Know how clean the air is by turning on a Philips Hue smart lightbulb

Why it matters to you

If a problem arose with the air quality in your city, wouldn’t you want an additional assurance that you would receive a warning?

In heavily congested cities, air quality can be a big concern. Because you can’t really see it, it’s hard to know whether you’re going to be breathing in the fresh outdoors or fresh exhaust. Wouldn’t it be convenient if you already knew the air quality without having to research it?

In Louisville, Kentucky, the city has launched a channel on IFTTT that can alert a number of different smart gadgets about the city’s air quality. Whether it’s color-changing lightbulbs or a smartphone app, you can be alerted when it’s not safe to spend too much time outside. This marks the first city to launch a channel on the platform.

More: IFTTT announces new integration with range of partnering apps

For those who are new to smart devices, IFTTT is a free internet service that allows you to build “If this, then that” statements. These work to connect different devices, social networks, and services. With the Smart Louisville channel, there are nine different ways to be alerted on air quality.

For example, Philips Hue lightbulbs can be instructed to change color based on air quality. If the lights are green, you’re safe. Yellow and orange begin to signify problems for sensitive people. Anything red or dark warns you of unhealthy to hazardous air conditions.

This move to a connected alert system with modern technology is one of many ways cities are working to become “smart cities.” In this example, Louisville has established partnerships between the local government and civic-minded hackers to connect citizens to the data the city collects.

Of course, not everyone can afford to outfit their home with smart devices or AI assistants. That’s part of the challenge Louisville faces when making sure this info gets to everyone. The Smart Louisville IFTTT channel makes the information much more accessible. IFTTT is already a free service, and some of the recipes don’t require a smart device to function.

“That’s how Louisville will become more connected to the average citizen,” said City Data Officer Michael Schnuerle in a statement to CNET.

As long as you can open a text message, read an email, or look at a lightbulb, every citizen of Louisville has the opportunity to know their city’s air quality before they step outside.

Transfer files quickly and securely with this Lexar Flash Drive (31 percent off)

If you’re in need of a new jump drive, or ‘flash drive,’ but haven’t purchased one in a while, you might be surprised to find they still cost a pretty penny and have a host of different types of features. When you’re looking to purchase one, your top priority beyond how safe the device is with your personal files, is probably how fast it can move data.

For a jump drive that holds more than enough storage for basic projects that won’t slow you down, look no further than this Lexar JumpDrive P20 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive, marked down to only $50 on Amazon, giving you a satisfying 31-percent discount.

More: Keychain Not Included: The Five Highest-Capacity Usb Flash Drives For Your Digital Life

This Lexar jump drive has some of the fastest transfer speeds available, reading up to 400MB per second and writing up to 270MB per second. That’s quick enough to transfer a full-length HD movie (2.3GB video) in 36 seconds, 1,000 3.8MB photos in 1 minute and 16 seconds, or 500 3.8MB photos and five 1GB HD movies in 1 minute and 24 seconds.

The flash drive also ensures your data is protected from the inside and out. Internally it features EncryptStickTM Lite software, an advanced security solution with 256-bit AES encryption to protect against corruption, loss, and deletion. Rest assured knowing that once you delete files, they are gone for good, and if you do need some extra protection for stored files, you can easily set up a  password-protected vault that automatically encrypts data.

Externally the flash drive has a metal alloy base and an extractable connector with convenient thumb slide to prevent dust and other debris from getting into any tiny crevices.

The tiny device has a premium look and feel, with a sleek design and high-gloss mirror finish top. It has a convenient key ring loop making it easy to attach it to your keychain or computer bag while on the go. These models go through extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs, facilities with more than 1,100 digital devices to double check they provide exceptional performance, long-lasting quality, competitive compatibility, and overall reliability. For example, they are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 drives as well as compatible with both Mac and PC devices.

The Lexar JumpDrive P20 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive normally retails for $73 but, for a limited time, you can grab one on Amazon for only $50, saving you 31 percent, or $23.

$50 on Amazon

Best app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers make paid apps free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest apps on sale in the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

More: 200 Awesome iPhone Apps | The best Android apps for almost any occasion

Here, Look

You hand someone your phone to show them a picture, then they start scrolling through the rest of your photos. Stop them with this app that lets you show only what you want.

Available on:

iOS

YConvert Pro

YconvertPRO was developed to be fast, easy to use, accurate, lightweight, designed for iOS 10 and easy to use.

