the 4-day workweek

Study shows that working less improved well-being.

(That was my excuse.)

cows against plastic

July 2 (UPI) -- Microbes found in a cow's stomach can break down plastics, according to new research.

Researchers found the polymer-munching microbes in the rumen, one of four compartments comprising the bovine stomach.

The bacteria, described Friday in the journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, could be used to reduce plastic litter in landfills and polluted ecosystems.

The discovery wasn't entirely unexpected, as the diet of cows and other ruminants features a significant amount of natural plant polyesters.

Scientists figured the bacteria could probably break down synthetic plastics, too, which are similar in their construction and chemical composition.

what happens if cows eat seaweed?

Feeding seaweed to cows is a viable long-term method to reduce the emission of planet-heating gases from their burps and flatulence, scientists have found.

Researchers who put a small amount of seaweed into the feed of cattle over the course of five months found that the new diet caused the bovines to belch out 82% less methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.

solar powered car?

While solar-powered vehicles have been a dream for more than a half-century, this could be the year we see one mass-produced off a California assembly line.

8,000 people have already put down deposits on a solar-powered vehicles from Aptera that hopes to be in production by year's end.

The three-wheeler can transport two people, using a solar array that can be supplemented with additional panels on the hood and rear hatch to extend range up to 1,000 miles.

The Batmobile-like profile was designed to reduce wind resistance, which impacts range. Instead of steel, the body is a composite of carbon, Kevlar and hemp. Composites are used in racing cars, such as Formula 1, to provide strength and safety.

Price is another key factor to keep it affordable. Depending on features, the range is expected to be from $26,000 to $46,000.

The Aptera can be plugged in when driving long distances or when it's cloudy. A factory is being built in San Diego. The co-founders believe sales of 2,000 vehicles per year are viable with a goal of 10 times that many, especially as its develops a full fleet of models.

U.N. environmental report calls for change

Humans are making Earth a broken and increasingly unlivable planet through climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. So the world must make dramatic changes to society, economics and daily life, a new United Nations report says.

Unlike past U.N. reports that focused on one issue and avoided telling leaders actions to take, Thursday’s report combines three intertwined environment crises and tells the world what’s got to change. It calls for changing what governments tax, how nations value economic output, how power is generated, the way people get around, fish and farm, as well as what they eat.

“Without nature’s help, we will not thrive or even survive,” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. “For too long, we have been waging a senseless and suicidal war on nature. The result is three interlinked environmental crises.”

Thus the 168-page report title is blunt: “Making Peace With Nature.”

“Our children and their children will inherit a world of extreme weather events, sea level rise, a drastic loss of plants and animals, food and water insecurity and increasing likelihood of future pandemics,” said report lead author Sir Robert Watson, who has chaired past UN science reports on climate change and biodiversity loss.

“The emergency is in fact more profound than we thought only a few years ago,” said Watson, who has been a top level scientist in the U.S. and British governments.

This year “is a make-it or break-it year indeed because the risk of things becoming irreversible is gaining ground every year,” Guterres said. “We are close to the point of no return.”

The report highlighted what report co-author Rachel Warren of the University of East Anglia called “a litany of frightening statistics that hasn’t really been brought together:”

• Earth is on the way to an additional 3.5 degrees warming from now (1.9 degrees Celsius), far more than the international agreed upon goals in the Paris accord.

• About 9 million people a year die from pollution.

• About 1 million of Earth’s 8 million species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction.

• Up to 400 million tons of heavy metals, toxic sludge and other industrial waste are dumped into the world’s waters every year.

• More than 3 billion people are affected by land degradation, and only 15% of Earth’s wetlands remain intact.

• About 60% of fish stocks are fished at the maximum levels. There are more than 400 oxygen-depleted “dead zones” and marine plastics pollution has increased tenfold since 1980.

“In the end it will hit us,” said biologist Thomas Lovejoy, who was a scientific advisor to the report. 

“It’s not what’s happening to elephants. It’s not what’s happening to climate or sea level rise. It’s all going to impact us.”

The planet’s problems are so interconnected that they must be worked on together to be fixed right, Warren said. And many of the solutions, such as eliminating fossil fuel use, combat multiple problems including climate change and pollution, she said.

The report “makes it clear that there is no time for linear thinking or tackling problems one at a time,” said University of Michigan environment professor Rosina Bierbaum, who wasn’t part of the work.

In another break, this report gives specific solutions that it says must be taken.

This report uses the word “must” 56 times and “should” 37 times. There should be 100 more because action is so crucial, said former U.N. climate chief Christiana Figueres, who wasn’t part of the report.

“Time has totally ran out. That’s why the word ‘must’ is in there,” Figueres said.

The report calls for an end to fossil fuel use and says governments should not tax labor or production, but rather use of resources that damages nature.

“Governments are still playing more to exploit nature than to protect it,” Guterres said. “Globally, countries spend some 4 to 6 trillion dollars a year on subsidies that damage the environment.”

Scientists should inform leaders about environmental risks “but their endorsement of specific public policies threatens to undermine the credibility of their science,” said former Republican Rep. Bob Inglis, who founded the free market climate think tank RepublicEn.org.

The report also tells nations to value nature in addition to the gross domestic product when calculating how an economy is doing.

Getting there means changes by individuals, governments and business, but it doesn’t have to involve sacrifice, said UN Environment Programme Director Inger Andersen.

“There’s a country that has been on that path for 25 years: Costa Rica,” Andersen said. “Yes, these are difficult times, but more and leaders are stepping in.”

It’s not all bad! 20 things that made the world a better place in 2020

From record-beating scientific discoveries to an elephant baby boom, 2020 was about much more than just the global pandemic

This is not a year we'll look back on fondly. It began with Australia on fire and ends with more than 1.5 million dead in a pandemic.

But there have been bright points in this annus horribilis. While many of us saved lives by hunkering down at home watching Netflix, a communal act of selflessness that shouldn't be soon forgotten, progress was made in science, the environment, and even politics – Biden won! We can buy lab-grown meat! British beavers built a dam for the first time in 400 years!

Here's our rundown of the best news to come out of 2020. 

The world's first mRNA vaccine was made in less than a year

The world's medical and pharma scientists have never made a vaccine as quickly as it did this year – and we got three out of the bargain, with more to come. But the BioNTech and Moderna vaccines will not only let us emerge from lockdown, they're also the first using messenger RNA, proving that vaccine technology works. That not only opens the door for its use against existing diseases but also means we could more quickly make vaccines to fight future pandemics – because we may have to do this all over gain someday. Read more at WIRED.

Lab-grown meat on sale for first time

The era of slaughter for protein could be coming to an end, with the Singapore Food Agency approving for the first time the sale of lab-grown chicken. Made by American company Eat Just, the cells for the "chicken bites" are harvested from live animals and grown in a bioreactor. Though foetal bovine serum is still used in the process, the company plans to switch to a plant-based growing medium for its next production line. Read more at The Guardian

DeepMind solves 50-year-old protein folding problem

DeepMind's AI has accurately predicted protein shapes from their sequences alone, a tough task that normally requires lengthy, expensive lab experiments. While the AI, known as AlphaFold, couldn't unpick all protein structures, it has helped answer questions that have long challenged researchers – and could herald major changes in medical research. Read more at Nature

Nuclear fusion could give us unlimited clean energy

Researchers are building a star on Earth in an attempt to create nuclear power without the radioactive waste. The Joint European Torus (JET) will begin work next year, smashing together hydrogen atoms to generate energy and heat, which could eventually be harvested to generate electricity. Read more at WIRED

Kiwis gift Remarkables land to nation

Dill and Jillian Jardine could have sold their 900 hectares along the shore of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand's Remarkables mountain range to developers. After all, the region is popular among the remarkably wealthy, including PayPal and Palantir founder Peter Thiel. Instead, the farming couple donated it to a local trust as a park for the enjoyment of everyone, not just billionaires. Read more at The Guardian

Beavers build first dam in four centuries

The National Trust released beavers into the wild in January, after the buck-toothed creatures went extinct in England four-hundred years ago. Efforts to return the animals have found success with beavers in Scotland relocated to the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, where they've settled in well enough to chew up a few trees and assemble a "modest but… incredibly special" dam, according to the Trust. Read more at the BBC

Spider rediscovered in Surrey

Mike Waite of the Surrey Wildlife Trust spent two years in the dark tramping around a Ministry of Defence site, searching for a specific species of spider not seen in the UK since 1999. But in October, he spotted it: a great fox-spider. "It's a gorgeous spider, if you're into that kind of thing," he said. The two-inch creature doesn't build a web, instead chasing beetles and smaller arachnids in order to immobilise them with venom that liquefies their organs. How very 2020. Read more at The Guardian

First new coral reef found in 120 years

Scientists mapping the seafloor north of Australia's Great Barrier Reef made a massive discovery: a new reef that's taller than the Empire State Building. It's the first such coral structure to be found in the region in 120 years, and aided by an underwater robot, the year-long exploration journey also discovered 30 new species of sea life, including a 150-foot predator string – yes, that's right – known as a siphonophore. Read more at the BBC

Pandas have sex after decade-long wait

When the pandemic hit, Hong Kong's Ocean Park zoo shut to visitors. Several weeks later, perhaps enjoying their new-found privacy, pandas Ying Ying and Le Le did something zookeepers had been trying to inspire for ten long years: they had sex. The mating doesn't appear to have led to a pregnancy for Ling Ling, but getting it on after ten years of ignoring each other is encouraging to those in stale long-term relationships everywhere. Read more at VICE

