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Minggu, 31 Oktober 2021

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra won't be available in India again after stock runs out

Indian customers may expect to see another Xiaomi flagship phone in 2022.

What you need to know

  • The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra has been discontinued in India following a delayed release.
  • Xiaomi is apparently no longer restocking the phone in the country after its inventory has run out.
  • The next flagship phone to be sold in the country is expected to arrive in 2022.

Xiaomi has reportedly stopped selling the Mi 11 Ultra in India three months after it became available in the country. The company is apparently no longer replenishing its inventory after the phone has sold out.

According to India Today, the Mi 11 Ultra has been discontinued in the country after only a few months of being available to consumers. The device's product listing on Xiaomi's online store for Indian customers indicates that it is "out of stock."

The phone was released in the country back in July, three months after Xiaomi announced its availability to the Indian market. It was not clear back then what caused the delay, with Xiaomi only saying it was due to "circumstances beyond its control." So the phone's availability in India was obviously facing some issues from the start.

Xiaomi's challenger to the best Android phones was particularly well-priced in India, where it was available for only 69,999 ($960), which was significantly less than its price in other western markets. It is also Xiaomi's first flagship offering in India, where it previously only offered mid-range devices.

Despite the company's apparent decision not to restock the phone in India, it is expected that Xiaomi will continue to offer premium devices in the country. Xiaomi could also replace the Mi 11 Ultra with a new flagship device in India next year.

Furthermore, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is rumored to be coming to the Indian market soon. Based on its price (€649), it may not be a true flagship phone, but it certainly packs a punch with a stunning display and a powerful Snapdragon 888 SoC.

Xiaomi 11T Pro

€650 at Xiaomi £599 at Xiaomi UK

The Xiaomi 11T Pro ticks all the right boxes: it has cutting-edge internal hardware, 5G, a stunning 120Hz AMOLED panel, and a two-day battery life. The 120W fast charging also makes a significant difference, and Xiaomi will release three Android platform updates.

These are the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic bands you can buy

If you're looking for a classy smartwatch that's packed with health and fitness features, we suggest getting Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and pairing it up with one of the best Galaxy Watch 4 Classic bands to complete the experience. So whether you're a personal trainer or a casual runner or just want a classy band, there are numerous options to pick from. We've rounded up some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic watch bands to help you find a match. And while you're at it, how about checking out the best Galaxy Watch 4 Classic screen protectors to protect that gorgeous Super AMOLED panel too?

For all-day wearing comfort

OTOPO Soft Silicone Sports Band

Staff Pick

If you're into sports (or love working out, in general), we suggest pairing your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic with one of these soft, perforated sports watchbands from OTOPO. Made from skin-friendly material, they are comfortable enough to be worn all day long. Of course, you also get a plethora of color combinations to choose from, including White-Black, Black-Red, and Black-Green.

$8 at Amazon

Stretch it out

Olytop Elastic Band

If you've been searching high and low for a comfortable band that doesn't have a hefty buckle, you'll want to check out Olytop's elastic band. It offers plenty of stretchability, so the one available size will fit most wrists. To be exact, this watch band can fit wrists measuring between 5.5 to 10 inches. A small, adjustable buckle allows for an even better fit.

From $9 at Amazon

Form and function

HATALKIN Leather Band

A time may come when fashion becomes your top priority. Whether you've got an important meeting or a formal dinner to attend, this leather option from HATALKIN is the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 band for the job. It comes in black or brown and has a stylish stainless steel buckle for extra security. So no matter what the occasion is, you'll always be fashionable.

$15 at Amazon

For that classic look

SPGUARD Stainless Steel Band

Want to make your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic even classier? Check out SPGUARD's stainless steel watch band, which is not only durable but also made from a rust-proof material. The band's length can be easily adjusted by adding/removing the links, and you also get a "knockout kit" to do just that. It's also relatively lightweight and comes with polished edges.

$17 at Amazon

So many colors

FITLI Silicone Watch Bands (13-pack)

With FITLI's silicone watch bands, you can easily give your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic a whole different look every day, and that too for not a lot of money. They are made from skin-friendly material, and each comes with a stainless steel buckle. Oh, and did we mention you get 13 of these in the pack, that too in different funky colors?

$23 at Amazon

Metallic magnificence

Spigen Modern Fit Band

Spigen's accessories are renowned for being some of the best out there, and this modern fit watch band is no exception. Crafted from stainless steel, it adds a touch of style to your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic while keeping it secure around your wrist. The band comes in two color choices - Black and Rose Gold - with both being equally amazing.

