Cara Bermain APPNEXT

AppNext adalah salah satu Ad Network yang bergerak pada mobile ads yang sudah berkembang dan dikenal oleh beberapa Publisher aplikasi Android. Dengan mengandalkan Cost Per Install yang memberikan CPM tertinggi di atas rata-rata dibandingkan dengan Ad Network yang bergerak pada bidang Cost Per Install lainnya walaupun peng-install tidak berada dalam Negara Premium. Indonesia sendiri, harga yang diberikan sampai $1,2x per install dan paling rendah $0,30. Bisa dibayangkan seberapa cepat earning yang didapatkan hanya dengan beberapa install.

AppNext Ad Type
Beberapa Ad Type yang disediakan oleh pihak AppNext.

1. Android dan iOS
   Interstitial, Native dan Banner (widget), menggunakan SDK dan integrasi yang sangat mudah.
   Kelebihannya : Intergasi sangat mudah, tidak perlu review aplikasi dan iklan langsung muncul. Fill rate yang 98-100%, jadi jangan khawatir dengan iklan blank yang membuat aplikasi jelek karena iklan sudah dijamin akan tayang.
   Kekurangannya : Sebanyak apapun iklan yang muncul pada aplikasi Android ataupun iOS, CPM tidak akan bertambah karena AppNext tidak bergerak dalam bidang dibayar per seribu tayang.
2. Website, Wapsite, Blog
   Interstitial dan Widget Ads, sangat cocok bagi web/blog yang banyak di akses oleh pengguna Mobile. Cukup dengan memasangkan kode iklan yang berupa javascript pada Widget blogger atau HTML website.
   Kelebihannya : Pada iklan interstitial, iklan yang ditawarkan bukan hanya 1, terkadang sampai 3 tawaran iklan bahkan sampai 5. Penempatan iklan widget pada blog tidak diberikan batas maksimum. Jadi, letakkan iklanmu dimana saja dan berapapun itu tidak masalah.
   Kekurangannya : Ketika blog di akses melalui PC/Laptop dan sejenisnya iklan menjadi Blank lebih parahnya lagi karena berbekas pada widget blog.

AppNext Payment

Pembayaran AppNext sangat mudah dan tidak sulit, baik Anda Advertiser ataupun Publisher yang ingin menerima bayaran bisa dilakukan menggunakan PayPal dan Wire Transfer. Penerimaan pembayaran AppNext adalah 10th the next month, jika memulai AppNext bulan ini, maka akan menerima bayaran bulan berikutnya pada tanggal 10 dengan minimum pemrosesan gajian yang mudah dicapai yaitu $20 melalui PayPal jika ingin melalui Wire Transfer membutuhkan minimum $500

Kelebihan dan Kekurangan AppNext Secara Umum

Kelebihan

1. AppNext merupakan salah satu Ad Network Mobile Ads yang memberikan harga Per Install yang sangat tinggi meskipun penginstall tidak berada pada Negara Premium.
2. AppNext memiliki minimum payment yang mudah dicapai yaitu $20.
3. Proses Billing and Payment yang mudah karena cukup menggunakan PayPal dan Wire Transfer.
4. Fast approval, bahkan tidak ada REVIEW baik dari aplikasi ataupun web/blog. Cukup dengan JOIN lalu memasukkan Aplikasi atau Blog, membuat kode iklan dan pasang, iklan akan muncul.
5. Contact support akan membantu jika ada pertanyaan, bisa dengan Live Chat ataupun melalui Inbox email.

Kekurangan

1. Earning tidak akan bertambah jika hanya mengandalkan jumlah Tayangan atau Impresi pada akun karena AppNext bergerak pada Cost Per Install dimana CPM akan bertambah jika ada yang menginstall.
2. Iklan akan blank pada dekstop, merusak susunan blog.
3. Jika terindikasi kecurangan, fake install, tidak ada peringatan, akun langsung disable meskipun tidak kita lakukan. Tidak menerima pengaktifan akun, semua balance atau earning akan hapus.
4. Tidak memiliki sistem referral.

Sekian review mengenai AppNext.

Visio fined $2.2 million by the FTC for secretly collecting and selling owner information

Visio did everything wrong when it comes to data collection.

Visio has been fined $2.2 million by the Federal Trade Commission for "surreptitiously collecting details on viewers' watching habits." The company also agreed to delete all the data collected before March 1, 2016, and to get specific consent from users with a new privacy program.

