Netflix is taking the next step in the rollout of Netflix Games with a global launch on Android devices.
Starting November 3, Netflix subscribers will be able to start playing a selection of games on the Netflix mobile app. At launch, the games will be available only to those playing on Android devices[; Netflix says iOS support is “on the way”, although there’s no specific date just yet.
🎮📱 Let the Games Begin📱🎮Tomorrow, Netflix Games will start rolling out on the Netflix mobile app. First on Android, with iOS on the way.It’s early days, but we’re excited to start bringing you exclusive games, with no ads, no additional fees and no in-app purchases. pic.twitter.com/ofNGF4b8AtNovember 2, 2021
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There are five games to choose from at launch: Stranger Things: 1984; Stranger Things 3: The Game; Shooting Hoops; Teeter Up; and Card Blast. If you’re an Android user that really can’t wait until November 3, it’s actually already possible to find the games on the Google Play Store, but you’ll still need a Netflix subscription to play.
In a blog post announcing the global rollout, Netflix explains that as Netflix Games is part of the Netflix subscription “there’s no ads, no additional fees and no in-app purchases” and Android users will find games to download in a dedicated section of the app.
New games 2021: upcoming game release dates for console and PC
The games are, Netflix says, “available in many of the languages we offer on service” so when you start playing it should default to the language preference you have on your Netflix profile. If your language isn’t available, the game’s language will default to English.
As for access, Netflix explains that “members will be able to play games on multiple mobile devices on the same account”. There is a device limit but Netflix doesn’t explicitly state what that is. You’ll know when you hit it, though, as it’ll warn you. Where you won’t find Netflix Games is on Kids profiles. “If you’ve set up a PIN to prevent kids from having access to adult profiles,” the post reads, “that same PIN will be required in order to log in to Netflix and play the game on a device.”
This isn’t Netflix Games’ first outing on Android devices; it’s just the next step in what seems like it’s going to be a careful and steady journey. It was only a couple of months ago that Netflix gave users in Poland the chance to try out Stranger Things: 1984 and Stranger Things 3 on Android within the app before rolling out the tests to users in Italy and Spain.
Analysis: “Early days”
Netflix has been explicit about plans to push into gaming for months, yet the company is fairly insistent that the project is still in its “early days” and that it’s “just getting started.”
What can we expect further down the line? Well, in its blog post Netflix might be keen to emphasize that this is a humble offering but it's not hiding its hopes and ambitions for the future.
Those ambitions include building “a library of games that offers something for everyone”, ranging from casual experiences “you can start from scratch” to more immersive experiences that have you “dig deeper into your favorite stories”. "Just like our series, films and specials,” the post goes on to say, “we want to design games for any level of play and every kind of player, whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong gamer.” That’s a lot of appealing to do and it suggests plans for way more than just five games.
Anyone that’s delved into the world of movie or TV show tie-in games knows just how bad they can be. But they can also be good. When you just can't get enough of a world that you're watching, there's a lot to be said for the very particular way games allow you to jump in and experience it for yourself.
The current Netflix Games offering feels pretty sparse but Netflix's recent acquisition of Oxenfree developer, Night School, suggests there might be some more narratively engaging releases down the line.
There are a lot of great streaming services out there—Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, and Disney Plus among them—and they’re all vying to bring their subscribers TV shows and movies that make them want to keep their subscription rolling over. The competition is fierce, so it does make sense that Netflix is looking for a way to add value for its subscribers and give them more reasons to stay on its app. If you're on a flight but you're feeling too restless to watch your favorite TV show, why not just stay on the Netflix app and occupy your thumbs with its tie-in game?
As Netflix says, though: it's early days. It'll certainly be interesting to see where Netflix Games goes from here and whether or not it'll be able to grab the attention of as wide a range of subscribers as Netflix hopes.
As more organizations turn to cloud storage to store their important documents, keeping track of everything becomes difficult which is why Dropbox has announced a number of new features to make it easier to maintain an efficient organizational system.
Searching for a specific file in a shared folder can be a time-consuming task especially when everyone has their own naming conventions and processes for uploading and categorizing files. To help teams work more efficiently, Dropbox has developed new features that enable users of its online collaboration tools to use automations to stay organized.
Now users can create folders that automatically perform specific tasks, such as naming, sorting, tagging and converting, anytime a file is added to the folder. The settings of these automated folders can also be controlled and managed using a new central dashboard. Meanwhile, the new multi-file organize feature allows users to categorize and sort a folder's files into subfolders based on dates, keywords or levels of activity with the ability to preview and verify changes before files are moved.
When it comes to naming conventions, Dropbox users will now be able to create file naming standards based on categories that can be applied to individual folders. However, users can also rename files or photos by the date they were taken and include a parent folder name.
Finding content and signing documents
In addition to helping users organize their content, Dropbox is also adding new features to help them find content faster according to a new blog post.
By using easily searchable words, users can tag files and folders so that they can quickly find the one they need even if they don't remember its name. Unlike Dropbox's new automated folders and file naming features which are rolling out to teams first, all of the company's users can start using tags to organize their files and folders today.
As many people use its platform as cloud storage for photos, Dropbox is also adding the ability to quickly find and view all of a user's photos and videos in one centralized place on the web. This can be done on any devices by clicking on "Photos" in the left sidebar on Dropbox's website.
