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Best Gaming Controllers For PC, Console, & Mobile

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May 15, 2023

Best Gaming Controllers For PC, Console, & Mobile

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Even if you play games on PC, sometimes you just want to use gaming controllers instead of the trusty old keyboard and mouse combo, as they can provide the best experience. Sure, it might depend on the type of game you’re playing, or the game specifically.

But, chances are many players out there will have at least one game on PC that is simply better suited for gaming controllers. And if you’re playing on console, well then that’s almost always your best option. For mobile, it’s either a controller or touch controls. We’ve put together this list of some of the best gaming controllers out there. So you can do less digging and get to playing your favorite games. With that new controller no less.

There are a lot of options out there for this type of peripheral. So by narrowing things down to what we think are the best gaming controllers, it should save you some time.

Best Gaming Controllers

Below you’ll find a summary of all the controllers on this list. Along with the cost of each one and links that take you to the retailer.

Sony PS5 DualSense

PS5 5

Sony really knocked it out of the park with the DualSense controller. You’ll naturally get most of the benefits when using this with the PS5 itself. But it is also compatible with PC and mobile. So you can use it there too.

At the moment, there aren’t really any official third-party DualSense options like there are with the DualShock 4 for the PS4. So for PS5 purposes, this is really your only controller if you want the DualSense features.

As a controller for PC and mobile, it just feels great in the hands. And should have longer battery life than that of the DualShock 4. Even if only by a little bit. For use with PS5, it has the adaptive triggers, and the improved haptics. You just can’t beat it.

Sony DualSense Controller

Xbox Series X|S Wireless

Cost: From $54
Where To Buy: Amazon

The new wireless controller for Xbox from Microsoft is essentially the same controller as before. But with a few minor upgrades. First, it feels lighter than the older ones. But it also comes with textured surfaces on the backs of the controller grips. So it should help prevent slipping from sweaty hands.

It also now has a share button for easy screenshot captures. It’s compatible with Windows 10 PCs, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and mobile devices. And it comes in tons of colors. So you can more or less personalize it.

Xbox Wireless Controller

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

Cost: $249.99
Where To Buy: Razer

Razer’s new Wolverine V2 Pro is the ultimate controller from Razer for your PS5. It features the mecha-tactile action buttons, programmable buttons on the back and top, and HyperTriggers for that fast, mouse click feel when pulling triggers in games. Which are perfect for titles like Modern Warfare II.

There’s also an 8-way microswitch d-pad and removable thumbstick caps. And of course, it has Chroma lighting that you can control using the Chroma mobile app. This is designed for PS5 but it can also be used with PS4 and PC, as well as with mobile devices.

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

Xbox Elite Series 2

One of the big boys of the controller world is the Elite Series 2. Which gives you, the player, nearly full customization of the controller. Right down to the height of the thumbsticks and the weight of the controller itself. You can also swap the thumbsticks out, adjust trigger height, and it comes with textured grips for less slippage, as well as paddle buttons on the back for extra controls in your favorite high-stakes games.

There’s a lot of features on this one. So it’s naturally a little more expensive. But most people that have used it will tell you it’s worth it for the advantage you’ll have in games.

Xbox Elite Series 2

Xbox Adaptive Controller

If you can’t comfortably use a traditional gamepad, then look to Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller to help you continue to play the games you love. The coolest thing about this controller is that it allows you to configure your game controls in a way that might work better for you layout-wise.

Basically you can use this controller to set something up that works for you. As it takes every single input and deconstructs them and gives them their own port on the back. So you can plug things and get a setup that’s more accessible.

Xbox Adaptive Controller

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro V3

Cost: $129.75
Where To Buy: Amazon

This is another tournament-grade competitive controller that comes with a lot of extras. It comes from Nacon, who specializes in making these kinds of controllers that are focused on Esports. In fact we reviewed Nacon’s RIG Compact Pro for Xbox and PC, which we found to be a great option.

With the Revolution Unlimited Pro V3, you get extra buttons on both controller grips, as well as customizable thumbsticks, wireless and wired connection options, and more. The D-Pad can even be used as a 4-way or 8-way D-Pad depending on what you like.

Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro V3

Razer Kishi V2

Cost: $97.48
Where To Buy: Razer

The Razer Kishi V2 improves on everything that was great about the original controller. Though it does have to give some things up. For starters, the Kishi V2 now has a more rigid and sturdy bridge that your phone sits against. But this means that Razer had to give up the collapsible design of the original Kishi.

