Qualcomm may finally reveal a new wearable chipset on September 10

It looks like Qualcomm could (finally) be prepping a new wearable processor. These days, companies developing Wear OS watches have little choice but to use the Snapdragon Wear 2100, a chipset that was first unveiled in February 2016. Soon, however, that may change — Qualcomm has sent out save the dates for an event on September 10 with the phrase “It’s Time,” and telling recipients to “set their watches.”

There is really little debate about what the announcement could be, and it’s about time we get an upgrade to the Snapdragon Wear 2100. The chipset isn’t bad, by any means, but with growing interest in wearable technology, Android manufacturers have struggled to keep up with devices like the Apple Watch. So much so that companies like Fossil have been using the Snapdragon Wear 2100 for a few years on multiple generations of devices.

In fact, Fossil just announced a revamp of its smartwatch lineup, with devices now including modern features like heart rate monitors and NFC for contactless payments. We will have to wait and see how the devices perform with the aging chipset, and while it’s likely they will do just fine initially, they may not continue to perform well in the long run.

The concept of a Snapdragon Wear 2100 successor isn’t necessarily surprising. Earlier in the year, Google and Qualcomm confirmed that they were working on a new chipset for wearables that would allow for much more flexible designs.

Unfortunately, the press invitation does not go into detail about what to expect from the new chipset, but it will likely pave the way for a slew of new wearable devices in Google’s Wear OS ecosystem. Among the first of these new devices will likely be Google’s own rumored smartwatch, which many expect to launch alongside the new Google Pixel 3 phones in October. Other manufacturers will almost certainly adopt the new chipset too — we would not be surprised to see the likes of Fossil and Huawei launch new smartwatches with the new chipset in the near future.

We will have to wait and see what makes this new chipset, if indeed Qualcomm does reveal a new chipset, better than previous iterations.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Qualcomm smartwatch chip may include eye-tracking support for AR glasses
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 is made for Windows PCs with ‘innovative form factors’
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• Make some time for the best smartwatch deals for August 2018
• Fossil’s sexy smartwatches let you watch your heart skip a beat

HP slices prices on laptops for its huge back to school sale

As much as we love to rely on our smartphones for day to day technological activities, the usefulness of a good laptop can’t be denied. Sure, you can take notes, edit photos, and write papers on your phone, but as a fellow human being, I wouldn’t recommend it. The pure processing power combined with a fully functional keyboard still gives laptop computers a competitive edge over mobile phones in all but price and portability. And for limited time every August, you can even find some of the best laptop deals all year — especially on HP models.

HP is slashing prices on laptops, desktops, and printers for its annual back to school sale. From now until Saturday, August 11, you can pick up a laptop for less than half the retail price. We’ve put together a list of some of the best HP laptops this sale has to offer, but feel free to dive right into the savings to see for yourself.

HP 15t Touch Laptop — $660 off

If you’re in the market for an entry level laptop for school, work, or just watching Netflix, this is the perfect option for you. With a 13-hour battery life, a 7th generation Intel i7 processor, and 8 GB of memory, the HP 15t is the perfect companion for college students. This particular model was made to be a workhorse when it comes to every day tasks, and its lightweight, portable design won’t slow you down while you’re on the go. If all you need is a great laptop with enough battery life to get you through an entire day, then this HP laptop can’t be beat. With a price tag of just $580, it doesn’t get much more affordable than this.

$580 | HP

HP Envy x360 15z Touch Laptop — $130 off

When purchasing a laptop, it’s important to consider the type of work it’s going to be used for. If you’re looking for a laptop that can keep up with your creativity, an HP Envy x360 is a good way to go. With an AMD Ryzen processor and an AMD Radeon graphics card, the 15z is built specifically with creative work in mind. It’s long-lasting battery life paired with pen and touch support makes this 2-in-1 laptop and tablet a great entry-level option for any creator.

$640 | HP

HP Laptop 17t — $240 off

Though not has powerful as the HP 15t laptop we featured first, the 17t has many similar features. The main difference between the two laptops, besides the price, is processing power and memory. With 4 GB of memory and Intel i3 processor, the HP 17t is a great starter laptop, but realistically, it isn’t likely to stand the test of time. If all you’re looking for is an affordable laptop for taking notes, writing papers, and creating slideshows, then this $460 model will get the job done.

