Do phones need to fold?

As Samsung (re)unveiled its clamshell folding phone last week, I kept seeing the same question pop up amongst my social circles: why?

I was wondering the same thing myself, to be honest. I’m not sure even Samsung knows; they’d win me over by the end, but only somewhat. The halfway-folded, laptop-style “Flex Mode” allows you to place the phone on a table for hands-free video calling. That’s pretty neat, I guess. But… is that it?

The best answer to “why?” I’ve come up with so far isn’t a very satisfying one: Because they can (maybe). And because they sort of need to do something.

Let’s time-travel back to the early 2000s. Phones were weird, varied and no manufacturers really knew what was going to work. We had basic flip phones and Nokia’s indestructible bricks, but we also had phones that swiveled, slid and included chunky physical keyboards that seemed absolutely crucial. The Sidekick! LG Chocolate! BlackBerry Pearl! Most were pretty bad by today’s standards, but it was at least easy to tell one model from the next.

(Photo by Kim Kulish/Corbis via Getty Images)

Then came the iPhone in 2007; a rectangular glass slab defined less by physical buttons and switches and more by the software that powered it. The device itself, a silhouette. There was hesitation to this formula, initially; the first Android phones shipped with swiveling keyboards, trackballs and various sliding pads. As iPhone sales grew, everyone else’s buttons, sliders and keyboards were boiled away as designers emulated the iPhone’s form factor. The best answer, it seemed, was a simple one.

Twelve years later, everything has become the same. Phones have become… boring. When everyone is trying to build a better rectangle, the battle becomes one of hardware specs. Which one has the fastest CPU? The best camera?

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The Spotlight Search Tips Cheat Sheet for Mac

Spotlight is one of the easiest ways to launch files, folders, apps, and more on your Mac. You can bring it up with a keyboard shortcut (Cmd + Space) or by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar.

This native macOS feature also comes in handy when you want to look up definitions of words, get sports scores, track flights, do basic math, and retrieve all kinds of information in a snap. And thanks to natural language support, using Spotlight feels intuitive and effortless.

If you’re eager to discover the best tricks Spotlight is capable of, our cheat sheet below can help.

The cheat sheet includes keyboard shortcuts that work in Spotlight and special attributes you can use to filter data faster. You’ll also discover how to use Boolean operators, natural language, and various in-built Spotlight tools to access just the data you need in a few keystrokes.

FREE DOWNLOAD: This cheat sheet is available as a downloadable PDF from our distribution partner, TradePub. You will have to complete a short form to access it for the first time only. Download The Spotlight Search Tips Cheat Sheet for Mac.

The Spotlight Search Tips Cheat Sheet for Mac

Shortcut	Action
Basics
Cmd + Space	Open Spotlight
¹keyword(s)	Display results for search term with first result highlighted and its preview in right-hand pane
“keywords” or “phrase”	Display exact matches
²“as”	Display App Store as top result
²“pc”	Display Parental Controls as top result
Return (Enter)	Open selected item
Double-click result	Open selected item
Down Arrow	Select result below
Up Arrow	Select result above
³Tab	Select first item in preview pane
⁴Cmd	Display Finder location of selected result at bottom of preview pane
Right Arrow	Autocomplete search keyword using the suggested/selected result
Cmd + Down Arrow	Jump to first result in next category
Cmd + Up Arrow	Jump to first result in previous category
Cmd + L	Jump to definition in results
Cmd + R	Open result in Finder or relevant app if applicable
Cmd + Return (Enter)	Open result in Finder or relevant app if applicable
Cmd + I	Open Get Info pane for result
Cmd + B	Look up search term using default search engine in default browser
Cmd + C	Copy item
Drag result to Finder window or desktop	Copy item
Double-click Show all in Finder in results list	View all results in Finder
Hover over preview for audio/video result	Reveal Play button to play result in preview
Two-finger scroll over preview	Reveal scroll bar
Drag search box	Move Spotlight to reposition it
Esc	Clear search box
Cmd + Delete	Clear search box
Option + Cmd + Space	Open Finder search window with search box selected
⁵Search Using Metadata Attributes
from:Name	Created or sent by Name
by:Name	Created or sent by Name
author:Name	Created by Name
to:Name	Addressed to Name
title:Title_Name	With title Title_Name
tag:TagName	With tag Tag_Name
date:DD/MM/YY	From DD/MM/YY
created:DD/MM/YY	Created on DD/MM/YY
modified:DD/MM/YY	Modified on DD/MM/YY
⁶comment:keyword	Comment contains keyword
kind:app kind:application(s)	⁷Apps
kind:audio	Audio
kind:bookmark(s)	Bookmarks
kind:event(s)	Calendar events
kind:contact(s)	Contacts
kind:document(s)	Documents
kind email(s) kind: mail message(s)	Emails
kind:folder(s)	Folders
kind:font(s)	Fonts
kind:image(s), kind:jpeg, kind:png	Images
kind:movie(s)	Movies
kind:music	Music
kind:pdf(s)	PDF
kind:preferences kind:system preferences	Preferences
kind:presentation(s)	Presentations
kind:reminder(s)	Reminders
kind:pages	Pages documents
kind:numbers	Numbers spreadsheets
kind:keynote	Keynote presentations
⁸Search Using Boolean Operators
keyword 1 AND keyword 2	Results with keyword 1 and keyword 2
keyword 1 OR keyword 2	Results with keyword 1 or keyword 2
keyword 1 NOT keyword 2	Results with keyword 1 but not keyword 2
keyword 1 -keyword 2	Results with keyword 1 but not keyword 2
Tools/Math
⁹Find local businesses	coffee
	places to eat
	restaurant
	salon
	“starbucks”
	“apple store”
Get time zone information	“time in Sydney”
Get weather information	“weather” for local weather “weather in Mumbai”
Look up definitions	keyword
Convert temperatures	“302kelvins in f”
Convert measurements	“52 pounds to kilograms”
Convert currencies	“600gbp in usd”
Get math calculations	“234/5*6”
Get real-time sports scores	“cricket scores” “lakers game”
Get stock prices	“sbux” for SBUX or Starbucks Corporation
See what’s playing at local theaters	showtimes or movie times
Get movie details and showtimes	“men in black”
Track flights	“WN3536” or “southwest 3536”
¹⁰Play songs without opening iTunes	“waka waka”
Search Using Natural Language
emails i received today
photos from yesterday
files from this week
messages from last week
screenshots i took last month
last year photos
unread emails
pictures i took in june
documents i created in 2019
“spreadsheets from tim”
“presentations from ben”
¹Keyword(s) can be in title of Finder item or within content. ²Speed up search for apps and System Preferences panes by typing in their initials. Works with third-party apps also. ³Works with folders only. Preview pane items can be enclosed files or subfolders. ⁴Works with local results only. ⁵Can be used with or without keywords. ⁶Searches for Finder items with keyword in Comments section of Get Info pane. ⁷Without this filter, searching for an app name also reveals files recently used in app and matching apps in Mac App Store. ⁸Can be used with metadata attributes. Eg: kind:document date:25/08/19-31/08/19 NOT 28/08/19 ⁹Look under Maps category for relevant results. Does not work with all emojis. ¹⁰Hover over relevant track in preview to reveal Play button. Note: 1. Feature availability might vary based on country. 2. Visit System Preferences > Spotlight to toggle visibility of Spotlight categories.

