Get the training required to pass the CompTIA Security+ exam!

When it comes to data security, CompTIA is the golden standard of certification. If you’re interested in a career in data security, you’ll need to pass the Security+ (SY0-501) exam

The problem here is that the training covers a broad range of topics and the courses required are usually not cheap. Right now, however, Android Central Digital Offers has a deal on the 2018 CompTIA Security Certification Training Bundle, you’ll pay just $59. That’s 98 percent off the regular price!

This training bundle contains 14 courses with over 140 hours of content included, which covers everything from everything you need to know to pass the various IT certification exams.

If you’re interested in becoming a certified data security specialist, this is the course you need. Don’t wait too long — this price is only here for a limited time.

See at Android Central Digital Offers

Four things to do in Destiny 2 before Forsaken arrives

Some things need to be done first before moving forward.

With The Forsaken update just a couple of weeks away, the time to complete the end-game content from the previous expansions is dwindling. Some of the old content will simply be too low level to be a challenge anymore, while other content, like armor and weapons, will be made obsolete by the new power system and RNG perks. This is a shame because if like me, you have put hundreds of hours into Destiny 2 you want to know it wasn’t in vain.

So here are four things I think you should try to get done before the changeover. Some of these things will affect you in Forsaken and others will round out your Destiny 2 experience so you don’t miss out on gameplay you have spent money on acquiring. Eyes up guardian and let’s dive in.

Pre-order Forsaken at Amazon

Complete the Raid.

The Leviathan Raid and the subsequent Raid Lairs that followed are, for me, some of the best content in Destiny 2. There is nothing quite like working with a fireteam of six to fight through a solid three or four hours of jumping puzzles, enemy waves, and huge bosses that all require expert timing and huge amounts of teamwork. In the Raids you get a real sense of camaraderie from the Fireteam you are working with, you talk all the time, some of it banter for sure, but most of the time you getting sitreps on your team’s position, you are calling out gaps in the line that needs filling, you are working as a unit in a way I don’t think you get from most games.

The Leviathan Raid, while being a huge part of the end-game content will most likely be completely nerfed by the new level cap in Forsaken. Looking back through Destiny history you see t happen every time, Vault of Glass, possibly the best Raid in the franchise, became so easy when they increased the power it was pointless to play it. The gear you get from the Raid also rarely scales so the rewards are no longer worth the time it takes to complete. So take some time before Forsaken arrives to put together a Fireteam and show the Emperor and his planet eating sandworm who’s the real boss.

Max out your Level

This seems like a no-brainer but it is pretty important. If your character isn’t level 400 or very close to it the new content may be a real struggle to get through. We all want it to be a challenge of course, but hobbling yourself early on will make it tough to compete with the new race, the Scorn, and generally reduce your enjoyment of the new content.

There are a lot of ways to get to max level. If you have finished the Raids and the Raid lairs you will already be pretty close and by finishing off some of the higher level quests that I will talk about below you should be able to hit that ceiling. If you still haven’t managed to get to the cap then spending the next week pushing through the Solstice of Heroes, Bungie’s last hoorah for year one of Destiny 2, will help you get as close as you can. I think I will end year one with a level of around 395, and I’m okay with that.

More Everything we know about Forsaken

Complete the Whisper of the Worm quest.

Many moons ago Bungie made a weapon and a quest that is still talked about to this day called The Black Spindle. A sniper rifle of awesome power and a perk that refilled the magazine with three headshots, the Spindle was a machine of destruction that few Guardians wanted to be without. The quest to get was amazing as well. Hidden in a daily challenge, the team at Bungie told no one about it, until a player found it by accident and told the world. It was one of Destiny 1 finest moments and became part of the mythos surrounding Destiny.

Whisper comes with White Nail, the same perk that the Spindle had — the one that reloads your weapon on three headshots.

The Whisper of the Worm is another quest just like it. No one knew it was there, Bungie never mentioned anything about it. It was only when someone stumbled upon a yellow bar enemy that opened a portal after a blight Public Event that we knew something new had been added. What follows is some of the very best gameplay Destiny 2 as ever given me, I loved it so hard, and is another showcase of what Bungie can do when it tries a little harder than normal.

This quest is well worth doing before you move on to Forsaken because of the nature of the weapon. Whisper comes with White Nail, the same perk that the Spindle had — the one that reloads your weapon on three headshots — as well as getting Firefly when you get the masterwork. Firefly adds an explosion of solar damage if you kill an enemy with a headshot, coupled with white nail this makes the Whisper of the Worm a weapon you want in year two.

Spend some time in the Solstice of Heroes

If you are a Destiny 2 player you have no doubt been playing this for a while now, if you haven’t you have until Tuesday the 28th August to get as much done as you can. The Solstice of Heroes is Bungie’s end of year extravaganza, where they try to get you to complete as many year one activities as possible. Some of the goals you will have achieved simply by playing through the game but some need to complete within the Solstice timeframe to get the points you acquire when handing in the rewards. Like previous years one of the rewards is a code to claim an exclusive T-shirt from Bungie but I haven’t managed to get that this year. Turns out having a baby human in the house cuts down on the amount of seven hour gaming sessions you can do.

