Top 10 best Android tablets

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Top 10 best Android tablets
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With the advent of the phablet, it can be easy to ignore our good friend the tablet. These large slates have fallen from the public eye in recent years as smartphones grew in size and power. Regardless, anyone can use a good tablet.

The thing is that finding the perfect tablet for you can be a hassle, as there’s a lot out there to choose from. What size should you get? Which version of Android is best for you? What kind of power do you need? Here is a list of the best Android tablets that you can get to hopefully help you answer these questions.

Top 10 Best Android Tablets Summary

Before we dig into the list, here’s a quick summary of the featured tablets. It will show you the price and where you can buy them from. If you just want a quick glance at what’s coming up, then you can view the table below. If you want a more in-depth look, then feel free to read the contents below the table.

ProductCostWhere to buy
OnePlus Pad$479OnePlus
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus$209Lenovo
Lenovo Tab P12 Pro$669Amazon
Lenovo Yoga Tab 13$499eBay
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 FE$529Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8$699.99Amazon
TCL Tab 10S$199.99TCL
Amazon Fire Tablet 10 2022$149.99Amazon
Amazon Fire Tablet 8 2022$99Amazon
Redmi Pad$239Amazon

OnePlus Pad

OnePlus Pad 3

This is the first tablet made by OnePlus, but it doesn’t seem like it. The company did an amazing job with this tablet in several respects. It uses the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC. This is the most powerful processor from the company today.

If you’re into watching media with your tablet, then the OnePlus Pad is perfect for you, as it has a gorgeous display that runs at 144Hz and gets plenty bright. It’s perfect for reading documents, and it makes good-looking games look amazing. It’s a great tablet, and you get a lot for the price.

OnePlus Pad

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus

Lenovo Tab 10M Plus 9

  • Price: From $389
  • Where to buy: Lenovo

Lenovo has a wide selection of tablets to choose from, and this is one of the more affordable ones. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is a great tablet if you’re looking for one that will handle the basics. It’s a mid-range tablet, but it’s far from incapable. The performance is solid, and it’s powerful enough to handle most games on the market. It ran Genshin Impact on low settings.

The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus has a set of respectable speakers that will give you a powerful sound. They’re accompanied by a nice display that’s nothing to sneeze at. This tablet is great for media-watching, casual gaming, reading, and other basics.

Lenovo Tab M10 Plus

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

  • Price: From $669
  • Where to buy: Amazon

The Lenovo Tab P12 Pro is a tablet that’s meant for power users. Starting off with the display, this tablet comes with a large 12.6-inch OLED display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution. It caps out at 120Hz and 600nits of brightness. You can bet that you’ll have an amazing viewing experience if you’re looking to watch content.

If you’re looking to get work done, you’re also covered in that department. This tablet uses the powerful Snapdragon 870 SoC. This is a flagship-grade processor that’s backed up by an impressive 6GB/8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of storage. If you need more storage, you can use a micro SD card to expand it.

In terms of software, it comes with Android 11, but you’ll be able to upgrade to newer versions of the software. With Android 12L and 13, you’ll be able to use the new tablet optimizations introduced by Google in late 2021. This makes it an even better tablet for work.

Lenovo Tab P12 Pro

Lenovo Yoga Tab 13

Lenovo Yoga Tab 13

  • Price: $499
  • Where to buy: eBay

If you’re looking for a more unconventional tablet experience, then you can look at the Lenovo Yoga Tab 13. One thing that sets this tablet apart from others on the market is the included stand. The stand comes built-in, so you don’t need to shell out for additional accessories. This makes it ideal if you’re using it to watch content or game with a Bluetooth controller.

The Yoga Tab 13 has a large 13-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1350 x 2160. This is sharp enough to make the content look amazing. Along with the display, there’s a set of amazing speakers that only add to the experience.

In terms of performance, this tablet uses the powerful Snapdragon 870 SoC. It’s not the newest processor on the block, but it will still give you ample power to get serious work and play done. This is backed up by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 13

Galaxy Tab S7 FE

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE render 1

  • Price: From $529
  • Where to buy: Amazon

Those looking for a more affordable Galaxy Tab experience should look no further than the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. This tablet was released as a great alternative to the main Galaxy Tab S7 tablets. You can expect a similar experience to those tablets, as the software is kept up to date. This tablet launched with Android 11, and it will receive Android 13.

