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The Google Pixel 4a was one of the most compelling phones of 2020, offering excellent performance and cameras for less than half the price of its flagship. While it might not cost thousands of dollars, that doesn't mean it's any less worthy of protection. Whether you need to spice up the Just Black of the Pixel 4a or need to keep it safe from the chaos outside your door, these are the best Pixel 4a cases you can buy right now.Pretty protectionCaseology Parallax for Google Pixel 4aStaff PickThis hybrid case comes in four dazzling color combinations — matte black, classic blue, purple-ish, and a darling coral pink — and offers drop protection and grip in a compact profile.From $15 at Amazon $16 at WalmartGuard the front and backPoetic RevolutionThis heavy-duty case comes with a screen protector built into the front frame, offering 360 degrees of protection for your Pixel 4a. I also like the robust kickstand on the back that can be used in portrait or landscape....

Save the world from aliens in turn-based gameplay on your phone.What you need to knowFeral Interactive is porting the XCOM 2 Collection to Android. It's set to be released on July 13, and users can pre-register now.XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy title that was originally released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2016.The collection was ported to the Switch and iOS last year, and now it's finally coming to Android.Feral Interactive today announced that it's bringing the XCOM 2 Collection, the complete edition of the original strategy game, to Android. The game is set to launch on Android on July 13. The collection includes the base game, the expansion pack War of the Chosen, and the four DLC packs. Interested users can pre-register now on the Play Store page, and the game will set you back $25.XCOM 2, the sequel to 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown, was originally developed by Firaxis, and launched on PC, PS4, and Xbox in 2016. It takes place in a future in which alien invaders have ...

The new security change will not affect unlisted videos uploaded to YouTube after 2017.What you need to knowGoogle has announced new changes to make its YouTube and Drive services more secure.As part of the changes, all Unlisted videos uploaded to YouTube before 2017 will be made private starting on July 23. Google will also change the links used for some Drive files. Google is rolling out a security update that could make several public links to files stored on its YouTube and Drive platforms to stop working. As reported by The Verge, the update will affect videos that are marked as "Unlisted" on YouTube.Unlisted videos on YouTube can be viewed and shared online by anyone who has a link to the video. However, unlike public videos, Unlisted videos do not appear in search results or other tabs. Google rolled out a security update in 2017 to make it harder for people to discover links to Unlisted videos.As part of Google's latest changes, all Unlisted videos uploaded to Y...

What you need to knowThe West is has gotten more into mobile gaming over the past four years, and it shows no signs of stopping.A key improvement has been in our interest in more complex mobile titles like Call of Duty Mobile or Pokémon Go.The move is partially driven by AAA publishers getting into the mobile space, but also improvements in mobile phone technology and 5G.When most people in the U.S. think about mobile games, they likely picture casual games like Candy Crush Saga or Homescapes. They're easy to play, idle, puzzle games that are good for passing the time and can be played by just about everybody. However, larger, more complex mobile games are on the rise in many parts of the world, according to a new report published today by Newzoo, a games and esports data company.The report, co-published with ARM, a processor company, calls these titles "high-fidelity games," or games that feature "advanced graphics and/or complex mechanics and gameplay." That includes mob...

Driving Mode is similar to Android Auto, but it lives entirely on your phone, and oddly enough, only in portrait orientation. If you often use your phone to navigate and don't have Android Auto, this is a great way to get a similar experience. The apps and buttons are laid out more organized and large enough to press easily.Please note, we here at Android Central do not endorse actively using your phone while driving. But we recognize that sometimes you want to do something quickly, and Driving Mode is a better way to do that. What's most aggravating about this, and we'll detail this more in a bit, is that driving mode doesn't even kick in until you're actually driving/moving with velocity. So please use appropriate caution when navigating while driving, and where possible, use voice commands exclusively.With all that being said, here's how to turn on Driving Mode.Open Maps and tap on your profile photo in the upper right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Navigation settings.Tap Go...

Many of Chrome's biggest competitors have already FLoC-blocked.What you need to knowGoogle is delaying phasing out third-party cookies on Chrome to 2023.The company says it is working with authorities to "get this right."It is subject to engagement with the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority.Google is delaying its plans to phase out third-party cookies in the Chrome browser until 2023, a year later than when it was originally going to happen, Google said in a blog post.The tech giant said that while there is "considerable progress" with the initiative the company requires more time "across the ecosystem to get this right."This initiative is part of the company's bundled project called Privacy Sandbox, which includes several proposals for Chrome and the web."The Privacy Sandbox initiative aims to create web technologies that both protect people's privacy online and give companies and developers the tools to build thriving digital businesses to keep the ...

