‘Really Blue’ Google Pixel coming to Canada as a Rogers exclusive

A blue exclusive for the red carrier in Canada.

Google and Rogers have co-announced that they are bringing the ‘Really Blue’ Google Pixel — the one that everyone wants and hasn’t been able to buy due to its limited inventory — to Canada as a carrier exclusive.

The limited edition version was released alongside the black and white variants in October, but it’s been difficult to find — more so than the regular Pixels, which have also been elusive — on the Play Store. Canadians have complained about not having access to the blue version since its launch, but whether a Rogers exclusive is the best way to satiate that demand remains to be seen.

We’ll have more information on price and on-sale date in the coming days.

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Best Horror Games for PlayStation VR

What are the scariest games for PSVR?

An important question was recently asked in the VR Heads forums: Are there any good horror titles for PlayStation VR? If you haven’t yet tried a scary game in virtual reality but love horror games on normal 2D screen, you’re in for a treat. Being cut off from the real world around you coupled with binaural audio is crazy immersive. If you’re in the market for some horror games for PSVR, here are the best currently on offer.

Read more at VR Heads!

How to deal with severe battery drain on Gear VR

Severe battery drain means you can’t spend nearly enough time in VR, but there is a quick fix to get you back on track.

After charging up your phone, you probably expect to be able to enjoy a solid hour or more playing your Gear VR. However, a pretty seriously irritating process has been cropping up for a lot of people. After you plug your phone into Gear VR, the headset is causing serious, and severe battery drain. This means that even with a full charge, you may not have long in to spend shooting at space pirates. Thankfully, there is an easy fix that won’t take more than a few minutes.

Read more at VRHeads.com

Google Maps now lets you create lists of your favorite places

Easily create lists on Google Maps and share them with friends and family.

Google Maps is introducing a new feature that lets you create lists of your places and share them with your friends and family via text message, email, or social media. You’ll be able to view and edit your lists even when you’re offline, and there’s also the option to create a public list that everyone will be able to follow.

The feature made its debut last year for those in the Google Local Guides program, and is now rolling out to everyone using Google Maps on Android and iOS. While Local Guides could create and edit lists, the ability to share and follow them is new, and is rolling out starting today. For now, lists are limited to mobile apps, but they will be coming to the web at a later date. You can, however, view shared lists on the desktop.

There are three lists that are enabled by default — Favorites, Starred Places, and Want to Go — and you can create new lists either by navigating to Your places in the slide-out menu and selecting the Saved tab, or when you’re browsing a particular location on Maps. You can edit a list at any time by navigating to that particular list and tapping the edit button.

The idea with lists is to organize your favorite places, provide restaurant or nightlife recommendations to out-of-towners, or create an easy-to-follow itinerary when you’re traveling. The latter option works particularly well if you’re sightseeing all day and need to take a quick glance at your next destination. You’ll need the latest update to Google Maps to be able to create lists.

Best Android games with Bluetooth controller support

Gaming is simply better with a controller in your hands.

Gaming on Android typically requires you to settle for using touchscreen controls. However, some gracious game developers do take the time and effort to include support for Bluetooth gamepad.

If you’re constantly on the lookout for games that support Bluetooth controller, you can check out Gamepad Games, which is an app that’s compiled a fairly comprehensive list of games with gamepad support. Unfortunately, when you actually start browsing through the apps you quickly discover that many are… not so good.

So, to save you some time, we’ve compiled some of the best games that support Bluetooth controllers. And if you’re looking for a quality Bluetooth controller recommendation, consider the SteelSeries Stratus XL, which is the controller I used to vet these selections.

See at Amazon

Modern Combat 5 Blackout

Years after its initial release, Modern Combat 5 Blackout remains one of the best first-person shooters available for Android. With dazzling graphics and options to play through the solo campaign or take it online, you can get an edge on your competition with a proper controller in your hand.

If the name doesn’t already give it away, this is very similar to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, so if you’re a fan of that series and looking for a fun option to play on the go, you’ll definitely want to give this a look if you haven’t yet.

