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The Honor 9X and 9X Pro will both feature a 48-megapixel primary sensor.What you need to knowHonor has started teasing the low-light performance of its upcoming 9X series smartphones.Alleged low-light photos taken by the Honor 9X Pro have also leaked, showing impressive results. The Honor 9X is expected to feature a 48MP + 2MP dual-camera setup at the rear.Honor today posted two new posters on Weibo teasing the low-light capabilities of its upcoming 9X smartphone. In addition to the promotional posters, alleged low-light samples captured by the Honor 9X Pro have also surfaced online courtesy of Twitter user Bang Gogo.Looking at the camera samples, it looks like three of the four photos were captured using the AI Super Night Mode feature. Even though the results may not be as impressive as the flagship Honor 20 series phones, the Honor 9X Pro will still be quite an impressive smartphone in terms of low-light performance, judging by these samples. The vanilla Honor 9X is tippe...

The Razer Phone hasn't received any new update since September last year.What you need to knowRazer's first gaming smartphone will finally receive the Android Pie update in the "coming weeks."The company has promised that the upcoming Pie update for the smartphone will also bring Android security updates. Razer Phone is currently stuck on Android 8.1 Oreo with the July 2018 security patch. Razer began rolling out the Android Pie update for its second-generation gaming smartphone in February this year. The original Razer Phone, on the other hand, has been stuck on Android 8.1 Oreo for more than a year now. While most owners of the gaming smartphone had given up hopes of seeing another software update, Razer has confirmed in a post on Reddit that it plans to release the Android Pie upgrade for the original Razer Phone in the "coming weeks". Since a more specific timeframe hasn't been confirmed, owners of the phone will have to remain patient.In addition to bumping the Android ...

Fortnite and streaming are something that go together seamlessly, and now Epic is giving players who watch matches on YouTube a way to earn some free in-game rewards. Announced earlier today, the "Drops" feature will allow players who link their YouTube and Epic accounts together to receive free rewards.World Cup, baby!Epic has done things like this on Twitch in the past, but this is the first time that YouTube is getting the treatment. With the Fortnite World Cup just a week away, it's the perfect time to start up this partnership.Right now, the feature is just geared toward the premiere of Epic's Game Jam Hollywood and the Fortnite World Cup, but it's likely that future events will be taking advantage of the Drops feature. Players only need to watch 20 minutes of either event to receive a drop, too, so you don't need to stick around for too long to grab a reward.How to earn Fortnite loot by watching YouTube videosSign into YouTube using a desktop browserGo to Account...

What you need to knowSpider-Man is now the best-selling superhero game of all time.Super Mario Maker 2 was the best-selling game of June 2019.The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console of the month.Every month, the NPD Group releases information on the top-selling games across all video game platforms in the United States. While it doesn't account for worldwide sales, it does provide a good snapshot of one the largest video game markets. Mat Piscatella, an analyst for NPD, has shared the results for June 2019.On the video games sales side, Super Mario Maker 2 took the top spot. Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled followed for the #2 position, while Mortal Kombat 11 is showing strong legs and only fell to the #3 spot. Interestingly, Marvel's Spider-Man, which is a PlayStation exclusive that launched all the way back in September 2018, managed to crack the top 10. As Piscatella notes, Spider-Man is now the best-selling superhero video game of all time, beating Batman: Arkham C...

You'll need to wait a little longer.What you need to knowDuring an AMA on Reddit, Google's Andrey Doronichev confirmed that Stadia controllers won't support Bluetooth headsets at launch.There is a workaround, as long as you plan to play Stadia games through your Chrome browser or Pixel phone.Google Stadia will launch sometime in November 2019 with the Founder's Edition.Google Stadia launches this fall but there are still a lot of uncertainties. Andrey Doronichev, Product Director for Google Stadia, held an AMA on Reddit today to try and answer some questions that potential players would have. During the AMA, he confirmed that Google Stadia Controllers won't work with Bluetooth headsets at launch.While this is no doubt disappointing for users of Bluetooth headsets, don't despair completely. There is a workaround available for anyone playing Stadia games through the Google Chrome browser or through Pixel phones. You can connect the Bluetooth headset to your computer or to your...

This is the first 5G network I've tried that actually feels ready for consumer use.Over the last few months, Verizon has gotten almost all of the press surrounding real-world 5G tests in America. I've tested Big Red's Ultra Wideband 5G network in Chicago twice over the last few months, and while the second visit yielded far more impressive results than the first, one huge problem persisted through both tests: the millimeter wave technology Verizon uses for its 5G network, while incredibly fast, has very short range. Sprint is the first carrier in the U.S. to implement sub-6, rather than millimeter wave.This means that even though I saw Ookla speed test results in the neighborhood of 1.5 Gbps while in close proximity of a 5G node (typically between 100 and 300 feet away), that signal would quickly degrade or even drop out entirely once I started moving away. To solve this range issue, Verizon is going to need to implement a lot of 5G nodes throughout the city (and every city ...