$460 | HP

Best HP printer deals

Finding a printer you can rely on is always a struggle, but in many cases, they are an absolute necessity. Though we are living in a digital world, there are still quite a few occasions when printing your own photos, papers, and presentations is unavoidable. If you’re looking for decent printer at an affordable price, HP has some great deals on inkjet and laser printers for back to school.

Our picks

• HP Officejet 5255 All-in-One — $30 off
• HP Color Laserjet Pro — $100 off
• HP Officejet Pro 6978 All-in-One — $90 off
• HP Envy Photo 6255 All-in-One — $50 off
• HP Laserjet Pro M402N — $100 off

See All HP Deals

Looking for more cool stuff? Find laptop deals and more from our curated deals page, or follow us on Twitter for the latest savings.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and choose what we cover carefully and independently. If you find a better price for a product listed here, or want to suggest one of your own, email us at dealsteam@digitaltrends.com.Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Editors’ Recommendations

• HP slashes prices up to 52 percent for its Fourth of July sale
• Take 20 percent off HP Omen gaming PCs and laptops for a limited time
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• Here are the 5 best Fourth of July sales you won’t want to miss
• Giveaway: Win an HP Omen, the gaming PC powering the Fortnite Pro-AM tournament

Limited Edition Spider-Man PlayStation 4 Pro bundle is now available to preorder on Amazon

Pick it up before it’s too late!

Insomniac’s Spider-Man is set to grace store shelves this September, but the experience just wouldn’t be complete without a limited edition console to complement it.

Sony revealed a Spider-Man PS4 Pro bundle at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, showcasing a sleek red finish with its iconic white symbol. It was previously up for preorder through PlayStation’s own store, but now you can also pick it up through Amazon. It is available to preorder for $399.99 USD/$499.99 CAD in the United States and Canada.

Spider-Man is set to release for PlayStation 4 on September 7, 2018. The PS4 Pro bundle will release on the same day alongside it.

To get caught up with everything surrounding Insomniac’s Spider-Man, check out our article here detailing the latest information as it’s released.

See at Amazon

PlayStation 4

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Your stone-skipping skills pale in comparison to this robotic rock launcher

What are the two things that all kids love? Rock skipping and robots, obviously. Using the kind of inventiveness that has made him a YouTube star, former NASA engineer-turned-quirky-inventor Mark Rober has combined both to put together a robot that’s able to skip rocks across the surface of water with impressive consistency. Best of all? It might even improve your own own rock-skipping technique so that this won’t join the growing number of fields in which robots put us on the unemployment scrap heap.

“I made a robot — or I suppose more of a machine, but ‘robot’ sounds way cooler — that could skip rocks really well,” Rober told Digital Trends. “Or, at least, it did eventually. We really just made it to have built-in adjustable parameters like wrist angle and arm angle so we could do experiments to find the best settings for a perfect rock skip.”

The robot was created by modifying a clay pigeon thrower, including the addition of customized wooden throwing arms, and a box base to give a bit more stability. The standardized rock replacement discs were air-dried clay, shaped with cookie cutters. Of course, the most important step was when Rober’s team of seasoned mechanics and engineers (read: his young nieces and nephews) stepped into the breach to give “Skippa” a spray paint and googly eye makeover, ensuring that it conformed to the necessary robot design stereotypes.

So what can we learn from the trial and error involved with getting Skippa to work? Mainly that the perfect rock skip involves rocks hitting the water at a 20-degree angle, with a 20-degree path, and a higher angle for cases when more energy is required. Flicking the wrist as much as is humanly (or robotically) possible is also a must. Oh, and the rock should be sufficiently heavy, with a flat bottom.

As much of a success as Rober’s rock-skipping robot is, however, he said he has no plans to elaborate on it in the near future. “I sort of pride myself on doing something totally different every month on my channel,” he continued. “Once I’ve visited a topic, I don’t ever really revisit it. My list of cool things I want to try is too long to allow for that.”