Let Spotlight Find What You’re Looking For

Searching with Spotlight is one of the good habits you should get used to as a Mac user. It’s also among the best productivity tips we recommend for your Mac.

Image Credit: Wesson Wang on Unsplash

Read the full article: The Spotlight Search Tips Cheat Sheet for Mac

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Download “Becoming The Hacker” For FREE (Worth $32)

If you’d like to delve into web penetration testing, Becoming the Hacker is a clear guide to approaching this lucrative and growing industry.

This free book (worth $32) takes you through commonly encountered vulnerabilities and how to take advantage of them to achieve your goal. You’ll then go on to put your “newly learned techniques into practice, going over scenarios where the target may be a popular content management system or a containerized application and its network”.

Download This Ebook for Free

Topics covered include:

• Introduction to attacking web applications
• Advanced brute-forcing
• File inclusion attacks
• Out-of-band exploitation
• Automated testing
• Practical client-side and server-side attacks
• Attacking APIs
• Attacking CMS
• And more

By developing a strong understanding of how an attacker approaches a web application, you’re placed in a strong position to help companies protect their own applications from these vulnerabilities.

This book is aimed at readers with basic experience with digital security, such as running a network, or coming across security issues when developing an application.

Want to download your free copy? Simply click here to download Becoming the Hacker from TradePub. You will have to complete a short form to access the ebook, but it’s well worth it!

Note: this free offer expires 3 Mar 2020.

Read the full article: Download “Becoming The Hacker” For FREE (Worth $32)

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6 Awesome No-Code Resources to Build Apps and Websites Without Programming

The no-code movement is taking the internet by storm. If you want to learn how to build apps, websites, and digital products without any coding expertise, this is where to start.

The idea behind the no-code movement is to allow non-engineers to build a great product. These are specialized tools to develop anything you want, and you don’t need any coding knowledge or experience whatsoever. There’s a similar other low-code movement which relies on minimal coding experience.

The no-code philosophy is all about empowering non-techies to enter the world of technology. You can’t escape smartphones or the internet, but you don’t have to hire developers or learn coding to get into them.

1. NotRealTwitter and Nocode Hub (Web): What Are People Building Without Code?

You might think that these no-code websites and apps will be quite basic. Perhaps you can only make static pages or simple online business sites. You couldn’t be further from the truth. Nocode Hub is a directory of fantastic sites built without code, and NotRealTwitter has become a shining example of just what’s possible.

NotRealTwitter is an entire clone of Twitter, built without code. It looks, feels, and functions like the microblogging social network, and is an experiment to show just how much you can do with no-code sites. Try it out, you can check out the whole system through guest accounts.

Meanwhile, Nocode Hub takes it one step further to showcase products made without code. It largely divides them into eight website categories: aggregation, community, review, matchmaking, job boards, landing pages, marketplaces, and general apps. Each site shows which no-code tools were used to build it, so you can use it as inspiration for your own code-free product. Go ahead, start making.

2. NoCode (Web): Directory of Tools, Articles, and a Thriving Community

NoCode is one of the best places to get started with understanding the no-code philosophy and find the tools you need. The website is a collection of apps that help you build any product without code, see what others are doing, and even talk with community members.

Start with the directory of tools, which spans a number of different categories. You’ll find website builders, app builders, form and survey tools, newsletter generators, design tools, customer support, analytics, usability testing, and a whole lot more. Each category has multiple tools, with a short description of what sets them apart.

The showcase is a nice portfolio of “built without code” apps and websites. You can also see which tools were used to build them, and the developers often leave a helpful write-up about their process.

Finally, the articles and community section are where you should head for more information. Both these resources are filled with resources to help no-code makers to find just how to go from concept to execution.

3. No Code List (Web): All the No-Code Resources in One Place

Like NoCode, this is another website that aggregates all the no-code tools, apps, and resources you will need to make your own product.

No Code List divides software into build, grow, and run as large categories, with several sub-categories for every type of program you’d need. It also links projects to tools, so you can see where it is being used. The website adds new software to the database every Friday, and already has the most comprehensive collection among such curators.