Visio's Smart Interactivity technology isn't much different from what other smart TV manufacturers use to find out exactly what you watch and when you watch it. The difference, according to ProPublica, stems from the way Visio went about collecting it and what they did with it afterward.

For starters, Smart Interactivity is active and running unless you specifically opt out, and you're not told it's there or that opting out is even posible. Oddly enough, the instructions to tell you how to opt out have disappeared from Visio's support site and have been replaced by a 404 error page.

While folks were watching TV, Visio was tracking everything it could about the channels and amount of time viewers spent on them. They also collected your IP address. Standard stuff from the TV industry. But what they did next got them hauled into court by the FTC.

Visio would work with "data brokers" � companies who only exist to collect data about people, connect it all together, and then sell it. They would use these data brokers to help them connect your IP address with information like your gender, age, income, and interests. They then sold this information to advertisers. The same advertisers other companies use who might already have your IP address from other products.

This makes for a nice tidy way to get a very good profile on who you are and what you do. Frankly, a $2.2 million fine isn't enough.

Sprint customers used 5TB of data at the 2017 Super Bowl

That's a lot of data!

Sprint dropped a press release about customer data usage at the big game and the ways they were able to provide enough of it.

Customers used almost 5TB of data inside and directly adjacent to the Houston stadium on February 5. That's three times as much as the 2016 Super Bowl and eight times more than the 2015 game. And the network speed was nothing to sneeze at, either.

Network speeds varied from 85 Mbps from the stands during overtime to 99 Mbps from the stands during the Lombardi award ceremony to 124 Mbps just outside the Verizon box suite during the fourth quarter. Nice jab at the competition there, Sprint. Let's hope it doesn't backfire. We're given no details on who performed the tests or how they were run.

We are told how Sprint was able to supply enough bandwidth for everyone with plenty to spare. Cell on Wheels (COW) and small cell site deployment was able to boost the capacity in and around NRG Stadium. Also, two- and three- channel aggregation on small cell sites played a role, as devices capable of using LTE-A spectrum bonding had access on wider bandwidth lanes to keep network congestion to a minimum.

The best Sprint phones

No matter which team you were rooting for last night, if you were a Sprint customer it sounds like you were a winner. If anyone was at last night's big game, jump into the comments and tell us all about your experience � Sprint or otherwise.

User manuals and photos of LG's upcoming Android Wear watches leak ahead of announcement

See the LG Watch Style and check out the features for both new watches, because today is a leaky day!

Everyone who is interested already knows we're going to see a couple of new watches from LG on February 9th. Special watches, because they will be the first to launch with the new Android Wear 2.0 update that makes everything better and they're Google products � the Nexus Watches that have been talked about for months.

The LG Watch Style. Click or tap for a larger view

So we're not surprised in the least that LG has posted the actual user manuals online or that photos from an unknown Best Buy location have appeared at GSM Arena.

We get a good look at the front face of the LG Watch Style from the pictures leaked to GSM Arena, as well as a few pictures of the box it comes in. And nothing we see is a big surprise.

A round design with a moderate bezel and standard lugs means it should be easy to change out the band if you come across something you like better than what LG supplies, and a sizeable button or crown at three o'clock hints at the navigation features that come with Android Wear 2.0

Fans of Android Wear as a platform and LG's watches, in particular, should like what they see here as there has been no drift from LG's tried and true design language for Android Wear.

But photos aren't all we get to see today. LG has also posted the user manual for both the LG Watch Style and the LG Watch Sport on their support site.

LG Watch Style manual

LG Watch Sport

LG Watch Sport overview

A look throughout the manuals confirms some things we all suspected: The button(s) are indeed rotating crowns that will aid in navigation through the features and settings on both watches. The LG Watch Sport will also have two additional buttons that look to be used on a per-app or user-defined basis.

Google Fit is prominently featured on both devices, with sections of the manual going over how to get it set up and how to use Google Fit on your new watch. The LG Watch Sport's manual also mentions NFC and Android Pay, but both are absent in the LG Watch Style manual, so we assume the Style is lacking NFC.

There's also a section about call forwarding from a CDMA phone (Verizon and Sprint) in the LG Watch Sport's manual, mixed in with the sections that explain its stand-alone GSM calling abilities.

It looks like LG is presenting these as two different types of watches with two different markets, just as the rumor mill has suggested. The Sport will be a standalone device with NFC and we assume a bigger price tag, while the Style seems to lack any cellular abilities and NFC. We'll know everything there is to know very soon.