The phone won't be limited to the Indian market.What you need to knowReliance Jio has announced its first Android-powered smartphone.The JioPhone Next has been developed in collaboration with Google and promises to deliver an "optimized" Android experience. It is slated to go on sale in India from September 10. Indian telecom giant Jio Platforms has announced an "ultra-affordable" new Android smartphone called JioPhone Next, developed in collaboration with Google.The JioPhone Next has been developed for people looking to upgrade to a smartphone from 2G feature phones. Despite being the world's second-largest smartphone market, smartphone penetration in India still stands below 50%.It comes with a built-in voice assistant, a "smart camera" with AR filters, language translation, and automatic read-aloud of screen text. Unfortunately, the company hasn't announced any details regarding phone's specs.As you would expect from an entry-level device, the device doesn't look a...

TCL starts things off with a pair of forgettable smartphones.What you need to knowThe Alcatel 1 and 1L Pro are the latest budget offerings from TCL.Both smartphones run Android 11 Go Edition out of the box.The Alcatel 1 and 1L Pro launch in August and September, respectively, starting at €59.MWC kicks off next week, but companies are already getting a headstart on product announcements, including TCL. Among its latest launches are the new budget-friendly Alcatel 1-series smartphones.The new Alcatel 1L Pro is the "higher-end" model of the new smartphones. It offers a 6.1-inch HD+ display with a notch and a fairly sizeable chin. On the back is a dual-camera setup with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. There's a rear fingerprint sensor, and TCL also highlights the gradient color scheme on the rear to help make the device stand out.Powering the device is an unnamed octa-core processor and just 2GB of RAM. It's not the most powerful by any means, but it should be ...

The original TCL MOVETIME Family Watch gets substantial upgrades with a camera and 4G connectivity.What you need to knowThe MOVETIME Family Watch 2 will feature a 2MP camera for taking photos, videos, and video chatting with family.The connected smartwatch will offer real-time location tracking and geofencing so parents can have peace of mind knowing their child is safe. With a €149 price tag, the MOVETIME Family Watch 2 will launch in Europe in mid-August 2021.Tech for parents is getting another entry with the announcement of the TCL MOVETIME Family Watch 2 at MWC. This is the sequel to TCL's original MOVETIME Family Watch, and it comes with some very nice upgrades.The TCL MOVETIME Family Watch 2 has a larger 1.5" display housed inside a more robust watch design. Also new this year is the inclusion of a 2MP camera so your child can take photos of things they find on their adventures and video chat with their parents or approved contacts. With 4GB of internal memory, th...

The display that moves with you wherever you go.What you need to knowTCL NXTWEAR G is a smart display disguised as a pair of sunglasses that creates a private 140-inch display for the wearer.TCL's Wearable Display connects to your phone, laptop, or other supported device via USB Type-C cable and doesn't need to be charged.These glasses go on sale in Australia in July, followed by a wider release sometime later this year with a targeted price point of $599 Euros (or thereabouts, depending on the market).The smart glasses market feels a bit random right now, but TCL is hoping its wearable glasses finally act as an anchor in the space. While some smart glasses, like the Razer Anzu or Fauna Audio focus on delivering music or hands-free calls to a fairly traditional-looking set of spectacles, TCL is going for a completely different angle — one that it hopes will catch the attention of travelers and commuters alike as we get back to moving about the cabin.While the product na...

Does your phone support wireless charging?Wireless charging has been around for a few years now, but sadly it hasn't become as widely adopted as we'd like. That's changing and the various groups that build wireless charging standards are working together, and even Apple finally embraced the technology starting with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.Many of the best Android phones likely already embrace wireless charging, and if that's something you're looking for in your next phone, here's a list of those lucky devices. Then, once you've found the phone to upgrade to, make sure you get the best wireless charging pads to pair with it.Jump to:SamsungLGHuaweiGoogleSonyXiaomiNokiaOnePlusZTEUlefoneThe RestSamsungSamsung Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 UltraSamsung Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 UltraSamsung Galaxy Z Flip / Z Flip 5GSamsung Galaxy Fold / Z Fold 2Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 Plus / S20 Ultra / S20 FESamsung Galaxy Note 10 / Note 10 PlusSamsung Galaxy S10 / S10+ /...

