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Kamis, 31 Januari 2019

Don't lose your UltraViolet movies — transfer them to Movies Anywhere!

Transfer your UltraViolet movies to Vudu before it shuts down so you can access them on Movies Anywhere.

Movies Anywhere is Disney's attempt to merge all of those digital movie services where you purchase content into one place. You don't have to watch all of your movies in Movies Anywhere. Instead, the service brings the movies to you. If you've bought digital movies on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Xfinity, Microsoft, FandangoNOW, or Google Play, you can now watch all of them on whichever your preferred service is.

If you recently received an email from UltraViolet that the company is closing and you'll have to link your movies to another account by July 31, 2019, you might be wondering whether you can get these movies into your Movies Anywhere account. You can add your UltraViolet movies to Movies Anywhere, but you need a Vudu account to do so (I know, you have to sign up for one more account).

Note: Not all movies are supported by Movies anywhere, so it's a good idea to have your UltraViolet movies linked to a couple of different services to ensure all of your movies are accessible after UltraViolet closes.

Movies Anywhere: Everything you need to know

Step 1: Sign up for Vudu

If you don't already have a Vudu account, you'll have to get one in order to merge your UltraViolet movies into Movies Anywhere.

Navigate to Vudu.com and sign up. You don't have to add a credit card during the setup process if you don't want to. Just skip the step to complete the process.

Step 2: Log into UltraViolet

If it's been a while since you used UltraViolet to watch a movie, you may have forgotten your username or password. Navigate to UltraViolet's Homepage and make sure you can log in. If you've forgotten, follow the steps to reset your account information.

Step 3: Merge your UltraViolet account with your Vudu account

Once you're ready, it's time to connect your UltraViolet account with your Vudu account so you can merge the movies from the former to the latter.

  1. Navigate to Vudu.com from your web browser.
  2. Log in with your Vudu account credentials if you haven't already.
  3. Click on your Profile Name in the upper left corner of the website.
  4. Click on UltraViolet.

  5. Click on the Already have Ultraviolet? link.
  6. Click on Connect.
  7. Click on OK when finished.

Step 4: Connect your Vudu account with Movies Anywhere

If you haven't already connected your Vudu account with Movies Anywhere, make sure you do so or you won't see your UltraViolet movies on your list.

  1. Navigate to MoviesAnywhere.com from your preferred web browser.
  2. Sign in with your Movies Anywhere credentials.
  3. Click on your User profile in the upper right corner of the website.
  4. Click on Manage Retailers.
  5. Click Connect next to Vudu.
  6. Enter your Vudu account credentials to confirm permission to connect the account.

All supported movies will populate across all of your connected digital retailer services; iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, and Vudu.

Remember, not all movie distribution companies have signed on with Disney for Movies Anywhere. For example, Paramount Pictures does not support Movies Anywhere. So even if you bought a Paramount Pictures movie on iTunes or on Amazon, it won't appear across all of your supported digital retail services.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about how to add your UltraViolet movies to Movies Anywhere? Put them in the comments and we'll help you out.

Thanks to the iMore Show listeners that contacted me to let me know that this was possible.

Apple is banning Google from distributing internal iOS applications

Facebook's not the only one feeling Apple's heat.

Earlier this week, Apple made a bold move by banning Facebook from distributing any of its internal iOS apps. Google quickly responded by choosing to disable its Screenwise Meter internal app, but that apparently wasn't enough. Now, it's been reported that Apple has also chosen to ban Google from its internal app distribution.

According to a report from The Verge:

Apple has now shut down Google's ability to distribute its internal iOS apps, following a similar shutdown that was issued to Facebook earlier this week. A person familiar with the situation tells The Verge that early versions of Google Maps, Hangouts, Gmail, and other pre-release beta apps have stopped working today, alongside employee-only apps like a Gbus app for transportation and Google's internal cafe app.

Neither Google nor Apple has commented on this news, but it's a big move nonetheless.

Shortly following Apple's ban of Facebook, the company noted that:

Any developer using their enterprise certificates to distribute apps to consumers will have their certificates revoked.

It was already pretty evident that Apple was serious about these rules when it banned Facebook, and the banning of Google is further evidence of that point.