$21 at Amazon

Design it the way you like

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Bespoke Studio

With Samsung's very own Bespoke Studio, you can customize the perfect band and order it alongside your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. There are multiple watch bands (e.g., Sport, Hybrid Leather) and dozens of funky color combinations to choose from. You can also select the size of the band before placing your order.

From $320 (with watch) at Samsung

All-around protection

Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Case With Band

If you're not willing to take any risk with your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it makes sense to go for something that offers all-around protection, case in point being Spigen's rugged armor band that also comes with a case. It gives your smartwatch 360-degree protection from all kinds of bumps and scratches, thanks to its shock-absorbing material.

$23 at Amazon

Best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic bands: Pick one

As the first watch with Wear OS 3, it's safe to say the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is quickly going to become one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. Depending on your taste, you may want to switch out the bands more regularly than other people who stick with the same band until it gives out. Whatever the case may be, there are tons of great options out there.

OTOPO's Soft Silicone Sports Watch Band is our favorite pick. With its skin-friendly material and perforated design, it's comfortable enough to be worn throughout the day. While it will appeal to fitness enthusiasts more, we feel the design is ideal for everyone.

On the other hand, Spigen's Modern Fit Watch Band is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to wear their Galaxy Watch 4 Classic to formal occasions. Available in Black and Rose Gold finishes, the stainless steel band is both durable and lightweight.

And once you've decided on the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic ban for yourself, you might need some pointers on how to change it up. First, check out our detailed guide covering how to swap your Galaxy Watch 4 Classic bands.

In the tablet world it's Apple, Amazon, and then everyone else

Amazon kept the Android tablet fires burning, and now it's Google's turn to rekindle the flames.

It should come as no surprise that we here at Android Central are just a big bunch of tech enthusiasts who love to spend our time on this site talking all about the best Android phones, smartwatches, and Chromebooks. However, as diehard fans of the Android ecosystem, there is one important product category that we tend to walk on thin ice around: Android tablets.

Now, this isn't because there aren't plenty of excellent Android tablets available. For example, with its Galaxy Tab S series, Samsung makes some of the best-looking and best-performing tablets outside the iPad. Heck, even Lenovo has been known to give us some exciting and innovative devices as well, particularly with their Yoga series of tablets.

Yet, for various reasons, it seems clear that the only real challenge to the iPad's tablet dominance in the Android space thus far, at least in the U.S., has come from Amazon.

What, you say, Amazon makes Android tablets?

Yep, Amazon has made some of the best and most popular Android tablets for a decade in its Fire Tablet line, and these are arguably the only Android tablets that have ever really mattered to date. However, Google's forthcoming OS update, dubbed Android 12L, means that the Android tablet landscape may finally be ready for a dramatic change.

Kindling a Fire

Amazon announced the first (Kindle) Fire Tablet back in 2011, at a time when the world of Android tablets was dominated by devices like the Motorola Xoom and Google's own Nexus 7. The software running on all Fire tablets since then — called, of course, Fire OS — was one of the first major (tablet) forks of the Android operating system, and arguably, the most important Android fork this side of China.

Be honest, did you realize that Fire Tablets ran a version of Android?

I jokingly hinted above that most consumers probably don't realize that Amazon's tablets are powered by Android. That got me wondering if, or how, that perception or misperception may have affected the adoption and sales of Fire tablets over the years.

"I don't know if consumers realize the difference between Google's Android and Amazon's, and even if they do, I doubt they care," says research manager of IDC, Jitesh Ubrani.

Conversely, Avi Greengart, president and lead analyst at Techsponentialk, tells Android Central he thinks consumers "tend to assume that Fire Tablets run Android," but that this can also lead to a bit of a disconnect since Fire OS doesn't include Google apps or services out of the box (though there are ways to sideload them relatively easily).

Greengart says that Fire Tablet owners can get a bit "flummoxed when they discover that there are some apps that can't be found in the Amazon Store on the device. However, counter-intuitively, the fact that Fire Tablets run Amazon's Fire OS and Silk browser are key reasons for its success."

Indeed, despite the lack of the Play Store and Google Apps, Ubrani says, "Amazon's app store and services have become extremely robust over the years, leading to very few consumers missing out on key experiences."

Experts agree Amazon's Fire tablets have a lot of mind share in markets like the U.S.

According to Ubrani, part of the problem with the Android tablet ecosystem is that there hasn't been a consistent challenger to Apple either in terms of mind share or market share.

"Outside of Apple, very few brands have come to be known as a 'standard' or 'defacto' option, but I'd point to Samsung on a global basis, Amazon in the U.S., and Lenovo in other parts of the world," he says.

