Showing posts with label Help and Android Wallpapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Help and Android Wallpapers. Show all posts

Sunday, 19 January 2020

These Android phones are under $100 and well worth your money

Not everybody needs to spend upwards of a thousand dollars on their phone just to get by, especially those on prepaid carriers looking to cut down on spending wherever possible. Luckily, phones at all price ranges have gotten great lately, and that holds especially true in the budget category. It was previously a wasteland of near-unusable devices, but now you can get a shockingly good and reliable phone these days for under a Benjamin.

Best unlocked phone

Ulefone Note 7

Staff pick

Kicking off this list is our top overall pick — the Ulefone Note 7. As far as smartphones in this price range go, the Note 7 is one of the best. It brings a lot to the table, including a 6.1-inch display, three rear cameras, and a 3,500 mAh battery. Android 9 is available right out of the box, along with support for expandable storage. So long as you're on a GSM carrier, the Note 7 is perfect.

$80 at Amazon

Runner-up unlocked

Nokia 5

The Nokia 5 is an older unlocked phone that's still worth buying, with a completely barebones version of Android 9 Pie, great build quality, and a quad-core processor. It's unlocked to work on any GSM carrier, but CDMA shoppers will want to look elsewhere. One of the biggest downsides is the lack of a fingerprint sensor, but for the price, it's a pretty great value.

$89 at Amazon

Best on Verizon

Moto E5 Play

The Moto E5 Play isn't quite as up to date as Motorola's newer lineup, but it still features a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of expandable storage. The included Moto app allows for some software conveniences that other phones in its price range lack, like the ever-useful Moto Display. So long as you can overlook the huge bezels, the E5 Play is a solid purchase.

$80 at Verizon

Best on Cricket Wireless (AT&T)

Moto G7 Supra

AT&T's Cricket sub-brand has a great selection, including the Moto G7 Supra. This is just a rebranding of the Moto G7 Power, meaning the phone has a 6.2-inch HD+ display, 1.8Ghz octa-core processor, and a downright massive 5,000 mAh battery that should get you up to three days of use on one charge. There's also a fingerprint sensor and expandable storage!

$100 at Cricket

Best on Metro by T-Mobile

LG Q7 Plus

The Q7 Plus is one of the best deals on Metro. It typically costs more than a hundred bucks, but if you switch from another carrier, you can get it well below that price. For your money, you're getting a phone with a 5.5-inch Full HD+ display, IP68 dust/water resistance, a quad DAC headphone jack, and expandable storage. And, yes, there's a fingerprint sensor.

$50 at Metro

Best on Boost Mobile (Sprint)

Samsung Galaxy A10e

Who says budget phones have to look like they're from five years in the past? The Galaxy A10e features impressively slim bezels with a teardrop notch housing the front camera, and it runs modern Android 9 Pie software. The 3,000mAh battery charges over USB-C and the 32GB of internal storage can be expanded by up to 512GB with a microSD card.

$90 at Boost

Great phones don't have to be expensive

You might not think that $100 can buy you much in the smartphone world, but if you know where to look, it's possible to find some shockingly great handsets at or below this price — a prime example being the Ulefone Note 7.

The Note 7 doesn't look the part of a $100 smartphone, showcasing a display with slim bezels and a waterdrop notch, not to mention its triple-camera system on the back. Internally, the phone's rocking a quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 3,500 mAh battery, and Android 9. If you have a GSM carrier like AT&T or T-Mobile, this is a solid way to go.

There are also a lot of good deals offered by prepaid wireless providers, such as the Samsung Galaxy A10e on Boost Mobile. This is one of the best budget phones on the market right now, offering things like 32GB of expandable storage, 2GB of RAM, USB-C for charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.



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Get ready for the worst kind of 2010s throwback: long, horrible phone names

Of all the trends from the early 2010s we could resurrect, why did have to be these abominable phone names?!

My very first Android phone was a Samsung Captivate Glide. I called it Soarin. I had to; calling it the Captivate Glide just felt ridiculous. The Samsung Captivate Glide was the QWERTY Keyboard variant of the Samsung Galaxy S II. The Glide was the follow-up to the Samsung Captivate, the AT&T-tailored version of the original Galaxy S, which had over a dozen different named variants in in the US alone. It was the dawning of a new era for Android — and for stupid-ass phone names.

The Captivate Glide is actually on the tame end of the spectrum if we look back over the last decade of Android phone naming. The Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G. The T-Mobile MyTouch 4G Slide. The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro. The Acer Liquid Zest Plus. The Casio G'zOne Commando...

And now, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, because somehow in the last 10 years, Samsung hasn't found a better way to name a slab of silicon, glass, and metal.

