Twitter said Thursday that it's introducing a way for people to showcase their nonfungible tokens, or NFTs, which are assets verified using blockchain technology.

The company is offering users of Twitter Blue, a subscription service that costs $3 per month, the ability to create NFT profile pictures. Twitter Blue includes early access to new tools. The release of NFT profile pictures highlights Twitter's efforts to rope in new users and make money outside of ad sales.

"This new feature provides a seamless, user-friendly way for people on Twitter to verify their NFT ownership by allowing them to directly connect their crypto wallets to Twitter and select an NFT from their collection as their new profile picture," Twitter said in a statement.

The company said in September that it was looking into NFT authentication on its platform. An authenticated NFT on Twitter will appear as a hexagon-shaped profile picture. When users tap on the profile, they'll be able to learn more about the asset. 

NFTs can be used to represent the ownership of unique digital or physical items such as art, music or even a tweet. Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey sold his first tweet as a NFT for $2.9 million. The company said NFT profile pictures will roll out first to iPhone users who subscribe to Twitter Blue and that Android and web access will come later. 

From 5G connectivity to foldable screens, phone manufacturers are innovating faster than ever to capitalize on many carriers' unlimited data, unlimited talk and unlimited text offerings. While Samsung's Galaxy line and Apple's iPhone are many people's top smartphone choice, there are other cell phone-makers gunning for their place. Android phones with facial recognition, mobile phones with extended battery life and an increasing array of camera options make for greater competition, and all of it benefits us, giving us excellent phones to choose from at a wide range of prices and plans. 

This includes unlocked phone options and prepaid cell phone plans, where you pay for your data (prepaid unlimited data or other data service plans) and text messages or phone calls upfront, rather than with a contract plan. There are a ton of factors to consider when thinking about signing up for a prepaid phone on a prepaid plan. Will the cell phone plan cover as much as a monthly plan? Does the service provider have a solid network? Does the network support your Android phone or iPhone? Is there an activation fee? Will you have access to unlimited calling and texting? 

Read on to see what would be the best prepaid phone for you, and check out our tips on how to buy a new phone. And for more information about prepaid carrier options and service, read our comparison of best prepaid wireless plans: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Boost and more. We'll keep this list of the best prepaid phones updated periodically as we review new products.

More phone essentials

Still on the hunt for a new laptop for working from home, schooling from home or the like? My top pick right now is from Best Buy's early Black Friday sale, which kicked off yesterday. It's the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15.6-inch laptop for $300, still available as of this morning.

There's another Lenovo that's worth a look, however, especially if you'd prefer Chrome OS to Windows. It's the Chromebook Duet (128GB) for $229, the lowest price on record and a $70 savings.

The reason this is my second choice is size: The Duet has a 10.1-inch screen, which I find small for getting any substantial work done. And the accompanying keyboard is on the small side as well.

It's still a fully capable Chromebook, though, with a kickstand that lets you prop the screen up and detachable keyboard so you can break free into full-on tablet mode. Speaking of which, Chrome OS can run Android apps, so this is sort of a three-in-one: Chromebook, Chrome tablet and Android tablet.

Want to know more? Check out CNET's Lenovo Chromebook Duet review. Verdict: Pretty sweet at $300. So if you can get one for $229? Sweeter still.

Your thoughts?

Read more: The best laptops for 2020

The day will come when you can't find your keys, wallet or phone -- and then you'll wish you had a Tile tracker. Even at full price, I enthusiastically recommend these things. So when they're on sale... Recommendation Level Alpha! (I have no idea what that means.)

On sale they are: For a limited time, Amazon has five Tile tracker deals -- most of them 30% off, one 38% off.

You can choose between a single Tile Pro, a Tile Mate two-pack, a Tile Starter Pack (one Slim, one Mate) and so on. Which one to choose? That depends on your needs.

I'll just say that if your phone is constantly going missing in your house, you really need a Tile Mate or Pro on your keychain. You just double-press the button and, presto, your phone rings -- even if it's set to mute. In my experience, Tiles don't work flawlessly every time, and they do put a small hit on phone battery life.

Still worth it. Definitely.  

CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great buys on the CNET Deals page and check out our CNET Coupons page for the latest promo codes from Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.

As a parent or caregiver, your kids' health and safety are always your first priority. Although you can't protect your kids from everything, there are some things that you can control, including the cleanliness of their car seats.

