Google is launching a way to buy Android app subscriptions outside of the app itself

Alongside the Android 11 beta news and updates to Android developer tools, Google has quietly rolled out a significant change in how Android app developers can market their subscriptions on the Google Play Store. The company confirmed a select set of developers are testing a new feature that allows consumers to purchase an app’s subscription outside of the app itself. That is, instead of having to click through in-app pop-ups and read the fine print inside an app, consumers can choose to buy an app’s subscription directly from its Play Store listing page — even if they don’t yet have the app installed.

Google vaguely announced the change in a blog post, but didn’t offer concrete details as to how this feature worked, instead describing it only as way for users “to discover and purchase items outside your app.”

The functionality is being made available through the Android Billing Library version 3, which Google recently introduced. The new library can power a subscription promo code redemption experience, where users can redeem free trials before the app is installed. And it allows consumers to resubscribe to subscriptions they used to pay for from the Google Play subscriptions center.

But the most notable part of the update is how it allows developers to sell subscriptions directly on their app’s details page. Now, next to the app’s “Install” button, consumers will be able to instead choose to click a separate button to purchase the app’s subscription and even its free trial.

In an example, the robocall-blocking app Truecaller shows a button next to “Install” which reads, instead, “Free trial & Install.” Beneath this, a window provides all the details about the app’s subscription, including the free trial length, the cost when the trial ends, and what the subscription offers, in terms of feature set.

This more transparent marketing option benefits consumers and developers alike.

Today, too many consumers are still being duped by tricky subscriptions that don’t play by app store guidelines. The problem isn’t unique to Android apps, unfortunately. A report from security firm Sophos found that more than 3.5 million iOS users have installed fleeceware apps from Apple’s App Store, for example.

Google, for its part, introduced a new set of Play Store policies in April with the goal of ensuring that users are able to understand the terms of the subscription offer, the free trial period, and how they can cancel the subscription, if desired. The updated policy bans things like hidden terms, unclear billing frequencies, and hidden pricing.

This new feature offering a separate button just for subscriptions could give users another way to learn about the app’s pricing and feature set before making a commitment to download the app.

This, in turn, could help reduce user churn — as fewer users would drop out of the app once they realize the features they needed were only offered as a paid option. It could also help developers attract more valuable paid subscribers by allowing potential users an easy way to compare their subscription pricing with competitors, while additionally reducing user requests for refunds.

For now, Android users can only purchase subscriptions outside the app from a limited set of developers who have been testing the feature, Google says.

The company tells us it will expand this feature to include other virtual goods in the future.

This latest change isn’t the only way Google is trying to increase transparency around subscriptions.

In a video shared with developers, the company noted it’s made improvements to its checkout cart on Google Play to add further distinctions between trial periods and regular pricing. Google also now sends out email reminders to alert users when free trials are ending and it now pops up a notification when an app is uninstalled to remind users they may also want to cancel the app’s subscription.

Google is also changing the option that lets a customer pause a subscription. Starting on November 1, 2020, this will default to “on,” and other features like Account Hold and Restore will be required for app subscription-based apps. Plus, developers will be able to pop-up a list of reasons to keep a subscription when a user hits the cancel button.

“We believe that in increasing user trust around subscriptions, you will benefit from an increase higher-quality subscribers and lower refund and chargeback rates,” says Google Play Commerce product manager, Mrinalini Loew, in the video.

 

Read Full Article

The 10 Best Free MMORPGs That Require No Download

The big-name MMOs, such as World of Warcraft, EVE Online, Destiny 2, and Final Fantasy XIV, take up a lot of space on your hard drive. However, if you have a computer lacking hard drive storage, these mammoth installations can be a problem.

If you want to play MMOs without downloading any files, check out these free MMOs that you can play in your web browser without taking up any space on your hard drive.

1. Arcane Legends

Arcane Legends is a fast-paced action MMO you can play in your browser. Arcane Legends combines RPG elements with hack-and-slash gameplay, allowing you to create a group with your friends and plow through enemies of all kinds.

There are three classes to choose from (Warrior, Rogue, and Sorcerer), multiple pets to enhance your gameplay, and hundreds of thousands of items you can use to level up your character. Your party members can also combine their skills across classes to create powerful spells and hit for more damage.

One of the best Arcane Legends features is the cross-platform gameplay. While Arcane Legends is available as a free browser MMO, you can also play on Android and iOS devices.

2. Hordes

Hordes is a clan-based open-world browser MMO, featuring both Player vs. Player (PVP) and Player vs. Environment (PVE) gameplay. It has multiple environments for you to explore with your clanmates, as well as large bosses that you can only take down as a group (sort of like a raid, but not quite on the same scale… yet).

There are four classes to choose from, two factions, and three gigantic maps. There are also heaps of loot of varying rarity, plus a rune system that allows you to upgrade your existing weapons and armor.

Hordes is the work of a two-person team, one coding the game and the other one bringing the world to life with 3D assets. When you see how much effort has gone into producing Hordes and on such a minimal budget, you’ll see why it is worth playing.

3. Mad World

Mad World is a free browser MMO that integrates a lot of the latest browser technology to bring users an experience that could easily pass for a regular indie game.

In that, there are a few things that will remind you of larger games, too. For example, Mad World features a large talent tree for extensive player customization. You’re also bound to a weapon style that focuses your build type, rather than being bound to a specific class.

Other than that, the art style gives Mad World an almost unique aesthetic. The hand-drawn characters, items, and backdrops help Mad World stand out from a browser MMO crowd that is often happy to mimic the best performing games of the era.

If you prefer to download free games for offline play, check out our guide to the best open-source video games.

4. Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances

If you played real-time strategy games in the 1990s and early 2000s, you probably remember all-time classic, Command & Conquer. The Tiberium-focused C&C games take their lede from science-fiction, featuring cool futuristic technology you can deploy against your enemies.

Tiberium Alliances continues that legacy as a free-to-play browser MMO. After you start building your base, you have a week of protection where no one can attack you. After that, it is a free for all. Collect resources, build units, expand your base, and lay waste to the opposing faction.

Tiberium Alliances is free, but you have the option of purchasing funds to speed up your progress. You can easily go through the game without spending any real money, though, making this a great way to get your RTS fix.