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Walmart’s new grocery robots aim to speed up your shopping experience

In the very near future, the person who picks out your online Walmart grocery pickup order may not be, well, a person at all. That’s due to the fact that the retail giant recently announced that it has teamed up with Massachusetts-based Alert Innovation to adopt a special custom version of Alert’s Alphabot product-picking robots. The automated assistants, which take the form of miniature food-picking shuttle robots, will be used at the massive 20,000-square foot warehouse attached to Walmart’s Salem, New Hampshire, superstore.

The hope is that using this technology can increase the speed at which customer’s orders can be picked out — and therefore picked up by customers with limited time to spend shopping.

In a statement, Walmart described how Alphabot will retrieve ordered items, before delivering them to store associates at one of its pick stations. “Our personal shoppers will then pick, assemble and deliver orders to customers,” it noted. “The vast majority of grocery products we offer in-store will be fulfilled through this system, though our personal shoppers will still handpick produce and other fresh items.”

Alphabot is set to go live by the end of this year. Starting October 1, shoppers at the Salem store will be able to go and pick up their robot-chosen order, with the possibility of home deliveries being rolled out at a later date. For now, this is considered a “pilot program,” meaning that there is no guarantee that Alphabot will find a long-term home in the Walmart family. However, if it’s as successful as the company hopes, this surely isn’t out of the question. Currently, upward of 1,200 Walmart stores offer the grocery pickup service. That is twice the number of stores where it was available just two years ago.

Walmart isn’t the only retail company to turn to robots to solve some of these product-picking problems. Amazon has long embraced robots, working alongside humans, at its fulfillment centers. Meanwhile, in the U.K., online supermarket Ocado is battling to show itself as the most tech-savvy food retailer of them all — courtesy of a humanoid bot the company hopes will one day be able to work alongside humans in its warehouses.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Walmart’s grocery pickup is free, but how is the service?
• Kroger’s Ship leaves the dock with curated products and special deals
• Autonomous cars: Waymo and Walmart partner on a grocery pickup service
• Amazon takes on the grocery store with Prime Pantry
• You have to get an invite for Walmart’s personal shopping service, Jetblack

The best OnePlus 6 screen protectors

Andy Boxall/Digital Trends

The OnePlus 6 is perhaps the best midrange phone of 2018. With power that rivals the most expensive phones available, a gorgeous design, and some stunning cameras, there’s never been a better phone to be deemed “the flagship killer.”

But with all a flagship’s power and style come certain weaknesses. A large, bezel-less screen is impressive, but it also presents a larger target that may shatter or crack. Keep it safe and damage-free with the best OnePlus 6 screen protectors.

Official OnePlus 3D Screen Protector ($20)

If you’re looking to protect your OnePlus 6, then who better to advise you on protection than the phone’s own manufacturer? This screen protector is made from tempered glass, and has been CNC engraved and fused to provide perfect edge-to-edge protection for your phone’s display. The surface has a hardness rating of 9H, and comes with anti-scratch properties and an oleophobic coating that helps to keep fingerprints from spoiling your view. It’s not hard to attach either, with OnePlus supplying a case to ensure perfect alignment, cleaning tools, and even a squeegee to squeeze all air out from beneath the protector. There is even a video to guide you.

Buy it now from:

OnePlus

GadgetShieldz Full Body Screen Protector ($10)

We’ve written a list of the best OnePlus 6 cases to complete your protection, but what if you’re really not a fan of cases? Check out this screen protector from GadgetShieldz which protects not only your screen but the back and sides of your phone, too. It’s made from flexible but durable film bolstered with nano polymers for self-healing properties. This flexibility means that the protector can bend to adapt to the curves of your device and leave no surface uncovered. The film adds grip to the slippery glass of your OnePlus 6 without feeling tacky, and since it’s only 0.2mm thick it doesn’t add any extra bulk to your slim phone either. It won’t protect as much as a glass protector, but it’s better than nothing.

Buy it now from:

GadgetShieldz

Poetic Screen Protector ($8)

Poetic make great, tough, rugged cases that can take a blow well and come back for more — so you can be sure that Poetic’s screen protector can do the same. It’s made from 9H hardness tempered glass with anti-chip tech that curves the screen protector into your phone’s body for full protection. It’s resistant to impacts, dust, and fingerprints, while still being extremely thin at just 0.3-mm thick. It’s easy to apply, super-transparent, and doesn’t impact your display’s touchscreen sensitivity. Best of all, it’s extremely cheap when compared to other tempered glass screen protectors.