Finally, with the HelloSign mobile app, uses can quickly prepare, send and sign documents on the go from their smartphone or tablet. The app is currently available across all HelloSign plans exclusively on iOS though an Android version is coming soon.
The best Windows tablets are a fantastic option if you’re looking for something different from the typical laptop or higher-end iPad. These portable devices are more flexible and more powerful than you might think. In fact, there’s enough power inside one of these tablets to get you through most of your productivity needs and creative tasks, such as light video editing.
Windows tablets are more than just good for connecting with friends and family on social media, getting some casual gaming done, or enjoying the newest show on Netflix. And, the best of them have some advantages over more traditional laptops, as well. Balancing power with better portability and a cheaper price makes them excellent for those constantly on the move or on a budget.
Whether you have a limited budget or need something more portable, a tablet might just be the ideal choice for you. Take a look at the best Windows tablets to find one that fits your needs, just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of our top picks will be perfect for you.
The Surface Pro 8 is one of the best Windows tablets for illustrators, graphic artists, and coders.(Image credit: Microsoft)
CPU: Up to 11th-gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR4x | Screen: 13-inch PixelSense Flow display | Storage: Up to 1TB
Faster processors
Gorgeous new design
More expensive
The Surface Pro 8 comes with an all-new design, but it boasts internals that are faster than ever, allowing it to rise above its predecessor. There are other things to love here as well, like the two Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2-in-1 design, and a bigger screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it one of the best Windows tablets for illustrators, graphic artists, other creative professionals, and coders. It’s a bit more expensive, which might turn some folks off. But, for professionals, it’s well worth the money.
A versatile Windows 10 tablet that moonlights as a powerful laptop
CPU: Up to 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8650U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Screen: 13-inch QHD+ 3k (3,000 x 2,000) IPS multi-touch | Storage: Up to 1 TB PCIe SSD | Connectivity: Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8265 (2 x 2), Up to Bluetooth 4.1 with vPro | Camera: 8MP rear-facing, 2MP front-facing | Weight: 1.69 pounds (890g), 2.79 pounds (1.27kg) with keyboard | Size: 11.96 x 8.88 x 0.59 inches with keyboard
Great design and build quality
ThinkPad Pen Pro included
Vivid 13-inch 3K touchscreen
Battery life is still limiting
Bulkier than the Surface Pro
Touted by Lenovo as ‘an IT admin’s dream,’ the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet indeed offers many of the makings of such a device. That includes dual Thunderbolt ports for faster data transfers, Windows Hello login via fingerprint reader, and the optional IR camera for a more secure login and Microsoft AutoPilot readiness. And, that’s without mentioning the SSD and battery that are field serviceable so that you can get a certified technician to come to you if you need parts replaced. But that’s not all; it’s also got a light and sleek chassis, and it comes with the ThinkPad Pen Pro, which means it’s great value all around.
CPU: Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR3 | Screen: 10.5-inch PixelSense display | Storage: 64 GB eMMC – 128 GB SSD
Excellent webcam
Lightweight and easy to carry
Super short battery life
The successor to the Surface Go 2 might not be as powerful as many had hoped it would be. However, for fans of the tablet line, the Surface Go 3 is still a capable and affordable prospect. There are compromises made here, but it also has the best webcam at this price, which makes it great for keeping in touch with family and friends. And, again, its price is more than appealing for most people. If you don’t need a whole lot of power anyway, it’s a terrific, money-saving choice.
CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i3 – i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 2,160 x 1,440 IPS touchscreen | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11ac; Bluetooth | Camera: 3MP rear, 1MP front | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Dimensions: 11.49 x 7.94 x 0.62 inches
Great price
Solid performance
Dim display
The Acer Switch used to be a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro. These days, the Acer Switch 5 will cost you just as much, but that’s also for comparable specs except perhaps an older processor. Price increase aside, this tablet is still one of the best Windows tablets – not to mention, best performing – out there, and it’s the perfect solution for students and professionals who don’t want to buy into the Surface trend.
CPU: Intel Core i5-7Y54 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 10.8” QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS touchscreen – 10.8” FHD (1920 x 1080) Flexible E Ink Mobius touchscreen | Storage: 256 GB SSD
Very thin and light
Gorgeous main display
E Ink screen works well
Very expensive
Low on RAM
The Lenovo Yoga Book C930 is a truly innovative 2-in-1 laptop, with a second E Ink display that moonlights as a keyboard, a pad for making notes and drawing and a traditional E Ink reader for viewing documents. It's perhaps this second stunning screen that's the biggest selling point of the Lenovo Yoga Book C930. That fact that it's thin and light makes it an excellent tablet as well. If you're looking for a laptop that doubles as a tablet and a drawing pad, this one's an ace in our book.
That brings the price of the Skydio 2, a drone that has some of the best autonomous flying skills around, down to its lowest-ever price. The price is now lower than the drone's original $999 asking price, which went up to $1,349 earlier this year, making it excellent value.
Is Skydio's early Black Friday deal a cleverly-timed attempt to undercut the launch of the DJI Mavic 3 on November 4? Possibly, but the 'Holiday Promo' is valid until January 12 2022 – or at least "while supplies last". This means that if you're keen to grab the offer, it's probably wise to do it sooner rather than later.