There's a lot to be excited about in 2020 when it comes to smartphones. After a few years of stagnation and relative uniformity, things are about to get inventive and fresh and weird. We've got folding phones! We've got (mainstream) 5G phones! We've got circular phones! Cool, great, but for the love of all that is sane and logical in this world, could we maybe rein it in with the naming in 2020?

Your phone name should get 3 words, 50 characters maximum.

Once upon a time, Motorola did something bold, daring, and sane: they simplified their smartphone portfolio down to three lines: The Moto X, the Moto G, and the Moto E — Droids don't count since those are carrier contractual obligations. They cut down the clutter and made it easy for buyers to figure out which of their phones they wanted. This worked amazingly well, with the Moto G becoming one of the most popular phone brands in Central and South America. But then Lenovo wanted to have its cake and eat it, too, so the Moto G line split into two models, then three, then four.

Brand marketers want phone names to be instantly recognizable and associated with its successful predecessors. And so when a model splits, we end up with the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy S20+. And then when the models split again between 4G and 5G, we get the Galaxy S20 5G and the Galaxy S20+ 5G. And then they decide the want to Gigantamax a phone, so that one has to still be a Galaxy S20 5G, but it needs to have a modifier that's even cooler than Plus. Better than Plus....

Go beyond! Plus Ultra!

Hey, that'll work. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G!

Let's give another example: we now think there's going to be three versions of the Pixel 4a. Last year we had the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, so we'll now have the Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel 4a XL, plus an extra 5G model that will presumably be called the Google Pixel 4a XL 5G. It's the logical assumption, it follows the easy pattern and makes it easy for buyers to tell where it falls in the Pixel 4a lineup...

You can do better Google, Samsung, and Motorola, and please, in this new decade, let's try something new with the names: each phone gets 3 words and 50 characters maximum, including the company name. 3 words basically rules out tacking on "5G" at the end, and can hopefully encourage some newer, more useful series names you could adopt instead.

In other news this week....

  • I agree with Jerry about Google's incentive to get Steam working properly on Chrome OS, and Valve's incentive to get Steam into more living rooms with Chromeboxes.
  • Andrew Martonik is utterly wrong about notification sounds and can sit there in his wrongness and get used to it. Cute/nerdy/cool notification tones are great, and you will pry them from my cold, dead hands!!! For a lot of people, and especially a lot of women, we don't in fact keep our phone on our person at all times; they don't fit in our front pockets! So they're on the table, or buried in our purse, on propped up on a wireless stand/throne, and that notification tone is very important.
  • However the EU's attempt to standardize chargers on mobile devices shakes out, my goal for 2020 is to not only buy absolutely nothing that still charges with micro-USB, but to recommend to you fine folks only gear that can charge via USB-C. My phones, laptops, power banks, and headphones all charge via USB-C and with the exception of my OnePlus 6T and my Bludio headphones, everything can charge off the same 45W Power Delivery charger in my living room and at my standing desk.

See you in a few weeks, and as a reminder boys, Valentine's is three weeks away and nothing says love like a cute, useful accessory like a PopSocket or a heart red USB-C cable!



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5 useful gadgets to improve your health and wellness in 2020

In 2020, we're celebrating both a new year and a new decade, so there's no better time to adopt a healthy lifestyle and future than now. In fact, we have five great deals on gadgets that will help you improve your health and wellness this year.

UPRIGHT GO 2: Perfect Your Posture Training Device

Excellent posture not only makes you look better, but it also maintains good core and back health. With the UPRIGHT GO 2, you'll be alerted immediately when you break proper posture, allowing your body to get used to sitting and standing upright all day. The companion app will also give you a personalized posture plan to help you track your progress over time.

MSRP: $99.95

Sale Price: $89

Smart Nora: Revolutionary Contact-Free Snoring Solution

Snoring happens when your throat relaxes while sleeping. The Smart Nora is a non-intrusive device that detects your breathing patterns; once the Smart Nora detects the early signs of snoring, it'll gently vibrate beneath your pillow to stimulate your throat muscles and stop your snoring without waking you up or discomforting you.

MSRP: $359

EyeQue VisionCheck

Want to keep track of your eye health without a time-consuming trip to the optometrist? With the EyeQue VisionCheck, you can. This device lets you test your own eye health from the comfort of your home, and you can use your results to order new glasses or determine when you need to check in with your eye doctor.

MSRP: $69

Sale Price: $59.99

ionbox Negative Ion Generator

Longterm exposure to bad air can lead to breathing issues in the future, but most people don't realize that there are countless harmful particles in their own homes. The ionbox Negative Ion Generator produces negative ions that attach to particles such as smoke, bacteria, allergens, and pollen, effectively eliminating them and giving you a breath of fresh air.