There's a baby boom – for elephants

The Amboseli National Park in Kenya reported more than 170 calves by the end of summer, versus 113 in all of 2018 – including two sets of twins. The pachyderm pregnancy peak followed heavy rain the previous year, which means better grazing and more successful births. Alongside the elephantine baby boom, Kenya has said that the rate of poaching has fallen to just seven – down from 80 in 2018 – with numbers of the animals rebounding from 16,000 in 1989 to more than 34,000. Read more at NPR

Painting turbine blades slashes bird deaths

The shift to wind power is good news for the planet, but bad news for birds that fly into the blades of turbines at onshore wind farms. Researchers at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research have found a potential solution: painting one of the three rotor blades black to make them easier to see. And it worked, reducing bird strikes by 70 per cent – not bad for a lick of paint. Read more at the BBC

UK record coal-free run tops 67 days

67 days, 22 hours and 55 minutes – it's the longest the UK has gone without coal-generated power since the industrial revolution. The record run came to an end mid-June only because a north Yorkshire power station fired up a coal unit for maintenance. The rest of the energy mix during the two-plus months was dominated by renewable energy at 36 per cent, followed by gas at 33 per cent and nuclear at 21 per cent. Read more at The Independent

Enzyme eats through plastics

Plastic waste is choking the planet, but researchers at the University of Toulouse: have found a mutant bacterial enzyme that will happily chew through it all, breaking it down for easy recycling into new plastic materials. The enzyme was originally discovered in a compost heap of leaves, though it needed some tweaking to optimise its ability to break down plastic. The mutated version managed to degrade a tonne of waste plastic in ten hours. Read more in The Guardian

SpaceX's first launch with humans

Elon Musk's SpaceX started the commercial space flight era by successfully launching a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon capsule and two Nasa astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, to the International Space Station (ISS). The Falcon 9 rocket has previously ferried cargo to orbit, but the trip marks the first private space launch with humans aboard – and the beginning of private space flight, including tourism. Read more at WIRED

Porn starts to consider ethics

Pornhub removed two-thirds of the videos on its site – some ten million clips – after an investigation by the New York Times revealed some of the user-uploaded clips featured children and other abuse, sparking Visa and Mastercard to halt processing payments. From now on, the site will only permit verified users to upload videos, perhaps finally kickstarting an era of ethics in mainstream porn sites. Read more at Motherboard

UK gets its first tech union

United Tech and Allied Workers set up a branch in the UK amid wider activism in the sector in the US, with walkouts at Facebook, Google and Amazon. The aim is to give workers more power to hold their employers to account without having to quit and find another job – not easy during a pandemic. Read more at WIRED

Art sculpture saves train driver

Public transport met public art in dramatic, life-saving fashion when a Rotterdam metro train crashed through buffers at the end of the elevated line in the Dutch city. The driver's carriage was saved from falling the 10m to the ground by a public art installation by Maarten Struijs, propped up by one of two whales' tails. Struijs called the accident "rather poetic" and he's not wrong: the name of the work is Saved by a Whale's Tale. Read more in The Times

Kamala Harris becomes first female vice president

The US has its female vice-president, and she's a woman of colour known to her step-kids as "Momala". In a year of difficult politics, and amid a backdrop of racial tension, the US managed to make a major step forward by electing Kamala Harris as the first female vice-president. Read more pretty much anywhere, but start with the New York Times

Argentina set to legalise abortion

Abortion remains illegal across most of South America, but Argentina is set to become the first large nation and only the fourth on the continent to allow women the right to choose. It follows the lead of Cuba, Uruguay and Guyana, though UN research suggests more than six million abortions still happen in the region each year, the majority of which are unsafe for women. The bill still needs to be approved by the senate later in December. Read more at The Guardian

Endurance runner carries disabled friend to top of Mount Olympus

Eleftheria Tosiou always wanted to scale Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Greece. The wheelchair-bound student reached the goal with the help of her friend, long-distance endurance runner Marios Giannakou, who scaled the 2,917-metre mountain with Tosiou strapped to his back. “I have never done something more beautiful,” said Giannakou. “I think it has completed me as a person.” Read more at Reuters

-- by Nicole Kobie, Friday 18 December 2020

Visible / Google Pixel 3a XL

Prologue (added 10/27/20): I bought a Google Pixel 3a XL phone to replace my Motorola RAZR (not the new one), but hadn't activated it yet.  I wanted to make sure that all the photos and messages were transferred over to my computer (the only way I could see to do this would be to email them to myself).  So I was just using like a mini-tablet over wi-fi, to watch videos and play games, not to make phone calls and texts.

Once this was done, I wanted to switch my carrier from T-Mobile (which I had for a long time, I originally had VoiceStream and it became T-Mobile in 2002, so it's been a while.)  I might have stayed with T-Mobile, but their reception is terrible at home with the calls often cutting in and out.  More often than not, I would have the caller call me back on my landline.  The reception is usually much better when I'm not at home.

The question was what I would switch to.  After doing some research, the choices narrowed to Mint Mobile (Ryan Reynolds' company) and Visible.  I had been paying about $24/mo (including tax -- not bad) for T-Mobile.  Mint Mobile's plan starts at $15.00 (with 3 GB of data).  Visible's plan started at $40, but you can get it down to $25 if you join a Visible Party (see below).  Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile network, so I would probably get poor reception like before.  Visible uses the Verizon network, which is the higher rated network as far coverage.  The other main difference is that Visible gives you unlimited data.  Truly unlimited data which is not throttled after using so many GB.  That would be cool to have when I'm out of range of a wifi network and still would be able to stream video without worrying about a data cap.

[Huh.  Just noticed that my laptop has a USB 3.1 port with a USB-C connector.  So I really didn't need to buy those USB-C to USB cables to charge the phone from my laptop.  I could have been using the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with the phone all this time.  But I guess I can use both cables.  I can charge the phone with one and the tablet with the other.]

10/22/20 - Decided to sign up for Visible (on 10/20/20), which is a prepaid cell phone service owned by Verizon.  The contenders were Visible and Mint Mobile.  Visible is $40 a month while Mint Mobile is $15.  But I decided to go with Visible because they have truly unlimited data whose speed is not throttled after reaching a certain data limit.  Plus it's not really $40 if you join a Party Pay plan.  With Party Pay, the price goes down $5 for each member of the party.  A party can go up to 4 members, so it can go down as low as $25.  Which is about what I'm currently paying for T-Mobile (including tax).

Another reason I went with Visible is because they use Verizon's network, while Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile's network.  I currently use T-Mobile and I have to say their service is terrible at my home location.  A lot of times I can't hear what the other person is saying as the connection keeps cutting in and out.  It's mostly just at home and the service seems OK if I'm not at home.  I can't really say if Verizon is better at my location since I haven't used it.  Plus I'm using T-Mobile with an ancient Motorola RAZR.  So it could be that too.  I now have a Google Pixel 3a XL.  So hopefully the connection will be better at home with the Google Pixel / Visible combination.

I was going to activate the Google Pixel months earlier, but I wanted to make sure I got all the pictures out of the RAZR.  The only way I could figure to do that was by emailing the pictures, so I had to check my email to make sure all the pictures were transferred.

So I created an account on Visible, got up to entering the payment method.  Then got the message "An error occurred.  Please try again later."

I went to chat (in the lower right of the website, there's a tab that says "Chat with an Expert".  The Expert asked me what browser I was using.  I said Chrome.  Then the Expert said to try it in Private mode.  I asked how to do that.  The Expert directed me to go to Incognito mode and I tried it and it worked.  Thank you Expert.

I think the website needs work.  To check your account, you first sign in (of course).  Then if you put the cursor on your login name, the options Account and Sign Out appear under the box.  Then if you arrow down to Account, the options disappear (sometimes).  You have to click on your name, then click on Account.

Once you click on Account, the status of your account is supposed to appear in the "overview" screen.  But often it doesn't.   I've had to go to incognito mode or try Edge.  The sometimes even that doesn't work.  Then I tried Firefox and it worked.  But I didn't try again.  As I'm writing this, I'm trying again in Chrome and this time it worked.

I opened the account on October 20 and usually they try to ship the order by the next day.  The screen is currently saying "Your order is on it's way" [it should say its not it's -- another red flag].  The expected delivery is Thu, Oct 22 (which is today).  Clicking the Track Order button shows that it's being sent by FedEx and that it arrived in Honolulu at 11:11 am.  Which is odd since it's 10:42 am as I'm writing this.  Maybe it's PST?. 

The order status says Ordered Tue, October 20, Shipped Wed Oct 21, not yet out for delivery.

Next steps are to Validate email -- is verified!

Then Hang tight -- transferring number over.  It may take up to 48 hours.  Checking my email, they sent me an email thanking me for my order which was received 10/20/20 at 5:39 p.m.  It's now 10:47 a.m., so it's been about 41 hours so far. 

The next steps are to download the app and finally to install the SIM.

My next question is whether this can be done in time before my next T-Mobile bill which I think is either today or tomorrow.  If the Visible activation isn't done by today, I might wait a few days before activating it because I'll be getting billed T-Mobile for non-existent service.

Checking my account on T-Mobile, it says Due Oct 25, 2020 $24.21.  And Autopay scheduled for October 23, 2020 from Visa *******8.  I think I'll cancel the Auto-Pay to give me a couple more days.