Download: Modern Combat 5 Blackout (Free)

Unkilled

Unkilled is another very polished first-person shooter that fully supports Bluetooth controllers and offers over 150 missions in the single player campaign, along with multiple online multiplayer modes to choose from. As you play online, you’re able to choose a preferred character class, and then upgrade your skills and weapon load-outs.

And again, using the Bluetooth controller should give you a distinct advantage against the AI zombies as well as your online opponents. Simply sync your controller with your phone and it’ll automatically work when you load up Unkilled.

Download: Unkilled (Free)

Sonic the Hedgehog

Boy, do we wish there were more awesome ports of classics like Sonic on Android. Both Sonic the Hedgehog as well as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 are fantastic on Android, and are compatible with Bluetooth controllers.

Now, I’m not sure what needs to be said about these games — they’re absolute classics from the 16-bit era of gaming. All the speed and action you remember form the original Sega Genesis games are perfectly preserved, with Tails and Knuckles available as playable characters once you’ve beaten the game. If you’ve never played the original Sonic games, you’ll get a fantastic experience playing them on Android.

There are several free Sonic games available in the Google Play Store, but in our opinion you’re better off spending some coin for the real deal rather than the other buggy and lame Sonic adaptations.

Download: Sonic The Hedgehog ($2.99)

Skate Party 3

Do you find yourself staring longingly out the window thinking about how great Tony Hawk Pro Skater was back in the day? Me too.

While it’s almost criminal that no one has ported any of those classic games to Android, Skate Party 3 offers a comparable experience that’s also compatible with Bluetooth controllers. It’s a little finicky and takes some time to get used to, but if you’ve been jonesing for a great skateboarding game to play on the go, Skate Party 3 is it. The full version is available for $1.99, but if you’d prefer to try before you buy, you can try out the lite version to see if it’s worth investing in the full game.

Download: Skate Party 3 ($1.99)

Only One

Do you remember the final scene in the 2001 Jet Li movie The One? Something tells me the developers of Only One did, as the game basically plays like the final scene in that mostly forgettable action flick.

The premise is pretty simple: you stand alone on the top of a tall column with a magical sword as you fight off wave after wave after wave of enemies. The graphics are delightfully retro and the difficulty progressively as you progress through the levels. Best of all, you can connect your Bluetooth gamepad and play with more precise control. It’s a free game, but you will be pestered to cheat upgrade via in-app purchases.

Download: Only One (Free w/IAPs)

Pew Pew

Keeping with the retro theme, Pew Pew is a classic-looking top-down multidirectional shoot ’em up that’s a great pick up and play option. There are five unique game modes to play: Pandemonium, Dodge This, Assault, Chromatic Conflict, and Asteroids.

The game plays well enough with touch screen controls, but playing with two physical thumbsticks really makes a big difference for a game like this that demands precise controls to dodge and destroy wave after wave of enemies.

Download: Pew Pew (Free)

BombSquad

Gaming is always more fun with friends, and BombSquad is an action-packed collection of mini games with multiple ways to join the game. With fun and cartoony graphics, you’ll be able to choose from eight different game modes.

Bluetooth controllers are supported, or you can get your friends to download the BombSquad Remote app and use their phones to control their character. This game is available for most Android devices, including Android TV, which means you and your friends won’t need to crowd around a tablet or — even worse — smartphone to play.

Download: BombSquad (Free)

Got any great game recommendations that we missed?

Sadly, support for Bluetooth controllers is not as widespread as it could be, but there are some gems that we may have missed. Let us know in the comments!

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Top 5 ways to manage messy charging and power cables

Drowning in cords, cables, and wires? We’re here to help!

Getting a new desk, computer monitor, TV, or other device is exciting, but dealing with the power cords, charging cables, and all the other wires that come with those devices is a different story.

While it’s impossible to do away with every cable or cord needed to run all your tech, there are a lot of ways to manage your cables more efficiently, which can help you eliminate the stress of a disorganized space.

