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  19 Things You Didn't Know Your Google Chromecast Could Do While Google's ultraportable media-streaming device is pretty much plug and play, there are a few tips and tricks that can make casting more magical. Google helps simplify your online life—from email and online storage to news and  digital maps . But it can also take over your TV with the Chromecast. Google currently sells two versions of its media-streaming device—the Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast With Google TV. The latter gave Google's dongle a much-needed makeover, adding a remote and an on-screen menu. Many people, however, are probably still casting via legacy devices; the Chromecast has been around since 2013. Its functionality is also built into many of today's top smart TVs. However you "cast" your content, part of the Chromecast's appeal lies in its portability and ease of use; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and you'll be streaming Netflix, Spotify, HBO Max, Hulu, and more...

  9 Tips to Boost Your Android Phone's Battery Life Today's Android phones pack big, bright screens and high-end features that suck plenty of power. Here's how to squeeze the most juice out of your battery. There are a number of factors that contribute to poor battery life on your Android phone. Thinner bodies, brighter screens, faster processors, more background software, and speedier internet connections all take their toll on phone batteries, but manufacturers are also incorporating more powerful batteries to compensate. The Google Pixel 6 Pro has a 5,003mAh battery that can last for over 22 hours. Samsung's line of Galaxy phones can last anywhere between 11 and 13 hours, depending on the model. Still, there are ways to get more out of any phone. Menu settings will differ based on which phone you're using; in this story, we used a Samsung Galaxy S 20 FE running Android 11. But all Android devices should have similar features. With this caveat in mind, here are so...

  Alexa, Show Me the Best Amazon Echo Show Tips and Tricks Amazon's Echo Show devices, which include touch screens in addition to their speakers, have their own special features. These tricks will help you make the most of Amazon's smart displays. Most top-rated smart speakers can set timers, control smart home devices, and play music, among other things. But if you're a visual person, Amazon's Echo Show lineup adds an interactive touch screen to display photos, song details, or video calls. Amazon has an Echo Show for every occasion, from the 10-inch version with a camera that can follow you around the room to the diminutive Echo Show 5. Updated versions of the Show 5 and the mid-size Show 8, plus a kid-specific Echo Show 5, arrive in early June. Image: Amazon (Amazon.com) Sound quality notwithstanding, an Echo Show offers some unique advantages over its audio-only counterparts, including video conferences with people who have their own Echo Show or t...

  10 Quick Tips to Fix Your Bad Photos You don't have to be a professional to take top-notch photos. Follow these simple pointers to improve the quality of your snapshots. Digital photography has democratized the medium. More people are taking more photos than ever before, and they're sharing them online with friends and family in record numbers. It's easy to place the blame on the camera (or your smartphone) if your images aren't as nice as some others you see online, but by following a few guidelines you can improve the quality of your snapshots—without having to shell out big bucks for a new camera. Keep these 10 easy tips in mind next time you head out to capture the world around you. And if you have any tips that have helped you take better pictures, please share them in the comments section. 1. Get Basic Composition Down Use the rule of thirds when learning to compose images (Photo: Jim Fisher) (Jim Fisher) The heart of a photograph is its composition—the position...

  How to Record Calls on an iPhone If you want to record a call, there are few limitations on Android. Things get tricky when you want to record a call while using an iPhone. Here are some of your best options. You want to record a call on your smartphone. Maybe it's an interview for work, a customer service call, or a conversation with a loved one. On Android, there are few limitations (and many of the tips below also work for Android phones). Things get tricky when you want to record a call while using an iPhone. You would think there'd be app for that, but Apple doesn't allow third-party apps to access the microphone and the integrated Phone app directly. However, there are tricks within some apps and services to get around that limitation that can make you a mobile wire-tapping master. Before you push record, be sure to tell the person on the other end of the line you're recording; depending on your location, you may be breaking a law (Opens in a new window) ...