Greengart adds that Amazon isn't exactly forthcoming with Fire Tablet sales numbers. However, "consumer surveys show that the Fire is behind only Apple and Samsung in the U.S."

IDC's internal research seems to bear this out as well. Data shared with AC by Ubrani indicates that Amazon is right in the mix behind the two industry titans, along with Lenovo, Huawei, and "others."

So if Fire Tablets are missing out on Google apps and services, just what do consumers see in Amazon's "Android" tablets? According to Ubrani, "most consumers see Amazon as the value pick" in the tablet space.

Greengart agrees. He says, "consumers are attracted to the Fire Tablets in part because they are so inexpensive, and Amazon is willing to sell the devices at or near cost because it knows it will make money via its app store, services, and ecosystem engagement."

As with nearly all of Amazon's devices, the Fire Tablet lineup promises durability, user-friendly functionality, and, most importantly, crazy low prices. Amazon grabbed the low-end of the tablet market nearly a decade ago with this strategy, and it hasn't looked back since.

Amazon captured the family devices market

The other thing Amazon figured out early on was that parents want to hand their tablets over to kids to entertain them, educate them, or merely placate them. In fact, it created a parallel lineup of Kids Fire Tablets that were more durable, came in fun colors, and featured kid-friendly content and parental controls in the form of Amazon Kids+ (formerly Amazon FreeTime). For all intents and purposes, it's essentially cornered the family tablet market.

"Amazon's tablets ... are extremely family-friendly," Greengart says. "Amazon allows multiple users (Apple doesn't), Amazon provides extensive parental controls, and there are kids versions of the tablet that come with a bumper case, optimized user interface, no-questions-asked warranty, and age-appropriate content."

Admittedly Fire Tablets aren't considered very good for getting things done, though they are getting better at that, but that's not why most people buy them (or why they buy tablets in general). No, most people buy tablets to consume content on, whether binging Netflix or playing hours of Candy Crush and for these tasks, Fire Tablets are just perfect. After all, why spend more on this functionality if you don't have to?

Android 12L could be a sea change for tablets

But what if you do want to be productive on your tablet? That's been one of the biggest knocks against this segment of Android devices since day one, and it stems mainly from a lack of developer support on the part of Google, resulting in an ambivalence on the part of developers to create apps that can perform well on the platform at this size and form factor. Heck, even the best Chromebooks with detachable screens and tablet capabilities have gained ground in this regard in recent years. However, that all may be about to change soon with the recent announcement of Android 12L.

This new and long overdue variant of Android is being built with larger (hence the "L" in Android 12L) form factors like foldables and tablets in mind. It will allow the system to better scale apps and UI elements to better utilize the screen size.

It also promises improvements to the way Android devices handle notifications and multitasks on these larger displays. And while most people see AndroidL as a response to the rapidly improving foldable phone space and the popularity of devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 3, it could also make all the difference in the world to the experience of using Android tablets.

If other Android tablet manufacturers like Samsung and Lenovo can take advantage of the changes coming in Android 12L, Amazon shouldn't fear for its position at the low end. However, its recent foray into productivity devices like the Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundle with Microsoft 365 may require retooling to stay competitive with Android 12L optimized tablets, Chromebooks, iPads, and Windows devices.

"Amazon certainly has the potential to take the lead in the low-cost productivity space, but that space itself is quite small, as buyers who are serious about productivity tend to spend a bit more to get a better keyboard/mouse experience and typically a more robust OS as well," Ubrani says. "That said, if Amazon were to beef up its software/services and specifically target schools, they could potentially displace Chromebooks, but this requires heavy investment and a fair bit of time."

Amazon Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundle

Greengart doesn't think there's much room for Amazon to play in the productivity space, at least not yet.

"I have been testing the Fire HD 10 Productivity Bundle, and while Microsoft's Office suite and Zoom will run, it does not provide a good experience compared to Chromebooks, iPads, or Windows devices," he says.

With Amazon Fire devices in firm control of the value tablet space and Android 12L on the horizon to rescue more premium tablets, 2022 might just be the start of an Android tablet renaissance. Here's hoping!


If you're considering getting a new Android tablet as a gift for yourself or a loved one this upcoming holiday season, just know that there are going to be a lot of great deals coming down the pike. We'll be tracking all of the best Black Friday Android tablet deals, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly to save money on your holiday purchases.

How does Google's Real Tone camera feature work?

Best answer: The same machine learning that helps improve portrait photos and power Magic Eraser also makes the Pixel 6 camera more inclusive for all skin tones through its Real Tone feature.

What is Real Tone?