The Amazfit Verge smartwatch is one of the most competitive wearables on the market thanks to its incredibly affordable price tag and long list of desirable features. However, not everyone is a fan of the band that comes in the box. If you're struggling to find the right band for your needs, you're not alone. The good news is there are tons of options to choose from.Top-notch durabilityFutemo Sport Silicone BandStaff favoriteIf you frequently enjoy a number of high-intensity workouts, you need a watch band that's going to offer top-notch durability. This one promises superior airflow and comfort thanks to the unique silicone design. Plus, it's splash, rain, and water-resistant, along with being amazingly cheap!$3 at AmazonLightweight breathabilitySIKAI Nylon Sport Loop BandWhen you're looking for soft and lightweight breathability, this is the band for you. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side. You'll love the ultra-soft cushioning t...

The update will also come to the TicWatch Pro at some point in the future.What you need to knowMobvoi is rolling out an update for the TicWatch S2, E2, and C2.The update fixes system lag and upgrades some pre-installed apps.The always-on display is also now turned off by default.Mobvoi makes some of the better Wear OS watches on the market right now, and on July 18, the company announced an over-the-air update it's now rolling out to the TicWatch S2, TicWatch E2, and TicWatch C2.There are three main things to take note of with this update, the most important of which is that Mobvoi has "optimized system lagging issues." Harish noted that he encountered "occasional lag" in his review of the S2, and if you've used any Wear OS watch recently, you'll know that lag is something that plagues just about every single one out there. It's unclear how much lag Mobvoi was able to eliminate, by any improvements on this front will be welcome.Also included are updates for "certain pre-bu...

FaceApp delivers a fun experience that lets you use filters to see what you'd look like under different circumstances. While there are a variety of different filters with which you can experiment. The most popular filter is the ability to age yourself, and now you can double age yourself to see just how old you might appear.How to Double age YourselfOpen FaceApp.Take a photo to filter.Tap Age on the bottom menu. You will need to scroll over to find it. Tap the Old filter.Tap ApplyTap the download icon in the upper right corner.Tap the X in the upper left corner.Tap the back arrow.Tap Exit.Open the saved photo with the age filter.Tap Age on the bottom menu.Tap Old.Using the Age filter twice does reveal a very different looking image than only using it once. That's because you're laying the filters overtop one another. It also means that the photo might seem a bit more comical than using the Age filter only once did.Looking older than everFaceAppF...

What you need to knowA photo from 9to5Google shows what's supposedly an Android-powered feature phone.It doesn't have a touchscreen and instead uses buttons for navigation.There's no word on how much the phone will cost or when it'll be available.Nokia's been killing it in the Android space for the last couple of years. Under the ownership of HMD Global, we've seen a relentless number of Nokia handsets dominate the mid and low-end market, but now thanks to a hands-on photo, we have our first look at a new venture for the company — an Android-powered feature phone.The photo comes via 9to5Google, and if this is legit, we're looking at a phone running Android without a touchscreen of any kind.Taking a look at the interface, the home screen has a microphone icon in the top-center, likely an easy shortcut to the Google Assistant. On a handset without touch input, putting a large emphasis on voice control makes sense.Below that, there are icons for a camera, Chrome, YouTub...

The ROG Phone 2 is shaping up to be a huge upgrade over its predecessorWhat you need to knowThe ROG Phone 2 listing on TENAA has revealed the smartphone will arrive with a massive 5800mAh cell.Apart from the battery capacity, ROG Phone 2 listing on TENAA also confirms the presence of a 6.59-inch display.ASUS ROG Phone 2 will debut at an event in China on July 23. Earlier this week, ASUS confirmed that its upcoming flagship gaming smartphone, ROG Phone 2 will feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 855 Plus mobile processor. Ahead of its formal launch in China next week, the ROG Phone 2 has passed through Chinese certification agency TENAA. The smartphone's listing on the TENAA website reveals the upcoming gaming smartphone will be a solid upgrade over the original ROG Phone.As per the TENAA listing, ASUS ROG Phone 2 features a large 6.59-inch display, although the resolution of the panel hasn't been confirmed yet. It is expected that the phone will have a 120Hz refresh rate dis...

Don't lose it all.What you need to knowGrand Theft Auto V is getting a new update called "Diamond Casino and Resort."The update adds a casino for gambling, as well as high-class penthouses for players to enjoy. This content update will be released on July 23. Grand Theft Auto V is currently $30 on the PlayStation Store.Rockstar Games has delivered countless updates and improvements to GTA Online, the online portion of Grand Theft Auto V. These updates aren't stopping anytime soon, as Grand Theft Auto V is getting the new Diamond Casino and Resort update in just a few days. This update will add the Diamond Casino, where you can bet and gamble in several new activities. Roulette, blackjack, poker, racing, there's plenty to bet on. Then, there's special penthouses for the upper echelon of members. These penthouses can be decked out with the best of the best - home theaters, spas, saunas and more.Watch the trailer for the Diamond Casino and Resort update below:Naturally, ...

