Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Philo Review: Budget Live TV Streamer Has a Lot to Offer but Misses Key Channels - CNET

Philo costs much less than its competitors, but its channel lineup might not appease cord cutters.

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Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Best M.2 SSD for PS5 in 2023 - CNET

We tested the best M.2 solid-state drives for the PlayStation 5. Here are our top picks.

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June SSDI Check: Here's When You'll Get Your Money - CNET

Waiting on this month's disability insurance checks to arrive? Here's when you could get yours.

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Latest Tech News

Spotify returns to its roots as the streaming service is redesigning its desktop app to more closely align with the mobile version.

You may read that and immediately think Spotify is ruining the desktop experience. The March redesign of the smartphone app drew a lot of ire from some users. But don’t worry, the desktop redesign is only changing a couple of things to help with organization – no TikTok-style feed anywhere. 

First, Your Library will have a new home on the left-hand side of the desktop window for quick access to “music and podcast collections.” Spotify states the new location will help users save time by making it easier to switch between playlists, plus it offers a “better overview" of said collections. Saved content can be displayed in the standard list view or you can switch to a grid arrangement if you want bigger thumbnails. The desktop app also allows people to create folders where they can store multiple playlists.

On the right side is the revamped Now Playing view which will now display more information beyond pointing out what you’re listening to. It adds listings for upcoming tour dates as well as merch you can purchase from your favorite artists. For some podcasts, Spotify will offer transcripts so people can follow along as they listen. The company doesn’t state which podcasts will have the transcript, although we did ask. This story will be updated if we hear back. 

Availability

Besides the two, Spotify is moving the Friend Activity feed to the friends icon, which sits next to your profile picture in the top-right corner of the main screen. This update is currently making its way to all desktop users across the globe so keep an eye out for the patch once it reaches you. 

With most Spotify stories, we tend to ask, “When will high-fidelity audio launch on the platform?” It’s been two years since the original tease. Well, as it turns out, we may not have to wait very long as a recent Bloomberg report states hi-res audio will be a part of a new subscription tier releasing later this year.

Be sure to check out TechRadar’s coverage on the latest Spotify HiFi news. And while you’re at it, read up on our list of the best headphones for 2023. You may need a new pair for the launch. 



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Monday, June 19, 2023

7 Stargazing Apps for Spotting Constellations and More - CNET

These astronomical maps will help you spot planets, stars and constellations in the night sky.

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Best Solar Companies of June 2023 - CNET

Solar companies offer different solar panels, inverters, batteries, warranties and service. See how they compare and which we crowned the best solar company.

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The Best Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023: Tacx Wahoo Saris and More Compared - CNET

Step up your cycling game without leaving the house. These are the best indoor bike trainers around.

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Latest Tech News

TOPDON, a leading provider of automotive diagnostic solutions, has launched its latest product, TopScan. Designed to meet the needs of both automotive DIYers and professional technicians, TopScan revolutionizes the way car diagnostics are performed. It’s a powerful and versatile diagnostic tool that offers an array of features and benefits for car enthusiasts and technicians alike, and thanks to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive functions, it enables users to diagnose and solve vehicle problems with ease. 

One of the key features of TopScan is its extensive Repair Data Library, which provides a wealth of maintenance knowledge and guidance. For beginners, the OBD2 DTC Repair Guide offers clear explanations of fault codes and step-by-step repair instructions. Additionally, technicians can access original technical service bulletins specific to each vehicle, ensuring accurate and efficient diagnostics. TopScan's unique advantage lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of users. 

For car DIYers, the Lite Version, priced at $59.99, provides an affordable entry point with the option to upgrade to the Pro Version or purchase professional-level features such as IMMO for secure immobilizer features for your vehicle. Professional technicians can benefit from the advanced capabilities of the Pro Version, available at $99. 

TopScan has undergone an extensive testing and optimization phase, involving seven months of rigorous evaluation and feedback from over 1,000 beta testers. This meticulous process ensures that the product has been thoroughly validated and refined to deliver the best performance and user experience. The valuable insights and suggestions provided by the dedicated beta testing community have played a pivotal role in shaping the final version of TopScan. 

"We are excited to introduce the TopScan to car enthusiasts and technicians worldwide," said Mike Zhou, CEO of TOPDON. "Our goal is to make automotive repair easier and more accessible for everyone, and our TopScan tool embodies that vision. Whether you're a DIYer or a professional, TopScan has the abilities you need to diagnose and repair vehicles effectively." 

