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You can save money by buying a used or refurbished phone, but is it worth it?Phone prices got you down? Need something to replace your dead or dying smartphone but don't want to break the bank? You should take a look at the used and refurbished phone market where the best Android phones of the past still live on.To test how viable a used or refurbished phone is in 2021, Android Central tested two: the Samsung Galaxy S20, which was purchased from Samsung's Certified Re-Newed program, and a Samsung Galaxy S10e, bought used from a Craigslist ad.AC's Michael Hicks and Jerry Hildenbrand put both phones through a week's worth of testing, with Hicks using the Galaxy S20 and Hildenbrand wielding the Galaxy S10e to see how well they'd hold up doing the same tasks as any other phone. Spoiler: Things went really well. They two also looked at the best places to buy a refurbished phone, so if this piques your interests, you should take a look.Battery lifeYou can buy a used phone in a ...

Motorola phones just make me sad.Let me start off by saying that I was a huge LG fan. And I'm still quite bitter that we won't see another LG smartphone. The loss of LG left a void not only in my heart but also in the mobile industry, with Samsung and Apple continuing to rein in their perceived duopoly. At the same time, the smaller guys like Motorola struggle to pick up the scraps of market share in the U.S. But while Motorola has claimed LG's former spot as the third-largest OEM in the U.S., it doesn't feel like the company is really making much of an effort to win over consumers.Each company seems to be going about it in different ways, with varying results. OnePlus vying to be the alternative to Samsung's Galaxy phones, Sony content to carve out a niche with expensive phones targeting content creators, and Motorola focusing its efforts on the budget segment.Yet while I respect Motorola's hustle to make a phone for everyone, I can't help being disappointed every time the com...

OPPO could start introducing phones with custom silicon, but it has a long way to go before challenging Qualcomm.When talking about Android silicon, the triumvirate of Qualcomm, Samsung SLSI, and MediaTek dominate the conversation. Huawei's HiSilicon used to be a big player as well, but the U.S. government's bans have effectively killed off its custom hardware ambitions. And while Google made its debut in this category with its Tensor design in the Pixel 6 series, the phones are limited in global availability. So they just won't be sold in anywhere near the kind of figures as most major Android brands.For disruption in this category, we'll have to look at what OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi are doing. These Chinese manufacturers have the scale (and the money) needed to kick off their custom chipset ambitions. Although we've seen a few efforts already, such as Xiaomi's Surge S1 and Vivo's custom imaging module in the X70 series, they have been initial forays.With OPPO signaling interest...

Samsung's S21 screens will be smooth again "soon."Update, Nov 24 (6:15 a.m. ET): A fix is now rolling outWhat you need to knowThe final One UI 4 beta seems to have broken the high refresh rate on Samsung's Galaxy S21 phones with Snapdragon chips.The apparent bug seems to limit the refresh rate on S21 displays to 60Hz, well below the 120Hz the phone is capable of.Samsung says it is working on a fix but hasn't given a firm timeline to resolve the issue.Samsung is known for making some of the best Android phones that you can buy, with gorgeous screens featuring high refresh rate displays, fantastic cameras, and industry-leading One UI software. However, the company's most recent One UI beta build for Android 12 seems to have thrown a wrench in that smooth-running machine.According to a reddit thread reported on by Android Police, the final One UI beta build for Android 12 appears to have locked the high refresh rates down to just 60Hz on S21 series phones. This has resulte...

Best answer: Yes, for now. Meta is working on alternative ways to log in to your Quest and Quest 2, but, for the time being, a Facebook account is still required to operate either headset.Once upon a time, it was called FacebookWhen the Oculus Quest 2 launched in October 2020, Facebook required users to log in to their headset with a Facebook account. However, one year later, when the company changed its name to Meta and the name of the Oculus Quest 2 to Meta Quest 2, they also dropped the requirement to use a Facebook login with Quest 2.The question is, when, exactly, will that future occur? As of right now, Meta says that it will be testing a new Facebookless login process with work profiles first, followed by a full consumer rollout in 2022.Meta was hush on exactly how this new login system will work, but it is presumed that a new Meta login will be used instead of a Facebook login.One of the biggest problems with using a Facebook account to log in to an Oculus Quest is ...

After briefly surpassing Samsung as the world's largest smartphone vendor, Xiaomi has now slipped to the third spot.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced its financial results for Q3 2021.The company posted RMB 78.1 billion in total revenue during the quarter, up 8.2% over the same period last year. Xiaomi held 13.5% of the global smartphone market in the July to September period. Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has announced its consolidated financial results for the third quarter of 2021. While the company didn't perform as well as it did last quarter, it did report steady growth in both revenue and profit.In Q3 2021, Xiaomi's total revenue came in at 78.1 billion yuan (about $12.2 billion), an increase of 8.2% over the same period a year earlier. Adjusted net profit for the quarter was 5.2 billion yuan (about $814 million), up 25.4% from Q3 2020. Xiaomi says its net profit during the July to September period was impacted by unrealized financial losses generated by the gl...

