John Anon
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Articles by John Anon
Guy walks into a bar
Guy walks into a bar. It’s clear he’s been there before. He pours himself into what appears to be his usual stoop at the tail end of a slab of burnt mahogany.
Die in the Dungeon
I made it to the end with only one attack die. Not on purpose; I got some bad transformations, but the deck(?) worked really well once I pruned out the second mirror die. Figured I'd commemorate this weird run. Note: I only added that heavy block die at the last second, not sure how it would play with three block dice. Also, I was only actually playing the game for about 40 minutes—I was interrupted partway through, but the game counted the time my computer was asleep.
Philo Subscription Price Rising to $25 Per Month on June 8
Philo is increasing the cost of a subscription to $25 per month for new subscribers, starting from June 8. While price increases within the live TV streaming industry have become an increasingly common occurrence, this is an unusual move for Philo. However, in spite of the impending price increase, Philo remains focused on offering an affordable service and continues to be a much cheaper option than other services, including fuboTV, Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV.
Official Android TV vs TV Boxes Powered by Android
If you're new to watching TV through an Android device, then it is important to understand the difference between official Android TV and TV boxes powered by Android. You see, not all TV boxes powered by Android are equal. While some come running on a platform that's been optimized for the TV, others don't. This might not seem like a huge difference at first, but it is. The way you engage with a device can impact the entire experience. Table of contents What's official Android TV?
24 Million Disney+ Subscribers In November, According to Analysts
Disney+ has already reached 24 million subscribers, according to new survey data. The estimation eclipses previous numbers suggesting the Disney+ train is not showing any signs of slowing down. The surge in Disney+ activity is thought to have had some impact on Netflix. Millions of Disney+ subscribers Disney+ has attracted subscribers since the very beginning. In the first 24 hours alone, Disney+ is understood to have seen 10 million subscribers sign up.
AH Awards: Best Android App of 2019 - Disney+
Choosing the best app of the year is never an easy task. Not only are there too many new apps released to count, but what's the best app for one type of user might not be the best for another. This year, the task of handing out an award has been made a little easier thanks to the launch of one particular app. Disney+ is our pick for best smartphone app of 2019. There can be little denying the impact of Disney+.
Hulu + Live TV $10 Price Increase Kicks In, Now Costs $54.99
A previously announced Hulu + Live TV price increase has now kicked in. The change sees Hulu live TV packages rise by $10 per month. New and existing subscribers now have to pay a minimum of $54.99 each month for access to live TV. Hulu the latest price increase culprit If 2019 is remembered for anything, it will be for price increases. This year alone has seen price hikes by pretty much every major live TV streaming service.
AH Awards: Best Smartphone of 2019 - Samsung Galaxy S10e
Each year, the best smartphone award usually goes to the smartphone with the best specs, the best features, and the best design. Understandably, so. This year, however, we've ranked the Samsung Galaxy S10e as the best smartphone of 2019. This is even though it meets none of the above criteria. Why is the Galaxy S10e the best smartphone of 2019 then? Well, that's a simple question to answer.
You Might Finally Get Dark Mode Scheduling With Android 11
Dark mode scheduling might finally become available as a feature to Android device users. However, it won't be until Android 11 and that's at the earliest. Dark mode scheduling was originally expected to be included with Android 10 although that did not prove to be the case when Android 10 launched. Dark mode, but no scheduling Dark mode was one of the main features included in the current version of Android, Android 10.
Google Podcasts Now Starting To Offer Personal Recommendations
Google Podcasts appears to be in the process of being updated with personalized recommendations. These recommendations are relevant to specific episodes and not the podcast in general. It remains unclear how widespread access to the new feature is or when it will roll out to all users. Better podcast recommendations Google launched its Podcasts app earlier in 2019 as a means to bring together access to all the popular podcasts that are now available.
AT&T To Launch Main TV Streaming Service In February 2020
AT&T is set to launch its main AT&T TV streaming service in February of next year. This is the same service that's currently in testing in select markets within the U.S. AT&T TV differs from AT&T TV NOW in terms of the price, channels and features. The other AT&T TV streaming service If you thought there weren't already enough TV services from AT&T, you'd be wrong. The company believes there's room in the market for one more and it is set to arrive early next year.