Facebook paid teens to install banned app, spy on their data

Echo owners can try Amazon Music free for four whole months right now

Exactly zero dollars.

Amazon is offering Echo owners four months of Amazon Music Unlimited for free. That'd normally cost you $40, but there's a catch. You have to be a new user to the service.

Amazon Music Unlimited gets you access to millions of songs. You can listen offline, skip as many times as you want, and listen hands-free using your Alexa device.

Note that the subscription automatically renews at the $7.99 per month rate for Prime members or $9.99 for non-Prime Members unless you cancel it beforehand. Cancellation is easy; just go to your Amazon Subscription Settings.

If you don't have an Echo device, you can still try Amazon Music Unlimited for free, albeit for a shorter time period.

Wondering how Amazon Music Unlimited stacks up against Spotify? Android Central has you covered. Oh, and if you think you'll prefer Spotify, there's a deal on that too.

See at Amazon

How to move your Kano Computer files to a Kano Computer Complete

Moving files may seem easy, but the reality is that it can be incredibly tiresome to do. Even if you're prepared, it's a boring process. Regardless, you'll need to do this if you want to transport your old Kano files from your Kano Computer to the Kano Computer Kit Complete. Thankfully, we're here to help show how simple it really is.

Products used in this guide

How to move your Kano Computer files to the Kano Computer Kit Complete

  1. Turn off your Kano Computer.
  2. Open the MicroSD card slot.
  3. Remove the MicroSD card.
  4. Turn on your Kano Computer Kit Complete.
  5. Insert your MicroSD card into the MicroSD slot.
  6. Go to my Apps.

  7. Click the Updater app.
  8. Finished.

As a result of this, you'll now be able to access your files from your previous Kano Computer — they should be fully installed and updated as your Kano Computer Kit Complete was updating. With this update, you don't have to start your Kano Creations all over again.

Our top equipment picks

Perfect for kids

Kano Computer Kit Complete

$150 at Kano

Coding for both beginners and intermediate

The Kano Computer Kit is a kit that allows you to build your very own computer from scratch. You'll be given all the tools necessary, including a Raspberry Pi, to create your computer, which you can then use to teach yourself how to code — no matter if you're a beginner or not.

Additional Equipment

You'll need these additional pieces of equipment in order to complete the guide as it's been laid out.

SanDisk Ultra PLUS 16GB MicroSD

$11 at Best Buy

With a MicroSD, you'll be able to remove your SD card, with everything you need saved on it, without having to do everything manually.

Stanley's discounted power inverter includes an AC outlet and two USB ports

Add more functionality to your car.

The Stanley FatMax PCI140 140W dual-USB AC outlet power inverter is just $11.42 on Amazon. Normally, this inverter sells for around $15 and sometimes as high as $18. Today's price is one of the best we've ever seen and the first real deal on it since last year.

Turn your car's cigarette lighter into a 120 volt AC outlet and two USB charging ports. The 140W inverter can charge plenty of small electronics, like your smartphone or tablet. It has a low voltage, fan free design with an automatic shut off, so it's very quiet and worry free. You don't have to worry about it draining your car's battery for example just because you left it there. It comes with a mounting kit so you can find a good spot for it, and it has a quick release. Stanley backs it up with a one-year warranty,

See on Amazon

Get noise-cancelling and $10 off with Cowin's E7 Bluetooth headphones

Get lost in the music.

The Cowin E7 active noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones are down to $49.99 on Amazon thanks to a $10 off on-page coupon. These headphones regularly sell around $60, and we haven't seen a deal on them since last year's holiday shopping season. The price is only good on the black version as the other colors are all selling for $73.

These headphones have active noise reduction technology that helps reduce all that ambient noise around you while you're on a plane, in a car, or just trying to drown out your obnoxious co-workers. The noise-cancellation works in both wired and wireless mode. The 40mm drivers deliver big sound and powerful bass. The built-in mic works for hands-free calls. There's also NFC pairing in addition to the Bluetooth. In wireless mode you can get up to 30 hours of playtime. The headphones come with an 18-month warranty.

See on Amazon

Mobile Fortnite players deserve the SteelSeries Stratus XL controller

We love gaming on Android, and test as many gaming peripherals as possible to give you the best advice on top-tier products.