This smart thermometer works on both Android and iOS!Black Friday is nearly upon us, but the deals are already rolling in thick and fast, like this deal on a Withings Smart Thermometer that works on both iOS and Android now just $64 instead of $99 at Best Buy.Available in white, this can be used to take your temperature using an infrared sensor, so doesn't require contact with any bodily fluids like earwax or saliva. That means it's great not only as a personal health tool but as a device for a whole family, or even a workplace.The Withings Smart Temporal Thermometer can take 4,000 measurements to find the hottest point in an area thanks to its 16 infrared sensors. This means it can be used to take temperatures from anyone in a sanitary fashion. There's also an app for both iOS and Android that lets you input and track temperature using either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.Now just $64Withings - Thermo Smart Temporal ThermometerA handy smart thermometer at a great p...

While the Galaxy Z Fold 3 may have gotten all the attention back at launch, let's face it: it's huge and it's way too expensive compared to just buying a phone and a tablet, especially given the Black Friday deals on devices big and small. Besides, the Z Fold 3 isn't the foldable you want anyway, what you really need is the Galaxy Z Flip 3.The Z Flip 3 folds down into a sleek little square that'll fit in even the most ridiculously small pockets on dresses and dress pants. Pair that compact convenience with the novelty of having the cutting edge of foldable tech in your hand, great performance, and some of the most fun cases we've ever seen, and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the best phone to buy this Black Friday.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3From $28/month at Walmart$500 Walmart gift card: If you're a Verizon or AT&T subscriber, Walmart won't discount the Z Flip 3 itself, but you get a $500 Walmart Gift Card with the purchase to help you pay for the rest of your holiday shopping...

Black Friday week is the best time all year to get ahold of the best Fitbit trackers and watches. Right now, some of our favorites, including the Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Sense, and Fitbit Versa 3, are at some of their lowest prices ever.Best Black Friday Fitbit deals:Fitbit InspireFitbit ChargeFitbit VersaFitbit SenseFitbit AceFitbit LuxeLast year, we saw deals ranging from $20 to $70 off. This year, the Sense is $100 off, while most of the other popular models from the last two years are about $50 off. Overall, the deals are much better this year, and now's the time to take advantage.Among the best Black Friday fitness tracker deals this year, these Black Friday Fitbit deals are already so good that there's no reason to wait until the actual event on November 26. They may drop lower then, but you don't want to risk missing out for the sake of a few extra dollars shaved off.We will keep this deals hub updated on Black Friday itself with any Lightning Deals or pro...

If you haven't grabbed a Razer Kishi Android game controller yet, this is your opportunity. For Black Friday 2021, Best Buy is discounting the Razer Kishi by 44%, meaning it's available for just $45. Since this controller normally goes for around $80, you can save a fair bit of money by grabbing one right now.The Razer Kishi is considered one of the best Android gaming controllers, meaning it's perfect for getting an edge in any competitive or casual playtime in the best Android games. The Razer Kishi functions similarly to the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, going on either side of your phone so you've got a comfy grip instead of having to awkwardly use touch controls. You also don't have to bother with setting your phone or with a stand or a clip: Just carry it with you and play, no problem!The Razer Kishi is also perfect for Xbox Cloud Gaming, meaning anyone with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership can stream titles from the library to their phone. This includes first-party Xbox tit...

Fairphone continues to raise the bar.What you need to knowThe Fairphone 2 is receiving a public Android 10 beta, with a stable release in early 2022.The update comes after Android 9 was released for the phone in March.Fairphone used its experience upgrading to Android 9 to speed up the process.When it comes to software support, Android hasn't been exactly fantastic. However, Fairphone is apparently on a mission to prove that continued support is possible many years after launch with the announcement that the Fairphone 2 is set to receive Android 10.Yes, the update is a tad behind, especially now that phones are receiving Android 12. However, to put things into perspective, this is a six-year-old Android phone that launched with Android 5.No matter how you look at it, that's an impressive feat for an Android device launched in 2015 running a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset.The announcement comes a mere eight months after the company pushed Android 9 to the Fairphone 2....

The Black Friday season is upon us, meaning deals on the best gaming chairs and other accessories are already up ahead of the infamous shopping holiday. Amazon even has deals on several AndaSeat gaming chair models, saving you hundreds off their usual price tags.If you don't already have a gaming chair, now's definitely the time to buy. Not only do they make for perfect office chairs (minus the gaudy colors), but the best ones are usually so expensive that you end up settling for one that, frankly, just isn't as good.Save big on these AndaSeat gaming chairsAndaSeat Fnatic Esports Pro Gaming Chair | $360$360 at AmazonEsports fans should find this Fnatic-branded chair appealing. At a usual price of $530, you can use a coupon and get it for just $360. It holds a maximum weight capacity of 440 pounds, features fully adjustable 4D armrests, a memory foam lumbar pillow, and reclining support up to 160 degrees.AndaSeat Kaiser 2 Gaming Chair | $350$350 at AmazonLike...

