Grab this 5 port USB charging station for $16 right now!

Right now you can pick up a 5 port USB charging station for just $16 with coupon code 5AUPOWER. It features a single Quick Charge 2.0 port and four 2.4A ports, and you can use them all at the same time to safely charge your various devices. If you have a bunch of different devices that you like to charge at the same time and don’t want to be lugging around a bulky power strip, this is a great choice. The block has built-in safeguards to protect against excessive current, overheating and overcharging so you don’t have to worry once you plug your cable into it.

Don’t lug around all those wall plugs and power strips anymore, and instead, grab one of these. Remember, you’ll need coupon code 5AUPOWER for the full savings here.

See at Amazon

Sharing your Gear VR with friends

Sharing a Gear VR with friends is fantastic and fun!

Playing in VR is a great way to experience things in a completely new way. You enjoy games and experiences you might never have gotten to otherwise. Of course, when you have an awesome new toy, you’re going to want to share it with your friends. If you’re wondering how you can best share your Gear VR, or how to play with friends, we’ve got you covered.

Read more at VR Heads!

Chromecast vs. Chromecast Ultra: Which should you buy?

If you’re looking to buy a Chromecast, here’s what you need to know.

Google unveiled the new Chromecast Ultra at its October 2016 event in San Francisco, and while it doubles the price of the original Chromecast at $69, it packs quite a punch when it comes to its capabilities. It’s still the small, easy to use, and affordable media streamer that people love, only designed for folks who want all the high-end features when they stream their media.

That means it might be one of those products that offer things you won’t need or can’t use, and the “regular” Chromecast may be a better fit. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right Chromecast for you.

What exactly is a Chromecast?

A Chromecast is a small device that plugs into an open HDMI port on your TV, A/V receiver, or any other display that can playback video and audio. There is a Chromecast that’s built for audio only, too, if that’s what you’re looking for and it makes building a great whole-house audio system easy.

Once in place you use an app for your phone (Android and iOS only) or through Google Chrome to set it up, give it a name, and get it ready to receive a movie or TV show or anything else you want to see on a bigger screen. To send the media there, you first open it on your phone or in Google Chrome and “cast” it to the Chromecast receiver. Your stream will start playing on your TV and you’re free to do other things on your phone or in Chrome while it plays.

The features and price make a Chromecast the best way to stream your media.

A Chromecast can stream local content like pictures or video you took yourself, but when you’re streaming from an online source like Netflix, it doesn’t go through your phone. Instead, it makes a connection with the source and streams directly, saving battery and not using your phone’s network bandwidth. You can still use your phone or Chrome to control the stream and do things like pause playback or change volume, but the actual transmission from Netflix (in our example) goes to the Chromecast. Think of your phone as the remote.

There are hundreds of apps in Google Play or the App Store that are Chromecast-enabled, and we see more and more every day. The Chromecast is simple to set up and use, is very inexpensive, and does a great job, This is why it’s one of Google’s best selling products, and why we think it’s the best way to stream the media you enjoy watching.

The “regular” Chromecast

This $35 HDMI puck (it’s often on sale, too) is the basic media streamer many of us want. It handles 1080p video streams really well, is very small and can be powered by your TV if you have a suitably powered USB port on the back. It supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and is powered with a Micro-USB cable connected to a 5V/1A power source. If your TV can’t provide the power, there is an adapter included along with a 1.75-meter cable.

If you like, you can buy an ethernet adapter built for the Chromecast instead of using Wi-Fi. It replaces the power cord and has a standard RJ-45 socket (the one that looks like a great big telephone plug) where you plug in a 10/100 ethernet cable. The power cord on the ethernet adapter is 2-meters long to make sure you can position it where you need it. Everything else works the same — you cast from your phone or the Chrome browser and watch the streaming media on your TV — but you’re using a faster and more stable network connection.

• If you don’t have a 4K television or won’t be streaming any 4K content, the Chromecast is for you.

See the Chromecast at Google
See the Chromecast Ethernet Adapter at Google

The Chromecast Ultra

The Chromecast Ultra offers a step up from the regular version. When provided with a suitable broadband connection, it can stream 4K Ultra HD streams and HDR content. The hardware inside the Chromecast Ultra is fast and powerful enough to do things on the fly without a lot of buffering or skipping. It’s more expensive at $69 but can stream the highest quality content with ease.

Of course, to stream UHD HDR content you need a fast network. The Chromecast Ultra connects to 802.11ac 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi with a 1×2 SIMO (Single Input Multi Output) antenna for fast network speeds and low latency. It also comes standard with an ethernet port built into the power supply if you want to plug it into a wired network switch instead of using Wi-Fi.

• If you have a TV that has a 4K display or can playback HDR content and want to stream media at UHD, the Chromecast Ultra is for you.

See the Chromecast Ultra at Google

Of course either Chromecast will work to stream 1080p media or with a 4K display. To stream UHD HDR media you need the Ultra, but if what you’re streaming isn’t in 4K or you just don’t have the network speed to stream at that quality, the “regular” Chromecast will still work. Also, if you plan on upgrading to a newer TV or monitor that will display UHD HDR content you can buy a Chromecast Ultra and use it for HD streaming on your current display.

