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Friday, November 13, 2020

Save big and use a Raspberry Pi for all of your pet computing projects

Whether you're just getting started, or are an experienced vet, you're probably excited for all of the great Black Friday Raspberry Pi deals that are being made available. There's just about something here for everyone, as Black Friday usually covers many more categories than just smartphones, TVs, and gaming consoles.

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Board | $31 at Amazon

While the Pi 3 Board is a few years old, it's still more than capable of handling much of what you would need to throw at it. This board features four USB-A ports, an Ethernet Jack, Micro-USB for power, a full-size HDMI output port, and even a camera port.

$31 at Amazon

From finding the best Raspberry Pi kits to beefing up your storage with the best SD cards, you can find great deals in just about every corner of the web. The Raspberry Pi is one of the most versatile pieces of technology that you can interact with, especially if you want to learn how to build computers, so it only makes sense for you to try and save a few bucks on that starter kit or new case that you've been eyeing up for a while.

Best Black Friday Raspberry Pi Deals

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit (2GB) | $64 at Best Buy

CanaKit is one of the most popular providers for Raspberry Pi kits, and this Raspberry Pi 4 starter kit is a big reason as to why. The kit includes the Raspberry Pi 4 board, a 16GB microSD card, clear case, several heat sinks, and a power supply.

$64 at Best Buy

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 Starter PRO Kit (2GB) | $72 at Best Buy

CanaKit's Raspberry Pi 4 Starter PRO Kit takes things up a notch with what you'll be provided in the box. In addition to the Pi 4 itself, CanaKit includes a USB-Card reader, PiSwitch, Heat Sinks, USB-C power supply, and a 32GB microSD card, giving you everything you need to get started with Pi.

$72 at Best Buy

Geekworm Raspberry Pi X710 Power Management Board | $28 at Amazon

Geekworm's X710 Power Management board is an expansion board to help provide safe power management and shutdown through the Raspberry Pi's software. There's also built-in cooling fan to keep the temperature of your Pi down if you happen to be running more power-hungry software.

$28 at Amazon

Raspberry Pi 7-inch Touchscreen Display | $49 at Walmart

It's all fine and dandy to have a Raspberry Pi, but you'll need to get a display if you really want to actually use it. This 7-inch display works perfectly with your Pi, sports a resolution of 1024x600, and even has a built-in touchscreen.

$49 at Walmart

Best Black Friday Raspberry Pi Case Deals

Retroflag SuperPi Case | $15 at Amazon

If you plan on using your Raspberry Pi as a retro console, then you'll definitely want to check out this SNES-styled Retroflag SuperPi Case. There are two USB-A ports on the front, along with a microSD card slot on the side and your power/HDMI ports on the back. The SuperPi case also features functional power and reset buttons, just like the ones from your original SNES.

$15 at Amazon

Miuzei Case with Heat Sinks | $11 at Amazon

So you've already got your Raspberry Pi all set up, but you just need a stylish and functional case to put it in. This case from Miuzei is a great option with its black and blue colorway, along with four included heat sinks and even a mini-fan that can be installed on top.

$11 at Amazon

GeeekPi Raspberry Pi Cluster Case | $23 at Amazon

Once you get started in the Raspberry Pi world, it's difficult to stop, which could leave you with quite a few Raspberry Pi boards. This Cluster Case from GeeekPi can help solve those woes and consolidate up to four boards in a single case. In addition to the mounting tools, the Cluster Case comes with heat sinks for the Pi 3B+ and 4B, along with four fans for each board.

$23 at Amazon

Retroflag NESPi 4 Case | $37 at Amazon

If you're a big fan of the original Nintendo, then the Retroflag NESPi 4 case is perfect for your retro gaming setup. The NESPi 4 Case allows you to install your Pi board in the housing, while the included NES cartridge can house a 2.5-inch SSD to connect to your Raspberri Pi for more storage.

$37 at Amazon

8Bitdo SN30 Pro | $25 at Amazon

Chances are, you'll want to use your Raspberry Pi to play some games, so it's important to get a great controller to go along with it. The 8Bitdo SN30 Pro is one of the best game controllers on the market, and you won't have to fiddle with Bluetooth as it connects to your Pi via the built-in wired cable.

