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Google VR Support Dropped With Android 11

Google VR Support

Google was one of the biggest investors in Virtual Reality based technology, but over time this interest has slowly dried up. In 2019, the tech giant stopped selling its mobile-based Daydream View headset. However, that was just a start, as the release of Android 11 will cease all support for the VR platform.

In Google’s support page blog, it was announced that “The Daydream VR app is no longer supported by Google and may not work properly on some devices running Android 11 or later”. The app is no longer supported by Google. However, third-party apps that work with Daydream VR might still be available on the Play Store.

Google VR Support
Image Courtesy: vrfocus.com

Android 11 announces the end of Daydream VR

The Daydream VR app and headset was launched in 2016 when VR on smartphones was seen as a feasible option for investment. Google released a redesigned headset in 2017 that aimed to work against rival headset Gear VR. However, the venture never took off, prompting investors to jump ship for greener pastures. 

In 2019, Google’s Pixel 4 was released, which was the first occasion of Google dropping VR support. It was followed by halting the sales of its Daydream headset. However, Google hasn’t completely given up on VR technology. The Tilt Brush and Google Earth VR are still supported. But the company seems unlikely to return to the VR hardware business.

The rival technology of Augmented Reality (AR) is still being more favorable when it comes to mobile devices. Whereas VR sees itself on the edge of being completely shunned by Google. The deprecation of support for Google’s Daydream VR app and headsets came with reports surrounding new updates under works for the Live View AR feature launched last year by Google.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launch Delayed for the 4th Time

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch delayed for the 4th time
Image Courtesy: Teslarati

Elon Musk’s space exploration company SpaceX has postponed the launch of its Falcon 9 Starlink-12 rocket for the fourth time because of unfavorable weather conditions.

Now, the SpaceX Falcon 9 is scheduled to launch on Tuesday, October 7, 2020, at 7:29 am EDT. The launch will take place from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex 39A (Pad 39A), Cape Canaveral, Florida in the USA.

Falcon 9 is the constellation of networked satellites known as Starlink. In addition to that, SpaceX aims to launch the 13th batch of 60 Starlinks.

Aim of SpaceX Starlink

SpaceX’s Starlink aims to provide reliable and affordable internet across the globe, especially to the areas which don’t have access to it yet.

However, this is the fourth time the Starlink-12 launch is aborted.

It was first scheduled to launch on September 17th, 2020 but the unfavorable weather at the Atlantic Ocean landing zone caused a ten-day delay.

It was then scheduled to launch on September 28th, but again the foul weather resulted in the delay.

The Falcon 9 was later announced to equip a new GPS III satellite. The Falcon 9’s GPS III SV04 is an upgraded satellite that is three times more effective and accurate than the older satellites. This will then revolve around the orbit and will join to become a part of 31 satellites. These 31 satellites will then replace the current fleet of GPS satellites. 

Falcon-9 was all set for a launch On October 2nd, 2020, but the launch was aborted just two seconds before the take-off; this time because of unknown reasons.

Unfortuantely, luck was not on SpaceX’s side again as The Falcon-9 was all set for the launch on October 5, 2020, but unfavorable weather conditions resulted in a further delay to October 6, 2020, i.e., Tuesday.

EA SPORTS: FIFA 21 OTW Player Lineup Revealed

FIFA 21 OTW
Image credits: EA Sports

As the release date of FIFA 21 inches closer, EA SPORTS is working in full swing to build the hype surrounding the popular game. And like every year, one of the most hyped aspects of a FIFA release is FUT lineups. Specifically, FUT’s Ones To Watch. 

As clubs across the world have started the 2020/21 football season, a lot of transfer activities have taken place. FUT’s Ones To Watch lineups, commonly referred to as OTWs, feature some of the biggest and most interesting moves of the transfer window. What’s more? The ratings of these players get updated whenever the player gets an upgrade during the season. 

This makes OTWs the most sought after cards at the beginning of a FUT season, as the cards can be useful throughout the year. We will have two full FIFA 21 OTW lineups for this transfer window. The first is scheduled to release when the game drops on October 9th. The second team will be revealed on October 14th, before being released in the game on October 16th.

FIFA 21 OTW overview

With the release of FIFA 21 scheduled for October 9th, we already have almost all selected players. Here is a list of the nine confirmed players for the first FIFA 21 OTW lineup.

  • Achraf Hakimi – Inter Milan (83 OVR)
  • Allan – Everton (83 OVR)
  • Gareth Bale – Tottenham Hotspur (83 OVR)
  • Hakim Ziyech – Chelsea (85 OVR)
  • Kai Havertz – Chelsea (85 OVR)
  • Martin Ødegaard – Real Madrid (83 OVR)
  • Nathan Ake – Man City (79 OVR)
  • Thiago – Liverpool (85 OVR)
  • Timo Werner – Chelsea (85 OVR)

Surprisingly, seven out of the nine players revealed as part of this list are from the English Premier League. With such a one-sided selection in the lineup, we should expect the remaining additions to be from the rest of Europe’s top five leagues.

15 Best Android Strategy Games of All Time

15 Best Android Strategy Games

If you are bored with usual gem and bird-related games that you would otherwise play just for the sake of playing it, try strategy games. This category of games requires strategizing and thinking out-of-the-box to get the best of any situation. It turns out both Google Play Store and Apple App Store are pretty packed with these games. Perhaps choosing the ones you would love to play can be a task. Some are paid while some are free offering in-app purchases. That’s why we took the pain of finding the best strategy games. Well, here are the top 15 best Android strategy games you would love you to play.