The fine comes courtesy of the European Commission.What you need to knowThe European Commission is issuing a fine against Qualcomm for €242 million.Qualcomm's being accused of "predatory pricing" for its 3G baseband chips.The EU says Qualcomm's goal was to push competitors out of the market.Qualcomm's found itself in some hot water. On July 17, the European Commission issued a press release announcing that it has fined the chip-maker a whopping €242 million. According to the EU, the fine comes as a result of Qualcomm under-cutting its competition with 3G baseband chips with the sole intent of pushing competitors out of the market.Per EU Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager: Baseband chipsets are key components so mobile devices can connect to the Internet. Qualcomm sold these products at a price below cost to key customers with the intention of eliminating a competitor. Qualcomm's strategic behaviour prevented competition and innovation in this market, and limited ...

FaceApp is back on everyone's mind with it's aging filter that shows off what you might look like when you turn 80. Of course, this isn't all that FaceApp can do! It's actually got a decent number of different fun editing options, filters, backgrounds and more.Editor OptionsThe aging filter in Editor is easily the most popular option that folks have been playing with this week. It isn't the only one, though. There are eight different options with filters for you to choose from: impression, Makeup, Smiles, Hair colors, Hairstyles, Glasses, Age, and Beards.Each option has several different filters that can be settled over your face. Some of them work better than others, but they're all a lot of fun to play with and see what you'd look like under different circumstances. Beards probably work the best, while hair color doesn't do much if you have colored hair. Likewise using the "hitman" option for a bald head left a halo of color from where hair had been so, not ideal. Makeup, l...

We love the Raspberry Pi! It's a great learning tool, can be a part of any DIY home automation setup, is a very capable HTPC, and can help with almost anything else a bright mind and nimble hands can get together and build. If you're thinking about diving in and tapping into your inner maker, here are a few accessories you might need to get started.Shut down safelyGeekworm Safe Shutdown ShieldStaff favoriteThis battery-powered HAT plugs into your Raspberry Pi 3 B+ or 4B and acts as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to give everything time to shut down safely. It works with both a momentary button or a latching switch for customizable power control.$33 at AmazonDevice storageSamsung 64GB EVO Select Memory CardThis 64GB Samsung microSD card will give your Raspberry Pi enough storage for the operating system, plenty of project files or media, and best of all, it comes in under $20! You can never have too much storage, in our opinion.$12 at AmazonBYOD!4G / 3...

Plants vs. Zombies fans, rejoice!What you need to knowElectronic Arts (EA) has announced that Plants vs. Zombies 3 is in development.While there's no schedule for when it might release, it's in pre-alpha right now on Android devices.Access will be going out in waves, so go you can go ahead and install it from the Google Play store.EA has announced that Plants vs. Zombies 3 is in development right now by PopCap Games for mobile devices. In fact, it's in pre-alpha testing on Android right now. It's still early days, so there won't be a release date for some time.If you're itching to try it out though, you can install the pre-alpha from the Google Play store right now. There's only so many downloads available, so if you can't get in right now, just check back later, as they'll be adding more spots as time goes on.Plants vs Zombies 3 is free-to-play and there will be no microtransaction during the pre-alpha. Do note that because it's still early, if you play the pre-alpha your...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate NetworkWhen shopping at virtually any store on earth, you've probably been offered a store-branded credit card at checkout. While you've originally planned to pay for the purchase with your debit or regular credit card, the merchant talks to you about how using their credit card is better. You can earn more rewards than your regular card, get extra perks with that brand, and to top it all off, you'll get 10% off today's purchase when you get approved for and use their card. Many brands, like Kohls and Gap, will sometimes bump that savings upwards of 35% off your first purchase with the card. It sounds like a no brainer, right?The downsidesWell, almost all of the time the store-branded credit card turns out to be much less advantageous than your regular credit card, for a few key reasons. The first is kind of obvious...

The DNC has also sent out an alert warning staffers to not use the app.What you need to knowSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on the FBI and FTC to investigate Russia-based FaceApp.FaceApp has insisted data is never transferred to Russia and most photos are deleted within 48 hours.The DNC has also sent out a security alert warning staffers to avoid the app.FaceApp has seen a surge in popularity recently for its ability to age your photos and let you see how time will take its toll. According to app analytics from Sensor Tower, FaceApp has been downloaded more than 12.7 million times since July 10.However, that recent surge in popularity has also raised some red flags over what the Russia-based company does with the photos you upload. On July 17, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a letter calling on the FBI and FTC to investigate the app.In the letter, Schumer writes, "I ask that the FBI assess whether the personal data uploaded by millions of American...

There's no need to get a remote specific to the PlayStation 4. Universal remotes and the PlayStation 4 both support HDMI-CEC. So, if you have a TV which also supports this connection, and most modern TVs do, you can use your universal remote with your PS4. Here's how to set it up.How's your universal remote game?Universal Smart Home: Logitech - Harmony Companion Remote and Hub ($105 at Amazon)Preparing the PS4You have to set up a couple things first before you start fiddling around with your Universal Remote. You need to let the PS4 know you're trying to connect something.Open your PS4 Settings.Scroll all the way down, click on System.Enable the HDMI Device Link option.Connect your remoteWith your PS4 now allowing the use of HDMI Link you can return to the setup on your television.Using your universal remote find the Tools menu on your television.Click the HDMI-CEC option. Samsung, for example, calls its option Anynet+.Under the HDMI-CEC device menu you should now...