Gmail's Latest Update Lets You Email Emails
Gmail users will soon have the option to send emails within an email. The new feature was announced this week by Google and is due to go live for all users over the next few weeks. The rolling out of Gmail's emails within emails feature has already started. Emails within email in Gmail If it sounds a bit confusing, it's not supposed to be. If anything, the new feature is designed to make sending an email – via an email – even easier.
$1,000 Is Too Much For A Smartphone, According To New Data
New data suggests fewer than expected U.S. buyers are opting for smartphones priced $1,000 or higher. The data had led to the suggestion that a lack of smartphone sales at this price will lead to slower rates of 5G adoption. There are some caveats to the data that should be taken into account. $1,000 for a new smartphone too much? This data comes from the NPD Group and is drawn from its new Mobile Phone Tracking service.
Lenovo Smart Clock Alarm Now More Responsive To The Environment
The Lenovo Smart Clock is getting an update that allows for greater alarm customization. The update started rolling out earlier in the week and therefore is likely to have already arrived on some devices. Along with the alarm clock upgrade, there's also some other more general improvements. A more custom alarm for the Lenovo Smart Clock The latest update was announced by Google who confirmed the inclusion of a new "Impromptu" feature.
Android TV: What To Expect With An Android 10 Upgrade
Google recently confirmed Android 10 is now officially coming to Android TV. At the time, Google did not provide specifics on what changes Android 10 will bring to its TV platform. Since the initial announcement, one Android TV company has detailed some of what device owners can expect. Android TV finally getting the 10 upgrade It may have taken its time, but Android TV is finally going to get its upgrade to Android 10.
AT&T: Disney+ Is Great For Kids But Not For The Family, Unlike HBO Max
AT&T and WarnerMedia COO, John Stankey has taken a shot at Disney+ by suggesting it is more for the kids, than the whole family. Unlike AT&T's own upcoming service, HBO Max. Disney+ launched last month and immediately gained a substantial number of subscribers. HBO Max is not due to launch until next year and will cost significantly more per month, compared to Disney+. For the kids, not the family Speaking during the UBS Global TMT Conference, Stankey voiced an opinion on Disney+.
Google’s New Android TV Dongle Is The ADT-3, But You Can’t Buy It
Google has now announced a new Android TV device called the ADT-3. The Android TV dongle is not expected to be available to the general public. Along with the new Android TV device, Google also provided an update on Android 10 for Android TV. ADT-3 is Google's Android TV device you can't buy While this is the newest Android TV device to be announced, it is not one designed for everyone. As is typically the case with ADT-branded devices, the ADT-3 is specifically designed with developers in mind.
Google Finally Announces Android 10 For Android TV
Android 10 for Android TV has now officially been announced paving the way for a future rollout to devices. This does not mean every Android TV device should expect Android 10 to arrive soon, if at all. In further preparation for Android 10 on Android TV, Google has released a new Android TV developer device, the ADT-3. Android 10 for Android TV is finally official It's been a long time coming, but Android 10 for Android TV is now finally official.
Dolby Vision HDR Support Might Be Coming To Google Play Movies Soon
Google appears to be preparing to add Dolby Vision HDR support to the Google Play Movies Android app. A recent teardown of the latest version of the app reveals the new support is en route. It's currently unclear when the support will go live. Play Movies Android app getting better Google Play Movies is already a destination for many looking to watch a movie or TV show episode. Likewise, Google has already been rolling out support for an improved viewing experience in general.
Update Winners Announced: Fifth Annual Android Headlines Great Holiday Giveaway: 2019 - 2020 (USA Only)
Below is the list of winners, thank you to everyone who entered and stay tuned for our next exciting contest on Android Headlines.
OnePlus Replacing Its Ugly TV Remote With New Netflix Remote
There's now a new OnePlus TV remote available to replace the previous one. The new remote is available to existing OnePlus TV owners free of charge. In addition to a new design, the new remote also features a dedicated Netflix button thanks to the newly added Netflix support. A new remote to replace the ugly remote Prior to the launch of OnePlus TV, OnePlus teased various elements including the remote control. The only problem was the remote was an ugly remote.
