Set yourself free with wire-free security cameras from Netgear Arlo

Best answer: Yes, you should probably spring for a wire-free camera. Unless you know you’re never going to want a security camera outside, you should probably invest in Arlo’s weatherproof indoor/outdoor wire-free cameras.

Amazon: Arlo Pro 2 ($380)

What does “wire-free” on an Arlo camera mean?

Netgear classifies its cameras into two broad categories: powered and wire-free. Powered cameras are security cameras that are traditionally powered by a standard cable, while wire-free cameras are not tethered to a power outlet or an Ethernet cable and are powered by a battery and connected via Wi-Fi.

Which Arlo cameras are wire-free?

Netgear’s wire-free cameras include the Arlo Pro, Arlo Pro 2, and original Arlo (often called the Arlo Wire-Free) — which all rely on a Wi-Fi connection to Arlo base stations that sit safely inside your house — and the Arlo Go — which uses LTE instead. These cameras don’t rely on AC adapters for power, but rather replaceable batteries that can power the camera for a few months.

That said, you can use a power cable for your wire-free cameras, but since that requires leaving the camera’s port flap open, Arlo only recommends using the available power adapter indoors.

Arlo Baby is officially classified as a wire-free camera, but it actually straddles the line between the two, as it features an internal battery for a few hours of monitoring away from it’s charger, but it spends most of its time plugged in. As such, the Arlo Baby does not have the same waterproof ratings and is not meant to be used outside.

Weatherproof and futureproof: The benefits of Arlo’s wire-free cameras

Powered cameras can potentially be a little bit cheaper up front than base station-reliant, wire-free models, but wire-free cameras can be used in far more mounting locations. Wire-free cameras are also easier — and often more affordable — to add to an existing Arlo camera system than powered cameras.

Want to place a camera in an area without any nearby outlet, such as the ceiling of a room or the high corners of your front porch? Wire-free cameras mean you don’t have to worry about running a cable — or even worse, putting down a down dozens of cable clips, to keep it in place.

The Arlo Pro 2, Arlo Pro, Arlo, and Arlo Go cameras are also IP65 water-resistant, so you can mount them outside without having to worry about a storm soaking or shorting them out. These cameras are slightly more tolerant of hotter climates than the snowy north with a recommended temperature range of 32° to 122° F. Users have reported cameras functioning without issue down to 20° F before they start seeing Arlo’s built-in temp-triggered shutdowns, but you may want to consider bringing them inside if there’s a nor’easter coming.

Three times when powered Arlo cameras make sense

Now, while wire-free is preferable, there can be certain instances when a powered indoor camera is more practical or functional than wire-free models, and if any of these situations apply to you, then you should seriously consider a powered camera over the wire-free models.

• If you are not around often to change the batteries: While the batteries in Arlo’s wire-free cameras can last 3-6 months, if the battery goes dead and you’re not around to replace it, you’ll be blind until you can get it replaced. Being around to swap batteries every couple of months might not seem like a huge requirement, if you’re intending to use Arlo cameras to monitor a distant location like a lesser-used business property, summer home/condo, or the home of an aging loved one, a powered camera might provide more peace of mind.
• If you need a wired internet connection: Arlo wire-free cameras rely on a connection to a proprietary base station with a range of 300 feet — with the exception of the mobile-data-driven Arlo Go — and if your home has especially thick walls or walls of dense material like stone or concrete, then your camera might not be able to receive a signal from the base station as needed. If this is the case in your building, you’ll need to use the Arlo Q Plus, which can use ethernet for data — and power, thanks to PoE (Power over Ethernet), so you’ll only need to run cable.
• You need 24/7 recording: Arlo’s wire-free cameras don’t start recording until something triggers its motion sensors, which like any sensor can miss some events or be tricked any number of ways. If you need the camera recording 24/7 — such as at a small business or a dorm room in a sketchy residence hall — you’ll want to go with a powered camera that can keep up with the power drain constant recording entails.

Again, powered cameras are indoor-only and have a range that it limited by their wires, but using PoE, the Arlo Q Plus can be immensely flexible in its mounting because CAT5 Ethernet cords can be bought in every length imaginable.

Our pick

Arlo Pro 2

$380 at Amazon

These wire-free cameras can be used just about anywhere you can screw in the mounting bracket.