The solstice does include a chance to get a level 400 armor set, the set of armor you original start the game with, but fixed up and looking tip top. To get it you will have to wear your low level, broken armor, and complete challenges while wearing it. The armor generates energy orbs based on what super energy you are using and you’ll have to collect a lot of orbs to finish the quest line. There are 5 old missions called Redux that you will have to complete to help get the armor — essentially memories of an old mission changed around to make it harder and fresh — and you have to be in said armor in the levels to get the points. This is fairly maddening as it kills your level down to around 260 and every enemy becomes a killing machine at that level.

Bonus: Have some fun!

The end of another year of Destiny is something to celebrate. Each year the game evolves and brings new challenges, new mechanics, and new adventures for you and your Fireteam so enjoy the time you have spent in the game. Remember Saguira? She was awesome! Fighting the vex on Mercury? Damn, that was fun. Just enjoy the memories and remember, everything changes in year two and Forsaken is a huge update that will make Destiny 2 a new game to dive into.

Are you ready for Forsaken or do you think I have missed something on the list? let me know in the comments below.

Pre-order Forsaken at Amazon

Here’s where you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Live in the U.S. or Canada? Here’s what you need to know about buying the Galaxy Note 9!

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9 is here, and as you probably know by now, there’s a lot to get excited about. The all-new S Pen is more powerful than ever before, the cameras are shaping up to be the best we’ve seen from Samsung to-date, and the massive 4,000 mAh battery should be perfect for road-warriors.

Galaxy Note phones are usually available just about everywhere, and with the Note 9, that’s no different.

Whether you live in the United States or Canada, here’s everything you need to know about where to buy Sammy’s latest and greatest.

United States

• AT&T
• Sprint
• T-Mobile
• Verizon
• Straight Talk
• U.S. Cellular
• Xfinity Mobile
• Amazon
• Best Buy
• B&H
• Samsung

As of August 24, 2018 the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is available for purchase in the United States. Ocean Blue and Lavender Purple are the two colors being sold in the country and are available no matter where you buy the phone.

AT&T

Starting first with AT&T, the carrier has both the 128GB and 512GB models that are priced at $999.99 and $1249.99, respectively. While you can pay that full price upfront if you’d like, you can also finance both storage configurations over 30 months for $33.34/month and $41.67/month.

If you’re looking to get more bang for your buck, AT&T’s giving customers $1,000 in credits when buying two Note 9’s in one transaction. One new line of service is required to get this, but even so, that essentially works out to getting a 128GB Note 9 for free!

See at AT&T

T-Mobile

Moving over to T-Mobile, everyone’s favorite Un-Carrier is selling the Note 9 in 128GB and 512GB flavors. Full retail pricing is the same, meaning that the 128GB version will set you back $999.99 while the 512GB one is going to cost $1249.99.

Alternatively, you can get the 128GB model for $30/month and $279.99 down on an equipment installment plan or $29/month for 18 months and $279.99/down with Jump! On Demand. The 512GB version is $529.99 down + $30/month for 24 months on an installment plan and $529.99 down + $26/month for 18 months with Jump! On Demand.

Right now, T-Mobile’s offering customers 50% off the Note 9 via monthly bill credits when you trade in an eligible Samsung phone.

See at T-Mobile

Verizon

Similar to AT&T and T-Mobile, Verizon is also selling the 128GB and 512GB Note 9.

By default, you’ll pay $999.99 and $1249.99 for each model, respectively. For Verizon’s installment plans, you’ll pay $41.66 for the 128GB unit and $52.08 for 512GB over the course of 24 months.

To make everything a bit sweeter, Verizon’s also running a buy one, get one free promo when you purchase the 128GB Note 9. This deal is available for a limited time, and if you don’t want a second Note 9, you can also get the Galaxy S9 or S9+ for free in its place. Better yet, no trade-in is required!

See at Verizon

Sprint

If Sprint’s your carrier of choice in the U.S., your choices are a bit more limited. Specifically, Sprint is not selling the 512GB Note 9.

Instead, you can only pick up the 128GB model. Pricing is the same at $999.99, but you’ve also got the option of leasing it for 18 months with the Sprint Flex plan for $41.66/month.

For a limited time, however, Sprint’s letting customers get the Note 9 through Sprint Flex for 50% off —resulting in a final price of just $20.83/month.

See at Sprint

Straight Talk

Post-paid carriers are fine and dandy, but if you prefer buying pre-paid, Straight Talk Wireless has your back as it’s also carrying the Note 9.

Similar to Sprint, Straight Talk is selling just the $999.99 128GB model with no 512GB variant anywhere to be found.

See at Straight Talk

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular isn’t nearly as popular as the above carriers on our list, but even so, it’s still carrying the Galaxy Note 9. Better yet, you can choose to pick up either the 128GB or 512GB configuration!

Pricing is the same at $999.99 and $1249.99, and you can also finance both models over 30 months for $33.30/month and $41.64/month, respectively.

See at U.S. Cellular

Xfinity Mobile

For the last U.S. carrier on our list, we’ve got Xfinity Mobile.

Like most other carriers, Xfinity Mobile is selling the Note 9 in 128GB and 512GB options for $999.99 and $1249.99. You can buy the phone outright if you’ve got the cash, or finance it over the course of 24 months to lessen the stress a bit on your wallet.