$25 at Amazon

Official Raspberry Pi 4 Case | $10 at Amazon

The Raspberry Pi company does not only make the boards that millions have fallen in love with, but also provides some basic cases that are perfect for beginners. The official Raspberry Pi 4 case comes in two pieces and snaps right back into place after installing your board, while making it easy to access the various ports on the Raspberry Pi.

$10 at Amazon

Best Black Friday Raspberry Pi Storage Deals

Raspberry Pi Preloaded SD Card (32GB) | $18 at Amazon

A1 class cards don't make a difference when used in the Raspberry Pi 4, but they also don't make read and write speeds any worse. Buy this one because NOOBS OS — the Raspberry Pi Foundation's operating system(s) of choice — is preloaded.

$18 at Amazon

Samsung EVO Select (128GB) | $20 at Amazon

Those who want lots of storage at fast speeds will thoroughly enjoy the Samsung EVO Select microSD card. This card offers 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds and will be able to store all of your content.

$20 at Amazon

SanDisk Ultra (128GB) | $20 at Amazon

SanDisk's Ultra 128GB microSD card has read speeds of up to 100MB/s, which is more than fast enough to handle your videos. Plus, there is a 10-year manufacturer warranty in the event that you need to replace the card.

$20 at Amazon

SanDisk Extreme (1TB) | $230 at Amazon

This is the biggest microSD card capacity you can buy today. The SanDisk Extreme memory card offers up to 160MB/s read speeds, 90MB/s write speeds, and sports the company's A2 rating for faster loading and app performance.

$230 at Amazon

PNY Elite-X (128GB) | $23 at Amazon

The PNY Elite-X series of microSD cards features read speeds up to 100MB/s and are not only great for your smartphones, but also for the Raspberry Pi. There's an included SD card adapter if you need to transfer files easily, while the A1 performance rating allows for apps to run faster from the microSD card than you would think.

$23 at Amazon

Kingston Canvas Go Plus (256GB) | $35 at Amazon

With Kingston's Canvas Go Plus, you'll get some of the fastest transfer speeds possible on a card so small, coming in at up to 170MB/s. With speeds this fast, it makes the Canvas Go Plus one of the best if you plan on loading up your Raspberry Pi with a bunch of games.

$50 at Amazon

How do I prepare for Black Friday?

Black Friday 2020 is going to be big with a huge online focus which means it's going to be hard to keep up and ensure you maximize your savings during these big events. The team over at Thrifter is full of professional deal hunters who will literally be providing around the clock coverage of everything on Black Friday. From the best savings, as they hit to roundups of what you should be buying, the team will aim to make it as easy as possible to find the best deals that are available from the first to the last minute.

Give them a follow on Twitter to keep up-to-date on all the best deals as they happen in real-time.

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

Disney+ now has 73 million subscribers, but that may not last

While still behind Netflix, Disney Plus is growing quicky as more people are staying home.

What you need to know

Disney announced its Q4 fiscal quarter earnings, with a slight gain in revenue.
Disney Plus grew its total paid subscriber base to 73 million.
Some divisions saw a loss in revenue related to the global effects of the pandemic.

Disney reported its fiscal fourth quarter earnings today, which boasted growth in some areas and losses in others. Shares were up as much as 6% for the company though, as losses were not as deep as expected. To start, there was a loss per share of only 20 cents versus the expected 71 cent loss. Additionally, Disney reported a slightly higher revenue than the expected $14.2 billion, coming in at $14.71 billion.

Disney Plus was a winner, with a total of 73 million subscribers, up from the previous quarter's 57 million, and closing in quick on the goal of 90 million by 2024. An unspecified number of customers were likely attained through promotions, such as Verizon's "Disney+ on Us" which offers a free year to customers on select unlimited plans. Some of those may end up leaving the service in late November, when the year-long promotion ends.

Along with Hulu and ESPN streaming services, which Disney also owns, that puts the company at just over 120 million paid streaming subscribers, closing the gap between Netflix's slowing subsciber base of 195 million.

