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HP Chromebook Reduced by $270 for Best Buy’s Anti-Prime Day Sale This Weekend

Only $180 for this HP Chromebook featuring a 15.6-inch display.

(Image credit: HP)

It’s the time for budget-friendly Chromebook offers, even after Prime Day has passed. A variety of discounts remain available from other retailers, like Best Buy, which has decided to reduce the price of this 15.6-inch HP Chromebook by $270 for the weekend.

This 15.6-inch HP Chromebook is available for just $180 and comes with 64GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and features the intuitive Chrome OS. Although it is definitely an entry-level laptop and may not match the performance of high-end models, it’s an excellent option for anyone seeking an economical device for browsing the internet and performing light tasks.

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The Evolution of Android Throughout the Years

It began as an operating system for your camera.

(Image credit: Jerry Hildenbrand / Android Central)

The evolution of Android from a small startup’s idea to the most widespread mobile operating system is a reflection of ongoing innovation and transformation. This significant change commenced even before its public launch, rooted in Google’s strategic purchase of Android Inc. in 2005.

Android & Chill

(Image credit: Future)

Among the web’s longest-lasting tech columns, Android & Chill offers your Saturday talks about Android, Google, and all aspects of technology.

In the years following that crucial acquisition, Android has not just reflected but frequently influenced the swift advancement of mobile technology, dramatically changing how we engage with our digital environment. Let’s examine the key developments in Android since Google’s takeover, emphasizing the changing relationship between devices and consumer expectations,

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Company Provides Resolution to Preserve NASA’s Mars Sample Return Initiative

Lockheed Martin is attempting to establish itself as a rescuer for numerous NASA initiatives currently at risk due to the actions of the Trump administration. The administration has already outlined significant budget reductions for NASA, potentially leading to a complete halt of the Mars Sample Return mission, which Perseverance has been diligently working on for several years.

Nevertheless, Lockheed Martin — the same corporation recognized for its substantial involvement in the defense sector of the United States — has devised a fixed budget strategy to save the Sample Return mission and recover the collections that Perseverance has already obtained.

Throughout the years, NASA has encountered difficulties in bringing its Mars exploration ambitions to fruition. While the notion of the Mars Sample Return mission was commendable, its actual implementation has not been seamless, with the costs frequently soaring well above the original estimates from years ago when the mission commenced. The figures have fluctuated so dramatically that, even prior to the Trump administration’s unexpected budget reductions, NASA was already contemplating the potential cancellation of the MSR or seeking less expensive alternatives. Fortunately, those cuts appear to have been halted for the time being, but it does not imply that NASA is out of the woods just yet.

However, Lockheed Martin’s proposal could render that unnecessary. Based on an extensive article and video posted on Lockheed Martin’s website, the company has identified at least one method to use existing resources and vehicles to accomplish NASA’s costly Mars Sample Return mission. Furthermore, the company claims it could execute the plan for $3 billion, which is less than half of NASA’s current $7 billion estimate.

If accurate, this could provide NASA the assistance it requires to realign the Mars Sample Return mission. While Trump and others have renewed their emphasis on actually sending humans to Mars, gaining a deeper understanding of the Red Planet is essential for survival and establishing a sustainable human colony there. This is why these samples hold great significance.

They could ultimately aid in resolving crucial questions regarding the history of water on Mars and identifying the optimal locations for landing and colonization. Of course, NASA and the U.S. government must first approve all of this. However, it’s at least a solid proposal for the influential figures to contemplate in the interim. With a bit of fortune, we may witness the plans to scrap the Mars Sample Return being reversed. That would be a remarkable outcome to witness.

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Blackpink Partners with Google Maps for Deadline World Tour Directions

Blinks, the official fanbase of Blackpink, are enthusiastically waiting for the Deadline World Tour in the US, commencing this weekend. After launching in South Korea, Blackpink will be touring North America and Europe from July to September.

Fans with tickets are well-equipped, but Blackpink is elevating the experience by collaborating with Google Maps. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa invite fans to utilize Google Maps for finding their way to the shows. Google Maps continues to be a premier resource for accessing local venues, providing driving and public transit options, live traffic updates, and integrated transit modes for seamless travel.

While many will be using Google Maps on their mobile devices, desktop users will discover a unique Easter egg. Searching for upcoming venues (SoFi Stadium, Soldier Field, and Citi Field) on Google Maps desktop unveils a Blink substituting the regular Pegman in Street View, in honor of the tour.

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MacBook Upgrade Plan Offered Beginning at $33.28 Monthly

The MacBook stands out as one of the most formidable tools of our time. Many individuals spend a significant part of their lives engaged with their computers. Therefore, it’s logical to invest in a great one.