Best answer: Yes, and you probably should. Starlink comes with a router, but may not offer the coverage and settings many people have come to expect from their routers.You should use your own router with StarlinkStarlink comes with a basic router in the box, and you will need to use it in some capacity, but if you're looking for Wi-Fi coverage for a large home or just want the options that come with a standalone unit. A Nest Wifi mesh system was used in our Starlink Review, and it worked well. To get it working, you need only connect your router to the Ethernet port of the Starlink router. It might be necessary to factory reset your router if you were using custom settings with your previous internet service provider.While Starlink's service reaches a huge service area, your personal connection will only reach as far as your router. The included router should be adequate for a small to medium home, but if you have a large house or one made from dense materials like brick or c...

Your loved ones have enough to worry about when you shuffle off this mortal coil. Preparing your Google account is easy and something we all need to do.It's not something we like to talk or even think about, but we're all going to die one day. I sincerely hope that day is far off for all of us and the time between now and then is filled with happy memories, but when it does happen your friends and family probably aren't going to think about your Google account and all the personal information you have stored there. It might seem trivial to some, but for others, it's important that this all be given to someone who can take care of it all responsibly.Your Google account holds more than just your search history. You may have active credit information or even funds in Google Pay, Google Photos will likely be filled with memories your friends and family will want to see, or you might have important documents in Google Drive. Any information about you will be important to those you lea...

Prime Day victory stories are great, but we want to hear about the deals that got away.Amazon's annual Prime Day event is always an exciting experience with tons of opportunities for customers to save money on their favorite products and services, and this year was certainly no different. We saw literally thousands of deals come and go over the two-day period — some of those offers were amazing, some were not so great, and some were just plain bad.Despite frantically covering all of the best deals that we could find and passing them along to you, our dear readers, the Android Central team was able to pick up some really useful items for themselves. These included big-ticket items like noise-canceling headphones and fancy 4K TVs, as well as more practical pick-ups like wall chargers and Raspberry Pi accessories. You can't always get what you want — even on Prime day.However, just as interesting as the deals we scored were the deals we missed out on. I know my colleague ...

Premium running watchGarmin Forerunner 945$600 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCFull-color mapsUp to 2 weeks of battery lifeAdvanced training metricsConsOnly comes in one size and colorMust pay for a model with LTENot the most attractive designIf you consider yourself a serious runner, then you'll probably need much more than a basic lifestyle watch. The Garmin Forerunner 945 offers premium features and advanced training metrics that will probably meet all of your needs. It's expensive, but it may just be worth it.Casual lifestyle watchApple Watch Series 6$349 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCAttractive designTwo size optionsECG and SpO2 readingsConsLacks full-color mapsPoor battery lifeNot for Android usersIf you're an iOS user seeking a lifestyle smartwatch that's perfect for daily wear, the Apple Watch Series 6 might be the best option for you. You get solid app support, activity/sleep tracking, plenty of storage, Apple Pay, optional LTE...

Peacock is now available on pretty much all major smart TV platforms.What you need to knowNBCUniversal's Peacock app has officially arrived on Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets in the U.S.Along with Peacock, NBCUniversal's 15 network apps are also being added to Amazon devices. Customers will be able to navigate Peacock's entire catalog from their Alexa voice remote later this year. NBCUniversal's Peacock streaming app has finally arrived on Amazon devices. Starting today, users in the U.S. will be able to watch "hours of on-demand movies and shows, as well as live news and sports programming" on the best Fire TV Smart TVs and Fire tablets.Daniel Rausch, Vice-President of Amazon Entertainment Devices and Services, said in a statement: Peacock has built an engaging streaming library that we know Fire TV customers will enjoy By pairing Peacock with Fire TV, our joint customers will be able to use Alexa and personalized recommendations to rediscover some of the world's mos...

DSM 7.0 is Synology's biggest update yet, and you can install it on your NAS right now.Synology is rolling out the next big update to its operating system, DiskStation Manager 7.0. Synology makes the best NAS enclosures for home, and with 8 million active users around the world, it is also the largest manufacturer in this category.DSM 7.0 started off as a beta build six months ago, and is now available as a release candidate for dozens of NAS enclosures. DSM 7.0 is going live on June 29, following which you will get an update on your NAS. But if you're like me and don't want to wait for the update to show up, here's how you can install DSM 7.0 on your NAS right now. But first, here's a quick look at all the new stuff that's in DSM 7.0.The ideal NASSynology DiskStation DS220+$299 at Amazon$299 at Newegg$300 at B&H PhotoAll the features you needThe DiskStation DS220+ is an ideal NAS enclosure for home or Plex use. With two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the ability to ...