Google is making it easier to see the original URL from an AMP search result

A new feature makes it easier to make sure the page you're seeing from an AMP search result is legit and lets you share the "real" URL with others.

AMP pages are great. They are designed to help us find what we're looking for when we're mobile and point us towards search results that are easy to read because they were designed for a smaller screen and touch-based navigation. So many people use their phones to get on the internet and get the information they need that anything that makes the experience better is welcomed.

On the web, trust is important. You need to know you're seeing results from a place you trust.

But there are a few drawbacks to using AMP URLs, too. One is that they require a separate (and sometimes frequently changed) URL to be cached by Google, and this breaks the traditional way the web works. When something goes on the internet, it should be there forever, in the same place. Moving the URL we use from a mobile device around can make things confusing. Google is working on streamlining this so the right solution can be found.

The other issue with AMP pages is user-facing. We don't know exactly where we are or if what we are seeing is from the website it claims to be. It's also difficult to share the actual URL of a web page when you are viewing through an AMP search result. This is the issue (they are really the same issue) Google is addressing today.

AMP headers will now have an anchor "button" you can tap to get access to the full canonical URL.

The layout and navigation features of am AMP page haven't changed. You'll still see the header whilst at the top of a page, and it will slide out of view as you scroll down to allow more screen space for actual content. But now, when we push that header back into view we'll be able to find the "real" location of the page we're seeing and share it with a long press on the URL itself.

The feature is available in the Google app for iOS today and is coming to the Android app soon. Google is also working with the WebShare API to allow users to use the native sharing features of their phone and share the canonical URL as well.

Transparency is important. While changes like this may seem insignificant, being able to use Google's AMP platform while verifying exactly what we are seeing is a welcome update.

Android Security Bulletin: Everything you need to know

Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.

Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Nexus and Pixel devices.

These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code. That means Google, and they've detailed the things they have improved for this month.

Updated factory images for Pixel and Nexus devices that are supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually, and here are some handy instructions to get you started.

How to manually update your Nexus or Pixel

The company who made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.

These changes have been released to the people making Android phones for at least 30 days, but Google can't force anyone to deliver them to you. If you're using a phone from Samsung, LG, or anyone besides Google, you'll need to wait for them to send an update and shouldn't try to flash any of the above files.

Of course, Google has safety checks in place to prevent any problems on your phone because of any security exploits. Verify Apps and SafetyNet are at work any time you add an app to your phone, and seamless updates to Google Play Services will keep them up to date regardless of any hold-up from a manufacturer or carrier. Details and incident numbers can be found in the yearly Android Security Review (.pdf file).

Highlights for February 2017

February 2017's update comes with two patch dates: 02/01/2017 and 02/05/2017.

• Qualcomm and MediaTek have issued updates that prevent a malicious app from gaining elevated privileges by executing code in the kernel space. The code for these patches is not publicly available, but updated binary files are available at the Google Developer site. Devices running Android 7.0 or higher were not affected.
• The AOSP Messaging and Mail apps have been patched to address a vulnerability that could enable another app to bypass Android's system-level protections and see data it shouldn't be able to access.
• The Bionic DNS function (Bionic is Android's standard C library) has been patched to prevent a specific Denial of Service attack that would cause a device to freeze or reboot.
• Updated firmware binaries to address hardware-specific vulnerabilities were received from Broadcom, HTC, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Realtek, and Synaptics. Any of these binaries that are applicable to Nexus or Pixel devices are available at the Google Developer site.

If you get an update with a patch date of 02/05/2017, you also have every issue addressed by the 02/01/2017 update in place.

Previous bulletin highlights

Here are summaries and highlights of recent patches from the monthly Android Security Bulletin. As with the current bulletin, these issues were also mitigated by Google's Verify Apps, Safety Net, and seamless updates to Google Play Services.

January 2017

January 2017's update comes with two patch dates: 01/01/2017 and 01/05/2017.

• Qualcomm has fully patched the various exploits that were collectively called quadrooter. All phones with a patch date of 01/05/16 or later are patched. Qualcomm additionally assisted in patching less severe exploits in the camera and bootloader of some phones.
• The multimedia server and support drivers for audio and video components continue to be updated to prevent exploits such as last year's Stagefright issues. Google made a promise to continuously monitor and patch the multimedia system to prevent a repeat and have so far delivered on it.

If you get an update with a patch date of 01/05/2017, you also have every issue addressed by the 01/01/2017 update in place.