C&C Tiberium Alliances is far from the only browsed-based RTS. Here are some of the best browser strategy games for you to delve into right now.

5. Realm of the Mad God

Do you prefer to shoot stuff instead of strategizing? You should check out Realm of the Mad God, an 8-bit pixelated bullet-hell browser MMO. There’s not much preamble to this game. You’re teleported by Oryx, the Mad God, to his realm to be consumed by his minions.

Team up with other players, let the bullets fly, and survive! If you can. Once you’ve defeated enough minions, Oryx will show up—but once you’ve killed him, there’s plenty more to do. Explore the Shatters, a super-hard dungeon experience, collect legendary loot, and try to get the highest stats.

Just don’t die: once you’re dead, that character is gone forever, and you’ll need to start over. As irritating as this is, it adds another level of difficulty and is a nice nod to the roguelike genre.

6. Urban Dead

Did you know that there are text-based MMOs? Urban Dead is a great way to get introduced to a fascinating genre. You start as a human, and you need to survive zombie attacks. If you get killed off, you’ll come back as a zombie unless someone can heal you.

Explore the city, find useful items, and stay alive as long as possible. And don’t forget that you can be killed off even after logging out, so be sure to find a safe place before you quit for the day (or before you use up your Action Points).

Urban Dead is a free browser MMO. However, If you want to give money to the developer, you can buy some UD merch.

7. Pirates: Tides of Fortune

Do you prefer the high-seas to zombies and bullet-hell madness? Try Pirates: Tides of Fortune instead.

Pirates: Tides of Fortune offers a more classic setup, where you build up a Haven, establish your pirate fleet, and plunder the seven seas for loot and infamy. Harvest lumber and gold, distil rum (very important!), pillage shipwrecks, and take on other pirate fleets to become the most fearsome pirate of them all.

You can also spend time working through an impressively large technology tree, which includes things like sword-fighting, gunpowder, mathematics, trade, and even flight. Join a brotherhood and get to it!

8. Dead Maze

In Dead Maze, you’re building a better tomorrow in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic world. The free MMO doesn’t require you to download any files, although there is a version of Dead Maze available on Steam.

Back to the game. Dead Maze is an isometric MMORPG with a focus on survival. You must gather resources and work with your fellow survivors to create shelter. Your shelter must also withstand attack from zombies, which you’ll also battle as you work your way around the world, finding resources.

So far, so familiar, but Dead Maze is well worth a look. There are warring factions, quests, private housing for your characters, and a crafting system.

9. Intium

Intium is a free MMORPG you can play from your browser, developed by a team of Reddit users. Intium is not only an MMO but also a MUD-like (Multi-User Dungeon). MUDs were one of the first ways people played out MMORPGs on the early internet, allowing for detailed world-building through text without creating a heavy network overhead.

Intium features roguelike gameplay with permadeath (when your character dies, they’re gone forever). There is a substantial amount of loot, server-wide elite bosses, and quests. Furthermore, the Intium world economy is entirely community-driven. There are no NPCs or price-fixing for items, which places a strong emphasis on exploring and finding premium loot to sell (or to craft!).

10. Stein.World

Stein.World started as a part-time coding project but evolved into a free MMORPG for your browser. Like Dead Maze, you can play Stein.World without downloading any files, but there is also a Steam version available.

Stein.World features a 2D 16-bit art style that brings the fantasy world to life. You’re on a quest to recover a lost family heirloom in the shape of a priceless beer stein. There are hundreds of quests, dungeons, guilds, and even in-game professions to hone your character. The game world is extensive and receives frequent content updates, adding new weapons, tools, and other improvements.

Are Free MMOs Dying Out?

The era of browser-based free MMOs was curtailed as many popular internet browsers removed support for Java-based games. Java is considered an unnecessary security risk, although some browsers still allow third-party Java installations.

Many of the most popular free browser-based MMOs depended on Java to run. Without Java, some browser MMOs switched to a non-browser version requiring you to download a program to launch the game (like Runescape). Other browser MMOs decided to cease development from that moment, preserving the game in gaming history.

So, in that light, are free browser MMOs dying out?

As strange as it sounds, the answer is no.

As you’ve seen from several entries on this list, new browser MMOs are appearing all the time. The lure of MMOs that require no downloads remains strong. While the number of free MMOs might decrease slightly, the overall quality of story, gameplay, and artwork rises as creators use more advanced tools to craft their worlds.

What Are Your Favorite Free MMOs?

These games are great free MMOs that you can play in your browser. However, there are plenty more MMORPGs that don’t require downloading out there.

However, if you do have hard drive space to spare, you should check out the best free PC games you can play right now.

Read the full article: The 10 Best Free MMORPGs That Require No Download

Daily Crunch: Facebook will let you turn off political ads

Facebook adds a personal off switch for political ads, T-Mobile lays off hundreds of Sprint employees and a content management platform raises $80 million.

Here’s your Daily Crunch for June 17, 2020.

1. Facebook adds option for US users to turn off political ads, launches voting info hub

Facebook made the controversial decision not to fact-check or otherwise moderate political ads last year, but the new feature will give users more control over what they see — at least for those who decide to flip the new setting to “off.”

Facebook isn’t the only company wrestling with the political implications of advertising. Google also made news by removing right-wing website ZeroHedge from its ad platform for publishing content that “promotes hatred, intolerance, violence or discrimination based on race,” and it issued a warning against The Federalist.

2. After merger, T-Mobile lays off hundreds of Sprint employees

In a conference call on Monday, T-Mobile vice president James Kirby told hundreds of Sprint employees that their services were no longer needed. He declined to answer his employees’ questions, citing the “personal” nature of employee feedback, and ended the call.

3. Contentful raises $80M Series E round for its headless CMS

Currently, 28% of the Fortune 500 use Contentful to manage their content across platforms. The company says it has a total of 2,200 paying customers right now, including Spotify, ITV, the British Museum, Telus and Urban Outfitters.

4. Y Combinator’s Startup School relaunches to be ready when you are

Like most accelerators, Y Combinator is an exclusive organization by design. But to help more founders get access to startup advice, YC launched Startup School in 2017 as a free 10-week online course. Now it’s relaunching as a continuous, year-round program.