Google Might Soon Light Up Maps To Highlight Safer Routes
Google appears to be preparing to add a "lighting" feature to Google maps. The understanding is that this will make it easier for users to identify safer routes to travel. It is currently not clear when the feature will go live or if it will become available everywhere. Maps to be lit up It looks like Google plans to add a feature to Maps that highlights routes or roads that are well-lit. In principle, this is expected to make it easier for users to decide on a route that's better lit than others.
Owners Of Older Pixel Phones Can Now Download Google’s Recorder App
Google's Recorder Android app is now available to download on more devices. The Recorder app does more than just record, it can also transcribe. With the latest update through the Google Play Store, the app is now compatible with more Google Pixel smartphones. Recorder app expansion helps, but not a lot Google launched its new Recorder app back in October at the same time it debuted its latest smartphones, the Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL.
Exclusive Look At Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 Lite & Galaxy S10 Lite
Here's a fresh and clear look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and the Galaxy Note 10 Lite. These are new and expected to be more affordable versions of the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 families. There's also an expectation that both Lite phones are due to go on sale soon. Same Galaxy S10, but different. Over the past few weeks there's been a number of rumors and leaks suggesting Samsung was preparing to launch a "Lite" version of the Galaxy S10.
Snapdragon 765 Might Just Be Qualcomm's Most Important 5G Chip
Qualcomm has now officially introduced the Snapdragon 765 and confirmed it is a 5G-ready and willing chip. The Snapdragon 765 is not the company's most premium flagship processor, but one that looks to bring premium features, including 5G, to more devices. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765 won't find its way into devices until early next year.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865: Here's What You Need To Know About The Latest 5G Chip
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 is now official and destined for your next premium smartphone. The company fully unveiled its latest 5G chip at its annual tech summit in Hawaii. In addition to providing a more indepth look at the processor, Qualcomm confirmed the first Snapdragon 865-powered smartphones should arrive in early 2020. A new and more powerful 5G Snapdragon SoC As is probably to be expected, Qualcomm's latest chip makes a big play for 5G.
Plex Now Lets You Watch Movies and TV Shows For Free
Plex users are now able to watch Movies and TV Shows for free. Unlike some similar services, this is a global feature that's now rolling out everywhere. This not only cements Plex's place in the streaming wars, but instantly positions the company as a major player. Plex enters the streaming wars in style Arguably, Plex was already a part of the battle for your streams considering the service lets you access web shows, podcasts, and even live TV.
Qualcomm’s Newest 5G Chips Are The Snapdragon 865 & Snapdragon 765
Qualcomm has now announced the Snapdragon 865 and the Snapdragon 765/765G mobile chips. These are the latest and most powerful Snapdragon mobile platforms to come from the company. Both new Snapdragon mobile SoCs are designed to further usher in the use of 5G and AI. Two powerful Snapdragon mobile SoCs coming It had been expected that Qualcomm would announce its latest chip at the company's "Snapdragon Tech Summit" event in Hawaii.
Android 9 Pie Update Heading Out To Select Sony Android TVs
Sony is about to roll out the Android 9 Pie Android TV update to some of its TVs. The company confirmed the update is rolling out in December. Along with Pie, the update also adds some other useful features, including Dolby Atmos support. Android 9 Pie incoming to Sony TVs Sony has now confirmed an Android 9 Pie update will begin heading out to select Sony Android TVs soon.
These JBL Bluetooth Headphones Are On Sale For Less Than $40 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
If the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have yet to help you find your next new and affordable pair of headphones, then maybe this deal on the JBL Tune 500BT is what you've been waiting for. The JBL Tune 500BT are not expensive headphones to begin with, but they are not supposed to be. Instead, the JBL Tune 500BT are designed to offer a JBL experience at a more cost-friendly price. For example, besides the usual JBL build and sound quality, these are Bluetooth headphones.
