Make Spotify the default music player on your Echo – CNET
I think it’s to Amazon’s credit that the Echo smart speaker can be paired with various third-party music services — particularly Spotify, which effectively puts all the music of the world (minus Taylor Swift) at your vocal fingertips.
I mean, Amazon has its own music service, and no doubt it would love to sell you even more music. Thankfully, if you’re a Spotify subscriber, you can say to Alexa, “Alexa, play Brendan Benson’s ‘My Old, Familiar Friend’ on Spotify.” And presto!
Of course, having to tack on “on Spotify” every time you ask for music is a little cumbersome. Good news! It’s now possible to make Spotify the default music source, thereby eliminating the need to say “on Spotify” after each music request. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.
Step 2: Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner, then tap Settings.
Step 3: Scroll down to the Account section and tap Music & Media.
Enlarge Image
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET
Step 4: Tap Choose default music services. Under Default music library, tap the pull-down and choose Spotify. Then tap Done, then Done again and you’re done!
Enlarge Image
Screenshot by Rick Broida/CNET
Now, all music requests will default to Spotify. And if you prefer to listen to something from Amazon, just include “on Amazon Music.”
How to avoid Pokemon Go malware – CNET
Pokemon Go is a mobile phenom unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Players are going out with the augmented reality app on their phones, finding Pokemon all over the real world. They are also finding themselves in shady situations, stumbling across a dead body and (on the positive side of things) making new friends.
There’s another troubling thing associated with the game: Android malware.
Security experts Proofpoint discovered the DroidJack malware embedded into a version of Pokemon Go downloaded outside of the Google Play Store. So, if you side-loaded a version of Pokemon Go — a particular problem in parts of the world where the game isn’t yet officially available — you might have installed some malware with it.
The compromised version of Pokemon Go Proofpoint analyzed looks and acts just like the real app. But it requests extra permissions and has malicious code added to it — permissions an excited player would likely overlook during the install process. The end result is loading an application on your Android device that has the ability to take control of your phone or tablet.
Some side-loaded versions of Pokemon Go were deemed safe — such as the one CNET covered — but, in general, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Gotta catch em all
- Pokemon Go: Gyms, candy, pokeballs and everything else you need to know
- Pokemon Go outstrips Tinder in just one day
- Pokemon Go players targeted in armed robberies
How can I avoid Pokemon Go malware?
Wait for the app to officially launch in your country. I know, I know, that amounts to torture; I’m sorry ’bout it.
Installing from unofficial channels requires you to turn off security settings designed to keep your information and device secure. For example, to install any app from an APK site you need to allow app installs from untrusted sources (Settings > Security > Unknown Sources). This setting specifically prevents app installations from outside of Google Play, and by turning it off you’re potentially exposing your device to malware-laden apps that appear legit.
Granted, there are some APK websites that do everything to cover their bases and ensure the APKs listed on the site are legit copies of the Play Store version, but bad guys like to figure out ways around such processes.
In short: Be patient and just be thankful you don’t have to deal with the continuous server errors suffered by Pokemon Go users where the app is available.
How do I know if I installed a malicious version of Pokemon Go?
If you just couldn’t wait and installed Pokemon Go from an outside source, Proofpoint suggests checking the app’s requested permissions. On your device, open Settings > Apps > Pokemon Go > Permissions. According to the post, the specific version of malware the company examined requested permission for tasks such as record audio, modify contacts, read your web history and run at startup. The complete list is included in Figure 2 and Figure 3 on this post.
If you discover the app you’ve installed lists extra permissions, uninstall the app right away.
The best way to use a Lucky Egg in Pokemon Go!
Gain an extra level or two in a hurry with your Lucky Egg!
As you start to reach Level 9 or higher in Pokemon Go, you’ll start to see a Lucky Egg or two in your Items list. These can also be bought from the Shop, but no matter how you get one you need to use them to their fullest possible extent. A Lucky Egg will double all of the XP you get for 30 minutes, so you want to spend that time wisely. There are a couple of strategies floating around for getting the most out of Lucky Egg, but this one seems to work best so far.
Before you use a Lucky Egg, make sure you have the following:
- Several common Pokemon to evolve
- A bunch of Stardust
- Lure Module or Incense
- Lots of Pokeballs
Head to your favorite local place where there’s a Pokestop and a Gym nearby one another. When you get there, drop a Lure Module on the Pokestop and use your Lucky Egg. The countdown from 30:00 will begin immediately, so it’s time to get to work. Start by evolving all of your common Pokemon. Every Rattata into a Raticate, every Pidgey into a Pidgeotto, and so on. Every little evolution grants you the same XP regardless, and now you’re getting double with the Lucky Egg. In between evolutions, capture everything brought to you by the Lure Module. All of your captures will also earn you double XP, and when combined with the evolutions it adds up quickly.