If you purchase a Note 9 on Xfinity Mobile, activate a new line, and port over an existing number, you can get a $300 prepaid card that you can use wherever you’d like.

See at Xfinity Mobile

Amazon

Stepping away from carriers, Amazon is one of the many retailers in the U.S. that’s got the Note 9 up for grabs.

The phone’s available on Amazon in both 128GB and 512GB flavors, and as expected, each one costs $999.99 and $1249.99, respectively.

However, each model is also available as part of a special bundle that includes the Note 9, a Wireless Charger Duo, and DeX Pad for no extra charge — resulting in a savings of almost $190.

See at Amazon

Best Buy

Best Buy is the go-to store for all things tech, and as expected, can purchase the Note 9 here, too.

Just like the Note 8, Best Buy allows you to purchase the Note 9 through AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, or completely unlocked. Best Buy typically matches any promotions being offered by carriers, in addition to running its own from time to time. As such, if you’re looking for the vest best deal, you’ll want to hit up Best Buy’s site to see what’s being offered.

If you decide to buy the Note 9 through Best Buy, the retailer is touting a savings up to $200 with a qualified activation. For customers that prefer buying unlocked, you can save up to $450 with a qualified trade-in of an old device.

See at Best Buy

B&H

B&H is known for offering killer deals on new tech, and with the Galaxy Note 9, that’s no different.

You can pick up the Note 9 at B&H in 128GB and 512GB flavors and pricing is the same at $999.99 and $1294.99. However, B&H gets a nice edge as 0% tax is collected on your order if you live outside of New York or New Jersey.

Want more? B&H customers also get a free DeX Pad and a Samsung Qi Wireless Charger Duo in either black or white (an extra value of $218.99).

See at B&H

Samsung

Rounding out our U.S. picks, the Galaxy Note 9 is also being sold on Samsung’s official website and through the ShopSamsung app. Shocking, right?

Along with selling the unlocked version of the phone, Samsung also lets you buy the AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile Verizon, and U.S. Cellular variants. And, although it should go without saying at this point, the 128GB option costs $999.99 and the 512GB model is $1249.99.

If you shop directly from Samsung, you’ll get a free Wirelss Duo Charger and your choice of a Note 9 case. Alternatively, you can spend an extra $99 for the Wireless Duo Charger, a Note 9 case, and Gear IconX earbuds.

See at Samsung

Canada

• Bell
• Rogers
• TELUS
• Freedom Mobile
• Samsung Canada

Similar to the United States, the Galaxy Note 9 officially went on sale in Canada on August 24.

The 128GB Ocean Blue model is available at all carriers/retailers, but if you want the 512GB Midnight Black option, you’ll need to buy the Note 9 directly through Samsung.

Bell

The first Canadian carrier on our list, Bell, is selling just the 128GB Note 9.

Buying the phone without any service will set you back $1379.99, and depending on the two-year term that you choose, you can decrease the upfront cost to either $749.99 or $549.99.

If there’s a Bell store near you, you can walk in, trade-in an eligible device, and take an entire $200 off the phone.

See at Bell

Rogers

Rogers is also carrying the Galaxy Note 9 in the 128GB flavor! Here’s what the current pricing looks like:

• No Tab — $1299
• Talk & Text Tab — $1299
• Smart Tab — $899
• Premium Tab — $749
• Premium+ Tab — $549

In-stores only, Rogers is offering a $100 discount on the Note 9 with an eligible trade-in on a 2-year Share Everything plan.

See at Rogers

TELUS

TELUS is carrying the 128GB Note 9, and depending on which plan you choose, the outright price varies quite a bit:

• Pay $950 outright and then $85/month on a two-year plan
• Pay $750 outright and then $95/month on a two-year plan
• Pay $550 outright and then $105/month on a two-year plan

As part of an in-store only offer, TELUS will take $250 off the Note 9’s price when you trade-in an eligible phone.

See at TELUS

Freedom Mobile

If Freedom Mobile is your carrier of choice, you’re in luck!

The 128GB Galaxy Note 9 is available with all of Freedom’s plans, and right now, pricing is as follows:

• $1300 with no plan
• $820 + $20/month MyTab Boost for 24 months on current $30+ plans
• $600 + $25/month My Tab Boost for 24 months on current $40+ plans
• $200 + $35/month My Tab Boost for 24 months on current $50+ plans
• $0 + $35/month My Tab Boost for 24 months on current $60+ plans

See at Freedom Mobile

Samsung Canada

Last but not least, you can get the Galaxy Note 9 directly through the Samsung Canada website.

You can get the same Ocean Blue model with 128GB that’s available at all the carriers, but this is the exclusive place to go if you want the 512GB Midnight Black configuration.

The 128GB Ocean Blue Note 9 will set you back $1299.99 while the 512GB Midnight Black model costs a whopping $1629.99.

See at Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review: Welcome to the one comma club

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

• Samsung Galaxy Note 9 review
• Galaxy Note 9 vs. Note 8
• Where to buy the Galaxy Note 9
• Galaxy Note 9 specifications
• Is the Note 8 still a good buy?
• Join our Galaxy Note 9 forums

AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Samsung

Updated August 24, 2018: Refreshed this list with the best deals now that the Note 9 has been released!