Still, the Kishi V2 gains much more than it loses. It now has an open design where parts of the controller that touch your phone are flat instead of enclosed. Which means it can be used with phones that have an off-center USB-C port, like the ROG Phone 6 Pro.

The Kishi V2 also now adds micro switches for some of the buttons which gives them more of a clicky tactile feel. And it offers two new programmable macro buttons which the original Kishi didn’t have. All around this a refined design of one of the best mobile controllers to ever hit the market.

Razer Kishi

HexGaming Rival

Cost: $179.99
Where To Buy: Amazon

When it comes to custom controller for the PS5, there are not that many options out there. But out of the ones that are, the HexGaming Rival is one worth checking out. It has a range of customizations you can make that will personalize the controller to your liking.

This includes mappable paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and my favorite part, the option for FastShot digital buttons on the L1/R1 and L2/R2 triggers. With these in place, the trigger press on the controller will feel more like a mouse click thanks to there being less travel time. Which is ideal for first-person and third-person shooters.

This option isn’t ideal for those that want the full press with the triggers. Especially if you want the adaptive trigger features that the DualSense was designed with. The HexGaming Rival is also quite spendy. That being said, we’ve used it in games like Call Of Duty: Vanguard, Battlefield 2042, and Outriders and have loved it. So if you’re ok with the price, there’s lots of customization to be done here. From functional adjustments to a personalized design. Making this one of the best game controllers.

Hex Gaming Rival

SCUF Instinct Pro

Continuing with SCUF, if you also play on PC and Xbox, then you probably want to at least consider the Instinct Pro. It offers a lot of what you’ll get from other SCUF controllers, but with quite a few improvements. For example, it can store up to three different profiles on the onboard memory for a customized control setup for different games. And you can swap between them on the fly with a button right on the front.

It also has the customizable, adjustable triggers, back paddle buttons, a wide array of customization options for the design, wireless and wired connectivity options, plus instant triggers. The instant triggers are a real game changer as they can go from feeling like a regular trigger press to the quick and precise click of a mouse.

There’s also a high-performance grip on the back. SCUF isn’t playing around when it comes to its controllers. And you shouldn’t be either. Unless it’s when you’re actually playing games.

SCUF Instinct Pro

SCUF Reflex

The SCUF Reflex is SCUF’s version of a customized DualSense controller. Like the HexGaming Rival, and like SCUF’s Instinct Pro for the Xbox and Windows, the SCUF Reflex has multiple paddle buttons on the back. The advantage you get with the Reflex over something like the Rival from HexGaming, is that the paddle buttons can be removed. So you can have them there when you want them. Or take them off when you don’t.

The Reflex also comes in three models. The Reflex, Reflex Pro, and Reflex FPS. The Reflex and Reflex Pro are mostly the same. They have the removable and mappable paddles, the adaptive triggers are still intact as is the advanced haptics. The difference is that the Pro model comes with the high performance grip.

The Reflex FPS on the other hand comes with SCUF’s famous instant triggers. The downside there is that they replace the adaptive triggers. So you don’t get that feature or the haptics as those have been completely removed as well.

While these are also fairly expensive controllers, they really do wonders for your gaming if you like having a more customized set of controls. The only issue right now is that they’re kind of hard to get as SCUF has to replenish stock.

This is definitely one of the best gaming controllers out there. If you can get a hold of one.

SCUF Reflex

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This TV costs nothing if you’re ok with ads and data sharing

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andreasc

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May 15, 2023

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This TV costs nothing if you’re ok with ads and data sharing

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There’s a new kind of TV in town and it’s called the Telly, and it’s made by a company of the same name. Helmed by the co-creator of Pluto TV Ilya Pozin. It comes with a number of features you’d find on other smart TVs from bigger brands like Samsung, LG, and others. But it differentiates itself in one major way.

It doesn’t cost you one single cent. The Telly, is completely free. At least from a monetary cost standpoint. See instead of paying for the TV with money, you watch ads and agree to share data on the stuff you watch. In turn, this is essentially paying for the TV.

The concept of things being free at the cost of ads is nothing new of course. You see it every day in everything from your email to the streaming services you may watch. But this is pretty uncharted territory for actual hardware. The TV is comprised of two displays. The main panel which Pozin calls the ‘Theater Display,’ and a smaller ‘Smart Display’ that sits below the main panel. A soundbar connects the two.

