Technologies

iOS 15: How to FaceTime between iPhone and Android

Non-Apple users can now hop on calls with iPhone buddies who have iOS 15.

If you’re on the lookout for an alternative to Zoom or Microsoft Teams, you may want to check out this new FaceTime feature in iOS 15. (Here’s how to download the OS if you haven’t already.) Widely seen as the tech giant’s answer to Zoom video calls, Apple has made it possible for people who have Android phones or Windows laptops to join FaceTime calls— no iPhone required.

That isn’t to say that Apple devices are cut out of the process. In fact, FaceTime relies on the new iOS 15 operating system — now available to download free — to look and work more like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. In addition to letting you video-chat with people outside Apple’s bubble, FaceTime updates include a new grid view, Portrait mode, the ability to schedule calls and a watch party feature called SharePlay.

Here’s how to join FaceTime calls with iOS 15 no matter what device you’re using.

How do I start a FaceTime call with Android or Windows users?

The key here isn’t that the FaceTime app is coming to Android and Windows. It’s that you’ll be able to jump on a FaceTime call using a link, so long as the person scheduling or starting the call has an Apple device and an Apple account. If you’re an Apple user and have downloaded iOS 15, here’s how to get a FaceTime call started with people on Android or Windows devices.

1. Open the FaceTime app on your phone.

2. Tap Create Link.

3. A screen will slide up from the bottom that says FaceTime Link. You can click Add Name to enter a name for your chat.

4. On the same screen, you’ll see options to share the link through text, email, Twitter, calendar or other apps you have on your phone. Or, you can copy and paste the link yourself.

5. To join the call yourself, tap the name of the chat you just created, and tap Join.

6. When the Android or Windows user clicks the link, it will take them to a waiting room where you can allow them to join the call by tapping a check next to their name.

How do I join a FaceTime call using Android or Windows?

To join a FaceTime call on an Android or Windows device, all you need is the link sent to you by the person with an Apple device. You don’t need to download a separate app. Here’s how to join a FaceTime call through a shared link.

1. Open the FaceTime link from wherever it was shared with you.

2. The link will open in your browser (you’ll need the latest version of Chrome or Edge). Enter your name, and tap Continue.

3. The screen will say «Waiting to be let in» until the person who invited you approves you to join the call.

That’s it! Happy video chatting.

Apple noted at WWDC in June that even on the web, FaceTime calls are always end-to-end encrypted.

For more, check out these FaceTime tips and tricks and everything else to know about iOS 15.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Nov. 30, #903

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle for Nov. 30, #903.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle has one of those purple categories where you need to look inside of the words for hidden words that relate to each other. If you need help sorting them into groups, you’re in the right place. Read on for clues and today’s Connections answers.

The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak.

Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time

Hints for today’s Connections groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: Put up with.

Green group hint: Bad ending.

Blue group hint: Yo-ho-ho!

Purple group hint: Think rainbow.

Answers for today’s Connections groups

Yellow group: Tolerate.

Green group: Flop.

Blue group: Fictional pirates.

Purple group: Ending in color homophones.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is tolerate. The four answers are bear, stand, stomach and swallow.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is flop. The four answers are bust, lemon, miss and turkey.

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is fictional pirates. The four answers are Hook, Luffy, Silver and Sparrow.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ending in color homophones. The four answers are Cameroon (maroon), cockatiel (teal), unread (red) and whistleblew (blue).

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Technologies

Today’s Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for Nov. 30, #1625

Here are hints and the answer for today’s Wordle for Nov. 30, No. 1,625.

Looking for the most recent Wordle answer? Click here for today’s Wordle hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles.

Today’s Wordle puzzle is a tough one. If you need a new starter word, check out our list of which letters show up the most in English words. If you need hints and the answer, read on.

Today’s Wordle hints

Before we show you today’s Wordle answer, we’ll give you some hints. If you don’t want a spoiler, look away now.

Wordle hint No. 1: Repeats

Today’s Wordle answer has one repeated letter.

Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels

Today’s Wordle answer has one vowel and one sometimes vowel.

Wordle hint No. 3: First letter

Today’s Wordle answer begins with M.

Wordle hint No. 4: Last letter

Today’s Wordle answer ends with Y.

Wordle hint No. 5: Meaning

Today’s Wordle answer can refer to weather that is unpleasantly warm and humid.

TODAY’S WORDLE ANSWER

Today’s Wordle answer is MUGGY.

Yesterday’s Wordle answer

Yesterday’s Wordle answer, Nov. 29, No. 1624 was GRUFF.

Recent Wordle answers

Nov. 25, No. 1620: PLEAD

Nov. 26, No. 1621: HOVEL

Nov. 27, No. 1622: REMIT

Nov. 28, No. 1623: COLIC

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Technologies

Anker’s Best MagSafe Car Charger Is Still $27 Off Before Cyber Monday Even Starts

Get wired-like charging speeds and MagSafe compatibility with Anker’s newest wireless car charging bundle, currently just $63.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best shopping days of the year. You can find huge discounts on big ticket items like TVs and laptops. But it’s also a great time of year to snap up essential tech, like the kind designed to make life a little easier. This Anker MagSafe wireless car charging bundle is currently 30% off at Amazon, which means it’s down to just $63. That saves you $27 on a handy device you’ll use every day.

The Anker MagSafe wireless car charging gives your iPhone a fast and steady way to power up while you navigate. It delivers up to 25-watt wireless charging speeds and with onboard active cooling, your phone stays comfortable to the touch.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

What sets this charger apart is that its performance and cooling tech is built into a surprisingly compact package. The stand uses an ultra-strong Qi2 magnetic lock to keep your phone secure through bumps and turns. You can even tilt the mount and switch between portrait and landscape modes for navigation without blocking the view. The bundle has everything you need to get started including a 60-watt dual-USB-C charger, an adequately long USB-C cable, and cable organizers for a clean setup. Anker also includes a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

If you are getting your car prepped up for driving to a holiday vacation or just need a faster charging mount for your daily commute, this deal makes a lot of sense. CNET’s experts are also tracking more Black Friday and Cyber Monday picks across Apple products, headphones, and more, so you can score more savings before the sales season wraps up. We’ve also got a list of our favorite Anker products currently on sale.

Why this deal matters

A high-quality charger is a great addition to any car, allowing you to quickly top up your phone on the go. You will especially want to look out for options from a top-tier brand like Anker for its fast charging speeds and reliability. This Black Friday deal is an excellent opportunity to save big on a staple car accessory. With holiday shopping heating up and tech accessories being one of the most popular categories, we expect the deal to sell out quick. So don’t wait too long before jumping on it.

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