The Galaxy Note 9 brought out the best in Spigen

The Galaxy Note 9 is now available, and Samsung’s flagship phablet comes with some exciting new features. With a 4000mAh battery, up to 512 GB in built-in storage, and an improved S Pen with Bluetooth capabilities, the Galaxy Note 9 is the top phone currently on the market.

Along with the impressive components comes a price tag to match; the Galaxy Note 9 is billed at $999 for the 128GB / 6GB RAM model, and the amount jumps to $1250 with 512GB of internal storage and 8GB of RAM. The Galaxy Note 9 is clearly an investment, and you’re going to want to protect it with a solid case.

Luckily, Spigen has a complete line of cases at the ready with protection for every situation. Take a look at some of the best cases available for Samsung’s latest smartphone below.

Built for adventure

Tough Armor

The Galaxy Note 9’s revamped S Pen is a game-changer for the self-portrait taker. The stylus doubles as a remote camera shutter, so you can take photos from up to 30 feet away. If you added a tripod to the mix, then the possibility for selfies are endless.

If this sounds appealing to you but you’re more clumsy than you’d like to admit, Spigen’s Tough Armor is just what you need. The case has a reinforced kickstand built into the back that can act as a tripod to your Note 9 camera. It’s constructed with two protective layers to be resilient and damage-resistant. Combine that with Spigen’s patented Air Cushion Technology (special pockets of air specifically designed for enhanced drop-protection) built in every corner, and you have a mil-grade certified case that will protect your expensive phone from extreme drops.

You don’t have to worry about dropping your phone when you’ve stopped to take a selfie on your favorite hiking trail anymore.

Slim Armor CS

When you are trying to provide bolstered protection to the Galaxy Note 9 but you hate bulging pockets, the Slim Armor CS is the way to go. Like most cases in the Armor series, the Slim Armor CS combines a hard outer shell with a soft inner layer to provide maximum protection in a slim frame. But as an added benefit, the back of the Slim Armor CS slides open to reveal space to store up to two cards and a wad of cash. This way, you can ditch the wallet and have the essentials with you at all times.

The Galaxy Note 9 is big enough as it is. Might as well cut down on bulky pockets with the Slim Armor CS.

Aesthetics with durability

Ultra Hybrid S

With a huge 6.4-inch display and a massive battery of 4,000mAh, one thing is for certain; you will be watching a lot of videos on the Note 9. This is where the Ultra Hybrid S comes in handy. The case is clear, so you can show off the sleek design of the device without getting in the way of the infinity display. A kickstand is built into the back of the case for hands-free viewing, so you can conveniently watch your favorite content for hours.

Top it all off with the fact that the case utilizes hybrid technology by combining a shock-absorbent TPU bumper with a durable polycarbonate back, and you have a case that offers a good amount of protection in a single layer.

Neo Hybrid

The Galaxy Note 9 is constructed with an aluminum frame topped with Gorilla Glass on the front and back. This makes the device sleek and shiny, but also slippery and a smudge-magnet. This is where the Neo Hybrid comes in.

Sporting a herringbone pattern, the stylish design also gives the Note 9 a bit of texture. The flexible body of the Neo Hybrid is supported by a durable bumper frame, which keeps the case ergonomic while also providing mil-grade certified protection. Plus, the matte finish is resistant to fingerprints, so you can keep the device looking sleek and shiny while preventing those annoying smudges.

For the Minimalist

Spigen Liquid Air

The Liquid Air is a thin case, yet it offers a deceptive amount of protection. It’s made with a single layer of flexible TPU for enhanced shock-absorbance and is mil-grade certified with Spigen’s patented Air Cushion Technology built into every corner.

The Liquid Air has a triangular geometric pattern carved into the back of the case for a modern look that doubles as an enhanced grip. You will have no issues holding the Note 9 with one hand, so that the other is free to utilize the many features of the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen.

Thin Fit

It’s no secret the Note 9 is a large phone. With all the goodies built into the device (expandable microSD storage, two 12-megapixel cameras with dual-aperture, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, just to name a few) it only makes sense that the phablet is slightly wider than last year’s model.

With that being said, Spigen’s Thin Fit is the perfect addition for the consumer that doesn’t want to add bulk to the Note 9. Made from a thin layer of polycarbonate, the Thin Fit offers a minimal look that also prevents scratches on your device. Another benefit is the precise openings and cutouts, so you will be pressing on the device’s original buttons instead of bulky rubber fittings. You may even forget that you have a case on with how snug the Thin Fit is.

Top it off with a screen protector

NeoFlex Screen Protector

After finding the right case for you, keep the 6.4-inch infinity screen covered with the NeoFlex Screen Protector. Compatible with all Spigen cases, the NeoFlex deters scratches and fingerprints with its self-healing capabilities. Besides, the last thing you want to see on the Super AMOLED Quad HD+ screen are scuffs and scrapes.

Ciel by CYRILL

Here’s a solid choice for those who highly value fashion. Ciel by CYRILL is a new luxurious phone case brand that designs each case with current trends and styles in mind. The brand is backed by Spigen, assuring quality and protection for the new amazing device. This time Ciel by CYRILL has released two collection lines for the Galaxy Note 9: their signature line Colene, and their newly launched line Cecile. Each collection features distinct gold accents that highlights any outfit or look. To explore all the options, visit the collection on Amazon.