OK, we'll see.  Looks like you have to call support to cancel the service.  I wonder if I cancel service now, the number will still be ported?  I think I'll just wait for now.

Now checking my Visible status again.  The drop down options don't appear when I mouse over my name.  Have to click my name to get the options to appear.  Then when I click Account nothing happens.

Now restarted a new browser window in Chrome.  My name doesn't appear, just a down arrow.  When I arrow over, the Account and Sign out options appear.  Clicking on Account gets me to a new page, but no status.  But now I see my name again.  But arrowing over my name doesn't give me the options.  Have to click on my name, then click on Account.  And get nothing again.

Let me switch to Edge.

I'm still signed in.  No drop down when mousing to my name.  Click then click Account.  Nope that didn't work.  Sign out.

Sign back in.  Now mousing over bring the drop-down options.  Promising.  But bring the mouse down to Account makes the options disappear.  Not promising.  But if you bring the arrow down fast, then it won't disappear.  Let's try that.  There you go.  Still says to Hang tight.  Looks like the trick is to arrow down fast before the Account option disappears.

Let's try on Chrome.  Once again, no name.  But let's try arrow down fast to Account then click.  Didn't work, but now got my name again.  But no drop-down options appear when mouse over.

Let me sign out on Chrome.  Create new incognito window.  Sign in.  Name appears.  Drop-down options appear.  Arrow down fast before the options disappear and lock on Account.  OK that worked.  Figuring it out.

[10/22/20] In the don't hold your breath department, I now read this.

"Why is it taking so long to transfer my number to Visible?

Your previous carrier must release your number so we can use it for Visible. We looked into it, and the average time for a complete porting process is 4.9 days, although many of our members have seen much shorter times. Stay tuned to your email, as we'll let you know when your port is complete and you're ready to go and thanks in advance for your patience."

OK, we'll see.  Could be another month of paying T-Mobile :(

***

So I have four more steps to go.  Receive the SIM via FedEx.  Wait for the phone number to transfer from T-Mobile.  Download the app.  Install the SIM.

I wonder if I can download the app before receiving the SIM and waiting for the number to transfer?  I don't have to wait to receive the SIM since I'm installing after the app is installed.  How about waiting for the number to transfer?  Well, according to these instructions for inserting the SIM and activating Visible:  

3.) If you haven't already, download the Visible app.

4.) Open the Visible app and log into your account.

Heads up: Transferring your number? The app will tell you status of the transfer, including when it's time to insert your Visible SIM.

(note: your number will still work until you tap Activate in the Visible App)

So apparently you can.  In fact, the app should tell me when the transfer is completed, so it's just like the website in that regard.  Plus I believe they're going to email me too.

OK, let's download the app then.

Install and log in.

The first question is asks Would you like to set up Fingerprint Authentication?  What?  I wants my fingerprints to log into the app?  Maybe later

Allow Visible to make and manage phone calls?  I guess so.  Allow.

Now it says Your order is out for delivery.  OK I'll wait.

I see in settings, there's an option to Enable Biometrics.  I guess that's where the Fingerprint Authentication is.

I'm looking further down the home page.  It says Service is ready.  Activate your service.  Does that mean the number has been transferred?

I don't see anything in my email.  And the website still says Hang Tight.  Transferring Number Over.  Then again the website still says to download our app.

Well I'll wait until the SIM is delivered.

***

FedEx delivered the the package.  Left it on my steps while I was napping.

Website now says delivered, but still says transferring number over.

App looks like it's hung up at the opening screen with the letters T3DUF rotating.

Exited out and went back in.  Had to sign back in.

Still says Service is ready.

I guess I'll go on chat.

Chat had me verify my email [to verify that they were talking to the right person] and said it's ready to go, despite what the website says.  OK, let me end chat and figure out how to insert it (since I've never done it before).

Here's the instructions from the web.

5.) Open the SIM kit then remove the tool (the metal piece) and the SIM card.

OK, it's in a little clear plastic envelope.  Removed the tool which was taped to the card.  The SIM was attached to the card to the card by little cardboard attachments and I had to pop it out with my finger.  And it went flying up and onto the carpet.

Where'd it go? :(

There it is!  It flew up on the table, not on the floor (where I was looking)

Next I need to remove the phone from the protective case.

Look for the little hole.

Push the SIM tool into the hole.

OK, the tray popped out a bit.

OK, pull out the tray and put the SIM in the tray.  It's label side up since that's the way the notch is oriented.

Shove the tray back into the phone.

Now it says

10.) Turn your phone off, then back on. If you get any notification about updating carrier settings go ahead and do it.

But I already turned the phone off before took off the case.  So I'll just turn the phone on.

I now see a little triangle between the wifi icon and the battery icon.  No notifications came up.

11.) Return to the Visible app and follow the instructions to complete activation.

Open the Visible app.

Said "something went wrong, we are working hard to fix it".  Then the message disappeared.

When I go to account payment has a series of three horizontal dots.

Exit the app.

Try dialing my home phone.  Says mobile network not available.

Go back into the app.  Have to sign in again.

Now it says Go to Activation

Tap that.

Then gets to the Activate service page

Please confirm the information below before activating your service.

Payment method

Option to autopay my monthly service fee

Turn on

I agree

You'll be charged $40 for your first month of service.  Your next payment will be due one month from today.  [even though I had the $20 off for the first month]

Activate

You did it! (briefly flashed)

Last step: Restart your phone

After you restart your device, the SIM will be recognized, service will activate, and you'll be Visible.  Easy right?  Oh, we're just getting started.

See you soon.

Got it

OK, looking at my payment history I got charged $20 on October 23, 2020.  Well it says -$20 on Oct. 23 2020 (Payment Service) followed by $20 on October 23, 2020 (Charge Visa ...6038).  So I guess it charged me $20.

I wonder if it works without restarting the phone?  Call ended.

OK restart the phone.

Well I noticed the letters LTE popped briefly to the left of the triangle.

Try dialing my landline.

Your call cannot be completed as dialed.  Please check the number and try again.

Hmm.  Had to add the area code.  Then it rang.

https://www.quora.com/Why-do-people-have-to-dial-the-area-code-when-making-local-calls

Also was able to receive a phone call from my home phone.

Let me turn off wi-fi and see how well the data works.

The signal doesn't look that strong.

Let me try YTTV.  Well it plays.

Let me see if my T-Mobile RAZR still works.  Try calling home.  Call failed and now says unregistered.

Let me run a speed test.  Wow, got 23.5 down and 7.24 up.  Like more than 3 times faster than my wifi.

Later I want to test the hot spot.

Let me see if I can still log into the T-Mobile website.

First let me check the Visible website.  No longer has the steps I need to activate.

Says balance is $40.00 and total due is $40 on Nov. 22, 2020.  Visible credit is $0.00.

I could still log in and says balance due on [10/25/20 I believe]

Your Team of Experts is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, due to recent COVID-19 guidelines, we’re temporarily adjusting hours to help keep your team safe. You can still contact T-Mobile Customer Care by dialing 1-800-937-8997 or 611 from your T-Mobile phone during the hours listed below. Thank you for your understanding.

T-Mobile Customer Care is available from

7 am - 12 am ET, Monday - Sunday

I guess I'll call tomorrow.  

Let my try log in incognito mode.

It says to Link your phone number to your My T-Mobile account.

So maybe it's inactive now?  But I'll call to confirm anyway.

After you’re up and running, we suggest that you call your old cell phone company to confirm the cancellation.

Got an email that said 

T-Mobile Confirmation: Plan Cancelled

Thanks for using T-Mobile!

You recently deleted your Mobile Internet account. If you would like to create a new account at a later point in time, you can use the T-Mobile ID username and password that you've already set up. Just click, 'Already have a user ID' when you set up a new account.

On Speedtest.net got 28.5 download.  Then 27.22.  Then 26.55.  Then 26.61.  Good enough.

Requested to join walton123.

Got a message saying walton123 has approved you to join the party -- and you're $5/mo richer.

Checking my account is says Party Pay Discount (3 members) -10.00.  So total due is down to $30.00.  Need one more.

Got one more.  $25.00 8)

***

OK, I tried calling my cell phone from my landline without the area code and it worked.  So I guess people can call in without the area code.

*** [10/23/20]

Called T-Mobile to verify that my service was cancelled and that I won't get billed any more.  The friendly guy answered after about 10 minutes and said yes my service has been cancelled and that I will get one last charge on the 25th.  So I guess I didn't cancel in time?  Or I'm paying for the service that I already had been using this month (so it's not prepaid).  Not sure how I'll be paying because I cancelled by credit card autopayment.  Maybe they'll take it out automatically or send me the bill in the mail.  They'll figure it out I guess.

*** [10/23/20]

Let me try the hotspot.  Turn on the hotspot.  Disconnect this computer from my regular WiFi and connect to the hotspot.  It's now connected as I'm writing this.

Let me try a speedtest.

Got 5.67 down and 1.32 up.  Very similar to my regular WiFi.

Now let's see if I can connect another device.  Supposedly it only allows one device to connect at a time, but I've heard/seen others connect multiple devices.

I'll turn of my router so I know that it's running on the hotspot.

Well, the Fire Stick connected.  Running Netflix and the connection speed is only 1.81 mbps.  Let me run Netflix on this computer.  