Arlo’s Pro 2 cameras are 1080p so you can make out details and faces more easily, the Arlo Pro 2 base station allows you to store up to 7 days of recordings for free both in the cloud and locally thanks to the USB backup option.

Conquer dust with the $25 Black+Decker Dustbuster cordless hand vacuum

Detail it yourself.

The Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Hand Vacuum usually sells for around $35, but today it’s $10 off at Amazon. The great price combined with the positive reviews make this an easy purchase if you’re in the market for a new vacuum.

It features a lightweight, portable design, but boasts a 10-hour battery life and strong suction. The bowl capacity is larger than your average hand vac, giving you more time to clean, and the filter is washable which will save you money in the long run. You’ll get a crevice tool and an upholstery brush with your purchase, too.

You might want to pick up an extra filter for just $5.

See at Amazon

Schedule iRobot’s $279 Roomba 801 to clean up for you

If you’re still cleaning for yourself, you’re doing it wrong.

Today only, Woot is offering the iRobot Roomba 801 for $279 via its Amazon store. This is a great price, considering that this model normally sells for closer to $350 and this is the first time this year it has dropped below $300. Unlike a number of Woot deals, this product is brand new so it includes a full manufacturer’s warranty.

The multi-surface brushes help it auto-detect which type of floor it’s cleaning, and they are tangle-free to prevent hair and other materials from bogging down the vacuum.

It has a full suite of sensors to help it navigate multiple rooms, under furniture, around corners, and prevent it from falling off edges of the floor, like at stairs. It also features the AeroForce 3-Stage Cleaning System which has 5-times the air power as previous models and you can schedule your Roomba to run at a time that’s convenient for you each day of the week — and it’ll return to its charging base all by itself when done.

See at Amazon

Employees walk out of Google offices around the world in protest

Even as Google claims to have made changes, hundreds and hundreds of Googlers walked out asking for more.

It’s a cold morning outside most Google offices today, but that did not stop hundreds from walking out to protest the way Google has handled sexual misconduct in the past — and the way they’re still being handled today. A New York Times article recently reported on Google’s cover-up of sexual misconduct accusations against Andy Rubin the company found “credible”, as well as the decision to pay Andy Rubin over $90 million for his departure on “mutually beneficial terms”, the third time Google has given a multi-million dollar “exit package” to an executive accused of misconduct.

Quick group photo and then it was back to work. Huge reluctance among those taking part to talk to press about why they were there – seemed to be under impression they weren’t allowed by the company despite being told by it they could speak to media in a personal capacity. pic.twitter.com/KZTcSrS9Gt

— Will Goodbody (@willgoodbody) November 1, 2018

This was a photo showing the size of the walkout in Dublin, where an organizer of the walkout spoke about how they want to create a safe workspace for women, as well as a safe space for women to find support and report any misconduct they face.

Park is officially at capacity for the NYC walkout! Please use overflow space. #GoogleWalkout pic.twitter.com/E8VJ7T1P31

— Google Walkout For Real Change (@GoogleWalkout) November 1, 2018

The walkout in New York City drew over a thousand people, as well as hundreds at walkouts throughout Europe, as well as at Google’s office in Singapore, and the walkouts at Google’s headquarters in California are set to begin in less than two hours. Protesting Google employees want to end Forced Arbitration clauses, increase the transparency around the misconduct policy and safety for women wanting to make a report of sexual harassment.

#GoogleWalkout in Zürich pic.twitter.com/AAYZuJQJTJ

— Danila Sinopalnikov (@sinopalnikov) November 1, 2018

Google said yesterday that i was aware of the protest plans for today and stated that “employees will have the support they need if they wish to participate.” It’s not clear if any of Google’s senior officials will engage with the protests today, nor what changes or response will come from the company in the following weeks and months, but it is becoming increasingly clear that change is still needed from Google on the issue.

What hardware do I need to play Borderlands 2 VR?

Best answer: Borderlands 2 VR is a PlayStation VR exclusive that won’t be releasing on any other headset. If you’re interested in this game you’ll need a PlayStation VR and a PlayStation 4.