However, the purchasing process is flawed.

High prices. Difficulties with trade-ins. Ongoing upgrade cycles.

For the average person, shelling out over $2,000 upfront creates a noticeable dent in finances, not to mention the trouble and time spent trying to resell it when it’s time for an upgrade.

A newer solution exists…and it is rapidly gaining traction among professionals, creatives, developers, and students seeking superior tools without the associated stress. It’s known as Upgraded, a MacBook Upgrade Program allowing you to obtain a brand new MacBook every 2 years, starting at $33.28/month. Here’s the breakdown:

### What Is Upgraded?

Upgraded is a program specifically for upgrading MacBooks.

Rather than purchasing outright or leasing, you simply pay monthly (starting at $33.28), and every two years, you can choose to upgrade to the latest model if desired.

You make monthly payments, ensuring you always possess a fast, powerful, up-to-date machine. No more selling. No more trade-in anxiety. No more uncertainty about missing the next significant advancement in Apple Silicon.

> Consider it akin to the iPhone Upgrade Program, but geared toward your primary work device.

It’s not merely an improved way to pay; it’s a completely new mindset regarding our relationship with technology.

### The Problem No One Discusses

Let’s address what truly occurs when you “purchase” a laptop.

You invest $2,000. You promise to sell it after a few years and recover some of the value.

Yet life becomes hectic. Listing it never happens. Or you do, and someone tries to con you on Facebook (after back and forth with 18 different potential buyers).

Eventually, it gets stowed away in a drawer. Or a closet. Or worse, a landfill.

You might not be aware, but this scenario occurs millions of times each year. Across the globe, we produce over 50 million tons of e-waste each year, a significant portion of which consists of devices that still had some usability left.

So much time wasted. So much money lost. So much unnecessary pressure. While most retail sectors are evolving, electronics remain entrenched in outdated practices.

This is the issue that Upgraded was designed to address.

### John’s Story: The Founder Who Envisioned a Better Path

John, the creator of Upgraded, experienced this problem directly. As an entrepreneur, he constantly required a speedy, dependable laptop. So, he frequently upgraded.

However, like many people, reselling the old devices continually fell to the wayside. They accumulated. Collected dust. Eventually ended up discarded. It felt wasteful and frustrating.

One day, he woke up to just how flawed the system was. Why was acquiring a new MacBook simpler than getting rid of your old one?

That’s when the idea struck:

> “Why isn’t there an iPhone Upgrade Program designed for MacBooks?”

He sought to resolve not just his own dilemma but also to create the electronics store he wished existed—one that was as user-friendly as Spotify, aesthetically pleasing like Apple, and treated customers as genuine individuals.

Thus, Upgraded was established.

### How It Works (Simply Explained)

Here’s the straightforward concept:

– **Make monthly payments** over 36 months (with starting prices of $33.28/month for the MacBook Air and $52.17/month for the MacBook Pro), and interest rates beginning at 0%. You can verify if you qualify for 0% APR without affecting your credit score.

– **Receive a brand-new MacBook**, tailored with the precise specifications you desire (including custom configurations often unavailable at major retailers).

– **After 2 years**, you can either:
– Upgrade to a newer model and commence a new loan.
– Finish paying the remaining 12 payments to keep your MacBook indefinitely, without any strings attached.

You own your device. It’s not a lease. No hidden fees. Plus, there’s no need to tackle reselling complications.

You can finally concentrate on your work. By reducing mental clutter, you achieve greater creative output (or binge-watch Netflix, if that’s what you prefer).

### Common FAQs about Upgraded

**“Is this pricier than simply purchasing a MacBook?”**

No. Upgraded takes the same cost you’d pay at Apple and splits it into 36 monthly payments. The only exception is that AppleCare+ is included for each device.

**“Do I own the MacBook?”**

Yes. You’re financing it, not leasing it.

**“Can I settle my payments early?”**

Absolutely. You’re free to make early payments at any time. After 24

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Samsung Introduces New Foldable Devices, Pixel 10 Prototype Surfaces, Initial Glimpse of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, and Additional Updates

A summary of the major tech news that caught attention this week.

(Image credit: Nandika Ravi/ Android Central)
Weekly News

(Image credit: Future)

Weekly News serves as our feature where we emphasize and recap some of the leading stories from the week, enabling you to stay updated on the most recent tech happenings.

This is Android Central’s Weekly News, your primary destination for a brief compilation of the week’s most important tech news. Here, we explore the top headlines that reveal the newest advancements and innovations shaping the digital world.