The resources section links you to various other websites, Slack channels, communities, and other proponents of the no-code movement. In Agencies and Stacks, you’ll find paid services to make your project journey easier.

4. No-Code Coffee (Web): Daily Newsletter for a Quick No-Code Update

Michael Gill is a no-code evangelist who regularly tracks new projects, developers, and tools. He turned this knowledge into a daily email newsletter that serves as a quick update on the world of no-code.

The newsletter comes with three new elements every day:

1. A no-code tool to build something cool
2. An interesting no-coder to learn from
3. An awesome no-code product to show you what’s possible.

Each newsletter starts with a quick introductory thought for no-code makers. And of course, Michael adds his own reasons for checking out each of the three recommended items.

Currently, there isn’t an easy directory of all newsletters sent so far. But once you sign up and get your first email, open the Mailchimp link in a new to find a link to Past Issues.

5. No-Coders Club (Web): Business Side of No Coding Movement

The no-code movement gives you the tools to build your own product without knowing programming. But there is a lot more to shipping something cool than just the code. If you want to start but don’t know where, you’ll find good advice from chartered accountant Luqman Z.A.

The No-Coders Club is Luqman’s blog to chronicle the journey to making one’s own product, mainly looking at the business side of things. There are helpful Wikis along with introductions to concepts like SWOT analysis. Luqman updates the blog with new posts periodically. It started in 2020, so this is a good time to jump on board.

6. No Code No Problem (Podcasts): Listen to No-Coders

Is it really a trending topic if there isn’t a podcast dedicated to it? Ryan Myher hosts No Code No Problem, where he interviews makers from the no-code community and talks about new tools.

Like the No-Coders Club, there’s also a lot of focus on the business side of building a product without code. By listening to founders share their thoughts, you’ll gain valuable insights and avoid beginner’s mistakes.

Apart from NCNP, there are a few other podcasts getting in on the action, like the No Code Podcast. It’s only three episodes old so far, but it’s off to a good start. Do listen to the interviews of the developers of Obviously AI and MakerPad.

Coding Isn’t That Hard

Sure, the no-code movement makes it easier than ever to build any tech product you want. But let’s not say coding is the devil, and you can perhaps do more if you know the basics.

And you know what? Coding isn’t that hard. Plus, the logic you learn is useful in no-code apps too. So try it out, learn the basics of coding in bite-sized lessons.

Read the full article: 6 Awesome No-Code Resources to Build Apps and Websites Without Programming

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The 5 Best Websites Where You Can Watch Anime Online for Free

Anime has exploded in popularity in recent years. More people are discovering this awesome fusion of storytelling, art, music, and animation. However, purchasing anime movies or shows can be expensive, as can streaming services dedicated to anime.

Are you looking to explore this artform but aren’t sure where to watch anime online for free? These free anime websites make anime more accessible than ever, and they’re all completely legal to use. So you’ll no longer have to question whether Crunchyroll is legal.

1. Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is currently the ruler of legally streaming anime. You can watch videos without an account. You can also create a free account to keep track of your watch history and queue shows to watch later.

Crunchyroll also offers multiple paid membership plans other than the basic free option. It offers a wonderful selection of shows from genre staples such as shonen, shojo, and seinen. Regardless of your preferences, Crunchyroll works as an excellent first stop when looking for anime to watch online.

Crunchyroll also offers manga, the comics that many animes adapt their material from. For added selections, there’s a good amount of Asian dramas and anime mobile games. On top of all the entertainment options, there’s a news section, forums, and a store.

The whole website provides a wonderful community for anyone interested in any form of Asian media.

Do you want to stream legal anime on the go? The Crunchyroll app is available on iOS and Android, and both let you watch anime for free. The simple interface gets you back to watching as quickly as possible.

Crunchyroll also has other devices covered. Upgrading to the $7.99/month anime membership plan will get rid of the video ads and provide full HD streams. On top of the viewing benefits, you can see shows shortly after they’ve aired in Japan.

You’ll also get access to the entire manga library. Compare Crunchyroll’s membership plans for additional benefits and then enjoy endless hours of anime, Korean drama, and manga. And if you need even more manga then Crunchyroll has, try the best sites to read manga online.

2. Funimation

In terms of anime industry history, Funimation stands as a worthy competitor to Crunchyroll. With the name power of Dragon Ball Z and other exclusives, you’ve likely heard of Funimation before. If you’re looking for titles that Crunchyroll doesn’t carry, you can probably find the other leading seasonal titles on Funimation.

Like with Crunchyroll, the FunimationNow Android app and FunimationNow iOS app allow you to stream anime for free. The app’s layout functions similarly to Crunchyroll with a few tweaks. Still, it focuses heavily on allowing you to click on popular or seasonal titles to dive right in.

Unlike the Crunchyroll app, you have more options on your menu (designated by the three bars in the upper-left). You can access your queue or view any titles in your library. The rest allows you to further sort through Funimation’s anime offerings quickly.

When it comes to Funimation’s membership plans, however, Funimation offers more between their price tiers. You can save some data and pay $7.99/month to watch anime offline via your library. You can also just pay the cheaper $5.99/month for the simple benefit of keeping all of your anime ad-free.

3. YouTube

Finding legal anime on YouTube can be tricky, but it’s definitely out there. All major anime streaming services have a channel, but they don’t all offer free episodes.

Funimation uploads entire anime series in SD (either subbed or dubbed) that you can find amongst the channel’s playlists. Crunchyroll’s secondary channel, Crunchyroll Collection, offers clips and a small sampling of full episodes. While both channels vary in their sampling approach, they both aim to show you how they operate.

As such, YouTube doesn’t have many of the advantages of the other services when it comes to legal anime. However, it’s a great way to test the different streaming services as they come and go.

