peripherals.

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Sceptre Curved 30

Best curved

If you like the look of a curved monitor, Sceptre has a nice option here. This monitor features a 2560 x 1080 resolution, which isn't the highest for a large display, but should work for basic use. You can also use a VESA mount to optimize your desk space and workflow. At under $250, this is solid value for curved screen enthusiasts.

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LG 34WK650

Best Ultrawide 34 inch

If you like the look of LG's 29WP60G-B but want a bigger display, check out this 34 inch option. LG’s 34 inch UltraWide monitor is a great pick if you want a relatively affordable ultrawide display. With a Full HD display and AMD FreeSync, you should be able to make the most of LG’s impressive display. This 34 inch LG monitor is HDR10 ready with Maxx Audio speakers in the bottom bezel.

View at Amazon

Best Surface Pro 8 accessories: Mice

Logitech M355

Best slim and flat design

Some mice require you to choose whether you are left or right handed, but not the Logitech M355. This mouse has a slim and flat design, perfect for ambidextrous users. In addition, the slim profile and ultra-quiet clicks make this a great mouse to use at work.

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Logitech M570

Best for trackball fans

Logitech's M570 has a distinct and instantly recognizable form-factor. The giant teal trackball is easily spotted while the mouse is in use. If you do a lot of scrolling for work, and find a trackball comfortable, this is the best option by far. This is one of the most comfortable mice to use for long periods of time.

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Logitech MX Master 3

Best for productivity

The Logitech MX Master series is the industry standard for what a mouse should be. Ultra-fast mag speed scrolling, ergonomic design and app-specific customization make this an ultra-premium pick. With USB-C quick charging and the ability to work on glass surfaces, this is a mouse you can use anywhere.

View at Amazon

Logitech M510

Best battery life

Logitech obviously has several options when it comes to mice. The M510 is a standout thanks to its consistent rating as a battery life champ. Users report a year or more average use on a single charge. With a comfortable design and a price under $25, this is an excellent option.

View at Amazon

NORMIA RITA Arc Mouse

Best for Arc lovers on a budget

There are many fans of Microsoft's Arc mouse design. Fortunately, you can enjoy all of the great design elements without breaking the bank. If you enjoy the design of Microsoft's mouse, the NORMIA RITA Arc mouse is a great substitute at less than half the price.

View at Amazon

Anker Vertical Ergonomic Mouse

Best vertical mouse

Another popular form factor is the vertical mouse design. This layout allows you to use the mouse in a grip-like orientation. Many users find this to be the most comfortable way to use a mouse for long periods of time. Anker also packs a fantastic feature set and battery life into this unique design.

View at Amazon

Best Surface Pro 8 accessories: Keyboards

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Surface Slim Pen 2

Keyboard cover and pen

Next-level versatility comes in the perfect pair — Surface Slim Pen 2 stores securely and recharges in the premium keyboard, featuring a large glass touchpad and luxurious, Alcantara material covering. Ready to pair with Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X. If you need the pen and keyboard cover, this is the best option for sure.

View at Best Buy

Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard Black

Slim modern design

Slim, modern design at an exceptional value. Enjoy the solid, durable feel of this refined keyboard as you work in Windows and Office 365. Connects wirelessly to your windows laptop via Bluetooth. Connect to your windows 10 or 11 PC right out of the box when you enable swift Pair.

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Jelly Comb folding keyboard

Frequent travelers

Folding keyboards are a thing, and they'e pretty awesome. If you travel constantly for work, you may want to check out Jelly comb's folding keyboard. In addition to wired and wireless connection modes, you also get a built-in touchpad mouse as an added bonus.

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Jelly Comb keyboard and mouse combo

Keyboard and mouse combo

Perhaps you want a keyboard bundled with a wireless mouse? This slim wireless keyboard from Jelly Comb also comes bundled with a travel mouse. Both devices feature an ergonomic design and automatic sleep mode to preserve battery life. At just $25, this is a great bundle to consider.

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Microsoft Sculpt keyboard

Ergonomic split design

Split keyset design helps to position wrists and forearms in a natural, relaxed position. Cushioned palm rest provides support and promotes a neutral wrist position. You also get a separate number pad, perfect for spreadsheet work.

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Logitech K380

Compact design

If you want your keyboard to take up less space on your desktop, consider the Logitech K380. This compact wireless keyboard also offers easy switch capability for up to three devices at once. This keyboard works with virtually any operating system, including Windows.

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Those are our picks for the best docking stations, monitors, mice, and keyboards to use with your laptop. If it’s in your budget, a Thunderbolt 4 dock like the Razer Chroma dock will give you the best overall performance and is one of the best accessories for the Surface Pro 8 and the new Thunderbolt 4 ports. With super fast data transfer, support for multiple high resolution monitors, and built-in charging, Thunderbolt 4 is the way to go. For those on a tighter budget, many of the USB-C docks and dongles from Anker are under $50 and offer connectivity on the go. Let us know your favorite Thunderbolt or USB-C dock to use with your favorite Microsoft Surface device.

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