Streaming everything from movies to music has become so normal for many people that having an excellent streaming device is almost essential. Black Friday is a fantastic time to pick one up for yourself or someone else. Amongst all of the options out there to pick from, Google has some of the best. So keeping an eye out for some awesome Chromecast deals is a wise plan.Google's Chromecast was one of the first devices to simplify sending content from our phones to our TV. All by simply plugging in a small HDMI device and connecting it to Wi-Fi — all the way back in 2013. Since then, there has been a lot of evolution for that little dongle, and the latest version is the Chromecast with Google TV. This iteration of the streaming device brings all of the functionality of the original Chromecast we love, bumps up the quality to ultra-high-definition 4K, packs in a wonderful interface, and brings its own remote control.Until the Chromecast with Google TV, whatever device was casting t...

Anyone that needs a new wireless charging pad is in luck. Two Star Wars-themed wireless charging pads are half off right now, meaning you can save $25 no matter which model you prefer. One is the iconic Millennium Falcon, while the other is Mando's helmet from the Mandalorian. If you've been eyeing the best Android wireless chargers for a while, this is the time to act.Both pads start to glow whenever your phone is done, with Mando's visor and the Falcon's engines giving off a blue glow, so you always know when your phone is ready to go. Both pads are also compatible with the latest Samsung and Apple phones, so you'll be good no matter what phone you've got, as long as it supports wireless charging.The chargers also use USB-C type cables, making them easy to set up and hook into an outlet. No matter whether you're on a trip or need a new office accessory, these are a cute way to keep your phone charged while showing off your Star Wars love at the same time.Two Star Wars wireless ...

Connecting your PS5 DualSense controller to your Android mobile device is a quick and painless process thanks to Bluetooth. Should you ever want to set up Remote Play on PS5, or find another use for that DualSense on your phone, you'll be ready to go in less than a minute. All it takes is pressing a couple of buttons to get everything set up and connected.How to use a PS5 controller on AndroidHold the Share button and PS button on your DualSense controller at the same time for a few seconds until the light bar starts to flash blue. This puts it into pairing mode.Swipe down on your Android device to open up your Quick Settings. Make sure your Bluetooth is turned on. Hold the Bluetooth icon to bring up the Bluetooth settings. Select Wireless Controller under available devices. If it does not show up immediately, select Scan at the top. Select OK when you're asked if you'd like to pair your phone with the wireless controller.If it connects properly, the blue light on the...

Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is fast approaching, and it's expected that some of the most widely discounted products during this time are going to be smart home gadgets. One of the greatest things about all these sales is that it doesn't matter if you're looking for some of the best Alexa devices, awesome Google Home-related tech, or even more futuristic smart lights to build out the smart home of your dreams — it's all going to be on sale. We'll keep an eye out for the best Black Friday smart home deals as the season progresses and update this list accordingly, so be sure to check back for the latest.Jump to Black Friday Smart Home dealsGoogle Home dealsAmazon Alexa dealsSmart light dealsSmart plug dealsSmart camera dealsSmart doorbell dealsWi-Fi router dealsWhere to find the best Black Friday Smart Home dealsSmart home tech is becoming quite ubiquitous, and that means the number of retailers that offer products to add a bit of intelligence...

If you're in the market for a Black Friday tablet deal, you have a wealth of options to choose from this year. Not only are some of the best Android tablets from Samsung and Amazon available at a discount ahead of Black Friday, we've even seen some rare deals on iPads and iPad Pros. Some of the price cuts are deep enough that you'll want to snag one before the main deals event.Best tablet deals:Amazon FireAppleSamsungOther Black Friday Android tablet dealsIf you're in the market for a cheap tablet, start your search with a Fire tablet. Nearly all of the best Amazon tablets are on sale in the lead up to Black Friday and could dip to even lower prices starting on Thanksgiving. Or, you could look into some other great cheap Android tablets from Samsung or Lenovo; some of the Galaxy Tab A7 or S6 series are steeply discounted right now.Major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart have already fully begun their Black Friday tablet deals if you don't want to wa...

Audio-only experiences for Netflix movies and shows.What you need to knowSpotify launches a new Netflix hub.The hub features soundtracks from Netflix Original movies and shows.Spotify is also unveiling an enhanced album for the film "The Harder They Fall."Spotify and Netflix, two of the biggest streaming services for audio and video, are coming together to launch a new hub that showcases the soundtracks and more from Netflix Original movies and shows.The hub was launched on Tuesday and features official albums, playlists, podcasts, and more for an audio-only experience of popular Netflix content that both free and Premium subscribers can tune into.This includes playlists from "Bridgerton," "On My Block," and others, with official soundtracks from "Squid Game," "Bruised," "Cowboy Bebop," and more. This is also where listeners can find Netflix podcasts like "Okay, Now Listen," "Netflix Is A Daily Joke," "10/10 (Would Recommend)," and "The Crown: The Official Podcast."Th...

Getting your hands on one of the best fitness trackers this Black Friday is a smart idea. You may not consider such smart bands to be a necessity, so you're more likely to actually get one when it's on sale. Though there are plenty of superb Android smartwatches out there, there are still many reasons why you should get a fitness tracker.Health-conscious individuals swear by their fitness and activity trackers as a crucial part of their journey. You can monitor and track any changes to your fitness in such detail it's amazing. The Amazfit Band 5 allows you to measure your blood oxygen levels and your heart rate using a PPG optical sensor. The sensor measures your heart rate continuously throughout the day, helping you collect crucial data about your body.Some other important features include sleep quality monitoring, stress monitoring, breathing exercises, and even menstrual cycle tracking. If anything goes wrong with your body, this sleek little band will let you know. It helps th...

