Sunday 30 June 2019
The ins and outs of Dark Mode: A harmful fad or a beneficial software feature
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Fast Share is Google’s Android Beam replacement: Here’s what you should know
Android Beam was Google’s attempt to provide seamless local sharing functionality, but the company removed the feature in Android Q’s developer preview. Thankfully, it’s now emerged that the search giant has a replacement, dubbed Fast Share.
The new feature, spotted by 9to5Google, is reportedly similar to the local file-sharing functionality in the Files By Google app. It set to be available via the standard Android sharing sheet or via Settings > Google > Fast Share, and it’ll let you share files, URLs, and text snippets with nearby users.
The functionality apparently requires Bluetooth and location services (while also using peer-to-peer Wi-Fi), and the devices need to be brought close together. Interestingly enough, the outlet’s screenshots (seen above) suggest that the functionality is compatible with Chromebooks, smartwatches, and iPhones too.
Receiving a file is similar to receiving a file via Bluetooth, as you can quickly accept or decline the shared content via the notification shade. The feature even includes a “preferred visibility” option so people can see your Fast Share-enabled device when you’re nearby, even if you don’t have the functionality enabled at that moment.
It’s believed that Fast Share might not be limited to Android Q devices, as it’s purportedly a Google Play Services feature. This means you might see it on much older devices too, so hopefully those with phones stuck on Nougat or Oreo can get in on the action. What do you make of Google’s new file-sharing feature? Give us your thoughts in the comments!
NEXT: How to text from Windows 10 using an Android phone
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Ultimate Ears' tiny WONDERBOOM 2 Bluetooth speaker is already $80 ($20 off)
Don't let the long name and all-caps fool you; the WONDERBOOM 2 is Ultimate Ears' smallest speaker offering. It was announced earlier this month, but prices are already being slashed by $20/20% to $79.99. If the regular BOOM speakers are just too big for your liking, you might want to look into this.
Ultimate Ears touts five main improvements with the WONDERBOOM 2 over its predecessor: more volume, more bass, 30% more battery life (to 13 hours), dust resistance (it's IP67 now), and stereo pairing.
Read MoreUltimate Ears' tiny WONDERBOOM 2 Bluetooth speaker is already $80 ($20 off) was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Bluetooth battery status being tested in Chrome OS Canary
Battery level readings for connected Bluetooth devices are something that many of us Android users wanted for a long time, and we finally got it with Android 8.1 Oreo back in 2017. Nearly two years later, the same feature is now hitting Chrome OS with a flag that those in Canary can enable.
The flag in question is chrome://flags/#show-bluetooth-device-battery. If your Chrome OS device is on Canary, entering that in your URL bar, enabling the flag, and rebooting should cause the battery levels of supported Bluetooth devices to show up in both the system tray and settings interface.
Read MoreBluetooth battery status being tested in Chrome OS Canary was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
Facebook to ban ads dissuading Americans from voting
The best Original Hindi movies and series on Netflix
Netflix is making a big push in India and understandably so. With a population of over 1.3 billion, even ten percent of that will almost double Netflix’s global subscriber base. Not only is it rapidly expanding its Indian catalog, but is also testing out cheaper mobile-only plans to make it more accessible. But Netflix is also doing what it does best – create original content.
There’s a growing number of Hindi and regional language movies and TV shows that Netflix has bought or produced and it has even bigger plans going forward. It’s limited for now, but here are some of the best original Hindi movies and series on Netflix!
Best original Hindi movies and series on Netflix:
Best Netflix Original Hindi movies
Best Netflix Original Hindi series
Note: This list focuses on original Netflix content because there’s too many to choose from otherwise. I’ll include some recommendations in the special mentions section though. We’ll continue to update this list as more original Hindi movies and series are released on Netflix.
Best Original Hindi movies on Netflix
Love per square foot
“Love per square foot” follows the lives of Sanjay (Vicky Kaushal) and Karina (Angira Dhar). Buying a home is a dream that neither can achieve individually. A couple-friendly home loan scheme leads to a marriage of convenience. Hijinx ensues as they struggle to figure out their increasingly complicated lives. This a fun, quirky comedy that has its fair share of moments. The premise is a touch farcical, but it’s ultimately a story about the value of money, family, and love. Strong performances help overcome the constraints of the story. At over two hours, it does run a little long though.
Soni
Soni (Geetika Vidya Ohlan) is a young cop in the Delhi police force. She works closely with her superintendent, Kalpana (Saloni Batra), to fight growing incidents of violent crimes against women. A professional setback and difficult personal situations derail their plans.