The Telly TV constantly shows ads on the smaller smart display

If you’re worried about the ads interrupting your viewing experience, it seems like you don’t need to be. According to The Verge, the smart display below the main panel is where ads play.

They are up constantly though. The TV also comes with an embedded camera and microphone that can gather data on the video and audio from stuff you watch. Which then presumably plays a role in serving up the ads that pop up on the smaller display. The camera does have a privacy shutter which is enabled by default, but the TV will no doubt pose a privacy concern for some regardless.

The camera can also serve up motion-tracking fitness programs or be used with onboard games. Weirdly enough, the TV does not work with streaming services like Netflix. It does however come with an Android TV dongle you can plug in and access those services from.

If you’re interested in a Telly TV, you can sign up to reserve one of the 500,000 units that are launching within the next few months. Worth noting though, is that if you choose to opt out of the ads and data collection, you have two following options. Send the TV back, or Telly will just end up charging you $500 for the TV.

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Google Drive will soon get its own Spam folder just like Gmail

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May 15, 2023

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Google Drive will soon get its own Spam folder just like Gmail

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In an effort to enhance user experience and fortify its security measures, Google announced a new update to Google Drive that those that have been plagued by spam will surely appreciate. This update will introduce a new spam folder within Google Drive, which will work similarly to what we have now with Gmail.

Unfortunately, spam and malicious attempts are becoming more common in today’s digital world. In fact, according to Google, it is constantly blocking spam from our email inboxes at a rate of 15 billion unwanted messages daily. Thankfully, these same protections are now being expanded to Google Drive, which has been one of the latest targets spammers and scammers alike have gravitated towards.

To separate legit Google Drive files from potential spam, Google will be adding a new view or folder within the application that will let you sort through and classify them as needed. In the event that an uninvited file finds its way into your spam folder, you’ll be automatically unsubscribed from it, effectively halting any subsequent notifications, such as comments, shares, or mobile push alerts. Once you’ve opted out, the file will be inaccessible from any location in Drive except for the new spam folder, which will live in the left sidebar.

Just like Gmail’s spam folder, Google Drive will automatically scan and reroute files that are highly likely to be unwanted to the spam folder. However, users remain under control and can always manually move files back and forth between their My Drive and Spam folder. Once a file has been sitting in your spam folder for more than 30 days, it will be automatically deleted from your Drive.

This update to Google Drive will be available to all Google google accounts, including personal ones, starting on May 24th, 2023. The new Spam folder will be visible on Android, iOS, Drive for Desktop, and the Drive homepage on the web. Note though, that it will undergo an extended two-week rollout starting on the launch date.

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Pixel 7a gives you more control over vibrations

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May 15, 2023

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Pixel 7a gives you more control over vibrations

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Google‘s latest Pixel smartphone brings a handy new vibration feature. The “Adaptive alert vibration” feature on the Pixel 7a lessens the impact of haptic vibrations in certain scenarios. This feature isn’t available on other Pixel devices, at least not just yet.

The “Vibration and haptics” settings menu in the Pixel 7a (Settings > Sound & Vibration) contains a new option called “Adaptive alert vibration”. The toggle is disabled by default but you can enable it straightaway.

When enabled, this feature “reduces vibration strength while your phone is still and the screen is facing up,” Google explains. Kyle Bradshaw of 9to5Google found that turning on the setting makes haptic vibrations for incoming notifications “very faint,” but “distinctly there”. There’s no manual control over the vibration strength, though.

Pixel 7a lets you reduce the strength of vibrations

This feature was first spotted in December last year. Mishaal Rahman found that a Pixel 6a running Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2 has the new vibration setting. However, an official support document on Google’s website only mentions availability on the Pixel 7a.

This suggests the feature will be limited to the “a” series mid-range Pixel devices. As Rahman pointed out, these models have “worse vibration motors” than flagship Pixels. When kept on a hard surface with the screen facing upwards, these phones often produce pretty unpleasant haptics.

Google could now be compensating for that hardware limitation with a software feature to give users a better haptic experience. And if that’s indeed the case, adaptive alert vibration may not reach flagship Pixels models such as the Pixel 7 Pro. It would be nice to have options, though.

So, we hope the company would consider this feature for other devices as well. Those who prefer fainter vibrations would find it pretty useful. Others can keep things unchanged. We will let you know if adaptive alert vibration rolls out to other Pixel devices.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to buy the Pixel 7a, you might want to check out our review of the phone. It is arguably the best Android phone you can get under $500 today ($549 for the mmWave 5G model).