Google developed its Real Tone camera tech with a mission to make its camera and image products more equitable when photographing people of color, especially for those with darker skin tones. Historically, a lack of diverse testing meant that today's cameras weren't built to accurately portray all skin tones in their natural beauty. Unfortunately, this also means that smartphones continue to carry that bias, ultimately delivering unflattering photos for people of color. But it's not just smartphone cameras that struggle here. We've seen all sorts of camera-enabled tech issues when it comes to people who aren't light-skinned.

So with the launch of its Pixel 6, Google is trying to tackle this issue using Real Tone. With this feature, the camera hardware and software work in tandem to match the actual tone of the people in frame. And it works surprisingly well, especially for a first-generation product.

How it works isn't that simple to explain without sounding like there's a good bit of magic at play. But really, it's no different than any other aspect of computational photography that powers the best Android camera phones. It just needed a company to spend the time and money to work on it.

When you tap the shutter button in the camera app on your phone, the work of building a great photograph has already started. Camera lenses and sensors aren't particularly smart, but they're very good at their intended purposes: collecting and focusing light. Using multiple captures and electronic filters, sensor data is collected at very specific points of light in colors red, blue, and green.

That data isn't a photo, though. It's just data. It takes some processing to turn millions of individual points of light into an image, and that's where Google has always been really good at the game. Using machine learning and AI, the camera stream can look for shapes and contrasts to build a face, differentiate between the subject and the background, and more. One of the very important things that need to happen to camera sensor data is to make the colors in the finished photograph look the same as what a human eye can see.

That's where Real Tone shines. The camera software was refined to evaluate the skin tones it sees and expands on the number of different shades it thinks a person can be. Think about the people you know and how different the color of their skin can be from each other or from yours. Humans aren't just beige or brown, and camera software shouldn't act like they are. If you're a white person like I am, you probably haven't ever had an issue with your skin color in photos. But a lot of people always have.

This wasn't an easy undertaking — but it was a necessary one. Over-brightening darker skin or applying less contrast just doesn't work, and we have billions of photos that prove it. Something like Google's Real Tone project is long overdue.

Our Pick

Google Pixel 6 - 5G

From $599 at Amazon From $599 at Best Buy From $599 at B&H

Finally, a proper Pixel flagship has arrived.

After years of fatal flaws and stagnant design, Google has finally given us the shock-and-awe upgrade we've been waiting for. Tensor's AI prowess makes most Assistant features feel magically fast. Major camera updates for hardware and processing give us significantly better photos, especially when photographing people of color and moments of action.

PlayStation recap: State of Play underwhelms, Elden Ring delayed

October marks the beginning of a slow end to the year for PlayStation.

It's that time again for another PlayStation recap. Last month saw huge news drop from PlayStation's showcase, which announced a Knights of the Old Republic Remake alongside new Spider-Man and Wolverine games.

This month wasn't quite as eventful, but no doubt still full of important news across PlayStation land. The company is making good on its promise to bring more exclusives to PC, and HBO's The Last of Us continues to film in Calgary, with fans getting behind the scenes photos of the stars in action. All of that was topped of by a State of Play highlighting third-party games coming to PS5. With that all said, let's jump in and see what happened in October.

PlayStation State of Play underwhelms

Thw latest State of Play was a bit of a dud. Running through everything announced, there's nothing too noteworthy besides a new Bugsnax expansion and a new Star Ocean game. Those little Bugsnax aren't so little anymore as the upcoming free DLC turns them into Bigsnax.

Elsewhere in the showcase, players got a longer look at Little Devil Inside, plus a release date announcement for Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach. I'm still definitely not going to play the latter. The former I might.

PS5 sales end 33-month streak from Nintendo Switch

With as difficult as it's been to buy a PS5, you might as well be trying to dig up gold. Still, that hasn't stopped over 13 million units from being sold globally since launch. The NPD Group has revealed that the PS5 even became the best-selling console in September 2021 in the U.S. based on units sold, ending a 33-month streak held by the Nintendo Switch. This shouldn't be confused with dollar sales, which saw the PS5 already surpass the Switch (although that's to be expected considering the huge price disparity between the two).

PS5 restocks are undoubtedly hard to come by, and gearing up for Black Friday may only make stock drops more infrequent as retailers stockpile consoles for a big rush.

Elden Ring (unsurprisingly) gets a short delay

The myth, the legend: Elden Ring. It's weird to think it's coming out early next year, but it's unsurprising it won't hit its initial January release date. Instead, FromSoftware's next adventure is set to launch a month later on Feb. 25, just one week after Horizon Forbidden West. Early 2022, specifically February, is looking like an extremely packed window for AAA games.