Buy it now from:

Poetic Amazon

IQShield Liquid Shield Screen Protector ($8)

Another tough and flexible film screen protector, this option from IQShield conforms to the curves of your device, helping to protect it from scratches and other damage. It doesn’t protect all of your device and it’s not going to be as protective against drops as tempered glass, but it should still hold up well thanks to its layered construction. The Liquid Shield is formed from four layers, including an anti-yellowing UV layer, a tough protective layer, and a fully adhesive bottom layer. It’s almost completely invisible to the eye, doesn’t leave any residue on your screen after its done its job, and best of all, it’s cheap.

Buy it now from:

IQShield Amazon

ArmorSuit MilitaryShield Screen Protector ($14)

As soon as anyone starts throwing military terms around, you know you’ve probably got a winner on your hands. This screen protector is made from a flexible and tough film that was apparently created to coat military helicopter blades. According to ArmorSuit, it protects against sand, impact damage, and comes with self-healing properties. It’s treated with an anti-yellowing coating, which helps to stop your protector aging badly. It should be a perfect fit too, as it uses a wet installation method that puts a layer between the screen protector and the display, ensuring a close fit and great touchscreen sensitivity. It’s not as tough as glass, but it’s good enough to see your phone through a good few bashes.

Buy it now from:

ArmorSuit Amazon

Olixar Glass Screen Protector ($15)

Olixar is an up-and-coming name in mobile accessories, and you might have come across its cases in some form or another. But it also brings some great screen protectors to the table. This screen protector is made from hardened tempered glass that should protect your display from blows that would otherwise shatter your screen. If the worst should happen and the protector breaks, then the anti-shatter film beneath will stop it from coming apart and lancing into your fingers. It’s hard and clear, and has an easy installation method with little risk of bubbling underneath the glass. It’s also super-thin at just 0.26mm thick. This is good protection at an attractive price.

Buy it now from:

Mobile Fun Amazon

RhinoShield Impact Protection Screen Protector ($25)

Most film screen protectors aren’t great against impacts, since flexible film just isn’t as tough as tempered glass. RhinoShield claims that its screen protector is different, and says it can guard against hammer blows and take five-times more impact energy than the Gorilla Glass 5 on the OnePlus 6’s display. We can’t back that claim up, and don’t recommend you try it either — but even if it isn’t true, it’s unlikely to be any worse than other film protectors in the same class. It’s strong, resistant to smudges, dirt, and fingerprints, and it’s also compatible with a bunch of cases, as well as being as thin as three sheets of printer paper.

Buy it now from:

RhinoShield Amazon

Ringke Invisible Defender Full Coverage Protector – Triple Pack ($12)

There aren’t too many screen protectors that protect more than just the screen, but Ringke’s Invisible Defender is one of the few that does. This film screen protector features two wings that wrap around the sides of your phone and to the back, keeping all those exposed areas under wraps. It’s a great protector to combine with a good protective case for all-around protection, and the self-healing film should mean that your phone’s display stays clear and unscratched. Ringke warns that some bubbling may occur in the first three days of installation, but says that those bubbles will go if pushed to the side and left to settle. Best of all though, if you muck it up there are two more in the pack.

Buy it now from:

Ringke Amazon

Editors’ Recommendations

• The best OnePlus 6 cases and covers
• OnePlus 6 vs OnePlus 3T vs OnePlus 3: Is the new phone worth the upgrade?
• Common OnePlus 6 problems, and how to fix them
• OnePlus 6 vs. OnePlus 5T vs. OnePlus 5: Is it worth it to upgrade?
• OnePlus 6 review

BenQ’s curvy new QHD display for gamers supports AMD’s FreeSync 2 tech

Gamers looking for a monitor supporting AMD’s FreeSync 2 technology now have a new option from BenQ: The EX3203R. Available now for $700, it’s a 32-inch curved display with a QHD resolution, an 1800R curvature, and a 144Hz refresh rate.