The device ships with a flagship-grade processor, high-end cameras, Google’s Titan M2 security chip, a 6.1-inch OLED display, an IP67 rating, an under-display fingerprint scanner, long-term Android updates, and many more premium specs. With an eligible trade-in, you may even pick it up for free. Stay tuned for all the latest information about the Pixel 7a.

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The EU doesn’t mind Microsoft buying Activision-Blizzard

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andreasc

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May 15, 2023

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The EU doesn’t mind Microsoft buying Activision-Blizzard

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As expected, the drama behind Microsoft acquiring Activision-Blizzard is still ongoing more than a year after we first got the news. A deal this big needs to be approved by several large governmental bodies, and Microsoft is still locked in the battle with them. However, the deal did strike a victory, as the EU has approved Microsoft taking over Activision-Blizzard, according to BBC.

In case you didn’t know, in February of last year, Microsoft moved to acquire Activision-Blizzard, one of the largest companies in the gaming market. This deal weighs in at a whopping $68.7 billion, and it would be the largest acquisition in video game history.

Activision-Blizzard owns franchises such as Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, World of Warcraft, and several other video game sensations. That’s not to speak of the plethora of smaller video game franchises under the company’s belt. Activision-Blizzard will give Microsoft reigns over a fairly large chunk of the video game market.

As you can tell, organizations wanting a competition-rich video game industry do not like this idea. So Microsoft has been battling this ever since.

The EU has approved Microsoft taking over Activision-Blizzard

While many people do not want the deal to go through, it appears that the EU does. The European Commission (EC), under the EU, notes that Microsoft did address the concerns that people have. The issue is that people don’t like so much power in the video game industry being under one company. Their fear is that Microsoft will make these large video game franchises exclusive to Xbox consoles.

Microsoft promises to offer 10 years of free licensing deals, which means that other consoles and cloud streaming services will have access to the Activision-Blizzard games during that time.

This means that Microsoft will not keep the Activision-Blizzard titles away from Sony console users, Nintendo console users, or people who use other cloud gaming services. From a competition standpoint, this means that, ostensibly, nothing will really change in the video gaming market.

We will have to see how Microsoft’s leadership will influence the games that come out in the future. In any case, the tech giant can mark this as one victory for its case

However, there is still opposition

Microsoft did win the EU’s approval, but that’s not the only opponent in the ring. The US FTC is still battling Microsoft on this deal as is the UK. Recently, the UK rejected the proposal with a shocking veto.

Also, the FTC has been trying to sue Microsoft in order to stop the deal. That case is ongoing, and we may not get a verdict for a while. This means that this case could spill into 2024. So, you shouldn’t expect any major changes to happen this year or even next year.

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Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options

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May 15, 2023

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Android tablets to get a split keyboard with two different Gboard options

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The Gboard app from Google is currently rolling out an update in beta that includes a split keyboard layout specifically designed for Android tablets. In June 2022, a split keyboard was introduced for foldable devices, enabling users to type with greater ease on expansive displays.

The split keyboard functionality aims to enhance the convenience and ergonomics of typing on tablets. The ergonomics of operating larger tablets with a single hand while simultaneously typing on the screen can pose a challenge for users. Gboard’s “split keyboard” splits the keyboard into two halves, enabling users to type with ease using their thumbs, even while holding the tablet with both hands.

However, with Gboard’s implementation of the feature, you get two layout options: One where the keyboard allows for the exact same amount of keys on either side, resulting in repeated keys on both sides, or one where it is split at the cutoff without any repeated keys. This behavior can be controlled from Gboard’s settings by navigating to Preferences > Layout and toggling the “Split layout to include duplicated keys” option, as reported by 9to5Google.

Gboard’s standard split layout with no duplicated keys

Gboard’s split layout with duplicated keys

Gboard’s duplicated keys split layout toggle in settings (Screenshots from 9to5Google)

Although split keyboards have been available for some time, Gboard’s version is anticipated to provide a smoother and more intuitive user experience, particularly for those using Android tablets. This new layout is already available for some Galaxy Tab S8 users that are running the latest version of the Gboard beta app (version 12.9.21).

Of course, we can thank the upcoming launch of the Pixel Tablet for this update, as I’m sure Google will be doing everything in its power to improve the Android tablet experience and thus incentivize sales. The last time Google took a chance at creating and marketing its own tablet was back in 2018 with the Pixel Slate that ran on ChromeOS. This gamble didn’t quite work out for the company though, resulting in Google temporarily bowing out of the tablet space.