Everyone's favorite battle royale finally supports Bluetooth controllers on mobile. This has been a long time coming for Fortnite, and you'll likely want the best possible controller to get your game on. You shouldn't look any further than the SteelSeries Stratus XL.

Our pick

SteelSeries Stratus XL

The best controller to play Fortnite on Android.

At an affordable price with a familiar design and exceptional quality, the SteelSeries Stratus XL mobile gaming controller is the way to go for Fortnite players.

Who should buy this

If you already spend a lot of time on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, this controller should feel right at home in your grasp. It takes a bit of the form factor from each of the aforementioned consoles' controllers, with a similar frame to the Xbox One controller and a stick layout more akin to that of the DualShock 4. Those looking to game on the go will find its solid battery life (up to 40 hours) appealing. In relation to Fortnite, it's got every button you need to keep you at the top of your game.

Is it a good time to buy this?

Absolutely. This controller may not be the most recent to grace the market, but it still beats out the competition in terms of price, quality, and best of all it was designed specifically for compatibility with Android devices and Windows PC.

Reasons to buy

  • Inexpensive
  • Familiar design to Xbox and PlayStation
  • Long battery life
  • Compatible with SteelSeries customization software

Reasons not to buy

  • No color options
  • Older model

You deserve your mobile battle royale experience to be as good as it gets

Not only is SteelSeries a trusted and reliable brand, but the Stratus XL also has designated home and back buttons for "seamless gaming on Android devices." Thanks to its relatively familiar form factor, it should feel comfortable in your hands during long gaming sessions, which is made better with its 40-hour battery life. You're not getting a dinky little plastic controller that looks like you could easily crush it if you lose that coveted Victory Royale.

With the SteelSeries Engine 3 software program, you can even customize the Stratus XL to best suit your needs, whether that means opting for hair triggers or changing the sensitivity of your thumbsticks.

Alternatives to the SteelSeries Stratus XL

It's nearly impossible to list every Bluetooth controller out there, but most designed for mobile tend to be too small and not worth the cost or effort put into buying one. Because of this, your best alternative is actually the Xbox One wireless controller. Despite it initially not working correctly on most Android games due to incorrect button mapping, a fix was implemented in August 2018 by Google to get it up and running exactly as it should.

Runner-up

Xbox One wireless controller

Tried and true.

$47 at Amazon

Though it wasn't designed specifically for Android, Microsoft's Xbox One wireless controller still gets the job done wonderfully. It's a tad more expensive, but also compatible with Xbox if you ever need an extra controller.

The Xbox One controller is highly versatile thanks to its Bluetooth technology, but it is slightly more expensive than a lot of other controllers built for mobile gaming. Still, this is a great alternative for those that play Fortnite on Xbox in addition to Android mobile devices. You won't be needing to swap controllers constantly whenever you switch platforms.

Bottom line

The SteelSeries Stratus XL may not have the ubiquitous popularity that the Xbox One controller is afforded, but it offers key advantages with its Android-designated buttons and customization software that players should take advantage of.

These are the best SD cards to use with the ACER Chromebook R 11

One of the best and easiest ways to expand the storage on a Chromebook is by using an SD card. According to Acer, the Chromebook R 11 officially supports SD cards with capacity up to 64GB — but users have reported no issues using cards up to 128GB, so we've included some microSD options on our list that work just as well as a permanent storage solution with the included SD card adapter.

Our pick

SanDisk Extreme 128GB

The SanDisk Extreme brand is a top-performer for pretty much any use case you can think of, and that includes using it for Chromebook storage. With the fastest available read speeds, this is a perfect option if you've got a ton of video content you want to migrate over to your Chromebook.

$27 at Amazon

Best budget card

Lexar Professional 633x 64GB

This SD card from Lexar is professional-grade and designed for use in DSLR cameras and for capturing 4K video. Suffice to say, it's more than capable of securely storing all your favorite media on your Chromebook. It's also the best price available, making this an easy pick for any budget.

$15 at Amazon

Trusted brand

Kingston Canvas Go! 64GB

Kingston's SD card is a great option if you want a standard option to work with your Acer Chromebook. It's not the fastest card that Kingston makes, but if you're intending to use it as Chromebook storage it should work flawlessly.