MSRP: $74.95

Sale Price: $59.99

FOCI: Focus-Boosting Wearable

Fluttering thoughts run through our heads each day, making it hard to stay focused on the task at hand. The FOCI is a waist-attached device that monitors your focus by tracking your breathing patterns and alerts you with a color-changing orb in FOCI's companion app. With the FOCI, you'll be able to work more productively once you realize you've been distracted.

MSRP: $119

Sale Price: $69

Prices subject to change

You can't beat free! Get $70+ worth of premium Mac apps for free today!



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Change up the look of your Fitbit Charge 3 with these great bands

The Fitbit Charge 3 is one heck of a fitness band that packs a lot of features and tech into a small, affordable package. The bands you get by default look good, but you can really change up the Charge 3's entire aesthetic with the right replacement bands. Here are a few of our favorites!

Just like the original

Hamile Sport Band

Staff pick

Hamile has essentially recreated the default Fitbit Charge 3 watch band, but it's offering it in a lot more colors and selling it for considerably less than the legit Fitbit one. The band is made out of eco-friendly TPU, won't irritate your skin, and is both soft and lightweight. In regards to colors, there are a lot to choose from — 20, to be exact.

From $5 at Amazon

It's so good

Fitbit Woven Band

My personal favorite band for the Charge 3 is this woven one that's made by Fitbit itself. The fabric material that's used is comfortable, built really well, and comes in Charcoal and Periwinkle colors. When you're not working out at the gym and want to spruce up your Charge 3's design, this is a fantastic option.

$35 at Fitbit

Band + case

GOSETH Band with Case

GOSETH's band + case combo is one of the more unique options for the Charge 3, and while it may not be for everyone, there's no denying that it stands out. The silicone band is soft and comfortable, while the case that encloses the Charge 3 keeps it safe from all sorts of daily wear and tear. If you're looking for something different, this is it.

From $8 at Amazon

Sporty pick

QIBOX Breathable Band

One of the best fitness-orientated bands for the Charge 3 is the QIBOX Breathable Band. The perforated design is a tried-and-true one that allows your wrist to stay cool during even the most intense of workouts, while at the same time giving you great control over the fit/size of the band.

From $6 at Amazon

Genuine leather

Fitbit Horween Leather Band

It's tough to beat a real leather band, and if you'd like to get one for the Charge 3, you'll want to grab the official one Fitbit's selling. The band is made out of legit Horween leather, comes in Plum and Midnight Blue colors, and just looks so damn good. It is a little pricy, but it's definitely worth it.

$50 at Fitbit

Worth it

Fitbit Sport Band

This isn't the cheapest sport band you can find for the Charge 3, but it does have one big thing going for it — it's made by Fitbit. This means the quality of the band is one of the best you'll find, and with a perforated design, it's great for hitting up the gym or a long run. It also comes in four striking colors that look fantastic.

$30 at Fitbit

Stainless steel

Shangpule Metal Replacement Strap

Metal bands are the ultimate way to give your wearable a professional, classy look. For the Fitbit Charge 3, one of the best metal bands comes from Shangpule. Available in a variety of colors, this stainless steel band makes the Charge 3 look quite elegant. The competitive price is icing on the cake.

$14 at Amazon

Sparkly and affordable

SWEES Leather Band

Shopping around for a nice leather band but don't want to spend too much money? SWEES has you covered. Its leather band is wonderfully affordable and is offered in ton of colors/patterns — including the glittering rose gold shown here. The band is easy to install, has a metal buckle, and comes with a two-year warranty.

From $10 at Amazon

Three-in-one

Neitooh Silicone Band (3 Pack)

For those of you trying to stretch your dollars as far as possible, Neitooh is selling a bundle of three silicone sport bands for the price of what most single bands cost. There are a bunch of color combos being offered in both small and large sizes, and your purchase comes with a two-year warranty.

$8 at Amazon

If we're making some suggestions

Among all of the bands on this list, the one we think makes the most sense for the majority of people is the Hamile Sport Band. It looks nearly identical to the official silicone band that comes with the Charge 3, but it costs substantially less money. Even so, it's still comfortable to wear, looks great, and is offered in a bunch of vibrant colors.

Another great choice is the Shangpule Metal Replacement Band. This gives the Charge 3 a completely different look and adds a sense of class that you just don't get with silicone bands. Despite the stainless steel material, this band is still quite easy on the wallet.