Thankfully, Google has revisited this decision and has put all of its efforts into Android tablets instead. Although the Pixel Tablet is not out yet, so far the UI choices made — including the split keyboard — make a lot of sense and is one that can be seen across all of Google’s growing ecosystem of devices.

Banner image source – Google

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Pixel phones will have a new ringtone for those who like jazz

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andreasc

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May 15, 2023

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Pixel phones will have a new ringtone for those who like jazz

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Your phone’s ringtone can be a great way to express who you are and what you like. Well, if you’re a Pixel owner who likes jazz, then Google has something down the line that you might really enjoy. According to 9To5Google, Google will launch a new ringtone called Kenny Gingtone that’s inspired by the great Kenny G.

This ringtone is launching with the Pixel 7a. This is Google’s latest premium mid-range phone, and it’s a very capable device. You can read our full review of the Pixel 7a here. If you’re looking to buy it, you can pre-order the phone right here.

Google to launch the new Kenny Gingtone ringtone for Pixel owners

This ringtone is launching along with the Pixel 7a, but it will not be exclusive to this handset. It will be exclusive to Pixel devices, however, so those outside of the Pixel ecosystem are out of luck.

As stated, this ringtone is inspired by Kenny G. So, it’s a smooth and rather seductive soprano saxophone playing a short and sweet little melody. It’s not as robust as the entire suite of ringtones that were unveiled with the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. That was an entire set of ringtones called the Natural Elements. The Pixel 7a, while it is a pretty big launch for the Pixel lineup, it’s not quite as significant as the main line Pixel phones.

However, this is still a nice thing to have. The ringtone is not out just yet, but it will be launching sometime in the near future. If you want to look for it, go to your ringtones, and click on the Pixel Sounds folder. When you do, Kenny Gingtone will be the third one down.

If you’re curious about other exciting Pixel devices coming out, then you should check out our coverage of the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. These devices were introduced at Google I/O, and they only boost the growing Pixel ecosystem.

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iPhone 15 may be hit with production issues due to a new camera

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andreasc

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May 15, 2023

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iPhone 15 may be hit with production issues due to a new camera

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The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are said to get a new main camera sensor, and because of that, Apple may be struck with production issues. What exactly is going on here? Well, let’s start from the top.

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may be struck with production issue because of the main camrea sensor

The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are said to include the same main camera as the iPhone 14 Pro series. In other words, a 48-megapixel unit will be included on the back. However, a well-known analyst, Jeff Pu, says that Apple may face production issues because of this.

In his May newsletter, the analyst said that Apple may have a problem getting timely deliveries of the stacked CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) for the 48-megapixel cameras. He said that he will “continue to monitor the risks of production schedule”.

The analyst did add that he doesn’t expect Apple to postpone the launch because of this, however. He still expects all iPhone 15 models to arrive in September, which includes both ‘Pro’ and non-Pro models.

All iPhone 15 devices will include a Dynamic Island cutout on the front, and all of them will feature a Type-C USB port at the bottom. These will be the first iPhone models to feature such a port. Apple is retiring the Lightning port, mainly due to the EU pressure to do so.

The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be made out of titanium

The iPhone 15 Pro models are said to include a Titanium body, and more powerful cameras, of course. They will also come with a more powerful SoC, the 3nm Apple A17 Bionic SoC is expected. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will utilize the 4nm Apple A16 Bionic SoC.

Jeff Pu also added that the non-Pro iPhone 15 devices will arrive in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro handsets will also have a 1TB option, on top of the aforementioned ones.

Do note that the iPhone 15 Pro models won’t include solid-state buttons after all, it seems. Apple decided to postpone that change until next year. The iPhone 16 Pro series will seemingly include such buttons.

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Gboard is finally getting split keyboard on Android tablets

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May 15, 2023

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Gboard is finally getting split keyboard on Android tablets

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Google has finally started pushing out the split keyboard option for Android tablets, to its Gboard app, of course. This change comes almost a year after the feature first started rolling out to foldables.

The split keyboard feature for Android tablets is finally a part of Gboard

Do note that the feature is not yet available in the stable version of Gboard, though. Folks over at 9to5Google spotted the change in the beta version of the app. To be more accurate, in Gboard v12.9.21, while they were using it on the Galaxy Tab S8.