5. As layoffs slow and churn improves, is startup health improving?

According to several metrics tracked by TechCrunch throughout the COVID-19 era, the fortunes of some startups appear to have bounced off lows set in March and April. Layoffs, software revenue and customer losses all suggest that many firms have stopped making aggressive staffing cuts and are shedding fewer customers than earlier in the pandemic. (Extra Crunch membership required.)

6. San Francisco DA sues DoorDash for classifying delivery workers as independent contractors

DoorDash is facing a lawsuit from San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin for “illegally misclassifying employees as independent contractors,” Boudin tweeted today. In the complaint, Boudin argues DoorDash misclassified its workers and in doing so, engages in unfair labor practices.

7. Unbounce raises $38.4M to build better landing pages with automation

Aside from a small seed round in 2011, CEO Rick Perreault said Unbounce has not taken on any outside funding. Apparently it raised a big round now in order to invest in technology that can bring more automation to the process.

The Daily Crunch is TechCrunch’s roundup of our biggest and most important stories. If you’d like to get this delivered to your inbox every day at around 9am Pacific, you can subscribe here.

Read Full Article

How to Download Your Gmail MBOX Data and What to Do With It

It’s really easy to download a copy of your Gmail data thanks to Google Takeout. However, Google gives you an MBOX file, and what can you do with that? In fact, you can do a lot. It’s ideal for keeping an offline backup or moving all your emails to a new email service or Gmail account.

We’re going to show you how to use Google Takeout, how to create an offline backup using Thunderbird, and how to move your Gmail data to a new email service.

Step 1: Download Your Gmail Data With Google Takeout

First, you need to download the export of your Gmail data from Google Takeout.

By default, all of your Google service data will be selected, so this includes stuff like Chrome and Drive. If you just want Gmail, click Deselect all at the top of the list. Scroll down to Mail and tick the box.

You will see that MBOX format has been selected. You can click this, but you cannot change the format for Mail, though you can for other Google services.

By default, all your Gmail messages from all your categories will be included. If you want to adjust this, click All Mail data included, remove the checkmark from Include all messages in Mail, choose the folders you want, then click OK.

Scroll down and click Next. Here you can choose your Delivery method, Frequency, and File type & size. You can leave everything as default, but change them if you want. When ready, click Create export.

Your export will then process. You will receive an email notification when it’s ready. If you only included Mail in the export, it won’t take too long—just wait on the page for it to finish. When it has, click Download.

Open the compressed file on your computer and export it. The necessary MBOX file is in the Takeout > Mail folder.

Step 2: Import Your Gmail MBOX Into Thunderbird

You can import your Gmail data into any email client that supports MBOX. You could also use a utility like Windows MBox Viewer.

If you use a Mac, you can import the MBOX file into your Mac’s Mail app by clicking File > Import Mailboxes. If you use Microsoft Outlook, you’ll have to first convert the MBOX file into another format Outlook supports—Outlook has no native way of importing MBOX files.

For the detailed steps of this guide, we’ll use Mozilla Thunderbird because it’s free, open source, and supports MBOX files natively. It also runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

So, install Thunderbird on your computer and open it.

Follow the wizard to add any email account to Thunderbird. You don’t have to actually use the email account for anything; this will just ensure Thunderbird is set up properly for email.

Close Thunderbird after adding an email account. You now need to navigate to a specific Thunderbird folder on File Explorer so that you can place your Gmail MBOX in it. Here’s how to do that.

Press Windows key + R to open Run, input %appdata%\Thunderbird\Profiles\

Then click OK.

This will open File Explorer. You should see a folder in here called xxxxxxxx.default, where the x is eight random characters. Navigate inside this folder and then go to Mail > Local Folders.

Get the MBOX file you downloaded earlier and place it within the Local Folders folder. You can left click and drag the file across between the open windows or use copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V).

Run Thunderbird again. The downloaded contents of your Gmail account will appear under Local Folders in Thunderbird.

Step 3: Use Thunderbird as an Offline Archive

Thunderbird now provides an offline way to read your downloaded email. You can browse through it, read messages, search, grab file attachments—anything you could do with Gmail online.

This is an excellent backup solution that provides peace of mind. You can store an offline backup of your Gmail account in MBOX format on an external hard drive or USB somewhere, along with all your other important backup files. Of course, you’ll want to regularly download a new MBOX backup file if you’re still using Gmail, just to keep your backups up to date.

Whether you lose access to your Gmail account, Google shuts down Gmail, or the entire internet collapses, you’ll always have a way to access your email archive.

Import Your Emails Into Another Email Service

You can also use the offline copy of your Gmail to import your Gmail data into other email accounts. This trick just requires that the email services support IMAP so you can access it from Thunderbird. The old POP3 protocol won’t work, we need IMAP.

Here’s our guide on the difference between IMAP and POP3 if you want that explained.

With this trick, you can import your emails into another Gmail account, move them to a Microsoft Outlook.com account, add them to a Yahoo! Mail account, or import them into any other IMAP-supporting service. This is useful if you want to move to another service and leave Gmail behind or if you’ve decided you just want a new Gmail address as your main Google account.

To do this, you’ll need to add the other email account to Thunderbird. On the left pane, click the top level email address to go to the Thunderbird overview section. From here, beneath Accounts > Set up an account, click Email.

Enter your mail account details. Thunderbird will attempt to automatically download the appropriate server information so you don’t have to configure it by hand, but click Manual config to check the details. Ensure the Incoming server option is set to IMAP.

Thunderbird may not automatically detect your email service’s configuration, so you may need to look up your email service’s IMAP hostname, port, and SSL configuration. Refer to your provider’s help documentation if this is the case.

Once you’ve set up your email account, it will appear in Thunderbird’s sidebar. You can drag and drop emails between your local Gmail backup and the IMAP account. In fact, you can even move all the emails from your MBOX file to somewhere in the other IMAP account. Thunderbird will upload them and they’ll appear in your new account.

This trick takes advantage of the way IMAP works, as it allows you to upload messages and move them around. The other email service doesn’t have to know anything about MBOX files or Gmail; it only has to support IMAP.

You can also import your Gmail to another account without using a downloaded MBOX file. Just add both email accounts to Thunderbird, and then drag and drop messages between them. For another example, here’s how to set up Gmail in Microsoft Outlook.

The Best Free Email Clients

That’s everything you need to know about how to grab an archive of your Gmail data and how to read an MBOX file with ease.