December 2016

December 2016's update comes with two patch dates: 12/01/2016 and 12/05/2016.

• Fixes in the 12/01 update cover Android in general and address issues with the Android operating system itself. The most serious exploit addressed was in the CURL library (software used to transfer data that covers most transfer protocols and security certificates), where a man-in-the-middle attack could be performed by someone with a spoofed security certificate. Other patches for Smart Lock, the telephony system, and comm stack are also included.
• The 12/05 patch date covers issues with the kernel or drivers. These aren't part of Android, but Google is the central maintainer and assembles updated code and resources from the folks making the hardware components. This time we see fixes for serious exploits from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and NVIDIA � so chances are your phone needs these. Samsung's Exynos chips are covered outside of the Android Security Bulletin and are patched by Samsung themselves.

If you received an update with a patch date of 12/05 you also have every issue addressed by the 12/01 update in place.

---

See the Android Security website for details on all bulletins

Best T-Mobile Phones

The best phone options available through T-Mobile.

Whether you're a long-time T-Mobile subscriber looking to upgrade your phone or you're switching and want to find out what's available at a glance, we're here to help.

We've broken down the best devices available to buy through T-Mobile. Check out our reviews to learn more about each of these and if you're ready to take the plunge, we've included links to buy directly from T-Mobile.

• Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge
• HTC 10

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

Samsung really delivered with this year's flagship devices, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. They brought back great features, like expandable memory via microSD and a bigger battery, and improved on the sleek, one-piece design of the Galaxy S6. Plus, they're both water and dust-resistant.

These devices are beautiful, featuring a stunning QHD Super AMOLED display, protected by Gorilla Glass on the front and back. Both the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge take amazing photos, even in low-light conditions, and include must-have features like Samsung Pay and wireless charging. Oh, and they're also VR-ready with the Samsung Gear VR.

The Galaxy S7 edge features the curved screen edge and a slightly beefier battery.

The 32GB Galaxy S7 is available via T-Mobile in Black Onyx or Gold Platinum, while the 32GB Galaxy S7 edge is also available in shimmering Silver Titanium.

Check out our Galaxy S7 review and Galaxy S7 edge review for more.

See at T-Mobile

LG V20

The LG V20 is a big phone with some powerful specs, but at the end of the day it's one of the best options on T-Mobile for someone looking to replace the now-defunct Galaxy Note 7. With a pair of excellent rear cameras, a big, beautiful 5.7-inch screen (with a second display for things like notifications and quick shortcuts), the V20 is LG's best phone yet.

Moreover, it runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, and LG has done a fine job ensuring that the device has all the features you'd expect from Google's flagships, plus a bit of extra flair in the form of awesome camera features and more.

The V20 is available from T-Mobile in Titan grey, and comes VoLTE ready out of the box.

See at T-Mobile

LG G6 expected to launch in Korea March 9, U.S. to follow April 7

Well, you're getting one part of this right, LG.

We are merely a few weeks away from the official launch of the LG G6 at MWC 2017, and now, on top of the latest hardware leaks, we're getting more information about the launch. According to well-known leaker Evan Blass over at Venturebeat, the G6 will launch to consumers quickly after its February 26 launch � at least, in South Korea.

Blass claims that the LG G6 will hit South Korean retailers just over a week after launch, on March 9. The launch elsewhere is unfortunately a bit later � April 7 in the U.S.

That move back to an April release in the U.S. could prove to be a pivotal decision, as that will start to approach the time that rumors say Samsung will launc the Galaxy S8. All expectations are that the G6 would still hit stores before Samsung's latest flagship, but it would surely benefit LG to get as much time separation as possible to try and capture some sales.

We'll see all LG has to show off at MWC 2017 with its launch announcement on February 26, which kicks off at 6 a.m. ET.

We have a free NVIDIA Shield Android TV for an Android Central reader!

The new NVIDIA Shield Android TV is awesome, so why not enter to win one to satisfy all of your entertainment needs?

The second iteration of the Shield Android TV is a proper successor that shows NVIDIA knows just how to iterate on this platform. In an Android TV space that still lacks a robust number of choices � and even fewer good choices � the Shield Android TV stands as the box to get if you want a no-compromise complete experience. When you buy a new Shield Android TV you're not just getting a simple little box that you'll plug in and then forget about a couple months in � you're getting as close to a full entertainment system in a single box as you can reasonably expect. Awesome! So now that you want one, let's give one away! Keep reading for the details!