As theaters were widely closed for safety, Disney's Studio Entertainment division was a 52% drop in revenue to $1.6 billion. Last year Disney had a few blockbusters out such as Aladdin, Captain Marvel, and of course Avengers: Endgame. The most recent release was Mulan, which suffered from poor reception and being forced into a largely digital-only release on Disney Plus for a premium fee. Still, the company's Direct-to-Consumer and International division managed a 41% year to year increase with $4.85 billion in revenue, while Media Networks was also up 11% year over year, securing $7.21 billion.

Disney estimates that pandemic-related costs caused a $2.4 billion adverse effect on the company. Park closures caused an 85% decrease in revenue during the previous quarter. As of Q4, the Parks, Experiences, and Products division is down 61% year over year, and it's estimates pointing to pandemic-related costs reaching $1 billion in 2021. And while many of the parks reopened, such as Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Disneyland park in California remains closed, something CEO Bob Chapek is not too pleased with:

Frankly, as we and other civic leaders have stated before, we believe state leadership should look objectively at what we've achieved successfully at our Parks around the world, all based on science, as opposed to setting an arbitrary standard that is precluding our cast members from getting back to work.

His comments come just as the U.S. is reporting its highest daily recorded cases since the start of the pandemic.

Disney+

$7 per month at Disney Plus

With all things Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Fox, National Geographic, and more, Disney+ is your one-stop-shop for endless entertainment for the whole family.

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Keep spoilers from ruining your gaming experience on the PS5

Spoilers are the worst if you're not the first to play a game or see a trailer, so we're going to show you how to set up spoiler warnings on PS5 so that upcoming news isn't ruined for you by user-generated content on the PS5 home screen. It's not necessarily a feature that most would use, but it can make the overall PS5 gaming experience much more enjoyable for you moving forward. Let's dive in.

How to set up Spoiler Warnings on PS5

From the PS5 Dashboard, click on the Settings icon in the top right corner.
Scroll down and click on Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
Scroll down and click on Spoiler Warnings.
Toggle on/off Warn About Game Spoilers.
Click on Only Spoilers Identified by Game Developers to only be spared from official spoilers.
Click on Everything You Haven't Seen Yet to be spared by (hopefully) all spoilers.

According to early users, it appears that Sony intends for the PS5 home screen to be a one-stop shop for players, where they can access user-generated content and videos and even get game updates and previews from developers. Most of this will have to be flagged by game developers to be caught by this filter, but if you don't want any surprises ruined for you, you might as well switch these settings on to spare yourself the potential disappointment.

If you're still in the market for a new PS5, be sure to keep an eye on our guide for the best deals and offers. We'll be continually updating it as availability expands. In the meantime, please read up on our in-depth PS5 review by Jennifer Locke, who was one of the first tech journalists to receive the new console.

Our top equipment picks

Once you get your PS5 setup, make sure you have all the best accessories. Here are a couple of our favorites.

Ultimate controller

PS5 DualSense Controller

$70 at Amazon

All in hand

The all-new DualSense controller for PS5 comes packed with new features like improved haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Plus, we really dig the Storm Trooper styling!

Cover your ears

Raxer Kraken X Ultralight Gaming Headset

$50 at Amazon

Made to play

If you want a great gaming headset, you can't go wrong with the Kraken X from Razer. It can handle 7.1 surround sound and is even compatible with other gaming platforms like Xbox or PC. Plus, it's very lightweight, which is perfect for marathon gaming sessions.

Greatness awaits

PlayStation 5

$499 at Amazon $499 at Best Buy $499 at GameStop

Next-gen is finally here

You can try to buy a PS5 right now, but stock has been fluctuating a lot. It makes sense, since this is poised to be Sony's most powerful console with a super fast SSD, 3.5GHz CPU, and 10.28 TFLOP GPU. Its revitalized home screen also lets you get news and even avoid spoilers if you want.

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Learn how to change or reset your PS5 password to keep you info safe

Security is vital for anything connected to the internet, and with Sony's new gaming console being internet-enabled, it's essential to know how to change or reset your password on the PS5. There are multiple security levels on the PS5, including two-factor authentication, but keeping your password up to date is the first step. Let's dig into the process to get your password changed or reset on the PS5.

How to change your password on PS5

If you know your existing password and just need to change it, here are the steps to do just that.