15 Best Android Strategy Games

1. Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Offers in-app purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 500M+ Downloads

No list of best Android strategy games is complete without Clash of Clans. Also called CoC, you are tasked with building your village with the best army, fortifying it with walls, and placing the troops to prevent your village from destruction. Fight with other clan members or fight in a clan war from players across the globe. Create strategies to combat the opponents with spells, heroes, and troops. Indulge in friendly wars and challenges and loot your opponents. Win the campaign by beating the Goblin King. Upgrade your arsenal on the way or else and play in both offense and defense to loot the most and win through the realm.

Download: Android

2. Plague Inc.

Plague Inc - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Offers in-app purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 50M+ Downloads

2020 has been a bad year due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak. Plague Inc is a similar game where you are tasked with strategizing the best (or worst) infection humans could game virtually. It’s simple, your task is to kill as many people as you can. You have all the dangerous elements, chemicals, and pathogen at your disposal. Use it with the 12 different disease types and cause the massive outbreak the world has ever seen. Create a pandemic, strategize to prevent a cure for the disease, and kill as many people as you want. The game is hyper-realistic with stunning graphics with ever-expanding updates. Create a mind-controlling Neurax Worm and more to gain extra points. 

Download: Android

3. Bad North: Jotunn Edition

Bad North - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: $4.99

OS: Android

Popularity: 50,000+ Downloads

Hone your reflexes with Bad North: Jotunn Edition. The game is easy to understand and a bit difficult to play given it has a lot of moving parts. You are tasked with protecting your island that is generated randomly and procedurally. Vikings are invading your island and you need to show your real-time tactical skills to battle them out of your island. You are fighting for peace and not for glory. Note that every time your commander goes down and dies, you lose him permanently. Give it a go, play more to understand what works and what doesn’t to get the hang of it. The game offers a wide range of unlockable upgrades so that you can fortify your defense and skills to combat the Vikings.

Download: Android

4. Chess Free

Chess - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Contains Ads

OS: Android

Popularity: 50M+ Downloads

Chess is a full-blown strategy game where one wrong move and you lose the game. Chess Free is a free game on Android that has 12 play levels from novice to expert. You can play according to your skills or choose the earlier ones to learn how to play. Casual and Pro modes add the flair to this one of the best Android strategy games. It has a review game mode to check where you lost or won the game. It has an online multiplayer feature where you face your friend or any other opponent. There are timers, hints, stats, and handicaps on this game. Choose between a 2D board or a 3D board as per your preference and show who’s the winner.

Download: Android 

5. Machines at War 3 RTS

Machines at War 3 - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: $6.99

OS: Android

Popularity: 10,000+ Downloads

Another high-caliber Android strategy game that you play is Machines at War 3. The game takes you through 21 campaign missions in an epic real-time battle towards glory. The game has over 130 different types of units & technologies to build upon. It has an unlimited random map that you play either alone or with four friends in a multiplayer mode. The game has an armamentarium of ground naval, aircraft, infantry, and ground forces to dominate over others. Although a bit expensive at $6.99, Machines at War 3 is a cool strategy app without any in-app purchases. 

Download: Android

6. Civilization VI

Civilization VI - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: $19.99

OS: Android

Popularity: 50,000+ Downloads

Another addition to the franchise, Civilization VI gives you an epic strategy game. The game starts with thousands of years before Christ where you are tasked with building a modern-day megapolis. The choices you make have a ripple effect on the world ecosystem including natural calamities such as volcanoes, storms, and others. Build a successful civilization that would land it in its Golden Age. The game is available for free for the first 60 rounds. You can subscribe to it to get the most of this installment in the franchise that has already made a blast on its desktop variant. 

Download: Android

7. War Commander: Rogue Assault

War Commander - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | $4.99 to $99.99 (In-app Purchases)

OS: Android

Popularity: 5M+ Downloads

War Commander: Rogue Assault takes on a fully 3D gaming experience with a touch of retro graphics. Battle out on battlefields with your force in an epic PvP mode. Alliance with forces, use your infantry and cavalry to combat your enemies. Through every mission you play, the task is to survive and conquer the foes. The game offers tanks, helicopters, missile strikers, and more to combat enemies by mastering your tactical skills. The game offers enough in-app purchases to horn your tactical skills to the next level. 

Download: Android

8. XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM Enemy Within - Android Strategy Games
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Contains Ads | Pro at $4.99

OS: Android

Popularity: 100,000+ Downloads

This game is an expansion of a 2012 game called XCOM Enemy Unknown although you won’t need to play that game before playing this one. With this one, you get the chance to research new technology including genetic modifications that you will do on soldiers. It is a turn-based game and you are tasked with eliminating the aliens before they invade the Earth. It revolves around strategizing a lot so be prepared for it but it is worth it. Upgrade via in-app purchases to leap into the game in terms of skills, weapons, or abilities. 

Download: Android

9. This War of Mine

This War of Mine
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: $14.99

OS: Android

Popularity: 100,000+ Downloads

What would you do if you are stuck in a besieged city with a hostile environment?. You don’t have any emergency supplies or medicines. Well, This War of Mine is based on a similar mechanics where you are in a group of citizens trying to escape a city of terror. The game is inspired by real-life events that you’ll encounter throughout the gameplay. You have a task and that is to survive by hook or by crook. Take tough decisions that would make or break your chances of escaping the city.