Black Friday drone deal: Skydio 2
Skydio 2 Starter Kit: $1,349.99 $949 at Skydio Save $400 – Skydio has slashed $400 off its Skydio 2 drone, taking this Starter Kit down to a lowest-ever price of $949. Boasting some of the best obstacle-avoidance tech around, it shoots 4K/60p HDR video and has a highly compact form factor. It works with your iOS or Android phone, but you can also add a controller for extra flying precision.
Skydio 2 Sports Kit: $1,799.99 $1,399 at Skydio Save $500 – If you need a Skydio 2 bundle with extra batteries and a Beacon accessory for stickier subject-tracking powers, Skydio has also cut $500 off this Sports Kit. It includes the same 4K/60p-shooting drone as the Starter Kit, but includes three batteries, a Dual Charger, Skydio's Beacon controller and a 128GB microSD card.
These deals are currently only available when placed via Skydio's website, but Skydio does say that they're ready to ship today to anywhere in the US.
At this new low price, the Skydio 2 is an excellent buy for those who want a drone that can automatically track their movements throughout a scene without crashing into trees or other obstacles. The Starter Kit is now cheaper than the DJI Air 2S (which has a larger 1-inch sensor), although we've yet to see DJI show its hand when its comes to Black Friday deals.
The Skydio 2 can shoot 4K/60p HDR video from its 12MP 1/2.3in CMOS sensor and weighs only 775g, which means it won't take over you're entire camera bag. If you like the sound of more batteries and Skydio's handy Beacon accessory, then you can also get $500 off the Skydio 2 Sports Kit.
There are plenty of options when it comes to picking out a photo book service. That's great on one hand, because you’re able to get higher quality, better value products. But how are you meant to know which is the best photo book for you?
Top quality photo books make great gifts. Gathering all of your favorite memories with a special someone or documenting a big life event such as graduation, an engagement, or the birth of a baby, a personalized photo book makes a thoughtful present that shows you care. What’s more, it doesn’t have to break the bank!
As most of us take and store our photos on our smartphones, the best providers listed below let you upload photos straight from your phone, social media sites or computer. Then once you’ve got your photos onto the site you can resize, position and add clipart to your heart’s content. Or let the service do the work for you and make the most of the pre-made templates to create a photo book in a matter of minutes.
Whether you’re looking to keep all your favorite recipes in one place, capture the fondest memories of your travel adventures or gift a precious wedding photo book, keep reading to find out the best photo books online in 2021.
Today's best photo book services
1.Mixbook is our favorite photo book service
Mixbook truly ticks all the best photo book boxes. It's a dream to use, with loads of customizable options if you want to create something truly special. And the quality you get back is excellent, without having to spend a small fortune.
Use promo code MIXBOOKFALL21 to get up to 50% off $149+ or 30% off sitewide.
2.Artifact Uprising - the choice for luxury
Artifact Uprising may come up a little more expensive than others on this list, but the quality is second to none. It's a fabulous choice if you're after an extra special product to keep or give to a loved one, with extra special options like foil-embossed writing and walnut presentation boxes!
3.Snapfish - friendly service with plenty of discounts
It seems that whenever you go to the Snapfish website, there's a discount available of some nature. That's great news, especially considering that it's also a really slick service with myriad size and design options to let you create your prefect present or memento.
High quality photo books with lots of options and easy to use
Themes: 500+ | Theme options: Family | Baby | Wedding | Travel | Everyday | Cover options: Soft | Glossy | Matte | leather | Paper options: Semi-gloss | Pearl finish | Premium | Premium matte | Sizes: Landscape (3 options) | Square ( 4 options) | Portrait (1 option) | App: Yes | Sustainable Practice : No | Standard Delivery: 10 days
High quality prints
Easy to use software
Nice options like stickers and materials
A little busy with options
Mixbook is our top pick of all the photo book services on the market. Not only are the products great quality but the creating process is a fun experience, too. The Mixbook software is easy to use and gives you full creative freedom to make a photo book personalized to you.
There are 500+ themes to get those creative juices flowing. Whether it’s romance or seasonal, family or everyday, travel or kids, Mixbook has got you covered. And of course, you can customize each theme as much or as little as you like or start from scratch with a blank book.
The freedom doesn’t stop there - there are plenty of size, paper and cover options to pick from as well. You can pick the options that fit your budget and your vision. For a more luxe feel there’s a faux leather cover option with a dust jacket or go for the classic glossy hardcover for something more simple.
The Mixbook software is simple to use but there is a walkthrough on the website just in case. You can add text, stickers and change the background on the website or app, as well as resize, rearrange and edit the photos to make your photo book one of a kind.
All the options might seem a bit daunting and can take a bit of time to look through to find the best template for you, however, the end product is full of high quality prints that make a sentimental gift for friends and family.
Mixbook offers a 100% happiness guarantee and has a live chat feature if you need any help. There's always an offer to be had at the Mixbook website, so make sure you check the website for any discount codes before checking out to save some money.
Easy to get started and complete your product quickly
Priced higher than others
Customization could be better
If you’re looking for an extra special memento or gift and are more concerned about quality than cost, we’d recommend taking a look at the Artifact Uprising website and browse the luxurious products it has to offer.
The site screams out ‘prestige’ from the moment you land on it and there’s no doubt it's going the extra mile to create something beyond the ordinary. When you take a look at the photo books menu, ‘Signature Latflat Photo Album’ is front and center. This is no cheap and cheerful product, but it will be a keepsake that you’ll want to cherish for years. And if you want to add one last special touch, you can add a walnut storage box as well.