You get an amazing 12.6-inch display with a resolution of 1600 x 2560. That’s perfect for watching all sorts of content. It’s an IPS LCD display, so you won’t be getting the best contrast, but it’s still an upper-tier display.

As for power, this device uses the Snapdragon 778 (Snapdragon 750 5G for the 5G model), so you’ll get some decent performance. This is one of Qualcomm’s more powerful mid-range processors. This means that you should expect near-flagship-grade performance. This is backed up by 4GB/6GB/8GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB of storage.

Galaxy Tab S7 FE

Galaxy Tab S8

4 07 Galaxy Tab S8 PinkGold R30 HI Large

  • Price: From $699.99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

If you’re looking for a top-tier Galaxy Tab experience without breaking the bank, then you’ll want to consider getting the base Galaxy Tab S8. Though this is the bottom-tier Galaxy Tab S8, you still get the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Processor. This gives it flagship-level performance to get serious work done.

You’re looking at an amazing 11-inch display with Samsung’s superior LCD technology. It’s great for watching movies and other content. The size also makes it great for working on the go. It’s about the size of a small laptop, so you can place it in a small bag if you need to. The Galaxy Tab S8 comes with a set of four speakers that augment the media experience.

We also can’t forget about the S Pen stylus support. You can use this tablet for drawing and signing documents in case you need to.

Galaxy Tab S8

TCL Tab 10s

TCL TAB 10s image 1

  • Price: From $199.99
  • Where to buy: TCL

TCL has its collection of smartphones, but the company has its tablets as well. These are notable for their affordability and their nice displays, and the TCL Tab 10s is no different. This tablet has a nice 10.1-inch 1080P display that uses the company’s impressive NXTVISION technology. This upscales SDR content to HDR.

This is one of the more affordable tablets on this list, so it’s great if you’re not looking to pay a lot of money. The TCL Tab 10s is great if you’re looking for a great media-watching device. The display will give you great visuals, and the large size only makes it better.

TCL Tab 10s

Amazon Fire Tablet 10″

08 Amazon Fire HD 10 presser

  • Price: $149.99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

Amazon just revamped its Fire HD line of tablets in 2022. This brought some new hardware with updated software. These tablets aren’t meant to be powerful productivity or gaming devices. Rather, they’re more for accessing Amazon’s services. They’re perfect for watching videos on Amazon Prime Video, reading/listening to books, and streaming music.

The software is perfectly optimized to have quick access to Amazon’s services. You’re presented with an easy-to-navigate interface where you can easily see your library of saved content, your apps, and recommendations. It’s perfect if you’re into the Amazon ecosystem of services and you want a central hub for entertainment.

Amazon Fire Tablet 10-inch

Amazon Fire Tablet 8″

Fire HD 8 Denim Front and Back

  • Price: $99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

The Amazon Fire Tablet 8″ is a perfect device to get if you’re integrated into the Amazon ecosystem of services. The software is formatted to access video streaming, music streaming, E-books, and audiobooks. Also, you can’t forget about quick access to Amazon shopping and products.

The 8″ size makes it perfect for people who prioritize portability. It’s perfect to slip into a bag, and you can hold it for extended periods of time without your hand getting tired. If you want a light tablet experience, and you don’t need too many bells and whistles, then you’ll want to consider this device.

Amazon Fire Tablet 8-inch

Xiaomi Redmi Pad

Xiaomi redmi pad

This is a great tablet if you’re used to using Xiaomi’s unique software. The Redmi Pad is an affordable tablet that has a beautiful 10.61-inch display that can produce a billion colors. It has a 2000 x 1200 resolution, and it runs at a respectable 90Hz. So, if you’re looking for a great video-watching experience, then this is the tablet for you.

The Xiaomi Redmi Pad comes with 128GB of internal storage, so you’ll be able to download a bunch of large apps and a ton of files if you need. With the 6GB of RAM and the MediaTek Helio G99, you won’t get the best performance, but it will be good enough to cover the basics.

  • Price: $249.99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

Xiaomi Redmi Pad 


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This iPhone 16 Ultra concept has two displays, bronze accents

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This iPhone 16 Ultra concept has two displays, bronze accents
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A new iPhone 16 Ultra concept design has surfaced on YouTube with two displays, and more. This one comes from Technizo Concept, and the designer also refers to it as the iPhone 16 Pro Max Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Pro. We’ll stick with the ‘Ultra’ name, as it’s over the top, design-wise.