Additional features

In addition to its comprehensive diagnostic functions, TopScan offers a range of other benefits:

  • Bi-directional Control: Access vehicle-specific subsystems and component parts to analyze and locate faults accurately.
  • 8 Reset Functions: Perform commonly-used reset functions, including Oil Reset, Throttle Adaptation, EPB Reset, Steering Angle Reset, DPF Regeneration, ABS Bleeding, BMS Reset, and Airbag Resets.
  • Full Systems Diagnosis for 60+ Brands: Scan all vehicle systems, including engine, transmission, airbag, ABS, ESP, TPMS, immobilizer, gateway, steering, radio, and air conditioning.
  • Diagnostic Reports: Generate comprehensive diagnostic reports to track repairs and monitor the effectiveness of fault code resolutions.
  • AutoVIN & AutoScan: Streamline the diagnostic process with automatic vehicle identification and system detection.
  • Powerful, yet pocket-sized: Compact and lightweight, TopScan is designed for both home garage projects and professional jobs on the go.
  • Multilingual support: Available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and Italian.
  • Performance test: Conduct vehicle performance tests and record acceleration data accurately.
  • Get All the OBD2 Data: Access crucial information on various vehicles with full OBD2 functionalities.

As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, TOPDON offers extensive customer support and a user-friendly experience. 

TOPDON is a leading provider of automotive diagnostic solutions dedicated to making automotive repair easier and more enjoyable. With a focus on persistence, passion, and professionalism, Topdon offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic tools and services, supporting clients from problem identification to resolution.

With TopScan, users can expect reliable and accurate diagnostics to enhance their automotive repair journeys. For more information about TopScan and other TOPDON products, visit www.topdon.com.



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Which OTC Hearing Aid Has the Best Value? We Do the Math - CNET

With the many OTC hearing aids now on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose which will suit your needs best.

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Sunday, June 18, 2023

Latest Tech News

It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints, plus the answers for both the main game and the Daily Sequence spin off. 

Quordle is the only one of the many Wordle clones that I'm still playing now, around 18 months after the daily-word-game craze hit the internet, and with good reason: it's good fun, but also difficult.

What's more, its makers (now the online dictionary Merriam-Webster) are also keeping it fresh in the form of a new variant called the Daily Sequence, which sees you complete four puzzles consecutively, rather than concurrently. 

But Quordle is tough, so if you already find yourself searching for Wordle hints, you'll probably need some for this game too. 

I'm a Quordle and Wordle fanatic who's been playing since December 2021, so I can definitely help you solve Quordle today and improve your game for tomorrow. Read on for my Quordle hints to game #511 and the answers to the main game and Daily Sequence. 

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too). 

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #2 - total vowels

What is the total number of vowels in Quordle today?

The total number of vowels across today's Quordle answers is 8.

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #3 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #4 - total letters

How many different letters are used in Quordle today?

The total number of different letters used in Quordle today is 12.

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #5 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #6 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #511) - hint #7 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• H

• L

• G

• P

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #511) - the answers

Quordle answers for game 511 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #511, are…

  • HORDE
  • LOSER
  • GUSTO
  • PRONE

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.


Daily Sequence today (game #511) - the answers

Quordle Daily Sequence answers for game 511 on a yellow background

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #511, are…

  • OCEAN
  • LOWER
  • PAPER
  • GAUDY

Quordle answers: The past 20

  • Quordle #510, Sunday 18 June: SHORN, FRIAR, THREE, UNTIE
  • Quordle #509, Saturday 17 June: JUROR, BUSED, SAPPY, VYING
  • Quordle #508, Friday 16 June: PASTA, RABID, UNFIT, CURLY
  • Quordle #507, Thursday 15 June: COBRA, CORNY, MINCE, CHILI
  • Quordle #506, Wednesday 14 June: LIBEL, SAVVY, VAULT, TROLL
  • Quordle #505, Tuesday 13 June: LOWLY, CORAL, PLANK, AMISS
  • Quordle #504, Monday 12 June: STAMP, BONEY, TRACE, CLOVE
  • Quordle #503, Sunday 11 June: QUACK, SCALP, DRIER, FOLLY
  • Quordle #502, Saturday 10 June: WRUNG, TROLL, TAKER, ELATE
  • Quordle #501, Friday 9 June: HAZEL, REACT, SPOKE, CHART
  • Quordle #500, Thursday 8 June: TRAWL, CRUDE, BRAVE, FURRY
  • Quordle #499, Wednesday 7 June: QUELL, GUISE, UNDUE, PALER
  • Quordle #498, Tuesday 6 June: BRICK, TIGHT, SHOWY, ARDOR
  • Quordle #497, Monday 5 June: STUNG, SHAPE, QUAIL, BLURT
  • Quordle #496, Sunday 4 June: GUILT, BIRTH, QUOTH, EVADE
  • Quordle #495, Saturday 3 June: BOOZE, ASKEW, REUSE, PAYEE
  • Quordle #494, Friday 2 June: FLYER, CHIME, VALID, LUMEN
  • Quordle #493, Thursday 1 June: BLAST, SKULL, VAUNT, LIEGE
  • Quordle #492, Wednesday 31 May: APRON, UNDER, ALIKE, FRUIT
  • Quordle #491, Tuesday 30 May: CADET, RIPEN, BREAD, CREED
  • Quordle #490, Monday 29 May: ANNOY, ELECT, STALE, TURBO
  • Quordle #489, Sunday 28 May: GULLY, RISEN, CHAFE, CHEAT

Quordle FAQs: Everything you need to know

What is Quordle?

