Amazon’s trade-in program will give you a gift card for your old stuff and $50 off a PlayStation 4 Pro

…In with the new.

Taking advantage of Amazon’s trade-in program gets the PlayStation 4 Pro back down to the deal price it was going for over Black Friday. All you have to do is trade in one of your old video games, consoles, or accessories. Amazon will give you a trade-in value for it in the form of an Amazon gift card. The value is based on the item itself, its condition, and things like that. Once your trade-in has been shipped and accepted by Amazon, you’ll be able to add the PlayStation 4 Pro to your cart and see the $50 taken off automatically.

The $50 bonus promotion expires January 31.

You don’t have to trade in something of equivalent value to the $400 console. Any video game, console, or accessory will do. All you have to do is make sure it meets Amazon’s criteria and answer a few questions about it.

Amazon has to receive the item before you get a trade-in value, too. So this process might take a bit. But if you can trade-in an old, but perfectly functional, $40 game controller you no longer use for a $50 discount on a brand new console, plus whatever the value you get for the controller, it’s definitely worth it.

Check out Amazon’s Trade-in terms and conditions, or read the FAQ at the bottom of this page for other questions you might have.

See on Amazon

Deal: Get a Pixel 2 or 2 XL at Verizon for $300 off, no trade-in required

Get a Pixel 2 with 64GB of storage for just $350.

Google’s Pixel 2 is easily one of the best Android phones of the year, but thanks to devices like the OnePlus 5T and now discounted Essential Phone, justifying the handset’s cost of at least $650 isn’t all that easy. Thankfully, if you’re on Verizon, the carrier’s running a new promo that makes the buying Pixel 2 a no-brainer.

Starting Friday, December 1 in-stores and Sunday, December 3 online, any orders of a Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL on a monthly installment plan will be discounted by $300. That $300 credit is spread out over the course of 24 months, but it effectively means you can get Google’s latest for as little as $350.

Here’s a breakdown of what your final cost will look like with that $300 discount once all is said and done:

• Pixel 2 w/ 64GB – $350
• Pixel 2 w/ 128GB – $450
• Pixel 2 XL w/ 64GB – $550
• Pixel 2 XL w/ 128GB $650

In addition to this, Verizon is still running another promo that allows you to get 50% off a Google Home with the purchase of either the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL.

See at Verizon

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 2 FAQ: Everything you need to know!
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL review: The new standard
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• Google Pixel 2 vs. Pixel 2 XL: What’s the difference?
• Join our Pixel 2 forums

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How to fix tracking problems in Skyrim for PlayStation VR

Having Issues with Tracking while you Play Skyrim on your PlayStation VR? Here’s how to fix it!

Skyrim VR has arrived on PlayStation VR letting you experience the world that Bethesda has created in a new and immersive way. Nobody wants to be distracted by drift or bad calibration when you’re trying to hunt down a dragon, but these are common problems. Have no fear though, we’ve put together a few fixes to get you back into the fray without too much trouble.

Get all the details on how to deal with tracking issues in Skyrim here!

Read more at VRHeads

How to change your software channel on Chrome OS

Chrome OS has a stable, beta and developer channel. Here’s what they mean and how to switch between them.

One of the greatest strengths of Chrome OS is its stability: whenever I hand someone a Chromebook or set them up with a Chromebox, I know they’re not going to run into any problems. But for those that like to tinker — like me — there is the option to test new features for Chrome, at the possible expense to stability.

Every Chrome device shares the same software, with everything working the same from one device to another. Something like the Pixelbook will perform faster in some scenarios than a lower end Chromebook, but everything will look and function the same. Each Chrome device can be on one of three software channels: the stable channel, the beta channel and the developer channel.

Stable channel

Every Chrome device runs the stable channel out of the box, and that’s the channel the device will remain on if the user does nothing. The stable channel isn’t absolutely flawless — no software is — but it will be the most stable operating system a user could have. The stable channel of Chrome OS is updated at a minimum every six weeks as new versions of Chrome rollout.

Beta channel

The beta channel is a great middle ground between the rock-solid stability of the stable channel and the super-experimental developer channel. I spent most the last year on the beta channel on various Chromebooks to use Android apps, and things mostly worked without issue.

The beta channel is also a great way for web developers to make sure their websites will still display properly on new versions of Chrome, and address any problems that arise before the update rolls out to the stable channel. Experimental features may be listed inside the settings application, or by visiting the Chrome flags page. The beta channel is updated at least once every two weeks to deliver bug fixes, with OS upgrades coming at least once per month.

Developer channel

Chrome OS has the developer channel we’ll discuss here, as well as the developer mode that lets users gain deeper system access and install different flavors on Linux. While they sound similar, they don’t have anything to do with each other other than being power-user features on the same operating system. A user can have developer mode enabled, but still be using the stable channel of the OS.

The developer channel is for folks that really like to experiment with new features, with a major cost to stability. The developer channel is updated one or two times per week with new features and bug fixes.