This week, Samsung unveiled its latest foldable devices and the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, a Pixel 10 prototype appeared unexpectedly, leaked images of Meta’s upcoming Ray-Ban smart glasses emerged, Garmin finally activated Google Maps on its smartwatches, and Samsung bid farewell to its S Pen to achieve a streamlined design.

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Apple Unveils Passkey Portability in iOS 16 and macOS Tahoe 16

**The Emergence of Passkey Technology: Boosting Security and Flexibility**

In recent times, passkey technology has become an important breakthrough in digital security, evolving from a mere concept to a commonly embraced method. As an increasing number of websites and applications add passkey support, users are discovering greater ease in strengthening their security practices both professionally and personally. With Apple’s forthcoming software updates, this technology is poised to evolve even further.

**Grasping Passkey Flexibility**

With the launch of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26, Apple is tackling a vital concern: passkey flexibility. This capability enables users to shift their credentials from Apple Passwords to specialized password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, or Bitwarden, and vice versa. The process is secure and localized, eliminating the dangers tied to exporting plaintext CSV files, which may compromise sensitive data.

This flexibility is founded on a new guideline from the FIDO Alliance, which facilitates secure and private credential exchanges among applications. Users can authorize transfers using Face ID, Touch ID, or their device passcode, ensuring an effortless experience.

**Collaboration Across the Industry and User Autonomy**

The creation of the FIDO Credential Exchange standards was a joint endeavor, showcased during a presentation by Dashlane in May 2023. This initiative underscores the significance of providing users with the freedom to choose where to store their credentials, fostering user autonomy and averting vendor lock-in. As Rew Islam from Dashlane remarked, fostering data portability is crucial for empowering users to opt for the optimal password management solutions for their requirements.

For IT teams, this innovation alleviates worries about vendor lock-in. Users can now synchronize Apple Passwords via iCloud while others utilize third-party applications, rendering transitions to enterprise-grade solutions more seamless without the threat of losing access to their passkeys.

**Consequences for IT Oversight**

This is an ideal opportunity for IT leaders to reevaluate their onboarding procedures. Organizations supporting Apple devices should integrate passkey transfer testing into their setup experiences, especially in environments utilizing mixed tools or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. The new flexibility feature promotes secure practices without binding users to a single system or vendor.

Apple’s dedication to improving passkey functionality is admirable. Reducing barriers in the utilization and management of passkeys accelerates the shift away from weak passwords. With the advent of flexibility, users can now freely select their preferred password manager without the apprehension of being confined to a particular ecosystem.

**Summary**

The progress in passkey technology, especially with Apple’s latest enhancements, signifies a major advancement in digital security. By prioritizing flexibility and user options, the FIDO Alliance and its collaborators are forging a path toward a more secure and adaptable digital environment. As organizations and individuals embrace these changes, the future of password management appears bright, with enhanced security and user empowerment taking center stage.

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Galaxy S25 Edge Now Offered with a $400 Price Cut for a Short Period

This is arguably the price point that the S25 Edge should have debuted at.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Excluding the Galaxy S25, it appears that Samsung’s second wave this year focuses on being sleek. Recently, we witnessed this with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 announcement, but prior to that, the Galaxy S25 Edge was introduced.

It has been less than two months since the S25 Edge launch, and you can already save over $400 on one. Purchase. Typically, the 256GB variant is priced around $1,100, but with Best Buy’s “Black Friday in July,” the cost has been reduced to only $685.

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Netflix Documentary Investigates Brazil’s Transition to Theocracy

Netflix’s latest political documentary, *Apocalypse in the Tropics*, offers a captivating and disturbing examination of how democracy in Brazil was on the verge of collapse when religion and political aspirations became inextricably linked. Directed by Academy Award nominee Petra Costa, the film is set to debut globally on July 14 — and what makes it particularly engaging is its relevance to numerous countries beyond Brazil.

With its striking similarities to U.S. politics, this documentary might leave some Trump supporters feeling uneasy, particularly in its analysis of the emergence of religious populism and its effects on democratic values.

Central to this film is a provocative question intended to challenge audiences about the distinction between democracy and theocracy — and at what point a nation crosses that threshold from one to the other. Costa navigates viewers through a decade-long odyssey of Brazil’s recent political turmoil, illustrating how the country’s escalating evangelical movement influenced and arguably unsettled its democracy.

“This is a fable of our times,” Costa remarks. The narrative she unfolds is as impactful as it is unsettling. *Apocalypse in the Tropics* includes interviews with pivotal figures, such as current president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former president Jair Bolsonaro, and prominent televangelist Silas Malafaia, who many regard as a significant influencer behind Brazil’s religious right.