We used the free Thunderbird as the email client here, but it’s not the only one. Here are our recommended best free email clients for your computer.

Image Credit: Cairo/Flickr

Read the full article: How to Download Your Gmail MBOX Data and What to Do With It

Read Full Article

The 12 Best Android Dark Mode Apps You Should Install

While it was once a fringe feature, people now expect dark mode in mobile apps. If your phone has an AMOLED display, it keeps black pixels off fully, resulting in a richer image and even slightly better battery life when you take advantage of dark mode.

If you’re running Android 10 or later, enabling the system-wide dark mode means many apps will follow that. On earlier versions, you can switch to dark mode manually in supported apps.

Here’s a list of Android apps that offer dark mode for you to try.

How to Enable Dark Mode in Android 10 and Later

Starting with Android 10, you can enable a universal dark mode. To do this, open Settings and head to Display > Dark theme to enable dark mode or put it on a schedule. This will darken many elements of the UI, including the Settings app, notification panel, and similar.

One you do this, many apps on your phone will automatically switch to dark mode by following the system theme. If they don’t, you’ll need to change the settings in the app’s options.

1. YouTube

While it obviously doesn’t affect video content, using dark mode on YouTube will darken the navigation, search results, comments, and every other aspect.

Enable dark mode for YouTube by tapping your profile icon at the top-right, then choosing Settings > General > Appearance > Dark theme.

Download: YouTube (Free)

2. Instagram

Avoid blinding light while browsing your Instagram feed by using dark mode. Instagram uses your phone’s setting to determine whether it uses light or dark mode, so follow the steps mentioned above if you haven’t already.

Download: Instagram (Free)

3. Gmail

Bring the dark side to your inbox. In addition to darkening navigational elements like the sidebar and email titles, Gmail also shows individual messages in dark mode.

To use it, slide out the left bar and go to Settings > General settings > Theme. Select Dark or use System default if you want it to match your OS setting.

Download: Gmail (Free)

4. WhatsApp

The world’s favorite messenger finally supports dark mode. Unfortunately, the desktop version is still light-only, so grab your sunglasses if you use WhatsApp Web.

To enable dark mode in WhatsApp, tap the three-dot Menu button at the top-right of the main page and choose Settings. From there, select Chats > Theme to enable dark mode.

Download: WhatsApp (Free)

5. Pulse SMS

The best SMS app for Android is Pulse, thanks to its clean look, handy features, and ability to text from any device (with a small payment). Of course, it also supports dark mode.

Use it by sliding out the left sidebar in Pulse, then selecting Settings. Choose Theme to select dark mode. Notably, Pulse lets you choose Always Black or Always Dark. Black is a true black, while dark is a lighter shade.

Download: Pulse SMS (Free, in-app purchases available)

6. Slide for Reddit

Reddit has a way of sucking you in for hours, so enabling dark mode ahead of time is a good idea. Most Reddit apps are quite customizable and feature dark modes, including Slide for Reddit.

In Slide, open the left sidebar and swipe up to open the Settings page. Select Main theme and you’ll have the option to pick from several dark mode types under Base theme. AMOLED black is great if you want true black, while Dark and Deep aren’t as intense.

Download: Slide for Reddit (Free, premium version available)

7. Solid Explorer

Solid Explorer is one of our favorite file explorers for Android. Its two-panel interface makes it easy to manage your data, and the dark mode is a nice bonus.

To use dark mode in Solid Explorer, slide out the left sidebar and tap the Settings gear at the top. Here, you’ll see several settings under Appearance. Choose Theme to select from several variations of dark mode, then pick some colors to apply below this.

Download: Solid Explorer (Free trial, premium version required)

8. Authy

Two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect your accounts, and a 2FA app like Authy makes it easy to generate codes even while offline. It’s one of the best alternatives to Google Authenticator, and was updated with a dark mode in mid-2020.

To enable it, open the app and select the three-dot Menu button at the top-right followed by Settings. Toggle the Dark Mode slider on under My Account and you’re all set.

Download: Authy (Free)

9. Overdrop

There are a wealth of weather apps available on the Play Store; Overdrop is a good choice if you like a minimalist approach. It includes important weather info at a glance, along with hourly weather stats and a week-long forecast.

To use dark mode in Overdrop, tap the three-line icon in the top-right and choose Settings. From there, select Themes in the General section and choose from the Dark and AMOLED themes.

Download: Overdrop (Free, premium version available)

10. Microsoft SwiftKey

SwiftKey is one of the best alternative keyboards for Android, and includes dozens of themes to choose from. Using dark mode on your keyboard is important, as you don’t want to open up the keyboard to start typing something in a dark app and suddenly become blinded by light.

Open SwiftKey and go to Themes to make your choice. Browse the Gallery for variations of themes in different shades of black and with particular accent colors. If you don’t like any of them, jump to the Custom tab and make one yourself!

Download: Microsoft SwiftKey (Free)

11. Wikipedia

If you’re looking to learn something on your phone, Wikipedia is a great resource to have. It also supports dark mode, so you don’t have to scroll through long articles in blinding light.

To enable dark mode, slide out the left panel and choose Settings. Tap App theme under General and you can pick from a few options at the bottom of the page. You’ll need to disable Match system theme if it’s enabled.

If you like, you can also turn on Image dimming to keep images from looking overly bright in dark mode.

Download: Wikipedia (Free)

12. Simplenote

If you’re looking for a slick note-taking app that syncs across platforms at no cost, Simplenote is a great choice. The dark mode caps it off its attractive package.

To turn it on, slide out the left menu and tap Settings. Select Theme to choose Dark, Dark at night only, or System default. Unfortunately, there’s no AMOLED black mode, but the regular dark mode still works well.

Download: Simplenote (Free)

How to Enable Android Dark Mode in All Apps

In Android 10 and newer, you can use a Developer options toggle to force dark mode in apps that don’t offer it. To access Developer Options, go to Settings > About phone, scroll down to the Build number, and tap it several times until you see a notification that you’re now a developer.

After that, back up and open the System menu from Settings. Expand the Advanced section there and select Developer options to open the new menu. Scroll down to the Hardware Accelerated Rendering header and enable the Override force-dark slider.