Artifact Uprising does have more affordable products too but its offering of luxurious products is what sets it apart from the rest. The Everyday photo book has premium fabric binding, thick pages, and custom foil stamping on the cover and spine - and that's one of the more basic books! You’ll find a huge range of templates to get you started, with excellent options for weddings, baby pictures and other milestone events too.
This option of photo book service isn’t as customizable as some but the software will still let you start and finish a photo book in one session. All elements of the stylish designs are fixed but if you’re looking for a classic and minimalist aesthetic that has a premium look to it, Artifact Uprising is a great option.
This company is committed to a responsible production process, using recycled materials and powering production with renewable energy. It also uses the press printing method rather than the more traditional one, which is harmful to the environment. So not only will you have a beautifully finished photo book, but you’ll be doing good for the environment too.
Templates: 100+ | Theme options: Family | Baby | Wedding | Travel | Cover options: Hard | Matte | Leather | Linen | Soft | Paper options: Layflat | Glossy | Metallic | Sizes: Landscape (6 options) | Square (2 options) | Portrait (1 options) | App: Yes | Sustainable Practice : Yes | Standard Delivery : 3-6 days
Generally easy to use
Good selection of templates
Lots of backgrounds
Print quality could be better
Landing page is quite cluttered
Snapfish is next on our list of the best photo book providers. You can be as hands on or hands off as you like with the huge variety of designs, backgrounds, embellishments and borders to choose from. Design yourself a totally unique photo book or stick to one of the templates for a quicker process.
The over 200 pre-designed templates make it easy to make your own photo book, and once you’ve sifted through all the options to find the one for you, it’s a quick process too. It can be slightly difficult to search through the content but if you don’t have the time for that, just use one of the templates suggested in the ‘What’s Hot’ section.
The image quality as a whole is good but some cover photos have been reported as saturated. This is something found to be quite common amongst photo book providers so make sure you pick your photo carefully to avoid looking too orange!
Snapfish tries to keep its carbon footprint down by printing all its photo books in the US. But we couldn't find anything more on sustainable practices in the company.
You can usually bag a good deal on Snapfish, so take a look at its dedicated deals page before checking out.
Lots of add-ons to offer plenty of options for the perfect finish
Themes: 80+ | Theme options: Family | Baby | Wedding | Travel | Yearbooks | Cover options: Soft | Hard | Premium Leather | Paper options: Standard | Standard layflat | Delux layflat | Sizes: Landscape (2 options) | Square (3 options) | Portrait (1 Size) | App: Yes | Sustainable practice: Yes | Standard delivery : 5-7 days
Wide template selection
Plenty of backgrounds
Easy to use
Can be uneven photo reproduction
Shutterfly is another option for anyone looking to take a more hands off approach whilst creating a photo book. Theme and background variations are plentiful so you can still personalize the end product even if you let the Shutterfly software do most of the work for you.
The wide selection of templates is sure to have what you’re looking for and if you choose the ‘Make It Manually’ option, you can customize every aspect of the photo book. The Shutterfly software lets you move and resize images and change font type and color, as well as much more.
If you don’t have the time to adjust every detail or simply aren’t feeling that creative, Shutterfly offers a ‘Make It Fast’ option, which gets a designer to do it for you. This option will do all the groundwork, making the photo book in three business days for an extra simple and speedy process.
Whichever option you choose, you can add up to 1,000 photos and have up to 30 images on a page. The photos are generally of high quality but the odd print has been reported to be a bit off in terms of balance.
Shutterfly works with suppliers to reuse and recycle unique press waste used in printing, such as oil filters, ink canisters, and press components. It says that it donates excess materials to local non-profits where possible too.
Templates: 100+ | Theme options: Family | Baby | Wedding | Travel | Yearbook | Cover options: Glossy soft | Glossy hard | Hard | Paper options: Standard | Layflat | Lustre Silk Finish | Sizes: Landscape (4 options) | Square (3 options) | App: Yes | Sustainable Practice: No | Standard delivery: up to 11 days
Fun and simple to use software
Searchable content
Quick to make simple books
Print quality could be higher
In fifth place we’ve got Picaboo, which offers some great easy-to-use software with content that facilitates those creative needs. The ability to search through backgrounds and clipart is really useful - especially when there are so many options to choose from. However, the print quality isn’t as good as those photo book providers listed above, but it's still better than lots of others out there.
Picaboo has its fair share of themes to look through, including wedding, travel and baby. But if you make the wrong selection and aren’t happy with your photo book, the company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You just need to contact Picaboo within 30 days and you’ll be eligible for a refund. For more on this, check out Picaboo’s Satisfaction Guarantee.
The website is straightforward and easy to use, making it a great option if you want to start and finish your book as quickly as possible. That doesn’t mean the end product is compromised though. The project software allows full creativity, with nothing in the templates being fixed, so you can make the photo book exactly how you want it.
There's a dedicated special offers page on the Picaboo site that could save you money before checking out.
Themes: 10+ | Theme options: Festive | Tranquil Linen | Classic Love Story | Cover options: Hard | Soft | Paper options: Standard | Sizes: Landscape (2 options) | Square (2 options) | App: Yes | Sustainable practice: No | Standard delivery: 3-5 days
Great pricing
A brand you know
Not as many options as the specialists
Quality behind the best providers
You buy everything else from the retail giant, so why not your photo book as well? Well, Amazon Prints is a cheaper option when it comes to creating a personalized book but it doesn’t offer as many choices as some of our other top picks for the best photo book service.