$16 at Amazon

Another reliable option

SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB

SanDisk's SD card offerings are reliable and quite popular — which also makes them a prime target for counterfeiters. This card is an Amazon's Choice selection and a top recommendation, but if you don't see a serial number on the back or yours has a yellow locking tab you might have a fake SD card in your hands.

$23 at Amazon

Top quality microSD

Samsung MicroSD EVO Select 128GB

Samsung makes some of the best microSD cards that money can buy, and this 128GB card is a steal at this price. Backed by a 10-year warranty, this is a great option for your Chromebook and can also find use with most other phones or drones that use a microSD.

$25 at Amazon

Fast speeds on a budget

Kingston Canvas Select 128GB

Among the budget microSD cards, you can always trust Kingston to deliver the goods. The Canvas Select line is perfect for everyday use and a great option for using it as Chromebook storage with 80MB/s read speeds.

$22 at Amazon

Going with a standard SD card for your Chromebook R 11 makes sense because it will typically sit flush when installed, so you can pop it in and just enjoy the extra storage. A microSD card is more versatile than other storage solutions— you can use it in your Chromebook as needed, but it can also be used in a pinch to expand your phone's memory, or used as onboard storage for many popular makes of drones. For standard SD cards, we'd recommend the Kingston Canvas Go! and for microSD, the SanDisk Extreme is a great option at just $27.

Is Hulu available on Android TV?

Best answer: Yes, Hulu is available on Android TV. However, it's running an older version of the Hulu app which lacks the newest features and Add-ons. The Android TV Hulu app also doesn't currently support Hulu with Live TV.

Two phoenix rising

Hulu offers Cord Cutters a bit of everything. You can choose a huge catalog of the most popular TV shows and movies, or combine it with a live TV streaming service filled with sports, news, and entertainment. It even offers a version of the a la carte TV dream, with access to premium channels like Showtime and HBO on a single bill.

Android TV has grown and evolved in ways similar to Hulu. What began as Google's over-the-top OS for streaming devices morphed into a smart TV OS. Through it all, the NVIDIA Shield TV has been the flagship of Android TV, in the truest sense of the word. Few modern tech devices have the longevity of performance and updates the Shield TV has on Android TV.

Unfortunately, the Android TV app ecosystem has had some difficult times, but things have been much better recently. Some apps have their most advanced features on their Android TV versions, like Netflix' Bandersnatch interactive film. Other TV channel apps have newly arrived, like the A&E channel apps, or been newly updated, like the Fox TV app.

Technically available

Yes, Hulu is available on Android TV, but you may not like what you find in the app. Let's take a deeper look.

Hulu has two versions of their app available currently: the Latest app and the Classic app. The Latest Hulu app is the good one, and the one that you want. It has a design that matches the new Hulu webpage's look and feel. The Latest app also supports all of the latest features, including multiple profiles, My Stuff, and Live TV. It also includes Premium add-ons content right in the app, and DVR support. However, you won't find any of these features on your NVIDIA Shield TV,

Hulu doesn't offer the latest version of their app available on Android TV. What do they offer instead?

This old app

The Classic Hulu app for Android TV has the traditional design with the green Hulu logo. This app lacks support for multiple profiles and Live TV. The Classic Hulu app does have access to Showtime Premium Add-on content, but not HBO, Cinemax, or Starz. Also, the Classic app uses an older Watchlist, and not My Stuff, to manage what you're watching and have saved to watch next.

You can do a few things to work around the limitations of this older version of the app on your Android TV. If you have any Premium add-ons for Hulu, you can use your Hulu login to create an account for the HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz apps on the Android TV platform. These apps are modern versions with all the same features as other platforms. Also, you can sync your Watchlist over to My Stuff on the mobile app. This can make moving between this Classic app and the Latest app on your phone or other devices less annoying.

Hope for the future?

Is there any hope that the Latest Hulu app may eventually come to Android TV? Why has this app gone almost a year and a half without an update? Only Hulu knows, so expect this app to stay as it is unless it makes an announcement. There have been rumors, but without any official word, all Shield TV owners can do is check the Play Store for updates. We'll also be sure to update you if we hear any news.