THE PRIZE: One Android Central reader will be taking home a brand new updated NVIDIA Shield Android TV!

THE GIVEAWAY: Head down to the widget at the bottom of this page. There are multiple ways to enter, each with varying point values. Complete all of the tasks for maximum entries and your best shot at winning! Keep in mind that all winning entries are verified and if the task was not completed or cannot be verified, a new winner will be chosen. The giveaway is open until February 8th, and the winner will be announced right here shortly after the close date. Good luck!

We're giving away the new NVIDIA Shield Android TV!

How to setup and use Kodi on your Android device

Getting Kodi set up on Android might take some time initially, but it's worth it in the long run.

Kodi is a powerful open source media center, which is available across a multitude of operating systems, but its rise to prominence is mostly thanks to its Android version. This is due to the rise in popularity of Kodi boxes � essentially cheap Android TV boxes sold with the Kodi app pre-installed. This has garnered Kodi a lot of press and attention lately, because its open source add-on feature can be used for media piracy purposes.

But it's an unfair situation because the piracy add-ons are unofficial, unsupported, and the Kodi box industry is unwelcome, according to the Kodi developers. The base app is perfectly legal, and what you do get is one of the best experiences for organizing and streaming media onto any device � even your phone. Bring your own content like you would with Plex � or even link to your Plex server within Kodi if you've already got one set up.

It's entirely customizable, so let's walk you through the basic setup.

Kodi is optimized for Android

Previously, when you downloaded Kodi on your Android device, you would be required to go into the Appearance setting and swap over to a more touchscreen-friendly skin. With the latest update for Android, the developers have swapped over to a much more user-friendly skin by default, so you'll be able to just load it up and go.

Download Kodi from the Google Play Store

Once you've loaded Kodi up, you'll find the navigation menu on the lefthand side with categories for Movies, TV Shows, Music, Pictures, Add-ons, and more.

Importing your media files

With Kodi, you can keep all your media organized and accessible in one place � from pictures and music to videos, sorted by movies and TV shows. It's quick and easy to import your media into Kodi and simply a matter of setting a source for the media from your phone's internal storage or a microSD card if your phone supports expandable storage.

1. Tap the type of media you wish to add. We'll use Pictures for this example.

2. Tap Add pictures�.

   

3. Tap Browse.
4. Find the folder containing the media you wish to add then tap OK.

Now when you tap the category from the main screen, you'll find your source available with all your photos, music, or videos organized. If you've ripped your favorite TV box sets onto your computer and transferred them to a microSD card, they will be organized by season within Kodi.

Diving into Add-ons

Beyond your own media, you can also install a variety of handy add-ons from the built-in add-on browser or by adding them from remote add-on repositories. For now, we'll look at what's available from right within Kodi.

When you tap the Add-ons menu from the main menu of Kodi, you may find that all your Android apps have been automatically linked and displayed within Kodi. While it's somewhat convenient to be able to jump right into another app from within Kodi, I've found it to be somewhat buggy and it's caused Kodi to crash on more than one occasion.

You want to get to the add-on menu with all the different add-on types listed along the left side of the screen. There you'll be able to tap the button to browse through the available add-ons.

You can find video add-ons for over 100 different TV channels' online streaming catalogues and media sharing websites such as YouTube and Reddit, along with many international options. To install an add-on and see what it has to offer, simply select it and tap Install.

Along with the add-ons found within the included Add-ons browser, you can go into the add-on settings and install from an online repository. Since those are often hosting add-ons that promote piracy, you're on your own if you choose to go that route.

The Chromecast workaround

Watching Kodi on a tablet or phone when you're on the go is alright, but the best part is the way you can switch over to your Chromecast-enabled TV when you get home. Kodi doesn't support Chromecast directly, but you can cast your phone's screen to the TV.

It's a pretty good workaround if you've got an older Android phone or tablet sitting around collecting dust. If it also happens to feature a microSD slot, it'll be that much easier to load it full of your favorite media. I used a secondary phone for my bedroom TV, which allowed me to cast my favorite shows to the Chromecast while keeping the full touch controls over everything right on hand.

It did take some tweaking, including going into the audio settings and adjusting the volume and audio offset, but once it was set up, it was pretty great. The updated layout that's been optimized for touchscreen controls only makes things easier to navigate

Of course, there's nothing stopping you from [adding Kodi to an NVIDIA Shield] or downloading Kodi for your PC or Mac and streaming your content that way from home. Simply put, Kodi gives you all the customization tools for Android to make it fit into TV setups around your home.