Download: Android

10. Pocket City

Pocket City
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Pro at $3.99

OS: Android

Popularity: 1M+ Downloads

Can you build a city of your mine? If building a city in real creates capital and logistical problem, try Pocket City. It is a fun strategy simulation game that gets your engaged and totally addicted to it. One of the best Android strategy games, Pocket City lets you handle building residential, commercial, and industrial properties. You handle the cash flow and transactions, citizen happiness, and other factors. The game is available for free although it levies ads, paying a bit can remove the ads. I must repeat, it is an awesome game to play.

Download: Android

11. Motorsport Manager Mobile 3

Motorsport Manager Mobile 3
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: $5.99 | Offers In-app purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 500,000+ Downloads

Ever wished you had a motorsport term? In this listicle of best Android strategy games, Motorsport Manager Mobile 3 gives you the ultimate experience. Build your team, you are the boss taking all big decisions. It includes hiring drivers to develop your car to make the most of the races. Formulate strategies for an ideal and efficient pitstop maneuver, win championships across different circuits. You could do a lot on this epic strategy game available at $5.99 with in-app purchases.

Download: Android

12. Auto Chess: Origin

Auto Chess
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Offers In-app purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 5M+ Downloads

Auto Chess spurred into fame as a strategy game and has already recorded more than 5 million downloads on Google Play Store alone. The game is multiplayer in nature with 8 players pitting against each other on an 8×8 chessboard. Combine the power of your heroes to eliminate your opponents on a global scale. Pit against players from across the globe including top players of Auto Chess. Practice your strategies to beat the 7 other players to win the game. 

Download: Android

13. Dawn of Titans: War Strategy RPG

Dawn of Titans War Strategy RPG
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Offers In-app purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 5M+ Downloads

Dawn of Titans: War Strategy RPG attracts masses thanks to its epic 3D graphics. The game involves commanding troops including the Greek gods such as Loki, Zeus, Thor in an epic showdown. Capture enemies on the way, expand your empire, and dominate the game by marking your name on the leaderboards. Strategize before pelting a stone or it could backfire and you could lose the game. The game has daily events to play such as Assault mode, Raid Boss, Alliance War. Form an alliance with your friends and play. The game has 100% real-time battle control and non-stop events so you won’t get bored. The game is free to play and offers a tonne of in-app purchases.

Download: Android

14. DomiNations

DomiNation
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Offers In-App Purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 10M+ Downloads

Another game that revolves around battle strategy, DomiNations gives you a wholesome experience of building a nation. You are tasked with building the Wonders of the World and more. Build and strengthen your troops, unlock goodies either via your gameplay, or check out its in-app purchases. You would need some skills to play well although practice makes a man perfect. You can build a base as a defense against other players as well. Form an alliance and test who’s the boss in an epic PvP combat with others and loot your opponent. The end goal is to build the greatest civilization the world has seen ever. 

Download: Android

15. Dota Underlords

Dota Underlords
Image Courtesy: Google Play Store

Price: Free | Offers In-App Purchases

OS: Android

Popularity: 1M+ Downloads

Dota has a cult following and Dota Underlords isn’t any different. It is similar to Valve but has a lot of features similar to Dota 2. The game has a crossplay that allows playing between players across various devices without any hassle. You can even play on the PC. Dota Underlords revolves around strategizing by recruiting heroes. Work towards upgrading versions of heroes in order to eliminate your foes. Choose between four underlords towards your journey towards victory. Each hero comes with its perks and abilities on the way. Battle Pass gives you 100 rewards, unlock areas of City Crawl, complete challenges, and more. You got to purchase a battle pass at $4.99.

Download: Android

This concludes our listicle of 15 best Android strategy games that you can play. Some of these games are pretty intense, some are time-consuming as it involves carefully strategizing while some are easy to play. Let us know which one is worth playing according to you. Let us know which one would you like to add to this list.

Also Read: 8 Best Screen Sharing Software – Top Recommended

8 Best Screen Sharing Software – Top Recommended

8 Best Screen Sharing Software

The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in employees working from home. This yanked up the need to have a video conferencing and collaboration platform. We have come across numerous software with screen sharing capabilities and a series of other features. As sharing screens has become a way of life and is not limited to work but leisure, schooling, and other parts of life, we did a bit of research. We found 8 best screen sharing software on both Windows & macOS.

8 Best Screen Sharing Software

1. TeamViewer 11

TeamViewer - Screen Sharing Software
Image via TeamViewer.com

Price: Free | Business at 49.00/mo | Premium at $99.00/mo | Corporate at $199.00/mo 

OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

TeamViewer is one of the most successful screen sharing software compatible with macOS and Windows. TeamViewer has great solutions when sharing a screen either the whole desktop or software in particular. The app grants access to one’s computer via remote access including audio feed. It’s meeting feature can be used across 500 devices with a paid version, although anything above that isn’t available. It has a whiteboard, chat, and file-sharing capability. TeamViewer is a to-go software when it comes to screen sharing software without any second thought. Users can either, let others access their systems or they can access other systems remotely. It is a true all-arounder of screen sharing too, do have a look at it. 