Amazon: PlayStation VR ($240)

Changing your gaming experience with a PlayStation VR

The gaming experiences that come with a virtual reality headset are life-changing. Imagine playing all of your favorite games and seeing the world as if you’re actually a part of it. You can use your hands to pick up items, hold a gun up to your eye for aiming, and so much more. The fun doesn’t stop there either. There are so many PlayStation VR games out there for you to indulge in. If violent games like Borderlands are your style there are games like Doom that you’re bound to love. Who doesn’t want to explore an abandoned space station and shoot aliens?

You’ll also find a Cinema mode on the PlayStation VR. There you can use the headset to get comfortable, turn on Netflix, and enjoy your own personal screen that you can take wherever you want. Regardless of what you use your headset for you’re bound to have an amazing time with the PlayStation VR.

What’s so amazing about Borderlands 2 VR anyway?

Borderlands 2 is an open-world roleplaying adventure that was developed by Gearbox. This hilariously vulgar game quickly won the hearts of anyone who played. In Borderlands 2 VR there are a few major upgrades to the overall game. BAMF, which stands for BadAss Mega Fun, is one of the new features that is exclusive to the VR edition. This is an ability that slows time during combat so you can dodge bullets or use an action skill.

Another change you’ll see is to all the skills that required a co-op partner to use in the original Borderlands 2. An example of this was the removal of Maya’s “Res” ability. Now its called “Empathy” and when you use it it will make Phaselock deplete half of your current health, damage your enemies based on the health you lost, and double your healing during BAMF. Changes like this make the game more friendly to a single-player platform and give us something to be excited about. Who doesn’t love new skills?

Virtual reality made easy

Standard PlayStation VR bundle

$240 on Amazon

Upgrade your gaming experience

With a 1920 x RBG x 1080 resolution, all of your favorite VR titles will look amazing in this headset. It’s compatible with your original PlayStation 4, Slim, or Pro. This bundle comes with the PlayStation Camera, Move controllers, and the VR headset.

Pre-order options

Borderlands 2 VR

$50 at PlayStation Store

Find Pandora and save the world

The entire core game is included in this VR edition. This means, once again, the fate of Pandora relies on you. Here you’ll choose between playing a Siren, Commando, Gunzerker, or an Assassin. Each has their own special abilities and offer you different gaming styles, no matter what you pick. So rejoin Claptrap in the battle to save humanity, skaggie-style!

Best PlayStation console

PlayStation 4 Pro

$400 at Best Buy

Upgrade your performance

PlayStation Pro offers Bluetooth, 1TB of memory, and top-of-the-line specs. Enjoy speeds like you’ve never seen before and up to 4K resolution on all your favorite games and streaming services.

Keep air clean with the $67 GermGuardian 3-in-1 full room air purifier

So fresh and so clean.

Amazon has the GermGuardian 3-in-1 Full Room Air Purifier on sale for $66.71. This normally goes for around $85, and today’s price is the best in this item’s history.

This highly-rated air purifier will capture 99.97% of dust and allergens in your home with its True HEPA filter. That means dust, dander, mold, pollen, and odors will be banished. It uses UV-C light to kill airborne bacteria, germs, and viruses as well. There are three speeds to choose from, and the tower works best in medium-sized rooms.

See at Amazon

The OnePlus 6T is officially on sale!

Say hello to OnePlus’s most advanced smartphone to date.

The OnePlus 6T has arrived, and similar to past T models, it retains most of what made its predecessor great while adding a couple of new features and slightly increasing its price.

We were already quite enthralled with the OnePlus 6 from earlier in the year, and the 6T aims to offer an even better experience for about $20 more.

Need some help deciding if this is the phone for you? Here’s everything you need to know about the OnePlus 6T!

The latest OnePlus 6T news

November 1, 2018 — The OnePlus 6T is officially on sale!

Just a few days after it was announced, the OnePlus 6T has exited the pre-order stage and is now available for purchase.

If you live in the United States, you can buy the phone from both OnePlus’s website and through T-Mobile. While T-Mobile is only selling the 128GB + 8GB RAM model in Mirror Black for $579, you can drastically lower the price by trading in an eligible phone, buying it on a monthly installment plan, and then get a total of $300 back in bill credits.