No matter which Chromecast you choose you’ll enjoy great movies and shows from hundreds of apps, and you won’t have to figure out any cryptic software or network settings to get started.

Chromecast and Chromecast Audio

• New Chromecast and Chromecast Audio review
• All the latest Chomecast news
• Join the discussion in our forums

Chromecast:

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Chromecast Audio:

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Google Project Fi launches ‘group plan’ for up to six people on a single account

One of the biggest barriers to switching over to Project Fi is now gone.

Though it didn’t land precisely with the Pixel phone launch, Google has announced a much-anticipated “group plan” option for Project Fi. Much like the base Project Fi service, the group plan is pretty darn simple — you can add up to five additional people to your existing Project Fi account, and manage their data and billing in one central place.

Any current Project Fi account can quickly add more people to form a group, whether they’re altogether new or are already Project Fi customers, so there isn’t any additional configuration or change to the plan. There are no additional commitments or contracts for the group plan, so people can come and go on a monthly basis if you’d like.

This may be the time to join Project Fi.

Additional group members join your plan at $15 per month (versus $20 for the main line) for the “Fi Basics” of unlimited calls and texts, and then data usage is of course handled on a per-device basis at $10 per gigabyte, with the usual refund for unused data and no additional overages for over-consuming. Each line gets the same great Project Fi benefits like international data usage, cheaper international calls and Wi-Fi calling, of course. The billing is rolled up into a single monthly payment for the account “manager” (primary account holder) to pay.

The manager can see data usage on a per-person basis, as well as together for the group, and can set monthly data limits ahead of time or pause data usage quickly if one person is going overboard. Individual members can view their own data usage and set alerts for themselves as well.

Of course you’re still limited to Pixels and Nexuses.

The addition of a group plan may be enough to get a lot of people to try out Project Fi with their new Pixel or Pixel XL, as this was one of the most requested features. Of course Project Fi is still limited to Google’s own phones, though — you can buy a new Pixel through Fi, but Google is also continuing Nexus 6P and 5X sales at discounted prices for those who want a cheaper option or perhaps a phone for their children.

Having used Project Fi myself for an individual plan before, I’ve been wanting to recommend Fi to other friends and family members — at this point it’s going to get a lot easier knowing that they will be able to group up and use it in a family just as they do their current carrier.

Google Project Fi

• What is Project Fi?
• Get the latest Project Fi news
• How to move back to Google Voice
• Discuss Project Fi in our forums
• Compatible phones: Nexus 6P | Nexus 5X | Nexus 6
• Sign up for Project Fi

Essential Accessories For Google Pixel + Pixel XL

Perfect partners for your Pixel.

So you’ve just dropped a sizeable chunk of cash on a shiny new Pixel or Pixel XL, and it’ll soon be heading your way. But what about accessories for your shiny new Google phone?

Google has a wide range of first-party accessories for its first own-branded handset, and we’ve also rounded up some top essentials from elsewhere. Take a look!

• Daydream View
• Google Live Cases
• Anker PowerLine USB-C cable
• Google 18W Pixel Charger
• Chromecast
• Anker USB-C to Micro-USB adapters

Daydream View

OK, OK. This is a good deal larger (and a bit more expensive) than your traditional smartphone accessory. Nevertheless, Google’s Daydream View headset is something you should definitely consider buying alongside your new Pixel. Google’s new phones are the first to be fully Daydream-certified, and ready for use with Google’s new VR platform. Here’s what Russell Holly had to say when he tried Daydream for the first time:

There’s a lot of promise in a platform like Daydream. Google’s first efforts with the Pixel XL created an experience with little of the “screen door effect” that plagues other VR headsets, and head tracking is a dream. Even the setup process is convenient — you place the phone down on the pad in the casing and an NFC tag launches Daydream and pairs you with the controller. When you close your phone against the lenses, alignment happens immediately with no QR codes to scan to make sure you have the best lens form on the display.

Right now Daydream View comes in one color: slate, with crimson and snow coming later. It’ll become available to pre-order on October 20, but you can join Google’s waiting list right now. If you’re enough of an early adopter to have gotten in on the Pixel hype already, chances are you might be interested in what Daydream View has to offer.

See at Google Store

Google Live Cases

Google sells a range of traditional silicone cases for the Pixel and Pixel XL, but for just a little extra you can grab a Live Case. These are made of the same materials, but are customizable with your favorite photos, places (through stylized maps) or artworks. A tool on the Google Store website allows you to customize your Live Case to your liking.

The concept has been around for a while through Google’s Nexus program. And Live Cases are a great way to make your Pixel or Pixel XL unique to you.

See at Google Store

Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB-C cable

Most USB-C phones charge over a USB-A to USB-C cable. Google’s phones are a bit different — like the Nexus 5X and 6P, the Pixel’s boxed charger is a USB-C brick, so you need a USB-C to USB-C cable like the one boxed with the phone.