XINCADA small messenger bag review: For every occasion

This gear bag is a bit like a TARDIS: bigger on the inside, unassuming on the outside, and ready to save the day.

The small gear bag category has always been something of a quagmire. Either a messenger bag is too small to really pack anything useful or too big to comfortably carry all day. Either a crossbody bag is a morose military knockoff or a delicate dirt-magnet. Finding a small messenger bag that is just right — small but good capacity, functional but fashion-friendly — is a bit like finding buried treasure, which may be part of why most people find a small bag they love and use it until the seams bust and then some.

My current go-to satchel — a hand-me-down Dakine crossbody is getting on in years, and before it dies a painful death loaded down in a Disney park, I resolved to find a worthy successor. I needed a bag that’s easy to pack, easy to carry in a wide array of environments, and doesn’t look like it fell off the back of a Humvee. I needed a bag that’s just at home at a professional conference or technology convention as it is at a theme park or at the coffee bar on karaoke night.

Enter the XINCADA Small Messenger Bag, which ticked all my boxes and then some.

XINCADA Small Messenger Bag

See at Amazon

Price: $28

Bottom line: Whether you’re just carrying around some snacks or you’ve filled it to the brim, the XINCADA is a dependable crossbody ready to hold your life.

The Good

• Easy to load with ample compartments
• Compact but high capacity
• top handle for easy in-and carrying

The Bad

• Main compartment only has one zipper, doesn’t go all the way down to the side of the bag
• Seams and zippers aren’t perfectly straight
• Side pouches are too small

XINCADA Small Messenger Bag What I like

This small messenger bag features a main compartment with two zippered subcompartments — one mesh and one solid — a flat rear pocket for a tablet, and a zippered front accessory compartment with a foldover flap and a feed-through grommet for a charger wire or wired headphones if you still use those. The canvas exterior is stiff and dark, with the black model coming off as a deep, deep purple. Leather accents pop against this dark canvas, and then the interior of the bag is lined in a leather-brown smooth-touch fabric.

While using this bag day-to-day, I tend to use the “tablet” pocket for a thinback book that adds some stability to the bag and ensures that the bag sits flat against me when wearing it as a crossbody. The main compartment holds some snacks, my Sbode Bluetooth Speaker, Bluedio USB-C Bluetooth Headphones, a port-friendly smartphone stand for impromptu video calls, and my usual medications and cables. The front flap of the crossbody I leave open for trading pins, receipts, or other small knick knacks I may pick up throughout my day, and the accessory compartment hosts my Iceworks 7000 power bank and my OG Pixel for photography and playing with Pie.

XINCADA lets me carry my life around without weighing me down.

All in all, the bag’s slightly too small for a Chromebook, but it fits the rest of my usual kit and then some with ease. The top compartment doesn’t unzip all the way down the side the way many bags this size do, but I prefer that because that’s less zipper to break and makes the main compartment a very stable rectangle to cram snacks and small accessories into. The handle on the top of the bag is great for carrying the bag smaller distances, like through security checkpoints or from the car into the office and while the messenger strap is soft, long, and easy to adjust.

XINCADA Small Messenger Bag What doesn’t hold up

XINCADA’s bag is sturdy and sure, but it’s an inexpensive bag, and that means that compromises had to be made somewhere. All of the compartments are single-zippered rather than double-zippered, and while the smaller inner compartments make sense with a single, the main compartment and the front accessory compartments should really have double zippers so that they can be opened and closed from either direction and the zipper pulls can sit further away from the straps.

Always check the bag. Always.

The other compromise for the XINCADA is the quality control. Seams aren’t always 100 percent straight on the compartments or the zippers, and my bag came with a zipper that had slipped its track. I got it squared away easily, but the same for expensive bags holds doubly true for cheaper ones: you always check the bag.

XINCADA has been great about getting replacements for dud bags out immediately, and they send out emails to buyers around delivery time reminding them to check all the zippers and seams. If you’ve got a good bag, it’ll last you a long time; you just have to make sure you got a good bag.

XINCADA Small Messenger Bag

Big, bulking backpacks may be what you want when you’re lugging around laptops and professional photography equipment, but for lighter days with lighter loads, XINCADA’s crossbody messenger bag is the perfect fit. The compartments are well-portioned, easy to keep things organized in, and the leather handle makes it easy to carry over short distances while the longer strap won’t dig into your shoulder during a long day hauling notes and portable batteries around a convention.

4
out of 5

I purchased my XINCADA on Prime Day, but at $28, this crossbody is still quite affordable for a bag that you can depend on your longest days and most manic nights. The larger version is big enough to fit a smaller Chromebook or a couple notebooks, but the small version is the perfect size for the theme park essentials: heat-stable snacks, an umbrella, a power bank, headphones, a folding fan and a small square of trading pins.

See at Amazon

Win a Galaxy Note 9, Dome Glass 2 pack, and Clear Case! [U.S. Only]

The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has just been unpacked, and the phone officially goes on sale in two weeks, but we wanted to give you a chance to WIN one along with some cool accessories from Whitestone to keep it safe.

Whitestone’s Dome Glass, which is already a top seller and is touted as one of the best-tempered glass protectors by the largest cellular provider in Japan, has the maximum strength and scratch resistance rating of 9H (hardness measurement), provides full touch and total edge to edge coverage without any gaps or bubbles, and does not fade or fog with extended use.