As loathe as we might be to admit it, Soni is an incredibly relevant film in today’s day and age. It tackles the misogyny that women face every day, but without getting preachy or by overtly pointing fingers. It’s an uncomfortable truth that any and every woman will attest to. It’s also something that those in power and society as a whole need to address. Soni may not be a movie for the masses, but it is one that everyone should see.
Lust Stories
Lust Stories is an anthology movie comprised of four short films by some of India’s best directors – Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Dibakar Banerjee, and Anurag Kashyap. An apparent sequel to Bombay Talkies (2013), Lust Stories explores love, sex, and relationships in modern India.
Lust Stories provides an honest look at sexuality and modern relationships. It doesn’t go out of its way to be provocative or offensive, but tackles a topic that you’ll rarely see discussed in mainstream cinema or TV. The good news for fans of their work is that all four directors are set to return for a sequel called Ghost Stories, a horror anthology, that is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2020.
Special mentions
- One of my absolute favorite recent Hindi movies on Netflix is Andhadhun, starring Ayushman Khurana and Tabu. When the movie ruins its most interesting twist at the beginning, you can’t imagine it doing any worse. However, that’s just the start of a thrill-ride that is packed with more twists and turns than you’ll know what to do with.
- Fans of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar will be impressed by the range of their films available on Netflix. You’ll only find a bunch of old Salman Khan movies though.
- Some more random favorites of mine – Dhrishyam, Queen, Special 26, Dear Zindagi, Stree, and Piku, just to name a few.
Best Original Hindi series on Netflix
Sacred Games
Indian television is divided into three segments – soap operas, comedies, and reality TV. Compelling, thrilling television with episodes that drop once a week and with limited runs was a foreign concept until the idea of the web series took hold. Some of the best TV you can see in India is online. This segment was ripe for the picking and Netflix was right on the money with its first Original Hindi series – Sacred Games.
It’s a familiar enough story. Cops vs Gangsters. But take away the limitations of a Censor board, add the general “anything goes” attitude of web content, and you have a winner on your hands. The ensemble cast, including high flyers like Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, delivers excellent performances as well. The great news for fans is that a second season should drop soon.
Delhi Crime
Delhi Crime, starring Shefali Shah, is based around the aftermath of the horrific “Nirbhaya” case from 2012 (I’m not going to go into any detail here) that shocked the nation and jolted the powers that be into action. It’s a compelling true crime drama that gets as uncomfortable as the subject matter demands. Shock, grief, and anger are what you’ll feel as the show kicks off. The series then focuses on the next few days as the Delhi Police investigate and arrest all those responsible. It’s dark, disturbing, and gritty, but an excellent watch nonetheless.
Little Things
Little Things, starring Mithila Palkar and Dhruv Sehgal, is a fantastic exploration of modern relationships in India. The ups and downs, the struggle to deal with life, work, love, and everything in between, is beautifully showcased in this series. It was actually a YouTube series produced by Dice Media a couple of years ago. It was then picked up by Netflix for a second season (both seasons are now on Netflix) with more, and longer, episodes. If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts sweet and heartbreaking, Little Things is a great binge.
Ghoul
Netflix followed up Sacred Games with Ghoul. It’s a compelling horror series that takes its inspiration from Arab folklore. The story is set in a dystopian future with a fascist regime in power. The interrogation of a suspected terrorist goes wrong, resulting in a variety of supernatural events to occur.
Ghoul is produced by Blumhouse, that has made horror its business with other great releases like Jordan Peele’s Get Out. Most good horror in recent years has Blumhouse or Jason Blum involved in some way, and Ghoul is no different. Netflix favorite Radhika Apte stars in this three-part miniseries that is bound to keep your heart racing.
Looking for more Netflix recommendations?
- The best movies on Netflix
- The best comedy movies on Netflix
- Best binge-worthy TV shows on Netflix right now
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This week in Android: Huawei back in action and Samsung device leaks
The big story this week was potentially the end of Huawei’s ongoing troubles with the U.S. government. At the G20 Summit in Osaka, Trump announced that Huawei will be able to work with American companies once again, which might signal the beginning of the end of Huawei’s blacklisted status. This is great news for the Chinese company that lost up to $30bn of revenue as a result of the ban, even though less than 1 percent of the Huawei P30 Pro uses American-made components.
Samsung also made the news this week, but not by choice. Renders of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus leaked on Friday, complete with hole punch camera right in the middle of the display. To top things off, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 also leaked.
We also released our review of the Motorola One Vision and a hands-on of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e tablet. We also gave our thoughts on the OnePlus 7 Pro camera, which OnePlus is keen to improve over time.