Available on:

iOS

Simpler Pro

Simpler Pro is a completely redesigned contacts app that makes your address book light, smart, and user-friendly.

Available on:

iOS

SpeakText Air

Speak more than 20 languages and translate more than 30 languages sentence by sentence with SpeakText Air.

Available on:

iOS

Photosets Pro

Photosets is a wide color discovery motion photos camera that lets you capture up to 45 photos per burst, with each photo captured at a resolution of 8 megapixels.

Available on:

iOS

TWE

The Wedding Envelope is the first monetary wedding gift calculator. The app creates a unique monetary amount that you should give as your gift to the newlyweds.

Available on:

iOS

How to root your Android phone or tablet in 2017 (and unroot it)

Is the allure of being a superuser tempting you? Android rooting opens up a world of possibility, but it can also void your warranty, or even leave you with a bricked device. Yes, when it comes to rooting your Android, you’ll want to know the benefits as well as the risks.

More: 25 must-have apps for rooted Android phones and tablets

Manufacturers and carriers have a vested interest in dissuading you from rooting. The act of rooting can be inherently dangerous. Even so, for the careful user, the risk is minimal, and the potential benefits are well worth it. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to root your phone. Some devices can be rooted in minutes. Others take a little research. One thing is clear: rooting your phone can be one of the best ways to tap into the deep potential of your Android device.

What is rooting?

Rooting is jailbreaking for Androids, and allows users to dive deeper into a phone’s sub-system. Essentially, it’ll allow you to access the entire operating system and customize just about anything on your Android. With root access, you can also get around any restrictions that your manufacturer or carrier may have applied. You can run more apps, you can overclock or underclock your processor, and you can replace the firmware.

The process requires users to back up current software and flash (install) a new custom ROM (modified version of Android).

Why would you root?

One of the most obvious incentives to root your Android device is to rid yourself of the bloatware that’s impossible to uninstall. You’ll be able to set up wireless tethering, even if it has been disabled by default. Additional benefits include the ability to install special apps and flash custom ROMs, each of which can add extra features and streamline your phone or tablet’s performance. A lot of people are tempted by the ability to completely customize the look of their phones. You can also manually accept or deny app permissions.

You won’t find a lot of amazing must-have apps when you root, but there are enough to make it worthwhile. For example, some apps allow you to automatically back up all of your apps and their data, completely block advertisements, create secure tunnels to the Internet, overclock your processor, or make your device a wireless hotspot.

Why wouldn’t you root?

There are essentially three potential cons to rooting your Android.

• Voiding your warranty: Some manufacturers or carriers will use rooting as an excuse to void your warranty. It’s worth keeping in mind that you can always unroot. If you need to send the device back for repair, simply flash the original backup ROM you made and no one will ever know that it was rooted.
• Bricking your phone: Whenever you tamper too much, you run at least a small risk of bricking your device. The obvious way to avoid it happening is to follow instructions carefully. Make sure that the guide you are following works for your device and that any custom ROM you flash is designed specifically for it. If you do your research and pay attention to feedback from others, bricking should never occur.
• Security risks: Rooting may introduce some security risks. Depending on what services or apps you use on your device, rooting could create a security vulnerability. For example, Google refuses to support the Google Wallet service for rooted devices.

Close to the Metal Ep. 29: Windows puts its head in the cloud

Microsoft’s Windows 10 is our favorite desktop operating system, but it has more competition today than it has in a long time.  That’s not because of Apple’s MacOS, which has run into trouble as of late, but instead due to Google’s Chrome OS. The cloud-based operating system is still niche, but definitely has its converts among those looking for a bargain PC.

It appears that Redmond’s bigwigs know that, and are attempting to counter with their own low-cost OS, which rumors and leaks suggest will be called Windows 10 Cloud.

We still don’t know much about the new version of Windows, because Microsoft hasn’t officially revealed it. However, a leaked version of the OS hit the web last week, and we gave it a try. Our time with the OS indicates that Microsoft isn’t changing as much as you might think for this upcoming release. In fact, Windows 10 Cloud is almost exactly like “standard” Windows 10.

More: Our first impressions of Windows 10 Cloud

There’s one big caveat to that — applications. It appears that Windows 10 Cloud will either be locked to the Windows 10 Store or, more likely, be locked to it by default, with an option to load other apps if desired. Rumors say that this new version of the operating system would be only available to system builders and, if not free, it’d be very low-cost.