Created from Samsung’s original blueprints, the Whitestone Levitation case exhibits precise cutouts that align perfectly with your Note 9. This durable, shock absorbing clear case provides the ultimate protection for the best smartphone. And with only 1 mm between you and your phone, this clear case is light and not bulky; it’ll feel like your device is completely bare. You will definitely want to check out these products to protect your new Note 9!

For a limited time, Android Central readers can score 30% off these accessories on Amazon with coupon code THRIFT30!

Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Glass
Use Coupon code THRIFT30 for 30% off Note 9 Dome Case

Enter to win a Galaxy Note 9 and more!

THE PRIZE: One Android Central reader will receive Galaxy Note 9, a 2 pack of Dome Glass, and a Clear Case. An additional 10 runners-up will receive a Dome Glass 2 pack and a Clear Case.

THE GIVEAWAY: Use the widget at the bottom of this page. There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values. Complete all of the tasks for maximum entries and your best shot at winning! Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. Please note that this giveaway is available in the U.S. only.

The giveaway is open through August 24, 2018, and the winner will be announced right here shortly after the closing date. Good luck!

Win a Galaxy Note 9, Dome Glass 2 pack, and Clear Case from Whitestone and Android Central!

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30 more U.S. banks now support Google Pay

Here’s what you should know about Google’s big bet to take on Apple Pay.

Gone are the days of messing with Android Pay and Google Wallet. Instead, the home of all things mobile payments on Android now rests on the shoulders of Google Pay.

Google Pay first started rolling out to handsets in early 2018, and while there’s still some work to be done, it’s clear that Google is finally ready to take on Apple Pay with everything it’s got.

From the latest news to all the important details, here’s everything you should know about Google Pay!

• The latest Google Play news
• Everything you need to know

The latest Google Pay news

August 24, 2018 — 30 more U.S. banks are now supported

As part of its latest expansion, Google Pay recently confirmed support for 30 additional banks and credit unions in the United States. The list of newcomers is as follows:

• BlueOX Credit Union
• City Credit Union
• Community First Credit Union (CA)
• Community Trust Bank
• Cortland Savings and Banking
• Desert Rivers Credit Union
• EFCU Financial
• Edge FCU
• Fall River Municipal Credit Union
• Family Savings Credit Union
• First Community Bank (SC)
• First National Bank in Howell
• First National Bank of Sandoval
• Forward Bank
• Generations Credit Union
• Glass City Federal Credit Union
• Granite Credit Union
• IncredibleBank
• Kentucky Bank
• Los Alamos National Bank
• MembersOwn Credit Union
• Monson Savings Bank
• North Shore Trust and Savings
• OU Federal Credit Union
• Prospera Credit Union
• Rockford Municipal FCU
• The Village Bank
• United Bank and Trust
• Wellington State Bank
• Wyoming Bank & Trust

August 8, 2018 — Tangerine now supports Google Pay

Tangerine, a Canada-based bank that operates entirely online, has finally confirmed that it now supports Google Pay.

The wait is over, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are here!

— Tangerine (@TangerineBank) August 8, 2018

Samsung Pay is also being added along with Google Pay, so no matter which service you prefer to use, your Tangerine card will now work with it without a hitch. Enjoy!

August 2, 2018 — Google Pay comes to Croatia; now available as a payment method in the Starbucks app

A couple Google Pay tidbits have surfaced over the last few hours, starting first with the service coming to Croatia. This is the third nation in Central Europe to get Google Pay, so be sure to keep an eye out for the app if you live in the area.

Secondly, Google Pay can now be used when reloading your card in the Starbucks app. Google Pay is added to your account automatically, and at this time, can only be used for one-time reloads

July 20, 2018 — Revolut in the UK is now supported

Good news, UK readers that bank with Revolut! The bank’s been sending out emails to its customers confirming that it’s now starting to support Google Pay.

In am email Revolut’s been sending out to its 2 million+ users:

Test drive the convenience of paying with your phone by adding your Revolut card to Google Pay, to make quick and secure payments – instantly.

July 10, 2018 — The main Google Pay app finally supports peer-to-peer payments

It’s finally happening! After a few months of having to deal with the awkward Google Pay Send app, peer-to-peer payments are finally coming to the regular Google Pay. In other words, you can now make in-store payments and send/request money from friends under one single app.

Along with this, Google’s also announced that it’s officially supporting boarding passes/event tickets and has revamped the Google Pay website to be more in-line with the current Google Pay app.

June 29, 2018 — 65 new banks and PayPal Mastercard join the list in the U.S.

Google recently announced that it’s added 65 additional banks/credit unions to its Google Pay lineup.

You can find the full list below, and along with this, the PayPal Mastercard can be used with Google Pay, too.