This documentary seamlessly intertwines the personal and the political, combining firsthand accounts with archival footage to portray a nation in turmoil. The reason Costa’s film currently holds a 94% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes is partly due to its engagement with profound and troubling inquiries regarding faith, authority, and the boundaries of democracy.

Following its debut at significant film festivals including Venice and Telluride, *Apocalypse in the Tropics* was obtained by Netflix and is now poised for a wide release. Costa and her team, including producers from Brad Pitt’s Plan B entertainment, dedicated four years to the development of this project. The outcome is a film that doesn’t merely elucidate the situation in Brazil; it reflects the challenges other nations face amid similar struggles between faith and governance.

In a recent post (from late June), I mentioned that while countless Netflix subscribers gravitate toward popular original series like *Squid Game* and *Wednesday*, my interest lies in the platform’s often-overlooked documentary offerings. Documentaries like *Apocalypse in the Tropics* are precisely what I was referring to. The bottom line: If you seek a documentary that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits have rolled, this is the film to see.

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Inexpensive Anker Offers Below $18 to Address Charging Problems Before Prime Day Concludes

Establishing a solid charging ecosystem doesn’t have to break the bank — if you act promptly.

Nobody enjoys shelling out cash for chargers. I understand — a new phone promotion or an amazing smartwatch offer is far more thrilling than a cable or a power brick. The reality is, allocating a small amount of money towards an impressive charging ecosystem can lead to significant enhancements in your daily life. Without quality chargers and cables, you likely aren’t fully utilizing your high-end tech devices.

Fortunately, as Amazon Prime Day comes to a close, there are still offers available that enable you to create an excellent charging setup without overspending. I’ve compiled a selection of four Anker products that will assist you in achieving just that. Some are priced as low as under $6, while the priciest charger in this collection is only $17.99.

If you tend to scoff at purchasing new chargers or dislike overpaying for unneeded items, this is the essential list of Prime Day charging bargains you should seize — all from the esteemed charging brand Anker.

Today marks the END of Amazon Prime Day! Explore all Prime Day offers here.

Anker Nano USB-C power adapter

Everything begins with a power adapter. If the wall adapter connecting to your outlet doesn’t offer fast charging capabilities, then nothing else is significant. The Anker Nano 3 can achieve 30W fast charging, and given its compact size, that’s remarkably impressive. Foldable wall prongs allow you to conveniently toss the Nano 3 into a bag or pocket without hassle.

I have been utilizing Anker Nano chargers for years and have persuaded several friends and family members to make the switch. Once they tried the Anker Nano, they were reluctant to go back to any other wall charger. You can grab one for merely $12 on Prime Day.

Anker USB-C to USB-C cable

Next, you’ll require a cable to connect to that power adapter. By 2025, most of your devices will be using USB-C, making these braided USB-C to USB-C cables from Anker the ideal selection. They are resilient and support 60W fast charging speeds — ample to maximize the Anker Nano 3 charger and future enhancements.

You can purchase two three-foot-long USB-C to USB-C cables for under $6 on Prime Day. That’s less than $3 per cable, which is frankly incredible.

Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand

I appreciate MagSafe and Qi2 chargers as much as anyone else, but for Android users, they can be a bit of a hassle. You require the appropriate case or a third-party adhesive ring to achieve optimal results. This is why the Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand is the ideal choice for those wanting to return to simpler times. It effectively propps your phone up with a built-in stand and supports multiple orientations.

While a standard Qi2 charger can run over $100, this Anker wireless charging stand is available for under $14 during Prime Day.

Anker PowerCore 10K power bank

Lastly, this list would be incomplete without a power bank. If you’re on a budget, you should seek a cost-effective and compact option that can fully charge your phone at least once. That perfectly describes the Anker PowerCore 10K, which boasts a 10,000mAh capacity and three USB ports.

You can grab the Anker PowerCore 10K for under $18 while Prime Day discounts last.

There’s no obligation to purchase all the charging accessories listed here, but if you choose to, you’ll spend less than $50 for everything thanks to last-minute Prime Day offers. That includes a 30W power adapter, two 60W charging cables, a 10W wireless charging stand, and a 10,000mAh power bank for under $50. By taking advantage of these deals, you can completely revamp your power and charging setup on a budget.

Prime Day 2025 Android bargains — quick links

Prime Day is LIVE from July 8-11: view the complete list of Amazon deals.

Phones: significant discounts on Samsung and Pixel.

Tablets: discounted Galaxy Tab and iPad.

Wearables: up to 45% off Garmin watches.

Most Prime Day deals are exclusive to members: register for the 30-day trial.

TOPICS

Amazon Prime Day

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