Once you’ve burned through your evolutions and the Lure Module starts to slow down, head to the Gym and do your thing. If your team doesn’t own the gym, gain as much XP as possible attacking the current owners. If your team does own the Gym, use your strongest Pokemon to raise the prestige of the Gym through repeat attacks. If you level up while the Lucky Egg is active, use your Stardust to increase the CP of your post powerful Pokemon and keep attacking and capturing. Many users trying this combination report 1-3 level increase in that half hour block, so use your time wisely and have a good time!
Pokémon Go
- Requirements to play Pokémon Go
- The Ultimate Pokémon Go Game Guide!
- How to play without killing your battery
- Be careful where you download from
- Join our Pokémon Go forums!
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 with curved display surfaces again
More images of the upcoming Galaxy Note 7 have appeared online, showing off rounded edges on the display, among the things. This batch of images comes from Steve Hemmerstoffer of NowhereElseFr, and the phone looks very similar to the renders that surfaced earlier this month.
And a few more… #Samsung #Note7 pic.twitter.com/Ve47o6M1CC
— Steve Hemmerstoffer (@stagueve) July 11, 2016
Besides the larger form factor and apparent edge display, we’re looking at a larger, bulkier interpretation of Samsung’s current Galaxy S7 design language.
Samsung is rumored to announce the Galaxy Note 7 during mid-August, which isn’t far off. Are you excited about the Galaxy Note 7, or has something else caught your attention? Be sure to let us know in the forums.
Discuss the Galaxy Note 7 in the forums
Modified Gear 360 Manager app works with non-Samsung phones
One enterprising developer has built a modified version of Samsung’s Gear 360 Manager app that works with non-Samsung phones, as well as older Galaxy handsets. It allows those phones to control Samsung’s Gear 360 camera without the need for one of the latest Galaxy devices.
From XDA Developers (via Phandroid):
In the last days i was working on a port of the Gear 360 Manager app. You should be able to use the app now even with non-Galaxy devices, or older Galaxy devices which are not officially supported by Samsung. I myself use it with a Sony Xperia Z5 without problems now.
The modified app requires Android 5.0 Lollipop or later in order to run. You’ll also need to download the Samsung Accessory Service app from the Google Play Store.
It’s certainly an interesting workaround, but there are a couple of considerations here. For instance, it seems likely that Samsung could take action against this app, leading to its removal. Additionally, we think there are other, better 360-degree cameras out there, ones that work with more phones and don’t require such a workaround.
Getting ‘GPS signal not found’ error in Pokémon Go? Here’s how to fix it!
Don’t let GPS errors stop you from playing Pokémon Go!
Pokémon Go is everywhere, and that’s great for Android gamers around the world (or at least in the countries the game has launched). But if you’re getting a “GPS signal not found” error when you launch the game, here’s how to fix it!
GPS errors? Make sure it is enabled!
Many Android phones come with their GPS radios turned off by default in order to save battery life, since the technology is very battery-intensive. Here’s how to turn it on.
Note: This example was done on a Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, but these steps should apply to most Android devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher.
Tap on your phone’s Settings icon or access Settings through Quick Settings.
Scroll down to Privacy and safety. Tap on it.
Tap on Location.
Make sure Location toggle is in the on position.
Tap on Locating method. This may also be called Location mode.
Tap GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. This may also be called High accuracy.
Pokémon Go uses both local Wi-Fi (also known as Assistive GPS), your closest mobile network tower, and GPS satellites to accurately place you in the game world. Turning on just Wi-Fi and mobile network-based location tracking will make your character jump around and less likely to be placed close to Pokémon.
Still getting an error even with GPS enabled?
GPS satellites are finicky things. While the radios inside Android phones have improved significantly over the last few years, they’re still not perfect, and may sometimes have trouble locating you, especially indoors.
If you’re still getting GPS errors even after turning everything on, take a step outside and hold your phone steady for around 30 seconds. That should allow the GPS satellites to lock onto your phone and get things back to normal.
Can you still play the game without GPS?
Yes! If you don’t have a phone with GPS, or are using a Wi-Fi tablet that doesn’t have a GPS radio, it’s still possible to play Pokémon Go. Unfortunately, the experience won’t be as good, since you’ll need to be in areas that have strong Wi-Fi signals, such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, or other businesses, that you can connect to. Since Pokémon Go relies on having an internet connection, it will be able to locate you with just a Wi-Fi signal — just don’t expect to compete on the same level as your Android phone-wielding friends.
Pokémon Go
- Requirements to play Pokémon Go
- The Ultimate Pokémon Go Game Guide!
- How to play without killing your battery
- Be careful where you download from
- Join our Pokémon Go forums!
Best external battery packs for Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go isn’t just a short-term thing, so you’re going to need a battery pack.