The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is a small phone living in a big phone's world. Despite its pint-sized form factor, it's a great phone with impressive specs. We've rounded up the best cases available for the Xperia XZ2 Compact so you can keep your new phone safe from harm.Slim protectionSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickFrom Spigen comes the Rugged Armor case, which is my go-to recommendation for pretty much any phone out there.This case tops all my lists because it's thin and lightweight while offering the protection you need with extra attention paid to the corners. The carbon fiber accents at the top and bottom look great paired with the matte finish of the rest of the case.$11 at AmazonA classy option32nd Classic Series Folio Wallet32nd Shop makes their wallet cases with genuine leather paired with a soft satin finish on the inside. That's where you'll find card slot and a pocket for stashing cash and receipts. The case doesn't impede the functionality of the ph...

The hype is already rolling for Google's next phones.With the Android Q beta program well under way, and the mid-range Pixel 3a and 3a XL announced, we're starting to get a little information trickling in on the forthcoming Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL that are expected to launch later this year.All of the Pixel 4 hype starts with following device codenames as they're put through their development. As is so often the case with these sorts of things, the codenames were revealed through the process of communicating about addressing development issues with the software on Google's phones. Developers working on Android's SELinux policy refer to two never-before-seen Google devices codenamed "Coral" and "Needlefish" right alongside the Pixel, Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 series of phones. The names themselves aren't particularly important, but they unlock the ability to track their progress.The codenames fit the history of Google devices using nautical names, and when then cross-referenced ...

BGR sources have confirmed the taller display and additional RAM.What you need to knowThe Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will both launch with a slightly taller display this year.The new Pixel 4 phones will also include 6GB of RAM, which is an upgrade over the 4GB found in the Pixel 3 phones.Previous leaks have shown a new design featuring dual cameras on the back and a notch-less display on the front.If we learned anything from last year, it's that the closer we get to the Pixel launch, the more leaks there will be. In fact, if this year is anything like last year, we might see full reviews for the Pixel 4 before it launches.For now, though, we'll have to settle for some smaller tidbits of info, such as the screen size and the amount of RAM. According to sources speaking to BGR, the new Pixel 4 phones will feature taller displays this year and more RAM.The Pixel 4 is expected to have a 2280 x 1080 resolution, while the Pixel 3 featured a 2160 x 1080 display. The Pixel 4 XL will a...

Watch YouTube, get free Fortnite cosmetics.What you need to knowFortnite is getting a new rewards system called Fortnite Drops.By linking your Epic Games account and YouTube account, you can earn special rewards for watching Fortnite Premiers.There's a full schedule of upcoming opportunities to earn Fortnite Drops.Fortnite just keeps getting bigger. Today, Epic Games announced a new way for players to earn rewards with Fortnite Drops. After linking your Epic Games account and YouTube account together, you can get Fortnite Drops by watching different Fortnite Premiers on YouTube.In order to get the special cosmetic rewards in Fortnite, you'll need to watch 20 minutes of footage from specific YouTube Premier streams. There are going to be multiple times that you can accrue the needed 20 minutes of time watched, though if you want to get every single reward, you'll have to watch 20 minutes from each individual stream:7/25 - Game Jam Hollywood premiere.7/26 - Fortnite World C...

Best answer: For the best possible PSVR performance and experience you'll want to be using a PlayStation 4 Pro. The GPU has over twice the power of a standard PS4 model, and its CPU also boasts a 30% increase in clock speed.Try it out: PlayStation VR - Moss + Astro Bot Rescue Mission ($247 at Amazon)PlayStation's finest: PlayStation 4 Pro ($369 at Amazon)What makes PlayStation 4 Pro better for VR?Simply put: it's more powerful. Games can render at 4K resolution in HDR, support higher frame rates, and they will generally perform better with less lag. It's effectively the same situation should you play any game on PlayStation 4 Pro versus a standard PlayStation 4, whether or not you use PSVR.Can I still use PSVR with a regular PlayStation 4?Yes. PlayStation VR is compatible with all PlayStation 4 models. Certain games, however, may not support higher resolutions or frame rates when running on a PS4 as opposed to a PS4 Pro.Is Sony working on a new VR headset?The company ma...

Samsung is pitting the Galaxy A80 against the OnePlus 7 Pro in India.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy A80 has been launched in India for ₹47,990 ($697).The high-end Galaxy A series smartphone is slated to go on sale in the country starting from August 1. It is Samsung's first smartphone to feature an all-screen New Infinity display. Samsung has launched its most expensive Galaxy A series smartphone in India, the Galaxy A80. The smartphone, which made its debut in April, has been priced at ₹47,990 ($697) in the country. Its main rival in the Indian market will be the OnePlus 7 Pro, which, unlike the Galaxy A80, is positioned as a proper flagship smartphone.Samsung Galaxy A80 will be going on sale in India starting August 1 in Angel Gold, Phantom Black, and Ghost White colors. In addition to leading online retailers, the smartphone will be available at major offline retail stores as well across the country. Consumers who pre-book the Galaxy A80 from July 22 to J...