The Moto G Power (2020) is a pretty impressive handset, and it continues to be a great option despite all of the recent phone launches, including the newer version, the Moto G Power (2021). So why not grab one and get one of the best Moto G Power cases for it? The handset sports a unique camera system on a budget, along with Motorola's near-stock Android software experience with some add-ons in the right places. In fact, it's one of the best cheap Android phones you can grab, so you don't want to miss out on this one.Slim and flexibleEasyACC Slim CaseStaff PickThe EasyACC Slim case, made from a matte TPU material, is made with protection in mind. On the back, you'll find perfect cutouts for the camera module and fingerprint scanner, along with a cross-hatching design to improve the overall grip. There's even a special design for the speaker at the bottom so that you can get the best sound possible when watching a video or listening to some tunes.$9 at AmazonScout'...

Samsung Galaxy Tabs are high-quality but tend to be expensive, even on sale. If you're looking for an affordable tablet that's an alternative to the Amazon Fire series, the Galaxy Tab A and A7 Lite have significant discounts today on Best Buy for Black Friday. The cheapest is $100 ($50 off) for the Galaxy Tab A (2019), while our favorite pick is the 64GB Galaxy Tab A7 Lite ($70 off).Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite$130 at Best Buy (64GB model, $70 off)$120 at Best Buy (32GB model, $40 off)With an 8.7-inch display, quad Dolby Atmos speakers, 3GB RAM, 1TB of expandable storage, a durable 5,100mAh battery, and relatively lightweight 13oz design, the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a truly quality device that's especially attractive at this low Black Friday price.Galaxy Tab A 8" (2019)$100 at Best Buy ($50 off)For pure affordability, the Galaxy Tab A tops the list. It's got a compact design that, like the Fire HD 8, is especially handy for streaming in bed or on the go. It's no wo...

Are you in the market for a great fitness tracker? Then you're in luck because our undisputed top pick — the Fitbit Charge 5 — is currently on sale for $50 off as an early Black Friday deal.Typically $179, the Fitbit Charge 5 is available for $129, making it one of the best Black Friday Fitbit deals available. And we expect this price to last through Black Friday.The Fitbit Charge 5 may look like a normal fitness band but has nearly all of the health sensors you'd expect in a premium fitness smartwatch like the Fitbit Sense. Along with built-in GPS, HRM, blood oxygen (SPO2), NFC payments, sleep tracking, and 5ATM water resistance, you also get an EDA sensor for temperature & stress readings and an ECG sensor for detecting irregular heartbeats. You'll learn everything you need to know about your body from a 0.5oz band on your wrist.Available in three stylish color options — Steel Blue/Platinum, Black/Graphite, or Lunar White/Gold — the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great pu...

"Sony tolerates and cultivates a work environment that discriminates against female employees, including female employees and those who identify as female."What you need to knowA former Sony PlayStation employee filed a lawsuit against the company Monday alleging gender discrimination in both pay and work opportunities.The employee, Emma Majo, is filing on behalf of all female employees who've worked with the company over the past four years, and seeks to expand the lawsuit into a class action lawsuit.She alleges that she was terminated from her position for speaking out against discrimination and was given a false reason for that termination.A former Sony PlayStation employee has filed a lawsuit against the company in a California court on Monday alleging that women at the company have been victims of gender discrimination in regards to pay and promotion opportunities."Sony tolerates and cultivates a work environment that discriminates against female employees, including...

It's not perfect, but it works and is very cheap.Smart homes are getting smarter all the time with innovations in security, connectivity, and user experience. These improvements have been slowly making the smart home tech much more accessible, though, for many people, the price of upgrading their homes was just too high. The Amazon Smart Thermostat is one of the cheapest Wi-Fi-connected smart thermostats you can find, even if you include the used market.The Amazon Smart Thermostat keeps things simple with basic specs and a simple user interface. Being able to set your thermostat just how you want it without getting up or even touching your phone is sublime, and if you set everything up properly, you may never need to think about your settings again.Amazon has made it relatively easy to get started with the Alexa app and detailed setup instructions. If you've already invested in this area, you likely won't find anything too new or impressive about Amazon's solution, but if you'v...

Ubisoft's Rayman Legends also launches on Stadia today.What you need to knowStadia Pro adds another six games for subscribers to claim starting on Dec. 1.The six games coming to Stadia Pro are Destroy All Humans!, The Falconeer Warrior Edition, Foreclosed, and Little Nightmares, Transformers: Battlegrounds, and Wreckfest.Farming Simulator 22 and Rayman Legends launch on Stadia this week.Google announced today that Stadia Pro subscribers will be able to claim another six games to play beginning on Dec. 1.Four of the titles coming in December are open world action-adventure game Destroy All Humans!, air combat game The Falconeer Warrior Edition, Cyberpunk narrative-driven action-shooter Foreclosed, and puzzle-platform horror adventure game Little Nightmares.The other two games, Transformers: Battlegrounds and Wreckfest, will be coming to the Stadia Pro and launch on the Stadia store on the same date. Transformers: Battlegrounds is a turn-based tactical game originally rel...