It’s no secret that keeping your phone’s screen, processor, mobile network and GPS ramped up for hours on end is going to kill your battery off pretty quickly, and those are precisely the things you’re doing when out in the wild playing Pokémon Go. If you haven’t had a need for a portable battery pack before, you definitely do now.
Since you’re going out for hours on end, and you’re buying the battery pack just for your gaming sessions, chances are you’re more worried about capacity, ports and charging speed than you are portability and looks. We have a few solid battery packs that will offer you just that, and keep you out there catching new Pokémon without looking for a wall charger.
- CHOETECH 104000 mAh Portable Charger
- Anker PowerCore 10000
- Aukey 16000 mAh Power Bank
- EasyAcc Monster 26000 mAh Power Bank
CHOETECH 10400 mAh Portable Charger
CHOETECH is a name you’ll see around if you’ve been looking at mobile batteries, and this battery pack kind of has it all. Not only do you get a USB port with Quick Charge 3.0 speeds, it also can handle 5V/3A charging for non-Quick Charge devices like the Nexus 6P. Better yet, there’s a second USB port that outputs at a slower 5V/1A (slower, but better than nothing) for your friends when they come along with you.
A real distinct feature here is that there are two charging inputs on the CHOETECH battery — one Micro-USB for use with your stockpile of Android phone chargers, but also one Apple Lightning port, so you have yet another route to juice up the battery even if you don’t have your usual Micro-USB cable with you.
See at Amazon
Anker PowerCore 10000
Anker’s another name most of us know, and the PowerCore 10,000 mAh battery should be on your list if you just need one charging port and have a phone that’s capable of Quick Charge 3.0 speeds. It’s built well with a hard plastic shell, as you’ll know if you’ve used any Anker battery pack, and it keeps things simple with just one USB output. You can also rest assured that you have an investment here, as Anker offers an 18-month warranty.
With this much capacity and Quick Charge on board, you’ll be able to power up your phone a couple times over, even while you’re actively playing Pokémon Go. If you want to go way overboard, there’s a 20,000 mAh version that adds another USB output (and would likely double as a nice self defense device if you get into trouble).
See at Amazon
Aukey 16000 mAh Power Bank
If you don’t have a need for Quick Charge 3.0 support, you can pick up a last-generation battery pack that has just Quick Charge 2.0 and get some better value for your money. This Aukey battery is a perfect example — for the same price as the 10,000 mAh packs above, you can get 16,000 mAh in a good form factor with two USB ports. One port can handle Quick Charge 2.0 speeds, and both can put out up to 5V/2.4A to non-Quick Charge devices as well.
If you’re all about capacity for the dollar and need Quick Charge 2.0 support, this is where you go. You can also save $8 and go with a 10,000 mAh size of the same battery, which is a fantastic deal.
See at Amazon
EasyAcc Monster 26000 mAh Power Bank
Want to be everyone’s best friend when you show up at a Pokémon hotspot? Bring a 26,000 mAh battery pack with four USB ports. This EasyAcc model is nothing special when it comes to output — max of 5V/2.4A, with no Quick Charge support — but where it gets the job done is being able to charge four devices at once, and having a massive amount of juice to fill them all up. There’s even a built-in flashlight if your Pokémon Go excursion takes you into the night.
Normally a battery pack this large would take forever to charge up back at home, but this one smartly has dual Micro-USB inputs, so it can top up twice as fast when you’re at a wall charger. It’ll still take about eight hours to charge up (at a rate of 4A), but we’re going to assume at some point you’ll stop playing Pokémon Go and sleep while it’s charging.
See at Amazon
Pokémon Go
- Requirements to play Pokémon Go
- The Ultimate Pokémon Go Game Guide!
- How to play without killing your battery
- Be careful where you download from
- Join our Pokémon Go forums!
Where to buy the Sony Xperia X in the UK
Looking for deals on Sony’s latest mainstream flagship phone? You’ve got plenty of options.
Sony’s back this year with a fresh take on what a modern Android phone should be. The Xperia X draws a line under the past several years of Z-series phones, with a refreshed metal design, leaner internals and a familiar camera setup. There’s a lot to like, assuming you can find a price point that makes sense for you.
Fortunately we’ve done some of the legwork for you, digging through the major UK mobile networks and retailers to round up the best places to snap up an Xperia X. Read on.
Carphone Warehouse
Carphone Warehouse is selling the Xperia X in black, white, gold and rose gold, with the gold model being exclusive to the retailer. It’s available through Carphone on contracts with EE, O2, Vodafone and its own iD network, with prices starting at £19.99 per month (though that’s with a hefty £199.99 upfront fee.) The cheapest monthly price for a free Xperia X is on a £31 per month, 1GB plan with EE. For the data-hungry, a 24GB plan on Vodafone is on offer for £52 per month with no upfront fee.