This iPhone 16 Ultra has two displays, actually

Do note that this is not a leak or anything of the sort. It’s just a third-party concept. Now, the overall shape of the device is in line with what Apple would usually do. This phone does have a small display on the back, though, which is something Apple won’t do, at least not in the near future.

That display sits right next to the triple camera system on the back. The device also has bronze accents around its cameras, while its buttons are also bronze-colored. The sides are flat, as they are on current-gen models.

The power/lock button sits on the right side, while the volume rocker buttons are on the left, and they’re separated. There is even your good old alert slider included on the left side. The real thing will likely include an ‘Action button’ instead of it, as is the iPhone 15 Pro series.

The ‘Dynamic Island’ sits on the front, while a Type-C USB is also included

Front the front, the device looks exactly as you’d expect. It has a Dynamic Island cutout up top, while its bezels are thin and uniform. The corners of the phone are rounded, and the same goes for the display corners.

There is a Type-C USB port at the bottom, and the designer envisioned a titanium frame for the device. He also mentions the Apple A18 Bionic chip in the description, and the same goes for the periscope camera on the back and iOS 18.

You can check out a full concept video below, it’s embedded. It has a duration of over 2 minutes, but the design part of the video actually ends around the 1:40 mark. The real iPhone 15 series is coming later this year, in September, while the iPhone 16 series is expected around the same time next year.


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a magical, must-play game for Android

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a magical, must-play game for Android
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The launch of Laya’s Horizon is finally here and the game is ready to delight anyone with a current Netflix subscription, as it’s the latest Netflix mobile game. From the makers of previous smash hit mobile titles like Alto’s Adventure and Alto’s Odyssey, developers ‘Snowman’ have spent the last five years pouring their very heart and soul into the making of this newly released mobile game. And it’s one you should definitely check out if you subscribe to Netflix.

For the last few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of testing out Laya’s Horizon in both pre-release and review builds prior to the game’s official launch on May 2. And to say Laya’s Horizon is anything other than a magical, surreal experience would be doing the game a disservice. This is something you will need to experience for yourself to get the full effect. Just know that you’re in for a good time.

Laya’s Horizon is a Netflix-exclusive launch title

Like quite a few other games this past year for Android and iOS, Laya’s Horizon is a game that’s exclusive to Netflix. When asked about why the studio went this way instead of premium or traditional free-to-play offerings, Snowman said this was simply the route that made the most sense. It allowed them to focus on developing just a really good quality mobile game. Without the worry of charging players for the game directly. Or sidelining and alienating parts of the player base with a game that was rife with ads.

No ads, no in-game purchases to get rid of them, and no in-game purchases for gear or upgrades. Just a fully-fledged mobile title that you have complete access to as part of the Netflix subscription. Where unlocks require player progression and time spent. And oh my, is that time spent going to be well worth it.

The gift of flight

So, what makes this game so special? It’s quite simple really. It gives you the gift of flight. You might think, “you can fly in tons of games, what makes Laya’s Horizon any different?” And that’s not an unfair question. But most games don’t allow you to fly the way Laya’s Horizon does.

If you’ve ever had the chance to try out games like No Man’s Sky in VR, where you’re jumping into hyperspace as you jet set around the galaxy in your ship’s cockpit, you know how surreal that is. Almost like you’re actually flying through space exploring the universe.

I won’t go so far as to say that Laya’s Horizon does that for you on such a grand scale. But it’s probably as close as any mobile game will ever come. And it’s all thanks to Snowman’s ingenious vision for how the flight mechanics work.

When you were a kid, you can probably remember pretending to fly using your arms as wings. Maybe you wore a cape too. Snowman took that idea and implemented it here. In Laya’s Horizon, you take control of Laya who will leap off cliffs and mountain peaks. To control her flight, the game uses gesture controls. Where each of your two thumbs will control one of Laya’s arms. You can move them independently to control whether she turns right or left. Or slide them up or down in sync to move Laya up or down.

Sliding your thumbs inwards will pull Laya’s arms inwards. Making her more aerodynamic and giving her a speed boost. Meanwhile, sliding them outwards will force Laya to open her arms and legs wide, briefly pivoting her to a vertical position. Slowing her down. Frankly, it’s a magical detail that really tries to put you into the role of Laya. And it works amazingly well.

