Electronics gadgets: Chromecasts Are Now Android 12 and 4K Ready

October 18, 2022

October 18, 2022—National Chocolate Cupcake Day! We're not sure how well cupcakes pair with a Tuesday, but we guess we should have a few to find out. You should have some, too!

⏰ Today's Big Stories... in 30 Seconds

Today We Watched, Read, and Listened to (so you don't have to):

282 articles, 7 podcasts, 11 press releases, 299 tweets, and 17 YouTube videos

1. Chromecast Jumps to Android 12, Adds Security and 4K Support

A new Chromecast update is out now, adding 4K support, new visual and audio controls, enhanced security, and more. The update skips Android TV OS 11, taking Chromecasts straight to Android 12. And, of course, there are a number of bug fixes and performance improvements. Get to downloading!

2. TCL Teases New 5G Routers for Faster Speeds and Better Security

TCL has a new trio of routers filled with nifty tech. The Linkhub 5G HH512 is built to offer great speeds on 5G and on dual-band Wi-Fi 6; the Linkzone 5G MW513 does the same, but is all about portability; and the Linkhub HH132 is built for people without stable 5G access. A bit of something for everyone.

3. Discord Drops a $3 Basic Subscription Tier, Activities, and More

Discord just unveiled a cheaper premium tier for people looking to jump into the fray. The new Nitro Basic is just $3/month, but offers plenty of bang for your buck, with access to custom animated emojis, file uploads up to 50MB, unique profile badges, and more. Sounds good to us; we've got $3 to spare.

🦑 Go Deeper

Have you heard of the Dvorak keyboard layout? It's nearly 90 years old, it's now on iOS 16, and... you kinda don't need it. A bit of a bummer? Yeah, let Charlie Sorrel tell you all about it.

🎱 By the Numbers

That's a lot of data

Data: Business of Apps

Social media platforms need a lot of resources to function, and Discord is no different. The gaming-centric platform had 13.5 million servers in 2021, ensuring people can quickly and comfortably send messages, voice chat, share gifs, and more. They must have even more servers by now, right?

🔥 Today's Hot Deal

Does your desk need a new monitor? Check out this Samsung 34-Inch Class Flat LED UHD monitor, which is down to $279.99 at Walmart right now. Heck, maybe you can get two and really increase your field of view.

Don't Miss This Deal

🤓 Nerd Out

"When in doubt, go with what's practical." —Jerri Ledford, Senior News Editor

So you're upgrading your PC yet again, but this time it's the CPU. Do you go with the brand new, more powerful option, or the cheaper (yet still great) one? Maybe this PCWorld video can help you decide. (Share on Twitter)

💎 You Know You Want It

Like a Roomba, but for outside

Image: Yarbo Inc.

Vacuuming? No. Mowing the lawn? Definitely not, which is why we're highlighting the Yarbo, an "innovative, universal autonomous yard robot." Lawn mowing? Yep. Blowing leaves? You bet. Snow removal? Heck yes! If that all sounds great to you, maybe add this one to your birthday list next year.

🌎 Doin' It Right

Please don't @ me

Twitter is becoming slightly more bearable to use, as it's apparently testing a feature that lets you limit who can mention you, potentially reducing it to just the people who already follow you. Yes. More stuff like this, please.