4. HIDIVE

HIDIVE stands out as a relative newcomer to the list of anime sites offering free anime. While Crunchyroll and Funimation offer an extensive amount of anime to choose from, HIDIVE takes a different approach. It gives its users a small sample group in a similar fashion to Crunchyroll Collection’s YouTube channel.

The first thing you’ll notice is HIDIVE’s site features a free episodes section. For each show under this section, you can only watch its first episode. To give you a better taste of the service’s range, these single episodes demonstrate HIDIVE’s tag system.

Each episode comes from the exclusive category, subbed anime, dubbed anime, or new releases. As a small trade-off for the limited selection, you won’t see any ads while watching these free episodes. After you’ve sampled all the available episodes, you can try HIDIVE’s 14-day trial or pay the $4.99/month fee.

If there’s a specific title you’re after, make sure to check out the exclusive category list. It’s a good way to quickly check whether you should consider a subscription.

5. Anime-Planet

Anime-Planet provides over 45,000 episodes to watch on its site. Before streaming anything, it lets you know that it is fully legal due to its support by the industry. While sourced from Crunchyroll, the site offers a unique advantage over its provider.

Anime-Planet focuses heavily on its users giving fans other recommendations. When looking up any title, you’ll be recommended other shows with users giving reasons for the suggestion. It’s a very specific specialty, but it gives a reason to watch Crunchyroll’s titles on a site other than its own.

Unlike other titles on the list, its foremost use isn’t streaming. So if you’re looking for an informational site with the benefit of free anime to watch, give it a shot.

These Are the Best Free Anime Websites

As you can see from this list, when it comes to watching anime legally, there are several free anime streaming sites available. Each offers unique benefits, so be sure to try out a few. With a little research, you’ll be able to watch the best seasonal anime titles for free.

If you’re still craving more anime, be sure to check out the best anime spots on the web. You might also want to check out our list of all of the Studio Ghibli films, ranked in order.

Read the full article: The 5 Best Websites Where You Can Watch Anime Online for Free

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The 10 Best Local Multiplayer Games for the PS4

Online multiplayer is part of nearly every major game release these days. However, local multiplayer, which was once wildly popular, has sadly become less prominent in recent years.

Thankfully, even though local multiplayer isn’t that common on current-gen consoles, you can still enjoy a great time playing with friends on one system in one room. And with that in mind, here are the best local multiplayer games on PS4, in no particular order…

1. Rocket League

Rocket League is a popular sports game that has you playing soccer with rocket-powered cars. You’ll need to master its physics to get the hang of boosting, flipping, and scoring goals.

For offline fun, Rocket League lets local players join and start an exhibition match. You and a friend can also compete against others online, if you prefer. The pick-up-and-play competitive nature of this game makes it perfect for novices and veterans alike. We also think it’s one of the best PS4 games for kids.

Buy: Rocket League ($19.99)

2. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

Borderlands is an open-world loot-based shooter series. The Handsome Collection bundles Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel for hundreds of hours of content to enjoy.

You can play both games in local multiplayer with up to four players. In fact, Borderlands works best in multiplayer, so this is the ideal way to play the game.

This is a title your non-gaming friends probably won’t appreciate. But if you want to sink your teeth into a long adventure with roommates, it’s a perfect pick.

Buy: Borderlands: The Handsome Collection

3. TowerFall Ascension

TowerFall nails what a multiplayer party game is all about: friendly competition where victory is never guaranteed. It’s a 2D pixel-art battle royale where you shoot the other contenders with arrows.

However, you have a limited supply in your quiver, so you’ll have to retrieve arrows from walls to stay in the fight. A variety of gameplay options keep the experience fresh every time, and there are co-op modes if you’d rather team up.

If you’re looking for a Super Smash Bros.-like experience that will have you hurling insults at your buddies all night, this is the game for you. As the developer states:

“TowerFall is best played competitively with friends, cross-legged on the floor within punching distance of each other.”

Buy: TowerFall Ascension ($14.99)

4. Rayman Legends

Rayman isn’t as well-known as Mario or Sonic, but that’s no excuse to miss this game. Rayman Legends is one of the best platformers of all time, with gorgeous graphics, excellent level design, and a kicking soundtrack.

While the adventure is great in single-player, Legends supports playing the whole game with up to four players in local co-op. You can work together to reach the end of each level, but depending on your companions, you may hurt each other more than help.

If you need a break, try the Kung Foot minigame. It’s a basic match of soccer with the same controls as the main game, and is surprisingly enjoyable on its own.

Buy: Rayman Legends ($19.99)

5. Diablo 3

Diablo 3 is a dungeon-crawling action game; the series is one of Blizzard’s most popular. For the right audience, it’s the perfect co-op multiplayer game.

Like Borderlands, we definitely don’t recommend this one for playing with casual gaming friends or kids. Diablo is a complex game and by the time you explain everything to a newcomer, the night will be over. This is a game to grind through over a long time with your significant other.

We’ve previously published some Diablo 3 tips and tricks which you should check out if you’d like to read more about this fantastic game.

Buy: Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition ($29.99)

6. Overcooked / Overcooked 2

Overcooked is a truly special multiplayer game. It tasks up to four players with cooperating in a restaurant kitchen to complete orders. What starts off as a simple premise soon turns into a chaotic mess with conveyor belts, flickering lights, floors that break apart, and more.

Anyone can grasp the concept of the game, but the coordination required will test even the best of friends. Give it a try if you like teaming up more than competing and don’t mind a little stress. Our list of Overcooked tips and tricks should help you succeed.

If you enjoy the original, the sequel is largely more of the same with some extra polish.

Buy: Overcooked: Gourmet Edition ($19.99)

Buy: Overcooked 2 ($24.99)

7. Everybody’s Golf (2017)

Everybody’s Golf is exactly what it sounds like: a family-friendly golf game for up to four players. Due to the nature of golf gameplay, you can take turns with just one controller. This makes it a good choice if you don’t have extra controllers sitting around.