This essentially forces all apps to use dark mode, even if they don’t natively support it. Once you enable it, try opening apps and see how they look. In our testing, while this does turn dark mode on for apps like Amazon, it can also cause display issues in other apps.

For example, the incoming bubbles in Facebook Messenger were difficult to see with this mode enabled. Give it a try to decide if it’s worth using for your apps.

Many More Dark Mode Apps to Enjoy

This is just a sampling of the dark mode apps available on Android. Many popular apps also include a dark mode, such as Twitter, Facebook Messenger, 1Password, Todoist, and the Google app. Open your favorite app, look for an option in the settings menu similar to the ones mentioned above, and enjoy!

If you have Android 10 installed, check out more of the best Android 10 features.

Read the full article: The 12 Best Android Dark Mode Apps You Should Install

Read Full Article

What Is Vudu and How Does It Work?

If you enjoy streaming the occasional TV show or movie, but don’t watch enough content to justify paying for the subscription costs of a service like Netflix or Hulu, you might want to consider using Vudu instead.

With a blend of free content, on-demand rentals, and movies available for purchase, it’s a perfect service for the infrequent viewer. So today, let’s take a look at what Vudu is, how much Vudu costs, and who can use Vudu’s services.

What Is Vudu?

Vudu was owned by Walmart for a decade. However, in April 2020, the company announced that it had reached an agreement with ticketing service Fandango for the sale of the business.

For now, Fandango has promised that there will be no immediate changes to the Vudu service or brand, despite already operating a competing service called FandangoNOW. It’s not unreasonable to expect the two brands to be rolled into a single interface at some point in the future.

In addition to rentals and purchases, Vudu also integrates with several digital locker services, so you can watch streams of content that you’ve bought on other services.

What Can I Watch on Vudu?

At the time of writing, more than 24,000 movies and 8,000 TV shows are available to stream via the Vudu app. Those figures mean that Vudu has one of the largest libraries of content out of all the streaming services out there.

The content itself is varied. You’ll find Hollywood blockbusters, kids’ shows, indie films, documentaries, anime, musicals, and more.

It is Vudu’s licensing agreements that allow the service to have such a vast library. It has deals in place with all of the major studios as well as more than 50 independent producers.

Furthermore, the site frequently offers new films and shows on or before their DVD release dates. The feature differentiates Vudu from its competitors like Netflix which often make viewers wait for the newest content.

Save Money With Movie Collections

You have probably seen similar films packaged together at retail outlets. They often appear by the checkouts for impressively low prices. You’ll also see bundled movies in electronics departments and presented as gift ideas.

They’re great solutions if you like a particular actor or genre. Perhaps you have splurged on bundle packs after deciding to dedicate time to watching movies with shared characteristics.

Vudu offers bundled films in digital formats. Examples of currently-available offers include two Clint Eastwood films for $10, any 1970s movie for $7, and entire series of HBO shows with up to 50 percent off.

Who Can Use Vudu?

Vudu is currently only available in the United States. It used to be available in Mexico, but the service was shuttered by Walmart in 2014. Vudu has never been available in Canada or elsewhere.

To stream free movies and TV shows on Vudu from outside the US, you’ll need to use a VPN. We recommend using a paid VPN so you do not compromise your security. Among the best options are ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

How Much Does Vudu Cost?

It is free to make an account on Vudu and there is no monthly subscription fee. You can start watching the free content straight away once you’ve signed up. If you want to rent or buy movies and TV shows, you pay on a case-by-case basis. Rental fees typically range from $1 to $6. Purchases can cost as much as $20, depending on the quality you choose and the popularity and age of the movie in question.

How to Watch Vudu

One of the notable advantages Vudu offers is flexibility related to the devices you use with it. As you’d expect, you can tune in on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and there are also apps for all the leading streaming boxes (including Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV).

You can also stream Vudu videos on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nvidia devices, as well as natively on some smart TVs.

Most impressive, however, is Vudu’s support for Blu-ray players. It’s a feature that isn’t offered by Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, or any of the other mainstream streaming services. Many models are supported, with Vudu specifically highlight products from Samsung, LG, and Sony.

How to Use Vudu: What You Need to Know

Vudu has a few other features and peculiarities worth highlighting.

Learn More About Movies and Shows

Clicking on a title lets you learn more about it. You’ll see a plot synopsis to determine whether a movie fits your mood, see a rating from Vudu community members, and discover the score the movie earned on Rotten Tomatoes.

Vudu Has Its Own Content Format

While browsing Vudu, you’ll come across movies available in HDX. HDX is a Vudu-created format offering resolution quality up to 1080p.

Vudu has now completely eliminated its HD offerings and transitioned entirely to HDX. At the time of HDX’s release in 2016, the company also gave free upgrades to all users with high-definition already-purchased titles in their libraries.

SD copies are still available for most titles, often for a lower price than the HDX version. Some titles have UHD versions available as well.

Convert Physical Movies to Digital Content

Vudu has another unique feature that you will not find replicated among its competitors—the ability to convert your physical DVDs and Blu-ray discs into digital copies.

You can perform the conversion on the Android Vudu app or via the browser on iOS. To get started, just scan the barcode of the movie or TV show you want to convert, and the app will guide you through the rest of the process. A Blu-ray to HDX conversion costs $2, DVD to SD costs $2, and DVD to HDX costs $5.

Of course, you could save yourself the hassle and rip DVDs directly to your computer.

Focus on Free Movies to Keep Costs Down

Another characteristic that separates Vudu from Netflix and iTunes is its plentiful collection of complementary content. To sort through what’s available, click on the Free link in the site’s header menu.

Most of the free content contains ads. But sitting through commercials is a small price to pay to access such a large library of free content.

Some content that’s currently available for free includes Troy, Blue Mountain State, and Redemption.

What Will You Stream From Vudu This Week?

No matter how you prefer to consume media, Vudu is a viable option. And now that you know what Vudu is, you may consider it to be one of the best Netflix alternatives.

The content library represents multiple genres and spans beyond recently released material. And the ability to use Vudu to convert physical movies to digital ones sets the service apart. We just hope these features remain as Fandango makes changes to the app.

If, after learning all about Vudu, you want more options, be sure to read our article listing the best streaming TV services.

Read the full article: What Is Vudu and How Does It Work?

Read Full Article

How Do Online Petitions Work and Are They Effective?