With your PS5 powered on and hooked up to your TV, using the DualSense controller head to the upper right corner and select settings.
Next, highlight Users and Accounts and choose that option.
On the next screen, you will go down the list and select Login Settings.
Now, this is where you click on Password to get the chance to update the password.
To set a new password, you'll need to enter your existing password first.
Once you enter your existing password and a new one, select Confirm to lock it in.

Setting up a strong password is vital to keeping your online information safe. This rings as true for your PS5 as it does for your computer or phone, so make sure that the password you pick is a good one.

How to reset your password on PS5

The steps to reset a forgotten password on your PS5 is similar to the process above, with just a couple of slight differences after the first two steps. Let's get into it what comes next.

Just as the steps in the section above, you want to select Settings in the upper right corner.
Choose Users and Accounts from the list on this screen.
Highlight and select Sign-In
From the Sign-In screen, you will need to press the triangle button on your controller.
In the next screen, you will choose Next to begin the reset process.

From this point, you'll want to be on the lookout for an email that will contain a secure link. This message will be sent to the email address registered to your PS5. Once you have received the email, you will just need to follow the direction included to finish resetting your password.

In our time reviewing the PS5, we found lots of reasons to be excited. From the games that are available now to the ones on the way, this next-gen gaming console has tons to offer.

Our top equipment picks

Lock it up

PS5

$499 at Amazon $499 at Best Buy $499 at Walmart

So the fun is safe

The PS5 has some crazy good graphic capabilities, and with the games we have today, it's only scratching the surface of what's possible. Keep your console secure, so you can enjoy all that the PS5 has to offer today and tomorrow.

PlayStation 5

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How to set up a party on PS5

When you're playing something with your friends, be it a co-op game or competitive multiplayer, you often don't want to bother with game chat and want to stay separated, talking only to your friends. Hopping into a party, or Voice Chat, with another player isn't totally straightforward on PS5. Fortunately, it's a simple enough process to repeat once you've gone through it once. Here's how to set up a party on PS5.

Products used in this guide

Grab a headset: Razer Kraken X ($50 at Amazon)
Stay charged: PS5 DualSense controller ($70 at Amazon)

How to set up a party on PS5

Parties on PS5 are referred to as Voice Chats, which are included in a general Party.

Press the PlayStation button on your DualSense controller.
Scroll to Game Base.
Hover over a friend's name and press Square to create a Chat.
Alternatively, press Options, then select Game Base, then press Triangle to create a Party.
Either way, you'll need to Confirm you want to create a Party.
If you want to do more than message each other, create a Voice Chat.

Once the other player (or players) accept, you're free to start talking. You can share screens with each other or just continue to hang out.

PS5 party Joining someone's voice chat

Meanwhile, if you're the one being invited to a party on PS5, the steps will change slightly and it'll look a bit different.

Once your friend has invited you, select Join on the Card.
From here, you can view your Party.
You can also join Voice Chat.
1. Whenever you're ready to leave Voice Chat, select the door icon.

When you're talking online with friends, you'll want to make sure you have one of the best PS5 headsets around. The PS5 is currently in several countries such as the U.S. but supplies are extremely limited and preorders are still rolling out. In the meantime, you can check out the Razer Kraken X, which is a solid, affordable third-party alternative.

Stay in touch

Razer Kraken X

$50 at Amazon

Simple and easy

You'll need a good headset to go with your PS5 and the Kraken X is one of the best. Just plug it into the 3.5mm headset jack and you're all set to experience 3D Game Audio. It also has a great microphone so you'll come through clear when talking to friends.

Powered up

DualSense controller

$70 at Amazon

Keep a spare around

With a spare DualSense charged up, you don't have to worry about your battery running out in the middle of a game and being unable to keep playing or talking in a party with your friends.

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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Here are some of the best Black Friday deals on Keurig coffee makers

For some, a piping cup of coffee is the very first thing you reach for in the morning, craving it before you've even stepped out of bed. Keurig single-cup coffee makers have become popular for their ease of use and convenience, and there's no better time to buy one then on Black Friday. But the Black Friday sales have already begun, which means you can already find some pretty sweet deals on coffeemakers, including Keurig models.