Last but not least, we also really like the Fitbit Woven Band. While it is one of the pricier options on this list, it's among the nicest, too. Fitbit's woven fabric material looks and feels outstanding, is a fantastic choice for comfortable daily use, and the two available colors both look stunning.



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These are the games we wish would be announced for Playstation 5

The heart wants what the heart wants. And to quote Han Solo: Never tell me the odds.

None of these games have been announced in any official capacity, but that doesn't stop us from wanting them anyway. We all have our favorite series we want to see continue or a franchise just starting out that didn't get a fair shake. Everyone has different tastes — and non-realistic expectations. Whether it's a pipe dream or a sequel almost certainly in the works, here's what we want to see release for Sony's PlayStation 5.

God of War 2

Considering God of War's success, I can't imagine Sony Santa Monica not being hard at work on a sequel. When you have a hit like that, you don't let the IP sit and collect dust. Though there may still be plenty to do in the Nine Realms, a sequel may forego Norse mythology in favor of another. Before it was settled that God of War would focus on Norse myth, the team had considered Egyptian mythology previously. Cory Barlog has also stated that he could see future entries tackle Mayan myth.

The game itself contains symbols and references to Egyptian myth, Celtic myth, Japanese myth, and Norse myth alongside the franchise's Greek roots. Any could easily be possible contenders for a sequel, especially since the secret ending of the game teased Thor's arrival and Ragnarok.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man endures the test of time and benefits from not being tied to one single canon. Insomniac took the friendly neighborhood hero we all know and love and crafted its own game that became one of the highlights of 2018. Good superhero games are few and far between, so this was a special treat. Given how well it was received, it'd be stupid not to do a sequel. Nearly everyone who played it loved it.

The ending of Spider-Man already teased a little of what we can expect going forward with Miles Morales and the Green Goblin. You don't generally put a tease like that in a game unless you're confident you can follow through and deliver. And with the popularity of superheroes right now — Marvel in particular — a sequel is surely on its way even if it hasn't been announced.

Horizon Zero Dawn 2

I don't think anyone expected a game like Horizon Zero Dawn from Guerrilla Games after the Killzone series, but the studio delivered an epic tale that was a blast to play. The world is full of so much history and lore than it'd be easy for Guerrilla to go back to it. Do they follow the story of the apocalypse as it happens? Do they continue Aloy's journey? We know HADES is still alive at the end of it, and someone sent out the signal that awakened its programming.

There have been job listings that indicate a sequel is in the works, but nothing concrete as of yet. Until Guerrilla announces it, for now its existence is merely speculation. Horizon Zero Dawn took full advantage of the power of the PlayStation 4, so just imagine what a sequel could do with the PlayStation 5.

Uncharted 5

Nathan Drake's story is finished, so I find it hard that Naughty Dog would continue the Uncharted series unless done by pressure from Sony. Still, we can't help but want to see what an Uncharted 5 might look like on the PlayStation 5. Would Naughty Dog shift the focus to Nadine and Chloe? Would it follow Nathan's daughter all grown up? There are a lot of possibilities that could further the franchise while still respecting the story and characters of the previous games.

Naughty Dog may be focused on The Last of Us Part II right now, but an adventure like Nathan's is timeless. While we don't know what the future for this series holds, the door isn't closed just yet.

The Witcher 4

The Witcher 3 could easily be seen as the perfect ending to the series, or at least Geralt's story as it was meant to be. It's hard to continue a series when you've crafted such an exit nearly flawlessly, but CD Projekt RED just inked a new deal with the author of The Witcher books, Andrzej Sapkowski, that solidifies their relationship in the coming years. I can't imagine this deal was made if the developer didn't intend to take us back to the world.

That's not even to mention the success of The Witcher series on Netflix, which boosted The Witcher 3's player numbers on Steam to all-time highs. Interest in the franchise is bigger than ever, and there are still a lot of stories that can be told.

Grand Theft Auto 6

Grand Theft Auto 5 was the best-selling game last decade. As of November 2019, it sold 115 million copies. Only two other games in history across any platform have sold more: Minecraft and Tetris. If you think Rockstar isn't working on a sequel, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.

Now that Red Dead Redemption 2 is out in the wild, Rockstar can put its efforts toward Grand Theft Auto 6. Imagine what the developer can really do with next-gen hardware and a possibility of a new GTA Online. The best part is Rockstar isn't tied to any one single setting or location. They don't need to continue a story. Grand Theft Auto is all about the atmosphere.

Dishonored 3

Arkane could make anything and I'd buy it in a heartbeat, but I really want to see what the studio can do with a crack at Dishonored 3. There are so many systems and mechanics it could develop and pioneer for the immersive sim genre with the power that the PlayStation 5 affords. That's what I care about when it comes to next-gen, not the higher resolution or potential for 8K graphics.