Even with the Classic app, you can still watch Hulu content on your Android TV, so it's still a good time to give Hulu a try. We're big fans of free trials as a way to test all the streaming things. It is a great way to find the best services for your needs, and Hulu has a 7-day free trial. Then binge out on the best they have to offer from The Shield to This Old House!

Stream evolution

Hulu

$8+/ mo at Hulu

New and classic shows & movies on a classic app

Beyond the bells and whistles of features, it's what you watch that matters on your Android TV. Hulu on-demand starts at $8 a month for those wanting access to their huge catalog of network & original content. Starting Feb. 26, it'll cost $6 a month.

Android TV Hero

NVIDIA Shield TV with remote

$150 at Amazon

Power to run any app or game with ease

NVIDIA built a marvel almost four years ago, as that same hardware runs flawlessly with many OS upgrades and new advanced TV apps. This box can also be your DVR, home server, smart home hub, and game console, but still stream Hulu smoothly.

Play music wirelessly with 50% off the TaoTronics Pulse X Bluetooth Speaker

This compact speaker lasts for up to seven hours on a single charge.

The TaoTronics Pulse X Bluetooth Speaker drops to just $14.99 at Amazon when you enter promo code 5WQLAFGL during checkout. That saves you 50% off its regular price of $30 these days, and you'll also be snagging the speaker at $1 less than it's ever dropped on its own before.

This portable speaker is equipped with two 7W acoustic drivers that let you blast your music wherever you go. Its internal 4000mAh rechargeable battery keeps it powered for up to seven hours on a single charge, while Bluetooth 4.2 allows you to connect with devices wirelessly from up to 33 feet away. There's a 3.5mm jack that lets you connect it to non-Bluetooth devices as well. Using its built-in microphone, you can even begin taking calls hands-free and get more done in the meantime.

At Amazon, more than 1,100 customers left a review for this speaker resulting in a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

See at Amazon

How to move your UltraViolet movies over to another service

You'll still have access to your UltraViolet library until July 31, 2019.

On January 31, UltraViolet announced that it was officially preparing to shut its doors for good. UltraViolet used to be one of the top cloud-based services for storing digital movies and TV shows, but over the years, it's fallen to the wayside thanks to stiff competition from competitors like Movies Anywhere.

If you still have a collection of titles stored on UltraViolet and want to make sure you retain access to them following the service's closure on July 31, here's what you need to know.

How to move your UltraViolet library to another retailer

Even though UltraViolet is shutting down, you'll still be able to watch any movies & TV shows you have stored on the platform by linking your account to another retailer. According to UltraViolet, you can link your account to any of the following:

  • Fandango NOW
  • Kaleidescape
  • Paramount
  • Verizon FiOS
  • Vudu

If you're logged into the UltraViolet website, you can click on the button tilted Retailer Services to see which of the above retailers your account is linked to. If you're not linked to any of them or want to add another, you can do so here.

On that note, even if you are linked to one of the above platforms, it's not a bad idea to go ahead and link with at least two or more.

Not all of the above retailers have access to the same copyrights that UltraViolet does, meaning that a movie that's supported on Fandango NOW may not be offered on Vudu. In other words, the more retailers you can link to, the better.

Check out Movies Anywhere

Once you've linked your UltraViolet account to as many of the above retailers that you can, we then recommend linking those retailer accounts to Movies Anywhere.

Similar to UltraViolet, Movies Anywhere is a platform that allows you to keep all of your digital movies and TV shows in one unified place. However, with support for Vudu, Fandango NOW, Google Play Movies, iTunes, Xfinity, Amazon Prime Video, and Microsoft Movies & TV, it supports a lot more platforms.

Getting started with MoviesAnywhere is pretty simple, but if you need help, we've provided a few links below to get you started.

The best screen protectors for your Huawei Mate SE

The screen is arguably the most vulnerable part of your phone, and while your Huawei Mate SE may be a "budget" device, it's still worth protecting that investment with a screen protector. These are the best you can buy!

Note: The Huawei Mate SE is really just a rebranded Honor 7X, so if you're having a hard time finding "Huawei Mate SE" screen protectors, look up Honor 7X protectors instead, or just choose one from below!

