Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review: Amazing features, but is anyone a ‘power user’ anymore?

Like

  • Sleek lines, matte bronze finish
  • Exceptional screen quality and 120Hz refresh rate
  • 5x optical zoom captures sharp photos in ample light
  • S Pen creates standout opportunities for using the phone

Don’t Like

  • $1,300 is too expensive right now
  • A large, heavy, awkward phone
  • Unsightly camera bump that invites breakage
  • Note 20 Ultra rocks when you lay it down flat

If you’re looking for Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to be a do-everything phone, you won’t be disappointed. Like other Note phones that came before it, the Note 20 Ultra is aimed at a rarified group of Android “power

… Read More

Don’t be jealous of iMessage. Here’s how to use Google’s fancy Chat feature on Android phones

Google’s Messages app has a lot to offer, and it keeps getting better. 


Jason Cipriani/CNET

iPhone owners aren’t shy about their love for iMessage. And if we’re being honest, they have a good reason to boast about how Apple’s messaging platform puts regular text messaging to shame with enhanced features like group threads, inline replies, mentions, Wi-Fi messaging and full-res photo or video sharing. However, Android’s messaging skills are catching up. 

Google’s Messages app, the default text messaging app on most Android phones, has a chat feature built in to it that enables advanced features, many of which

… Read More

Google, Facebook, Twitter, More Tech Giants Threaten to Leave Pakistan Over Censorship Rules

Internet and technology companies have threatened to leave Pakistan after the government granted blanket powers to authorities to censor digital content, a move critics say was aimed at curtailing freedom of expression in the conservative Islamic nation.

Thursday’s warning from the Asia Internet Coalition, which represents global technology giants including Google, Facebook, and Twitter, comes after the Pakistan government of Prime Minister Imran Khan granted enhanced powers to government media regulators Wednesday.

The coalition said it was “alarmed by the scope of Pakistan’s new law targeting internet companies, as well as the government’s opaque process by which

… Read More

Amazon’s Best Black Friday 2020 Tech Deals

Amazon’s Black Friday sale starts Nov. 20 and runs through Nov. 27. Find tens of thousands of deals on Amazon devices, smartphones, home office products, and much more.

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year. With hundreds of retailers offering discounts on thousands of items, it’s the perfect time to buy all of your holiday gifts.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers will likely be turning to online shopping this year, and Amazon has plenty of Black Friday deals worth checking out. See if any of these Amazon devices, headphones, TVs, smartphones,

… Read More

The 7 best microphones to help you sound better in your next video meeting

There’s plenty of technology available to help improve the quality of our virtual calls. A top-of-the-line microphone is a great start.

In recent weeks, there’s been a surge in video conferencing as many teams operate remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Needless to say, it only takes a few Zoom calls to realize that a standard laptop microphone simply cannot deliver high-quality audio. While some companies have provided employees with a stipend to upgrade their home office setups, many were not as lucky.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of tech to improve the quality of these virtual conferences and an aftermarket microphone

… Read More

How to plan for a post-pandemic return to work, according to industry experts

The announcement of a potential COVID-19 vaccine brings hope for a return to normalcy in the workplace. Learn from some industry experts how to properly set the stage.

Image: istock/pooiekoo

My workplace, where I am employed as a systems administrator, has been effectively shuttered for over eight months now. While access is permitted, it must be approved in advance by management and travel to certain states results in a mandatory two-week quarantine from the office.

SEE: The new normal: What work will look like post-pandemic  (TechRepublic Premium)

It’s eerie to visit the darkened office space and see the empty cubicles

… Read More