Where Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day, Quordle presents you with four puzzles to solve. And rather than complete them in turn, you do so simultaneously. You get nine guesses, rather than the six for Wordle, but the rules are otherwise very similar. 

It's played online via the Quordle website and you can also get to it via the Merriam-Webster site, after the dictionary purchased Quordle last year

As with Wordle, the answers are the same for every player each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world. And also as with Wordle, the puzzle resets at midnight so you have a fresh challenge each day.

The website also includes a practice mode - which I definitely recommend using before attempting the game proper! - and there are daily stats including a streak count. You also get Quordle Achievements - specific badges for winning a game in a certain number of turns, playing lots of times, or guessing particularly hard words.

Oh, and it's difficult. Really difficult.

What are the Quordle rules?

The rules of Quordle are almost identical to those of Wordle.

1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.

2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow. 

3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray…

4. …BUT the word you guess appears in all quadrants of the puzzle at the same time, so an A could turn green in one square, yellow in another and gray in the final two. 

5. Answers are never plural.

6. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.

7. Each guess must be a valid word in Quordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.

8. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses and there is no equivalent of Wordle's Hard mode.

9. You have nine guesses to find the Quordle answers.

10. You must complete the daily Quordle before midnight in your timezone.

What is a good Quordle strategy?

Quordle needs to be approached in a different way to Wordle. With four puzzles to solve in nine guesses, you can't blindly throw letters at it and expect to win - you'll stand a far better chance if you think strategically.

That's the case in Wordle too, of course, but it's even more important in Quordle.

There are two key things to remember. 

1. Use several starting words

Firstly, you won't want just a single starting word, but almost certainly two or three starting words. 

The first of these should probably be one of the best Wordle starting words, because the same things that make them work well will apply here too. But after that, you should select another word or possibly two that use up lots more of the most common consonants and that include any remaining vowels.

For instance, I currently use STARE > DOILY > PUNCH. Between them, these three words use 15 of the 26 letters in the alphabet including all five vowels, Y, and nine of the most common consonants (S, T, R, D, L, P, N, C and H). There are plenty of other options - you might want to get an M, B, F or G in there instead of the H, maybe - but something like that should do the trick.

If all goes well, that will give you a good lead on what one or sometimes two of the answers might be. If not, well good luck!

2. Narrow things down

Secondly, if you're faced with a word where the answer might easily be one of several options - for instance -ATCH, where it could be MATCH, BATCH, LATCH, CATCH, WATCH, HATCH or PATCH - you'll definitely want to guess a word that would narrow down those options. 

In Wordle, you can instead try several of those in succession and hope one is right, assuming you have enough guesses left. It's risky, but will sometimes work. Plus, it's the only option in Hard mode. But in Quordle, this will almost certainly result in a failure - you simply don't have enough guesses.

In the scenario above, CLAMP would be a great guess, as it could point the way to four of the seven words in one go.



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Best Headphone and Earbuds Deals - CNET

Looking for the best deals on headphones or earbuds? We've rounded up our top picks for the best offers and have listed others to keep an eye on.

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About 1 in 3 Adults Exposed to Risky Levels of Noise Apple Study Finds - CNET

According to a study Apple conducted using data from its smartwatch, many adults are exposed to excess noise, which can lead to hearing loss and more.

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Amazon and Best Buy Knock Up to 50% Off Already Affordable Motorola Phones - CNET

Motorola makes some of our favorite budget-friendly phones in 2023, and right now you can snag one for as much as $500 off the usual price.

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Saturday, June 17, 2023

Latest Tech News

Netflix has officially unveiled the first teasers for its live-action takes on One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The incredibly popular franchises are the latest manga and anime to get the live-action treatment at Netflix. And, while the world's best streaming service doesn't have the best record with adapting hugely successful Japanese franchises (Cowboy Bebop, we're looking at you), it'll hope this duo will fare far better when they're released.

Speaking of release dates and windows, Netflix confirmed when One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender (two of the best anime, in our view) would debut on its streaming platform. One Piece will sail onto Netflix on August 31, 2023, while its live-action spin on Michael Dante DiMartino's Avatar franchise will join the service sometime in 2024.