If you are in a hurry, there are some pre-designed books to choose from and an autofill feature to make the process simple. However, if you do want to take a bit more time, the templates are fully customizable - adding, rotating, resizing and moving photos or changing backgrounds and adding clip art will make the photo book personal to you. But it has been reported that the interface can be a little tricky to get your head around at first.
Again the quality isn’t the best of the bunch, but for the price it isn’t a bad option. You can also make the most of the margin guidelines to make sure your photos don’t get obscured in the place you have put them. So if you’re not looking for anything fancy and don’t need loads of options, Amazon Prints could be worth a look.
Amazon is a retail giant so it's taking steps towards sustainability, aiming for net-zero carbon by 2040. However, we couldn’t find anything specific to the photo book process. To check out what it offers, head to - you guessed it - the photo prints section of Amazon.com.
Photo book FAQ
What is the best photo book of 2021?
Combining an interface that's really easy to use, pricing that won't break the bank and quality that won't disappoint, Mixbook is the best photo book provider of them all right now. It has hundreds of themes to choose from, with specialized designs for wedding snaps, holiday memories, baby keepsakes and more. You can customize them all as much or as little as you wish, to create the perfect photo book to keep or give to a loved one.
Who has the best quality photo books?
If your main priority is sheer quality - getting a photo book that really impresses but might cost a little more - then we'd heartily suggest that you take a look at Artifact Uprising's collection. The finish you get is a notch above what most of its competitors can offer, with special touches like foil embossments and walnut presentation boxes on offer, too. And the template designs themselves are genuinely handsome, too.
Sorry, we're going to completely sit on the fence on this one and say... it depends! If it's just cheap photo gifts that you have in mind, then keep the costs down by going for not much bigger than 8 x 8 inch. That's more than enough space to create an enduring keepsake.
But if you're after something more special, then crank things up. Taking things up to A4 or even A3 size means that you'll get larger (or more) photos to cherish and can turn your photo book into a stunning talking point to put on your coffee table.
Is Snapfish or Shutterfly better?
These are probably the two most well-known photo book providers in the US, and both offer a good product and plenty of customization options. There isn't much too choose between them - even their pricing is similar - but in a direct head-to-head, Snapfish has it by a nose. The quality of the finished product is more consistently better, in our view, and it's an absolute doddle to use.
Can I make a photo book on my phone?
We expect the majority of your photos are taken and stored on your phone - who can blame you, there’s some pretty good camera phones out there these days - so it only makes sense to make your photo book on your phone. The majority of companies have a smartphone app so you can do just that, including our favorite Mixbook.
Mixbook’s app allows you to access and edit any saved projects, upload photos directly from your phone and create a photo book from the palm of your hand. Not only does this mean you won’t have to transfer all your photos to your desktop, which can be a bit of a pain, but you can create a fully customized photo book from the palm of your hand.
Of course, there are some advantages to creating your photo book on your laptop instead of your phone. Some people might find the smaller screen of a smartphone harder to work on when rearranging photos or editing your images. If you prefer to work on a bigger screen so you can see more detail, you can always opt for the companies' website instead.
If you've never made your own photo book album before then it can look like a daunting task. The best photo book sites give you myriad options and features to tailor-make your ideal book and that can be overwhelming at first. But it doesn't have to be...here are some things to keep in mind if you need a bit of direction:
Keep it simple: You could spend hours and hours creating your perfect photo book, with the trimming and bordering of every page and photo custom designed and a different font for every occasion. Could. If you're new to photo book creation, we'd suggest starting with one of the hundreds of themes that each service provides. That way, you still get a beautiful book, but need only think about what photos you want where without having to get hung up on every last detail. Themes usually range through every event you can think of: Christmas, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, graduations, Bar Mitzvas... the list goes on!
Size matters: As with anything; the more you pay, the more expensive it becomes. And the price really can escalate, especially as your pages mount up. If you just want a keepsake of an event or holiday and are after something tangible rather than scrolling through your photos, then keeping it small can also keep the costs down. But if it's a special holiday you're commemorating, or perhaps a wedding or christening - a book that will live out on your coffee table - you may wish to crank up the size as a photo book can be a very special object to keep forever.
Matte, glossy or lustre: The finish of the pages are purely personal preference, but it can be tricky to decide. Glossy is usually the most affordable option and is most like a traditional photo album of old, so you can't really go wrong - it also makes your colorful snaps look even more vibrant. But going for Matte lends a certain air of luxury to the product and some services will make these pages thicker, too (which is reflected in the cost). If you need to hedge your bets, a few photo book sites will give an option somewhere in between called something like Lustre or Semi-Gloss.
Pimp your photo book: If you're a bit of a photo book pro (or have the time to be a bit more daring), then the likes of Mixbook and Snapfish have some frankly awesome customisation options. Every single detail is at your disposal, from the positions of the snaps, background detailing, front and back cover design and personalised text to accompany each and every photo.
Be careful of timings: In the age of Amazon Prime, we've got all too used to ordering something one day and it arriving the next. Not so with photo books. OK, so you can pay extra for expedited delivery, but generally you're looking at at least a week before your handsome photo book drops on to your door mat. So we seriously advise planning ahead, especially around peak times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
How long does it take to deliver a photo book?