Keeping your child's car seat clean is a simple way to protect them from harmful germs and bacteria -- and as long as you follow a few basic rules, cleaning their seats is a pretty painless task. You'll need a few basic household items, like a bristle brush and mild soap, and enough time to let the seat air dry after you've cleaned it.

Below, we've outlined step-by-step instructions that explain how to clean a car seat. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a back-seat accident or your car seat is overdue for a clean, you can use the following tips to ensure that your kids' car seat is safe and sanitized.

Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Properly Installing Your Child's Car Seat

What you'll need

Since car seats are constructed from several materials (including fabric, plastic and metal), you'll need a few different items to clean each part effectively. Having multiple tools at your disposal can also come in handy when dealing with stubborn stains and spills.

• Vacuum: It's the easiest way to remove loose food, dirt and other debris.
• Gentle soap: You'll need it to clean the fabric and plastic components of your car seat. Dish soap or mild detergent should work well.
• Small bristle brush: Depending on how dirty the seat is, you may need a small brush (like a toothbrush) to scrub stains away.
• Reusable cloth: Washable cloths are perfect for wiping down buckles, straps and other movable parts.
• Bowl of warm water: If there's anything stuck in the buckle, you can soak it in water to dislodge it.

Step 1: Vacuum the cover

Keeping the cover on, use a handheld or cordless vacuum to get rid of crumbs, sand and other particles that may be hiding in the cracks of the car seat. If you have one, use your vacuum's extension wand or crevice tool to remove as much loose debris as possible. The more you get rid of now, the easier the other steps will be.

Step 2: Scrub any stains

If there are any unsightly stains on the car seat cover, now is the time to spot clean them. You can do this by grabbing a clean, wet cloth or small bristle brush and using it to scrub each trouble area. For more stubborn messes, apply a pinch of gentle soap (such as dish soap or baby wash) to the stain and scrub with your cloth or brush.

Step 3: Wash the cover

These days, most car seat covers are machine-washable, but you should check your instruction manual to be sure. If yours is safe to wash, place it into the washing machine on a delicate cycle with mild detergent (or whatever type of cleaner your manufacturer recommends). Otherwise, you can hand wash it. When you're done, let the cover air dry completely before reattaching it to the seat. Avoid throwing the cover in the dryer, as this can damage the material and make the seat less safe.

Step 4: Clean the straps and buckle

Next, remove the shoulder straps from the car seat. Use a damp cloth or brush to spot clean any stains on the straps, adding mild soap if necessary and being careful not to get them soaking wet. Then, dunk the buckle and clips into a bowl of warm, soapy water to get rid of any food or dirt. Finally, let everything air dry, ensuring that the buckle is hanging upside-down so any water can drain.

Step 5: Vacuum and wipe down the base

While the cover and straps are drying, vacuum the car seat base to remove any remaining debris. After that, take a damp reusable cloth and wipe down the plastic part of the base, cleaning up any sticky or dirty areas. Allow the base to dry fully before reassembling the car seat.

Step 6: Put the seat back together

When all of the components are clean and dry, you can reassemble the car seat. Consult your instruction manual to make sure that you're putting everything back in the correct place. We also recommend taking photos of the seat before you clean it (more on that in the next section). After cleaning, double-check the straps and buckle to ensure that they're fitted to your child's body. 

Things to keep in mind when cleaning a car seat

Cleaning a car seat might not be the most difficult thing in the world, but there are important things to know before getting down to it.

• Only use gentle, baby-safe soap. Bleach, vinegar and harsh chemicals can weaken the cover and straps, putting your child's safety at risk.
• Putting a clean car seat back together after washing it can be tricky. Before dismantling the seat, take a few photos and videos to help you reassemble it after it's clean.
• Don't reassemble your car seat until all components are completely dry. Reattaching damp components could lead to mold growth.
• Some car seat parts are replaceable. If you're frustrated by a particularly tough stain, don't panic. Instead of spending hours trying to get it out, you may be able to order replacement parts from your manufacturer.
• Every car seat is different. These guidelines provide general advice, but don't forget to consult your instruction manual before cleaning your car seat.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Where many other companies are focused on releasing Android phones with the biggest and most impressive-sounding specs, Google has carved out a niche showing how to use software to make the hardware more useful. In many ways, the Pixel 4 was the first phone to offer a number of features you couldn't get anywhere else at the time. And the phone has continued to deliver a great experience, even though it was released almost two years ago . So when it showed up on Woot for $380 unlocked in "Just Black," I thought it was still worth recommending. 