No matter when Elden Ring comes out (let's hope it doesn't suffer another delay), it needs to meet some incredibly high fan expectations. Coming from the minds of Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring takes place in the fictional Lands Between and sees players embark on an adventure to restore the titular Elden Ring and defeat Queen Marika the Eternal and her progeny.

Alan Wake releases on PlayStation consoles for the first time

Alan Wake originally released as an Xbox 360 exclusive all the way in 2010, and it seemed that all hope was lost for a PlayStation release... until this month. With Alan Wake Remastered, Remedy finally brought the cult classic to PS4 and PS5. It may have taken over 10 years, but better late than never, as the kids say.

With such renewed interest in Alan Wake, especially after his Control expansion, this could pave the way for a proper sequel. Whatever Remedy decides to make, whether it be Alan Wake 2, Control 2, or something completely new, you can bet it'll be just as weird and wonderful as its previous projects.

God of War is the next PlayStation exclusive to hit PC

Kratos is screaming in that picture because he's so excited for God of War to hit PC in January. This follows PlayStation's commitment to release more of its exclusives on PC. Titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and Days Gone have already made it to the platform, with Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection coming sometime in early 2022.

Sony Santa Monica also revealed that God of War (2018) had officially passed 19 million sales on PS4 and PS5, which is quite an impressive feat for a single-player game.

A sequel, titled God of War Ragnarok, is expected to launch in 2022. Christopher Judge, who plays Kratos, took to Twitter to shoulder the blame for its delay, stating that he had to have surgery in 2019 and Sony allowed him all of the time he needed to go through rehab.

Samsung's 980 Pro SSD gets PS5-friendly model

Do you hear that? You wouldn't because it's the sweet sound of silence from your PS5. Its fans manage to keep it cool without sounding like a jet engine, but SSDs tend to increase the heat production, which is why Sony encourages anyone using an SSD to have a heatsink with it. Thankfully, Samsung's 980 Pro is finally getting a PS5-friendly model with a heatsink attached.

The 980 Pro features sequential read/write speeds up to 7,000 and 5,100 MB/s, respectively. It can be bought in 1TB or 2TB capacities, ranging from $250 to $450. It's certainly not cheap, but no SSD is at the moment.

Just be careful when you're installing an SSD in your PS5. It's not the most intuitive process out there, especially considering you need to take the PS5's faceplate off. (But hey, maybe it'll be a good time for you to buy a new PS5 faceplate cover).

The Last of Us filming continues in Calgary

Filming on HBO's The Last of Us TV series, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, began last month in Calgary. If photos from various sets are anything to go by, it'll remain as faithful to the original experience as possible.

@TheLastofUsNews on Twitter has all of the updates anyone could ever want, and the fan page will continue to follow filming as it progresses. There's new photos and videos added every day, so keep checking back for the latest information.

The Last of Us is expected to premiere sometime in 2022. According to a ComicBook.com interview with Gabriel Luna, who plays Tommy, it should debut "sooner than later."

Bracing for the holidays

October wasn't as lively as September on the PlayStation front, but we're approaching a busy holiday season with third-party releases like Battlefield 2042, Skyrim Anniversary Edition, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition (wow, what a name), and more. PlayStation itself won't have big exclusives drop until next year with Horizon Forbidden West. Good luck to anyone trying to buy a PS5 in the coming months. Just know that there's plenty to look forward to in 2022 and beyond. Until next time 👋

– Jennifer Locke

How to watch Cowboys vs Vikings: Live stream NFL Sunday Night Football onli

This season's surprise package will be once again looking to exceed expectations as Dallas head to the U.S. Bank Stadium to take on a Minnesota side looking to make it four wins in a row.

Read on for full details on how to watch Cowboys vs Vikings, no matter where you are in the world.

Unexpectedly riding high at the top of the NFC East with a 5-1 record, the Cowboys currently lead the league for yards per game (460.8), yards per play (6.58), and points per game (34.2).

Key to their success has been the superb form of running backs Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard who are both on track to hit 1,000 rushing yards this season.

Like their opponents, Minnesota come into this game off the back of a bye week, bringing a bit of breathing space after a whirlwind few weeks that has seen the Vikings notch up a trio of consecutive victories.

Currently laying second in the NFC North with a 3-3 record, their uptick in results marks a big turnaround for Kirk Cousins and co after a difficult start to the campaign.

Despite their good form coming into this clash, the loss of CB Patrick Peterson to a hamstring injury could prove particularly costly here today for the Vikings.

Read on as we explain below how to get a Cowboys vs Vikings live stream for Sunday's game.