What you need to knowT-Mobile and Hasbro have partnered to create Lite-Brite T-Mobile Edition with 184 magenta pegs.The toy is available while supplies last through Cyber Monday for $19.99 with free shipping.Up to four winners that find a Magenta Ticket will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to a T-Mobile branded Venue.T-Mobile is celebrating its 5G network with a special edition of the famous toy Lite-Brite. The Lite Brite T-Mobile Edition will come with 184 magenta pegs in addition to all of the classic colors. It also comes with designs for a T-Mobile coverage map, a cell phone tower, a phone, and of course the T-Mobile T logo.Lite-Brite T-Mobile Edition costs $19.99 with free shipping at 5glb.t-mobile.com and will be available through Cyber Monday. Customers will also be able to download and upload new designs on the website to get even more life out of the toy.CEO of T-Mobile, Mike Sievert expressed his excitement for the new toy: Toying with the mobile i...

Yes, we know Black Friday is often considered a very U.S.-centric holiday, and while that may be true, there are many retailers extending insane deals to our fellow friends up north in Canada. Now that we're getting closer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the deals are still coming fast and often, so check back often for the best deals across all the retailers you want.Black Friday and Cyber Monday isn't as crazy as it is in the U.S., and with people still navigating the pandemic, online shopping is still going to remain at its highest. We are seeing a lot of in-store and a lot of online deals that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your home. We've rounded up our favorites below, so feel free to browse through the best of what Canada Black Friday has to offer!This list is being updated with new Black Friday deals all the time, so check back often.Best Buy Canada Black Friday dealsGet some of the best headphones, Google products, and more at Best BuySave on...

You'll find no shortages of deals and discounts on some of the best headsets available for Black Friday. If brands like Razer or SteelSeries aren't up your alley, you might find what you're looking for with Turtle Beach. The manufacturer is well-known for making some of the best gaming headsets out there, and one of its wired models is at its lowest price ever shortly before Black Friday.While it may seem a bit pricey for a wired model, the Turtle Beach Recon 500 is still cheaper than most decent wireless headsets. And with multiplatform compatibility, a lightweight design, memory foam ear cushions, and on-ear controls it has nearly everything you'd want from a budget headset.Save 30% on this amazing Turtle Beach headsetTurtle Beach Recon 500 $48$48 at AmazonThe Turtle Beach Recon 500 was developed for professional gaming with crystal clear communication in mind. It may not be as advanced as other headsets, but when it comes to audio delivery and comfort, it's got it wher...

Decent savings on a trio of basic phones that don't cost the earth.BLU is known for its range of no-frills Android phones, and now three of the manufacturer's bargain-bucket handsets are cheaper than ever for Black Friday. Best Buy has the BLU V50, V81 and V91 available for $20 off right now, which brings the price of the cheapest model down to just $99.Elsewhere, that money could buy you five Apple cleaning cloths, or approximately half of a single Mac Pro wheel.So we're not exactly talking flagship phone money here, but these are decent savings on what are already very cheap phones. With the BLU V50, thrifty Android buyers can pick up a basic handset with 32GB of storage, a 6.2-inch HD+ display and a 13-megapixel rear camera. Nothing to turn heads, sure, but it should take care of the basics.Save up to $20 on cheap BLU phonesBLU V50, V81 & V91Save $20 at Best BuyBLU's range of basic Android phones suit a range of budgets in the low-end segment, and for Black Fri...

The phone touts a touch latency of just 24.0ms.Update, Nov 23 (12:15 p.m. ET): You can now buy the ROG Phone 5s/Pro in the U.S.What you need to knowASUS has announced two new ROG gaming phones.The ROG Phone 5S and ROG Phone 5S Pro feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset.ASUS hasn't yet revealed the pricing and availability of the new phones. Back in March, ASUS took the wraps off the ROG Phone 5, a direct successor to last year's ROG Phone 3. Just five months later, the company has unveiled a brand new ROG Phone 5S to succeed the ROG Phone 5.The ROG Phone 5S and ROG Phone 5S Pro phones are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset, which is marginally faster than the Snapdragon 888 chipset inside the ROG Phone 5 series. Aside from the newer Snapdragon 888 Plus, the ROG Phone 5S series phones also come with the same 360Hz touch response rate as the best gaming phones, resulting in a touchscreen latency of just 24.0ms.The rest of the key tech specs of t...

Best answer: Yes, although we don't see new Chromeboxes as often as we do Chromebooks. Still, the current models make for excellent desktops and are totally worth buying.Chromeboxes are safe, secure, and easy desktopsIf you're asking yourself: Should I buy a Chromebox? Remember that unlike a laptop, a Chromebox is always plugged in and has a fan to keep things a little cooler. That means Chromeboxes run a little hotter and harder than the same components found inside a laptop. It also means that today's Chromeboxes are going to handle whatever Chrome throws at it — including Android and Linux apps — just fine for the foreseeable future. Manufacturers tend to release new Chromebooks rapidly because they don't have that luxury, and we want to squeeze every bit of performance possible out of a battery-powered device.As someone who often likes to chase specs, I know it's always tough to make a purchase when you know something new will arrive not too long after you've spent your...