Does this add up to a threat to Chrome OS? Or is Google’s desktop operating system — which is now gaining access to Android apps — the more sensible choice for budget buyers? We’ll discuss on this week’s Close to the Metal.

Close to the Metal is a podcast from Digital Trends that focuses on the geekier side of life. It tackles the topics PC enthusiasts argue over in language everyone can understand. Please subscribe, share, and send your questions to podcast@digitaltrends.com. We broadcast the show live on YouTube every Tuesday at 1pm EST/10am PST.

How to update to Kodi 17 on your OSMC-powered Raspberry Pi

Kodi 17 has been released now to OSMC, our favorite build for Raspberry Pi. Here’s how to update.

If you followed our guide on getting Kodi on the Raspberry Pi, then there’s a good chance you’re also using OSMC. It’s definitely one of the more attractive Kodi builds out there and it has now been updated underneath, and out front, with Kodi 17 Krypton.

If you’ve got automatic updates turned on then you may already have been prompted with the latest version. If you’re still on 16.1, here’s how you manually pull it down.

Go down to My OSMC.
Select updates.
Scroll to the bottom option labeled manual controls.
Hit the option to scan for updates now.

If there’s an update available (which there is right now) your Raspberry Pi will download it and you’ll see the message above when OSMC is ready to install. Hit yes, watch it boot to a super nerdy-looking screen, and wait it out until everything comes back up.

When it’s all done loading you’ll immediately notice that OSMC looks a bit different. The stock skin has had a reworking for this new release, and it’s certainly a looker. Most things are still in the same places, though, so it shouldn’t take you long to figure it out. Besides all the new stuff in Kodi 17, these features have been added specifically to OSMC:

• Add support for LIRC GPIO receivers on pins > 24 for Raspberry Pi in My OSMC
• Improved CEC compatibility and performance
• Improved Bluetooth audio streaming support
• Improved loading time when streaming via NFS
• Improved video synchronization on Vero 2
• Ensure that Adjust Refresh Rate is enabled by default
• Ensure that Expert Settings are enabled by default

Also bear in mind that some existing add-ons may not work properly with Kodi 17, so if you’re nervous about that, you can always hold off awhile. For more on the latest OSMC release, you can check out the post on the official blog.

Don’t miss this great deal on a SteelSeries Stratus XL right now!

Right now you can pick up a certified refurbished version of the SteelSeries Stratus XL for just $28 with coupon code 8XHMZBI9. This is one of our favorite Gear VR controllers, and at this price you really can’t go wrong with trying one out for yourself. The controller has designated home and back buttons for seamless gaming on Android devices, and the layout allows for easy control in an immersive gaming environment. Beyond working with the Gear VR, it also works with Windows 7 and up, HTC Vive, Oculus and much more!

Even though it is a certified refurbished product, it still comes with a 90-day warranty and will be in like-new condition. Remember, you need to use coupon code 8XHMZBI9 for the full savings here!

See at Amazon

For more great deals on tech, gadgets, home goods, apparel and more, visit Thrifter now!

5 chill games to help you de-stress

Kick back and relax with these calming and ambient games for Android.

Traditionally, the best games are jam-packed with nonstop action and explosions. And those can certainly be fun, but sometimes you simply need an ambient and relaxing experience to take your mind off the worries of the world. No timers, no lives — just gaming bliss.

We’ve compiled some of our favorite games with a chill vibe that’ll help you relax for those times when you need to.

• Hocus
• Alto’s Adventure
• Monument Valley
• I Love Hue
• Infinity Loop

Hocus

Hocus is a cerebral puzzle game that really requires you to work a cube through puzzles that may well have been designed by M.C. Escher himself.

The aesthetic here is clean and relaxing, with all focus put on the puzzle itself, with calming music playing in the background. There are a 100 mind-melting puzzles included in the core game, but you’ll also want to tap the pencil and ruler icon to create or play levels designed by the Hocus community. This is a great pick-up-and-play game that will leave you feeling calm and accomplished.

Download: Hocus (Free)

Alto’s Adventure

Alto’s Adventure is one of the absolute best gaming experiences for Android, as you play a llama herder who must snowboard down a mountain chasing down his lost flock. The visuals here are stunningly beautiful and the gameplay is smooth as silk. After a while of playing this game, you may fall into a trance-like state.