In a world where we’ve become accustomed to next day delivery, or even same day in some cases, a seven working day wait might seem like a lifetime. However, these photo books are highly customizable, with each one being personal to you so they do take a little longer to be delivered - and by that we mean a few days, which really isn’t long at all!
Most services have a delivery time of around a week but you can expect a longer wait for some of the larger and more luxe photo books. Mixbook, for example, delivery ranges from 14 working days for the budget option to five days for express delivery but its standard is 10 working days. You can enter the size, paper and cover type you’re looking for and an estimated delivery date will be given to you on the Mixbook website.
What is the best photo book for a wedding album?
A photo book is a great way to treasure those wedding memories but with so many options, which company is the best to go for when documenting your special day?
As it’s your wedding you might be looking to splash out on something more premium. In that case, Artifact Uprising offers a hardcover wedding photo book or a wedding layflat photo album. The latter of which has a custom foil stamping on the cover, which gives an extra luxurious feel. However, these photo books aren't as customizable as some of the other options but they are a more prestigious offering.
For something at a more affordable price, Mixbook has over 60 Wedding book templates for you to choose from or you can start from scratch with a blank canvas book. Although these photo books come at a more affordable price, they’re still great quality and super customizable too.
The best indoor TV antennas are absolutely essential for anyone planning on cutting the cord. Buying an indoor TV antenna for your home is a cheap and easy way to get access to many free over-the-air channels in HD for no monthly fee.
The best TV antennas offer a portal into the world of sports, sitcoms, news, and more that are all on offer across America’s most popular TV networks – absolutely free with no extra costs. This fact is largely obscured by cable companies because they’re keen to sign you up for an expensive cable plan.
However, what you can get with a TV antenna isn’t without its limits. Over-the-air broadcasts offer fewer choices than any cable package out there and their quantity and quality will depend on how far away you are from broadcasters.
On the plus side, they're totally free and still usually carry many of the biggest sports events (the NFL on Sunday, the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup), as well as a solid selection of sitcoms, dramas and comedy shows from NBC, ABC, CBS and more.
So which is the best indoor antenna for your smart TV? That's exactly what we wanted to find out, so we’ve tested a whole range of them from different tech brands and put them to work. What you'll find below is our round-up of the best indoor TV antennas on the market in 2021. Keep checking back as we’ll be adding new antennas to this list.
Best indoor TV antennas 2021
Best indoor TV antennas: Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse 2 (Image credit: Andrew Hayward)
1. Antennas Direct ClearStream Eclipse 2
A pricier antenna, but potentially worth it
Range: 60+ miles | Amplified: Yes | Dimensions: 16.5 x 8.6 inches | Cable length: 15ft
Strong signal pull
Distinctive design
Long range
It's a pricier option
The ClearStream Eclipse 2 is similar to Amazon's thin, plastic antenna at its core, but this very distinctive figure-eight design is one of a kind. Whatever engineering Antennas Direct did to pin down this kind of design clearly worked, however, as this amplified long-range antenna does an excellent job of picking up channels.
It's rated for 60+ miles and consistently delivered strong reception while pulling in all of the channels we expected to see. It also comes with curved double-sided tape pads that sit on the upper and lower backs of the design, ensuring a snug fit to your wall. It's a pricey option at $70, but that's an investment in a quality product.
Best indoor TV antenna: Antop HD Smart Bar AT-500SBS (Image credit: Andrew Hayward)
2. Antop HD Smart Bar AT-500SBS
Huge and pricey, but plenty powerful
Range: 80 miles | Amplified: Yes | Dimensions: 30 x 8.1 x 3.9 inches | Cable length: 15ft
Maximum range
Can mount to wall or sit in stand
Bulky and hard to hide
Most expensive
If you live far from a broadcast source and/or you've had trouble with other antennas, the Antop HD Smart Bar (AT-500SBS) could solve your issues—if you're willing to pay a steep price and tolerate the very large size.
The Antop HD Smart Bar is a hard-plastic antenna that measures 2.5 feet wide and can be mounted on your wall like a soundbar, or you can use the included base stand to prop it up vertically. In any case, it's much more visible than nearly any other indoor antenna on the market, but the trade-off is a much longer promised range of 80 miles. It also has a 4G signal filter, an FM tuner, and the ability to connect to a second TV, plus the reception was excellent in our testing. However, with a $119 price tag, we recommend trying cheaper alternatives first to see if they'll meet your needs.
(Image credit: Andrew Hayward)
3. Antop HD Smart Antenna SBS-301
A feature-rich option for folks who want to spend a bit more
Range: 70 miles | Amplified: Yes | Dimensions: 17.6 x 8.9 inches | Cable length: 10ft
Extra perks
Long range
Still pretty expensive
Antop's HD Smart Antenna (SBS-301) keeps most of the perks as the Antop model above, but does so with a slimmer design and slightly lower price. It's a flat plastic design like Amazon's antenna, but actually looks like two of them merged together. You can stick it to a wall with the included Velcro pads or prop it up using the simple plastic stand. In our testing, it pulled fewer channels on the stand next to the TV than when it was mounted higher up on the wall.
This amplified antenna's range is slightly less than the Smart Bar at 70 miles, but it still has the 4G signal filter, FM tuner, and ability to connect to two TVs at once. The $89 price point is easier to stomach too, even if it's higher than all the other non-Antop antennas on this list. The signal looked great to us, but as with the Smart Bar above, this might be an option for those who are having reception issues using other antennas.