Everyone wants to feel safe at home or just feel safe to leave home for a few days to visit friends and family. Setting up a home security system from Ring can keep you informed of what's going on at your home even when you're far away. Best of all, you can get a great deal on a Ring Alarm kit starting with the 8-piece kit for just $150 or 40% off. If you have a bigger house, you can also save on a kit with the 14-piece kit coming in at just $200 which is 39% off.Starting with the smaller kit, you'll get everything you need for a 1-2 bedroom house with one base station, a keypad, four contact sensors, a motion sensor, and a range extender. The larger 14-piece kit comes with a base station, two keypads, eight contact sensors, two motion sensors, and a range extender. You can also choose from a number of bundles with Ring Doorbell cameras and the Echo Show so you can see what's going on in your home.This Ring system works great with Alexa so if you're taking advantage of best Black F...

A site in the city of Taylor is where Samsung will supposedly build advanced chips.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly planning to open a second chip manufacturing plant in Texas.The company has apparently selected a site in the city of Taylor for that plan.The project is expected to create 1,800 jobs in the city.Samsung already has a manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas where it builds some of its chips. The company is now reportedly set to expand its footprint in the region with another plant for advanced chips.According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Samsung will open its second chip-making plant in the city of Taylor (via Reuters). It is expected to cost around $17 billion and could create 1,800 jobs in the city. According to the report, the site will be 1,200 acres in size, which is larger than Samsung's current plant in Austin.Samsung has remained silent on the project, and according to Reuters, no final decision on the planned manufacturing site...

Aside from a faster chip and a bigger battery, the OnePlus 10 Pro may not bring any other significant upgrades.What you need to knowAlleged specs of OnePlus' next flagship phone have leaked.The phone is tipped to feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen1 chipset, and a 5000mAh battery. It is tipped to make its global debut in April 2022. The upcoming OnePlus 10 Pro may not be a massive upgrade over the OnePlus 9 Pro, according to a new report from 91Mobiles.As per the report, the OnePlus 10 Pro will sport a 6.7-inch QHD+ screen with the same 120Hz refresh rate as the best Android phones on the market today. Under the hood, it is tipped to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen1 SoC, which will be a follow-up to the current Snapdragon 888. The 4nm chip could be paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.In the camera department, the phone is said to use a triple-lens setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8M...

Track keys, valuables, pets and more using Samsung's AirTag competitor.Launched earlier this year, Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag trackers work with the company's Galaxy smartphones to help track valuables, pets or anything else you might want to keep tabs on.And for Black Friday, B&H has both SmartTag variants available at just over 40% off, bringing the price of the SmartTag+ to $24.99, and the standard SmartTag to just $17.99. The same discounts also apply to two-packs of both versions of the tag, though there's no further saving for buying a two-pack as opposed to two individual tags, unfortunately.The regular SmartTag provides basic location tracking functionality, while the SmartTag+ uses ultra-wideband technology for more precise monitoring -- and useful camera integration -- when paired with a recent Samsung flagship. If you're into Samsung's SmartThings ecosystem, you can also let your tag interact with items in your smart home.Stock levels vary right now depending on...

The holiday season means we get to enjoy steep discounts on products that we might otherwise have been holding off on. This includes some of the best Chromebooks, such as the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook. And one of the best Black Friday Chromebook deals that we've seen so far brings this device down to just $599.Samsung has already released the second iteration of its Galaxy Chromebook, but we still recommend going with the first generation for a few reasons. These include lower processing power and a display that doesn't really match up with what you might expect from Samsung. Meanwhile, the OG Galaxy Chromebook features a 4K AMOLED touchscreen display, and Samsung includes a stylus that can be neatly tucked away in the bottom frame.Samsung Galaxy Chromebook$599 at Amazon$599 at Best BuyThe Samsung Galaxy Chromebook may be a bit older at this point, but it's still one of the best Chromebooks out there. Not only can you enjoy the excellent Fiesta Red colorway, but the 4K AMO...

By many accounts, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is one of the best Chromebooks that you can buy. But for Black Friday, this deal for the Chromebook Flex 3 from Lenovo is absolutely incredible, coming in at just $149, a savings of $230 off of the retail price.The Chromebook Flex 3 sports an 11-inch touchscreen display that can also be folded back into different modes. This makes Lenovo's entry-level option one of the best Chromebooks for kids, without breaking the bank and having just enough juice to perform the basic tasks that you might want it to.Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3$149 at Best BuyThe Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 may not turn a bunch of heads, but that's kind of the point. With its 11-inch touchscreen display and 2-in-1 design, this deal for the Flex 3 could just be too good to pass up on.Along with the 11-inch screen, the Chromebook Flex 5 is powered by MediaTek's MT8183 chipset and is paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Of course, this isn't the ideal soluti...