Alternatively, OnePlus’s website has all available models with prices starting at $550 for the 128GB + 6GB RAM configuration and going up to $629 for 256GB + 8GB RAM.

See at OnePlus

See at T-Mobile

All the big details

Read (and watch) our full review

The OnePlus 6T is a great piece of tech, but is it something that you should spend your hard-earned dollars on?

If you’re in the market for a flagship smartphone experience but only want to pay a fraction of what Samsung, Apple, and Google are charging, the 6T delivers on almost every front. It’s outfitted with top-of-the-line specs, a pair of fantastic rear cameras, and one of the best software experiences that you can currently find on Android.

The lack of an IP water resistance rating and removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack could be dealbreakers for some, but if you want the most bang-for-your-buck in the $500 – $600 price range, you’ll be hard-pressed to do much better than the OnePlus 6T.

OnePlus 6T review: 90% of the phone for 60% of the price

Check out the specs

Every single year, OnePlus packs its smartphones with the very latest and greatest specifications it can get its hands on. With the 6T, that’s no different.

Some of the highlights this time around include the Snapdragon 845 processor, 6 – 8GB of RAM, 128 – 256GB of storage, a 3,700 mAh battery, and Android 9 Pie available right out of the box.

OnePlus 6T specs: 6.41-inch display, 3700mAh battery, 128GB base storage

OnePlus removed the 3.5mm headphone jack…

All that glitters is not gold, and for some potential buyers, the 6T will no longer be a viable option once they realize that the phone does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

OnePlus was one of the few remaining brands that continued to outfit its devices with the legacy port year after year, and for die-hard fans, this has the potential to be a deal-breaker.

…But there’s now an in-display fingerprint sensor

On the upside, the removal of the 3.5mm jack allowed OnePlus to equip the 6T with an in-display fingerprint sensor.

Similar to phones like the Vivo NEX, the 6T’s fingerprint sensor has been removed from its backside and now lives underneath the display. Just hold your finger on the new fingerprint icon on the screen, the sensor will ID you, and then unlock your phone.

While it’s certainly a cool party trick and the first big phone in the U.S. to ship with the feature, it’s not quite as fast or reliable as the OnePlus 6’s fingerprint sensor.

The notch is even smaller

The OnePlus 6T follows in the OnePlus 6’s footsteps by having a notch at the top of its display, but this time around, the notch is considerably smaller.

OnePlus adopted the “waterdrop” style for the 6T’s notch, and while there aren’t any functional changes that come with this, it does make the front of the phone look a lot cleaner and doesn’t cut off as much screen real-estate as the 6’s notch.

Nightscape and Studio Lighting come to the 6T’s cameras

Google recently wowed us with its new Night Sight feature for Pixel phones that drastically improves low-light photos, and in an attempt to build its own version of that feature, OnePlus ships with the 6T with its take on this called “Nightscape.”

Nightscape is described as being perfect for “capturing low-light urban environments with improved clarity, less noise, more accurate color reproduction and better dynamic range.”

Also new is Studio Lighting. OnePlus says it worked with photographer Kevin Abosch on this feature that’s “been fine-tuned to recognize faces and adjust the lighting accordingly to simulate professional lightning. In other words, it’s OnePlus’s take on the iPhone’s Portrait Lighting.

There are just two launch colors

At launch, the OnePlus 6T is only available in two colors — Midnight Black and Mirror Black. These are the exact same finishes that were available for the OnePlus 6, with the former featuring a matte finish while the latter has a glossy coating.

It’s entirely possible (and very likely) that OnePlus will offer additional colors later on down the road, but for the time being, you need to choose between black and black.

The phone’s available for purchase now

If you’re interested in buying a OnePlus 6T it’s available for purchase right now with pricing starting at $549 for the model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Along with that, you can get 8GB RAM + 128GB storage or 8GB RAM + 256GB storage for $579 and $629, respectively.

The 6T is being sold through OnePlus’s website, and for the first time in the U.S., it’s also being offered directly through a wireless carrier — T-Mobile, specifically.

T-Mobile’s only carrying the 128GB + 8GB RAM model in Mirror Black, but if you trade in an eligible phone and buy the 6T on a monthly installment plan, you can get $300 back via monthly bill credits.

See at OnePlus

See at T-Mobile

Treat yourself to an Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Bluetooth speaker for just $130

Hear the savings.