Explore, expand, collect

Now that you know how flight works, what about the actual game content? Well there’s quite a lot of it. Laya will start with one single cape that she can use to fly down the mountainside. As you complete races and other small tasks, you can unlock and equip new capes. Each one having its own unique abilities depending on what kind of boost you want Laya to have.

One can give Laya an enhanced speed boost (this is actually the first cape you’ll acquire). There are also charms, one of which has the ability to suck in collectibles called sparks like a magnet. You’ll need these sparks, too, so it’s definitely a charm worth equipping. And there are many more of each item type that are there to discover. You can also explore a pretty vast landscape filled with different biomes. Basically, there’s no shortage of content.

And flying through it all is a pretty cool way to see everything that Snowman has built.

The controls are easy to learn, but tough to master

There is little out there that’s as rewarding as overcoming a challenge. And that’s kind of how I feel about the controls in this game. They’re extremely easy to learn. Heck, the game walks you through how to do every little movement Laya can perform before you really set out to chew on the real meat of the game.

But while these descriptions of what to do are simple to read, putting them into practice is an entirely different story. They’re a bit of a challenge to say the least. A challenge however, that is a fulfilling experience once you nail things down. Easy to learn and tough to master.

Even if you shy away from challenges in games more often than not, I would urge you to stick with it and really get the controls down. Because once you do, the game becomes so, so much more fun, as you’re able to effortlessly zip and glide through the world. And it’s already insanely fun to play to begin with.

Final thoughts

There are lots of mobile games, many of them worth your time. But few if any will provide you with a gameplay experience like Laya’s Horizon. In most cases I wouldn’t recommend getting a Netflix subscription just to play a game. But that isn’t the case here.

Sign up for Netflix for a month or two. Or even just a free trial if you have one available. Play through Laya’s Horizon and experience the wonder that it offers. And in between your flight sessions, enjoy whatever other content Netflix has that you can kick back and watch.

Just, if you like mobile games, especially ones with overflowing amounts of forethought and attention to detail, do yourself a favor. Play. This. Game. You can grab it on Google Play now.

Laya’s Horizon


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Best Nintendo Switch OLED accessories

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Best Nintendo Switch OLED accessories
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The Nintendo Switch OLED is great all on its own but for the best experience there are some accessories that all Switch OLED owners should consider. While some are simply nice-to-haves, others are absolute must-haves.

Whether you play your Switch OLED in handheld mode or while docked, or both, these accessories can help ensure you not only protect your Switch OLED, but also play it more comfortably, and just with more convenience and enjoyment. Most of these will also work for the regular Nintendo Switch. So if you don’t have an OLED, not to worry.

Also worth noting is that there are tons of other great Switch accessories out there, these are just what we found to be the best and most useful ones.

Best Nintendo Switch OLED accessories

AccessoryPriceWhere to buy
SanDisk Extreme Plus microSD card (512GB)$79.99Best Buy
ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ Defense Screen Protector$34.99Best Buy
tomtoc Slim Carrying Case$24.99Amazon
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless$179.99Best Buy
PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock$22.99Best Buy
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller$69.99Best Buy
Hori Split Pad Pro Handheld Controller$49.99Best Buy
KontrolFreek Turbo Thumb Grips for Joy-Con$22.88Amazon
Skull & Co. NeoGrip$22.99Amazon
GENKI Global Convert Dock$69.99Amazon

SanDisk Extreme Plus microSD card (512GB)

SanDisk Extreme Plus

You can probably skate by for a while without a microSD card for your Switch OLED. Especially if you’re buying most of your games in their physical cart form. But sooner or later, you may end up wanting to download some games digitally. This is where the microSD card comes in handy.

There are lots of options out there but you don’t want to skimp on a microSD card. Not only do you want one with fast read and write speeds to ensure quicker load times and smoother gameplay, but you want one that won’t be poor quality. The last thing you want is for it suddenly break on you. That’s why we’re recommending the SanDisk Extreme Plus. It has read speeds of up to 200MB/s, and write speeds of up to 140MB/s. More than capable for the Switch and Switch OLED.

This card also comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB sizes. So you have options for how much space you want or need. Of course we think it’s always better to have more than not enough. You could always go for the Nintendo co-branded SanDisk cards as well, but you may find them to more expensive than these non-branded ones. So these are just a better value. Hands down a good microSD card is one of the best accessories you could pick up for the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED.