The test began in Canada last May but has now expanded to six more countries.What you need to knowInstagram is expanding its test to hide likes to Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan, and New Zealand.It began testing this feature in Canada back in May.The new feature is an effort to make people focus on content and not the number of likes they get.Instagram has been flirting with a new feature that would hide likes from everyone except the poster. When enabled, the total number of likes on your photos and videos will be hidden from the main feed, profile and permalink pages. Only the owner of the account will be able to view the total number of likes.It first began testing this in Canada back in May, but now it is expanding it to more countries, including Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Japan, and New Zealand.The test comes in response to the ever-growing pressure to accumulate likes on your content and the negative impact it can have on your mental health. Study a...

FaceApp lets you use a variety of different features to play with photos. While you do need a Pro subscription to access every feature, once you get bored with the app, you don't want to keep paying for it. To cancel your subscription, you'll need to go through Google Play to keep from being charged again.Here's how you cancel the FaceApp service once you've subscribedOpen Google Play on your phone. Search for Faceapp in the search bar at the top of the screen. Tap on Manage Subscriptions.Tap on your FaceApp subscription.Tap Cancel Subscription at the bottom of the screen. Tap a reason for cancelling and then tap Continue.Tap Cancel Subscription one more time.FaceApp doesn't cost much whether you're paying for it each month or each year. However, unless you opted into a forever subscription, you don't want to keep paying for something you don't use. Thankfully, Google Play makes it super easy to manage your subscriptions.Face up to a better photography experience...

Best answer: As long as your iPhone has iOS 12.1 or later installed, it will support PS4 Remote Play. We recommend an iPhone 7 or newer.The very best: iPhone XR ($750 at Apple)What is PS4 Remote Play?PS4 Remote Play is an app that allows PlayStation users to stream their games to PC and select mobile devices. It is not a separate streaming service that you need to pay monthly for. To use it you'll need to have a PlayStation 4 console and own the games that you want to stream.How do I know which version of iOS my iPhone is running?Finding out which version of iOS your iPhone is running is incredibly easy, and it's the same process no matter which model you have.Go to Settings.Select General.Select About.On the following screen, it will list which software version you have. PS4 Remote Play will not work with an earlier version (before 12.1) of iOS installed. You'll either need to update your iPhone or purchase a new one for it to be compatible.What else do I need to ru...

uBreakiFix also offers repairs for the regular Pixel 3 series.What you need to knowGoogle Fi has partnered with uBreakiFix stores nationwide to now offer Pixel 3a screen repairs.To be eligible for repair, you must be enrolled in Fi's Device Protection plan.Screen repairs were previously limited to the Pixel 3 series.Google Fi and uBreakiFix have teamed up to make getting your cracked screen fixed even easier. After offering screen repairs for the Pixel 3 series, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL are now getting similar treatment.In order to qualify, you must be enrolled in Google Fi's Device Protection program which incurs a monthly charge, and cracked screen repair will require a deductible that can run you as much as $29 for the Pixel 3a XL.Before you can get your Pixel's screen repaired, you'll also need to file a claim and have it approved. Once your claim is approved, you'll be able to visit one of over 500 uBreakiFix locations nationwide to get your screen replaced. Most repair...

VRidge is officially out of beta for the Oculus Quest, enabling users to stream SteamVR titles from their PC to the standalone headset.What you need to knowVRidge is officially out of beta for the Oculus Quest.The software allows you to stream SteamVR games to the Oculus Quest from your PC.The update includes correct button mapping which vastly improves gameplay.VRidge is officially out of beta for the Oculus Quest. The software from RiftCat allows you to stream SteamVR games from your PC to your Oculus Quest. VRidge has been through months of beta testing, and the update to a public release addresses several concerns and issues that appeared during the beta. RiftCat announced the update on its website and outlined all of the changes.The most important change is that button mapping is now correct for Oculus Quest users. Previous versions of VRidge were mapped to the HTC Vive controller which made certain elements of gameplay unusable or difficult. The Touch Controllers withi...

This is quite the dividing line between people.I think everyone should keep their message read receipts turned on. There are big benefits to all sides of a conversation knowing who's read which message, and the downsides are mostly rooted in unnecessary privacy fears. I feel that way, but lots of people disagree: as expected, the choice of whether to use message read receipts in your chat app(s) of choice is incredibly divisive.Let me introduce you to some representative quotes, on both sides, from the comments section of my editorial on the matter: I have no obligation to let people know I've read their message. If I feel a reply is warranted, I'll reply. I leave them on, but only because the notifaction shade lets me decide if I want you to know that I've seen your message...if they change that, I'll turn them off. Nah, I don't want the other end to be expecting a reply at the moment I read the message. I don't think it's necessarily rude to turn off re...