This week, we save the WB Multiverse by pitching a bunch of amazing ideas. The crew also discuss problems with Rockstar Games' GTA Trilogy and offer hot takes on the Game Awards 2021 nominees. And as a special bonus, Jen cracks open some fresh Pokémon booster packs live on the show!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Report: Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick knew of sexual harassment claims | Windows CentralBobby Kotick must resign | Windows CentralXbox head Phil Spencer reportedly reevaluating relationship with Activision Blizzard | Windows CentralActivision Blizzard employees, contractors call for CEO Bobby Kotick's removal | Windows CentralPetition · REMOVE BOBBY KOTICK FROM ACTIVISION/BLIZZARD · Change.orgRockstar Games addresses GTA Trilogy Issues and gives free games as apology | Windows CentralMultiVersus is WB Games' free-to-play Smash Bros co...

Black Friday is the best time of year for audiophiles looking to score big on discounted headsets. Whether you're in the market for a pair of wireless earbuds or want a headset to go along with your PS5 or Xbox, there are plenty of deals to go around. Ahead of Black Friday, a ton of Razer headsets have been discounted at multiple retailers. If you're unfamiliar with Razer, just know that it makes some of the best, high-quality headsets in the business.Some of its more popular models, the BlackShark and Kraken, are heavily discounted today. You can save $50 on the excellent BlackShark V2 Pro, bringing the price all the way down to $130, or go with the cheaper Kraken X model at only $30 if you aren't looking to spend a ton of money.Get these heavily discounted Razer headsetsRazer BlackShark V2 Pro $130$130 at Amazon$130 at Best Buy$130 at GameStopThe Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a wireless headset that provides long-lasting comfort. Boasting THX 7.1 spatial surround sound...

RevolutionaryPS5$500 at AmazonProsUltra-fast SSD10.28 TFLOPS GPUPSVR compatibleDigital Edition availableDualSense controllerQuieter fanConsLarge and heavyExpensiveHard to findSony's PS5 has one of the fastest SSDs on the market, making for unprecedented gameplay experiences and near-instant loading. Combined with a powerful GPU, the DualSense controller, a futuristic look, and a catalog of upcoming exclusives, the PS5 is an absolutely fantastic console.Old technologyPS4 Pro$390 at GameStopProsCheaper than PS5 (in theory)SmallerConsWeaker than PS5DualShock controllerSlow HDDFans can sound like a jet engineHard to findThe PS4 Pro is nothing to sneeze at, even if it's much weaker than the PS5. It still packs a 4.2 TFLOPS GPU and plays some of the best exclusive games in the business. It's not easy to find in stock, and refurbished units are often overpriced, though, so unless you see an excellent deal, you should skip this olde...

For less than $200, you'll get Android 12 and more up-to-date security than most budget phones.OK, let's not sugar-coat it: Having been released back in 2018, the Google Pixel 3 XL is a pretty old phone. But in late 2021, it's a better buy at just under $200 then most super-budget Android handsets, especially if you just need a device to tide you over the next year or so.Ahead of Black Friday, B&H has the Pixel 3 XL available for $199 with free expedited shipping. The deal is marked as being the "T-Mobile variant" of the phone, however the spec sheet lists it as an unlocked model, meaning it can be used with other carriers. Regardless, the software experience you get should be the same as any other unlocked Pixel.The Pixel 3 XL is currently up to date on the latest Android 12, and will be receiving a final security and bug fix update in early 2022. There are no more platform-level updates coming after that, but this Pixel still stands up favorably next to budget handsets in...

Less than 25% of all Android devices are currently on Android 11.What you need to knowThe latest Android version distribution numbers from Google reveal that Android 10 is the most popular Android version.Android 10, which was released in 2019, is currently running on 26.5% of all Android devices. Android 11 accounts for 24.2% of all devices, while Android 9 Pie is at 18.2%. Google stopped reporting monthly Android version distribution numbers in November 2018. Since then, the company has been providing a breakdown to developers via Android Studio. The latest distribution numbers released by Google have revealed that 24.2% of Android devices currently run Android 11 (via 9to5Google). However, it isn't the most popular Android version right now.Android 10, which was released in September 2019, continues to be the most popular Android version. Per the latest distribution numbers, 26.5% of all Android devices still run Android 10. Android 9 Pie's share, on the other hand, st...

Some women like to accessorize, but sometimes it's a struggle to find the perfect balance of form and function. This is especially true when you're shopping for the best Android smartwatch for women. The good news is there are tons of options to pick from these days. The Fossil Gen 5 Julianna is currently the best smartwatch for women for many reasons. You get premium features and a classic yet stylish design. With that in mind, this is just one of many options to consider. We've rounded up the best picks to help you find the right one for your needs.Best overall: Fossil Gen 5 JuliannaIf you were a fan of the Gen 4 smartwatches from Fossil but hoped for improvements, you'll appreciate the Gen 5 smartwatches — including the gorgeous Julianna. It comes with a new stylish design, more RAM, and an external speaker. It also does everything you need: activity and heart rate tracking, 3 ATM water resistance (depth of up to 30 meters), Google Pay, Google Assistant, GPS, and notificat...