Whether you're single or live with a partner or roommate, there's a Keurig coffee maker that will fit the bill. And some Keurig models can even do more, like make cappuccinos and froth milk. If you're worried about the environment, by the way, you can opt for K-cups that are fully recyclable, or still use regular coffee grounds in a Keurig machine via a reusable K-cup pod.

We scoured through major online retailer websites, like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, to bring you some of the best Keurig Black Friday deals you can get right now or bookmark to buy later. But keep in mind they won't last forever, so, just like a good cup of coffee, get them while they're hot!

Black Friday Keurig Deals

Keurig K-Café Special Edition Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker with Milk Frother| $30 off

Save $30 of this tricked out Keurig machine that doesn't just serve up single cups of coffee using K-cup pods. It can also make hot or iced cappuccinos and lattes. The 60-ounce reservoir can pour java in 6, 8, 10, or 12-ounce cup sizes. It's the perfect upgrade for an existing Keurig machine owner.

$190 at Best Buy

Keurig K-Select Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker | $30 off

Get a piping hot 12-ounce cup of coffee in under a minute, controlling the strength and volume with this convenient machine that's perfect for a dual-adult household. Get up to five cups at a time in the 52-ounce easy-refill removable reservoir. At $30 off, it's a deal worth grabbing.

$100 at Best Buy

Keurig K-Classic K50 Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker | $40 off

Add a pop of color to the kitchen with this model, which is on sale only in the patriot blue finish for $40 off the regular price. The 48-ounce reservoir holds enough for multiple cups of coffee before it needs to be refilled. Control the strength of the cup by filling a 6, 8, or 10-ounce mug.

$80 at Best Buy

Keurig K-Slim Single Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker | $40 off

Ideal for busy professionals, this machine can accommodate travel mugs up to 7 inches tall so you can fill up and hit the road. At $40 off for the version in basic black, you'll get a three-cup capacity, 46-ounce reservoir, and the option to fill an 8-ounce mug for your weekend cup or a full 12 ounces when you're heading out the door.

$70 at Amazon

Keurig K-Elite Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker | $70 off

This versatile machine can do more than just brew coffee: it has an iced setting for pouring hot coffee over ice, along with a hot water on-demand button for instant soup or oatmeal. With a large 75-ounce reservoir, five cup sizes, and a strong brew option for those mornings when you really need a pick me up, it's worth every penny at a regular price, and certainly at this generous discount. Grab it in brushed silver at this heavily discounted price.

$100 at Best Buy

Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker | $30 off

It's the coffee maker every student in a dorm or small apartment dweller should have. It sits at a mere 5 inches wide, so it can fit in the smallest of kitchens and tightest of spaces. It holds enough water for a single cup of coffee to get you going in the morning and is travel mug-friendly so you can fill your mug before heading out. The $40 discount applies to four color options: black, dusty rose, oasis, and studio gray.

$50 at Amazon

Keurig K-Duo Single Serve K-Cup Pod and 12-Cup Carafe Drip Coffee Brewer | $40 off

Get the best of both worlds with this dual machine that shares a 60-ounce water reservoir between the single-cup coffee maker and a 12-cup carafe drop brewer for coffee grounds. Choose whether you want coffee from a K-cup pod or want to brew a full pot for guests. You can even program the machine to brew coffee in the carafe up to 24 hours in advance. At this price, it's a steal, especially given that you effectively get two machines in one.

$130 at Amazon

Keurig K-Duo Plus Single Serve & Carafe | $46 off

Enjoy coffee from K-cup pods or coffee grounds using the 12-cup carafe, with an automatic function that will pause the coffee maker mid-brew for 20 seconds to give you time to pour a few cups. The 60-ounce reservoir can be placed to the left, right, or behind the machine to optimize space. Get it while the 20% discount still applies.

$184 at Target

Keurig K1500 Bundle | $83 off

A perfect option for the office, this bundle includes the K1500 machine that has a large 96-ounce reservoir and can brew in four cup sizes, along with eight boxes of 24 K-Cup pods in a variety of flavors, for a total of 192 cups of coffee. Flavors range from French vanilla to standard breakfast blend or decaf, along with options beyond coffee, like hot cocoa and green tea. It's enough coffee to last for a while before you'll need re-stocking.

$217 at Walmart

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