Oculus Quest is Facebook's last piece of hardware in its first generation of VR devices. It has six degrees of freedom, and Facebook has made it relatively easy for developers to port their Oculus Rift games to the Oculus Quest. Because of this, there are several games available at the headset's launch.Available nowNonstop funBeat SaberStaff pickBeat Saber is one of the most popular VR games across many platforms. In it, you use both controllers and motion tracking to swipe at blocks that are synced to music. None of those words do the game justice, and having it available at launch is a massive deal for the Quest.$30 at Oculus StoreLIGHT SABERS!Vader Immortal: Episode 1Editor's ChoiceNot a game, technically, but a VR story taking you through some of the adventures everyone's favorite villain experiences in the Star Wars universe. The folks at ILMxLAB have quite the story cooked up for this title, and they're very excited to share it with everyone on Ocu...

Best answer: The NVIDIA Shield TV is still the best Android TV box you can buy in 2019. NVIDIA has done a great job offering software updates that continually make the Shield TV better than before, and the 16GB is a great option for any habitual streamer. So yes, it's absolutely your best bet for an Android TV box in 2019.Amazon: NVIDIA Shield TV Smart Home Edition ($179)Amazon: NVIDIA Shield TV Smart Gaming Edition ($189)NVIDIA is still King of Android TVThe NVIDIA Shield TV is a full-featured streaming box that runs on the latest Android TV software. That means it has both Google Assistant and Chromecast functionality built right in, along with a host of other great features. All of that makes the Shield a stand out product.It also offers the best internal specs and features on a TV streaming box and comes packaged with a sleek remote that includes a built-in microphone for use with the Google Assistant. You're can to plug in a keyboard and mouse or connect Bluetooth device...

Of all the places I need to curb my tech usage, TV is top of the list by far.I've gone through a lot of phones, Chromebooks, headphones, and a verifiable flood of phone cases in the last four years, but my NVIDIA Shield TV is my constant entertainment companion. I've banged out hundreds of articles while listening to old episodes of this show or that — I like quoting along to shows as I work, it helps keep my vibes up — but I've also burned hours and hours at a time when I should've been cleaning my kitchen, baking something to eat, or lately, getting out of my apartment.NVIDIA did a bang-up job on the Shield TV and four years on, it remains the best and only real contender for getting Android TV unless yours came with the software installed. In fact, with the NVIDIA Shield TV Controller and the ability to quickly navigate search results and multiple seasons of a show for the perfect episode, it's easier than ever to keep the stories flowing and get whatever emotional...

Time to check in with the AC forums.As I'm sure we've said time and time again here on AC, one of the best parts about owning an Android phone is the ability to customize it to your heart's content. This can be done in a variety of ways, starting off with custom wallpapers and going all the way up to third-party ROMs.Recently, an AC forum member that's new to Android asked where people like to go to for themes and wallpapers.Here's what some of our community had to say. Rukbat 07-12-2019 04:21 PM “ Right here, at https://forums.androidcentral.com/wallpapers-ringtones-themes/. Or Zedge. Or Play - there are a lot of free wallpapers and icon sets. Reply mustang7757 07-12-2019 11:53 PM “ Hi , backdrop is another good one from play store for wallpaper. Reply Now, we'd love to hear from you. Where do you f...

AT&T is one of the most popular carriers in the United States. Unsurprisingly, that means it sells a plethora of excellent Android phones to give customers as much choice as possible when shopping for their next handset. If you're a little overwhelmed by all of the options and want some help determining which AT&T phone is the best for you, you've come to the right place.Best overallSamsung Galaxy S10+Staff pickNeed a powerful Android phone that can do it all? Look no further than the Galaxy S10+. It's got a big, brilliant 6.4-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 855 processor, and three great cameras — one standard, one ultra-wide, and one telephoto. Of course, it's also water-resistant. And it supports not just wireless charging, but reverse wireless charging, which lets you top up accessories like Samsung's Galaxy Buds.$33.34/month at AT&TGreat in every waySamsung Galaxy Note 9We're expecting to see the Galaxy Note 10 pretty soon, but in the mean...

Samsung plans to start mass producing 16Gb LPDDR5 mobile DRAM next year.What you need to knowSamsung is now mass producing 12Gb LPDDR5 mobile DRAM designed for future flagship smartphones.Built using a 10nm process, the new chips offer a data rate of 5,500 megabits per second (Mb/s). In addition to being 1.3 times faster than current LPDDR4X mobile memory, the LPDDR5 chip uses 30 percent less power. Just three weeks before the official unveiling of the Galaxy Note 10 series, Samsung today announced that is has started mass producing the industry's first 12-gigabit (Gb) LPDDR5 mobile DRAM. According to the company, the latest 12Gb LPDDR5 mobile DRAM has been optimized for 5G and AI features in "future smartphones". Samsung will also begin mass producing 12GB (gigabyte) LPDDR5 packages for flagship smartphones later this month, combining eight 12Gb (gigabit) chips.Given the close timing of the Galaxy Note 10 launch, it's doubtful whether we'll see these new 12Gb LPDDR5 chip...