That's not all, either. At Tudum 2023, the latest installment of Netflix's annual global fan event, the streaming giant unveiled the first footage for its One Piece adaptation. Take a look at the trailer below:

Netflix also released a 30-second teaser for Avatar: The Last Airbender. However, unlike its anime cousin, Avatar's trailer doesn't contain major footage from the forthcoming TV series. Instead, it simply teases the symbols of the anime's four elements-based tribes – those being earth, wind, fire, and water. You can view that teaser below, too:

For the uninitiated: One Piece is one of Japan's highest-selling manga series of all-time. Originally created by Eiichiro Oda in July 1997, it tells the tale of Monkey D Luffy, a young adventurer who dreams of becoming King of the Pirates. Setting off on a perilous journey from his tiny, island home, Luffy embarks on an epic adventure – with his newly-formed crew and seafaring ship in tow – to find a legendary treasure and earn the title he's craved for so long.

Meanwhile, Avatar: The Last Airbender was originally an animated fantasy TV show, developed by DiMartino and Bryan Konietzo in February 2005, for Nickleodeon. Set in an Asiatic world where people can telekinetically manipulate the elements, it largely follows a boy named Aang, the last survivor of the Air Nomads, who embarks on a quest alongside his friends – Katara, Sokka, and Toph – to end the Fire Nation's war against the other tribes.

It's unclear if either or both TV adaptations will make it onto our best Netflix shows once they're released. After all, we had high hopes for Cowboy Bebop's live-action series in late 2021, only for Arcane – an animated Netflix series set in the world of League of Legends – ended up becoming Netflix's new TV darling at the time instead. With little in the way of positive reviews, and a lack of support from fans (casual and diehards alike), Netflix cancelled its Cowboy Bebop TV series after one season. Here's hoping One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender can perform better.

For more Netflix coverage, find out how to sign up to Netflix or read our best Netflix movies hub. Additionally, check out more of our Tudum 2023 articles, including the first extended sequence from The Witcher season 3 and a first teaser for the new mind-boggling sci-fi show from Game of Thrones' TV show creators.



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Latest Tech News

Netflix has revealed the release month and first trailer for 3 Body Problem, a mind-boggling new sci-fi series from the creators of Game of Thrones' TV adaptation.

Announced as part of Netflix's Tudum 2023 celebrations, the first Netflix series from D.B. Weiss and David Benioff promises to be a mind-altering experience for anyone looking for a wholly unique show to watch in early 2024.

The 90-second teaser, which can watch below, provides a tiny glimpse at the Inception-style, epic story that's set to play out in 3 Body Problem. And, if it's half as good as it looks, we might have a new contender to add to our best Netflix shows list when it debuts next January.

Based on Cixin Liu's ground-breaking book series of the same name, 3 Body Problem is the first TV venture from Benioff and Weiss since Game of Thrones' divisive final episode aired on HBO and Sky in May 2019. The duo, who dropped out of directing a new Star Wars trilogy in October of that year, signed an exclusive, multi-year movie and TV deal with Netflix (thought to be worth $200 million apiece) in August 2019, too. This, then, is their first in-house project for the world's best streaming service.

Okay, so what is 3 Body Problem about? We're glad you asked. In a press release, Netflix revealed a bit more about what fans can expect from its awe-inspiring, decades-spanning, time-traveling narrative.

"A young woman’s fateful decision in 1960s China reverberates across space and time to a group of brilliant scientists in the present day," the synopsis teases. "As the laws of nature unravel before their eyes, five former colleagues reunite to confront the greatest threat in humanity’s history."

Jess Hong (Inked), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange 2), John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Eiza Gonzalez (Extrapolations), Jovan Adepo (Sorry For Your Loss), Alex Sharp (Trial of the Chicago 7), Jonathan Pryce (The Crown), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), and Rosalind Chao (Mulan) are among 3 Body Problem's star-studded ensemble cast. Production only released wrapped on its production, hence why the show won't meet its reported late 2023 launch date.

Benioff and Weiss serve as showrunners and executive producers on the series alongside Alexander Woo (True Blood). Rian Johnson (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Star Wars: The Last Jedi), Bernadette Caulfield (Game of Thrones), Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Rosamund Pike (The Wheel of Time), and Lin Qi (San Ti) are five of the show's many, many producers.

3 Body Problem will consist of eight, one-hour episodes, though it's unclear if they'll all drop on the same date or if they'll come in two parts. Either way, be sure to look out for 3 Body Problem when it officially debuts on Netflix in January 2024.

For more Netflix coverage, find out how to sign up to Netflix. Alternatively, read up on the best Netflix movies, best Netflix documentaries, and new Netflix movies on the service.



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Heat Domes and Surging Grid Demand Threaten US Power Grids with Blackouts

A new report shows a sharp increase in peak electricity demand, leading to blackout concerns in multiple states. Here's how experts say ...