Questions?

Let me know in the comments below!

All about Android's new, safer way of logging into apps

Android can now read 2FA codes over NFC and Bluetooth.

Google added support for wireless U2F cards in a developer version of Google Authenticator back in December. There was an unofficial demo at the Github website that showed how it would work (but it didn't actually work) and the folks at Fidesmo, a company that sells U2F cards, found the APIs buried in the Google Authenticator app. We knew that something would be happening and we just needed to wait for it.

The authentication itself is done in the Google Authenticator app so it's easier on developers who want to use the feature.

Well, such support has now been expanded, and you can use a wireless security key as a two-factor token when you add your Google account to a phone and U2F works in the Chrome browser independently even without the Google Authenticator app installed. This is a pretty cool thing!

And the way Google is handling it all is pretty cool, too, especially for developers. Rather than have a set of APIs that developers need to use to let users log into their apps and services with a wireless key, the routine is an intent built into the Google Authenticator app. All a developer needs to do is ask for the two-factor token and the Android system takes care of the rest. That means there is no waiting for developers to support anything and it will just work. It doesn't look like the APIs to use the wireless signal for authentication have been opened up for other developers just yet, but we hope that's in the works so apps like Authy will be able to support the feature, too.

What are you talking about?

These. A U2F key is a USB device that can be used as an authentication token. The name stands for Universal Two Factor because it's a standard that anyone making the keys and anyone making a thing that can use them to authenticate is able to incorporate so everything works everywhere. They are a secondary authentication method for people who use two-factor authentication on their accounts.

Read: Two-factor authentication: What you need to know

You should already have two-factor authentication set up on accounts that have the option. It's the easiest way to make sure that someone can't get in and use services in your name without your password and another thing that proves they are you, like a time-sensitive code sent to an app on your phone. A lot of services use two-factor authentication, and setting it up on your accounts will be slightly different for each service. But in the end, it means that when you want to login to something the first time from a new place or a new phone or computer, you need to provide something in addition to your password.

How to set up two-factor authentication on your Google account

Using a security key can be your main way to authenticate, but even if you would rather use an app or SMS it makes for a great backup in case you lose your phone and need to log in on a computer you've never used to change your password. Adding a security key to a Google account that uses two-factor authentication is easy.

Adding a USB security key to your Google account is easy � and here's how to do it

Once you have added a security key to your account, it works on Android as long as it is NFC or Bluetooth capable. We're not sure if there are any plans to enable U2F over the USB port, but at the time this was written that didn't seem to be supported. There are several different manufacturers of USB security keys that have a wireless option and they all should work the same as long as they use the U2F standard. The one we like and recommend is the YubiKey NEO.

It works as described here with U2F for your accounts, and it can also support OTP (One Time Password) for services that use it, like LastPass. And you can support both U2F and OTP at the same time by using a utility from YubiKey and these instructions.

See the YubiKey NEO at Amazon

Using an NFC or Bluetooth security key as your sole 2FA device on Android isn't recommended. It can be done, but there is no reason to not use authenticator tokens through an app, too. But it is a secondary way to have access to all of your 2FA protected accounts and it looks like it's going to be well supported on Android going forward.

Best Battery Cases for Google Pixel

Keep your Pixel's battery topped up with these battery cases.

The Google Pixel has been out for a while now, and you might be finding its 2,770mAh battery struggling to make it through a full day of usage without needing a charge.

Battery cases are one option to consider, if you're alright with the added bulk. Unfortunately, there isn't much diversity in style or price, as your main decision here is besides the brand name on the packaging. Popular charging case brands such as Mophie, Tylt and Incipio don't yet have an option for the Pixel, so you're left with slim options to choose from.

Regardless, let's take a look.

BEAOK Google Pixel Battery Case

This BEAOK case offers 4,000mAh of juice to provide power your Pixel through a heavy usage day, providing more than a full recharge for your phone for an added 13 hours of web browsing. Installing is rather easy � simply slide your phone into the bottom half of the case then pop on the top and you're good to go. Pressing the button on the back of the case will light up the LEDs on the front and indicate that your phone is being charged.

All the important features such as the fingerprint scanner and camera are accessible and protected while only adding less than half an inch of bulk to your phone. The only issue here is that charging times are not going to be as fast as with the quick charging adapter that comes with your phone. This case regularly sells for $100, but you can get it for $60 from Amazon.