Petitions are a way to make our voices heard. Whether it’s campaigning for social and political change, or to raise awareness of local issues, petitions show support for a specific idea.

Online petitions are digital campaigns that are easily shareable, can gain significant momentum, and have the potential for long-lasting impact. However, appearances can be deceiving, and its not always clear what the outcome of a digital petition is.

Which makes many people wonder, how do online petitions work, and are they really effective?

What Is an Online Petition?

mohamed Hassan/Pixabay

Historians believe that the earliest petitions originated in Ancient Egypt. The slave workers purportedly campaigned for better working conditions while building the famed pyramids. The passage of time hasn’t changed the ultimate goal of a petition to lobby an authority—whether governmental or commercial—to enact a change or halt one.

Analog petitions were a common sight in the 1980s and 1990s, with petitioners waiting in crowded areas hoping to convince passers-by to support their cause. There are two significant challenges with this approach, though. The first is the time that any single person has to invest in the petition. It can be challenging to convince enough people to sign the petition, as not everyone will be sympathetic to its goal.

Online petitions overcome both those hurdles. Petition websites help you set up a digital campaign in a matter of minutes. Likewise, social networks and messaging apps mean that the petition can spread far further than would otherwise have been possible. This is beneficial as you then have a global audience for your campaign.

Additionally, the much-maligned echo chambers mean that your friends and followers are likely to have similar interests. Incidentally, this is one of the many reasons that you should consider a social media detox.

If you have a grievance or request you think should be addressed, you can set up an online petition. There are many e-petition websites, although the most notable is Change.org. Additionally, many governments around the world have now introduced their own petition websites, allowing citizens to campaign directly, rather than through a third-party.

How Do Online Petitions Work?

To be successful, the online petition should have an actionable title or outcome. Generally, petitions that appeal to a sense of outrage perform better than those with a softer or more positive angle. That said, this isn’t unique to petitioning; most online content is based around anger and negativity. There are other negative effects of social media as well.

Your campaign also needs an end date. The objective may require this, but making the petition time-sensitive can motivate people, too. Petition websites usually have a directory of all active petitions, but the key to getting signatures is through sharing your campaign on social media.

Facebook is the ideal platform for local issues, especially if you believe your friends will be interested in the cause. Twitter is often used to share social change campaigns or those requiring national attention.

Once someone clicks through to your petition and decides to sign, they’ll likely need to sign in with their account to add their support. This is done to prevent spam, fraudulent signatures, and multiple signings. At the very least, most sites require email confirmation for this reason. Once you’ve reached your target number of supporters, your petition can be presented for discussion.

While many campaigns are well-intentioned, they compete will other online media for attention. As most gain traction through social media, the notability of your petition is dependent on how many people share it and the impact of their networks. The expectations for digital petitions are also different. In the past, obtaining 100 signatures would have seemed significant.

However, online campaigns have a potentially global audience.

The Impact of Digital Petitions

geralt/Pixabay

For your petition to make an impact, it’ll usually need many hundreds of signatures. For example, official petitions on the UK government’s website must reach 10,000 signatures before the authority responds to them. Despite obtaining such large levels of support, you may still find that your petition isn’t able to make a long-lasting impact.

In March 2019, a petition to halt the Brexit, the UK’s exit from the European Union, attracted over 2,000 signatures per minute. Ultimately, the petition gained over six million names, well over the 10,000 required for a response, accounting for almost 10 percent of the UK’s population. As a result, Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU became the UK’s most signed petition.

Despite this, the outcome was not proportional to the success of the petition. The UK government responded, noting, “The government acknowledges the considerable number of people who have signed this petition. However, close to three-quarters of the electorate took part in the 2016 referendum, trusting that the result would be respected.”

Although this is a high-profile case, many people question the impact that digital petitions can have. Critics of the medium refer to them as a form of slacktivism—showing support for a cause to make yourself feel good without any notable action or effort. The petition’s target may also ignore the campaign as the signatories can remain anonymous and may be less invested in the cause.

Online Petition Privacy Concerns

It may not seem as though there are any personal downsides to signing an online petition. Showing your support could make all the difference to the outcome, for example. However, there is one issue that overshadows all digital activity; privacy.

While some petitions are on uncontroversial matters, like campaigning against a store closure, the petitions we sign often reflect our beliefs and political leanings. Political preference is a personal matter—some people are happy to share their views, while others prefer to keep them private.

The petition websites all gather data on you, your browsing habits, and the petitions you sign. The largest site, Change.org, has repeatedly faced criticism for its data processing and advertising practices. Of course, you may not have a particular issue with the company identifying your political and social leanings. However, the 2016 US Presidential Elections showed the influence that digital data could have on the outcome.

Much of the internet was entangled in an elaborate disinformation campaign. Cambridge Analytica, a third-party developer on Facebook harvested granular data from the social network and used it to affect the outcome of the election. It’s not the only time your Facebook data influenced elections either. Ultimately, you need to be able to trust the petition website with this sensitive data.

Alternatives like 38degrees have begun to emerge with more transparent practices. That said, the self-described progressive organization is optimized for left-leaning social campaigns. As a result, those on the political right accuse them of bias and therefore don’t accept the petitions.

Do Online Petitions Matter?

The internet has changed many aspects of society. We can connect with others around the world, and make connections and friendships with like-minded people, without geographical restrictions. The same factors influence online petitions, too. These campaigns can be far more successful than their analog, paper-based counterparts.

That doesn’t mean that they have more influence, though. However, online petitions are only one part of a successful campaign. They help raise awareness of an issue, so even if there is no immediate direct outcome, digital petitions still have benefits.

That said, there are other ways to create tangible change. Switching from Google to one of these alternative search engines is a great place to start.

Read the full article: How Do Online Petitions Work and Are They Effective?

Read Full Article

The Best Thermometers for Babies, Kids, and Adults

When you feel a temperature building up, it’s a good idea to grab a thermometer to double-check everything’s okay. While the older glass monitors still hold up to this day, the best digital thermometers will give a more accurate reading, while some even allow you to track changes over time.

Let’s explore the best thermometers out there right now.

1. iHealth No Touch Forehead Thermometer

iHealth No Touch Forehead Thermometer iHealth No Touch Forehead Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $54.98

Suitable for: Babies

When shopping for the best digital thermometer for you and your family, it’s worth taking a look at no-touch thermometers. Traditional oral and ear thermometers work well, but they require physical contact with the patient.