Well they're both running.  I think they might be at 480p but still it doesn't look that bad.

Let me run speedtest on my computer while Killing Gunther is running on the Fire TV.

Oddly I got 1.20 down and 5.01 up.  Kind of reverse of the first time.

Let me turn off Killing Gunther.

Ran speedtest on Silk on the Fire TV.  Got 2.88.

Run speedtest again on this computer with the phone on the coffee table.

Got 7.19 down and 10.36 up.

So I can connect more than one device, but the speed takes a hit.

Let me check how much data I've now used. 

Going to Settings, Network & internet, Mobile network, it says I've now used 607 MB.

Now I want to see if I can live with just this phone on without my regular wifi for like an hour...

You know what might be cool.  See if I can monitor the data usage in real time.   OK, it's now 608 MB at 10:46 AM.

Let me put on YTTV.  Well, the phone screen blacked out.  Let me run it for a couple minutes.

Unblacked the screen.  Now up to 635 MB at 10:48 AM.

Apparently doesn't update the screen in real time.  I'll press the back arrow and go back in.  669 MB at 10:50 AM.

Connected my iPad Mini.  Phone says Wi-Fi hotspot 3 devices connected.  Apparently it only supports the 2.4 GHz Band.

...  OK playing Pluto TV on the phone while working on Google Docs on my laptop.  Now up to 1.20 GB at 11:30 AM.

... Tried running YTTV off the hotspot with the phone on the dining table.  Started out under 2 mbps, then went under 1 mbps running 480@30.  Then after a number of minutes it ramped up to 720@60 all the way up to 15 mpbs.  So it varied a lot with the peak speed higher than my throttled fiber optic internet connection.

My data is up to 1.53 GB at 12:26 PM.

OK that's enough.  I'll switch back to my regular internet.  Don't want Visible to throttle me.

*** 10/24/20

I wonder how this USB tethering works? / I think it means I can connect the computer to the internet via the Visible service on the phone.  Normally you can do this by using the phone as a hotspot.  But I think you can also connect via the USB cable instead by using USB tethering.

OK, let me test.  Turn off the mobile hotspot.  Disconnect the computer from my wifi.  My phone is already connected to the computer with a USB-C to USB cable.

Going to Settings, Network & internet, Mobile network.  I have the Mobile data on.

Then exit out of Mobile network, then go to Hotspot & tethering.

I have my Wi-Fi hotspot off.  And my USB tethering off.

Let me turn UBS tethering on and see if anything happens.

My computer made a sound and got a notification asking if I wanted to make it discoverable on this network

The notification panel disappeared and I now see a Network interface access icon in my task bar, where usually the wifi icon appears.

It looks like I'm connected to the internet now?

Let me run speedtest.net

6.96/1.44.  Just about the same speed as the hotspot mode.  Ping 7, Download 6.70, Upload 1.46

OK, let me turn off USB tethering and connect the computer using the phone as a hotspot instead

Ping 8, Download 6.68, Upload 1.42.  Just about the same.  8, 6.67, 1.42

And now I see there's two options for AP Band: 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz Band preferred

OK, back to my regular wifi connection

Wait a minute, I see the W-Fi was turned on for the phone, so it was actually using my regular Wi-Fi connection, not the mobile data

OK, turn off Wi-Fi on the phone, turn back on USB tethering

Ping 275, Download 4.77, Upload 1.33 / so Ping not so great, but the others comparable / 278, 1.73, 1.02 a big drop / 338, 2.98, 0.42 not very consistent

ok let's connect using mobile hotspot now

280, 24.75, 10.42 wow / 282, 17.43, 8.19 / 275, 17.69, 10.67

so no real upside to using USB tethering as far as speed is concerned

connect the computer back to my wifi

7, 6.27, 1.44

*** 10/25/20

Visible supports Wi-Fi Calling.  You have to turn it on from the Phone app (or doing a search in Settings or Settings, Network & internet, Mobile network, Calling Advance).  Wi-Fi calling uses your Wi-Fi instead of your mobile connection.  Phone calls when I'm at home usually haven't been clear with the voice breaking up.  So much so that I would direct them to call my landline.

It was pretty bad with T-Mobile on my Motorola flip phone.  It was better on the last (and only) call to my Google Pixel 3a XL on Visible (from a Samsung phone on T-Mobile).  Now that I turned on Wi-Fi Calling, I'm curious to see if the call quality will be any better.

*** 10/25/20

Got this email from Facebook this morning.

The mobile number (808) 389-xxxx has been deactivated for Facebook text messages due to the following reason: the mobile service provider this number was registered with no longer recognizes this number as valid. If you changed your mobile number or switched mobile service providers, please visit Facebook to add your number again.

I never even knew you could use a phone number for text messages.  Well, since I don't think I've ever used it, I'll just ignore this for now.

Actually it might be notifications that Facebook might send to you.  And they had the option to send the notification as a text message to your phone.

If I go to settings, then to General, then to Contact, I see there's an option to "Add another email or mobile number".  I'll leave it alone for now.

*** 10/26/20

Got a call from an unknown number.

Then after that got his message

New! Stop robocalls

Turn on automatic Call Screen for unknown calls to let your Google Assistant decline robocalls without interrupting you

[let's try it]

Turn on

*** 10/28/20

Added a couple Google accounts to the phone for YouTube TV.  Then got a notification from one the accounts.  Turned off synchronization.  We'll see if I still get notifications.

***

Tried to send a text and it failed.  Couldn't figure out why.  Then couldn't call out or in.  Turned off wifi calling and it worked.  Turned wifi calling back on and it still worked.  I dunno.

*** 11/12/20

[a few days ago] Removed the Google account (my sisters) that I was getting notifications from.  So that solved that.  I just had added her account so I could watch YouTube TV on her family account.

But when I get a text from my sister, just the number shows up, not the number.  I think it got confused from when I her account on my phone and it was using her contact list.  Her name does show up for phone calls, but not for texts.

***

For some reason, the audio wasn't working when I was trying to watch YouTube TV (or any other videos).  It worked when I plugged in my earbuds.

I played around, fiddling around with the settings, but no luck.

I finally able to hear audio when I adjusted the ringtone.  So I knew the speaker was working.

It also worked when I played back voice messages.

Then the sound came back again mysteriously.

The only thing I can think of is that the phone was in my bag when we played pickleball last night.  And it rained.  I think my bag was open and the phone got wet from the rain.  So maybe that did something.  Anyway, the audio seems to be working OK now.  Hopefully nothing else will go wrong.  Got to remember to zip close my bag next time.

***

Noticed that Google Photos is ending unlimited storage for high quality photos next year.  But Pixel phones will still get that unlimited storage.  That's a bonus.  Now I have to remember to upload the photos that have not been already uploaded to Google Photos.  I think all of my photos from my iPad are on there, but not the photos taken with my Kodak before that.

Either that or I will upload to Amazon Photos which has true unlimited storage (though only 5 GB for videos).  I'm not planning to end my Amazon Prime subscription any time soon.  (I could always sell 1 share of AMZN stock to pay for 25 years of Prime 8)  I'll probably be checking out the Amazon Photos app.

iPad (10.2 inch, Wi-Fi, 128 GB, latest model, 8th generation)

 Ordered this for my sister.  And I get to set it up.  So here's the unboxing and setup.

It's the "gold" model but it looks more like pink to me.  Even the cover of the box has the picture of the iPad from the side and with the correct color.

On the bottom of the box, it says it includes iPad, USC-C to Lightning Cable, and USB-C Power Adapter.

Requires: Apple ID (for some features).  internet access.  ...  Battery may eventually need replacement.  1 GB = 1 billion bytes, actual formatted capacity less.

OK, cut it open.

First thing I notice is that this model still has the actual physical home button at the bottom unlike the newer models.

Lifting the iPad out of the box, there's not much else in there.  There's a smallish thin box which contains a skimpy user's guide and a sheet with two Apple decals.  Also a warning/warranty insert that helpfully states at the top "Before using iPad, review the iPad User Guide at support.apple.com/guide/ipad.

Under the box is a USB-C power adapter and the USB-C to Lightning cable.

There's a thin protective film over the iPad.  I wonder if I can operate it without removing the film.  Let me try.

Holding the iPad vertically, the home button is on the bottom.  The camera hole is on the top.  The lightning connector is on the bottom as well as the speakers.  The volume controls are on the right side toward the top.  At the top is the headphone jack, a tiny microphone hole (I think) and the power button.  There's three dots on the left side.  What's that?  That's the Smart Connector where a keyboard would attach.

OK, let me press the power button and see what happens.

It goes on with the Apple logo in black on a white screen.

Hello.  Press home to open (in different languages).  Then the screen blacked out.  Press the Home button.  The screen appeared again.  Press the Home button again.

Choose English.

Select Your Country or Region.  United States.

Quick Start

Bring your current iPhone or iPad near this iPad to sign in and set up.

If your other iPhone or iPad doesn't show option for setting up this iPad, make sure it's running iOS 11 or later, and has Bluetooth turned on.  You can also set up this iPad manually.

OK, maybe I'll do that instead (I want to see how that works anyway).  Back.  Goes back to the English (and other languages) page.

OK, press the power button to turn it off.  (I see the battery indicator is at 100%.)

slide to power off

*** 11/4/20 ***

OK, tried the automatic update putting the phone near the ipad.   The phone recognized the iPad was asking to be installed.