You don’t have to enjoy golf in real life to get a kick out of this game. It has a great character customization tool, simple controls, and the cartoony graphics keep it lighthearted.

Buy: Everybody’s Golf ($19.99)

8. The Jackbox Party Pack (Series)

If you like the idea of a local multiplayer experience that’s less of a video game and more like a party board game, give Jackbox a look. Once you start a game on your PS4, Jackbox allows everyone to join with just their smartphone or tablet. This makes it a great pick for large groups, or if you don’t have a lot of controllers.

At the time of writing, Jackbox offers six Party Packs, each containing five games. While you should avoid the first pack, each of the others has high and low points. Check out WhatNerd’s guide to every Jackbox game for more information. If you’re not sure where to start, we think Party Pack 3 is a great first choice.

Due to some suggestive content, some of these games can be inappropriate for young players. Most have a family-friendly option to filter the worst elements, though.

Buy: The Jackbox Party Pack 3 ($24.99)

9. Puyo Puyo Tetris

Do you love puzzle games and want to see who among your friends is sharpest? Puyo Puyo Tetris combines two classic puzzle games into one, and has great options for local multiplayer.

You can keep it simple and compete in basic matches of Puyo Puyo or Tetris. But the game also includes a variety of combination modes, including one where you regularly switch between a board for each mode, and another where you play them both at the same time.

Whether you’re a fan of one or both of these series, there’s a lot for traditional puzzle fans to love here.

Buy: Puyo Puyo Tetris ($19.99)

10. Nidhogg / Nidhogg 2

Nidhogg has simple visuals, but its tug-of-war gameplay makes for great competition. It pits two players in an arena, where the goal is to push your opponent back. You have a sword to fight with, but getting one kill isn’t the end. It takes several victories to earn the crown.

Like the best multiplayer titles, it’s simple but endlessly enticing. A night with this great two-player multiplayer game will settle any outstanding feuds between friends for sure. And if you enjoy the original, try Nidhogg 2 for more weapons, updated graphics, and more.

Buy: Nidhogg ($14.99)

Buy: Nidhogg 2 ($14.99)

A Night of Fun With Local Multiplayer PS4 Games

While local multiplayer isn’t as prevalent as online play today, you can still find awesome experiences with a bit of digging. Each of these local multiplayer games for PS4 supports various numbers of players and differing skill levels. With the right game for the right crowd, the hours will tick by without you ever noticing.

Don’t forget about the wealth of other titles on the PS4: We’ve rounded up the best PS4 exclusives you should definitely check out. And if you’re ready for some more multiplayer experiences, have a look at these local multiplayer games for Android and iOS.

Read the full article: The 10 Best Local Multiplayer Games for the PS4

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What Is Facebook Lite and Can It Replace Facebook?

What is Facebook Lite? In a nutshell, it’s a stripped-down version of the standard Facebook app for Android and iOS. Although it lacks certain features, it’s still a great alternative to the full-sized Facebook app.

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However, as we all know, Facebook knows a lot of information about you, and the social network’s mobile app is one of the ways the company collects your data. Is the Facebook Lite app any better?

In this article, we’ll explain what Facebook Lite is and help you decide whether it can replace the standard Facebook app.

What Is Facebook Lite?

Facebook unveiled Facebook Lite in 2015 as a version of Facebook built from scratch to work smoothly with poor mobile connections and low-end phones.

It’s an app for the entire world, but built with developing countries where data connectivity is hard to come by in mind. Facebook Lite also helps save space on your phone, and still functions in 2G conditions.

The Benefits of Facebook Lite

The main difference between Facebook Lite and Facebook is its size. Facebook Lite’s download is under 10MB. On my device, it only takes up 2.19MB of space. Compare that to the amount of space regular Facebook takes up, which is 167MB. This is a substantial difference.

Additionally, Facebook Lite doesn’t preload photos in the way that Facebook does. This means slightly longer loading times when scrolling through your Newsfeed, but less data consumed. You’ll also notice that videos don’t autoplay the way they do on the standard app—videos will only autoplay on Facebook Lite when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

You can save even more data by heading to your Facebook Lite settings, and scrolling down to the Media and Contacts setting. Here, you can choose the photo quality that Facebook Lite will display. Opting for low-resolution photos can help you reduce data usage. The standard Facebook app has a data saving feature, but it doesn’t save nearly as much when compared to Facebook Lite.

User Interface

Facebook Lite isn’t just a wrapper for the mobile website—it’s a completely redesigned app. In all honesty, the layout isn’t worse; it’s just different. You still have the same basic tabs: News Feed, Friend Requests, Messages, Videos, Notifications, and Options—you just can’t swipe between them; you have to tap them.

Here’s a comparison of both apps’ Newsfeed, with Facebook Lite on the left, and the original Facebook app on the right:

As you can see, Facebook Lite’s menu and search bar remain on top of the screen, while the standard Facebook app places the menu bar at the bottom. You’ll see generally smaller text and buttons on Facebook Lite, which is intended for devices with low-resolution screens. It still has a semi-modern look with white cards over a gray background, much like the regular Facebook app.

In the notification panel below, you can see that the Lite version features small, low-resolution profile photos to denote whether someone liked or commented on something. The text is also much smaller when compared to the original Facebook app.

Scrolling through the Lite app is a bit slower than scrolling through regular Facebook. It’s clear that Facebook made some cuts to allow the app to function properly on devices with low RAM, low CPU power, and a poor internet connection. Despite this, Facebook Lite is still useable.

