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Sony Releases Android Oreo Update for Older Smart TVs

US owners of Sony Android TVs from 2016 and 2017 will be happy to learn that a new update has been released and it brings the long awaited Oreo features to the devices.

The update has been released gradually in last two weeks and it will become available for more devices in the following days. Sadly EU customers may not receive the update in the foreseeable future as the company has remained silent when it comes to EU TVs.

The main feature of the update is a revised home screen that streamlines the user interface while also improving the overall user experience. New customizations options are also available and select content is now highlighted when the home screen is accessed. In order to benefit from these improvements users will also have to updates their apps.

It is expected that updates for the Android TVs sold earlier in 2018 will also become available.

Are the updates safe for my device?

The answer is mostly yes. Some owners of late 2016 models have complained on the official forums that they have encountered a few problems. Among them users mentioned issues with audio after awakening the device form deep sleep mode, incorrect playback of locally saved 4K content and visible frame drops when HD content is streamed. Fixes should arrive soon but owners that enjoy the previously mentioned functions should wait a little more before installing the device.

Data mining has revealed that the Oreo version offered to the A2TV hardware devices (encountered in the models that received the updates first) employs a dated Linux kernel that can be traced to Android KitKat. The update also lacks support for the Project Treble, an API that aims to make updates easier to develop and deliver.

The update also adds improved support for select Netflix content and fixes a variety of issues.  It seems that Sony won’t offer an update for models that were released prior to 2016, but the situation may change in the future.

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Games News

Best Clash of Clans Alternatives Available to Download

Being able to build your own world is always fascinating. This might be one of the reasons why Clash of Clans is so popular. However, old players might need something new from time to time. We have prepared a list of alternatives that can replace CoC.

Boom Beach

Boom Beach is a game created by Supercell, which might be a plus. In this game you create your own base on a beach and opponents have to attack it. The game is available for free and it comes with long campaign modes.

Castle Clash: Heroes of the Empire

Even the name is similar here. This is one of the most popular alternatives and it has more than 50 million installs. You can create your own village and you have to protect it from the enemies. You can also attack your rivals and level up your heroes. It’s another freemium game.

Dawn of Titans

Dawn of Titans has appeared recently on the market and comes with some major enhancements. For example, the game has great graphics and the gameplay is worth giving it a shot. Dawn of Titans also comes with a campaign mode and it organises special events from time to time.

Jungle Heat: Weapon of Revenge

This game is clearly inspired by Clash of Clans, so you won’t have to spend time learning how to play it. In Jungle Heat: Weapon of Revenge the characters are well shaped and each one comes with its own abilities. You create a base and you have to defend it. You can also play it on a computer via Facebook.

Age of Empires: Castle Siege

Age of Empires: Castle Siege allows you to choose your civilization and then build an empire. Combat is the next step and you have to train troops to attack others.

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Games News

Pokemon Go: Lugia and Ho-Oh Raids Come Back Throughout This Weekend

Niantic prepares a new surprise for Pokemon Go fans. Accordingly, Lugia and Ho-Oh raid come back throughout the weekend. More specifically, you can raid Lugia and Ho-Oh starting from today, December 14th and until Monday, December 17th.

Pokemon Go remains one of the most popular games in the world of the mobile gaming industry. Niantic is always taking care of its fans and is usually adding new content and runs events for the Pokemon Go community. And this weekend is also a special one in Pokemon Go, as Niantic is bringing Lugia and Ho-Oh raids back into the game starting with today, December 14th, and until Monday, December 17th.

Pokemon Go: Lugia and Ho-Oh Raids Come Back Throughout This Weekend

According to recent announcements, Pokemon Go players would be happy to have back the Legendary Pokemon Lugia and Ho-Oh.  However, we don’t know if Niantic would also add Aeroblast and Sacred Fire along with the comeback of Lugia and Ho-Oh raids. Aeroblast is Lugia’s special move, while Sacred Fire is the move of Ho-Oh.