Download: Windows | Mac

2. AnyDesk

AnyDesk - Screen Sharing Software
Image via AnyDesk.com

Price: Free | Lite at $10.99/mo, Professional at $20.99/mo, and Power $52.99/mo (plus VAT)

OS: Windows, macOS

With more than 250M+ downloads, AnyDesk is a reputed screen sharing software with a tonne of features. Collaborate with others over a meeting, show your presentations, or share the documents in real-time with AnyDesk. It has a built-in file transfer that lets you share files. The best thing about this software is its lightweight and thus, it would not crash your system no matter what. Record sessions by remotely accessing or giving access to your system with unparalleled security and performance. The software offers low latency, frame rates up to 60fps, and fast data transmissions so that your meetings are in real-time. An on-screen whiteboard is available in case you want to use it. Finally, the app is cross-platform, and it is available for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and other OSes. 

Download: Windows | Mac

3. Zoom

Zoom - Screen Sharing Software
Image via Zoom.us

Price: Free | Pro at $149.9/year, Small & Med at $199.90, and Enterprise at $199.90

OS: Windows, Mac

Zoom is indispensable when it comes to video calls, meetings, screen sharing, and other solutions. It is free to use with an unlimited number of meetings. The software has no time limit on one-to-one meetings. On the flip side, having 3-100 users puts in a 40-minute time limit though you can upgrade for a longer time limit. Collaborate with others with its unparalleled usability and meeting security. Join anywhere with any device as it is cross-platform and multi-platform. Zoom offers HD video, audio with up to 1000 video participants. It has great collaborative tools, calendaring, and excellent screen-sharing functionalities on the go. It has multiple solutions for rooms and workspaces, meetings & chat, phone systems, video webinars, and more.

Download: Zoom

4. Join.me

Join.me
Image Via Join.me

Price: Lite at $10, Pro at $20, & Business at $30

OS: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Web

Join.me is a ready-to-use on web and software solution for video conferencing and screen sharing. It has some of the most mature and advanced features compared to other software mentioned here. The software has excellent video and audio conferencing tools. It has some of the best whiteboarding capabilities unmatched by others. Users can switch between presenter (host) and viewer with just a click. There’s screen region sharing functionality that allows participants to share screens on the go. Join.me lets users try a variety of annotation tools including a laser pointer, highlighter, and more. It integrates with Zapier which makes scheduling meetings a fun and easy task. It also integrates with Google Calendar and Outlook for added benefits. 

Download: Join.me

5. Slack

Slack - Screen Sharing Software
Image via Slack.com

Price: Free | Standard at $2.67/mo, Plus $5/mo, and Enterprise Grid (Contact Support)

OS: Windows, macOS

Slack is one of the best collaboration tools in the world. It has all the features one would need to keep a team of hundreds of members on the same page. It has both chat and calls features. Moreover, it also doubles up as a great screen sharing software allowing annotation and shares with users. Although one member can share their screen at a time, it has great functionalities expanding over 2200+ apps via integration. All the data is secured and encrypted. All the sessions are saved in archives that you can access later. It is available across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, although the functionalities for the last three are a bit restrained. Create channels, use its workflow builder, search messages and documents, and more with Slack. It is an all-arounder solution for managing a team.

Download: Windows | Mac

6. Cisco Webex Meetings

Cisco Webex Meetings
Image via Webex.com

Price: Free | Starter at $13.5/per host/mo | Plus at $17.95/per host/mo | Business at $26.95/per host/mo | Enteprise (Contact Support)

OS: Windows, Android, iOS

Cisco is a well-known IT solution company that has one of the best lineups of tools to use. It’s Cisco Webex Meetings lets users enjoy its free plan with 100 participants in a meeting with HD video, personal room. It also includes screen sharing and limits meeting duration to 40 minutes. Get stunning audio and video quality on-board with secure meetings anywhere at any time. Share your screen or desktop or transfer files during a video conference. Need a whiteboard, Webex Meetings has your back. As it has cross-device compatibility, you can use literally desktop, mobile, laptop, or any video system to connect. Extend its functionality with Webex Teams. 

Download: Cisco Webex Meetings

7. GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting
Image Via GoToMeeting.com

Price: Starts at $12/organizer/month to $16/mo (Business) and Enterprise (Contact Support)

OS: Windows, macOS

GoToMeeting is a feature-rich collaborative communications platform that can handle up to 3000 units. Want others to see your screen? It doubles as a screen sharing software as well. It is secured with SAML SSO login that restricts any unauthorized users such as raiding. It has Office 365 integration that adds the flair to meetings. The app is also integrated with Google Calendar so that you can stay updated with upcoming meetings. The software offers a free trial, although you would need to sign up for its paid plans to go further. GoToMeeting has several features including HD Video and audio, dial-in conference line, no meeting time limits, and so on. You can hold an unlimited number of meetings on its paid plans, unlimited cloud recording.

Download: GoToMeeting

8. Skype

Skype
Image via Skype.com

Price: Free for Skype Users | For others, start at $2.99/mo and above

OS: Windows, macOS

You must know about Skype, there’s no rocket science here. It is one of the earliest and probably the best audio and video calling software. It has some screen sharing skills as well. Apparently, Skype has added a few rich video conferencing tools under its belt including sharing presentations and screens alike. It also has a whiteboard sharing capacity that lets you annotate with highlighters, pens, and whatnot. It is great for PowerPoint users as Skype has a deep integration with Office 365. Skype is cross-platform and has apps, software, and a web client so that people can join in without any constraint. You can also chat with others, send them SMS on their phones, and more on Skype.

Download: Skype

There you have it. Of course, we didn’t include all screen sharing software but these 8 are among the best. You can choose any one or more of them depending upon your requirements. Alternatives that you can try are Discord, VNC Connect, UltraViewer, Whereby, and so on. Let us know which one you found amusing and worthy of use. 