Though Corvo and Emily's story closed rather nicely in Dishonored 2 — at least if you ended with Low Chaos — the world is full of opportunities to follow new characters across the Empire of the Isles. It doesn't even need to be set in the same time period. The Outsider is thousands of years old, surely a few other people earned his mark in that time.

Days Gone 2

I'll scream it from the hilltops: Days Gone was good and underappreciated. Now whatever criticisms you may have with it, surely you can see its potential. Those kinks can be ironed out in the sequel. Look at the leap from Assassin's Creed to Assassin's Creed 2. Bend Studio can pull that off for Days Gone, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions that linger from the first game.

Not only would it be cool to see the story continue and get some answers, but just think of the Freaker hordes that Bend could possibly create on PlayStation 5. Days Gone already has 40 hordes, with some nearing 500 in their numbers. You want to feel like you're really in the middle of the zombie apocalypse? Bend Studio can deliver if given the chance.

Control 2

Control had no right being as good as it was. It was certainly a surprise hit in 2019, and it made numerous Game of the Year lists, including our own. Its gameplay, weird horror elements, corporate satire, and world-building are second to none. Control is a must-play game, as I'm sure its sequel will likely be too.

What makes Control even more interesting is that Remedy ties it to Alan Wake. The main game contains references to the events that go down in Washington back in Alan Wake, and it chalks them up to an Altered World Event, or AWE. Interestingly enough, one of its next expansions is titled AWE, which it just so happens can also stand for Alan Wake Expansion. No tinfoil hat needed. If you want to experience what a video game cinematic universe could look like, this is it.

Destiny 3

Bungie escaped the clutches of Activision relatively unscathed in regards to Destiny, which the former retained the rights to. With Activision out of the way, Bungie doesn't need to put up with corporate meddling and can create the game it has always envisioned. Both Destiny and Destiny 2 were met with mixed to positive but underwhelming responses. Generally speaking, their expansions and post-launch content fared much better.

What would be amazing for Destiny 3 is if it launched with cross-play between consoles and PC right out of the gate, which would be fitting considering the series already paved the way for other shared-world games to come. Factor in Bungie having complete creative control, and it seems like a recipe for success.

Gran Turismo 7

The last numbered Gran Turismo game came out in 2013 only a couple of weeks after the PlayStation 4 released, and it didn't even hit that console. Gran Turismo Sport was the first in the franchise to release on PS4 in 2017. It's about time we're due for a sequel. Developer Polyphony Digital is known almost exclusively for the Gran Turismo franchise, so it must be working on something related to it at the moment.

Where Microsoft and Xbox have Forza, Sony and PlayStation have Gran Turismo. There's no shortage of good racing games on the market, but Gran Turismo strives to be a realistic driving simulation, and that can't be said for a lot of other games. Plus, racing games are almost universally popular across the world and have a large market they can target.

Bloodborne 2

FromSoftware took a little break from the Dark Souls series to make Bloodborne, and the decision couldn't have been a better one. It retains the Souls-like difficulty and gameplay but brings us to a more Gothic setting than fantasy. The world of Yharnam is full of grotesque monsters to fight and secrets to uncover. If you like Lovecraftian horror, this game is for you.

A Bloodborne sequel may be a ways off since FromSoftware is working on Elden Ring, but I'd have to imagine that the studio is at least thinking about it considering how beloved the first was. Bloodborne was one of the first exclusive AAA titles on PS4 that was worth its salt. Sony may be known for its first-party portfolio, but bolstering that support with third-party exclusives never hurts.

Detroit: Become Human 2

No matter what you think of developer Quantic Dream, the attention to detail and branching narratives it pulled off in Detroit: Become Human is impressive. The premise of sentient androids has been beaten to death and driven into the ground, but there's something to be said for being able to take a form of agency over your actions in-game that you couldn't otherwise in a book or movie.

Detroit: Become Human, or whatever a sequel would be called, could push the boundaries of what the PlayStation 5 is capable of. Maybe it could even win over some fans who were skeptical of the first game. There's certainly no shortage of influential material.

Final Fantasy 16

Considering the wait that it took to get Final Fantasy 15, I'd expect Final Fantasy 16 maybe in the next ten years. Maybe. Either way, Final Fantasy will almost always be popular no matter what year it releases. There's a reason the franchise has 16 numbered entries, aided by the fact that each is generally a stand-alone story.

Square Enix just wrapped up Kingdom Hearts 3 in the last year and is hard at work on Marvel's Avengers, but the company is big enough to work on multiple projects at once. Final Fantasy 16 is probably in the cards; it just hasn't been announced yet.