All seven apps removed by Google were detected and reported by Avast.What you need to knowGoogle has removed seven Android apps from the Play Store after it was found that they allowed people to stalk others.The apps were quite popular, with 130,000 total downloads. All the seven apps were apparently created by a single Russian developer. Google has pulled seven apps from the Play Store after mobile threat researchers at Avast discovered they allowed people to stalk employees, kids, or romantic partners. Avast reported four of the apps to Google on Tuesday, after which they were quickly removed from the Play Store. The other three apps were reported on Wednesday and have also been pulled.The apps required the perpetrator to gain access to the target's phone and then install the app to begin spying. They were then prompted to enter their email address and password so the spying app could be sent there. After that, snoops could access sensitive information such as the target's...

The latest challenges are ready to be completed!With Fortnite Season 9 almost over, many players thought that Epic would be releasing Overtime Challenges into the game, as it's done in seasons past. Well, a couple dataminers looked into it and leaked online that Fortnite will once again be offering the extra challenges in order to give players a chance to level up more before Season 10.For those unaware, Overtime Challenges are a series of challenges that release during the final two weeks of a season in order to get players some extra XP and rewards while they wait for the next season to start. With nearly two weeks in between the end of Season 9 and the start of Season 10, it makes sense for something to occupy that space, and now we know what it will be.Twitter user Lucas7Yoshi — who has become well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the list earlier today:Season 9 Overtime Challenges pic.twitter.com/olzm5eDI1o— Lucas7yoshi // Fort...

5G is the next big technology and every carrier wants in on that action. With the exception of AT&T's 5Ge network, seeing 5G on your device means that you are using the newest and fastest wireless technology available. The only problem is that every carrier has a different plan for implementing it. Verizon, for example, is making sure it's at the front of the pack in terms of deployment and overall speed.Understanding how each carrier will deploy 5G can be confusing but we've been keeping tabs on all of them. Here is everything you need to know about Verizon's newest and fastest wireless network.When will my area even get 5G?Which devices should I get to be 5G ready?Which plan do I need for access?What tech is Verizon using?Does it do home internet?Is 5G worth it for most people?The 5G GalaxySamsung Galaxy S10 5G$1,300 at SamsungFast, smooth, and cutting edgeOne of the most complete feeling flagship phones only gets better with 5G support and a massive battery...

CD Projekt RED is making Cyberpunk 2077 the most dynamic world it's ever created.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 features dynamic weather, acid rain, and other deadly environmental hazards.It releases on April 16, 2020 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PCYou can preorder it today.In an interview with Wccftech, CD Projekt RED's Alvin Liu discussed a few gameplay features making their way to Cyberpunk 2077, one of which is a dynamic weather system like that which was seen in The Witcher 3 and has become increasingly common in AAA games on the market today. Yeah, we've got acid rain as well. Night City is a very polluted city and we're also exploring that kind of stuff, pollution and global warming and everything.He further went on to say that NPCs will react accordingly to these hazards as they did in The Witcher 3, and that NPCs will have their own daily routines to make the game that much more immersive. Generally, we're trying to make the NPCs very believable, w...

Just shoot everyone.What you need to knowTom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands is getting one final update.This new content update brings the Mercenaries mode, an eight-player free-for-all with the Cartel thrown in as well.Mercenaries mode is available starting July 18.You can purchase the game for $27 on Amazon.With Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Breakpoint just a few months away, the developers at Ubisoft have one last surprise for players of Ghost Recon: Wildlands - a brand new free-for-all mode called Mercenaries. This mode pits eight players against each other and the AI-controlled Cartel, in a fight to survive until extraction arrives. This PvPvE Mercenaries mode is the final content update planned for Ghost Recon: Wildlands. After playing a match, players will earn the Lone Wolf skin as thanks for trying the mode out.You can check out the trailer for the new Ghost Recon Wildlands: Mercenaries mode below:The Mercenaries content update is entirely free and it's availabl...

What you need to knowA new update has been released for PUBG Mobile (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Mobile).This 0.13.5 content update includes some new content like the PP-19 Submachine Gun.This update also coincides with the release of Royale Pass Season 8, which brings a new ocean-based theme.Avid players of PUBG Mobile, rejoice! There's a new update out alongside the release of the Royale Pass Season 8. This update, titled update 0.13.5, includes a new gun, the PP-19 Submachine Gun. It's fully automatic, with 53-round capacity for 9mm-type ammunition.Update 0.13.5 also includes a new game mode for players to enjoy. Third Person Perspective (or TPP) Mode comes to Team Deathmatch, so players can swap up their field of view and get a better idea of what's happening around them. There's also several system upgrades to things such as Title Effects or Crate Names that should increase the average quality-of-life experience when playing.Finally, this update also brings the Royale...

What you need to knowSairento VR will be available on August 13 for PlayStation VR (PSVR).You can preorder the game right now from a variety of retailers for $39.99 USD.Sairento VR is focused on agility, with crazy feats like leaping or flipping that are all possible in-game.If you're a fan of virtual reality (VR) games but you've been looking for something a little zanier than usual, we've got great news. Sairento VR is a first-person hybrid sword and shooting VR game that aims to let players be a ninja — with all that might imply. Developed by Mixed Realms and published by Perp Games, it's been available on PC for some time and now it's coming to PSVR.Sairento VR features a full singleplayer campaign that sees players joining a group called the Silent Ones, an ancient order of ninjas. Set in a twisted futuristic version Japan, you'll have to shoot and carve your way through robots, samurai, ninjas, sumo wrestlers and more. The main unique feature of the game is the agi...