Here are the top 10 Android stories of the week
- Motorola One Vision review: Challenging perceptions — Can the Motorola One Vision stand tall as the best cheap phone?
- Is Samsung’s new Android tablet the best you can buy right now? — The Super AMOLED display and software features make the Tab S5e the best Android tablet around.
- OnePlus 7 Pro camera review: Average at best — The OnePlus 7 Pro claims to have a more advanced camera, but is it really any better?
- Taking T-Mobile’s brand new 5G network for a spin — We walked all over New York City to see if T-Mobile’s 5G network is any good.
- Why is the Google Calendar app so much better than the desktop version? — Shouldn’t the desktop version be better than the mobile app?
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10: What we expect — The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is coming! Here’s what we expect from Samsung’s upcoming flagship.
- Mediatek chip guide: All you need to know about MediaTek processors — Interested in a phone running a MediaTek chip? Here’s what the P60, P25 and others offer.
- Super resolution explained: How phones fill in the gaps — Everyone from Google to Huawei uses super resolution technology, but what is it?
- Are premium audio cables worth it? — When it comes to raw performance, a premium audio cable doesn’t make a marked difference.
- Under-screen 3D cameras could truly kill the display notch — Oppo’s under-screen 3D cameras have the potential to make a truly uncompromising full-screen smartphone.
Learn more on the Android Authority Podcast
This week on the podcast we are joined by Adam Molina from our sister site SoundGuys.com to discuss the week’s news, plus the results of a test comparing high-end audio cables to a coat hanger. The results might surprise (and disappoint) you.
Want to receive the weekly podcast on your device? Subscribe using your favorite player below!
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Who wants to win a Samsung Galaxy S10? (U.S. only)
This week, we’re giving away two brand new Galaxy S10 smartphones. Enter this week’s Sunday giveaway for your chance to win!
Don’t miss these videos
That’s it, folks! We’ll have another giveaway and more top Android stories for you next week. To stay up to date on all things Android Authority in the meantime, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters at the link below.
Win a Galaxy S10 powered by Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ Mobile Platform (US only)
It’s time for the Sunday giveaway! Like every week, we’re giving away another a brand new Android phone to one lucky Android Authority reader.
A big congratulations to the winners of last week’s Oppo Reno giveaway, Suvash L. from the U.S. and Rachel Z. from France.
If you think the Samsung Galaxy S10 takes fantastic photos just because of its camera sensors, think again. What makes a phone’s camera churn out good pictures has a lot to do with the hardware underneath, and it turns out Qualcomm Technologies’ hardware is powering some of the most capable, high-end camera phones commercially available.
So, Android Authority is partnering with Qualcomm Technologies for two more Sunday giveaways.
Each week, we’ll be holding a photo contest. All you need to do is submit a photo taken with a smartphone powered by Snapdragon and submit it in the giveaway widget below. Then, on Wednesday, July 3, we will choose eight of the best photo entries. It’s then up to you to vote for the winning photo out of those eight finalists (don’t worry — you’ll get even more entries for voting!). The winner of the photo contest will be announced next Sunday morning.
If you’re worried that your photography skills aren’t up to par with everyone else’s, don’t be. We’re giving away two Samsung Galaxy S10 phones this week — one to the winner of this week’s photography contest and another to a random winner. This way, everyone has a chance to win!
Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Again, to enter the contest, make sure your photo entry is taken on a smartphone powered by Snapdragon (even older Snapdragon mobile platforms are eligible!).
Enter the giveaway here
Win a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Samsung Galaxy S10! (US only)
Terms & conditions
- The is a U.S.-only giveaway.
- In order to qualify as a winner, you have to submit a photo from a Qualcomm® Snapdragon-powered smartphone.
- We are not responsible for lost shipments.
- You must be age of majority in your country of residence.
- Only one entry per person; please do not enter multiple email addresses. We will verify all winners and if we detect multiple email addresses by the same person you will not be eligible to win.
- We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
- This giveaway is operated by Android Authority in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
- Photos, quotations, likenesses, and other content may be used by Qualcomm for marketing purposes.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
More: Android Authority international giveaway FAQs
Winners gallery
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Content sponsored by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 vs. Galaxy Tab S5e: Which should you buy?
Here at AC, we continuously strive to be your best source for Android. Whether it be phones, tablets, smartwatches, or anything else in between, we're here to help you find, buy, and use the tech of your dreams.
Flagship tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Pros
- Gorgeous AMOLED display
- Longer battery life
- Comes with an S Pen
- Optional LTE model
Cons
- Less RAM
- More expensive
It may not be the newest tablet in Samsung's lineup these days, but the Galaxy Tab S4 is still the most powerful. With longer battery life, included S Pen, iris scanning, and so much more, the Galaxy Tab S4 is ready for all your tasks — whether they're for work or play.