One of Lynn La's biggest complaints about the Pixel 4 in her review was its price. A great camera isn't the same thing as a truly great phone, and while the Pixel 4 absolutely has a stellar camera, it was difficult to justify spending upward of $800 on it. For $400, however, having the first phone to really nail astrophotography and continue to be one of the best phone cameras to handle low light is a pretty great start to an inexpensive phone. 

Read more: Pixel 5 vs. Pixel 4 vs. Pixel 4 XL: Google's flagship phones compared

Yes, the Pixel 5A and Pixel 6 are rumored to be coming soon (October or earlier, if Google follows its usual timeline). But Google says the Pixel 4 will be supported with Android version and security updates until at least October 2022, so it's good for more than a year. If you find yourself in need of an upgrade, there's no time like the present.

Still waiting on getting a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/Series S? You can now find a different use for those more readily available next-gen controllers. In a new update available today, Nvidiaannounced that the latest PlayStation and Xbox controllers are now compatible with its Shield streaming boxes as part of its new version 8.2.2 update. 

Both controllers utilize Bluetooth to connect to the Nvidia Shield hardware. On the DualSense simply hold down the PlayStation and Share/Clip button until the light pulses blue. Xbox users with a new Series X/S controller can put their controller into pairing mode by holding down the "pairing" button located at the top of the controller. 

Once paired with the Shield you'll be able to use either to play Android games on your TV, with both controllers also now compatible with Nvidia's GeForce Now cloud gaming service. It should be noted that new DualSense features, including the adaptive triggers, will not be compatible with the Shield. Instead, the gamepad will function similar to a PlayStation 4's DualShock controller. 

The company says that the new software update, which also adds support for Control4 home automation systems, is rolling out today to all Shield TV owners. 

Google's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro now are capable of connecting to Verizon's faster C-band 5G network. On Monday, the software giant announced that it is rolling out an update to enable support for the faster 5G connection on its Pixel 6 line of devices that connect to Verizon's network. 

The carrier's C-band network, what it calls "5G Ultra Wideband," currently covers over 100 million people with plans to cover 175 million by the end of 2022. Verizon says that the network can provide average download speeds of 300Mbps (with peaks of 1Gbps) to those with compatible devices and one of the carrier's pricier, recent unlimited data plans. 

Verizon spokesman George Koroneos tweeted out the news Monday afternoon, with Google later posting its own update on its Pixel Phone Help forums. 

The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro have already been certified and capable of use with AT&T's C-band 5G network. 

In a more surprising twist, Google revealed in its post that the Pixel 5 will no longer be getting an update to make it compatible with C-Band networks in the United States. The phone does have the necessary hardware and supports using the spectrum internationally. Verizon even touted the phone as one of its first C-Band capable devices back in March 2021.

"At this time, we do not have any plans to support C-band operation in the U.S. on Pixel 4A (5G), Pixel 5, or Pixel 5A (5G)," Google wrote in the forum post. The company says that those phones will still be capable of connecting to low-band, midband and millimeter-wave 5G networks "based on your carrier, plan, and location."

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why it no longer plans to upgrade the Pixel 5 to support C-band. Verizon declined to comment. 

Considering that more than 80% of all Americans take a vitamin supplement daily, according to a 2019 survey, it's no surprise that there is a huge market out there for multivitamins. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your body to function and develop as it should. Food is your primary source for these vitamins, but sometimes your diet isn't providing you with all the ones you need. That's where multivitamins and supplements come in.

Of all the vitamin sales in the US, multivitamin supplements make up 40%. But you should know that not all multivitamins are created equal. Vitamins are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which gives rise to cure-all vitamin trends that might not be worth your money. The best multivitamins include vitamins A through E with minerals and metals like calcium or iron. The exact composition and ingredients of a multivitamin will vary by product. 

How we test multivitamins

There are lots of vitamins on the market, so it gets overwhelming when you're searching for the best of the best. To help your search, I've pulled together a curated list of the best multivitamins available based on a few key factors. I haven't tested these products in-house; the selections are based on product research for certifications and vitamin and mineral ingredients.

What is a multivitamin?

A multivitamin is a supplement that contains a mix of different vitamins and minerals that the average person needs. Some include other ingredients such as amino acids, herbs and fatty acids. Instead of juggling multiple pills for each type of vitamin, you just take a multivitamin. The goal of a multivitamin is to act as a safety net behind your diet, filling in any vitamin and mineral gaps you have.