Best indoor TV antenna: Winegard FlatWave Amped FL5500A
4. Winegard FlatWave Amped FL5500A
Strong, amplified flat antenna for a bit more cash
Range: 50 miles | Amplified: Yes | Dimensions: 12 x 13 inches | Cable length: 18.5ft
50-mile range
Easy to set up
Pricier than Amazon model
Winegard's amplified FlatWave FL5500A antenna checks all of the same boxes as the AmazonBasics model listed above. It offers a 50-mile range, is flat and nearly paper-thin with black and white sides, and delivers a strong 1080p signal. In our testing, it found just over 50 channels in both locations. We have no complaints about the device itself.
Really, our only issue that the FlatWave FL5500A costs more than double the price of the AmazonBasics 50-mile option, and truth be told, we couldn't tell a difference between them in use. They are nearly identical across the board, but based on current pricing, you'll save more than $25 with Amazon's model. It's great, but there's no clear reason to pay extra that we could see.
Mohu Blade Indoor/Outdoor Bar Antenna placed on a wooden table
5. Mohu Blade Indoor/Outdoor Bar Antenna
Sleek and appealing, but frustratingly finicky
Range: 40 miles | Amplified: Yes | Dimensions: 18 x 5 x 0.7 inches | Cable length: 10ft
Very attractive antenna
Frustrating setup
Found fewer channels
Mohu's new Blade antenna is a one-of-a-kind – instead of a floppy sheet, it's a thicker, rectangular plastic panel that you might not be compelled to hide. You could mount it on the wall below the TV like a soundbar, or there's a little attachable kickstand if you'd rather put it on a TV stand. In any case, it's stylish in a way that most antennas simply don't strive to be. And if you want, you can mount it in an attic or even outside.
But that style comes with frustrations. We struggled mightily to attach a coaxial cable or 90-degree coaxial adapter to the back of the antenna, because its coaxial connector is wedged so tight to the backing. Ultimately, we used a screwdriver to remove the spongey support ring on the back to give our hands a bit more room, and then had to use pliers to tighten the adapter because it wouldn't budge using our fingers. It was a real pain.
Once it was finally up and running, we searched multiple times and found fewer channels with the ground-floor TV – just 44 max, compared to 50+ with the others. None of the omissions were crucial, but it was still a difference. Upstairs, we had to play around with the location before hitting the same 50+ mark as the other antennas. The Blade is sleek and stylish, but the smaller size brings a couple of frustrations along with it.
(Image credit: Andrew Hayward)
6. Clear TV HDTV Antenna
A cheap and compact antenna with inconsistent results
Range: 35 miles | Amplified: No | Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 1 inches | Cable length: 6.5ft
Compact size
Very affordable
Inconsistent performance
Found fewer channels
The Clear TV HDTV Antenna reimagines the classic design as a USB stick-sized antenna with extendable rabbit ears. It's small, it's simple, and it's incredibly cheap (we picked ours up from Walmart for a mere $10). But if you're thinking that a design like this is too good to be true, then you're on to something: While we experienced good reception in one location that we've used to test many antennas, we struggled to pull as many channels or as consistent of reception in another area that has been fine with larger, more powerful rivals.
We saw very different results on two floors of a house about 15 miles north of downtown Chicago. On the top floor, the antenna performed similarly to many others that we have tested in the location, picking up 55 channels and providing strong reception on most of them. We tested the antenna both directly behind the TV and a couple feet away from it on the same surface, and the results were similar in both instances.
Downstairs in the living room, the Clear TV was much less successful. We ran multiple channel scans with the antenna behind the TV, both resting on the stand and on the back of the set itself, and only pulled in about 20 channels. Those channels looked clear and were stable, but it was a fraction of what we had pulled one floor higher.
If you have experienced troubles with interference or live farther away from a source, then you'll probably want to invest in something more powerful.
That depends! TV antennas receive content rather differently than the Wi-Fi or Ethernet enabled streaming apps on most smart TVs these days. An antenna picks up broadcast signals from local channels, such as local news – or national programming from local broadcasting stations.
Anything you get over your TV antenna in the US is free, too, so if you don't want to cough up for a Netflix subscription – or if your internet connection isn't super reliable – it may be a good shout. Keep in mind though that many smart TVs also offer free TV, as with Roku TV Channels or Samsung TV Plus.
Do I need an HD or 4K antenna?
There's technically no such thing as an HD or 4K antenna – so you don't necessarily need an upgraded model to make the most of improved broadcast quality over the past few years.
Best indoor TV antennas: how we tested
For this piece, we tested indoor antennas that remain near your TV, both standard antennas that connect solely via coaxial cable, and amplified ones that add a USB connection or must be plugged into a wall outlet for a powered-up range boost.
We tested several current indoor TV antennas from the top makers in the business, watching to see how many channels each antenna could find, how easy it was to set up, how crisp the signal looked, the style and size of the device, and the price and overall value.
Our testing environment was a two-story house just outside of Chicago, less than 15 miles from downtown. Each antenna was tested on two televisions: one on the first floor, and another upstairs on the second floor.
Even if modern antennas are more reliable than the old versions, they can still be fickle: your distance from broadcast towers is important, but so too is where you place the antenna, where you are in your home, and what's around it. Your experience may vary to ours, as a result, and you may need to experiment with location to yield the most channels to watch.