Right now you can pick up the Ultimate Ears Boom 3 for just $129.99 at Amazon, which is a savings of $20. This is a recent release from Ultimate Ears, and our pals at iMore say it’s one of the best they’ve heard. It offers an immersive 360-degree sound with deep and accurate bass and can play for up to 15 hours per charge. It’s durable and waterproof, making it the perfect companion for your weekends at the beach, your time spent camping, and any other place you may want some music.

The new Magic Button can be used to play, pause, and skip songs with just a touch. This is the first price drop we’ve seen on this speaker, so if you’re in the market for one, don’t miss it!

See at Amazon

The best smart multi-zone thermostat

We’re a company of tech experts who love the products we write about every day. We need the tech that powers our smart homes to be top-notch, just like you do.

The Ecobee 4 is the best smart thermostat for multiple zones overall. It’s relatively inexpensive, easy to set up and use, and best of all comes with a remote sensor in the package.

Our pick

Ecobee 4

• $249 from Amazon
• $249 from Best Buy

Even homes that need multiple zones usually only have a single thermostat.

The Ecobee 4 was designed and is sold for people who want to adjust the temperature of the room they are in, not the room the thermostat is in.

A fix for those hot or cold spots

If your home is like most, you have a single source to heat and/or cool it. That also means you have a single spot on the wall where you set the temperature that makes you feel comfortable and rely on that to do the job no matter which room you happen to be in. That’s great for a lot of us, but not every room in your house can be the same temperature all the time. The advent of the smart thermostat has changed thing, and now you can be comfortable no matter which room you’re in by using remote sensors to create multiple zones.

After setting up the zones, you’ll be able to heat or cool things based on a pinpoint location instead of adjusting the whole-house temperature until you feel comfortable. Depending on your situation, it may not be the most economical way to stay warm or cool enough, but it’s by far the most convenient. I know, because this is my situation in a nutshell — I work in my basement office and my thermostat is in the living room. Now I don’t have to adjust the temperature of the single largest room in the house to change it in my small office.

Reasons to buy

• Comes with a room sensor
• Amazon Alexa built-in
• Full integration with Google Assistant, Alexa, and HomeKit

Reasons not to buy

• No internal battery
• No automatic programming mode

Multi-zone ready

There are several ways to heat and/or cool a home. You might have multiple sources of heating or cooling, like window unit air conditioners and electric line-voltage baseboard heaters, and those are using multiple zones by their very nature. Set each unit for the desired temperature and they each work independently. But the most popular way to maintain the temps is with one source and one point of control — a heat pump or other type of furnace or central air unit and a wall-mounted thermostat to control it.

That means the temperature you set is maintained at the place you set it — the wall thermostat. When it gets too warm there the AC can turn on; when it gets too cool the heat can. And either will stay running until the right temp is reached.

That’s great if the room you’re in has the thermostat, but what if you’re trying to get cozy in the den while the thermostat is on the wall in another room? You can try to adjust the main thermostat up or down a couple of degrees, but if one room is much larger than the other, this is often futile — it takes a lot longer to change the temps in a bigger room, and while it’s happening you keep getting warmer or cooler and overshoot what you wanted.

The Ecobee 4 also includes extras like Alexa built-in and HomeKit integration.

I work in a basement office in my home, and with the thermostat upstairs in the living room I was constantly chasing the temps. If I got too hot in the summer, by the time the living room cooled down my office was too chilly, and the reverse was true in the winter. Putting a room sensor in my office changed everything, and now I can be comfortable where I’m working, while I’m working.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking to buy a new smart thermostat to fix it, you should buy the Ecobee 4. You’ll find a high-quality and feature-packed smart thermostat and a room sensor in the box and it only takes a few minutes to get everything programmed. Tell the thermostat where you’ll be during the day and night, and it will use the temperature it reads from the right sensor to adjust things. You’ll stay comfortable and won’t be trying to chase the right setting at the right time to get there.

Alternatives to the Ecobee 4

Nest also sells a room sensor and they work the same way. The difference is that the Ecobee 4 includes a sensor in the box, has Amazon Alexa built-in to the main thermostat and is HomeKit compatible. A Nest Thermostat E and extra room sensor are comparably priced, but having Alexa built-in adds considerable value and it’s doubtful that Nest will ever see HomeKit certification.