Jump to Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesWearablesTabletsChromebooksEarbudsIt has been a banner year for Samsung, between the camera prowess of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the more polished foldable experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3, and the launch of the first smartwatch with Wear OS 3, the Galaxy Watch 4. So whether you're looking for new earbuds or a great deal on one of the best Android phones, Black Friday always brings tremendous deals to every segment, and we're here to help you find the best one for you and your family members.While supply issues might make some smartphone deals more elusive than in previous years, there are a few perennial deals and plenty of bundles hoping to sweeten the pot this Black Friday. Tablets are another area we expect Samsung to offer bountiful discounts in, and Galaxy earbuds will drop from good prices down to "what the heck are you waiting for" territory before the turkey leftovers are demolished.Where to find ...

If you're in the market for high-quality audio products for yourself or as a gift, you've come to the right place. New York-based Master & Dynamic has announced two terrific Black Friday deals for 2021. Between today, Nov. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 28, you can receive up to 40% off the regular price on headphones and speakers using special codes. The deals cover most of the company's product lineup.Master & Dynamic's Black Friday deals include 25% off purchases of more than $250 and 40% off when you spend more than $500 on the company's website.Discover a premium listening experienceMW65 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones$499 from Master & DynamicYou can't go wrong with Master & Dynamic's MW65 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones, which you can discount using the company's Black Friday deals. These headphones are available in various color combinations. To take advantage of the Black Friday deals, use the promo codes SHOP25 or SHOP40 at checkout....

We all collectively pretend smartwatch touchscreens work for fitness. But they're consistently unreliable.Most of the best fitness trackers and fitness smartwatches use a combination of touchscreens and buttons. The more complicated the UI or more compact the design, the more it relies on touch to navigate. And while that's perfectly fine for lifestyle watches, touch UI is an unreliable mess for fitness tech, sacrificing usability for weight and style.Last month I decided to jumpstart my marathon training using fitness tech. Each training run, interval, or half-marathon I run, I try to switch to a new tracker or watch. I'm looking at fitness trackers as a whole to see which features enhance my performance. Or do the opposite, in the case of touch-reliant fitness tech. Touch UI is an unreliable mess for fitness tech, sacrificing usability for weight and style.It's not newsworthy to say that touchscreens and sweaty fingers are a match made in hell, compounded by the small su...

Nanoleaf makes some of the best smart lights around, and almost every Nanoleaf shape is on sale ahead of the biggest shopping day of the year. No matter which Nanoleaf shape is the best for your home, you can finally get a great price on what are some of the most expensive smart lights in the market thanks to these Black Friday deals.All Nanoleaf shapes work with the Nanoleaf app and can be deeply tied into your smart home. These lights can all be paired with your favorite virtual assistant and can be used in conjunction with any routines you might have created for your home. You can even bring individual color palettes and animations into the mix, creating unique colors for every routine.If you don't yet have a Nanoleaf Smarter Kit, you'll want to start there. Each Smarter Kit — a cute play on words for a starter kit — comes with a light controller, plug, and several different pieces that can be snapped together to create larger, unique shapes. Many shapes can be interchange...

It's that time of year when we start getting ready for the Black Friday PS5 deals, and you certainly shouldn't be waiting until the day itself if you haven't bagged Sony's new console yet. Since launch, last November, the PS5 has never lasted more than a few minutes when it comes into stock, and we expect the feeding frenzy to be no different well into next year.Jump to Black Friday PS5 dealsSee PS5 stockInternal SSDHeadsetsControllersTVPlayStation PlusWe're here to help point you in the right direction of the stores most likely to get the PS5 in next. There won't be any discounts on the console, though, and Black Friday PlayStation 5 bundles that appear will likely feature a range of items all added at full price because people will pay it. Sad, but true. So, if you see a sensibly priced PS5 at any moment from now, just bag it while you can.It's not all bad news, as the genuine stars of the Black Friday PS5 deals will be found on some of the very best PS5 headsets, ...

We're into it now folks as the Black Friday PS5 SSD deals are live right now and the prices have never been cheaper. Users can finally upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with as Sony recently unlocked the expansion bay.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options in the Black Friday PS5 deals events can save you a lot of money. This is an excellent turn of events as just a few weeks ago a lot of the best devices had sold out and we could only find scalper listings. That could all change soon though as Black Friday gathers momentum and more people pick up a PS5. Be prepared to pay quite a lot more if you want a PS5 SSD with a pre-installed heatsink - pro tip, buy one separately for much less (links below). We're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN 850 Black, and the Firecuda 530.If you're going to have a look around...

Christmas decorations are going up and Chromebook prices are going down, which can only mean one thing: Black Friday is almost here! While last year's Chromebook shortage didn't give us quite as many deals as we'd like, this year, you can already get hundreds off many of the best Chromebooks around. There are tons of choices to consider such as the bright and beautiful Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (both generations are on sale), to the compact and kid-friendly Lenovo Flex 3 and Flex 5. There's a Chromebook deal for everyone this Black Friday, and we're here to help you find the best one for you or your little munchkins.Jump to Black Friday Chromebook deals:AcerASUSHPLenovoPremiumStudentWhere to find the best Black Friday Chromebook dealsBest Buy: We've just seen a $99 Chromebook hereAmazon: Arguably the biggest selection of deals right nowWalmart: Loads of Chromebooks under $200B&H Photo: 14-inch Lenovos spotted at $169Newegg: Has just stepped up with plenty of ...