See at Amazon

ALCLAP Portable Charger Case

This case also features a 4,000mAh lithium-ion battery to power your Pixel, with a look and feel that's essentially identical to the BEAOK case. ALCLAP offers dual charging capabilities, meaning you'll be able to plug your case in at night and wake up to a full battery on your phone and the case.

Simply press the button on the back of the case to start the charging and you'll get many hours of extra usage from your phone when you'd otherwise be stuck plugging into a wall. This case also adds about a half-inch of bulk, but will also keep your phone protected from drops, and also accommodates a screen protector for full protection. This case regularly sells for $100 but you can get it for $60 from Amazon.

See at Amazon

ICONic Pixel Battery Case

Another battery case, another nearly identical design and functionality. This case also features a 4,000mAh lithium-ion battery that will boost your pixel or charge up to 80% according to the manufacturer, which is not as much as claimed by the other cases on this list.

In terms of style, it's nearly identical to every other case on this list, with 0.42 inches of thickness, clear access provided to the fingerprint scanner, and decent protection offered to the phone itself.

This case regularly sells for $80, but you can get it for $60 from amazon.

See at Amazon

iAlegant Google Pixel Charger Case

Last but certainly not least � because it's pretty much identical to the other cases on this list � is this charging case from iAlegant. It, too, provides a 4,000mAh lithium-ion battery while also providing good protection for your phone from physical damage along with short circuit and overcharge protection. There's also pass-through syncing so you'll be able to plug the case into your computer and your phone will be connected.

This case is regularly priced at $90, but is available on Amazon for $60.

See at Amazon

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Google Pixel and Pixel XL review
• Google Pixel XL review: A U.S. perspective
• Google Pixel FAQ: Should you upgrade?
• Pixel + Pixel XL specs
• Understanding Android 7.1 Nougat
• Join the discussion in the forums!

Google Store Verizon

Google Maps for Android just got a whole lot better for commuters

Google Maps makes it easier to check traffic and transit times.

Google Maps for Android is getting a visual refresh in an update rolling out now, with a new tabbed interface that makes it easier to check on nearby places, traffic conditions, and transit times nearby.

As with many Android apps in Google's repertoire, Maps seems to be getting an update to come more in line with the company's updated Material Design guidelines, relying less on menus and more on more visually-pleasing and accessible tabs.

The company says that these tabs � Places, Traffic, and Transit � are three of the most-used features in the app aside from directions, which are still easily accessible from the always-on search bar at the top, and users are familiar with the idea of swiping up from the bottom of the scree to access information.

The move also puts Maps in a better position to take on competitors in the transit space, which have until now had an advantage in the speed at which a user could access transit times.

Like all Google apps, the Maps update will roll out piecemeal over the next few days and weeks, so make sure your version is up-to-date from the Play Store.

The PlayStation VR Demos you should try

Trying out a demo before you purchase the full game is a good idea.

Want to find some awesome games for your PlayStation VR, but you don't want to shell out the cash and then regret it later? Well then you're in luck because there are demos for some of the best games available on PlayStation VR. Trying to figure out where to start can be a bit daunting though, especially if you're new to gaming. That's why we've collected the demos that are definitely worth checking out.

Read more at VR Heads!

Privacy matters more now than ever � these apps will help

Privacy matters.

It may not matter to you as much as it does to others, but how we control who gets what when it comes to our data and when we communicate is still a very important discussion to have. It matters now more than ever and will matter even more as time goes by because tools and tricks to get unauthorized access to our stuff get better and better.

Here in the United States, there has been a lot of recent talk about our messages and what might happen if the right person reads the wrong thing. The NSA can intercept data you send to someone else in a text or email or instant message. They've been able to for years. Your internet service provider and cell phone carrier can do the same. While recent fears revolve around what the current administration in Washington might do, it's important to know that the last administration had the same capabilities and might have done exactly what people are worried about in 2017.

More: What is encryption?

Maybe we can't keep them from snooping, but we can make it pretty damn hard for them to read it if they do.

Secure messaging

A lot of applications promise secure messages between you and someone else. Some very popular apps, namely WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, offer encrypted and secure cross-platform messaging according to their description. But a lot of researchers and security professionals have a very different opinion and offer some pretty compelling evidence that Facebook has access at will. These folks say we shouldn't trust WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger when it comes to encrypted messaging and that's cause for concern and shouldn't be dismissed.

Security researchers have great things to say about Open Whisper Systems because they can look at every line of code to verify exactly how it works.