SanDisk Extreme Plus microSD card

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ Defense Screen Protector

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass Defense Screen Protector

With portable devices that come with a display, it’s always an excellent idea to protect that display as best you can. That’s why we’re recommending this ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ screen protector for the Switch OLED.

In fact this is probably the first accessory you should buy. Or at the very least, some form of glass screen protector for the device. It doesn’t necessarily have to be this one, although we do feel this is the best one you can get. You just want something to protect that beautiful Switch OLED display from scratches and scuffs. This will do the job. It also comes with a smudge resistant coating and it’s super simple to apply.

Absolutely one of the best Nintendo Switch OLED accessories. That being said, this particular screen protector only works with the Switch OLED. But ZAGG does offer a version for the normal Switch as well.

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+ Defense Screen Protector

tomtoc Slim Carrying Case

tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch OLED

  • Price: $24.99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

If you plan to take your Nintendo Switch OLED with you outside of the home, you want a carrying case. We absolutely love this one from tomtoc for its slim and stylish design, but also for its utility. The fact that it’s slim means it’s easy to stuff into a backpack or bag pocket without taking up too much space. And if you don’t have a backpack or bag that you’re bringing with you, the case also has a carry handle.

Beyond that, you’ll get a nice snug (but not too snug) fit for the Switch OLED and the normal Switch, along with extra space for the Joy-Con joy sticks and buttons. Additionally, it has space for 10 physical game carts and the case is military standard drop tested, with a spill resistant coating. Plus it comes in loads of color options like white, black, and a range of new gradient colors. It’s one of the best Nintendo Switch OLED accessories and one of the cases for the console in general. So good we also recommend the Steam Deck version that tomtoc makes.

tomtoc Slim Carrying Case

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

There’s a few reasons why this is an excellent headset worth your consideration for the Nintendo Switch OLED, not the least of which is the comfort. It also provides great audio quality and most importantly, lag-free audio thanks to the 2.4GHz USB-C dongle.

Simply plug that dongle into the Switch’s USB-C port and enjoy a lag-free connection. Or if you like, the headset works with Bluetooth as well and you could simply connect it that way.

Additional features include 360-degree spatial audio, multi-platform compatibility with PC, PlayStation, and mobile, and a 38-hour battery life. While something like the Arctis 1 Wireless would also work, this is quite a bit more comfortable and has better battery life. So if can get past the extra $80 in price, it’s worth it.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless

PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock

PowerA Joy Con Charging Dock

If you only have one pair of Joy-Con controllers, then you can easily just charge them by connecting to them to the console and then docking the console. But, if your console dock is broken or you have more than one pair of Joy-Con controllers that you want to keep charged up, this Joy-Con charging dock from PowerA is an invaluable accessory to have and one of the best accessories for the Nintendo Switch OLED.

It charges up to four Joy-Con controllers at the same time too. So if you have even more of them, you can easily top them up on power. The base is weighted so it stays in place and the dock isn’t terribly expensive. An excellent pickup for sure.

PowerA JoyCon Charging Dock

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller 1

There’s more than one pro controller out there for the Switch, but quite honestly it’s hard to justify anything other than the official Pro Switch controller from Nintendo. While there are some other good ones out there, like the Fusion Pro controller for Switch from PowerA. But that controller is more expensive and doesn’t include things like the HD rumble haptics or the NFC support. Which means no use of Amiibos.

When it comes down to it, the official Switch Pro controller is still your best bet if you want something wireless. Whether you’re playing in docked mode or in the tabletop mode, the Switch Pro controller is a much more comfortable option (especially for longer sessions) than the Joy-Cons.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Hori Split Pad Pro Handheld Controller

Hori Split Pad Pro

Probably one of the single best accessories for the Nintendo Switch OLED and the regular model is the Hori Split Pad Pro. This is an officially licensed accessory, and it’s a full size controller for the console while in handheld mode. Unfortunately it doesn’t support HD rumble or the motion controls, and it doesn’t support NFC which means no use of Amiibos. But it is a lot more comfortable to use when playing the Switch in handheld mode than the Joy-Con controllers.

It has larger grips, larger joysticks, a full size actual d-pad, and turbo functionality in addition to remappable rear triggers. It also comes in multiple colors.