• Aeroquip Credit Union
• Affiliated Bank
• AllSouth Federal Credit Union
• American Bank & Trust Company (LA)
• AuburnBank
• Audubon State Bank
• Azura Credit Union
• Bangor Federal Credit Union
• Barrington Bank & Trust
• Beverly Bank & Trust
• Cape Cod 5 Cents Savings
• Citizens Bank (TN)
• Citizens National Bank of Albion
• Classic Bank
• Cornerstone Community Financial CU
• Crystal Lake Bank & Trust
• D.L Evans Bank
• First Bank and Trust (LA)
• First Community Bank of the Heartland, Inc
• First Federal Savings Bank of Lincolnton
• First National Bank of Fort Smith
• First Volunteer Bank of Tennessee
• Forreston State Bank
• Glacier Bank
• Goodfield State Bank
• Gratiot Community Credit Union
• H-E-B Federal Credit Union
• Hinsdale Bank & Trust
• HNB National Bank
• Home Town Bank (VA)
• Interra Credit Union
• Lake Forest Bank & Trust
• Libertyville Bank & Trust
• LNB Community Bank
• Maspeth Federal Savings and Loan Asso
• Mid-Atlantic FCU
• Midwest Bank
• National Bank (IL)
• Northbrook Bank & Trust
• Northway Bank
• Old Plank Trail Community
• OneUnited Bank
• Orlando Federal Credit Union
• Peoples Bank & Trust (IL)
• Putnam Bank
• Scott Credit Union
• Shaumburg Bank & Trust
• Springs Valley Bank and Trust
• St. Charles Bank & Trust
• State Bank of the Lakes
• Teachers Federal Credit Union
• The Bank of Elk River
• The State Bank (MI)
• Town Bank
• TruChoice FCU
• United Bank (AL)
• Unity One Credit Union
• U.S. Postal Service FCU
• Vantage Bank
• Veridian CU
• Village Bank & Trust
• Wheaton Bank & Trust Company
• White River CU
• Wintrust Bank
• Yampa Valley Bank

All the big details

Google Pay has replaced Android Pay and Google Wallet

Rather than maintaining two separate services for in-store payments and sending money to friends, Google decided to replace Android Pay and Google Wallet with one new app called Google Pay.

There was an awkward transition period at first in which you had to use a separate Google Pay Send app to send/receive money, but Google’s since brought that feature over to the main Google Pay app.

As such, Google Pay is now your one-stop-shop for all things mobile payments if you’ve got an Android phone.

How to get started with Google Pay

That’s all fine and dandy, but how does one actually start using Google Pay?

Thankfully, Google’s made this fairly simple. After downloading the app, you’ll be able to quickly add credit/debit cards, gift cards, loyalty programs, and more.

Need a helping hand? Check out Marc’s how-to guide right here!

What countries are supported?

Google’s regularly adding support for more and more countries that can use Google Pay, and as it currently stands, the list of supported areas is as follows:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Ireland
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Poland
• Russia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• United States

Make sure your bank/card is compatible, too

Live in a country that supports Google Pay? Awesome! However, that’s just half the battle in ensuring you can use the service.

Even if you live in one of the above countries, you still need to have a bank and card that supports Google Pay before you can start making payments in stores with your phone. Thankfully, Google’s been building up this list for quite a few years meaning there’s a good chance you’re covered.

Major brands like AMEX, Capital One, Chase, Discover, and Wells Fargo are all on-board with Google Pay in the U.S. Along with this, you’ll also find a huge list of smaller banks/credit unions that are supported as well.

See the full list here

You can use the app to store boarding passes, event tickets, and more

In addition to your credit/debit cards, you can also use Google Pay to store gift cards, loyalty programs, and most recently, boarding passes and event tickets.

You’ll find all of these items in the Passes section of the app, and if you’ve got a lot stored in there, you can hold down on an item and move it around to make sure everything’s as organized as can be.

Support for passes/tickets is still relatively new, with brands like Southwest Airlines, Ticketmaster, and the Las Vegas Monorail being among the only ones available at the moment. Similar to what iPhone users have been treated to for years with Apple Pay, you’ll now see an “Add to G Pay” button when ordering a ticket from these brands so you can easily store everything under one single app.

Track your payment activity on the web

While you’ll likely interact with Google Pay on your phone the majority of the time, you can access it from your computer, too, by going to pay.google.com.

Here, you can see all of your Google Pay activity, send or request money, edit/add/remove payment methods, manage any active subscription services you have, edit your addresses, and more.

Google Pay is present in Android Messages and the Google Assistant

Google occasionally fails to make its various services play nicely with one another, but thankfully, Google Pay has been an exception to that rule.

While sending money to people is pretty simple through the Google Pay app, you can also do this through Android Messages and by talking to the Google Assistant on your phone.

In Android Messages, just tap the + icon at the bottom left and you’ll see two G Pay buttons for sending or requesting money from the person in your conversation. Just enter the amount you want, tap attach money, and your payment/request will be sent off just like that.

Alternatively, you can simply open the Google Assistant and say something along the lines of “Send Tom $15 for Pizza.” After confirming your identity (e.g. fingerprint or PIN), the Google Assistant will send the money for you — all without having to ever open up the Google Pay app.

How Google’s rumored ‘Campfire’ dual-boot Chromebooks may burn Microsoft

If the rumors are true, Microsoft is in trouble.

Seven years ago, Google began an assault on Windows PCs with its cloud-centric Chromebook PC alternative. Google’s leveraging of a more secure, easier to manage, and more affordable “PC” positioned Chromebooks for market success. Despite this success, however, Chromebooks’ global market share still pales in comparison to Windows PC’s seemingly indomitable presence.