If you’re not familiar with AMD’s FreeSync 2 technology, it arrived at the beginning of 2017 as an alternative to the original FreeSync platform. Both synchronize the frames-per-second output of an AMD-based graphics card with the display’s refresh rate. This eliminates the visual screen tearing and stuttering that typically arises when the game’s framerate fluctuates.

But the FreeSync 2 name is somewhat misleading as it’s not the successor or a replacement to the original FreeSync. Instead, it simply adds features on top of the synchronization aspect such as support for HDR, low input latency and low framerate compensation.

Regardless, here are the specifications for BenQ’s new display:

• Screen size: 31.5 inches
• Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440 (QHD)
• Refresh rate: 144Hz
• Panel type: VA
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Curvature: 1800R
• Brightness: 400 nits
• Contrast ratio (native): 3,000:1
• Contrast ratio (dynamic): 20,000,000:1
• Response time: 4ms gray-to-gray
• Viewing angles: 178 degrees (both)
• Pixels per inch: 93
• Color gamut: 90 percent DCI-P3
• Color amount: 16.7 million
• Color depth: 8-bit
• Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort, 1x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 1x Headphone jack

BenQ’s new curved monitor is a DisplayHDR 400 certified device, meaning it falls at the bottom of VESA’s new three-tier certification system. DisplayHDR was designed to better inform customers about the level of HDR quality provided in desktop displays. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry-level tier while DisplayHDR 600 is the next level up followed by DisplayHDR 1000 at the top. The numbers actually stem from the display’s maximum brightness level, which in this case would be 400 nits.

Meanwhile, you will see BenQ advertise support for HDR 10 on the product page. This is currently the industry standard for monitors supporting high-dynamic range, providing brilliant colors and deep blacks. Adding to HDR support is BenQ’s Brightness Intelligence Plus feature that can soften bright areas while keeping dark details “crystal clear.” In other words, in dimly lit scenes, the brighter areas won’t wash out and details in the shadows won’t disappear.

Other features packed into BenQ’s new display include a component to reduce screen flickering and one that filters out blue light. The Brightness Intelligence Plus component will detect the ambient brightness and color temperature in your surrounding area to adjust the display accordingly.

Finally, the EX3203R has an ultra-slim bezel, giving the appearance of an edge-to-edge panel. The idea is for customers to purchase three units to create one long, curved screen with very little visual separations between each display. Yet buying three of these screens would set you back $2,100.

You can purchase BenQ’s new FreeSync 2-based EX3203R display straight from the company for $700 right here, or though B&H Photo and Video here for the same price.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Acer’s new 4K, HDR, 144Hz G-Sync gaming monitor will cost $2,000
• BenQ EX3501R ultrawide monitor review
• Philips claims ‘world’s first’ with a new 4K HDR desktop display
• The best HDR monitors
• Samsung’s 49-inch display pushes horizontal resolution beyond 5,000 pixels

Widespread internet access is causing mass sleep deprivation, study suggests

We’re familiar with a lot of the arguments about why high-speed internet is among the greatest inventions in human history. But the internet can be bad for you, too — and, no, we’re not just talking about the howling post-apocalyptic wasteland that is the YouTube comments section.

In a new study, funded by the European Research Council, researchers establish what they claim is a causal link between broadband internet access and sleep deprivation. Specifically, they claim that our use of various internet-connected devices is costing those of us with high-speed internet up to 25 minutes of sleep per night, compared to those without it. That’s not good news.

“Internet addiction and technology use near bedtime are often blamed as a major cause of the sleep deprivation epidemic,” Luca Stella, a researcher at the Carlo F. Dondena Center for Research on Social Dynamics and Public Policy at Italy’s Bocconi University, told Digital Trends. “Yet the empirical evidence on this relationship is still limited. In our study, we first show descriptive evidence that the use of digital devices at night is correlated with shorter sleep duration. Then, exploiting differences in the access to high-speed internet caused by the pre-existing telephone infrastructure in Germany, we analyze the relationship between high-speed internet and sleep. We find that access to broadband internet reduces sleep duration and sleep satisfaction.”

These researchers aren’t the first people to raise the alarm about our dependence on internet-connected devices, or the possible links between areas like smartphone addiction and various negative health impacts. However, arguments surround many of these studies has gotten bogged down in the correlation versus causation debate. While this study is certainly not going to be the final word on the matter, the unique post-Berlin Wall digital divide in Germany — which has split broadband adoption along geographical lines — certainly makes for a compelling case study.