Security and Privacy

Facebook definitely loves your information, and you want to be sure that the company isn’t just handing it out to everyone. Well for starters, Facebook have an online tool so you can verify your privacy settings, but once you’ve done that, it’s not a bad idea to see what permissions that mobile app has on your device.

You can even browse Facebook through Tor for added security.

Some people consider the regular Facebook app’s permissions to be a bit invasive. You can see all of those below.

It looks like a long list, but Facebook Lite’s list is nearly as long:

The major differences? Regular Facebook has permissions to use biometric hardware, change audio settings, use Google Play billing services, and pair with your Bluetooth devices. So nothing too dramatic.

Basically, if regular Facebook’s permissions are too invasive for you, Facebook Lite’s probably are as well. Your best bet to avoid permissions is simply to access Facebook’s mobile website via your favorite Android browser.

Messaging

Facebook Lite used to have its own messaging system built right into the app. However, it now forces you to download and use a separate messaging app, just like the standard Facebook app. Instead of using the regular Messenger, Facebook Lite users are encouraged to use Messenger Lite on Android and iOS.

But if you’re going to make the switch, how does Messenger Lite compare to Messenger? See for yourself. Messenger Lite is below on the left, and Messenger is below on the right.

Facebook Messenger Lite looks almost the same as the regular Messenger. If you find Messenger to be too bloated, Lite might just be the messaging app you were looking for anyway.

And if you’re a fan of Facebook’s stickers then you’ll be happy to know that even the Lite version supports them. Just keep in mind that you won’t have access to the library of GIFs, emojis, and text styles that come along with the standard Messenger. It’s functional, but it’s not great.

How Do I Download Facebook Lite?

Facebook Lite is currently available in North America, as well as in parts of Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe. The Play Store and App Store listings are visible to everyone, but if you’re not in one of the countries supported, you’ll see a message saying: “This app is incompatible with all of your devices.”

Download: Facebook Lite for Android | iOS (Free)

Facebook vs. Facebook Lite: Which Should You Use?

While Facebook isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, Facebook Lite might be more appealing. Especially if you own an older phone or need to save data where possible.

However, if you don’t have an older phone and don’t need to conserve data, you’ll probably benefit more from the standard Facebook app. The only issue being the extra permissions needed to use it.

Although Facebook Messenger provides an easy way to communicate with your friends, you might want to keep your information off of Facebook. Fortunately, these Facebook Messenger alternatives are perfect if you don’t want to use Facebook.

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How to Watch Instagram Live Videos in a Browser

If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, you’ve no doubt seen Instagram Live videos. But can you watch Instagram Live videos in a browser? The answer is yes and no.

The first thing you need to know is that logging into your Instagram account on a web browser on your PC or Mac won’t be of any help. Instead, you’ll need to download an extension.

Chrome IG Story used to be the go-to method for watching Instagram Live videos, but it’s no longer available. So, what are the Chrome IG Story alternatives you can use instead?

How to Use Desktop for Instagram

If you’re on a PC or Mac, your options for watching Instagram Live videos are extremely limited. So much so that we actually recommend you watch Instagram Live videos through the Instagram mobile app. If you want detailed instructions on how to do so, check out the Instagram help page for more information.

However, just because the options to watch Instagram Live on a computer are extremely limited does not mean that there are no browser add-ons for the app. There are tons of Instagram extensions for Chrome that offer increased functionality for the site’s other features.

One of the best that we’ve tested is Desktop for Instagram, by Devanco.

Using this app, you can search Instagram for recent videos and pictures. You can watch people’s stories, post your own videos to IGTV, and download videos and pictures from Instagram to your desktop.

The developers claim that this extension lets you do everything you would normally do on the mobile Instagram app, including watching Instagram Live videos. However, after testing Desktop for Instagram, we don’t think it quite lives up to the hype.

Even worse is the fact that we tested a lot of different extensions to find one which lets you watch Instagram Live videos in a browser, and Desktop for Instagram is the best option. So, again, we recommend using the mobile app for that specific purpose.

Additional Apps Worth Trying

If you’re determined to find an alternative way of watching Instagram Live videos, there are other apps worth trying…

There’s a tool called Loola.tv that allows you to stream live videos from your desktop to multiple platforms. However, Loola is strictly geared towards content creators, not followers who want to watch Instagram Live on PC. This means it’s not suitable for watching Live Videos in a browser.

Another extension—the Instagram Windows App for PC—also allows you to use Instagram on a desktop. For a while it was recommended as another go-to option for anyone using the social media site through a computer.

Unfortunately, the Instagram Windows App doesn’t appear to support Instagram Live on PC. The app also has a much lower rating than Desktop for Instagram. So keep this in mind if you decide to check it out.

The Instagram Mobile App Is the Best Option

As we said at the beginning, there’s no easy way to watch Instagram Live videos in a browser. So the Instagram mobile app remains the best option. But if you’re desperate for another solution, try Desktop for Instagram and see if it works for you.

In the meantime, if you’re new to Instagram, you should read our guide to IGTV and how it works in order to get yourself more acquainted with the platform before doing anything else.

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Uber Now Lets You Report Safety Incidents Discreetly

Uber has launched a new On-Trip Reporting feature. This enables riders to report a non-emergency safety issue in real time rather than waiting until after the trip has ended. The idea being to allow riders to report issues while they’re still fresh in their minds.

Uber Has Changed the Way We Interact With Drivers

Uber and its rivals have fundamentally changed the way we get around, especially in big cities. However, while traditional taxis offer professional drivers and a barrier between drivers and passengers, ride-sharing apps have changed that relationship.

This has, rather inevitably, led to an increase in safety issues. And these range in severity from bad driving to murder. If a serious incident is developing, riders should call 911. However, Uber has now launched a way for riders to report non-emergency safety issues.