Best for less
Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e
Pros
- Smaller bezels
- Up to 6GB RAM
- Weighs less
- More affordable
Cons
- No S Pen
- Only available with Wi-Fi
Can't afford the Tab S4 but still want a tablet that'll be able to keep up with you? The Galaxy Tab S5e is a great option. Despite the lower price tag, you still get an AMOLED display, lightweight design, and an identical software experience. That said, you miss out on the S Pen and more powerful internals.
With the Galaxy Tab S4 and S5e, you have two great tablet options depending on what you're in the market for. If you want an ultra-premium tablet with great internals, lots of expanded capabilities with an included S Pen, and the option to have on-device LTE, the Tab S4 brings a lot to the table. With that said, if you don't need an S Pen or LTE, you can save $250 and get the Galaxy Tab S5e. It offers a very similar experience, even more RAM, and supports more expandable storage at the expense of less battery life.
What the Galaxy Tab S4 does better
Specs-wise, the Galaxy Tab S4 and S5e have a lot in common. In fact, at first glance, you might be confused as to why anyone would spend an extra $250 for the S4 when the S5e matches it in so many ways.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of the Tab S4 is its included S Pen. The S Pen opens up an entire world of possibilities you won't find with the Galaxy Tab S5e, and for some people, it'll be reason enough to go for the S4 over it.
Some of the highlights of having the S Pen include being able to quickly create handwritten notes, draw/doodle, and simply having a more precise way to interact with the touchscreen. We all know how great the S Pen is on devices like the Galaxy Note 9, and with an even bigger canvas to work with on the Tab S4, it's that much better.
You also get the added benefit of a larger battery, which according to Samsung allows for up to 2 hours of additional use of video playback. Your milage will certainly vary depending on what you're using your tablet for, but as a general rule, expect to get a bit more time in between charges with the Tab S4.
Lastly, it's worth giving the Tab S4 some praise for its optional LTE model (available for Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T) which allows you to stay connected even when Wi-Fi isn't nearby, as well as a docking station accessory that can essentially turn it into a makeshift smart display.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e | |
---|---|---|
Operating System | Android 9 Pie One UI |
Android 9 Pie One UI |
Display | 10.5-inch Super AMOLED 2560 x 1600 |
10.5-inch Super AMOLED 2560 x 1600 |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 |
Storage | 64GB or 256GB Expandable up to 400GB |
64GB or 128GB Expandable up to 512GB |
RAM | 4GB | 4GB or 6GB |
Rear Camera | 13MP | 13MP |
Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C |
Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 USB-C |
Battery | 7,300 mAh | 7,040 mAh |
Security | Iris scanning | Fingerprint sensor Face unlock |
Colors | Black Grey |
Black Silver Gold |
Why you should save your money and get the Tab S5e
Here's the thing though. If you don't need the S Pen, LTE, and are fine with slighty less battery endurance, the Galaxy Tab S5e is essentially the same tablet with a price tag that's $250 less.
Its Snapdragon 670 processor is just as snappy as the older 835 chipset in the S4, it's rocking the exact same Super AMOLED display, its camera combo is identical, and both tablets support Samsung DeX with an optional keyboard accessory to help you stay productive while on the go.
In fact, the Galaxy Tab S5e even has a few key advantages over the S4. In regards to its security, it uses a traditional fingerprint sensor and face unlock which a lot of people will likely prefer over the Tab S4's iris scanning system. You can also configure the S5e with 2GB of extra RAM, and while its maximum base storage is less than the Tab S4, it supports a larger amount of expandable storage with its microSD card.
A quick note on security
Security authentication, such as fingerprint sensors and face unlock, is expected on just about every new device we buy these days. On the Galaxy Tab S4 and S5e, this is handled very differently between the two devices.
On the Galaxy Tab S4, you'll rely on Samsung's iris scanning technology to securely unlock the device and log you into all of your apps. It's a bit more convenient than a fingerprint sensor if you're already looking at the tablet, and while it isn't the fastest around, it is quite secure.
As for the Tab S5e, you'll rely primarly on the side-mounted fingerprint sensor for all of your authentication needs. However, for quickly unlocking the tablet, there's also a less-secure face unlock feature that you can use.
It's all based on your wants and needs
As with so many of these comparisons, the tablet you should buy ultimately comes down to your personal preferneces.
Both of these gadgets have a lot in common, but if you want the expanded capabilities of the S Pen, value having LTE connectivity, and want the best battery life possible, the Galaxy Tab S4 will be worth the extra money.