No-touch thermometers are different as they measure the heat given off from the forehead without having to make physical contact with it. This makes a no-touch thermometer a useful device for monitoring entire households as there’s little risk of cross-contamination.

One good example is the iHealth No Touch Forehead Thermometer. This thermometer only needs to be within 3cm of the patient to take a temperature and does so in a second. It also doesn’t make a loud beep once it gets a result. Instead, it vibrates to let you know when the data has been captured.

Unfortunately, the distanced measurement and the focus on quick results trade-off against accuracy. For example, this thermometer can be up to 2 degrees off from the actual temperature.

2. Goodbaby No-Touch Thermometer

Goodbaby No-Touch Thermometer Goodbaby No-Touch Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $62.99 ($6.30 / Count)

Suitable for: Babies

If you want something a little more accurate, try the Goodbaby No-Touch Thermometer. This model isn’t as quick as the above thermometer, as it needs to be in the same room as the baby for 30 minutes to adjust to the room temperature. However, once done, this thermometer gives reliable and accurate results on each scan.

The Goodbaby No-Touch Thermometer’s main focus is taking the temperature of a sleeping baby. It achieves this by being non-contact, so you don’t need to disturb your child to take their temperature. As it is intended to be used in a dark room, there’s a bright LCD screen that shows you the results. Finally, you can put it on silent mode so that its beeps won’t wake the baby. This makes it the best baby thermometer for stealthy measurements.

3. Metene Forehead and Ear Thermometer

Metene Forehead and Ear Thermometer Metene Forehead and Ear Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $69.99 ($69.99 / Count)

Suitable for: Babies, Kids, Adults

The Metene Forehead and Ear Thermometer is a great option if you prefer a thermometer with multiple techniques. You can either hold the reader to the patient’s forehead or hold it just outside of their ear to take their temperature. The device beeps to let you know when a reading is done.

Unlike previous models, it needs to touch the forehead instead of hovering 3cm above it, so it’s not ideal for taking stealthy measurements. However, this does mean it’s more accurate, with an error margin of ±0.5 degrees. This makes it one of the most accurate home thermometers you can get.

4. Enji Prime Thermometer

Enji Prime Thermometer Enji Prime Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $19.97 ($19.97 / Count)

Suitable for: Babies, Kids, Adults

If the idea of these non-contact and outside-contact thermometers doesn’t fill you with confidence, there are still plenty of digital oral thermometers to choose from. For example, the Enji Prime Thermometer works like a more traditional model, with a digital readout for accurate measurements.

The devices comes equipped with a storage case, probe cover, and batteries right out of the box. It has a flexible tip, takes temperatures in 10 seconds, and can quickly switch between Fahrenheit and centigrade by the touch of a button. It even comes with a free ebook that covers dealing with common household ailments.

5. Comper Smart Medical Forehead Thermometer

Comper Smart Medical Forehead Thermometer Comper Smart Medical Forehead Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $59.99

Suitable for: Babies, Kids, Adults

If you want a thermometer that truly embraces the digital, the Comper Smart Medical Forehead Thermometer is a good choice. The device syncs all recorded data to a smartphone app, so you can track changes over time.

You can take temperatures in one of two ways. You can measure from a small distance to keep things contactless or let the sensor touch the skin for more accurate results. This is very handy if you can’t make up your mind with contact vs. contactless; you can use whichever is best for the moment.

Unfortunately, the thermometer and app don’t play well with other health apps. For example, if you want to upload your recordings to Apple Health, you’ll be disappointed at the lack of support this thermometer provides. However, if you have no intention of using other apps, you’ll find the stock app works fine.

6. MILDSIX Forehead Thermometer

MILDSIX Forehead Thermometer MILDSIX Forehead Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $79.99

Suitable for: Babies, Kids, Adults

If you love the idea of a contactless thermometer, but also need precise readings, try the MILDSIX Forehead Thermometer. This unit is more expensive than other entries on this list, but it is also the most accurate, too. This makes it the most reliable no-contact thermometer out there.

The MILDSIX thermometer will beep when a result is in, but this can be toggled off if you’re taking the temperature of a sleeping baby. The screen will turn one of three colors to represent how ideal the temperature is. Green is for an ideal temperature, yellow is for a mild fever, and red is for a serious fever.

These advanced sensors mean that it can be used for more than just human health. For example, if you activate the room setting, you can take the temperature of your surroundings with a quick scan. You can also point it at a liquid and get a reading on how hot it is—no more burning your tongue on your coffee!

7. Wohlman Non-Contact IR Thermometer

Wohlman Non-Contact IR Thermometer Wohlman Non-Contact IR Thermometer Buy Now On Amazon $59.99

Suitable for: Babies, Kids, Adults

An alternative to the MILDSIX device is the Wohlman Non-Contact IR Thermometer. This also has some handy features such as a fever indicator light, contactless measurement, and the ability to measure room and object temperatures. However, it comes in at a lower price for those who are on a tighter budget.

The thermometer can store the last 40 measurements, which makes it ideal for keeping tabs on how a temperature is progressing. It can also be used either on the forehead or the ear, depending on which is more convenient for you at the time. Both methods are contactless and accurate, so you need not worry about one way getting better results than the other.

The instructions included with this thermometer are a little spotty, and it may take a while for you to become fully accustomed to how it works. However, once you have the hang of it, this is a handy, lightweight thermometer you can use quickly and safely when the need arises.

The Best Thermometer for Your Home

Thermometers are great early-warning devices that let you know if a fever is on its way. Now you know some of the best digital thermometers out there and where each one shines.

If you’re feeling ill and don’t want to cook dinner, why not try one of these fast food restaurant Android apps and let someone else cook for you?

Read the full article: The Best Thermometers for Babies, Kids, and Adults

Read Full Article

Siri Isn’t Working on Your iPhone or iPad? 7 Tips to Fix It

Siri makes it easy to issue hands-free commands to any of your Apple devices. You can use Siri to set reminders, send messages, search the web, and more. But with such a complex personal assistant, problems can arise from time to time.

If Siri isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad, follow the steps in this guide to fix it. We’ll cover the most common problems you’re likely to experience with Siri, along with some general troubleshooting advice for good measure.