By default, when the keyboard is split, you’ll get an equal number of keys on the left and right side. The ‘Split layout to include duplicated keys’ setting is turned on by default. You can control it via Settings -> Preferences -> Layout, within the Gboard app.

This option, when enabled, does the following: “When the keyboard is set to split layout, some keys will be duplicated on both sides”, which is the best setting for most people, which is why it’s turned on by default.

You can easily switch between ‘Standard’ and ‘Split keyboard’ modes

You can switch between the ‘Standard’ and ‘Split keyboard’ options from the toolbar tile. Well, presuming that this feature is available to you, you’ll need a specific version of the beta app, as already mentioned.

This change was expected, as Google announced its tablet during Google I/O quite recently. Chances are that this feature will roll out to the stable channel by the time the Pixel Tablet goes on sale next month.

Now, some of you may recall that Google also rolled out a redesigned toolbar to Gboard beta recently. The change is not yet available in the stable version of the app either. It may arrive alongside the split keyboard feature for tablets, we’ll see.

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Roku launches new home monitoring system with TV integration

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May 15, 2023

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Roku launches new home monitoring system with TV integration

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Roku has expanded its smart home hardware ecosystem with the launch of a new home monitoring system. It includes two entry sensors, a motion sensor, a wire-free keypad, and a central hub with a built-in siren. The company has also debuted a smart light strip and a solar panel, its first such product.

Roku’s new home monitoring system includes five devices

The Roku Home Monitoring System SE is an expandable setup that offers the flexibility of self-monitoring and professional monitoring. Priced at $99.99, you can install this system and use the Roku Smart Home app to monitor everything without additional cost. The two entry sensors can detect movements in and out through entry points such as the door and windows and notify you about it. You will also receive notifications when a door or window is opened, closed, or left open.

The motion sensor, meanwhile, offers motion detection up to 25 feet with a 120-degree range. It can be configured to automatically turn on lights when unusual motion is detected. If you have pets in the home, you can set the sensor to avoid sending notifications for pet movements. The central siren will go off if the system detects any unusual activity. You can use the wire-free keypad to control the siren. The keypad lets you manually sound the siren and control various system modes. You can also control the system through the app.

Roku has also promised integration with the Roku player or Roku TV. So you can now get alerts on your compatible TV as well. If you’ve set an alarm, your TV will also display the countdown. As said earlier, the Roku Home Monitoring System SE can be self-monitored using the Roku Smart Home app. But you can sign up for 24/7 professional monitoring through Noonlight. It costs $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year. If you sign up for the annual plan, Roku is offering a 50 percent discount for the first year. So you’ll get a year of a professionally monitored home security system for $150.

If you want to expand this system, Roku separately sells a pack of three entry sensors for $34.99. Likewise, you can add a motion sensor for $14.99, while the Roku Keypad costs $24.99. Unfortunately, despite Roku co-developing its smart home products in partnership with Wyze, the latter’s products don’t work with the former’s. Wyze’s Home Monitoring kit currently costs the same as the Roku Home Monitoring System SE and comes with three months of free professional monitoring. You don’t get TV integration, though.

Roku has a new solar panel and smart light strip as well

Debuting alongside the new home monitoring system is Roku’s first-ever solar panel and a smart light strip. The former is a $24.99 panel that will give virtually never-ending battery life to the Roku Outdoor Camera SE. It comes with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and features a 360-degree swivel mount. Roku says it needs just a few hours of sunlight every day to keep the camera powered on forever. The light strip, meanwhile, comes in two lengths and can display 16 different colors. The 16.4 feet strip costs $34.99, while the 32.8 feet strip will cost you $49.99.

Speaking of the camera, the Roku Cameras app for your Roku player or Roku TV now offers recorded events along with live views from your connected cameras. You need a Roku Smart Home Subscription for recorded events, though. It costs $3.99 a month per camera or $9.99 for multiple cameras. Wyze’s system doesn’t offer recorded events but livestreams are available on Google Chromecast TVs and Amazon Fire TVs. Roku devices are somehow not compatible with this feature as well. So much for co-developed products.

Meanwhile, Roku is giving the Roku remote and Smart Home app more power. You can now control Roku lights and smart plugs using voice commands through the remote or the app. This includes turning the lights on/off, changing their brightness, colors, and more. You can also use the Roku Voice-powered remote or the app to show live camera feeds on your supported TV. All of these new features will be available within the next few weeks. The Roku Home Monitoring System SE and the light strip are now available through Walmart and Roku’s online store. The solar panel will arrive next month.

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