Hori Split Pad Pro

KontrolFreek Turbo Thumb Grips for Joy-Con

KontrolFreek Turbo Thumb Grips for Joy Con

  • Price: $22.88
  • Where to buy: Amazon

If you like the Joy-Con controllers and prefer to use them, you may want to consider the Turbo Thumb Grips for the Joy-Con controllers from KontrolFreek. The Joy-Con controllers are great, and they certainly look nicer than alternative options for handheld mode. But in all honesty the thumbsticks could be a little more comfortable.

These thumb grips for the Joy-Con controllers really help quite a bit to provide more comfort and some additional anti-slip. They’re also high-rise for better control. Plus they’re not too expensive.

Turbo Thumb Grips for Joy-Con

Skull & Co. NeoGrip

Skull Co NeoGrip

  • Price: $22.99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

A really cool accessory that some people may not know about is the NeoGrip from Skull & Co. It’s an ergonomic hard shell that you can slide the Nintendo Switch into while the Joy-Con controllers are attached, so you get extra grip from the NeoGrip but can still use the Joy-Con controllers. We love this thing with the Turbo Thumb Grips above for a really comfortable handheld gaming experience.

This model of the NeoGrip also works with both the Nintendo Switch OLED and the regular Nintendo Switch, and there’s even a cutout space so you can use the Switch OLED’s kickstand with this thing on. It also comes with three different grip styles so you can find one that suits you best. And, it even works with the Switch OLED dock. So you don’t have to take it off when you dock the console. If you play a lot in handheld mode, definitely consider this accessory for your collection.

Skull & Co. NeoGrip

GENKI Global Convert Dock

GENKI Global Convert Dock

  • Price: $69.99
  • Where to buy: Amazon

Last but certainly not least, we have the Global Convert Dock from GENKI. This is an absolute must-have accessory if you travel or take the Switch with you places often that have a TV or monitor.

It’s essentially your Switch and Switch OLED dock but in a compact formfactor. Simply plug the wall adapter into an available outlet, then plug in the USB-C cable to the Switch itself to charge it, and plug an HDMI cable into the dock and the other into the TV or monitor. And boom, you’re playing your Switch OLED in docked mode without the dock itself. There’s even a USB-A port for plugging in an accessory.

This particular version is the Global model which comes with three additional regional adapters. We highly recommend this one if you ever plan to play the Switch OLED or the regular Switch away from home in docked mode. Because it’s a lot easier to carry this around then the dock and associated cables.

GENKI Global Convert Dock


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People are making entire spam websites using AI

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People are making entire spam websites using AI
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We’re only beginning to tap the generative potential of artificial intelligence, and the further we push this technology, the more potent our fear of it grows. Thanks to a new report from NewsGuard (via The Verge), it looks like people are using AI to generate entire spam websites.

We have already seen people use AI to generate images, articles, books, advertising copy, videos that border on nightmare fuel, and more. There’s no doubt that it put many people out of their jobs, as it’s becoming harder to distinguish between AI content and human content. However, according to the new report, AI just took a major step forward.

People are using AI to generate spam websites

This should come as no surprise, as scores of people are using AI for their nefarious needs. Hundreds of books on Amazon are co-authored by AI, so people making entire websites using the technology won’t shock you.

The report from NewsGuard says that it has identified 49 sites. They seem to be completely written using AI. If they’re not completely written using AI, then they are almost entirely written using it. These are websites that seem to focus on posting written content like articles.

The thing about it is that, since they’re using AI, they can churn out hundreds of Articles every day. That basically gives a person the power to create a full newsroom from their bedroom.

The tells

That is scary, but there is a bit of a silver lining to this. There are obvious tells that the sites are using artificial intelligence. As sophisticated as chatbots are at creating articles, the delivery is still as clinical as a doctor’s report.

Also, since these articles are being copied and pasted right onto the website, no one is proofreading them. This means that blatant errors are being found in the articles.

According to NewsGuard, one article left an error message from the chatbot in the article. We see the text “I’m sorry, I cannot complete this prompt as it goes against OpenAI’s use case policy on generating misleading content,” appears randomly in the article. That is a dead giveaway.