1. Siri Doesn’t React When You Try to Activate It

The most likely reason you’d think Siri isn’t working is that Apple’s personal assistant doesn’t react when you press the Side button to activate it (or the Home button on iPhone 8 and earlier, including iPhone SE).

This is usually because Siri is disabled in the settings on your iPhone or iPad. Go to Settings > Siri & Search and activate Press Side/Home Button for Siri to turn Siri on again.

You may also want to turn on the option to Allow Siri When Locked so you don’t need to unlock your iPhone to access Siri.

2. Siri Doesn’t React When You Say “Hey Siri”

You should be able to activate Apple’s personal assistant without touching your device by simply saying “Hey Siri” when your iPhone or iPad is in earshot. If this doesn’t work, go to Settings > Siri & Search on your device and make sure Listen for “Hey Siri” is turned on.

While troubleshooting this, you should also confirm that your device is compatible with “Hey Siri.” You can view the full list of compatible devices on Apple’s website.

Finally, remember that “Hey Siri” doesn’t work when your device is face down or closed in a case. It also doesn’t work if you’re using Low Power Mode on your iPhone with an older version of iOS.

3. Siri Is Missing From Your iPhone or iPad Entirely

Perhaps the suggestions above can’t help you because Siri is missing from Settings on your iPhone or iPad entirely. There are a couple of reasons why this might be the case.

First, visit Apple’s feature availability page to make sure that Siri is available in your country and region. Unfortunately, Apple’s personal assistant isn’t available everywhere. You may be able to bypass regional restrictions by going to Settings > General > Language & Region to change the Region your device thinks you’re in.

Second, make sure you haven’t disabled Siri through the Content & Privacy Restrictions on your device by mistake. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions to find out. Open the Allowed Apps page and make sure Siri & Dictation is turned on.

If your device is running iOS 11 or earlier, you need to check Settings > General > Restrictions instead.

4. Siri Can’t Hear You or Doesn’t Understand What You Say

If Siri doesn’t always hear you or frequently misunderstands what you say, there might be a problem with the microphone on your iPhone or iPad. Sometimes, you can fix that by cleaning the microphones with a dry, soft-bristled brush or by removing your screen protector and case. See our iPhone cleaning guide for help.

There are multiple microphones on your iPhone or iPad. You can test each of them by recording short video or audio snippets in different apps:

• To test the primary microphone at the bottom of your device, open the Voice Memos app and tap the red button to record a short message. Listen to the playback and make sure you can hear it clearly.
• To test the front microphone, open the Camera app and film a short video using the front-facing camera. Replay the video to make sure you can hear it clearly.
• To test the rear microphone, open the Camera app and film a short video using the rear camera. Replay the video to make sure you can hear it clearly.

If one of your microphones isn’t working properly, contact Apple Support to arrange a repair. In the meantime, you can connect a wireless headset, EarPods, or AirPods to use the microphone on those instead.

5. Siri Is Too Slow or Can’t Connect to the Network

Siri needs an active internet connection to complete most commands. If Siri isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad, it might be because there’s a problem with your network. Usually, Siri says “I’m having trouble connecting” or “Try again in a little while” when this happens.

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and try streaming a YouTube video to test your internet connection. If that doesn’t work, find out how to troubleshoot your network connection to fix the issue.

If Siri still isn’t working, temporarily disable any VPN you’re using from Settings > VPN. Also, toggle Airplane Mode on and off from Settings > Airplane Mode.

You may also need to go to Settings > General > Reset and choose to Reset Network Settings. This deletes your saved Wi-Fi passwords among other network-related data, so only use it if nothing else worked.

To use Siri over a cellular network, make sure Cellular Data is turned on in Settings > Cellular and check that you’ve got enough data left in your mobile plan.

6. Siri Doesn’t Say Anything When Asked a Question

We usually expect to hear a spoken response after asking Siri a question or issuing a command. If that doesn’t happen, there might be a problem with the voice files on your iPhone. Other times, it’s as simple as turning the volume up.

But first, make sure Siri is set to reply to you by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Voice Feedback. To turn up Siri’s volume, repeatedly press the Volume Up button while using Siri. If you adjust the volume at other times, it might not affect Siri’s volume at all—see more iPhone volume troubleshooting tips for an explanation.

If Siri still doesn’t say anything, go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice. Choose a different accent or gender to make your device download new voice files. In case this works, you may need to erase and reinstall iOS on your iPhone to fix the original voice.

7. Multiple Devices Respond When You Talk to Siri

If you’ve got more than one Apple device, you might find that a few of them respond to “Hey Siri” at once. This isn’t an oversight by Apple; it’s actually a problem with your device settings.

All you need to do is make sure Bluetooth is turned on for each of your devices by going to Settings > Bluetooth. When you say “Hey Siri,” your devices quickly use Bluetooth to communicate with one another and decide which device should reply.

If that doesn’t work, make sure each device is signed into the same Apple ID account at the top of the Settings app.

How to Fix Other Problems With Siri

We’ve shown you how to fix the most common problems with Siri, but those solutions aren’t going to work for everyone. If Siri still isn’t working on your iPhone or iPad, give these general troubleshooting tips a try instead. Most of them are effective at fixing all kinds of different problems with your devices:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view all your open apps (or double-click the Home button on older devices). Then slide each app off the top of the screen to close it.
2. Press and hold the Side button with the Volume Down button (or just the Sleep/Wake button on earlier devices) until your device prompts you to slide to power off. Wait for your device to power off fully before pressing the Sleep/Wake or Side button again to restart it.
3. Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose to Reset All Settings. This doesn’t delete any apps or media from your device, but it does return all your settings to their default state. After the reset is complete, go to Settings > Siri & Search to turn Siri on again.

Use Another Voice Assistant If Siri Doesn’t Work

Hopefully, you’ve managed to fix all your Siri problems by now. But if Apple’s personal assistant still isn’t working after all this, you might be looking to jump ship. Apple isn’t the only company with a digital personal assistant, after all.

Find out all the differences between Google Assistant and Siri to learn if Siri is really the right personal assistant for you. Swapping over might involve buying a new device, but you could find that Google Assistant pays off for you in the long run.

Read the full article: Siri Isn’t Working on Your iPhone or iPad? 7 Tips to Fix It

Read Full Article