It asked a number of times to verify using fingerprint ID (my sister uses her thumb), so I had to wait for her to verify with her thumb.

When it finally got to the iPad screens, it looked like all (or most) of the apps were there.  But had to wait quite a while for the apps to download and update.

One thing I did was turn off backup to iCloud since the storage has been maxed.  And activate Google Photos instead.  Had to install a game again to get it working.  Otherwise, it's up and going.

Lenovo Duet Chromebook

I've been eyeing this for a while now.  Most (practically all) of the reviews (including YouTube reviews) have been favorable.  But first I wanted to get some stuff out of the way (like trimming my tree in the back).

This is a 10" Chromebook that can double both as a computer and a tablet.  I would say it's more of a tablet because it's 10", but it can act as a computer and comes with a keyboard/cover included.  And since I was looking for a replacement for my old iPad Mini (which can no longer run some of the apps I use -- like YouTube TV), I thought this might fit the bill.  Plus I've never had a Chromebook, so it be something new to experience.

The regular price is $299.00 which most people say is a bargain.  But I saw Best Buy had it down to $249.00 -- which was the first time I had seen it on sale.  I had seen it even lower as an Open Box item, but this was for a brand new one.  And I took the bait and ordered it on Monday (10/25/20) morning and picked it up in the afternoon.  (I was surprised that the Best Buy parking was pretty full, but the store didn't look like that it had that many people inside.)

In the meantime, I had picked up a Fire HD 8 (which had been also on sale at Best Buy) which actually looks to be the more-direct replacement for iPad Mini.  But this was something I could stuff into my bag and haul out when I wanted something more substantial to work on.

I might not have been so keen to buy this if my HP Pavilion x360 is flakey (the cursor just starts acting up sporadically).  So we'll see if this can be a replacement for that as well.

So now I'll be armed across the board.  From this Acer 15+" laptop I'm typing on, to the 10" Lenovo Duet, to the 8" Fire HD, to the Google Pixel 3a XL (which is 6" -- it doesn't look that big to me, but I guess it is).

Stay tuned for the unboxing.

*** 10/29/20 ***

The unboxing begins!

After opening the box, the first I see is the tablet on the top.

Then inside the long rectangular box on the right is the USB-C to USB cable, the power brick, and an adapter for a headphone jack.

Lifting up the boxes reveals the back cover and the detachable keyboard.  All wrapped in translucent plastic bags.

And there's a little Quick Start Guide in the bottom of the box.

OK, let's see if this thing has any charge in it.

Press the power button.  It's on the right, below the volume buttons.

Press and hold the power button until the screen lights up.

Chrome OS is missing or damaged.

Please remove all connected devices and start recovery.

[Not a good start.]

I must say the screen is nice and bright.

What do I do now?

For help visit https://google.com/chromeos/recovery

It says I need another Chromebook, or a Windows or Mac computer with Chrome installed

Turn it off, then turn it back on.

This time I got the "chrome" on the screen.

Then it got to the Welcome! screen  [whew]

Let's go.

Connect to network

To restore your data, connect to the internet

Google Chrome OS Terms

Accept and continue

Checking for updates (very quickly)

Sign in to your Chromebook

[using my Google account]

Please wait...

You're signed in!

Chrome sync

Your bookmarks, history, passwords, and other settings will be synched to your Google Account so you can use them on all your devices.

Personalize Google services

Google may use your browsing history to personalize Search, ads, and other Google services.  You can change this anytime at myaccount.google.com/activitycontrols/search

[x] Review sync options following setup

Accept and Continue

Choose your PIN [hmm...  6 digits... Let me think]

[Hey what happened to the PIN screen?]

Google Play apps and services

[] back up to Google Drive (I'll uncheck this)

More

[x] Use location

[x] Review Google Play options following setup

Accept

Install apps from your other devices

We found 11 apps from your account that can be used on this device

Speedtest  Tunein                      Roku

Netflix      Amazon Prime Vid  Pluto TV

Instagram  Peacock                   Google Home

Smule        Messenger

Skip

Meet Your Google Assistant

Turn on

Google partners work with your Assistant to help you

Continue

Access your Assistant with Voice Match

Voice match lets you access your Assistant directly by using your voice.

No thanks [what if somebody wants to use it?]

Your Assistant is ready

When your Chromebook is set up, press the Assistant button or say "Ok Google" to get help anytime.  Go to Assistant settings to make changes.

Done

Connect to your phone

Your Chromebook and Android phone work better together.  Connect them so you can text from your computer, share your internect connect, and unlock your Chromebook with your phone.

Select a device

Google Pixel 3a XL

When you connect your devices, you agree that your Chromebook can:

Send you notifications and default to remember this computer for Messages.

Automatically install apps

Offer new features as they become available

Accept & continue

Then it went to the Settings screen

Smart Lock is turned on

Next time, your phone will unlock your Chromebook.  You can turn off Smart Lock in Settings.

[I think I'll turn this off.]

Change Settings

Settings / Connected devices / Google Pixel 3a XL / Smart Lock (toggle to off) [I might try turning it on later]

I guess it's set up.

Swipe up and select Chrome

Gmail is disabled

To re-enable it, accept the new perrmissions

Display notificatons

Accept permissions

Swiping up I see seven icons.  Chrome, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Play, Messages, Settings.

How do I go to the desktop?  Or is there one?

Then someone I got into YouTube

There you go.  Tap on the left arrow to get to the desktop.

At the top there a searchbar: "Search your device, apps, web...

Then five small icons in a row: YouTube Docs Play Store Messages Chrome

Then twenty icons on the main screen

Chrome Play Store Files Gmail Gmail  [the first Gmail is through the Chrome browser]

Docs  Slides Sheets Google Drive Google Keep...

Calendar  YouTube  YouTube Play Movies Play Music [the first YouTube is through the browser]

Play Games Play Books Camera Photos Duo

Then I can swipe up to the next screen which has only one icon

Entanglemen  [I guess that's a game]

Then swipe up to the third screen

Maps Settings Get Help Calculator Chrome Canv [a paint program?]

Text [which looks like a Text editor]  Web Store Messages [text on your computer with Message for web]

Let me try put on the cover and keyboard now

The back cover has a fabric feel, but I think it's hard plastic underneath.

It's magnetized and pops right on.

Now for the keyboard.

It's magnetized and pops right on the bottom.  It positions itself, no need to adjust it.

There's a little plastic sheet taped over the track pad.  I guess you can leave it on because the track pad works with it there.

There's a little play with the keyboard cover moving around.  The excuse is that's it's cheap.

Now where'd the desktop go?  Now it's blank.

Press the little dot on the lower left.

A pane pops up with the upper part of the desktop (with the row of five icons) and an up arrow at the top of the pane.  Swipe up to see the desktop.  Actually just touch the arrow.

OK I'm getting used to this.

I wonder if I should install YouTube TV?  Well it probably works with the browser.  So let's go with that.

Looks like it has the url history ported over from my account.

Go to tv.youtube.com

https://tv.youtube.com/ wants your device's identify to be verified, but Google, to determine eligibility for enhanced playback of protected content.

It's working, but the sound is disappointingly tinny.  Even my Fire HD 8 sounds a lot better.

It's now 9:00 AM.  Let me see how long the battery lasts.

I guess no need to install a lot of apps since I can use the Chrome browser.

....

After using it for a little while, got a notification that Chrome OS update available.  Restart to Update.

OK, let's do that.  [tap it]

screen blanks out

Your system is applying a critical update.  Please do not turn off

Screen blanks

chrome logo

get to the log in screen

tells me to enter password.  is it my google password?

I guess so

I think I want to add a PIN

How do that?

Settings. Personalization.  People.  Security and sign-in.

enter password

show lock screen when waking from sleep

lock screen from sleep mode

password only

or PIN or password

let's switch it to PIN or password

Set up PIN

Hmm.  The PIN I chose is actually longer than my password.  But at least it's all numbers.  I can change it later I guess.

How do I shut down the Chromebook.  Unlike Windows, where you click to shut down, you press the power button.  Well, actually there's several options.  You can also click on the time on the bottom right and the power button.

But first, another update..

Entered the PIN.  Apparently with the keyboard attached, you have to do it with the keyboard rather than tapping the numbers on the screen.

OK, turned it off by tapping the clock on the lower right, then the power button.  It shut off fast.

Turn it back on by pressing the power button.  Apparently you have to hold down the power button, not just press and release.

This time I could tap my PIN on the screen.  The keyboard also worked.

Got a bunch of notifications from gmail.  I think I'll turn those off.

Went to notifications.  Went to the gmail app.  Got an option to turn on notifications for only important email.  I guess it's a setting in gmail?  Not sure where it it though.

***

Let me change my wallpaper.  Settings.  Personalization.  Wallpaper.  Open the wallpaper app.  Right now, it's kind of a purplish lava lamp like display.  For some reason, that's what's in My images.  Let's see what else they got.

I think I'll try Landscapes, Daily Refresh.

I don't like the one it chose.  I'll choose another one.  OK, the one with the stream.

***

Waiting for the Chromebook battery to die...  1% remaining, 2 minutes left at 6:29 PM.  Running YouTube TV on Chrome browser.  So it's been about 9-1/2 hours.

OK, it died at 6:36.  Then a red battery icon showed up in the middle of the black screen and disappeared.

Let me plug in the USB-C to USB-C cable going from my laptop.  It's now 6:37 PM.

closed the cover and opened it

A dim login screen appeared.