This is probably the most action-packed game on the list, as you must grind and jump over huge chasms and outrun mysterious mountain men in your journey down the mountain. While the gorgeous visuals and fun gameplay will draw you in initially, you’ll keep coming back to complete the run objectives.

Download: Alto’s Adventure (Free)

Monument Valley

It may come as little surprise, but puzzle games are typically the best for relaxing and de-stressing, since they allow your brain to block out everything around you and focus on completing one specific task.

In Monument Valley, that task requires manipulating impossible structures to help your sprite get through each level. It’s a celebrated mobile game on Android featuring a sleek minimalist design. If you’ve never played it it’s still absolutely worth checking out years out from its initial release.

Download: Monument Valley ($3.99)

I Love Hue

I Love Hue is a newcomer to the Google Play Store, but it’s as simple and calming a game as you’ll find. The goal is to reorganize the colored tiles so that all the hues flow from shade to shade like a fanned out paint sample book.

Things start out easy in the Beginner levels but gradually get more and more complex. You must spend Prisms to play levels, but the game is very generous with those, so you won’t run out of them unless you’re down for a major marathon session

Download: I Love Hue (Free)

Infinity Loop

So far we’ve shared puzzle games with impossible structures and architecture and reordering color hues, so how about some challenging shape puzzles? Infinity Loop requires you to complete closed shapes by rotating pieces until everything falls into place.

This free game features minimalist visuals with a very ambient soundtrack, which combines to create a very calming and relaxing gaming experience.

Download: Infinity Loop (Free)

Android Gaming

• Best Android games
• Best free Android games
• Best games with no in-app purchases
• Best action games for Android
• Best RPGs for Android
• All the Android gaming news!

Logitech’s ZeroTouch magnetic car dash is now best friends with Alexa

Logitech is giving its excellent ZeroTouch magnetic car dash an Alexa upgrade.

During CES this past January, Alexa seemed to be everywhere, from creepy robots to capacious refrigerators. Even phones (coming soon). But Logitech waited until the middle of February (yes, that’s now) to launch Alexa support for its excellent (and expensive) ZeroTouch magnetic car dash. The company has also updated its companion app for the product, allowing customers in the U.S. and UK (the only two countries officially optimized for Alexa, natch) to respond to “Hey Alexa” queries while driving.

“This Amazon collaboration gives the Logitech ZeroTouch even more hands-free power,” said Patric Frank, head of new ventures at Logitech, in a press release. “Now, the possibilities are endless –even while on the road. The marriage of Logitech ZeroTouch and Alexa make it possible for drivers to not only use their voice to control more than just their smartphone, but all smart devices kept at home, before they even get there.”

As with the Amazon Echo and any number of other Alexa-enabled devices, the app connects to the cloud, meaning that whenever Alexa is updated with new commands and abilities, it will be reflected in the ZeroTouch app.

In his review, Phil Nickinson praised the system for its marriage of hardware and software:

Again, $60 or $80 seems like a lot of money to throw at a way to stick your phone to your air vent or dash. And it is. But you get a really good hands-free system along with it.

Since then, Logitech released a second version of the ZeroTouch mount, called SmartCar, to automatically launch the new universal Android Auto app instead of its own ZeroTouch app. While Google’s solution is comprehensive and integrates with its excellent set of apps, including Google Maps and Google Now, there’s something to be said for Logitech finding ways to keep people inside its own app.

There are two versions of the mount, a $59.99 option that sticks to a car’s air vent, and a $79.99 variant that more securely attaches to a dash. Either one requires a metal tab to be installed either to the back of one’s phone, or to a case, that then adheres magnetically to the mount.

See at Logitech

Keep your eyes on the road and phone safe with this car mount for just $15 for a limited time!

When you are driving your focus should be on the road ahead and not a phone in your hands. Put the phone down somewhere safe with Spigen’s great universal car mount for just $15 right now with coupon code GDFXMVUF. Being universal, the mount will work with a huge variety of phones, and getting your phone in it is simple thanks to its one-touch technology. This allows for the phone to easily lock in place without you having to fool around with it and the suction cup is strong and versatile, so you can find the perfect place for it in your car.

Stop holding your phone, or setting it on the seat only to have it fly onto the floor, and instead grab one of these. Safety is important, so stop delaying and use coupon code GDFXMVUF for the full savings.

See at Amazon

For more great deals on tech, gadgets, home goods, apparel and more, visit Thrifter now!