Google remains committed to an unrelenting multifaceted assault on Windows PCs, in an attempt to position Chromebooks as the “PC” for the modern personal computing age. Android apps on Chrome, aggressive Chromebook ads, a strategic push in schools, Progressive Web App (PWAs), and low Chromebook prices are all tools Google has and will use to make Chromebooks appealing to the masses.

Campfire, Google’s rumored Windows and Chrome dual-boot solution, is just the latest, and possibly most important, tool in Google’s arsenal to unseat Windows PCs as the PCs for the masses.

‘Campfire’ brings more than OSes together

The rumored “Campfire” code name for a solution that brings Windows and Chrome OS together on Chromebooks resonates with the concept of a real campfire that brings people together. In a twist consistent with the adage of keeping your friends close but your enemies closer, Google bringing Windows to Chromebooks is a self-serving strategy to amplify its attacks against Windows PCs.

Google’s advertising onslaught outlining Chromebooks’ advantages over PCs has had little meaningful impact on the PC market. Thus, getting Chromebooks into more customers’ hands so they can experience Google’s purported advantages is Campfire’s aim. Campfire is a “Trojan Horse” strategy that’ll potentially lure consumers with the Windows PCs they want on affordable hardware while also giving them the Chrome OS-based PC Google hopes they’ll prefer.

Campfire is the delivery method Google may use to push its browser-based OS to the Windows PC-adoring masses. And this dual-boot system may succeed where aggressive ads have failed.

Google’s coordinated Chromebook attack

Google has aggressively pushed anti-Windows-PC Chromebooks ads using taglines like:

“If you’re over the old way of doing things. If you wish computers were more like phones. If you want a laptop, you can count on. You Chromebook.”

Besides the above commercial, which uses misleading antiquated Windows alerts and OSes, most Chromebook ads appeal to a generation of smartphone users accustomed to simple, web-based light computing.

Google’s ad assaults are complemented by OS-enhancing efforts such as Android apps and Google Play on Chrome (though most Android apps are optimized for phones). Also, PWAs, Google’s hybrid web-app investment, may propel its browser-based OS forward since the user experience is made to feel more native and app-like. Google may strategically be using Chrome as PWA’s “vehicle,” and Campfire as Chrome’s “vehicle,” to the masses.

Additionally, as a derivative of Chromebook dominance in education, parents seeking a consistent home-school experience are purchasing cheap Chromebooks for their children. Finally, many small businesses are bypassing Microsoft’s productivity solutions as they embrace more affordable Chromebooks and Google’s accompanying productivity tools.

Google’s Chromebook progress has occurred in a context where customers had to choose between Windows or Chrome OS. Campfire potentially removes some competing Windows PCs from the equation since consumers, schools and businesses will get both platforms on affordable Chromebook hardware.

Campfire may burn Microsoft

PC World published a piece highlighting the fact that Chrome OS and Windows on the same Chromebook hardware could ultimately hurt the more resource-hungry Windows.

The touted advantages of a simpler, faster and smoother Chrome experience on inexpensive hardware not optimized for Windows may be exaggerated when Windows is “unfairly” assessed in a “side-by-side” on-device comparison. One can imagine users’ complaints as Windows drags on such hardware as Chrome zips along “proving” Google’s claims.

Campfire, if real, may prove to be Google’s most effective assault on Windows PCs.

Chromebooks

• The best Chromebooks
• Chromebooks in education: Everything you need to know
• Should you buy a Chromebook?
• Chromebook Buyers Guide
• Google Pixelbook review
• Join our Chromebook forums

Deals: Last Call for Exclusive Twelve South Sale, HomePod for $300, and Beats Studio3 for $200

Today is the last day that our readers can take advantage of the MacRumors exclusive Twelve South sale, which is offering discounts on nine products aimed at helping you get ready to go back to school. If you’re interested and haven’t used the promo code MacRumorsBTS yet, head over to our blog post on the sale, browse the products eligible for the discount, and make your purchase on TwelveSouth.com before 11:59 p.m. ET tonight, August 24.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

As a quick recap, the 15 percent off sale includes savings on the BookBook Vol. 2 for MacBook, BookBook for iPad, Fermata, ActionSleeve and Inspire [mac candle N°2]. There are also a collection of stands, including the Curve and ParcSlope for MacBook and HiRise Duet and HiRise 2 for iPhone.

In other sales, Costco today has again discounted Apple’s HomePod to $299.99, down from the original $349.99 price tag. With $4.99 shipping, you can get the HomePod in White and Space Gray for around $305, which is currently one of the best prices online for a new version of the smart speaker. As usual, you’ll need a Costco member account to see the discount and place your order.

Walmart has another notable discount today with the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones for $199.99, down from a recent price tag of around $220. Originally, the headphones ran for $349.99. Walmart has the Beats Studio3 Headphones in four colors at this price: Matte Black, Blue, Red, and White.

In other sales, there are a few sitewide discounts ending soon from Incipio and SENA, offering great chances to save on protective accessories for iPhones and iPads. At Incipio you can save 30 percent off sitewide with the promo code SUMMER30 (expiring later today, August 24), and at SENA you can save 25 percent off sitewide with promo code FALLFLASH (expiring Sunday, August 26).

Head over to our full Deals Roundup for more information on the latest discounts and savings going on this week.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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