The screen is dim.  Putting the mouse cursor over the battery.  It says1% 3:17 until full.  So maybe it'll be charged by 10:00 PM?

Had to manually turn up the brightness.  It's now about at 50% brightness.

Fire HD 8

[10/22/20] I couldn't resist.  With my iPad Mini no longer able to run YouTube TV (because it doesn't support the latest iOS) and with my Fire Tablet 7" never being able to run YouTube TV, I was entertaining a replacement on which to watch YTTV.

I'm currently using my Google Pixel 3a XL which is a bit small (but not that bad) and my HP Pavilion x360 which is flakey but works for stretches at a time.

So anyway, I saw this discussion on Facebook about cheap tablets that can run YTTV and a lot of the respondents say they use the Fire Tablet.

Then I saw that Best Buy was having a sale on Fire Tablet that looked even cheaper than Prime Day for the Fire HD 8 for only $54.99 (was $89.99).  I had been considering the Fire HD 10 as well, but I'm still considering getting a Lenovo Duet which has a 10" screen, so this would fill gap between the Google Pixel and the Lenovo.

Anyway I ordered it today and I was surprised that they said it would be delivered by tomorrow.  I just got notice that it was shipped, so we'll see if it arrives tomorrow.

*** 10/24/20

Sure enough the Fire HD 8 arrived in the mail yesterday.

I opened it up and it was packed neatly in the cardboard box.

The first thing I noticed is that it's exactly (or almost exactly) the same size as my iPad Mini.  In fact, I'm wondering if the iPad Mini case would fit.  But even if it does fit, I notice that the power and button volume buttons are placed differently.  So the iPad case would cover up the volume buttons.  Better to spend the $12 for the cheapie Fire HD case.

...

This Plum is Amazon's choice (designed by Amazon).  It has a fabric texture and supports vertical in addition to horizontal standing.  But it's $29.99.  4.6 stars (5290 ratings)

This Famavala looks promising.  $11.99 (list $19.99).  4.5 stars (730 ratings).

This Moko is $12.99.  Looks like a leather-like texture with elaborate stitching and a handstrap.  4.6 stars (1084 ratings).  This Dadanism looks similar at $13.95.

This Moko is $10.99 (list $29.99).  Soft TPU translucent frosted back cover.  Soft shell/shock absorption.  The Rose Gold is $10.99.  The Black is $11.99.  4.7 stars (454 ratings).

This TiMOVO looks exactly like the Moko and is $10.95.  The black is $13.95.  The picture shows that tablet seems upside down (as a comment for Moko explained).  The camera hole is at the bottom when using the stand, whereas you would think it would be at the top (like on my laptops).  4.7 stars (154 ratings).

The JEtech is $11.98.  The camera hole is at the top when standing it.   [Checking Famavale, the camera hole is on the bottom.  Maybe bottom is better?]  4.6 stars (442 ratings).  JEtech sounds familiar.  I think I ordered a case from them before.  Let me check.  Yeah, I bought it for my iPad Mini four years ago.  It's still holding up OK (if that's the same case).  In the meantime, the Infiland case for my Fire 7 is kind of peeling off.  Then again, it was only $6.95.  The JeTech was $9.99.     

Android Central reviewed some cases.  This Dadanism looks similar to the Famavala.  But it also has a flexible TPU translucent back shell, so maybe it's more like the MOKO.  It also has the camera hole on the bottom.  $10.99 for Rose Gold.  $13.99 for black.  4.7 stars (602 ratings).

The Fintie Folio Case (black) is $14.99 and also has the camera hole at the bottom.  So maybe that's the thing now.  4.7 stars (536 ratings).  Save a dollar with the Z-Love Tree design.

I'm leaning toward the Moko black case.  I like the idea of having a TPU case.  I think that's what I have for my Google Pixel 3a XL.  Yeah, it says combination of TPU and polycarbonate.

OK, tried putting the Fire HD 8 into the case for my iPad Mini.  Doesn't quite fit.  The Fire HD 8 is just a bit bigger.

Another thing I noticed is that the speakers for the HD 8 are on the same side as the camera hole.  So if the case has the hole at the bottom, the speakers will be muffled by the bottom of the case.

But looking at the photo, I can see the speakers at the bottom.  So the speakers aren't covered and there's space for the sound to bounce off the table (or where ever).

....

Pressing the power button.  Sure enough it turned on.

Asked what language.  I chose English (U.S.)

Then it needed to connect to my wireless network to set up.

now at Christie's house

log on to the router

updated software (didn't take long)

log in with Amazon account

Restoring your Fire? (it would restore from my old tablet)

Do Not Restore

Enable location services

auto-save photos and videos

save wi-fi passwords to Amazon (no)

goes to an intro video

demos what Alexa can do

Enable Alexa [OK]

Make this Fire kid-friendly

Not now

Get More out of your Fire tablet with Goodreads

Not now

Audible

Start you 30-day Audible Plus free trial

No Thanks

Kindle Unlimited

Start your 30-day free tiral

No, Thanks

Enjoy videos already included in your Prime membership!

Add recommended TV to your Wathlist

Add recommended movies to your Watchlist

Not Now

Get apps and games for free

Not Now

Finally got to the Home screen

doesn't have my apps

Here are the default apps in the Home section

Shop Amazon   Silk Browser Appstore     Prime Video FreeTime

Utilities     Books        Music        Audible     News

Amazon Photos Games        Amazon Alexa Goodreads   Email

Camera        Settings     Newsstand    Files       Wash Post

Books has my books

Video has my videos that (my watchlist plus what I bought)

Games & Apps has suggested apps

Shop has previously viewed items and based on my browsing history

Music has my selections from my Prime Music

Audible has my one audible book that I borrowed or bought

Newstand has the Washington Post and the one magazine that I borrowed

Battery says 65% -- About 1 day, 7 hr left

...

Installed some apps.  Facebook.  Facebook Messenger.  Pluto TV.  YouTube.  Netflix.  Disney+.

I wanted to install YouTube TV but it's not in Amazon's app store.  Nor can you run it from the Silk browser (it asks you to install it from the Google Play Store).

Thus I now want to install the Google Play Store.

I found these instructions which have been updated to include the 2020 edition (10th generation) of the Fire HD 8 (which is what I have).

Enable installation from unknown sources.

Settings.  Security & Privacy.  Apps from Unknown Sources.

It said install unknown apps.  And listed Facebook and Silk Browser.  

If tapping 'Apps from Unknown Sources' brings up a list of apps, then you don't need to do anything. You may receive a popup when installing APKs, but you'll just have to tap the 'Allow' button when prompted.  [So I'm good.]

Now you're ready to download and install the APKs needed to get the Google Play Store running.

First find what model I have.

Settings.  Device Options.  About Fire Tablet.  Device Model.

I have the Fire HD 8 (10th generation).

Then I need to find out my Fire OS version.

Settings.  Device Options.  System Updates.

Your device is running Fire OS 7.3.1.3.  [But 7.3.1.6 is ready to install]

Now I need to Download APK

Go to http://andp.lc/firetabletplay on the Silk browser of the tablet.

For some reason I don't see the mobile data connection now

Settings/Internet only shows Wi-Fi / Data usage / airplane mode

That's because it's not my phone (dummy)

OK, let me connect to my wi-fi.

OK, now go to andp.lc/firetabletplay

cick on the link for Google Account Manager v7.1.2

then tap the Download APK button

Silk needs storage access to download files

Continue

Allow Silk Browser to access photos, media, and files on your device?

ALLOW

This type of file can harm your device.  Do you want to keep com.google.android.gsf.login_7.1.2-25_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.apk anyway?

OK

Your download will start immediately.  If not, please click here.

then pretty much instantaneously a window saying com.google.android.gsf.login_6.1.2-25_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk.

Open

Don't open it.

X the window instead

Next is the Google Services Framework

click on Google Services Framework v9-4832352

DOWNLOAD APK

This type of file can harm your device.  Do you want to keep com.google.android.gsf_9-4832352-28_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.apk anyway?

OK

then a window appeared saying com.google.android.gsf_9-4832352-28_minAPI28(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk

Don't open it.

Back to the first tab with tab with the guide to installing the Google Play Store.

Next is section Google Play Services

click on Google Play Services (64-bit ARM, nodpi, Android 9.0+)

look for the first version that doesn't say beta

That would be Google Play services 20.39.15 October 3, 2020

tap on the download link (the down arrow I presume)

an Ad came up, x it out

scroll down to DOWNLOAD APK and tap that

got the message that this type of file can harm your device.  Do you want to keep [the long file name]

OK

Your download is starting

Window below says Downloading file (114.52 MB)

waiting for the download to finish (took a little while)

don't open it

back to the web page on the first tab

Now for the Google Play Store

tap on Google Play Store (universal, nodpi)

There are different versions for different versions of Android.

I'll just choose the top one which is for Google Play Store 22.4.28-21 [0] for Android 5.0+

tap the down arrow

scroll down and tap DOWNLOAD.APK

Your download is starting

This type of file can harm your device (etc.)

tap OK

Your download is starting

Downloading file (32.68 MB)

took several seconds (much faster than the previous file)

again don't click on Open

Back to the first tab.  Actually back to my computer with the same page as on the first tab with the instructions.

Now it's time to install the apps.

Find the files app on your tablet (it might also be called Docs or Documents) and open it.