Cowboys vs Vikings: Where and when?

These two teams meet at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday with kick-off set for 8:20pm ET / 5:20pm PT / 12:20am GMT / 11:20am AEDT.

Watch Cowboys vs Vikings online from outside your country

We have details of all the US, UK, Australian and Canadian broadcasters of this game further down in this guide. If you're intent on watching Cowboys vs Vikings but find yourself away from home then you'll run into problems when trying to stream your domestic coverage online from abroad as it's likely to be geo-blocked.

That's where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be a lifesaver. They allow you to virtually change the ISP of your laptop, tablet or mobile to one that's back in your home country, letting you watch as if you were back there.

VPN's are incredibly easy to use and have the added benefit of giving you a further layer of security when surfing the web. There are lots of options, and we recommend ExpressVPN as our #1 pick due to its speed, security and ease of use. It can be used on a vast array of operating systems and devices (e.g. iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Fire TV Stick, Roku, games consoles, etc). Sign up for ExpressVPN now now and enjoy a 49% discount and 3 months FREE with an annual subscription. Or give it a try with its 30-day money back guarantee. Looking for other options? Here are some alternatives that are on sale right now.

ExpressVPN

See latest price at ExpressVPN

No matter where in the world you may be, a VPN is one of the easiest ways to watch Cowboys vs Vikings. Get in on this deal now!

How to watch Cowboys vs Vikings online in the US

NBC is the home of Sunday Night Football for this season with kick-off set for for 8:20pm ET / 5:20pm PT

If you have NBC as part of your cable package, you can also live stream the game directly through the network's website.

If you're a cable cutter, then it's worth considering over-the-top streaming service Sling TV which offers local NBC/NBCSN and Fox channels in most major markets, as well as NFL Network as part of its $35 a month Blue package. Add a further $15 for its Sling Blue + Sling Orange package and you'll also get access to ESPN 1,2 and 3 to cover most NFL viewing bases.

How to stream Cowboys vs Vikings live in the UK

Gridiron fans can watch at least five NFL games live each week courtesy of the Sky Sports NFL channel along with access to the live RedZone highlights show each Sunday.

This huge match is one of those games getting the live treatment, with the Cowboys vs Vikings going out on Sky at 12.20am GMT on Sunday night/Monday morning.

Alternatively the dedicated NFL Game Pass Pro streaming service, with its £147.99 subscription gives you access to every single game of the 2020/21 season (subject to blackouts) including the playoffs, Super Bowl, plus RedZone access on top.

Not in the UK but still want to catch the action on Game Pass? Then utilising a VPN will let you log into a UK IP address so you can live stream NFL as if you were at home.

How to stream Cowboys vs Vikings live in Canada

While both TSN and CTV are both showing tonight's game, for hardcore NFL fans in Canada probably the way to go is streaming service DAZN which has exclusive live coverage of every single 2021/22 regular season game in Canada including this game.

Priced at CA$20 a month or $150 a year, a subscription will also give you NFL Game Pass and RedZone access, alongside all of DAZN's amazing live sports roster including Premier League and Champions League soccer!

Live stream Cowboys vs Vikings in Australia

If you're planning on watching this clash in Australia, then you'll need to have access to ESPN as they own the rights to show live NFL action Down Under. While the network is available as part of most Foxtel TV packages, you can also access ESPN just as easily via Kayo Sports.

The over-the-top service will let you stream loads of top level sport - including Spain's La Liga and F1 motor racing, all for the very reasonable price of just $25 per month for a basic package, or $35 a month for the premium offering. Better still, Kayo Sports is contract-free and offers a 14-day FREE TRIAL for newcomers to the service.

Kick-off Down Under for this match is at 11.20am AEDT on Monday morning.

Google is restoring one of Gmail's useful features on the web

Gmail's big Compose button is coming back to desktops.

What you need to know

  • Google announced a new update for the Compose button of Gmail on the web.
  • The button will revert to its original large design following a popular demand.
  • Gmail on the web will bring back the big Compose button on November 3.

Google appears to have recognized that removing the old large Gmail button for creating a new email on desktop did not sit well with the majority of users. The old Compose button is now making a comeback on many of the best laptops.

The search giant has announced that the original big button will return to Gmail on the web starting on November 3. Googled noted that it has come up with this decision after hearing from users that the original version of the button was more intuitive.

Aside from the larger size, there will be a few design changes. The four-color plus button that represented Google's Material Theme design, for example, will no longer be available. Instead, the web-based email client will use a larger button with a red pencil icon and the word "compose" inside the floating action button (FAB).