Killzone 4

Remember Killzone? That series made before Guerrilla made Horizon Zero Dawn? Imagine what the studio could do with a Killzone 4 given what it's learned from development on HZD. At the very least, its budget should be increased considerably. Killzone 3 released in 2011, so it's about time for a new one, even if it may be unlikely.

Futuristic shooters aren't uncommon, but there's always room for more. The war brewing between the Helghast and ISA may be over, but there's still a lot of work to be done, and tensions are high.

The Order: 1887

I like this just for the naming convention alone. Does Ready at Dawn go for The Order: 1887? The Order: 1886 Part 2? The Order: [insert literally any year here]? You could argue that The Order: 1886 was reviled unfairly. There was a lot of potential beneath the shallow story and linear gameplay. If anything, the graphics were phenomenal. But we all know that graphics alone don't make a game great.

Ready at Dawn can take what they learned and make a truly incredible sequel with the right focus. Why would criticism exist if not to make better art? Anyway, steampunk is cool. Werewolves are cool. Vampires are cool. And a sequel to The Order: 1886 would be really cool.

Prey 2

When I say Prey 2, I mean a sequel to Arkane's Prey, not Human Head's. Arkane is the master of immersive sims, and 2016's reboot/re-imagining/whatever you want to call it was fantastic. Looking down Talos-1 from the top to bottom and realizing you could explore everywhere, including the outside took my breath away. And I have to give the studio props for making a horror game that I genuinely loved considering I'm not a huge horror fan by any means.

Because Prey has multiple endings, Arkane could need to canonize certain elements in order to do a follow up to that story, but it's done so before with Dishonored. I have faith the studio could do it again. And if it doesn't want to canonize it, Arkane can always create a completely new story within the same universe.

Fallout 5

I know Fallout 4 wasn't amazing. It wasn't what we waited for or wanted it to be. Let's not even get started on the dumpster fire of Fallout 76. But Bethesda can turn it around with Fallout 5. We already know The Elder Scrolls 6 is in the works, and fingers crossed it's everything we hope for, but I think Bethesda should still take another crack at Fallout. I wouldn't even say Fallout 4 was bad, just disappointing given the expectations.

With the power that the PlayStation 5 can afford Bethesda — and hopefully in addition to a dramatic overhaul of the Creation Engine — Fallout 5 could be incredible with the right direction. Maybe take the voiced protagonists out and focus on what people love about the series in the first place: the choices. Give it more depth, don't make it more shallow.

Mass Effect 4

Mass Effect: Andromeda was a dud. Mass Effect 4 doesn't need to be. BioWare isn't what is once was, but I have faith it can recover, especially if EA stops requiring its studios to use the Frostbite engine. Let's face it, Frostbite works for Battlefield, but it's not suited for an RPG like Mass Effect. BioWare should have stuck with Unreal Engine.

Reports indicate that the franchise went on hiatus after Andromeda flopped, and a sequel could be a long way off. I'll even take Mass Effect: Andromeda 2 at this point if BioWare gives it their all. But what I'd be interested in seeing is how the galaxy rebuilds after the Reaper invasion. It's hard to make the stakes any higher than the already were, so why bother trying? You don't always need to one-up the big bad with an even more threatening villain.

Sunset Overdrive 2

It's improbable, but not impossible. One of the reasons the first Sunset Overdrive was released as an Xbox One exclusive was because Microsoft gave the studio creative control over it. As such, Insomniac still owns the rights to Sunset Overdrive even though its a first-party Sony studio now. Shawn Layden has indicated that a Sunset Overdrive sequel isn't a priority, but I can always dream.

Sunset Overdrive was a blast to play and the colorful graphics on top of the 4th wall breaking sense of humor was desperately needed in a time where any post-apocalypse had to be gritty and brown. It didn't get nearly enough love when it first launched.

Sequels, prequels, and more

This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are dozens of unannounced games we'd love to see on PlayStation 5. Maybe Sony could even bring back some dormant franchises that haven't seen the light of day in a while.

Let us know which unannounced games you'd like to see.



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Saturday, 18 January 2020

Double up your Chromebook's display with an external monitor

Chromebooks are perfect on-the-go computers for a lot of people, but sometimes you just want to sit down, relax, and do your thing with a big display. That's why almost every laptop, regardless of what software is running on it, has some sort of port to send video out to an external display. Chrome OS makes using desktop peripherals dead simple, and we've rounded up the best monitors for any situation. Our top recommendation is the incredible 32-inch 4K BenQ PD3220U but we've also rounded up other great options with lower resolutions and price points.