1. Move closer to outlets

I live in an old house, and I know power outlets can sometimes be in some inconvenient spots, but if you can, moving closer to wall outlets will prevent power cables from needing to stretch across the room. This small change can help minimize the look of clutter, and prevent tripping over cables.

2. Go wireless where you can

Almost anytime you can go wireless; you will feel a bit of relief from your cable madness,

Wireless Bluetooth headphones and speakers are prime examples of gadgets that can reduce cable fatigue. Yes, I know, they both have charging cables, and I’ll get to that in a second, but the freedom and mobility devices such as these offer is outstanding and truly make spaces cleaner.

While those are common examples of going wireless, less common but super helpful is using wireless HDMI.

It’s not the cheapest solution or even the most practical for everybody, but if you have multiple TVs and dislike having to get an HDMI cord (or several) for each TV, you can always pick up a product like the IOGear Wireless HD Digital Kit.

Rated as The Wirecutter’s best wireless HDMI transmitter, it’s easy to see how this just how useful the IOGear can be.

“The IOGear transmitter base unit has two HDMI inputs and an HDMI output. This means you can have a TV, transmitter, and sources (Blu-ray, cable/satellite box, etc.) wired up in one room while wirelessly sending the same signal to another TV elsewhere in the house.”

See at Amazon

3.Store small cables and adapters

Charging cables, dongles, and small power adapters add up over time, and I often find they are about 90% of my clutter — especially at my desk. It’s good to having a place to store said small items is crucial to getting your cable chaos under control; invest in a cable organizer.

The BAGSMART travel organizer is the perfect way to store cables and adapter you’re not using. I know, it’s meant for travel, but there is no reason you could store this in a drawer or on a shelf by your desk.

With one zipper pouch — big enough to hold a large mobile phone — BAGSMART also includes some stretchy straps, which are ideal for keeping in oddly shaped or bulkier items.

Plus, if you ever do want to travel with it, the outside of the case is padded and has a slight rigidness to prevent your items on the inside from being damaged by scrapes and minor falls.

See at Amazon

4. Keep essential cords neatly arranged

You probably charge items like your phone and your tablet every day, which means you’re going to want access to those cords often and with ease.

An item like the YOCOU 5-Channel Cable Management System can tidy up your workspace and keep your most important cables readily available.

The small grooves will hold in pace almost any wire or cord that’s ¼-inch or less in diameter, and It has an adhesive back that sticks to any flat surface so you can mount it wherever works best for you.

See at Amazon

5. Tie together excess cords

Some cords and cables are comically long, leaving you to deal with several feet of cord that inevitably ends up in a tangled mess behind your TV, computer, desk, etc. If you’re going to have an excess amount of cord hanging around, why not make it look neat?

Wrapping your excess cord together with a velcro strap is an excellent way to eliminate some clutter. It’s especially useful for cords and cables that you don’t need to move often.

For example, The HDMI cable from your gaming console to your TV or the power cord for your computer speakers. If you don’t regularly need to move the position of the item you’re plugging in, strap that sucker down!

How to you keep your cables organized?

Have any other tips for keeping your cords and cable tidy? Share them in the comments below.

Dating app makes you call your match to get started

With most dating services, live human interaction is usually the last thing that happens. It’s what you get if that back-and-forth messaging actually leads somewhere. In Hotline’s newly launched service, however, it’s not just prominent… it’s mandatory. The mobile app requires that you have a 5-minute voice call with your prospective partner (thankfully, without using your phone number) before you can message them. It’s a scary concept if you’re shy or hate calls, but the hope is that you’ll quickly find out whether or not the real person is as interesting as their profile.

There are other touches that have you treating potential dates more seriously. Profiles can have videos, and you’re limited to three matches at a time once you’ve liked enough users. Hotline tells Mashable that this is a conscious attempt to avoid treating people like commodities, which is all too easy when many rival apps treat candidates like playing cards.

As intriguing as the service is, there are a few hurdles to clear. Hotline is currently available only in New York City on iOS, although there are plans for expansion. And more importantly, it costs $9 per month — not a huge amount, but enough to shrink the dating pool. If it succeeds, though, it could be a viable option for singles who’d rather not waste time with virtual pen pals.