How to Use Uber’s On-Trip Reporting Feature

Uber announced its On-Trip Reporting feature in a post on the Uber Newsroom. The company states that it gives riders “the ability to report a non-emergency safety issue in real time while it is top of mind, instead of waiting until after the trip has ended.”

On-trip reporting is now live in the US, so if you ever feel unsafe while on a trip, you can immediately and discreetly report it to our safety team.

Learn more ? https://t.co/kjBo0lSqXJ pic.twitter.com/UN3qtyVaqq

— Uber (@Uber) February 19, 2020

Uber has launched On-Trip Reporting after its research showed that riders tend not to report experiences that make them feel uncomfortable after a trip has ended. So, it’s encouraging riders to use this feature to report issues at the time they happen.

To report a non-emergency safety issue, first, open the Safety Toolkit (accessed by clicking on the blue shield icon). Then, click Report Safety Issue, and fill in the details. The incident will be logged, and Uber’s safety team will follow up after the trip.

This isn’t intended for emergency situations such as a traffic accident or a physical assault. In those instances you should ring the emergency services. However, On-Trip Reporting is for those instances where you need to report a non-emergency safety issue.

Uber Is Trying to Keep Riders and Drivers Safe

Uber is clearly trying to do more on safety, with several systems in place to ensure both riders and drivers stay safe. In 2018, Uber introduced a slew of new safety features, and On-Trip Reporting is another effort intended to keep everyone safe from harm.

Image Credit: Automobile Italia/Flickr

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10 Video Games to Play With Your Parents

Gaming is still a relatively young industry. So, while many of you grew up playing video games, your parents may have looked on in confusion. Of course, we all know the wonders that video games can bring, and it makes sense to want to share this hobby with your parents or guardians.

To help ease older members of your family into gaming, we’ve rounded up a list of the best video games to play with your parents. While these games are still excellent in their own right, they don’t require the muscle memory or reaction speeds that naturally come from gaming for years.

So, without further ado, here are the best video games to play with your parents…

1. For Bookworm Parents: Firewatch

Firewatch is an adventure game set in Wyoming. You take control of Henry, a fire lookout, and live out his days as he uncovers the mysteries that surround him.

Firewatch is played from a first-person perspective, so you move Henry around and interact with the environment. It’s simple to control and is focused on telling an immersive story in a world that looks and sounds beautiful. If your parents like delving into a unique story, Firewatch will be right up their street.

2. For Parents Who Watch TV: The Walking Dead

Thanks to advances in technology, games now have the spectacle of film and TV. Some of them are also based on established franchises, like The Walking Dead. Telltale produced a game based on the show in 2012 and it’s fantastic fun, especially if your parents watch The Walking Dead.

This game is told episodically, giving it the pace of a TV show, and tells an emotional story set in a zombie-infested world. Your parents will have to make tough choices that will make them feel immersed in the story. It definitely isn’t one for those who don’t like violence, though.

3. For Puzzling Parents: The Witness

If your parents are the type who enjoy solving a crossword or Sudoku, they’ll enjoy testing their brain with The Witness. While the game is set on an open world island, this simply acts as a backdrop for around 650 puzzles. It can be a great bonding experience to solve them together.

It gets really tricky, though it has a smooth learning curve, so your parents will be kept busy for a long time. And cracking some of the tougher puzzles is extremely satisfying.

4. For Parents Who Like to Laugh: The Secret of Monkey Island

Games don’t have to be serious, which The Secret of Monkey Island perfectly demonstrates. First published in 1990 and then remastered in 2009, this remains one of the funniest games ever made.

It’s a point-and-click adventure that follows the tales of wanna-be pirate Guybrush Threepwood as he sets out to defeat the evil ghost pirate LeChuck. The control scheme is a simple point-and-click affair, which means your parents can focus on solving the puzzles and enjoying the witty dialog.

5. For Artistic Parents: Journey

Video games are another form of art, and that’s none more evident than in Journey. The game can be played individually or in multiplayer. The entire adventure is wordless, as you guide a robed figure through a desolated desert.

The aesthetics of this game are stunning, as is the ethereal soundtrack, and your parents will likely be impressed by the contemplative, moving experience of Journey.

6. For Creative Parents: The Sims 4

Even if your parents have never played a video game, they’ve likely heard of The Sims. This life simulation became a cultural phenomenon and the fourth instalment is the perfect entry point.

There’s no particular goal here—instead, players can build and design their own homes, perfect for flexing their creative side. Then, these houses can be populated with people with their own needs and desires.

If your parents enjoy playing The Sims, there are lots of great The Sims 4 expansion packs you can use to enhance the game.

7. For Entrepreneurial Parents: Two Point Hospital

1997’s Theme Hospital was an incredibly popular hospital simulation game. Two Point Hospital is its spiritual successor, released in 2018 and developed by some of the same people. The aim is to build and maintain various hospitals, ensuring that they run safely and meet targets.

While the challenges can get tricky, business-minded parents will enjoy the challenge. Don’t worry, though, there’s humor injected to keep the experience light.

8. For Strategic Parents: Civilization VI

Civilization is a turn-based strategy game, playable against the computer or other people. You take control of a famous historical leader and try to build an empire so that it lasts throughout time, from the Stone Age to the Information Age.

Civilization is a very complex game once you dive into it, but the helpful tutorials will guide your parents along so that they’ll be waging war against Cleopatra or Gandhi in no time.

9. For Parents Who Are Just Big Kids: Lego Star Wars

There are endless Lego video games, but Lego Star Wars remains one of the best. It’s based around the first six films and is a perfect co-op game.

You and your parents can play as one of over 120 characters, battling your way through all of the iconic moments of Star Wars. Swing a lightsaber at Darth Vader, take part in a pod race, and more.

If your parents enjoy this, they should also check out the best Lego video games.