Google, too, offers an end-to-end encrypted messenger in Allo. While there is no evidence that Google's claims aren't to be taken at face value, many have concerns because Google's business is looking at your data. And encryption isn't enabled by default in Allo, so many users aren't aware it's there or have trouble finding how to send secure messages. For two savvy users, it's a valid option.

On the "other" team, iMessage is great. But cross-platform is a must in my opinion, and iMessage can't offer what we need unless everyone is using an iPhone.

I've been testing secure messaging apps for a while. I ignored the most controversial examples from Facebook and Google and instead focused on what else is available on Google Play. The client had to be cross-platform and offer encryption by default. Once you narrow it down this way the choices are fewer, but I found an app that offers everything I need for secure messaging.

Signal is the app I would direct anyone looking for a simple but secure solution to cross-platform messaging. It doesn't have the giant set of features that WhatsApp or even Allo does, but the interface is pleasantly minimal and the app is easy to use. The setup is easy enough for anyone to walk through and it only takes a few minutes to get everything up and running so you can send end-to-end encrypted messages to anyone who has the Signal app.

The best cross-platform encrypted messenger app is Signal.

After testing, I think the Signal app and technology is secure, and so do security researchers at Oxford, QUT, and McMaster who gave glowing praise during a recent security audit of the app.

Download: Signal (free)

Secure email

Forget Gmail, iCloud or Live email accounts. These services are convenient, easy to setup and use and great for almost any email need. Except for real encrypted mail. Messages may be secured between you and the provider as long as you choose the right settings and send mail the right way, but once it leaves their hands, anything goes. These companies make no claims that they offer a completely private email solution, so we should use them for everyday needs and enjoy their features, but not rely on them for anything sensitive.

The best thing anyone who isn't ready for keystore-based self-encryption can do is to find a secure third party service who guarantees end-to-end encryption when both parties are using a secured service. There are a few good ones available, but I decided to stick with ProtonMail.

ProtonMail is the best turn-key encrypted email service for most people. And a basic account is free.

ProtonMail offers a single account with 500MB of storage for free. Paid options with multiple addresses and more storage start at $5 per month and extra storage is $1 per month per gigabyte. The prices are reasonable if the free account isn't enough for you, but that's not the only reason they are my choice. The company is based in Switzerland and not subject to data access laws from any other country, and it's very unlikely that anyone will get access to your account unless you give it to them or they find a way to break in.

To top things off they have excellent mobile apps and the desktop web login is responsive and extremely easy to use.

Download: ProtonMail (free, requires account)

Advanced users might want to manage their own encryption and use a paired key system like OpenPGP. That's pretty simple on an Android device. You'll need two apps:

• OpenKeychain
• K-9 Mail

OpenKeychain is a full featured OpenPGP key manager that lets you create, import, share and upload an encryption key. You can also encrypt or decrypt files or text or even create a self-signed password-protected encrypted attachment. They offer a complete API and can hook into the Android intents system so that any developer of any app that could use a bit of extra security can build support right into their service. If you are familiar with GPG or PGP encryption and key management, OpenKeychain will be easy to use.

K-9 Mail has been around forever, and version 5.2 or later offer complete OpenPGP support. K-9 supports POP, IMAP, and Exchange accounts and with OpenKeychain installed you can send and receive encrypted email seamlessly. The combination of these two apps mimics the great support for OpenPGP in mail apps for the desktop.

---

Nothing is foolproof and any encryption can be cracked if you try hard enough for long enough. But these solutions can help you control who is reading your messages and mail and who isn't.

Snapchat to bring Planet Earth to portrait mode every week

Good news for nature-loving Millennials!

Snap is bringing Planet Earth II, which aired at the tail end of 2016 on BBC, to Snapchat this month.

Each episode has been repurposed into 4 to 6-minute chunks and optimized for Snapchat's portrait mode-only navigation, and features the same categories from the original show, including Islands, Mountains, Jungles, Deserts, Grasslands, and Cities.

The shorter pieces will also have 3D audio, something that few mobile-optimized pieces of content possess these days. They'll live in the Snapchat Discover section, which was recently overhauled in version 10 of the app, released earlier this year.

Snapchat owner Snap Inc. recently filed for an Initial Public Offering, revealing that the company has 158 million daily active users, and that it feels it needs to prioritize Android development if it wants to increase its user base. It has been criticized in the past, and its S-1 documents confirm, that it has prioritized iOS development because that's where the majority of its audience live.