“Overall, the results were consistent with our prior [assumption] that high-speed internet may increase the use of digital devices, and more technology use near bedtime may delay bedtime and result in shorter and worse sleep,” Stella said. “A more surprising result is that the correlation between smartphone use and short sleep duration was highest among the 30- to 59-year-olds, rather than the under 30. The larger effect among over-30s may be explained by the fact that these individuals are more likely to face work and family constraints in the morning, and may not be able to compensate for a later bedtime.”

A paper describing the work was recently published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization.

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Best Indie Games for PlayStation 4

If you are on the lookout for some great independent games for your PS4 then check these out.

There’s no denying that the PlayStation 4 has made a comfortable home for blockbuster games and their developers. Every year there is a seemingly endless stream of huge titles. But what about the little guys? Independent developers are just as capable of creating amazing and engaging games as the big guys. Here are just a few of the very best independent titles that PS4 has to offer.

• What Remains of Edith Finch
• Undertale
• Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
• The Witness
• SOMA
• INSIDE
• Firewatch
• Rime
• Stardew Valley
• Celeste

What Remains of Edith Finch

If you’re looking for a fantastic storytelling experience bolstered by gorgeous visuals then developer Giant Sparrow has you covered. What Remains of Edith Finch may not be for every gamer but if you are enticed at the idea of having your heartstrings tugged and you enjoy a meditative gaming experience then it’s certainly worth your time and money.

See at PlayStation

Undertale

If you spent any amount of time on social media in 2015, you’ve likely heard of Undertale. The surprise smash hit found a lot success for seemingly being such a simple game on the surface. The charm of its characters and unique world captured the hearts of players as you’re thrown into an underground world of monsters. This RPG has branching narratives depending on what level of blood lust you have simmering below the surface. Want to complete it without hurting anyone? There’s a pacifist run for that. Want to slaughter everything in your wake? The Genocide run is the one for you. But just remember, your actions have consequences.

See at PlayStation

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

You know that argument that you always get into? The one where you try to explain to someone that video games are just as valid and valuable an art form as film is. There’s always that one person who hasn’t played a video game since Frogger and they continue to insist that games are just kid stuff. Well, show them Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. Ninja Theory developed one heck of a game and there is a reason that it garnered a veritable boatload of nominations at the 2017 Game Awards.

See at Amazon

The Witness

After the success of Braid, Jonathon Blow went on to develop The Witness, an outstanding puzzle game that will make you feel smart for completing the simplest of tasks. Set on an island, you’ll explore several distinct regions and solve over 500 puzzles. If you really want a game to test your intellect rather than your reflexes, you can’t do much better than The Witness.

See at PlayStation

SOMA

The developers behind Amnesia may specialize in survival horror, but the studio showed its versatility with SOMA. Yes, it’s still a survival horror, but it focuses heavily on a narrative that explores themes like artificial intelligence and consciousness. What it means to be alive. In the underwater facility of Pathos-II, you’ll uncover dark secrets about yourself and its inhabitants. Aren’t into survival horrors? Well you can take the “survivor” out of the equation by playing it in its Safe Mode. Be warned, it’s still plenty scary.

See at PlayStation

INSIDE

If you thought Playdead created an immaculate puzzle-platformer in Limbo, you’ll be amazed at what they pulled off in INSIDE. One of the most polished games to ever release, INSIDE’s puzzles are as diabolical as they are clever. And for a game without any dialogue, you’ll be treated to such a thought-provoking story that people still discuss it to this day.

See at PlayStation

Firewatch

Don’t overlook Firewatch just because some people refer to it as a “walking simulator.” Set in Shoshone National Forest after the Yellowstone fires of 1988, your character begins to witness strange events happening during his time as a fire lookout. While exploring the beautiful environment (which was designed with the help of artist Olly Moss), you’ll form a strong bond with a woman named Delilah as you attempt to solve the mysteries around you.