OontZ Angle 3 Series Bluetooth Speakers From $18, But Today Only - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
Over the last few days, there's been plenty of deals to choose from. This includes plenty of price drops on Bluetooth speakers, both small and large. If none of those deals have appealed to you then maybe this deal on OontZ Angle 3 series Bluetooth Speakers will. The OontZ by Cambridge SoundWorks brand is designed to offer good quality products at affordable prices. This is even more true when it comes to the Angle 3 series of speakers.
Leave The Cleaning To The iRobot Roomba 614 Robot Vacuum, Now $219 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
If you didn't find the right robot vacuum during the Black Friday deals weekend then maybe Cyber Monday and the iRobot Roomba 614 robot vacuum can help. iRobot is a popular robot vacuum brand and offers plenty of options to suit different buyers and budgets. The iRobot Roomba 614 robot vacuum is not the most premium robot vacuum from iRobot, but for the cost it does pack in the features.
Get The Party Started With The JBL PartyBox 300 For Just $399 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
If you're looking for a deal on a portable and powerful speaker then look no further than the JBL PartyBox 300. The portable speaker market has exploded over the last few years with plenty of options to pick from. However, as speakers have become more portable, they also have become smaller. With audio, physics is a real thing, and that smaller size almost always compromises on the sound quality to some degree. This has always been ever more evident in the bass department.
You Can Now Get The Jabra Elite 85h ANC Headphones For Just $199 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
There's plenty of audio deals going around at the moment and especially on headphones. However, if you still haven't found what you're looking for, then check out the Jabra Elite 85h wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Over the last few years Jabra headphones have become increasingly popular and the Jabra Elite 85h are no exception. First and foremost, these are noise-cancelling headphones.
Here's a 75" Sony 4K TV with Android TV For Just $1,798 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
If you were hoping to pick up a large TV over the weekend but didn't find one in spite of all the deals, then how about this large Sony 4K TV? The Sony XBR75X900F is a 75 inch TV and part of the company's X900F series. In other words, it comes with all the benefits of the other X900F models, but with that much larger screen. For example, this TV comes powered by Android TV.
Sennheiser HD 4.50 SE Wireless Headphones Are Now Just $79 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
Surely with all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals circulating, you've already found your next set of headphones? If not, then why not check out the Sennheiser HD 4.50 SE Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones. The Sennheiser HD 4.50 are a popular pair of headphones and on offer here is a special edition version. The special edition reference largely relates to the color so if you like the color shown, then this deal will be ideal for you.
TCL Alto 7+ Soundbar With Wireless Subwoofer Now Only $129 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
The Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend has seen plenty of deals on audio equipment, including soundbars. Speaking of which, you can also now pick up the TCL Alto 7+ home theater package at a great price. The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2.1 channel system. It comprises of a 36 inch soundbar and a separate wireless subwoofer. Besides improving the audio associated with the TV, this is also a soundbar equipped with Bluetooth. In other words, you can stream music directly to the soundbar from your smartphone.
Grab The True Wireless Samsung Galaxy Buds For Just $99 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
During this weekend of deals there's been plenty of savings on true wireless headphones. You can now add Samsung and its Galaxy Buds to that list. The Samsung Galaxy Buds are the company's latest true wireless headphones solution. Boasting a completely wireless design, the Samsung Galaxy Buds offer the ultimate in freedom and movement. A design like this normally results in some limitations and most often, the battery life.
The Polk Command Bar Soundbar with Alexa Is Now Just $199 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
Black Friday might be done with, but with Cyber Monday now here, the deals keep coming. If you happen to be on the lookout for a new smart soundbar, then the Polk Command Bar is one to check out. On the surface, this is a soundbar by Polk Audio. This is a company known for bringing to market good quality and good sounding devices. Therefore, you can expect a great all round improvement to your home entertainment system's audio quality.
Get The Limited Edition Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Headphones For $139 - Amazon Cyber Monday Deals
If you're in the market for a deal on a new set of true wireless headphones, and especially a good quality pair, then take a look at the Bose SoundSport Free. The benefit of opting for a pair of true wireless headphones is the ultimate in movement and freedom. Unlike other headphones, true wireless headphones do not have a cable connecting the two sides together, let alone one connecting the headphones to a smartphone. Sometimes this can result in certain compromises including battery life.