Best Overall: BenQ PD3220U 4K UHD IPS

You'll find monitors from BenQ on any best-of list even if you're not completely familiar with the name, and the PD3220U, which comes in 27 and 32-inch sizes, is one of the best displays the company has ever built.

Designed for digital content creation, the PD3200U has a 20 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio to give you the blackest blacks and the whitest whites. It also has specialized display modes for creators, such as Darkroom and Animation modes, and also includes Low Blue Light and ZeroFlicker features to protect your eyes. Rounding out the specs, you get a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time, which is pretty much the baseline standard.

The monitor is absolutely stunning and comes with two USB-C ports that let you daisy-chain two monitors together, along with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs (it has a Thunderbolt 3 port, but that's not supported by Chromebooks, yet). This monitor also includes a Hotkey Puck G2, a desktop accessory that lets you quickly swap between different sources or preset display settings without messing around in clunky menus. The monitor can even act as a KVM switch if you need to connect more than one computer of any kind.

Pros:

  • Full-featured 4K HDR monitor
  • Excellent color accuracy
  • Custom display modes for creatives
  • Hotkey Puck G2
  • Features to prevent eye strain and damage

Cons:

  • Quite expensive
  • Thunderbolt 3 not yet supported by Chromebooks
  • Sizes might be too large for some

Best Overall

BenQ PD3220U 4K UHD IPS

A 4K monitor that does it all

This monitor from BenQ lets you easily switch between multiple sources so you can plug in your Chromebook as needed without fussing with cables.

Best Value: BenQ EW3270U 4K HDR

BenQ offers another great option at the same resolution as our top recommendation minus a few of the more premium features. However, that might be a compromise worth making when considering the significant price difference.

You still get a top-notch gaming monitor with HDR support and 95% DCI-P3 coverage for outstanding color accuracy. You can get it in 28 and 32-inch sizes, along with a 27-inch version specifically designed for gaming with a 60Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time. It also offers BenQ's eye-care technology with blue light filters and ZeroFlicker protection and intelligent brightness adjustments that account for the on-screen content along with the ambient lighting conditions in your room. For audio, you'll enjoy integrated speakers along with a headphone jack.

This monitor gives you multiple options for connecting your Chromebook, including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, and USB-C — although the USB-C does not work for power supply, only video. The lack of Thunderbolt 3 here isn't a factor for Chromebook users, so this is a great pick if you just want a reliable 4K monitor for using your Chromebook at home.

Pros:

  • 4K HDR 10-bit display
  • Multiple ports
  • Great value for the size and resolution
  • Eye-care technology
  • A version designed for gaming
  • Integrated speakers with headphone jack

Cons:

  • USB-C can't be used to supply power to Chromebook
  • Thunderbolt 3 not yet supported
  • Sizes might be too large for some

Best Value

BenQ EW3270U 4K HDR

A 4K monitor for much less

Set your home office up with this huge 4K monitor, an ideal second screen for your Chromebook for far less.

Best 4K: LG 32UD99-W 32-Inch 4K UHD

This 32-inch 4K monitor by LG features a beautiful design with minimal bezel along the sides and top of the display. While there are features aimed primarily at gamers, everyone can enjoy the color reproduction from this UHD IPS display and the black stabilizer that improves image clarity in deep-dark scenes. The display offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time.

The integrated stand not only allows you to adjust the monitor's height but you can also pivot the monitor into portrait orientation for photo editing and productivity — an excellent feature for creatives. The included stand was designed using a VESA standard mount, giving you the freedom to mount it elsewhere in your home office.

LG offers video input options for HDMI, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, and USB-C, and includes cables for all connection types in the box — because it's always nice to have options. It's also worth noting that this monitor features a matte finish that's great for cutting down on screen glare but not the best for preserving the intensity of color contrast, especially with depicting deepest black (although the black stabilizer is there to help). Just something to consider, especially if you've got a lot of natural light in your home office.

Pros:

  • Ultra HD 4K Monitor delivers sharp image clarity
  • Nearly bezel-free design
  • Compatible with VESA Standard Mount
  • Adjustable stand
  • Portrait mode

Cons:

  • Unimpressive 60Hz refresh rate
  • Matte display not the best for depicting deepest black
  • Expensive

Best 4K

LG 32UD99-W 32-Inch 4K UHD

A reliable 4K monitor to use as a second screen

LG's 32-inch 4K monitor is a great option for gamers and creators alike that sports a sleek design with a pivoting stand.