These are the best indoor TV antennas that we've tested so far, and we'll be adding more to the list once we try more models.
The MacBook Air (2022) is highly anticipated and it’s no surprise considering that the current model tops both our best laptop and best Apple laptop guides. The current Air is, of course, one of the most popular offerings from Apple and, despite its premium ultrabook feel, is the company’s most reasonably priced laptop out there, making it particularly attractive to both students and professionals.
The MacBook Air currently available comes with Apple’s own SoC or system on a chip that combines the CPU with the GPU and other integral components for a powerful 8-cores of performance. And, though the design hasn’t changed since 2018, that M1 chip means that the Air works 3.5 times faster in terms of CPU performance and 5 times faster in terms of GPU performance over the prior Intel-powered MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air 2022 will most likely keep that silent, fanless design and excellent battery life, which is already the longest in an Apple laptop, even if Apple doesn’t make any adjustments. But we’re expecting some improvements, particularly in the Air’s design, with the 2022 model. Rumors abound of a complete redesign including a plethora of colors to choose from, similarly to the classic Mac-inspired ones that you can pick for the 2021 iMac and 4th generation iPad Air.
The current webcam remains at 720p despite 1080 resolutions for broadcasting cameras being the standard for some time now (with the new iMac also featuring an improved full HD webcam), and the M1-powered MacBook Air was actually a step back regarding connecting to additional displays as you can only run one external monitor with the current model. For context, the last Intel-based MacBook Air could run two 4K external monitors, so we might see this feature return, especially since the newest iMacs and MacBook Pros all sport 1080p webcams.
MacBook Air (2022): Cut to the chase
What is it? The new MacBook Air (2022)
When is it out? Likely Q3-Q4 of 2021
What will it cost? Unknown, but likely similar to current pricing (starting at $999/£999)
MacBook Air (2022): release date and price
(Image credit: Jon Prosser)
We’ve been anticipating some official news on the MacBook Air (2022) for a long time now, even expecting something back during the iPhone reveal event on September 14. While Apple stayed silent on the MacBook Air during its subsequent event on 18 October as well, rumors suggest it could appear as soon as May of 2022.
The latest 24-inch iMac was only released back in May 2021, and given that featured the same M1 SoC as the first wave of Apple silicon, it's anyone's guess as to if this latest MacBook Air will offer the very same M1 with a complete design update, will sport one of the new chips unveiled with the new MacBook Pros, or have an all-new M2 chip.
The current MacBook Air model is also still relatively new at just under a year old, so while we did expect new laptops to be announced on October 18, it ended up being the highly anticipated MacBook Pro 14-inch and MacBook Pro 16-inch, which means the new MacBook Air announcement will be bumped into 2022.
In fact, given that these two new MacBook Pro models contain souped-up versions of the M1 chip (the M1 Pro and M1 Max), it's unlikely that the 2022 MacBook Air would launch with the same, ultra-powerful Soc during the same release window.
There's no official murmurings on price yet, but we anticipate the new MacBook Air will start at $999 / £999, just like the current model.
MacBook Air (2022): design
(Image credit: Jon Prosser / RendesByIan)
Regardless of when the new MacBook Air arrives, there's been plenty of leaks and speculation regarding its new design to make it worth the wait. We anticipated back in April that the MacBook Air is overdue for its own colorful redesign following the release of the 24-inch iMac during the Spring Loaded event, when the new models took inspiration from some classic, colorful Mac designs.
According to renders provided by Prosser, these new MacBook Air laptops could also feature white keycaps, larger function keys, and a slightly smaller trackpad. The chassis is also noticeably slimmer and 'boxier', doing away with the current sloped edges and instead opting for a very modern, blunt edge. With these rumors all collated, it would seem this anticipated redesign will be the thinnest, lightest MacBook Air to date.
Now that the rumors have been proven true with the return of MagSafe charging on the two newest MacBook Pros, we also anticipate that the 2022 MacBook Air will feature a Mini-LED display, something not only suggested by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo but a couple other sources
As well.
MacBook Air (2022): leaks and rumors
(Image credit: Jon Prosser / RendesByIan)
A thinner design suggests that the MacBook Air (2022) will include some variant of the Apple M1 SoC, though it's unclear right now if this will be the same M1 chip featured in the current MacBook Air, or a new all-in-one M2 SoC.
Just wanted to share some details on when to expect the next generation M2 (not the M1X which is reserved for the Pro Mac devices). This processor is on track to release in the first half of 2022 alongside the upcoming colorful Macbook (Air).July 5, 2021
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Outside of the chip itself, it's likely that Apple will keep many of the other specifications the same as the current model. This is the 'budget' laptop option after all, so any boost to power could push the price higher and eat into the market for the MacBook Pro.
This means you'll see a choice between 8GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of SSD, alongside established features like the Magic Keyboard, and Touch ID. We're also anticipating thinner bezels, a 13-inch display (as is currently the standard), and an improved 1080p webcam. Updated webcam tech was featured on the 2021 iMac, with Apple claiming this to be the “best camera ever in a Mac”, so we'd be surprised if this isn't extended across the entire range of MacBook devices given how dire the current 720p webcam performance is.
While the number of ports on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) ended up expanding quite a bit, the same might not happen on the MacBook Air (2021), which will likely remain at two ports.