Multivitamins come in different forms, though tablets, capsules and gummies are the most popular. Liquid and powder multivitamins are also available. Generally, you take a multivitamin once or twice a day. Some products have you take more. 

Research on multivitamin benefits is divided. Some studies have found that they can help prevent heart disease; others do not support this finding. Taking vitamins has also been linked to lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but some studies counter this. 

Research shows that for the average person, the effect multivitamins have is minimal. If you eliminate full food groups or have certain medical conditions, you should consider a multivitamin to supplement your diet. 

Benefits of multivitamins

• Multivitamins are designed to lower your risk for vitamin deficiencies.
• If you are pregnant, multivitamins help bridge the gap of the increased nutrient need. 
• Digestive troubles such as Crohn's Disease and other medical conditions can compromise your ability to absorb nutrients. Multivitamins can help. 

Things to consider before taking a multivitamin

• Some multivitamins may include things that have the potential to interact with medications. It's good to check with your doctor before trying any new supplements.
• If you're not deficient in certain vitamins, a multivitamin has the potential to give you more than you need. Vitamin E and calcium supplements can negatively affect the body if taken in high doses. 

Read more: What Are Vitamins and Why Are They Important?

How to choose the best multivitamin 

Since the FDA doesn't regulate multivitamins, fewer requirements are available. When I chose the multivitamins to make up this list, I looked for third-party certifications that prove the product contains what it says it does. 

Vitamin certifications to be aware of

Do you need to take a multivitamin?

The average person doesn't need to take a multivitamin as long as they eat a balanced diet. However, diagnosed deficiencies do require vitamin supplements. Multivitamins can be particularly beneficial for certain life stages where you need extra vitamins, like pregnancy or when your body naturally stops absorbing nutrients from food as you age. Vitamin supplements serve a purpose; they just aren't necessary for everyone. 

Most multivitamins don't pose a risk. However, the lack of regulations means there may be ingredients in the vitamin that aren't listed, which may lead to drug interactions. If you're on prescription medication and are unsure if you should take a multivitamin, you should talk to your doctor about your nutritional needs. For instance, vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners.

Read more

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Anyone who's used a phone camera stabilizer, also known as a gimbal, knows that one of the most frustrating parts of using it is mounting your phone and then getting it perfectly balanced. DJI managed to take just about all the pain out of the process with a couple of magnets.

The new DJI OM 4 -- the company's dropped the Osmo Mobile naming -- picks up where the last model left off. It has the same compact, lightweight folding design for easy travel. It has the same controls, making one-handed use a breeze. And it still has a built-in battery for up to 15 hours of use. What's new is how you mount your phone. 

Instead of having an adjustable clamp permanently fixed to the stabilizer arm, there's a high-grade circular magnet at the end. To attach your phone, you use a slim magnetic phone clamp that snaps onto the stabilizer (it has a notch so it sits properly every time). This way you can take your phone off and leave the clamp attached so it's ready to snap on and start shooting when you are. 

But if you use a gimbal a lot, DJI has an even better option: A magnetic disk that adheres to the back of your phone case. DJI essentially took a magnetic phone mount for your car (it even has a ring you can slip your finger through) and turned it into a mount for the gimbal. Not only does this make it fast to attach, but because it's properly positioned on your case, you'll never need to center and balance your phone in the mount. 

DJI used stronger motors on the OM 4 to compensate for larger phones. However, if you like to add lenses to your phone, you might still need counterweights. Moment lenses, for example, has the OM 4 available and a set of weights to keep the phone balanced.

The OM 4 works with your phone's native camera app with basic functionality supported by the controls. However, a big reason you'd go with one of DJI's stabilizers over another brand is its Mimo camera app. Mimo's intelligent features like its updated ActiveTrack 3.0 for automated subject tracking and gesture controls for triggering the camera for selfies are a huge help for beginners. 

DJI also updated the OM 4 with a Dynamic Zoom option that automates a digital dolly zoom effect and Spin Shot that lets you rotate your phone in a circle with the joystick for a spinning effect. There's a new "clone me" option for panoramas, too, so you or another subject can appear multiple times in one shot. 

The DJI OM 4 is available now for $150 (about £110 or AU$200). That's a $30 price increase from its predecessor but it does now come with a tripod. Coupled with the magnetic mounts, it seems like it's worth the added cost. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.