Also Read: 16 Best Paid Android Apps Of All Time

8 Best Laptops Under $600 – Updated

8 Best Laptops Under $600

Whether for personal use, work commitments, or academics, the world is on a path to speed up the transition to a digital environment. On this note, this is a great time to get a laptop. But buying a laptop is a tricky journey. You need to consider a wide plethora of factors. Are you getting a good quality product? Will it serve your needs? Is the price tag worth the device? After all, no one wants to regret spending their hard-earned savings. 

Are you in need of a laptop which can run standard games? Does your requirement include demanding tasks? Do you want a laptop which performs without burning a hole in your pocket? If you said yes to any of the above, this list of 8 best laptops under $600 is made for you.

Choosing a laptop is tough, with thousands of new options surfacing in every search. So we did the tough part for you. Here is our compilation of the 8 best laptops under $600. Let us have a look at them.

A quick compilation of the 8 best laptops under $600

Sr. No.ModelSpecsPrice (USD)
1Acer Aspire 52.1 GHz Ryzen 5 3500U
256 GB SSD
15.6″ Full HD Display
8 GB RAM
519.99
2HP Pavilion 151.0 GHz Intel Core i5-1035G1
256 GB SSD
15.6″ Full HD Display
8 GB RAM
599.99
3HP Notebook 151.2 GHz Intel Core i3-1005G1
256 GB SSD
15.6″ HD Display
8 GB RAM
599.00
4Dell Inspiron 30001.2 GHz Intel Core i3-1005G1
128 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
15.6″ HD Display
8 GB RAM
469.00
5HP 14 Touchscreen2.1 GHz Ryzen 3 3200U
256 GB SSD
14″ HD Display
8 GB RAM
518.88
6Lenevo Ideapad2.1 GHz Ryzen 3 3200U
256 GB SSD
15.6″ Full HD Display
8 GB RAM
445.00
7Dell Inspiron i35832.1GHz Intel Core i3-8154U
128 GB SSD
15.6″ HD Display
8 GB RAM
565.00
8ASUS VivoBook 152.1 GHz Ryzen 5 3500U
256 GB SSD
15.6″ Full HD Display
8 GB RAM
569.00

1. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5 - best laptops under $600
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

When discussing the best all-purpose laptops currently in the market, one of the first names to arise is the Acer Aspire 5. Released in early 2020, Acer brought tweaks which had made Aspire 5 the best selling laptop in the under $600 range this year. The device looks sleek and professional while being a performance machine.

Acer Aspire 5 has a 15.6-inch screen which delivers a full HD 16:9 resolution display. The device holds a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 3500U processor with AMD Radeon Vega 8 mobile graphics. Coupled with an 8 GB RAM and a 7.5 hour battery life, you get a feature packed laptop at a budget-friendly cost of just $519.99.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly device
  • Great choice as a general use laptop

Cons:

  • Low storage capacity might require external HDD
  • One of the heavier options

Specs:

Hardware Specs for Acer Aspire 5 A515-43-R5RE

  • Processor: 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad-Core Processor (up to 3 7GHz with Precision Boost)
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 mobile graphics 
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
  • Battery Life: Up to 7.5 hours
  • Weight: 4 lbs

Bottom Line

If you need a general-use laptop which provides good all-round performance, Acer Aspire 5 is the best choice for you. You can buy this laptop here for just $519.99 through Amazon.

2. HP Pavilion 15

HP Pavilion 15 - best laptops under $600
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

HP has been a mainstay in the category of general and professional use laptops. Hence it comes as no surprise that it would feature on our list. One of HP’s biggest moves in the mid-range laptop market was the release of HP Pavilion 15 late in 2019. Priced at $599.99, this laptop just about manages to make our list.

However, the device has everything to justify its price tag. Powered by a 10th gen 1.0 GHz Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, the laptop comes with a 256 GB SSD. It features a 15.6″ Full HD display with an anti-glare screen. The 8 GB RAM makes efficient multitasking possible. But the biggest selling point of HP Pavilion 15 is the battery, powering the device for up to 10 hours.

Pros: 

  • Long-lasting battery
  • Built for professional use

Cons:

  • Low storage capacity might require external HDD
  • Low base clock speed of the processor

Specs:

Hardware Specs for HP 15 DY1036NR

  • Processor: 1.0 GHz 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 Quad-Core Processor (up to 3.6 GHz with Turbo Boost)
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen WLED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Integrated Graphics
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 3.75 lbs

Bottom Line

If you are a working professional who needs to collaborate over long work hours, this is the best choice for you. You can buy this laptop here for just $599.99 through Amazon

3. HP Notebook 15

HP NoteBook 15 - best laptops under $600
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

Next entry in our list is again an HP laptop, this time a touchscreen device. Marketed as a product for consumers looking for a tablet-PC alternative, it is powered by a 1.2 GHz Intel Core i3 processor with Intel’s UHD integrated graphics. The laptop comes with a 15.6” HD screen and runs a Windows 10 Home operating system. 

A 256 GB SSD coupled with 8 GB RAM makes HP Notebook 15 a laptop that works fast despite having the inferior dual-core i3 processor. With a single charge enough to last up to 8 hours and a weight of only 3.8 lbs, this device is built for people who move and work. Whether it is traveling to college or work, HP Notebook 15 is a great partner.