Press the home circle to get back to the Home screen.

I see a brown folder called Files.  Tap that.

I see seven files.

Open the apps in the below order.  Installing the apps out of order will cause the Play Store to not work.

1. com.google.gsf.login

I can't see the entire file name.  Tap on the list icon in the top right between the magnifying glass and the three vertical dots.  OK, now I can see the file names.

Tap on com.google.gsf.login_7.1.2-25_minAPI23(nodpi)_apkmirror.com

You table and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps.  By installing this app, you agree that you are responsible for any damage to your tablet or loss of data that may result from its use.

Continue

do you want to install this application?  It does not require any special access

Install

App installed

Done (not Open)

Next is com.google.android.gsf

OK its the one called com.android.gsf_9-4832352-28_minAPI128(nodpi)_apkimirror.co

Tap

Continue

Install

Done

Next is com.google.android.gms

The file name is com.google.android.gms_20.39.15_(100400-335085812)-203915028...

Tap

Continue

Install (taking a several seconds)

App installed

Done

Finally is com.android.vending

The file name is com.android.vending_22.4.28-21_0_PR_338099147-82242810_minAPI...

Tap

Continue

Install

Installing...

Done

Once you have installed all four apps, hold down the power button, and tap Restart to restart your tablet.

Let me close all the background windows first.

Restart

OK, there's is now a Play Store icon on the bottom of the home screen

Tap

Sign in

Checking info...

took a little while, then got to the Sign in screen

enter email or phone

entered my email

enter your password

enter password

Hi Mike [followed by the legalese)

I agree

getting account info

Back up to Google Drive

turn off

Accept

And now I'm into the Google Play Store

Now for the point of all this.  See if I can install YouTube TV.

Search for it

Install

Installing...

Open

Already A Member?

Accounts with my name on it appeared

I guess I tap on my name? [yep]

And I'm in

Let's see if it plays.

Yep, it's working :)

I see a reason why I might want to get a stand that orients the camera hole on the top.  I'm used to putting the table on the left side of the computer.  With the camera hole on the top, the USB-C port is on the right side which is the side facing the computer.  So the cable from the computer wouldn't have to go across the table face to reach the port.

But I think the speakers actually sound better facing down vs. facing up.  The sound seems to bounce off to the table and toward my ears vs. being dissipated at the top.

*** 10/25/20

Now that I was able to do it.  I want to see if these 2019 instructions from How-To-Geek work my 2020 Fire HD 8 tablet.

First of all let me check what version of the Play Store was installed.

Settings.  Apps & Notifications.  Under recently opened apps, tap See all 49 (in my case) apps .   Scroll down to Google Play Store.  Tap.  At the bottom of the screen it says version 22.4.28-21 [0] [PR] 338099147.

OK now to reset the tablet and start from scratch.

Settings.  Device Options.  Reset to Factory Defaults.

Reset

Now my Fire HD 8 went blank.  Waited a few minutes, then pressed the power button.

OK.  Got to Welcome screen.

Choose English

Connect to my Wi-Fi

Updating Your Fire...

Downloading  the latest Fire software

Installing Your Updates

It remembered my account as it asked me to enter my Amazon password.

It also gives the option to switch accounts.

Enter my password

Sign In

Just a sec...

Restoring your Fire?

Do Not Restore

Enable Location Services yes

Auto-Save Photos and Videos yes

Save Wi-Fi Passwords to Amazon no

Continue

Meet Your Fire Table

hit the play button to play the welcome video

1:49 video / don't see a way to bypass this video / so let it play

I guess I could manually move the progress circle 

try asking Alexa, "just say Alexa to get your tablet's attention" (but what if you have more than one Alexa device around?)

OK, here's how to disable/enable Show mode

Make this Fire kid-friendly?

Not now

Goodreads

not now

Audible

No thanks

Kindle Unlimited

No Thanks

Enjoy videos already included in your Prime membership!

Not Now

Get apps and games for free

Not Now

Welcome!

Continue (to see the tutorial)

Finish

Alexa is Hands-Free

but when I tried speaking to it, nothing happens

Continue

Get Started with Alexa Hands-Free

Enable Alexa

Try it now.  Just ask.

Alexa, what's the weather?

that worked

You can also press and hold the home button and ask

that worked too

Continue

Customize Hands-Free in Settings

Hands-Free allows access to Alexa even if your tablet is passcode-locked.  You can changed this in Settings.

The wake word is set to "Alexa" by default.  You can change it in settings.

Turn Hands-Free off in Quick Actions or in Settings.  You can still press and hold the Home button to speak to Alexa.

Finish

OK, everything looks set back to how it was the first time I set up the Fire TV.  None of the apps I installed last time are there.

OK, let's go to the Howtogeek guide.  It's much simpler than the Android Police guide since it doesn't mention all the different Fire table models.  My worry is that it was written in 2019, whereas my Fire HD 8 (10th generation) was released in 2020.  Apparently it was released in June or July since this review from Tom's guide is dated 6/26/20.  According to this CNBC article, they were announced on 5/13/20 and were to be launched on June 3.

The first thing is to go to Settings, Security & Privacy, Apps from Unknown Sources.

The article says to enable.  But it just had Silk Browser listed.  The Android Police article said if an application is listed there, then it's OK (and apparently the option is always enable on the new tablets).

The tablet keeps going to sleep too soon and the screen blanks out forcing me to press the power button.  Settings.  Display.  Sleep.  Change it from 1 minute to 5 minutes.

Next, there are four .APK files you'll need to download.  The easiest way is to open up this tutorial in the Silk browser and click on the links below, which will take you to the download pages.

OK, go to the Silk Browser.  Type in Install Google Play on Fire HD 8.

The first article that came up was the Android Police article.  The second article was from tiliputing dated 6/5/20.  This article is also less complicated than the Android Police article since it was written specifically for the Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020) model.

The third article is the How To Geek article written in 2019.  I'll go back to this one because I'm curious to see if it works.

Google Account Manager APK.

scroll down and tap Download APK

Silk needs storage access to download files

Continue

Allow Silk browser to access photos, media, and files on your device?

Allow

This type of file and harm your device

OK

back to the web page

Google Services Framework APK

scroll down, Download APK

harm?

OK

back to the web page

Google Play Services APK

Scroll down.  Download APK

harm?  OK

downloading file 36.42 MB (wait a while until the bottom window appears with the name of the file.  don't tap Open)

back to the web page

Google Play Store APK

this is version 7.0.25.H-all [0] (80702500)

uploaded October 11, 2016

Download APK

wait I see there's a more recent version available below!

the latest version I see is the Google Play Store 22.4.28 dated October 22, 2020

I'll just download the old one and see if it works

Harm?  OK

Downloading file (16.34 MB)

file name appears.  Don't Open

Back to the web page

close out the silk browser

The instructions say to go to Docs, but from the Android Police article I know it's Files

tap list icon at the top right so I can see the file name

You need to install the APKs in order.  You can tell by the time they downloaded which one was downloaded first.  The order is:

com.google.android.gsf.login

com.google.android.gsf

com.google.android.gms

com.android.vending

Your tablet and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps.

Continue

Do you want to install install this application?

Install

Done

do this for all for APKs

Go to Home Screen and see if it's there.  It is.

"It may not appear to work normally after you sign in, but just give it some time.  The Google Play Store and Google Play services will automatically update themselves in the background.  This may take as much as ten minutes.

Let me check the version number of the Play Store.

Settings.  Apps & Notifications.  See all xx apps.  Google Play Store.  Version 7.0.25.H-all [0]

Let me see if it opens.

Checking info...

Sign in

I agree

Back up to Google Drive [disable]

Agree

Get Started

OK, looks like I'm in

type in YouTube TV

the first result says YouTube TV - Watch & Google LLC

I assume that's the one

Install

23.28 MB

Installing...

Open

Update Google Play services

YouTube TV won't run unless you update Google Play services

Update

notice went away then the notice came back

Update

Went to Google Play services in the Google Play store

Update

32,31 MB

tap the arrow at the top left to go back to Google Play

search for YouTube TV again

Open

Already A Member?

tap on my account

tap on a video

asks to verify your home area

play another video

checking the version for Google Play Store, it's now 22.3.15-21.  So it updated, but not quite as new as the first install.

So I'd say the How-to-Geek article works even though it was downloading old files.  However there are a few things to note.

Applications from unknown sources is apparently the default on the Fire HD 8.  There is no option to disable or enable it.

After the APKs are downloaded, go to Files instead of Docs.  And tap on the List view icon at the top right, so you can see the file names.

The final difference is that it'll ask you to Update Google Play services (twice).

After that it worked.  The Android Police and Liliputing articles say to reboot after installing the APKs.  But it worked without having to reboot.

***

OK, let me try the Liliputing article now.

Settings.  Device Options.  Reset to Factory Defaults.

Erasing...

that went pretty fast

then the Amazon logo

then the fire logo

[waiting...]

Got to the Welcome screen

English (United States)

connect to Wi-fi

Just a sec

Updating your Fire...

Installing Your Updates

Just a sec

Register Your Fire

interesting, it didn't ask last time

enter my email and password

Registration error

the password, email address, or mobile number entered is incorrect.  Please try again.

OK

yeah typed in my email address wrong, correct it

Continue

Registering your fire

Just a sec...

Restoring your Fire?