These are still relatively hard to come by, so you might want to pick up a couple of spares. Anker’s PowerLine C-to-C cable is a good cheap option for a reasonable long (3 foot) backup. And it also comes in black or white, so you can match the color of your cable to your phone.

See at Amazon

Google 18W USB-C charger with USB-PD

Your Pixel will charge fastest with the bundled charger and cable, and this is exactly what you’re getting here. Google’s standard 18W wall plug uses USB Power Delivery for faster charging, and comes bundled with a long 1.8 meter USB-C to USB-C cable, so you’ve got a reasonable amount of range while your Pixel is plugged in.

The standalone Pixel charger isn’t available to order on its own just yet — it’s listed as “Coming Soon” at the time of writing — but should be available around the time the phone starts to ship.

See at Google

Chromecast

Even if you’re not tempted by the flashy new 4K-capable Chromecast Ultra, the older second-generation Chromecast is well worth investing in. Google’s year-old streaming dongle plugs into your TV over HDMI, and is small enough to be tucked behind your set. It’s powered by a microUSB connector on its base.

Content up to 1080p is supported, with many popular streaming apps having built-in Google Cast support. For those that don’t, Chromecast also lets you mirror the screen of any Chrome browser tab, or Android-based smartphones.

See at Google

Anker USB-C to Micro-USB adapter (2 pack)

If you’re moving from an older Android phone to a Pixel or Pixel XL, chances are you’ve got a mess of old Micro-USB connectors lying around. Anker’s Micro-USB to USB-C adapters are small enough to fit in a wallet, and will let you use older cables with your Pixel.

See at Amazon

Your favorite?

Do you have a favorite accessory not listed here? Let us know, and we’ll consider adding it!

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL hands-on preview
• In pictures: Google Pixel and Pixel XL
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Verizon is the exclusive U.S. carrier for the Google Pixels
• Join the discussion in the forums!

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Engadget giveaway: Win a wireless surround sound system courtesy Polk Audio!

Surround sound is a wonderful thing, especially when you can have it in your own home. Running wires, sometimes across the center of a room to hook up your satellite speakers, however, is rarely ideal. Starting October 25th, when a DTS Play-Fi firmware update rolls out, Polk Audio will offer immersive 5.1 surround sound through its various Omni series of wireless speakers. Products like Polk’s SB1+ sound bar and subwoofer combo will be able to send a Dolby decoded rear channel signal to the Omni S2, S2R and S6 wireless speakers. Not only will those Omni wireless options continue to provide multi-room networked audio, but you can place them in a surround configuration for immersive enjoyment. This week, Polk has provided us with the SB1+ and a pair of Omni S2 wireless speakers for a ready-to-go surround system for one lucky reader. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

• Entries are handled through the Rafflecopter widget above. Comments are no longer accepted as valid methods of entry. You may enter without any obligation to social media accounts, though we may offer them as opportunities for extra entries. Your email address is required so we can get in touch with you if you win, but it will not be given to third parties.
• Contest is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! Sorry, we don’t make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
• Winners will be chosen randomly. One (1) winner will receive a Polk Omni S1+ sound bar and subwoofer, along with two (1) Polk Omni S2 wireless speakers.
• If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Make sure that the account you use to enter the contest includes your real name and a contact email. We do not track any of this information for marketing or third-party purposes.
• This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Engadget and AOL are not held liable to honor warranties, exchanges or customer service.
• The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
• Entries can be submitted until Oct. 12th at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!

Scientists want to send a telescope to Alpha Centauri

It used to be that if NASA didn’t want to do something, it didn’t get done, but we’re a long way from those days. The agency doesn’t believe that there’s currently enough value in sending a probe to seek out new life forms and new civilizations in Alpha Centauri. But a consortium of private science nonprofits disagree, and are looking to send their own space telescope to our nearest neighbor. They’ve united together under the name Project Blue and hope to raise enough money to circumvent NASA and do it off their own backs.

The group is backed by some heavyweight names including SETI, UMass Lowell and the BoldlyGo Institute. It’s hoped that Project Blue can construct and launch a small space telescope with a 45 to 50 centimeter aperture. This craft will then be sent to snap images of Alpha Centauri A and B in the hope that they can find Earth-like planets that could sustain life. That would, the group claims, “profoundly impact our understanding of the potential for life to exist elsewhere in our galaxy.” It’s not the only initiative that would send craft that way: Stephen Hawking has put his weight behind the $100 million Breakthrough Starshot concept.

The New York Times asked Jon Morse, one of the project’s leaders, how much the proposed mission would cost. He feels that the whole trip could be undertaken for around $50 million, roughly a third of your average NASA mission. That money is likely to be raised through a series of private donations from rich people with an interest in science. At least, that’s the plan, although we imagine plenty of millionaires get requests like this on a regular basis. Then again, it does seem a bit screwy that our first contact with aliens could depend on how generous the folks from Shark Tank are feeling.

Via: NYT

Source: Project Blue