🕺⏰️ This Week’s Tech News - Unbundle YouTube Music, Please - The Perfect StandBy Mode Accessory? - And More

📰THIS WEEK'S TECH NEWS

Happy Sunday one and all! VPNs were in the news this week. Proton VPN on Linux received a serious upgrade that has been needed for years, ExpressVPN announced it includes a password manager for free, and Google now awards a badge to safe, trusted VPN apps in Google Play. Speaking of Google, its Home script editor uses a new AI helper, Waze warns drivers when they're driving on roads with a history of accidents (if only it could warn us of dangerous drivers around us), Qualcomm's satellite connectivity for Android phones is on hold, and Chrome can now find you discount codes, just in time for the holidays.

In service news, the merged Disney+ and Hulu app is almost here, Spotify on your TV no longer sucks (and US Premium subscribers get free audiobooks), Signal is testing username support (so you'll no longer need a phone number), and Amazon Grocery delivery is available without Prime. Turning to ChatGPT briefly, GPT-4 has been trained on data up to last month and you can create and publish your own chatbots! That begs the question: just because someone can publish a Steve Urkel chatbot, should they?

Finishing out the week in hardware news, ASUS announced a detachable Chromebook that has us intrigued, Microsoft Surface PCs now get even longer updates, NVIDIA is revealing new hardware in January (come on new SHIELD TV Pro!), TCL's NXTPAPER 11 is a Kindle replacement (that's also a legit Android tablet), and Valve announced a new Steam Deck with an OLED screen with several quality-of-life improvements.

TOP STORIES

Hey Google: Drop YouTube Music From YouTube Premium and I’m In!

YouTube Premium has much going for it: ad-free videos (while ensuring creators still get paid), background play, downloadable videos, higher-resolution content, and more. It's a sweet deal, and you get YouTube Music - which normally costs $11 - for free. But is YouTube Music actually free considering that you can't get a subscription to YouTube Premium without it?

Read More »

Do Downloads Continue When Windows Is in Sleep Mode?

If you have a big file (or files as the case may be) that you need to download overnight, you may be worried that your Windows PC will go into Sleep Mode before the downloads finish. So do they continue downloading, even in Sleep Mode?

Read More »

SPONSORED

Learn to Excel in Systems Engineering With This Free Ebook, Worth $112

Whether you're an individual engineer or part of an organization, this guide on systems engineering competencies is a must-have. It offers a deep dive into the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to excel in systems engineering roles. From creating training programs to assessing job performance, this book covers it all. Be sure to grab your free copy by Nov 16!

FREE EBOOK »

4 Upcoming EV Technologies That Could Change the Game

Electric vehicles have come a long way in a short span of time. Even so, EV tech is still in its infancy - and you ain't seen nothin' yet! We look at forthcoming EV technologies that could be gamechangers in every sense of the word, leading to mass adoption on a grand scale.

Read More »

STUFF WE LIKE

Garmin Enduro 2 Solar Charging Watch ($300 Off)

Whether you're headed to the wilderness, or you just want a watch that'll guide you a few blocks without running out of battery, the Garmin Enduro 2 Solar Charging Watch will get you there, wherever "there" may be. The secret is in the Enduro 2's 1.4" Power Sapphire lens that snacks on the sun's rays all day, thus charging your watch. AutoSelect mode utilizes SatIQ technology to determine the type of GPS mode you need to maximize battery life without sacrificing accuracy. No matter the adventure, the Garmin Enduro 2 Solar Charging Watch can get you there - yours today at 27% off!

BUY AT AMAZON »

How To Stop Your Android Phone From Turning Off

Have you noticed that your Android phone is turning off for some unknown reason? What's going on, and how can you stop it from happening? We'll show you the why and how so you can have a functional phone once again.

Read More »

How to Disable the Touchpad on Windows 11

Your touchpad can be useful if you need to use it without any extra hardware. But if you prefer an external mouse, you don't need it. Here's how to disable it so you no longer accidentally bump it with your elbows.

Read More »

The Best Browser for Mac Users (and Safari Alternatives)

Though Safari is the default choice for most Mac users, it's not the only browser worthy of consideration. Join us as we look through the best browsers on a Mac, and why you may want to consider making a switch.

Read More »

NEW REVIEWS

Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe Review: StandBy Mode Perfected

Enabling StandBy Mode turns your iPhone into a smart display you can use as a nighttime clock next to your bed. This feature is begging for a worthy MagSafe iPhone stand, and while the Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe makes it happen, it delivers so much more in terms of function and even style. See our thoughts on this brand-new MagSafe iPhone charging stand.

Read More »