Via: Mashable

Source: Hotline

Google brings Foursquare-like favorite lists to Maps

You can now create Spotify-like “playlists” of your favorite local spots on Google Maps that your friends can share and follow. The feature, which Google recently rolled out to Local Guide users, lets you create “Favorites,” “Starred Places,” “Want to Go” and your own custom lists. The idea is to “start flexing your local knowledge muscles,” Google said, and benefit from the inside info of other folks by following their lists.

The feature is very similar to those on Foursquare, right down to the nearly identical icons, showing that Facebook isn’t the only company willing to copy a smaller competitor. Once it rolls out to your area (I don’t have it in France yet and I’m a Local Guide), you just find a restaurant or other place in Maps and hit the “save” icon. That’ll let you add it to one of the above lists or a new one you create like “Favorite Pho Spots” or “Best Veggie Burgers.”

From there, you can share the lists via social media, texts or email, and follow lists from friends and family yourself. You can even follow (or be followed by) strangers, provided you set the lists to “public.” As with Spotify, the right lists can give you a speed-dial-like network of places if you’re trying to figure out where to dine or visit on short notice.

The feature is available on iOS, Android, even offline, and should be rolling out now. You can search for lists on the web, but won’t be able to make lists there until a later update. As mentioned, you may have to wait a bit for it to come to your area.

Via: Techcrunch

Source: Google

Transhumanist politician wants to run for governor of California

Zoltan Istvan didn’t have much of a chance at being president, but that didn’t stop him from campaigning as the Transhumanist Party’s candidate to promote his pro-technology and science positions. Now, he’s setting his sights a bit lower, and with a different party. Istvan announced this morning that he plans to run for governor of California in 2018 under the Libertarian Party.

“We need leadership that is willing to use radical science, technology, and innovation—what California is famous for–to benefit us all,” he wrote in a Newsweek article. “We need someone with the nerve to risk the tremendous possibilities to save the environment through bioengineering, to end cancer by seeking a vaccine or a gene-editing solution for it, to embrace startups that will take California from the world’s 7th largest economy to maybe even the largest economy–bigger than the rest of America altogether.”

When we spoke to him in November, Istvan made it clear that he would be looking at the Libertarian Party if he were to run for president again. Not only does he identify as libertarian, he also saw the benefit of working with a more established political party, instead of starting one from the ground up.

“I would probably run under the Libertarian Party next time,” he said. “The problem, though, is that I actually lean quite far left. When you actually look at who I am, I’m as much on the Democratic side as I am on the Libertarian. I am what they call a left-leaning Libertarian. So most Libertarians would say I’m not Libertarian enough. And a lot of Democrats would say, ‘You’re not like us; you’re not Bernie Sanders enough.’”

Of course, just because Istvan wants to run doesn’t mean he’ll actually score the Libertarian Party nomination. His announcement, at this point, is basically just a statement of intent.

Source: Newsweek

Apple takes a big step toward wireless charging on iPhones

Rumors have swirled for a while that Apple might embrace wireless charging beyond smartwatches (including for the next iPhone), and the company only seems to be stoking those expectations. Apple has quietly joined the Wireless Power Consortium, which governs the Qi standard you see on most devices with wireless charging. This doesn’t guarantee that this year’s iPhone will tout wireless charging, or even that Apple will use the Qi standard at all (the Apple Watch uses a modified take on Qi). However, it does say a lot about Apple’s broader wireless charging strategy.

For over a year, there’s been talk of Apple exploring long-range charging, possibly through a partnership with Energous. You’d just have to keep your iPhone within several feet of a charging station to top it up. The Wireless Power Consortium move doesn’t mean that Apple has given up on long-distance electricity, but it does suggest that the company believes conventional inductive charging is more practical in the near term. Also, it shows a firmer commitment to the very concept of wireless charging — Apple doesn’t think it starts and ends with one wearable product.

Via: 9to5Mac

Source: Wireless Power Consortium