Do Not Restore

don't save wi-fi passwords

Meet Your Fire Tablet

slide the video forward

kid-friendly?

Not now

goodreads

not not

audible

no thanks

kindleunlimited

no, thanks

Enjoy videos already included

not now

Get apps and games for free

not now

Welcome

Exit

Alexa is Hands-Free

Continue

Enable Alexa

Continue

Customize Hands-Free in Settings

Finish

OK back to square one

I no longer see Washington Post on the home screen

change sleep to 5 minutes

Silk

Google Play Fire HD 8

let's try the liliputing article this time

again no option to install unknown apps

go to the Liliputing article on Silk

Google Account Manager (use the latest version which is 7.1.2)

tap the download icon

the arrow changed color

I guess it downloaded

let me check on Files to see if it did

nope

OK, had to tap it again to get to Google Account Manager 7.1.2

scroll down to All Releases

Google Account Manager 7.1.2

tap the down arrow

and it goes back to the same page

scrolling to the comments, Maria NoGames says "This puts you in an infinite loop and never downloads a thing"

Freshtek replies You gotta click "see available apk's" then scroll down to the download box & click the file # on the left & that will then take you to the real DL page

OK, tap on Available APK's.

Scroll to Download

I see 25 in red under the column Variant

tap that

that opened another window

scroll down and tap Download APK

Silk needs storage access to download files

Continue

Allow Silk Browser to access

Allow

This type of file can harm your device

OK

Then instructions say "After you download each file, you should see a pop-up alert asking if you want to install the app. Tap the OK button, choose Install, and then Done at the end and then proceed to the next app."

I don't see any pop-up alert asking if you want to install the app.  I just see the file name with the options to Open or to X out.

Let's try Open (I can always reset to default if this doeesn't work)

For your security, your table is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source.

OK, I see

From Settings, Security & Privacy, Install on unknown apps

tap on Silk Browser

then Allow from this source

try again

tap on the 25

Download APK

Download

Open

Install

App installed

Done

Back to the article (keep hitting the back arrow at the bottom)

Google Services Framework 9

tap on the download button

See Available APKs

tap on the red 28

Download APK

Harm?  OK

Open

Install

Done

Back to the article

Google Play Services

Not sure which one to pick

I'll just choose the one at the top which is the latest one

See Available APKs

I'll choose the second one listed since it says Android 6.0+ whereas the first one listed says Android 5.0+.  Probably both will work.

Tap on the red 62844.

Download APK

Harm?  OK

Open

Install

App Installed

done

Back to the article

Google Play Store

tap the download arrow on the first one on the list

See Available APKs

scroll to the Download section

tap on the red 82232908

Download APK

Harm?

Your download is starting...

don't see an option to click

X out

Your download will start immediately.  If not, please click here

Harm?

OK

Downloading file (30.35 MB)

Open

Install

App installed

Done

OK, supposedly they are all installed

Go to the Home Screen

Now I see Wash Post and Play Store on the Home screen

let me restart anyway, just in case

Play Store

This version of the app isn't compatible with your device.  To fix this problem, go to Settings and uninstall updates for the Google Play Store app.

Forget it.

I think reset to default and go back to the HowtoGeek article.

I notice the tablet didn't ask for confirmation after I hit reset.  I would have thought it would say something like Are You SURE you want to reset?  But it didn't.

Asks to Register Your Fire

Buffering on the Welcome video

No Washington Post on the home screen yet

OK, let's go back to the How-To Geek article

Settings, Security & Privacy, Apps from Unknown Sources

tap on Silk Browser

then turn on Allow from this source

Now go to the How-To Geek article on Silk

Google Account Manager APK

Download APK

Silk needs storage access to download files

Allow Silk Browser to access photos

[so apparently the Allow earlier for the Silk Browser didn't do anything]

Harm?  OK

Don't open when the file name windows open

Back to the article (in the first tab)

Google Services Framework APK

Download APK

Harm?  OK

Back to the article

Google Play Services APK

Download APK

Harm? OK

Downloading file (36.42 MB) [takes a while on my slow internet]

window with the file name finally appears

Back to the article

Google Play Store APK

Download APK

Harm? OK

Downloading file (16.34 MB)

window with the file name appears

Close the Silk browser

Go back to the Home screen

Go to Files (the article says Docs)

change to List view so you can see the file name

tap on com.google.android.gsf.login

Your tablet and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by unknown apps

Continue

Google Account Manager

Install

Done

Back to Files

tap on com.google.android.gsf

Continue

Google Services Framework

Install

Done

tap on com.google.android.gms

Continue

Google Play services

Install

Done

tap on com.android.vending

Continue

Google Play Store

Install

Done

Go to Home Screen

Play Store appears at the bottom

This article doesn't say to restart your Fire HD 8, but the other two do.  So I restarted anyway.

Go to the Play Store.

Checking info...

Sign in

I agree

Back up to Google Drive [disable]

Get Started

search for YouTube TV

YouTube TV - Watch & Google LLC [the first result]

Install

there was a delay before it started downloading

Downloading [taking a while]

Installing...

Open

Update Google Play services

Update

Update

Downloading 47.78 MB

There it is.  YouTube TV on my home screen

Already a member?

Finds my account somehow, probably because I'm signed into the Play Store.

Tap on my account

And I'm in.

Tapped on a local channel.

Asks to verify your home area

Next

Allow YouTube TV to access this device's location?  Allow

Next

Finding your current area...  Flashing

I guess I didn't turn on location services on the Fire?

exit out of the app

Settings, Security & Privacy, Location-Based Services'

it's on?

Go back to YouTube TV

turn into Youtube TV

Finding your current area...

Keeps flashing

Let me look at this article

Exit out of YTTV.  There's a lock icon on my local channels.  

Settings.  Location settings.  Current playback area looks correct, but update anyway.

You've successfully updated your current playback area.

Click my profile icon and tap on my account again.  The lock icon disappeared.  Let's see if I can watch a local station.  Yep, it works.

All in all, I'm happy with my purchase of the Fire HD 8.  Yes, the splash screen at the beginning is annoying and I'm sure it's not as good as an iPad Mini.  But it's much more responsive than my original iPad Mini and my old Fire 7.  And the screen display seems fine to me.

And it was only $55 (plus tax) at Best Buy.  It's back up up to the regular price of $89.99.  I would imagine it might get back down to that price on Black Friday.  (Oddly camelcamelcamel doesn't show this price on Prime Day.) At this price, this has to be a loss leader for Amazon.

*** [10/25/20]

OK let's write this up for posting on Facebook.

OK, I couldn't resist.  With my original iPad Mini no longer being able play YTTV, I was resorting to playing YTTV on my phone when using my computer (the TV is in the other room).  Then with Best Buy having a post-Prime Day sale on Amazon devices, and after looking at some reviews, I took the bait and bought a Fire HD 8.

I received the tablet in the mail the next day.

I believe I had read earlier that YTTV works on the Fire HD Silk browser.  So I tried that and it didn't work.  It asked to install it from the Google Play Store.  Which of course isn't on the Fire tablets.

Searching for "Google Play on Fire HD 8" brings up three main articles.  The articles are from Android Police, Liliputing, and How-to Geek.  I tried all three.

I first tried the Android Police article.  This is the latest article, dated Oct 3, 2020.  This is the most comprehensive article as it touches on all the different models of the Fire tablet.  It was slow-going because I was careful to follow the instructions and write down what I was doing.  But I finally got it working.

Next was the How-To Geek article.  I was a little worried because it was dated Mar 4, 2019 and the Fire HD 8 came out in 2020.  But I went ahead and tried it and got it working.

I also tried the Liliputing article which was written on 6/5/20, not long after the Fire HD 8 was released.  This was the hardest to do and it directed to confusing web pages which didn't exactly follow what the article was describing.  I had to sometimes guess on what to do, and at the end it didn't work.  It probably would have worked if I had done it differently, and I think I know what to do now.  But I still recommend skipping this one.

Though both articles worked, I would probably recommend the How-To Geek article since it was simpler to follow, especially if you have done it before.  The main functional difference is that it directs you to download older files, whereas the Android Police article has you downloading the latest files.  But it still worked.

A couple things I noted while I did the installs.  You don't need to change the settings for Install unknown apps.  Silk will later ask for access to download files anyway.

After downloading the APKs, go to Files, not Docs as the How-To Geek article says.  Then I would change the view from icon mode to list mode in order to see the complete file names (click on the List View icon at the top right).

After I installed YouTube TV, it asked to update Google Play Services.  I didn't get this request when using the Android Police article.

I also had a problem accessing my local channels at first.  I had to update my Current playback Area, then go to my profile picture, then go back into my account.  But everything seems to be working OK now.

If you don't want to worry about the little quirks of the How-to Geek article, you might want to go with the Android Police article instead as it's more up-to-date and complete.

All in all, I'm happy with my purchase of the Fire HD 8.  Yes, the splash screen at the beginning is annoying and I'm sure it's not nearly as good as a current iPad Mini (for example).  It's not super fast, but it's noticeably more responsive than my original iPad Mini and my old Fire 7" tablet.  It's almost exactly the same size as my iPad Mini (the actual viewing area is slightly wider and less high than the iPad Mini) and of course a little bigger than my Fire 7".  The screen display looks fine to me, though more reflective than my iPad Mini.

It was only $55 (plus tax) at Best Buy.  It's now back up to the regular price of $89.99.  I would think it might get back down to that price on Black Friday.