Moving between channels

Moving between software channels is easy to do. If you’re moving from the stable channel to beta or developer — or from beta to developer — all your data will remain in place. If you’re moving from developer to beta or stable — or from beta to stable — your Chrome device will need to be Powerwashed, erasing your account and any local data you have. Setting up a Chromebook as new is super simple, so even with a Powerwash the whole experience shouldn’t take more than ten or fifteen minutes. To change your Chrome OS channel:

Once logged into your device, click on your account photo in the lower right, then click the gear icon. This will open the Settings app.

Click the hamburger icon on the upper right of the settings window, then click About Chrome OS.

Click Detailed build information to view which channel you are on.

If you would like to change the channel, click CHANGE CHANNEL, then select the channel you would like to move to.

Your device will download the software for your desired channel, then reboot and Powerwash itself if need be. And that’s it!

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• The best Chromebooks
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• Acer Chromebook 14 review
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VP of engineering for Android Wear has left Google

David Singleton is abandoning Android Wear for online payment company Stripe.

Smartwatches as a whole are in something of an awkward phase, but that’s even more true for Android Wear. As such, the fact that the platform’s vice president of engineering is jumping ship doesn’t bode all that well for its immediate future.

Per 9to5Google, Stripe’s CEO Patrick Collision made an announcement on Twitter that David Singleton was leaving Google in order to join the online payment company as its new lead of engineering.

Singleton first joined Google in 2006, and in addition to Android Wear, he also helped lead the development of Google Fit. For what it’s worth, Singleton was present at Google I/O 2017 in June to talk with attending developers about the future of Android Wear.

Android Wear still receives software updates here and there, and while we certainly don’t expect Google to completely abandon it because of Singleton’s absence, this isn’t a reassuring development either. Android Wear 2.0 launched this past February with what looked like a bright future, but lackluster hardware and developer support has turned it into something of a dumpster-fire at the moment.

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• Everything you need to know about Android Wear 2.0
• LG Watch Sport review
• LG Watch Style review
• These watches will get Android Wear 2.0
• Discuss Android Wear in the forums!

Amazon Prime members can stream 15 Sundance Film Festival titles

Today, Amazon announced that 15 Sundance Film Festival titles are now available for Prime members through Amazon Video Direct. The films include Manifesto, starring Cate Blanchett, and festival award winners Marjorie Prime and Free and Easy.

Amazon created Video Direct last year as a way for individuals to post videos and make money off of them. The service allows users to charge for their content via typical routes like rentals or purchases, by including advertisements or by limiting views to just Prime members. But this year, Amazon has been hitting the festival circuit, recruiting filmmakers to the platform and offering double the standard Video Direct royalties and up to $100,000 in bonus cash. It made that offer at the Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival and SXSW.

“We launched the Film Festival Stars Program at Sundance earlier this year because we heard from our customers that they love watching independent films,” Eric Orme, head of Amazon Video Direct, said in a statement. “So far in 2017, FFS has secured the streaming rights to 76 feature films that we’re confident will thrill and delight our customers.”

The 15 Sundance films are available now in the US with select titles also available for streaming in Canada or worldwide. You can see the full list here.

Source: Amazon

Disney sues Redbox for reselling DVD download codes

Disney isn’t too happy with Redbox at the moment. The short-term movie rental service has been selling the download codes that come with the Disney discs it buys and subsequently lends out to customers. The Wall Street Journal reports that unlike other studios, Redbox doesn’t have a distribution deal in place with Disney and as a result, it has to buy discs at retail. Then, it sells the download slips to customers at its kiosks for between $7.99 and $14.99.

Disney filed an injunction in California district court claiming that the sales violate its copyrights and fine print that codes aren’t for sale or transfer. The Star Wars owner wants Redbox to stop those sales and is hoping for up to $150,000 per copyright infringement. That’s in addition to asking for the profits from each code sale.

Redbox doesn’t think it has much to worry about, telling WSJ that it’s “very confident in our pro-consumer position.” That’s all well and good, but Sean Parker and Sean Fanning didn’t really have a lot of luck with a similar attitude in the early 2000s, and Napster wasn’t even selling anything at the time.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Wendy’s will deliver your next Baconator through DoorDash

Starting today, you’ll be able to get Wendy’s delivered right to your door as the chain is now partnering exclusively with DoorDash. At launch, the delivery service is available in 48 markets nationwide. Wendy’s and DoorDash piloted the program earlier this year in Columbus, Ohio and Dallas, Texas and the restaurant chain said that the Baconator and Frosty were popular items during the test.

Wendy’s is the latest fast-food chain to team up with DoorDash. Other DoorDash partners have included Taco Bell, Baskin-Robbins and KFC while UberEats has McDonald’s on its lineup.

While more and more restaurants are adding delivery to their offerings, others are experimenting with how that food is being delivered. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Domino’s is piloting a program where its food is delivered by a self-driving car and elsewhere the pizza chain has served its pizza via drone and autonomous rovers. DoorDash has also been testing out robot delivery, so maybe that Frosty will soon show up at your door on a little self-driving rover.