Then again, if you aren't too concerned with those features and just want a rock solid tablet for general day-to-day use, you might as well save yourself some cash and pick up the Galaxy Tab S5e.
Flagship tablet
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
A powerful tablet that's built to do anything.
With the Galaxy Tab S4, the only thing that limits what you can do with it is your imagination. Along with a premium design and powerful specs, it has a couple of big advantages over the Tab S5e thanks to its included S Pen, an optional LTE model, and can last longer in between charges thanks to bigger battery.
Best for less
Galaxy Tab S5e
A similar experience for $250 less.
As great as the Tab S4 is, it's not the best fit for everyone. If you want to spend less money and get a very similar experience, the Tab S5e is the way to go. It has the same great AMOLED display, supports more RAM, and slimmer screen bezels while retaining a fingerprint sensor. If you don't need an S Pen or LTE, this might be the better choice.
Great accessories for your new tablet
Galaxy Tab S4 Book Cover Keyboard
If you decide to get the Galaxy Tab S4, you'll definitely want to also pick up its Book Cover Keyboard. It simultaneously protects the tablet while also giving you a fantastic typing experience.
DeX Cable
Whether you buy the Tab S4 or S5e, this DeX Cable allows both to be plugged into a computer monitor to launch a Windows-like desktop experience for getting serious work done.
RAVPower 32,000 mAh Batter Pack
Should you find yourself needing more battery while on the go, this 32,000 battery pack from RAVPower provides a ton of extra juice in a relatively slim and compact package.
Eaze removes in-app purchases following Google ban on marijuana delivery apps
Google changed several policies for the Play Store a month ago, and among them was a new ban on apps selling or facilitating the sale of marijuana. While applications that promote the use of the devil's lettuce is still allowed, the actual sale can't happen inside the app. 'Eaze,' one of the more popular weed delivery apps, has now been updated to comply with the new policy.
When you attempt to buy anything through the app, you are now directed to the company's website to make the actual purchase.
Read MoreEaze removes in-app purchases following Google ban on marijuana delivery apps was written by the awesome team at Android Police.
New Motorola Moto G7 series price cuts available now
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Minit tips, tricks, and coin locations: One minute to win it!
Got a minute? Then you should check out Minit — a quirky puzzle adventure game that is now available on Google Play and the App Store.
Published by Devolver Digital, this top down Zelda-inspired indie hit was first released for PC and Xbox One and has been nominated for multiple awards since. Its minimalist 8-bit art style and innovative mechanics will quickly draw you in and challenge you. Minit doesn’t hold your hand or explain too much — you have to figure it out on your own. But as usual we are here to help! Without spoiling too much or giving you a full walkthrough, here are our Minit tips and tricks!
Minit tips: The basics
As you might have suspected from the name Minit, the game is played in 60-second intervals. This imbues Minit with a sense of urgency at first, but any progress you’ve made — puzzles solved or items collected, will remain as such. This gives you some time to explore your surroundings without rushing too much, especially in your initial playthrough. The only exception are enemies, which will respawn every cycle.
Dying itself is a mechanic, however. If you don’t have time to go to your next location after finding an important item, you can press the reset button. You will then respawn at your house. There are three other checkpoints or houses you will find along your way, which will make navigating the map easier, but we won’t reveal their locations! Trail and error is the name of the game, which is fitting — it harkens to the days of NES and Gameboy games, just like the pixelated aesthetic of Minit.
Trial and error is the name of the game!
In terms of combat, the game is pretty standard — you start with two hearts and each hit will cost you one. Don’t slash at residents though! They will remember your misdeeds.
Where to find key items in Minit
The joy of Minit is discovering the secrets of the world yourself. This is why we will only point you to the first key items that will get you started on your journey without giving away too much.
Cursed sword
As we previously mentioned, the whole adventure begins with finding the sword. To do so, exit your house and head south. You will stumble upon two crabs. Carefully avoid them and continue west. You will see the sword next to a riverbank. Picking it up will start the sixty second timer. Of course, it can also be used as a weapon and to cut down bushes that are in your way.
Coffee
How do you move boxes? All you need is some coffee apparently. To get this reward, return to the crabs and defeat them with your newly acquired sword. Cut down the bushes west of your house and walk though. There you’ll find a bar with residents complaining about the all the crabs infesting the place. Head north from the bar, where you will encounter three more of them. Kill these crabs too and return to the bar for your reward! Make sure you’ve killed all five in the same cycle, otherwise you will not receive the coffee. Enemies respawn!
Lighthouse key
Got that sweet coffee? Now it’s time to acquire the lighthouse key. From the bar, head back north to where you killed the last three crabs, then go east. You will be able to see the key in a cavern. Move the boxes with your newly acquired caffeine powers and cut the bushes down to grab it!