10. For Parents Who Are Animal Lovers: Planet Zoo

No matter what animal your parent loves, it’s bound to be available in Planet Zoo—from lions to elephants to flamingos. This is a simulation game where the aim is to build and manage the perfect zoo, keeping both the creatures and humans happy.

However, your parents can just focus on building their zoo if they like. The powerful construction tools offer endless opportunities to customize the zoo exactly how they want it.

There Are Games for Kids Too!

Hopefully your parents find a game or games they enjoy from this list. And before you know it, they’ll be recommending games for you to play.

Now that you’ve got your parents into playing video games, perhaps there are kids you want to entertain too? If so, our list of the best educational mobile games for kids will keep both parents and children alike happy.

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Creality LD-002R: Best Resin Printer Yet?

Our verdict of the Creality LD-002R:
Reliable and high-quality prints, every time, in an affordable and simple to use package. Resin printers really don't get any better at this price point. 1010

The hobby market has been waiting decades for affordable high-quality 3D printers, and just like a bus, seven come along at once. The catchily named LD-002R is the latest from 3D printing experts, Creality. At under $300, it’s one of the cheapest resin printers we’ve seen yet, but it doesn’t compromise on build or print quality. In a word, it’s amazing.

LD-002R Specifications

Featuring an all-metal design with removable translucent orange UV filter cover made of thick acrylic, the LD-002R measures 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.9 inches (221 x 221 x 430mm) and weighs 15.4 pounds (7kg). The total print volume is 4.69 inches (119mm) wide x 2.56 inches (65mm) deep x 6.3 inches (160mm) height. It’s capable of printing at a layer height of 10 to 50 microns, with a 2560x1440px resolution screen, and prints at about 20-30mm per hour. Ball linear rails ensure a smooth Z-axis for stunning prints every time.

For those who work with more pungent resins, the device also features a charcoal air filter system, which should reduce the smell. Many of the more commonly used resins don’t have a noxious odor, it should be noted.

Two screws secure the resin tank on top of the UV screen. They’re easy to remove when you need to empty and clean the vat.

Also in the package, you’ll find a nice little bag of extras, including

• A small metal spatula
• Plastic spatula
• Some resin filters
• A paintbrush (I have no idea what that’s for)
• 2 pairs of latex gloves
• USB drive
• Spare FEP film

This isn’t a complete starter pack though. At the very least you’ll also need some plastic boxes to wash things in and some isopropyl alcohol. And of course, you’ll need some resin, which typically costs around $40 per liter.

The USB drive contains a sliced and ready to print the Eiffel Tower model, as well as a copy of the Chitubox software to get you started. However, you’re better off ignoring that and just downloading the more recent version of Chitubox which includes a built-in profile for the LD-002R. The inclusion of spare FEP film is appreciated, and this should be replaced if the supplied film becomes cloudy and your print quality starts to degrade.

The power socket is on the rear, with the USB drive located towards the front of the left side. On the front, you’ll find a 3.5-inch touchscreen, through which you can choose the file to print and perform other maintenance if needed. There is no networking or other connectivity, so any prints must be loaded via USB.

Setting Up The Creality LD-002R

Setup couldn’t be simpler, because aside from unboxing the printer and plugging it in, there isn’t any setup. The printer is well packed and pre-leveled at the factory.

The included power cable is a standard IEC mains cable, same as your PC, so it’s easy to find a replacement if the wrong plug is supplied. Any power conversion is done inside of the machine, avoiding the need for bulky external power bricks that are awkward and easy to misplace.

To get started simply plug in the power and the included USB drive. Then turn it on, press the print button, and locate the sample file. The file navigation shows a preview of the file, so you shouldn’t have a problem locating the correct file.

I did run into some teething problems in testing, with repeated USB read error warnings midway through. I moved the machine and reformatted the drive, and haven’t seen the errors reoccur.

Chitubox

The Creality LD-002R is based on the Chitu firmware, like most recent resin printers, so you’ll need the Chitubox software to slice your models. Download the latest one and you’ll find a profile for the Creality LD-002R is built into the software, requiring no additional configuration on your end. Just drag in your models, orient, then generate supports.

I only used auto-supports, but the best results you’ll need to learn how to identify “islands” that may result in failed prints.

Sample Prints from the Creality LD-002R

Most of the models you see in the gallery below were from the January and February Cast’n’Play Patreon releases. All used auto-supports at medium thickness and 10-50% density. None of the prints failed, though I did break some fingers off while removing supports. I haven’t had time to paint anything, but since the resin I was using tends to not photograph well, I did try to apply a quick wash to bring out the details a little. There may also be some bits of support I didn’t catch, but hopefully, these give a good idea of the quality you’ll get from the printer.

Should You Buy the Creality LD-002R?

I’m blown away by every aspect of the Creality LD-002R, and it’s hard to find any faults. The build quality is fantastic, with smooth bearings and a metal body. At 20-30mm per hour, it’s fast enough to print out a plate full of miniatures in a couple of hours. More than anything, it offers reliable printing at a fantastic price point.

Yes, you can find cheaper printers, but those will invariably be made of plastic and prone to warping, with more of your time spent diagnosing issues than actually printing.

I don’t think we’ll see quality resin printers getting any cheaper, so if you’ve been holding out for the technology to mature and the price to come down, now is a good time to buy. I can recommend the Creality LD-002R without reservation.

However, if you’re a complete beginner to 3D printing, you ought to know that there’s a lot of clean up involved, and resin is a nasty raw material to work with. As well as appropriate safety precautions (gloves and goggles), you’ll need to clean everything with flammable 99% IPA. Removing supports is also a lot more work than FDM printing. But ultimately, the quality you can get from resin printing is unrivaled.

Enter the Competition!

Creality LD-002R Resin Printer Giveaway

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