Pros:

  • Touchscreen functionality
  • Can be used as a tablet PC

Cons:

  • Inferior dual-core i3 processor
  • Low storage capacity might require external HDD

Specs:

Hardware Specs for HP Notebook 15 DY1008CA

  • Processor: 1.2 GHz 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 Dual-Core Processor (up to 3.4 GHz with Turbo Boost)
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Integrated Graphics
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
  • Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
  • Weight: 3.8 lbs

Bottom Line

If you need a device that fulfills your basic needs while having a touchscreen function, HP Notebook 15 is your best bet. You can buy this laptop here for just $599.00 through Amazon.

4. Dell Inspiron 3000

Dell Inspiron 3000 - best laptops under $600
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

Originally released in 2016, Dell Inspiron 15 3000 received an upgrade with its latest 2020 edition. The device features a 15.6 HD touchscreen running a Windows 10 Home operating system. It is powered by the 1.2 GHz 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor with Intel UHD integrated graphics. With a battery life of up to 8 hours and fast charging times, the device deserves the position as one of the 8 best laptops under $600 currently available on the market. 

However, the one thing which sets the 2020 Dell Inspiron 15 3000 apart from everyone on our list is the storage space offered to the user. The laptop features a 128 GB SSD along with a 1 TB HDD. This means you will never run out of space anytime soon. It also houses an 8 GB RAM, weighing in at 4.45 lbs as the heaviest laptop on our list.

Pros:

  • Dual storage drives provide ample memory
  • Fast charge duration

Cons:

  • Inferior dual-core i3 processor
  • No dedicated graphics card

Specs:

Hardware Specs for Dell Inspiron 3000 

  • Processor: 1.2 GHz 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 Dual-Core Processor (up to 3.4 GHz with Turbo Boost)
  • Storage: 128GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
  • Display: 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Integrated Graphics
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
  • Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
  • Weight: 4.45 lbs

Bottom Line

If you want a decent mid-range laptop with loads of storage space, Dell Inspiron 300 is the solution. You can buy this laptop here for just $469.00 through Amazon.

Also read: 8 Best Laptops Under $1000 – UPDATED

5. HP 14 Touchscreen

HP 14 touchscreen - best laptops under $600
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

HP makes yet another appearance on our list with the HP 14 Touchscreen laptop. Like the HP Notebook 15, it is marketed as a product for consumers looking for a tablet-PC alternative. It is powered by a 2.1 GHz AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor with AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics. The laptop comes with a 14” HD screen (as the name suggests) and runs a Windows 10 Home operating system.

HP 14 Touchscreen offers a lightweight option, weighing just 3.33 lbs, which can still manage to provide decent performance to the users. It houses a 256 GB SSD with 8 GB RAM, while providing up to 7 hours of battery life to the user in a single charge.

Pros:

  • Lighter than other options
  • Touchscreen functionality

Cons:

  • A smaller screen at just 14-inch
  • Older AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics

Specs:

Hardware Specs for HP 14 Touchscreen

  • Processor: 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Quad-Core Processor (up to 3 7GHz with Precision Boost)
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 14″ HD (1366 x 768) SVA BrightView Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics 
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
  • Weight: 3.33 lbs

Bottom Line

If you want a touchscreen laptop which is also a powerful beast, HP 14 Touchscreen might just be what you were looking for. You can buy this laptop here for just $518.88 through Amazon.

6. Lenovo Ideapad

Lenovo ideapad 81UT
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

The discussion about the 8 best laptops under $600 couldn’t be finished without mention of a Lenovo product. A 256 GB SSD coupled with 8 GB RAM makes the Lenovo Ideapad a laptop that works fast for a wide range of applications. The device has a 2.1 GHz AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor with AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics. With a single charge, its battery is enough to last up to 7 hours. 

The laptop runs a Windows 10 Home operating system and weighs in at 4.1 lbs. It features a 15.6” full HD LED-backlit display. While there are other devices providing similar features, Lenovo Ideapad provides it at a shockingly low price of $445. This makes it an ideal and a perfect candidate for people who are working with strict budgets.

Pros:

  • A cheap option for people with strict budgets
  • Powerful processor clock speed

Cons:

  • Older AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics
  • Slightly heavier compared to alternatives

Specs:

Hardware Specs for Lenovo Ideapad 81UT 00EAUS

  • Processor: 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Quad-Core Processor (up to 3.7GHz with Precision Boost)
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphics 
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
  • Weight: 4.1 lbs

Bottom Line

If you wish to get an ultra-cheap laptop while still getting a reasonably powerful device, Lenovo Ideapad 81UT is worth checking out. You can buy this laptop here for just $445.00 through Amazon.

7. Dell Inspiron i3583

Dell inspiron i3583
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

Dell Inspiron is a household name in mid-range laptop markets. The Dell Inspiron i3583 model provides a standard, quality device to the customers. Running a Windows 10 Home operating system, this laptop weighs in at 4.4 lbs which makes it one of the the heaviest laptops on the list.