If it looks familiar, that's because this is the same design Google introduced for Gmail on Android earlier this year, except that the mobile version has a different color. The new button for Gmail's desktop version will replace the soon-to-be-erstwhile red circular button.

That button was introduced in April when Google rolled out a new Gmail client on the web that integrated Chat and Rooms for free users. It was rather an uncalled-for design change, replacing the larger FAB with a smaller, icon-only button that could be easily drowned out on large desktop screens.

So the latest update is a welcome change. All Workspace customers and those with personal Google accounts will have access to Gmail's old Compose button starting next week. Keep in mind, however, that it may take up to 15 days to become available to everyone.

Sabtu, 30 Oktober 2021

Keep your Oculus Quest 2 safe with these great storage and travel cases

The Oculus Quest 2 may be a mobile headset, but it's actually dangerous to take it on the go without protection. Carry it in a backpack, and stray junk like a pencil could scratch the unprotected lenses and ruin them. Even if you only keep it at home, sunlight permanently damages the lenses, so you'll need to keep it enclosed when not in use. Oculus sells a Carrying Case with plenty of capacity for your Elite Strap and accessories; or, if you want something more travel-sized or hard-shelled, we've chosen the other best Oculus Quest 2 cases to consider.

Best overall: Oculus Quest 2 Carrying Case

It's no coincidence that the official case leads the pack. While most cases are designed for the original Quest, this one was made with the slightly smaller Quest 2 in mind. Thanks to its compact, stylish design, the Official Quest 2 carrying case is ideal.

It'll easily keep all your accessories secure in most situations, and there's room for everything here. Tuck away your headset, controllers, charging cable, and power adapter for safekeeping. The custom inlay is designed to hold everything in place. Plus, there's even space for the Elite Strap, with or without the battery.

However, keep in mind that the Oculus 2 Carrying Case isn't hard-shelled or terribly well-padded, so taking it on the road might require some extra care. But it does have a soft, easy-carry handle; just take care when handling.

Pros:

  • Stylish
  • Fits everything
  • Made specifically for the Quest 2

Cons:

  • Pricier than most alternatives
  • Not built for rugged travel

Best overall

Oculus Quest 2 Carrying Case

A perfect fit

The Oculus Quest 2 Carrying Case stands on its own as a uniquely stylish and high-quality case made exclusively for the Quest 2.

Best budget option: JSVER Hard Carrying Case for Oculus Quest 2

The best Quest 2 accessories aren't cheap, and new headset owners will find their expenses quickly piling up. That's where the JSVER Hard Carrying Case comes in. It offers a low-cost, no-frills alternative to some of the other Quest 2 carrying cases out there for less than half the price of some of the other offerings.

That said, it doesn't exactly check every box like the options above. Since it doesn't come with lens protectors, you'll have to shell out the cash separately for a pair of lens protectors. Unfortunately, it's also missing space for the Oculus Elite Strap, so you'll either have to jam it in tight or carry it separately. Still, it does have an inside pocket for your cords and an elastic strap to hold your headset into place. The case is made from shockproof and waterproof EVA, so you won't have to worry about any bumps, scratches, and splashes ruining it.

You can get the bare-bones case or opt to pay just a bit more for the whole kit and caboodle. Either way, you can protect your Quest 2 without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Shockproof
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Doesn't work with the Elite Strap
  • No lens protector
  • Barebones

Best budget case

JSVER Hard Carrying Case for Oculus Quest 2

Protection for your wallet

The JSVER Hard Carrying Case is a solid budget option for anyone looking to save a little cash on a carrying case for their Quest.

Best on-the-go case: Typecase Oculus Quest 2 Case for Quest 2

If you want a compact case that doesn't sacrifice protection, the Typecase Oculus Quest 2 Case is a solid, stylish alternative to the larger case options on this list.

The Typecase model has a hardshell case reinforced with military-grade ballistic nylon, and it has several zipper pockets to hold all your accessories. The exterior is made of water-repellent and scratch-proof material. The interior is lined with microfiber and could easily accommodate any extra accessories you may have. It comes with specialized cable clips to hold charging cables, and the stretchy mesh pockets can easily hold batteries or other loose items. Plus, the Typecase comes with soft lens covers to keep your Oculus Quest scratch-free.

Thanks to its more subtle design and slightly larger size, this case could even double as a small backpack for carrying other items. That said, its space is a double-edged sword. Because it has more space, there's more room for accessories to move around and bump into one another if the bag is jostled or dropped.