While summer has barely started, the school year usually starts up earlier and earlier each year. Why not save some money while getting ready for another school year with these awesome tech deals?Perfect computingASUS Chromebook Flip C302Staff FavoriteThis convertible Chromebook features a 12.5-inch screen and is touch-capable. It has 4GB of RAM, 64GB of flash storage, and has an Intel Core m3 processor, which should help you get through the school year and with other basic tasks. The all-metal body looks sleek, and it uses the universal USB-C. If you don't mind Chrome OS, this laptop is for you.$400 (from $485) at AmazonGear bags with styleYanaier Stylish School BackpackWant an eye-catching backpack that's water resistant, big enough to fit most Chromebooks, and comes in a dozen stylish colors? Yanaier has some unique styles, including this purple/grey model that looks like the Purple Wall at Walt Disney World, which is an even lower price than the others!$16 (...

"Life is like a hurricane here in Duckburg."What you need to knowSpotify has launched a new Disney Hub.Disney Hub is filled with your favorite songs from Disney movies and TV shows.Disney Hub will continue to be updated as more movies and TV shows are released.Spotify on Wednesday unveiled a new Disney Hub, where you'll find Disney's most iconic music, from "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman to "Duck Tales Theme" by The Disney Afternoon Studio Chorus.Whatever your favorite Disney tune, chances all it'll be stuck in your head for the rest of the week. The "Duck Tales Theme" has been stuck in my head since discovering Disney Hub, like when Spongebob had an ear worm from Musical Doodle.In Spotify's Disney Hub, there are album collections featuring songs from Disney movies, TV shows, and more. In Disney Hits, for example, you'll find songs from Moana, Lion King, and Aladdin. Disney Favorites includes current tunes and music from when you were growing up.There's also...

Stay up to date with all the latest on Samsung's newest Note(s).The Android space can sometimes feel like a crowded mess when going to buy a new phone, but year after year, there are some devices that manage to stand out above everything else being offered. For a while now, Samsung's Galaxy Note series has managed to do just that.Samsung uses its Galaxy Note line to show off the best it has to offer, making it a consistently great choice for power users. Not only that, it's still one of the only smartphone options if you want a built-in stylus experience.In 2019, we're expecting Samsung to continue this legacy with the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+. From the latest news, rumors, pictures, and more, here's everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 10!There might be regular, Plus, and 5G modelsWhat will the phones look like?The specs should be impressiveThey're launching in AugustExpect the Note 10 to be very expensiveAnd lastly, don't count out the Note 9 ...

The Note 10+ will support charging speeds up to 45W.What you need to knowAll Note 10 models will include a 25W fast charger by default.Past Samsung phones have been limited to Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0.The Note 10+ will even support 45W charging.The Galaxy Note 10 is expected to bring a lot of improvements over the Note 9, with some of the highlights being a new Infinity-O display, three rear cameras, and the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Now, it looks like Samsung will be giving the Note 10 a big charging boost right out of the box.There have been previous rumors about the Note 10 having faster charging speeds compared to its predecessors, and according to Samsung tipster Ice Universe, all models of the Note 10 will come with a 25W fast charger included in the box.All of Samsung's phones up until the Note 10 have continued to use the outdated Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 standard, so the upgrade to 25W charging is exciting to see — especially considering th...

Trading the headphone jack for dual cameras and a wirelessly charging S Pen.What you need to knowThe S Pen will reportedly now wirelessly charge in a recessed groove on the back of the tablet.We're expecting to see both LTE and Wi-Fi-only models.The Tab S6 will be available in at least three colors: blue, gray, and rose gold.We saw some obfuscated leaks of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S6 a couple of weeks ago, but a scoop from Android Headlines gives us a complete collection of product renders, showing off the tablet and some of its accessories in all their glory.We're expecting to see the Galaxy Tab S6 unveiled at Samsung's upcoming Unpacked event alongside the Note 10, or possibly a bit later on this year at IFA in Berlin, and these leaks show that we can expect three color options; blue, gray, and rose gold.Each color extends to the accompanying S Pen stylus, which now fits into a recessed magnetic groove along the back of the tablet — which will presumably charg...

To celebrate World Emoji Day, we thought we'd show you how to express yourself to the fullest! Emoji are awesome little glyphs that can be combined, communicated, and interpreted a million ways and counting. Whether you just want to send a 💖 to your grandkids or prod 🔱 your kids to clean their rooms, here's how to open the emoji on the keyboard you're most likely to encounter on an Android phone.Keyboards used in this guideGoogle's own: Gboard (Free at Google Play)Great alternative: SwiftKey (Free at Google Play)How to access emoji on Gboard or SwiftKeyOpen any communication app like Android Messages or Twitter.Tap a text box such as a texting conversation or Compose Tweet to open the keyboard.Tap the smiley face symbol next to the space bar.If you don't see a smiley face, long-press the comma for Gboard or the enter for SwiftKey.The first page of emoji you normally encounter is recent emoji or the face emojis. You can drag your finger up or down w...