Dell Inspiron i3583 has a 15.6-inch screen that delivers a full HD 16:9 resolution display. The device holds a powerful 8th Gen 2.1 GHz Intel i3 processor with Intel UHD 620 integrated graphics. The biggest selling point of the Dell Inspiron i3583 is its processor coupled with the 10 hour battery life of the device. However, this comes at the cost of a mere 128 GB SSD. The laptop still has 8 GB RAM, but there is no way the storage is enough for an active user.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Powerful processor clock speed

Cons:

  • One of the heavier options
  • Low internal storage available

Specs:

Hardware Specs for Dell Inspiron I3583-i3-8gb-128gb 

  • Processor: 2.1GHz Dual-core Intel Core i3-8154U (Up to 3.90 GHz with Turbo Boost)
  • Storage: 128 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • 15.6″ HD (1366 x 768) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM 
  • Graphics: Intel UHD integrated graphics 620
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs

Bottom Line

If storage isn’t a priority and you require a laptop with a long battery life, Dell Inspiron i3583 is a worthy candidate in the discussion of 8 best laptops under $600. You can buy this laptop here for just $565.00 through Amazon.

8. ASUS VivoBook 15

Asus vivobook 15
Image Courtesy: Amazon.com

Best things are always saved for the last. This is surely true for ASUS VivoBook on our list of 8 best laptops under $600. The device has everything you can ask in a mid-range laptop. It has a sleek and stylish design. The laptop houses the powerful Ryzen 5 processor which allows it to get work done in moments. Whether you are a college student or a working professional, ASUS VivoBook is the perfect option for you.

With its 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD, this powerful machine is made for people who work on the go. It can handle everyday tasks, along with light gaming powered by its AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics. The laptop runs a Windows 10 Home operating system. With its fast charge feature, you will never be too far from getting things done.

Pros:

  • Powerful Ryzen 5 processor
  • Discrete AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics

Cons:

  • Build quality not as good as others
  • Speakers are of average quality

Specs:

Hardware Specs for ASUS VivoBook 15 F512DA-EB51

  • Processor: 2.1GHz AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad-Core Processor (up to 3 7GHz with Precision Boost)
  • Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
  • RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs

Bottom Line

If you want a powerful device that can do anything from light gaming to heavy processing, look no further than ASUS VivoBook 15. You can buy this laptop here for just $569.00 through Amazon.

These were the 8 best laptops under $600 that we could find. With a budget of $600, these devices aim to target every level of requirements that one could have from a mid-range laptop. Our shortlist was prepared after a series of reviews, revisions and evaluations across the thousands of options available to consumers in the market.

When you set out to invest your money in a product, you deserve to get the best device for your buck. We hope this list was able to assist you in finding the right device to suit your needs. Check the site again in the future to find updated recommendations for any device you wish to buy. 

Also read: 8 Best 3D Printers Under $500 – UPDATED

Minecraft Live Updates: New Additions Under Works

Minecraft Live event
Image Courtesy: Mojang Studios

While Minecraft was launched over a decade ago, the game saw a sudden renaissance in recent times. This resurgence has brought a fresh hype to Minecon, Minecraft’s annual fan convention. With the convention being held digitally this year, here are the latest Minecraft Live updates.

The Minecraft Live 2020 started on October 3rd at 9 AM PT (4 PM UTC) on the official Minecraft Live event page. It was held to celebrate the fandoms of Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Earth. Further, fans were provided updates and announcements surrounding the popular game series.

All Minecraft Live updates we know about

Minecraft fans are going to receive a new update titled ‘Caves & Cliffs’. As the name suggests, this new update is going to focus on adding new terrain to the Minecraft overworld. Further, it will improve the quality and variety of cave structures in the game. The improved cave systems will address a long-running request from Minecraft players, making a big impact on the experience of exploring caves in the popular game. 

The game will also see the addition of new drops in the form of copper ore and crystal geodes. These new materials will add new crafting recipes, expanding on the gameplay that Minecraft has to offer. We will also see new creatures such as goats and axolotls in the game with the upcoming update, scheduled for the summer of 2021. 

In other updates, we see Minecraft Dungeons receive a new DLC named ‘Howling Pack’, adding new features and objectives to the game. Further, the game will now allow cross-play across PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One. If these Minecraft Live updates didn’t hype you enough, there is a new Minecraft novel under works by Max Brooks. The new book, Minecraft: The Mountain, will be a direct sequel to Brook’s earlier title Minecraft: The Island. It will cover discussion around life-related topics with the background of the Minecraft World.

Google Takes a Stand on Unhealthy Comparision by Removing Default Selfie Filters on Pixel Smartphones

Google Pixel Filter

Google has always been a frontrunner when it comes to adopting practices that are better suited for the current world. Keeping up the theme, Google has announced fresh changes to the way it deals with image editing and filters on its Pixel Smartphones. 

This step comes as a way to deal with the comparison and filter fatigue in today’s world, where people put themselves against the ‘beauty standards’ set by images using high levels of filters and editing. These comparisons with images, that do not represent the reality, leads to an unhealthy, even toxic effect on the mental health of the masses. Many social platforms are searching for ways to combat the issue, as Google took the major step by removing default selfie filters on Pixel devices.

Why Google removed default selfie filters on Pixel?

The Pixel 4a, upcoming Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 will be the first devices to exhibit this switch. While the tools for retouching photos will still be available, they will be turned off by default. Further, Google will replace all references to ‘beauty’ in its filters and editing tools as part of the initiative.

“We conducted multiple studies and spoke with child and mental health experts from around the world, and found that when people are not aware that a camera or photo app has applied a filter, the photos can negatively impact mental wellbeing. These default filters can quietly set a beauty standard that some people compare themselves against.” Explained Google through its official blog.

Social media serves as a place where millions share their best moments. But the average user fails to remember this, comparing their normal to people’s highs. The step might not be a major move, but it is a start towards the goal of weeding out the unrealistic comparisons which are especially prominent among younger users. 