From there, you need to find the lighthouse and piece the rest of the puzzles on your own! We do have one last tip though: most items will stay in your inventory between cycles. The only exception is the Watering can which will appear next to your spawn location. If you want to carry it around, you will have to swap your sword for it.
Coin locations
Got the puzzles all figured out already? If you are completionist or a treasure hoarder, it’s time to grab the collectibles for some sweet achievements. We don’t recommend going on this treasure hunt on your first or even second run, however. You need a good knowledge of the map, as well as item locations.
Here are all 19 Minit coin locations:
- Coin 1 — Found in the house you first spawn in. Just break the pot after acquiring the sword.
- Coin 2 — Go into the snake pit, then find the illusory wall at the top left of the maze. Walk through it and keep going left until you see another room with a chest and snake inside. Move up and down until you can walk into the room. Kill the snake and grab your coin!
- Coin 3 — Hidden beneath the desert quicksand. You will recognize the area thanks to the slowing effect it has on your walking speed. Let yourself sink. Once you fall through you, head down to find the chest that contains the coin. The area is littered with scorpions, so be careful!
- Coin 4 — Inside the big dumpster near the Sneaker Hut. We are not sure why someone would throw out a valuable item there, but just hit the dumpster with your sword and the coin will fall out.
- Coin 5 — The Sneaker Hut is full of secrets! Find and hit the cracked wall near it and follow the secret tunnel. You will have to move some boxes and break some pots, which will clear the way to a chest containing the coin.
- Coin 6 — North of the Sneaker Hut, you will find a sign that points you to east towards the Desert Ruins. Keep heading east until you stumble upon a broken truck. There will be another chest surrounded by scorpions with a coin inside!
- Coin 7 — You will need the Watering can for this coin, so make sure you have it equipped. Go to the Secret Temple and use it on the fire blocking the entrance to the eastern tunnel. Once you walk in, you will find yourself in a room that’s ablaze and full of unfriendly bats. Scurry across, watering the fire to make your way through. Make sure you don’t take any damage! Once you pass through the deadly area, head north. The corridor will lead you to the chest containing the coin.
- Coin 8 — On the northeast side of the Hotel, walk around and press down until you enter a room. Push the box out of the way to get to the pot. Break it and you will find your next coin inside.
- Coin 9 — This one is a bit trickier and crueler than most. North of the Hotel kill the leafy-haired bandits three times in a row. You will hear a musical cue each time you do this. After you’ve cleared them the third time, kill the hotel guest that was being attacked. He will drop the coin.
- Coin 10 — This coin is located near the land-loving fish next to the bar. Swim to the area northwest of him and just follow the path to find the chest containing the coin.
- Coin 11 — To the right of the bar, break the suspicious pot placed near a stone wall by hitting it three times with your sword. It will reveal a staircase. Go down. You will find yourself in a maze full of bats. Kill them without taking damage to open the door leading you to the next area. You will hear a sound when it opens. Go north, then down the waterfall to find your chest and coin.
- Coin 12 — Do the exact same things you did to find the previous coin, but instead of going down the waterfall, exit through the staircase above it. You will find yourself on an island with a chest. To no one’s surprise, there is a coin inside.
- Coin 13 — From the lighthouse bridge, head into the water past the big rock, heading west, then south. You will discover an island with a palm tree and a treasure chest. You know the drill.
- Coin 14 — Flippers get you all the treasure! With their help, travel up the waterfall to the right of your first spawn house. You will find a secret cave containing a treasure chest with a coin inside.
- Coin 15 — Sometimes you need to complain to get that coin! Go to the Sword Factory then head south to a room full of characters. Stand in line and wait until a pot near you combusts and reveals the next coin.
- Coin 16 — Since you are near the Sword Factory already, head to the parking lot behind the warehouse. There should be two trucks there. Walk into the bigger one to find your coin.
- Coin 17 — You will need the Grinder item for this treasure. Head inside the mines under the factory and go east. You will find a character who says he’s striking. Next to him is a lantern and a box. Break the lantern then push the box out of the way and go south. Move along the conveyor belts to a small area with a treasure chest and a talking tree.
- Coin 18 — In the southern part of the sword factory, you will find a large drill held in place by two robotic arms. Hit them with your sword and let the drill wreak havoc. This will open up a shortcut to the desert, but there’s also a coin hidden in the wall.