Another tell is a little bit more subjective. Some of the sites have very generic names such as Biz Breaking News and Market News Reports. Ostensibly, if you’re churning out a ton of spam websites, then you won’t put that much effort into making a clever title. However, there are some legitimate sites out there whose names are a bit generic, so you won’t want to use that as your primary metric.

The best thing to do to fight off these AI spam sites is to always check for those tells. Pay attention to the wording and the phrasing of the articles and see if they sound human. Read the About pages for these sites and check out the writing staff.

Also, check out the dates for the articles. If the publication only started publishing articles a week ago, yet, it has a full writing staff of 20 people posting 500 articles every day, then it’s most likely an AI-generated site.


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AresLoader Malware Attacking Citrix Users

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AresLoader Malware Attacking Citrix Users
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AresLoader

Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) has recently detected AresLoader, a novel loader that is found to be disseminating numerous malware families.

Malware loaders are designed to deploy and execute diverse malware strains on the targeted computer system of the victim.

To evade detection by antivirus software, loaders often employ various tactics such as encryption or obfuscation of the malicious payload, rendering it harder to detect by security measures.

AresLoader

In 2022, AresLoader, a loader malware coded in the C programming language, emerged for the first time.

It has been identified that this loader was distributed through Telegram channels and malicious forums.

AresLoader, developed by the same threat actors behind the AiD Locker ransomware and distributed as Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS).

There is a monthly fee of $300 for AresLoader, which includes five build images.

There is also suspicion that the members of this group have ties with a hacktivist group based in Russia.

Technical Analysis

The notorious AresLoader follows a complex modus operandi. The initial loader binary serves as a container for the embedded code that is further injected in multiple stages, resulting in a complex chain of malicious activities.

During further analysis, it was noticed that the methods of extraction and injection of the loader code in each binary are inconsistent throughout the entire code.

By constantly updating their infection techniques, the threat actors evade the security measures implemented by the AV tools, and not only that even, there have also been multiple malware strains that have been observed to be using this loader.

Apart from this, CRIL discovered a GitLab repository distributing the AresLoader malware that is located at:-

  • hxxps[:]//gitlab.com/citrixchat-project/citrixproject/

While it has been detected that threat actors are actively targeting Citrix users with this repository masquerading as “citrixproject.”

During the execution of AresLoader, the malware utilizes a 32-bit binary compiled in C, which invokes the CreateWindowEx() API using the following elements:-

EHA
  • GLSample (Class name)
  • OpenGL Sample (Window name)

This distinct characteristic is one of the many ways cybersecurity experts identify and track the loader.

In an attempt to complicate the detection and analysis of this malware, API hashing is employed, and here the APIs that are targeted belong to:- 

Following is a list of API functions that the loader retrieves:-

  • pLdrFindResource_U
  • pLdrAccessResource
  • pNtAllocateVirtualMemory
  • pNtQueueApcThread
  • pNtTestAlert

Decrypting the resource data obtained earlier is the next step in the process, and then from the .rdata section, a key is acquired to accomplish this complete process.

The decryption loop begins immediately after the memory has been allocated, and the temporarily allocated memory is used to store the newly decrypted PE file.

Moreover, using a POST request, AresLoader registers the victim with the C&C server using additional information obtained from the victim’s system.

Recommendations

Here below, we have mentioned all the recommendations offered by the security experts:-

  • Do not download files from unknown websites. 
  • Ensure that a reputable antivirus and internet security software package protects your connected devices, such as your PC, laptop, and mobile phone. 
  • Ensure you verify the authenticity of all links and attachments in an email before opening them. 
  • Protect employees from threats such as phishing and untrusted URLs by educating them about the risks. 
  • The beacon should be monitored at the network level to prevent data exfiltration by malware or attackers.
  • Ensure that employee systems are protected by a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution.

Building Your Malware Defense Strategy – Download Free E-Book


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Google teases the Pixel 7a before the launch

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Google teases the Pixel 7a before the launch
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Google has said to announce some exciting devices this year, and one of them is coming very soon. As we know, Google I/O is happening next Wednesday, and we expect to see it unveil its latest mid-range phone. Well, ahead of the announcement, the Google India Twitter account posted a teaser for the Pixel 7a.

The Pixel 7a isn’t the only device we’re expecting to be announced during Google I/O. If the rumors hold true, then Google will also unveil the Pixel Tablet and its rumored Pixel foldable phone. If you’re excited to hear about these devices, Google I/O will kick off next Wednesday, May 10th. Be sure to mark your calendar.