It’s also available SIM-free for £469.99.
See at Carphone Warehouse
EE
EE has the Sony Xperia X available in black and rose gold. Prices start at £30.99 per month for a plan with 2GB of data. At the top end, you can grab Xperia X and 20GB of data for £40.99 per month and £49.99 upfront, or £45.99 per month with nothing to pay upfront. All EE’s Xperia X plans include “EE Extra,” which includes the network’s fastest connectivity and cheaper roaming in Europe.
See at EE
Vodafone
Voda has Sony’s latest in black and rose gold, wth prices starting at £24 per month (£150 upfront), which gets you 500MB, 500 minutes and unlimited texts. All Vodafone’s Xperia X plans come with at least a £10 upfront fee, but the cheapest monthly cost at this level is a 6GB plan for £37 per month — that’s along with unlimited calls and texts, and a 500MB inclusive roaming allowance. At the high end, you’re looking at £53 per month for 30GB, which comes with unlimited calls and texts and a a 4GB roaming bundle.
Many of Vodafone’s higher-priced plans also come with free subscriptions to Spotify, Sky Sports Mobile TV or NowTV.
See at Vodafone
O2
O2 offers the Xperia X in black and rose gold, with monthly prices between £29 and £53 per month. At the low end, you can pick up a free Xperia X for £34 per month, with a 500MB data bucket, 500 minutes and unlimited texts. For the data-hungry, O2 offers the Xperia X on its 30GB tariff — for free if you pay £55 per month, or for £50 per month with a hefty £119.99 upfront fee.
See at O2
Three
Three has the phone in the two standard colors — black and rose gold — and currently runs an offer where the first six months of your contract are half-price. Prices start at £27 per month (£99 upfront, £13.50 for the first six months) for an Xperia X with 600 minutes and 500MB. The phone is available with Three’s “All You Can Eat” unlimited data bundle for £51 per month (£19 upfront, £25.50 initially).
See at Three
Amazon UK
Amazon is selling the Xperia X for £411 SIM-free in black, white and rose gold. The retailer is also offering it on contract with O2, with prices starting at £31 per month with no upfront fee.
See at Amazon
BT Mobile
BT is selling the Xperia X in black only, with a discount of £5 off your monthly fee if you’re also a BT broadband customer. Prices for BT customers start at £31 per month and £50 upfront for 500MB and 400 minutes, rising to £46 per month and no upfront fee for a 15GB plan and unlimited minutes.
See at BT
Picking up a Sony Xperia X? Already taken the plunge? Let us know how you’re getting on down in the comments!
How to use a Razz Berry in Pokemon Go
What do I do with all these Pokemon berries I have?
One of the items in Pokemon Go that doesn’t get explained quite as well as it probably should have is the Razz Berry. In the Nintendo games, Razz Berries are used quite differently from how you’re going to use them in Pokemon Go. The good news is it’s actually easier to use Razz Berries in Pokemon Go, and when used correctly can make things a lot easier for you in the game. Here’s what you need to know!
A Razz Berry is used when trying to capture a Pokemon. If you’re having trouble getting a wild Pokemon to stay in the Pokeball, give this a shot:
Tap on your Backpack
Tap on Razz Berry Item listing
Tap on the Razz Berry to send it to the wild Pokemon
Throw another Pokeball
Using a Razz Berry is not a guarantee that your next catch will be successful, but when combined with a Great or Excellent throw — which happen when you throw as the colored ring gets as small as possible — your chances are increased dramatically. Now get out there and have some fun!
Pokémon Go
- Requirements to play Pokémon Go
- The Ultimate Pokémon Go Game Guide!
- How to play without killing your battery
- Be careful where you download from
- Join our Pokémon Go forums!
Honor 8 now official with dual-camera setup, up to 4GB of RAM
Huawei sub-brand Honor has announced its latest phone, the Honor 8. The phone comes with a fingerprint sensor and a dual-lens rear camera setup. The Honor 8 runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow under the EMUI 4.1 custom software layer.
The Honor 8 features a 5.2-inch 1080p display, and is powered by a Kirin 950 processor, with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. It comes with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which can be upgraded with a microSD card. The dual lenses on the back are both 12-megapixel shooters, while the front-facing camera is 8-megapixels. The Honor 8 also has a fingerprint sensor on the back, allowing for easy authentication. The phone has a 3000mAh battery, which can be charged over a USB-C connection.
The Honor 8 is currently available for pre-order from a number of Chinese retailers, with the 32GB option with 3GB of RAM running ¥1,999 (around $300), while the 64GB version with 4GB of RAM costs ¥2,499 (around $375). You can get the Honor 8 in Sunrise Gold, Pearl White, Midnight Black, Sakura Pink, or Sapphire Blue.
AIVAnet 