- Coin 19 — We’ve saved the worst for last! For this coin you must start in every checkpoint or house, run to the Secret Temple, head north, slash the bushes away and die in the room with the skull door until it opens. All that’s left to do after is follow the corridor to find your coin in a treasure chest. It’s a lengthy process, but hey – it’s still easier than getting the Stanley Parable Go Outside achievement (without cheating)!
That’s it for our Minit tips and tricks. We hope we helped you on your journey! Where you able to find each of the coin locations? Let us know in the comments.
Saturday 29 June 2019
How to work as a software developer online: Everything you need to know
There has never been a better time to become a software developer. The demand for software developers is increasing all the time, as is the variety of work they are tasked with completing. Then there’s the pay.
According to USNews.com, the average software developer made $101,790 in 2017. According to Gorroo.io, the average C# developer earns $102k per year.
In short, programming is one of the most in-demand skills in the world right now. If you are looking to work online, or to prepare yourself for the next step in your career, there are few smarter moves than learning code.
The average C# developer earns $102k per year.
But where to begin? If you are someone who hasn’t dabbled in code in the past, then you might find yourself at a complete loss as to how to get started. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know: what a software developer does, what qualifications you might need, and how to find work.
What does a software developer do?
A software developer is someone who develops software. That means they will write code, use tools, and often carry a project from its inception to its completion. Alternatively, they might be hired to identify bugs in existing code, or to upgrade it/add new features.
Either way, your work will consist largely of solving problems using a variety of programming languages, APIs, and tools. You might work on projects directly for clients, through an agency, or as part of a larger organization.
Types of software developer
The reason “software developer” is such a broad term, is that there are so many different types of software you might be asked to work on, and so many different tools you might use to bring that to fruition.
A software developer might also work as a web developer, or a “full stack developer,” in order to build a website or add interactive features. They may develop mobile apps, or work on in-house industry tools.
Another distinction to consider: software developer vs software engineer, what’s the difference?
While both of these terms might be used interchangeably, the difference comes down to the type of work being completed and approach taken. Software engineers look at code from an engineering standpoint: they consider the lifecycle, they look at errors and bugs, and they typically work on large projects amongst larger teams.
Software developers, on the hand, are more likely to be the primary creative director on a project. They develop software from start to finish for a client or organization, usually in order to fulfill a specific role.
So if you work for Facebook as part of its engineering team, you are a software engineer. If you make apps for clients, you are a software developer. But you might well get called both in either situation.
What skills and qualifications does a software developer need?
In order to be a software developer, you need to learn to program.
The next question is: “what is the best programming language to learn” or “what programming languages do employers want?”
While it’s certainly true that some programming languages are more in demand by clients and employers (Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Swift, C#, C++, Ruby), the truth is that this entirely depends on the kind of work you want to do. Here are a few examples.
Full stack developer
Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby are all languages that are used for web development. If you are working on an online portal, or making updates to web apps like Twitter, some of these will likely be useful. In this role it might also be advantageous to understand databases (SQL) and to know your way around a server.
A “full stack developer” is a web developer that has achieved their final form: someone who can handle every aspect of web design and maintenance, from the front end (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), to the back end (PHP, Python, Ruby), to the server maintenance. This type of professional is in hot demand.
Here’s a great course from Udemy if you want to learn more: Full Stack Web Developer Bootcamp.
Mobile developer
If you’re interested in developing Android apps however, then you will need to learn Java or Kotlin (ideally both). You’ll need to familiarize yourself with Android Studio, the Android SDK (Software Development Kit), and all the new concepts that Google is constantly introducing (such as instant apps, or bubbles).
Read more: How to find work as an Android developer
If you want to make iOS apps for a living, you should learn Swift and Objective C and familiarize yourself with Xcode. If you want to make Windows apps, or go cross-platform, then you’ll need C# and an understanding of Visual Studio.
Games developer
To become a games developer, then you should definitely learn C# and ideally C++. You should get to know the big game engines (Unity and Unreal), and you might want to add a little bit of CAD to your skillset.
The Ultimate Guide to Unity for Game Development over at Udemy is a good place to start.
This is just scratching the surface. Other software developers will work on software with electronics, handling big data, and more.
Then there are the specific tools that companies will use in order to manage their workflow and collaborate on bigger projects. When I visited Facebook in London a few months ago, I was introduced to the many different tools the company uses to keep projects on track. They include Phabricator, Mercurial, Sapienz, and more.
Certainly, tools like Github (used for version control) are likely to be useful for software engineers and developers working in a variety of industries. Project management apps like Asana or Basecamp are likewise very useful for remote work. Showing that you have experience in these areas will round out your CV further, and make you even more employable.
To sum it up: what you need to know will depend on the type of software developer you want to become.