Google posts a teaser for the Pixel 7a

So far, we’ve probably seen this phone from every angle via leaks. Just recently, we had a couple of leaks showing this device in several colors including an interesting blue color. This is the color that we see in the teaser.

In the teaser, we only see the top of the phone, and it’s from the back. The dual camera package is facing the audience, and it shows us that the camera visor will be metal just like with the Pixel 7 phones. Since this is only a teaser, the company is leaving a lot to the imagination, as the picture gradually blurs.

Pixel 7a teaser full

Along with the picture, the Tweet also states that the Pixel 7a will come to Flipkart on May 11th. That’s likely when the pre-orders are going to begin, and general sales are expected to come in the following weeks. However, we will have to wait and see if that’s what Google is planning.

The Pixel 7a is expected to use Google’s Tensor G2 SoC, which is the same processor powering the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. We expected to retain similar dimensions to the Pixel 6a. So, if you have that phone, you will feel right at home with a Pixel 7a. The Pixel 6a was one of the most popular mid-range phones of 2022, so the Pixel 7a should be able to fill those shoes.


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T-Mobile suffers its second data breach in 2023

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T-Mobile suffers its second data breach in 2023
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After suffering its second-biggest data breach back in January, impacting over 37 million people, T-Mobile has recently disclosed yet another data breach. And although this time, the breach was not extensive and only impacted over 800 people, threat actors did manage to get their hands on vast amounts of user information.

According to Bleeping Computer, the breach, which occurred between February 24th and March 30th, compromised user’s names, contact information, account numbers, phone numbers, account PINs, social security numbers, government IDs, dates of birth, balance due, internal codes, and the number of lines. While T-Mobile claims the hackers did not gain access to call records or personal financial account information, this amount of exposed data provides cybercriminals with enough information to commit identity theft and other forms of fraud.

“In March 2023, the measures we have in place to alert us to unauthorized activity worked as designed, and we were able to determine that a bad actor gained access to limited information from a small number of T-Mobile accounts between late February and March 2023,” says T-Mobile.

T-Mobile’s response

T-Mobile says that after first detecting the data breach, they were quickly able to mitigate it by resetting the account PINs for affected users. Additionally, the company is also offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft detection services through Transunion myTrueIdentity.

“We notified a small number of customers that our systems and processes worked to detect and stop a bad actor who was accessing accounts using compromised credentials,” said T-Mobile in a statement to CNET.

This latest data breach once again highlights the ever-growing importance of implementing stringent security measures to prevent cyber attacks. While, on the one hand, companies should implement strict security policies, provide ongoing employee training, and perform regular security audits, users, on the other hand, should regularly update their PINs and passwords, enable 2FA, and refrain from sharing sensitive information online.


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Nothing foldable smartphone concept has LED lights on the hinge

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Nothing foldable smartphone concept has LED lights on the hinge
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Nothing has released only one smartphone thus far, the Nothing Phone (1). The Nothing Phone (2) is expected to launch this year. Some of you may wonder if Nothing plans to launch a foldable smartphone, well, while we can’t answer that yet, a Nothing foldable smartphone concept did surface.

This Nothing foldable smartphone concept has LED lights on the hinge itself

This concept has been shared by Brandon Paul aka 3DPCat/BitJewel, and was reshared by Nothing on Twitter. He created some nice-looking renders, envisioning a Nothing-branded foldable smartphone.

The first thing I personally noticed are the LED lights in the first image included in the gallery below. These LED lights are placed on the outer part of the hinge itself. One long strip, and a smaller circular light. These make for really nice design detail.

This foldable device has flat sides all around, and the hinge itself is also boxy and unusual. The device seems to be impossibly thin when folded, but that’s not surprising considering this is a concept phone.

There is no display camera hole on the main panel

It seems to be made out of metal and glass, and there is no display camera hole on the main display. We presume that the designer envisioned an under-display camera for this phone. The bezels around the main display are also quite thin.

Nothing is a rather new company, and it probably has no plans to release a foldable smartphone anytime soon. Who knows, Nothing maybe is testing such a device, but we don’t expect it to arrive soon.

The company is now fully focused on the Nothing Phone (2) which is expected to arrive in a couple of months. The Nothing Phone (1) launched in July last year, so it’s easily possible its successor is coming in July this year.


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