It would be great to also enjoy Aroblast and Sacred Fire along with Lugia and Ho-Oh comeback in Pokemon Go, but we don’t know if these special moves would come this weekend.

What’s Coming Next in Pokemon Go?

December is almost gone, so, looking ahead, Niantic is already planning an exciting Pokemon Go Community Day of January. Next month, Niantic might bring one of Bagon, Slakoth, Ralts, or Trapinch Pokemon characters, along with their shiny versions. On the other hand, Niantic might opt for another approach and return to starter Pokemon for the first month of 2019, as Daily Mail suggested earlier today.

In the meantime, let’s enjoy the Lugia and Ho-Oh raids come back to Pokemon Go throughout this weekend (between December 14th and December 17th).

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News Tech

WhatsApp Messenger 2.18.380: Update Download Available with New Features

We’ve all heard of WhatsApp Messenger: it’s that free messaging app that’s available for Android, iOS, and others. For you to use it, you need an internet connection, be it Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G or EDGE – this way, you’ll be able to message and call your friends and family. It’s better than your ordinary messaging app since you can also send am receive (besides calls and messages) photos, videos, voice messages, and even documents.

So why should I use it? What are the features?

There are no fees: you use WhatsApp on your phone’s internet connection so that you won’t pay for every message or call, or thing sent. Also, there are no subscription fees – you’re totally free to use it.

You can send and receive different files, such as videos, documents, photos and Voice Messages.

The calls are free: you can call whoever you want, even if you 2 are not in the same country, because the app uses your internet connection, and not your phone’s plan of minutes. However, in this case, you need to keep in mind that data charges may apply. It might be better to call your provider for more details.

You cannot contact 911 or other emergency services through WhatsApp.

Group chat: you can make group chats with your contacts so you can all talk about different topics in the same chat.

WhatsApp web: this one is for your PC or laptop, you can send and receive messages right from your browser.

There are no internal charges whatsoever: you can send messages to persons from different countries, so it’s way easier to talk to your friends around the globe – without having to pay, as you do with the international SMS charges.

No username or password: you don’t have to worry that you’ll have to remember another username and password, cause you won’t need them. WhatsApp works with your phone number, and all of your WhatsApp contacts are your address book contacts.

What’s new?

Stickers: you can send now stickers in the chat. All you have to do is tap the emoji icon, then the sticker icon.

Swipe: you can swipe right on a message to replay it.

Categories
News Tech

Best Popcorn Time Alternatives Available to Download

While Popcorn Time is a great app there are also a variety of other apps that allow users to stream their desired content. Read below for a comprehensive list of the best streaming apps besides Popcorn Time.

  1. Kodi

Kodi is a fan favorite media player that can also be used as an entertainment center across a variety of platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux. The program is designed to simulate the experience of a home theater and it is very customizable. While content is not provided by default users can opt to add their own content or use third-party repos that provide streaming capabilities.

  1. WebTorrent

This one is more similar to Popcorn Time as it employs the same mechanism in order to stream content. What sets it apart is the fact that you can stream the content directly from the browser window, without the need to download any extensions, plugins or apps.

  1. Stremio

Stremio is a dedicated media center that allows users to gather the content from several video platforms in a single hub. The service allows you to intuitively stream the content to a variety of devices like smart TVs and AppleTVs without a hitch. The app also provides notification when new content is available. While Stremio is compatible with most streaming services those that are paid will still require an active subscription in order to work properly.

Universal Media Server

This media server allows users to stream their favorite content to a variety of devices that support the DLNA protocol. It is compatible with the most popular operating systems including Windows, Mac and select Linux distributions. Users can stream their content to legacy devices like the PS3 and Xbox 360, a large selection of TVS and other smart devices and players.

Paid alternatives

For those that wish to enjoy the latest content without delay a variety of paid platforms are also available. Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu and others offer lots of content and the subscription fees are quite affordable.

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