The best software developer certifications
So once you’ve chosen the type of work you want to do, and the type of code you want to write, your next job is to identify the type of training you’re going to need. Do you need a degree to become a software developer?
The short answer is no. The longer answer is no, but it certainly helps.
While it’s possible to get employed without a degree, a computer science degree will nevertheless be a requirement for a large variety of organizations and employers. It will also give you an excellent foundational understanding and a competitive edge over non-degree-wielding applicants.
Likewise, a degree will give you an advantage over other candidates during the application process.
But degrees are expensive and most adults won’t have the option to fit them in around their busy lifestyles. In which case, the next best thing is to take online courses and to gain certification that can demonstrate a basic understanding.
There are many industry-recognized certifications that will give you some amount of clout when applying for positions.
For example, you can get Unity certification direct from the company, which may prove valuable to game developers. If you wish to become an Android developer, you might apply to become an Associated Android Developer which is an official program run by Google. Or you might opt to become an Android Certified Application Developer, which is fairly well recognized.
Certifications like these provide peace of mind for clients and companies considering hiring you. They demonstrate that you really do have the knowledge you claim to have, which will mean they can bring you up to speed with minimal additional training.
Simply Google the type of work you’re interested in and find the best-known certifications in that area. If you’re unsure, then choose one of the big languages like C# or Java, or look for a computer science or full stack course that will cover lots of ground.
Do you need certifications to be a software developer?
The cheapest option would be to become a software developer with no certification or qualifications. But is it possible to find work as a purely self-taught developer?
I can guarantee you that it is, as this is exactly what I did. I learned BASIC programming on a ZXSpectrum, and from there progressed my knowledge with QBASIC, B4A, then Java, C#, Python, and more.
The way I was able to do this, was by letting my CV speak for me. I developed a successful Android app that had over 100,000 paid downloads, worked with some fairly big names off the back of that, and then wrote a technical book on game development for Apress Media (Springer).
Those accomplishments provide the exact same kind of assurance for clients as would a certificate, and allow me to charge much more than I otherwise could.
I highly recommend developing apps and websites in your spare time to serve as examples of your work, doing cheap work for friends to build a portfolio, getting involved in open-source projects on GitHub, or attending hackathons.
Most freelance sites like UpWork also provide short tests that you can complete in order to demonstrate your basic understanding.
Even without that kind of experience, if you agree to receive payment on receipt, don’t charge too much, and provide examples of your work, then you should be able to land some jobs right away.
As for finding work with big employers, some professionals suggest certification may be of no help at all.
That’s because, once you know one programming language, it’s relatively simple to understand the others. While the syntax, tools, and some of the rules might be different; the first language you learn is still by far the hardest. There is an equivalent for “if” in pretty much every language you’ll learn.
once you know one programming language, it’s relatively simple to understand the others.
When working within an organization, training is always going to be required. Very few employers will expect you to know everything right away, and – in all honesty – there’s a huge amount of blagging that goes on in the career of any software engineer. Expect to feel completely out of your depths and brimming with “imposter syndrome” when you start. But don’t worry, that’s how everyone feels!
How to teach yourself code
Teaching yourself to code is a challenging process, and advanced concepts like object-oriented programming can be tough nuts to crack. Fortunately, there is a vast amount of free material available online; we’ve already highlighted a couple of great courses from Udemy and there are many more besides. We have a course for Android developers run by Gary Sims for instance.
Here are some more excellent tools for learning code right now:
- A great course that will teach Python for data science.
- C# coding bundle
- Nine-part pro web developer training bundle
And there are plenty of great courses over at sites like SkillShare.
See also: How to start Android app development for complete beginners in 5 steps
Work through these in a logical manner, and practice with your own projects. It’s tough going at first, but if you focus on the aspects you enjoy, you’ll get there.
Finding paid work as a software developer
The last piece of the puzzle is to find paid work, as a contractor, a full-time work-from-home employee, or a freelancer.
Finding freelance work is predominantly a matter of using job listings sites, freelancing sites such as PeoplePerHour or UpWork.
There are also freelance sites that are aimed specifically at software developers and engineers. These include Rent-a-code, and even Stack Overflow.
There are other ways to earn money with expertise as a software developer too. You could become a writer (like I eventually did), and write tutorials for blogs or books for technical publishers. You could teach through online courses; why not create your own Skillshare course?
Read more: Can you still make money from an Android app?
Or you could build your own app, upload it to the Play Store, and then generate a passive income from it while you sleep. And this would have the nice added bonus of also serving as a brilliant demonstration of your capabilities.
Closing comments
In short, there are countless ways to become a software developer. But if you take just one thing away, it should be this: learning to program is an excellent idea and an even better career move.