Source: Wendy’s

The best wireless router (for most people)

By Jim Salter

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here.

After spending over 100 hours testing 18 routers, we think the Netgear R7000P is the best wireless router for most people. It’s fast and reliable at both short and long ranges, it balances the demands of connected devices automatically to avoid congestion, and it works well right out of the box, with no arcane tweaking required.

Who this is for

If you’re happy with your Wi-Fi, you don’t need a new router—it’s as simple as that. If you’re having problems with range, speed, or reliability, though, it might be time for an upgrade. Any of our picks will easily outperform any router you got from your Internet service provider, or any router more than a few years old. These routers are a good fit for apartments or small-to-medium houses with three or four people on the network. If you have a larger family, or a large house—more than 2,000 square feet, or more than one floor—you should probably look at our mesh-networking guide instead.

How we picked and tested

Photo: Michael Hession

When considering routers, we looked for dual- and tri-band routers under $300, with a strong preference for those under $200. We also looked for these four qualities:

• Good throughput and speed on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Good range on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
• Band steering to help users make use of all bands available. All 802.11ac routers come with at least two wireless radios, and the router should be able to use all of them without requiring you to manually connect to separate networks.
• A fast processor. No matter how good your radios are, the slow single-core processors found in most cheap routers can still slow things down.

We made a major update to our testing methodology this year: Instead of testing maximum throughput from a single laptop, we used four laptops, spaced around 1,800 square feet of single-story suburban home. Because this configuration models real-world traffic and was affected by external variables like competing signals and walls, it better simulates real-world performance. To read about our testing procedures in detail, please see our full guide to Wi-Fi routers.

Our pick: Netgear R7000P

Photo: Michael Hession

The Netgear R7000P Nighthawk is the best router for most people because it offers solid performance for multiple devices without a lot of hassle. It has good range and speed and working out-of-the-box band steering, so you don’t need to juggle multiple network names. Though it doesn’t have the absolute best performance for individual devices at either short or long range, it has the best mix of good range, high throughput, useful features, and easy setup of all the routers we tested.

The R7000P really shines under busy network conditions. Its load-balancing band steering automatically shifted the devices around to give work to both radios. Along with its long range and good performance on both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, this translates into a good user experience even when the network’s busy.

The biggest shortcoming of the R7000P compared with some other routers in its price range is its lack of a third band. Though three bands won’t make any single device go faster, the more bands you have available, the less fighting your devices do with one another to get to the Internet. This won’t be a huge issue in a suburban home, but in a crowded apartment complex or a dorm, it might be more of a problem.

Runner-up: Asus RT-AC3200

Photo: Michael Hession

The Asus RT-AC3200 features three bands (two 5 GHz, and one 2.4 GHz), each of which has the best long-range performance of any of the devices we tested. It has built-in bandwidth management graphics that provide fast, easy-to-read information about who’s using the most bandwidth on your network, and what they’re doing with it. It will even let you plug an LTE modem into its USB port to use if your home Internet goes down.

With better performance all around, more features, and a third radio at the same price as our main pick, the RT-AC3200 should be our pick. Unfortunately, out of the box you’ll have to connect to the RT-AC3200’s bands via three separate SSIDs. Band steering is difficult enough to get working right that you should probably get an honorary degree if you manage it, so the R7000P is a better router for people who just want to make the Internet go and get on with their lives. The hardcore enthusiast or the person who needs really long range will probably love the RT-AC3200 once they configure it to their liking.

Budget pick: Netgear R6700

Photo: Michael Hession

The Netgear R6700 is currently about half the price of our main pick. So, what gives? Routers are getting more expensive as manufacturers add features to deal with the faster Internet speeds offered nowadays and the greater number of devices people want to get connected. To be fair, they’re worth it—in particular, band steering makes day-to-day life with a lot of devices easier and less frustrating. We think it’s the only feature you’re likely to miss by getting the R6700 instead of our top pick, though the R6700 does have a noticeably shorter range. It’s still a good router, but our main pick gives you more room to grow as you add smart gadgets and other devices to your network over the next few years. But if you live in a smaller home, don’t have tons of devices fighting to use your network at once, or don’t have $200 to spend on a router, the R6700 is a great choice.

This guide may have been updated by Wirecutter. To see the current recommendation, please go here.

Note from Wirecutter: When readers choose to buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn affiliate commissions that support our work.

New York Times reduces free article limit to five per month

Back in 2012, The New York Times made a decision to limit the number of free articles any given user could read a month. After 10 articles, people without subscriptions would hit a paywall. Now, according to Bloomberg, the Times is reducing that number to just five articles per month.

The logic makes sense: We’re living in a time where the news cycle is faster than ever, and there are multiple breaking news headlines on any given day. While the Times might lose out on some web traffic, the decision makers at the company are betting that the decline will be offset by an uptick in paid subscriptions. A Times subscription starts at $15 per month, which grants access to all articles on the website and news apps.

Source: Bloomberg