Best 1080p: Asus VA27EHE Full HD

There are some great savings to be had if you don't really care about 4K for your Chromebook's second screen. Case in point is the excellent ASUS VA27EHE, a monitor with a Full HD IPS display, adaptive-sync technology, and up to a 75Hz refresh rate with 5ms response time. There's also an LED backlight and it's all crammed into a slim and frameless design (although the near-bezel less design is only available on the 27-inch model we've linked to below). ASUS also includes flicker-free and low blue light technologies to help ensure eye comfort while you work or play.

The adjustable stand is also on the VESA mount standard so you can choose to mount it to the wall if you want to save space in your home office. There's a lack of connectivity options — only HDMI and D-Sub — but if that suits the needs of you and your Chromebook this is a heck of a lot of monitor at this price.

Pros:

  • 27-inch frameless design looks great
  • Great value for a Full HD monitor
  • Compatible with VESA wall mounts
  • Features for eye comfort

Cons:

  • Only offers HDMI and VGA
  • Not as future-proof as a 4K monitor

Best 1080p

Asus VA27EHE Full HD

A great option if you don't care about 4K

You don't have to spend a lot to get a great monitor and ASUS proves it with this 27-inch HD monitor.

Best Portable: ASUS Zenscreen Go MB16AHP Full HD

Chromebooks are designed to be used on-the-go, so perhaps you want a second display that's just as portable as your laptop. Enter the ASUS Zenscreen Go, a 15.6-inch HD portable monitor with a 7,800mAh battery that's capable of delivering up to four hours of use on a single charge.

This monitor comes with a Smart Cover that folds up as a kickstand in either landscape or portrait mode depending on how you want to use it. There's a USB-C and micro HDMI port available for connecting your Chromebook on the go.

We've linked to the mid-range model, but if your Chromebook features a touchscreen display and you want touch support for your secondary display, too, ASUS has got you covered with a model that also ships with a compatible smart pen. Just take care when transporting it — it may be portable but it's not as rugged as your Chromebook.

Pros:

  • Features Type-C and Micro HDMI connections
  • Up to four hours of use on a full charge
  • Automatically senses screen orientation
  • Also designed to work with smartphones

Cons:

  • Not as rugged as we'd like
  • Pen hole is a weird design choice

Best Portable

ASUS Zenscreen Go MB16AHP 15.6-inch Full HD

A monitor that's as portable and easy to use as your Chromebook.

The ASUS is so slim and easy to use that it might become just as indispensable as your Chromebook. It also works great for mirroring your smartphone.

Best Budget Monitor: *AOC 22V2H Full HD

One reason people love Chromebooks is they're way more budget-friendly than other laptop options — especially when compared to the MacBook lineup. So its good to know you don't have to spend a lot to get a great monitor either, and AOC proves it with the 22V2H.

This 1080p monitor, which starts at a 22-inch size (there are equally affordable 24- and 27-inch models available if you feel like splurging a bit), features an ultra-slim IPS panel-mounted with a three-sided frameless design that's sleek and modern with nary a bezel to be seen.

This model only connects via HDMI or VGA inputs but includes an HDMI cable, which is quite always nice to see (if your Chromebook only has USB-C there's an adapter for that). You also get FlickerFree and LowBlue technologies implemented here as well to protect your eyes while enjoying the 75Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time provided

Pros:

  • Frameless, ulltra-thin design is stunning and modern
  • IPS panel delivers realistic colors
  • All for under $100
  • Eye-care technology

Cons:

  • Only HDMI and VGA inputs
  • No support for 4K or HDR

Best Budget Monitor

AOC 22V2H Full HD

A great option if you'd rather save your money

The AOC 22V2H is proof that you don't need to break the bank on an ultra-thin and modern secondary display for your laptop.

Bottom line

Chromebooks are flexible and easy to set up and use — so your second monitor should be too! Whether you're after a future-proofed 4K display for your home office, a second screen that's as portable as your Chromebook is, or a cheap and reliable 1080p display that just works as advertised, we hope we've helped you discover the perfect external monitor to fulfill your specific needs.

Our top recommendation is the 32-inch 4K BenQ PD3220U which offers an incredible selection of features that extends well beyond just using this monitor with your Chromebook. It's a monitor that will serve you well for years to come with features like the Hotkey Puck G2 that lets you quickly and easily control your monitor settings and switch between multiple inputs with full customization available to suit your needs.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jerry Hildenbrand is Future Labs' resident nerd and proud of it. There's nothing he can't take apart, but many things he can't reassemble. You'll find him across the Mobile Nations network and you can hit him up on Twitter if you want to say hey.

Marc Lagace is the Apps and Games Editor at Android Central. He's been a gamer for most of his life and actually took a university course on Video Game Theory — which he aced! You can reach out to him on Twitter @spacelagace.



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