See at PlayStation

Rime

Stunning and gorgeous are completely apt adjectives to use when discussing Rime. Developed by Tequilla works, it’s a third person puzzle adventure game wherein you control a boy who has been stranded on a deserted island. Imagine the spirit of games like Ico and Myst and you will have a decent idea of what’s in store for you. If you like just a tinge of sadness with your visually masterful games, then you should certainly give Rime a second look. You can experience it yourself for $30.

See at PlayStation

Stardew Valley

If you were a fan of the Harvest Moon games and you haven’t played Stardew Valley, then drop everything and buy this game right away. Developed with palpable care by a single person, Stardew Valley is certainly a perfect spiritual successor to the Harvest Moon games. One would think that a farming sim shouldn’t be this much fun but it most decidedly is. If you’re looking for an insanely fun and charming time sink, then Stardew Valley is a no-brainer. You can pick it up on Amazon for $15.

See at Amazon

Celeste

Celeste came to the PlayStation 4 in the very beginning of 2018 and boy is it ever good. It will take a place amongst similarly difficult titles as Meatboy and Hotline Miami. However, it also just so happens to be beautiful and thoughtful as well. If you’re looking to make a list of the best platforming experiences of the past decade, then you should certainly put Celeste in the running. It’s hard to believe that a game this good is only $20 dollars, but it is. And it’s well worth your money and time.

See at PlayStation

One of the truly great things about the PlayStation 4 is the sheer volume of top-tier independent titles. What are some of your favorites?

Why are we talking about PlayStation 4 games on Android Central? Let us explain.

Update, August 2018: We’ve updated this article to include more great indie titles for your PS4 like Undertale, The Witness, SOMA, INSIDE, and Firewatch!

PlayStation 4

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Best microSD Card for Android in 2018

Expand your phone’s storage and get the card that suits your needs.

With so many top-tier phones offering SD card slots for expandable storage, you’d be remiss not to take full advantage. These microSD cards are the best of the best around to fit your specific needs.

• Best overall: Samsung EVO+ 256GB
• Best value for capacity: Samsung EVO Select 128GB
• Best value for speed: Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB UHS-II/U3
• Best balanced: Lexar High-Performance microSDXC 300x

Best overall

Samsung EVO+ 256GB

See at Amazon

Samsung’s very-highest-of-the-high-end microSD card isn’t all that cheap at roughly $100, but you’re also getting a winning combination of performance and storage capacity, with 90MB/sec write speeds and 95MB/sec reads, and an enormous 256GB of space.

That’s more than you’ll ever need in a smartphone, and the high read/write speeds will help if you’re shooting lots of 4K video on a high-end phone like the Galaxy S9 (as too will that enormous capacity.) Better still, it’s water, temperature, X-ray and magnetic proof, so you needn’t worry about it getting damaged while you’re out and about.

Best value: Capacity

Samsung EVO Select 128GB

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If you want a nice high storage capacity without breaking the bank, Samsung’s 128GB card is a good option — it provides a staggering amount of storage, and with pretty fast read and write speeds to boot — though remember your phone probably won’t be able to achieve the maximum read and write speeds quoted here. It’s about the lowest price we’ve seen for a 128GB card, and a great way to free up a ton of space on your phone or tablet. That and it’s only about $35.

What’s more, you can pay an extra few bucks at checkout and get an OTG reader thrown in too.

Best value: Speed

Lexar Professional 1000x 32GB UHS-II/U3

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If speed is more important, you might want to give this Lexar card a shot. It uses UHS-II flash memory and boasts read speeds of up to 150MB/sec — but only to supporting PCs and cameras, no phone we’re aware of currently supports UHS-II speeds for reads and writes. The capacity isn’t the greatest, but there are also 64 and 128GB variants available, if you’re willing to pay more.

The Lexar card also comes with a USB reader for plugging into your PC and transferring data at higher speeds. $33 on Amazon.

Best balanced

Lexar High-Performance microSDXC 300x

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This Lexar card won’t break the bank — it’s just under $25 at the time of writing — but offers a great balance of speed and capacity. 64GB should be enough for most people’s photo, video and offline music needs, while the card’s UHS-I speed rating provides ample performance.

There’s no full-sized SD adapter bundled with this card, but you can’t argue with the price for this kind of microSD.

Updated August 2018: Updated pricing. These remain the best microSD cards you can buy for your Android phone or tablet, no matter your needs.