If you already have a Nest thermostat though, you’re better off buying a room sensor to add to it. You’ll see the same functionality (if your model has the option, be sure to turn off occupancy-sensing for best results) without having to buy extra equipment you don’t need. And if you’re one of the few people who live in a home with a single source and multiple thermostats, you’ll want to buy a Nest Thermostat E to replace each of them after checking compatibility.

Runner-up

Nest Thermostat E

If you don’t want Alexa or HomeKit integration

$175 at Amazon

Maybe you don’t want or need HomeKit and Amazon Alexa integration. If so, the Nest Thermostat E and a room sensor will solve your multi-zoning woes when it comes to comfort.

Nest has been a reliable pick for anyone wanting a smart thermostat since its inception, and the “E” series provides most of the features you’ll find in the more expensive models at a considerable saving — including the ability to work with a Nest Room Sensor. If you would rather not have Amazon Alexa integration and know you’ll never use HomeKit for a smart home platform, you’ll find the multi-zoning functionality to be equal to what the Ecobee 4 offers.

Also, if your existing setup uses multiple thermostats (and is Nest compatible) buying a Nest Thermostat E to replace each can save a good bit of money over buying multiple Ecobees.

Value pick

Nest Temperature Sensor

Required to use with a Nest Thermostat E

$40 at Best Buy

Pair with a Nest Thermostat for multiple zoning.

If you already have a Nest Thermostat or plan to buy Nest products instead of our top pick, you’ll need to pick up at least one Nest Temperature Sensor to create a multiple-zone heating and cooling system..

Bottom line

We think the Ecobee 4 is the best smart thermostat for multiple zones overall. You get the convenience of having a multi-zone heating or cooling system without buying any extra equipment, have Amazon Alexa built into the thermostat itself, and it’s more future-proof with the addition of HomeKit support. If you already use Nest products or would rather not have ALexa and HomeKit support, the Nest Thermostat E and an additional pruchase of a Nest Temperature Sensor offers the same functionality at a similar price.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Jerry Hildenbrand is Mobile Nation’s Senior Editor and works from a Chromebook full time. Currently, he is using Google’s Pixelbook but is always looking at new products and may have any Chromebook in his hands at any time. You’ll find him across the Mobile Nations network and you can hit him up on Twitter if you want to say hey.

Daniel Bader is the Managing Editor of Android Central. As he’s writing this, a mountain of old Android phones is about to fall on his head, but his Great Dane will protect him. He drinks way too much coffee and sleeps too little. He wonders if there’s a correlation.

Save up to 20% on tons of AmazonBasics products for a limited time

Something for everyone.

Amazon currently has a wide assortment of AmazonBasics products on sale for up to 20% off their regular price. When it comes to products, the AmazonBasics brand has just about everything you can think of, and this wide-ranging sale makes the already low-priced items even more affordable. It’s no secret that we think AmazonBasics products are worth purchasing for many reasons, and we aren’t alone on that one. Many of these items have 4 and 5 star ratings, some based on more than 15,000 reviews.

This sale has a little bit of everything in it, from 4-port car chargers to camping chairs, microfiber sheet sets, smartphone repair kits, and even scissors to help with all of your holiday wrapping needs. You can also grab a new dish set to serve all your Thanksgiving company and get some new flatware as well.

There’s really no better time than right now to start preparing for the holidays, and when you can save on popular everyday essential items, you should pounce at the opportunity. All of the AmazonBasics products are manufactured, sold, and distributed by Amazon, which allows them to keep the costs low and pass the savings on to you. The company launched the brand back in 2009, and now it spans more than 27 different categories with thousands of different product offerings.

Amazon just launched its Black Friday hub with some early deals that are already live, and odds are over the next few weeks we will see them continue to ramp up. There’s no reason to wait until the big shopping day, though, because things get crazy, deals sell out fast, and the last thing you want to do is miss out because you waited too long.

While you’re at it, you’ll want to consider signing up for our Black Friday newsletter to have the hottest tips, tricks, ad leaks, and deals delivered right to your inbox. Let us help make this your most successful holiday shopping season!

See at Amazon