Bulletproof (kinda)

Superhieldz tempered glass screen protector (2-pack)

Our pick

Supershieldz's screen protectors are made from durable tempered glass, which is scratch-resistant and, should they break, they won't splinter into sharp shards — just dull chunks. These protectors have black bezels at the top and bottom and are incredibly clear and touch-sensitive, so it'll seem like there's nothing on your phone at all.

$8 at Amazon

Best film protector

IQ Shield film screen protector

IQ Shield's protectors feature a matte anti-glare coating, which also helps to prevent fingerprints and repel water. Like other great screen protectors, this one is exceptionally thin, and the wet install helps keep bubbles at bay.

$8 at Amazon

That's my name

Mr. Shield tempered glass screen protector (3-pack)

You get some great bang for your buck with this 3-pack, and Mr. Shield's tempered glass screen protector has rounded edges so that it feels seamless on your Mate SE's screen. There are black bezels on the top and bottom, and Mr. Shield promises almost 100% transparency. Mr. Shield also offers a lifetime replacement warranty.

$8 at Amazon

Self-healing film

Skinomi TechSkin film screen protector

Skinomi's TechSkin has a self-healing coating, which can repair minor scratches so that it always looks completely clear. Once it's on, the film feels just like your phone's screen, and Skinomi offers a lifetime warranty in case there are any defects.

$8 at Amazon

Great value

Fnova tempered glass screen protector (3-pack)

Fnova's protectors are made from hard tempered glass, which can help keep your Mate SE's screen in one piece in case you drop it. You get three protectors in this pack just in case there are any issues during install or there are other Mate SE users in the house. Fnova's protectors have an oleophobic coating to repel fingerprints.

$10 at Amazon

Cheapest option

J&D film screen protector (8-pack)

If you're looking for screen protectors purely based on value, then this is your pick. You get eight screen protectors for only $7, and they're made from a good quality film that goes on easily. There'll be no residue left behind if you need to take the protectors off, and they're quite clear to help it seem like there's nothing on your phone's screen.

$7 at Amazon

Putting a screen protector on any phone is a prudent idea, even if it's a relatively inexpensive phone like the Huawei Mate SE. For all intents and purposes, your best option is the Supershieldz, which is made from tempered glass and repels fingerprints well.

Enjoy upgraded audio with the KEF M500 Hi-Fi Headphones on sale for $60

Grab a pair at one of their best prices ever.

The KEF M500 Hi-Fi Headphones are on sale for just $69.99 at Newegg right now, and using promo code EMCTUVE65 during checkout will score you an extra $10 off that price. At just $59.99 total, you're snagging this pair of headphones at one of its best prices ever, though only the white model is on sale today. Shipping is free. When not discounted, they sell for nearly $220 in used condition with new models priced at up to $300. However, KEF is currently offering these headphones in black for just $99.99 via its website.

These on-ear headphones are designed to reproduce Hi-Fi audio with their built-in 40mm neodymium drivers which offer full range high definition response from 20Hz to 20kHz. The multi-directional Smart Hinge and lightweight aluminum frame work together so the headphones conform to the shape of your head while being worn. Plus, they can be folded up compactly when not in use too.

A microphone and an remote control are built into the cable of the headphones, and with the acoustic sealing ring in each ear cup, you can listen comfortably without being bothered by any extra noise going on around you.

See at Newegg

Grab D-Link's wireless router on sale for $60 with a free smart plug

Go online and stay there.

The D-Link DIR-867 AC1750 dual-band wireless router is down to $59.99 at B&H. Be sure to clip the 33% off on-page coupon to see the discount during checkout. The same router sells for $90 regularly including at other retailers like Amazon.

This deal also comes with a free Keewifi Wi-Fi mini smart plug. These normally go for $14.95 by themselves at B&H, so that's a little extra value for you. Connect it to your new router's Wi-Fi network, and you can control whatever's plugged in from your phone or with your voice.

The router is capable of up to 1750 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless bands. It has four high-performance external antennas, four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and one Gigabit Ethernet WAN port. You'll get MU-MIMO tech, which helps in homes that have several devices all sharing the same wireless network. It also has guest network access and Intelligent QoS to prioritize your internet traffic.

See at B&H