New Google Special Android Security Team Will Counter Bugs on the Play Store

Google Play Store
Image Courtesy: 9to5Google

In the recent news, the tech giant Google is reported to be creating a special Android Security Team. You wonder why! It is to increase the the security of apps present in Play Store. It aims to find bugs and vulnerabilities in high-sensitive apps available on the Google Play Store.

Sebastian Porst, Software Engineering Manager, Google Play Protect stated that the Special Android Security Team will primarily focus on COVID-19 contact tracing apps and election-related apps.

Besides that, the upcoming security team will only focus on apps that have over 100 million users.

“Our Security team works to create and maintain the safest operating environment for Google’s users and developers.” as mentioned in Google’s career website.

The new android security team will do researches to find the vulnerabilities through the Google Play Security Reward Program (GPSRP).

Google Play Security Reward Program (GPSRP) is a vulnerability reward program. It runs in collaboration with the developers of popular Android apps. It aims to provide a safe environment by finding bugs and vulnerabilities in apps on the Play Store.

Joker Malware Threat

Unfortunately, Google has been struggling with its security system lately. Recently, 17 apps were removed from the Play Store as they were found to have Joker malware.

The Joker malware could bypass the Play Store security and cause threat to many apps in it. It is because this malware keeps on changing its code, execution methods, or payload-retrieving techniques to steal money and personal data.

The American tech giant has come up with a great idea of creating an Android Security Team to counter such attacks. This initiative will provide a safe environment for everyone. More information about the job is available on this link.

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device
Image Courtesy: Samsung

For most of us, getting a new Android device is a cumbersome job. You have to reinstall your apps, reset widgets, transfer your contacts using Google, transfer media files via a Micro SD card or cable, and a computer. Generally speaking, it is a lengthy process and makes use of multiple channels over a period of days.

But things are not so grim for Samsung users. Because for years now, Samsung Smart Switch is the go-to app for both new Samsung Galaxy users as well as old users that are upgrading to a newer Samsung Galaxy model. Not only is it safe and reliable since it is not a third-party app, but also it is something that is super easy to use and transfers data at a lightning-fast speed.

In this how-to guide, we will explain the process in more detail and take you through step by step procedures on how to make use of this amazing utility and transfer data seamlessly from Samsung to Samsung device. This can be useful for both people who have brought a new Samsung Galaxy device or even those who are looking to share their data with other Samsung Galaxy users. But before we get to how to transfer your data, there are some pre-requirements you need to fulfill before you can connect the two devices.

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device
Image Courtesy: Samsung

Pre-requirements for using Samsung Smart Switch

  • If you are transferring to or from an older Samsung Galaxy model, you might need to first install the Samsung Smart Switch App from the Play Store.
  • If you are going for the Wired File Transfer option using a Samsung Dongle, then both your devices should support MTP or Media Transfer Protocol.
  • Both your devices should have at least 500 MB free Storage space.
  • Both devices should be no more than 8 inches apart from each other to ensure a smooth transfer.
  • The process takes a while depending upon the size of the transfer, so make sure that both devices have sufficient battery left.
  • Now since you have everything you need, lets transfer files easily from one device to another.

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device

Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you will be able to transfer your files easily in no time.

Step 1: Open Settings on your Samsung Galaxy device and search Samsung Smart Switch & Open it.

Note: In case of older Samsung Galaxy model, open the Samsung Smart Switch App that you downloaded previously.

Samsung data transfer
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Step 2: As soon as the app opens, it will ask for several permissions > Allow all the permissions.

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Step 3: Now, there will be two options on each device, Send Data and Receive Data. Click Send Data on the device from which you want to share data. Don’t click Receive Data on the other device just yet.

Samsung data transfer
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Step 4: On the Sender Device, there will be two options Wired and Wireless Transfer. In this guide, we will cover the wireless transfer option. So click on Wireless Transfer. You can also choose the wired option and follow the on-screen instructions.

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Also read: How to turn off two-factor authentication on iPhone

Step 5: Finally, click Receive Data on your other device.

Note: In newer Samsung Galaxy Models, this step happens automatically.

Samsung data transfer
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Step 6: A pop-up will appear on your sender device, asking your permission to allow other devices to access your media. Click Allow.

Samsung data transfer
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

At this point, a loading screen will appear while your receiver device searches your sender device for the file to transfer.

Step 7: After this, you will be able to select what files you want and how much of these files you want to move over. Navigate each folder and select from files ranging from contacts, layout, settings, media, text messages, downloads, etc.

How to Transfer Data from Samsung to Samsung Device
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Step 8: After you are done selecting, scroll down, and click Transfer.

Step 9: Now click on the option Keep Screen On. With this, not only will you be able to check your transfer progress, but also you will avoid unwanted Session Timeout.

Samsung data transfer
Image Courtesy: Youtube|Jimmy is Promo

Note: Make sure to Keep both devices close to each other.

Step 10: Once all the files are transferred, it will take some extra time to set up everything in order. This process will only take considerable time if you are transferring messages and device settings from one device to another.

Once this process finishes, your file transfer is complete, and you are good to go.

Conclusion

We like to think this guide will indeed work for all users to transfer data from Samsung to Samsung devices. Even if somebody uses an old smartphone, if you encounter any error, feel free to contact Samsung Customer Service or contact your Local Samsung Store for help. We hope that you found this guide useful and let us know if we missed out on something.