These Sony Wireless On-Ear Headphones Are Just $38 Right Now - Amazon Black Friday Deals
If you are currently in the market for a cheap, but a good pair of headphones then look no further than the Sony WH-CH510 wireless on-ear headphones. Like many products during Black Friday, these headphones are now available at a great price. These are fairly cheap headphones compared to some of Sony's other headphones, however you might not know that from looking at what you get. For one thing, these headphones are rated to offer up to 35 hours of playback on a single charge.
Save Up To 40% On Samsung, Vizio, & Klipsch Home Audio Products - Amazon Black Friday Deals
Right now, there's plenty of Black Friday deals to take advantage of. This includes home entertainment audio products. In fact, right now there's a variety of audio devices you can pick up with a hefty discount thanks to a new Amazon deal on home audio. Whether you're looking for a subwoofer or a soundbar, this deal has you covered. Amazon is currently discounting a number of audio products by as much as 40 percent. These are also products from a variety of brands.
Grab The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge For $149 - Amazon Black Friday Deals
If you're looking to expand your smart home then the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge is a good option. Even more so now as it is included in the current Black Friday sales. The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge comprises of two main parts. The first, the August Smart Lock Pro, is the actual lock. Unlike other options, this one does not require you to actually replace your existing deadlock.
Improve Your Wi-Fi With The eero Mesh System 3-Pack, Now Only $159 - Amazon Black Friday Deals
If you're having issues with the Wi-Fi in your home then products like the eero mesh Wi-Fi system can be a great help. With Black Friday now here and deals aplenty, you can also save on the eero mesh Wi-Fi system as well. Mesh networks have many benefits although the biggest one is probably the support it gives to your Wi-Fi signal in general. One of the ways it achieves better Wi-Fi in the home is by utilizing more than one unit.
The ECOVACS DEEBOT 661 Is Just $189, But Only For Today - Amazon Black Friday Deals
There's plenty of deals to be had right now, but if you want some help with the cleaning then it is worth checking out the ECOVACS DEEBOT 661. In fact, this robot vacuum is likely to help with the cleaning more than some others as the ECOVACS DEEBOT 661 is a convertible product. In other words, you can swap out the dustbin for a water tank and the ECOVACS DEEBOT 661 suddenly transforms from a robot vacuum to a robot mop.
Nest x Yale Smart Lock with Nest Connect Is Now Only $219 - Amazon Black Friday Deals
No matter what you're in the market for, there's likely to be a Black Friday deal available. This includes smart home products and even smart security solutions like the Nest x Yale smart lock with Nest Connect. Just like every other smart product, the idea with the Nest x Yale smart lock is to smarten up your door by replacing your current deadlock. First off, the Nest x Yale smart lock is keyless. You can simply use the smartphone app to open the door whenever you need to.
Right Now You Can Save 35% On ILIFE Robot Vacuums - Amazon Black Friday Deals
Robot vacuums are a great option to help save time on cleaning. While they can be expensive to purchase, it is Black Friday. Along with all the other sales that are happening right now, there's also deal available on different ILIFE robot vacuums. ILIFE offers a number of robot vacuums and they are generally more affordable than some of the other brands. With a deal now on these models, you are not only saving, but saving on already affordable products.
Here's An LG Soundbar With Wireless Subwoofer For Only $99 - Walmart Black Friday Deals
If you are hoping to upgrade your home entertainment audio setup this Black Friday then the LG SL3D soundbar is a steal at the moment. LG makes a number of good products and its home entertainment solutions prove particularly popular with buyers. If you already have an LG TV at home, then this would make a great accompaniment. Although, it will be just as beneficial to those with TVs from other brands as well.
Amazon's Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet Is Now Only $79 - Amazon Black Friday Deals
One of the best things about Black Friday is how much you can save when buying gifts for other people as well as yourself. If you're currently shopping for a younger user then the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet is definitely worth checking out. Amazon's tablets are a great seller for the company and the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet is one that's specifically tailored towards kids. This child-friendly tailoring not only extends to the interface and content but also the build quality as well.
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