Pros:

  • Stylish
  • Shoulder strap
  • Spacious

Cons:

  • Extra room for things to get jostled around
  • A bit expensive

Best on-the-go case

Typecase Oculus Quest 2 Case

Easy, breezy, beautiful

The Typecase carrying case is ideal for anyone looking for a solid option to bring their Oculus Quest 2 on the go.

Most compact case: Fashion Travel Protective Case for Oculus Quest 2

While the actual look of the Fashion Travel Protective case might not live up to its name, its compact, hard-shelled design excuses its utilitarian look. This case barely has enough space to fit everything the Quest needs at a much lower price than other options on this list. And this option is light, as it's constructed of a feather-weight EVA material. Lightweight doesn't mean this case can't handle rough travel. It's shockproof and waterproof, so it's ready to go when you are.

While it might not have a lot of space to put other accessories or cables, the tight space will keep your Quest 2, controllers, and accessories from moving around too much in transit. That, combined with its hard shell and metal shoulders, makes it ideal for rough travel. Plus, it comes with a stand to display your Quest 2 and controllers in style.

Pros:

  • Sturdy
  • Tight
  • Comes with a stand for your headset and controllers
  • Cheaper than other heavy-duty cases

Cons:

  • No extra room
  • Unattractive

Most compact case

Fashion Travel Protective Case for Oculus Quest 2

Good in tight spaces

The Fashion Travel Case offers top-tier protection, provided you can fit all your accessories in it.

Best protection: CASEMATIX Hard Case Compatible with Oculus Quest 2

The CASEMATIX Hard Case is built like a tank, unlike most other Quest 2 carrying cases. Lined with a thick protective foam layer, this carrying case is ideal for anyone who travels a lot. That said, this top-of-the-line protection comes at a cost; the CASEMATIX is ugly and clunky.

It does, however, provide a unique level of customization that, while incredibly useful, also requires a bit of DIY craftsmanship on the part of the owner. Instead of shipping with the foam padding cut out for the Quest 2 and its accessories, you need to cut out the shapes in the layer of foam yourself. The case exterior itself measures 16-by-by-6 inches, while the interior is 14-by-10.75-4 inches. So, if you want top-of-the-line protection and customizable interior, this is the pick for you.

Pros:

  • The best protection
  • Great for travel
  • Can customize it to fit your accessories

Cons:

  • Owners are required to cut their own foam
  • Pricey
  • Not very portable

Best protection

CASEMATIX Hard Case Compatible with Oculus Quest 2

Built like a tank

The CASEMATIX Hard Case is perfect for Quest 2 owners who bring their headsets on the road frequently.

Best all-in-one case: SARLAR Hard Chest Shoulder Backpack

What good is a carrying case if the case doesn't make it easier to transport your headset? The SARLAR Hard Chest Shoulder Backpack solves the portability issue in style. Its subtle, hard-shelled exterior is stylish and unassuming and includes a shoulder strap to allow owners to wear it like a backpack. Plus, the material is wear-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean.

To sweeten the deal, the SARLAR case also ships with some cheap Quest 2 earbuds, controller grips, and a lens cleaning cloth. It also has a charging attachment, but with the wrong cable types, proving this wasn't originally designed for the Quest 2. You'll have to use your own power bank and Quest 2 charging cable or an adapter to make it work properly.

If you want the look of a bag, protection of a case, and a ton of extras, including a USB Charging system, this SARLAR model might be worth the extra cash.

Pros:

  • The strap makes for easy portability
  • Free earbuds and controller grips
  • Stylish
  • Built-in power bank

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Minimal space
  • Power bank doesn't work easily with Quest 2

Best all-in-one case

SARLAR Hard Chest Shoulder Backpack

All for one, but not one for all

While it might not offer the same protection as heavy-duty cases, the SARLAR's shoulder strap alone makes up for it.

Which one is right for you?

A carrying case is one of many necessary accessories for any Quest owner. It'll protect your console, while also keeping room for accessories like Quest 2 Link cables or Quest 2 battery packs when taking it on the go.

Ultimately, the official Quest 2 Carrying Case is hard not to vouch for. It makes no concessions and features nearly everything a carrying case for the Quest would need, from the perfect fit inside to the extra space for all the accessories, including the Elite Strap. Its only real issues are its price and durability, but the use case for something more heavy-duty is so rare that it probably won't be a problem for most people.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Charlie Wacholz is a freelance writer at Android Central. He has a passion for all things gaming, exciting, innovative hardware and VR, as well as indie games and anything Nintendo touches. When he's not writing, you can find him talking about Metroid or asking for a new Katamari game on Twitter at @chas_mke or waxing nostalgic about games, film, TV shows, and music on his podcast, Comfort Food.