Google commits to making apps work better across devices.What you need to knowGoogle announces the global rollout of its Play Media Experience program.The program will allow developers to more easily enable cross-device experiences.Google commits to a 15% service fee for developers that join the program.Google has announced that its Play Media Experience program is launching globally, allowing developers to enable deeper integration between their apps and Google's services and platforms.The program gives developers the ability to enable app experiences across devices, including Wear OS, tablets, the best Android TVs, and more. Google says that it's "excited to help developers scale their services beyond mobile and across all the form factors that are important to users."According to Google, the program will enable "additional discovery and engagement opportunities" through the following media:Video: Will enable integration with Android TV, Google TV, and Google Cast ...

John McAfee was reportedly found dead on Wednesday.What you need to knowJohn McAfee was reportedly found dead while being held in a Spanish prison cell.The software entrepreneur was being held on tax evasion and faced up to 30 years in prison.Despite his troubles, McAfee had far-seeing insights on the state of security as it relates to Android.In 2015, he gave an interview to Android Central where he talked about Google's security shortcomings. Many of the things he talked about are still relevant today.Various news outlets have reported and confirmed that John McAfee was found dead on June 23 while being held in a Spanish prison. His death was due to an apparent suicide as McAfee faced up to 30 years in prison.McAfee was being held in Spain on charges of tax evasion between the years 2014 and 2018.In the late '80s and early '90s, he was responsible for establishing the company behind McAfee Antivirus software, which is still a well-known brand on PCs and mobile today....

This could shake things up for Google and Microsoft.What you need to knowAfter being announced in March, Brave Search is available in beta form.The feature is available for all devices, including your current browser.It's unknown when Brave Search will be moved into the stable version of the browser.The day has arrived for everyone to give the new Brave Search a chance for themselves. The new search engine has started rolling out to the beta versions of the mobile and desktop browsers. However, everyone can try it by navigating to search.brave.com.Back in March, the developers of Brave Privacy Browser announced that it would be launching its own private-first search engine. The company acquired Tailcat, an open-source search engine, and stated that this would be integrated into the Brave web browser.When you open the updated app on your Android or iOS phone, you will be asked which search engine you want to use. Google is selected by default, but right below that, the B...

Now that's it's officially out, the PS5 is pretty hard to find due to low stock and high demand. As PlayStation fans continue to check the PS5 restocks, one of the most crucial accessories many players need alongside this extremely in-demand system is a headset.Not only does a headset enhance your gaming experience with its immersive qualities, but thanks to the variety of incredible multiplayer games available, you'll need something to interact with your friends and other players. Thankfully, there are tons of wireless options available, so we put together a list that features some of the best wireless PS5 headsets on the market.The best Wireless PS5 Headsets 2021, at a glanceSteelSeries Arctis 7P for PlayStation 5 — Best Overall: The best bang for your buck.Pulse 3D Wireless Headset — Best official: The official model and supported headset for the PS5.HyperX Cloud II Wireless - Gaming Headset — Best Battery Life: This headset gives you the longest battery life around....

If you've ever found yourself searching for the best Android smartwatch or the best fitness tracker, you've likely come across a Garmin device along the way. The company is known for offering a wide range of wearables that cater to both fitness and smartwatch enthusiasts, including the Vivoactive 4. With stellar battery life and advanced tracking, this is the best Garmin smartwatch you can buy. Whether you're a serious athlete or a first-time runner, there are many other amazing options to consider.Best overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 might be a year old now, but it's overflowing with features that make it a worthy upgrade from the previous model. You'll now have your pick between two sizes: 45 mm and 40 mm. The larger model gives you an extra day of battery life in smartwatch mode at eight days. It'll last six hours when it's in GPS and music mode. The smaller model dips down to seven days and five hours, respectively.As for the good stuff, you'll have al...

Google rolls out bug fixes for its most dedicated testers.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a small maintenance update for Android 12 Beta testers.The update is available for devices running Android 12 Beta 2.Google promises additional fixes from the Play Store for app instability-related issues.Google today released another Android 12 Beta update, but don't expect any new features. This update is aimed at squashing bugs in the platform. Since it's a beta release, issues are expected, but bug fixes are appreciated just as well.Here's what's new:Fixed an issue that prevented users from accessing things on the lock screen. For example, swiping down for the notification shade, swiping away notifications, or swiping up to unlock the phone. (Issue #190702454)Fixed issues that caused information such as weather and calendar events to not appear in the At a Glance widget on the home screen or lock screen. (Issue #190700432, Issue #190644743)Fixed an issue that some...

The latest OneDrive features focus on photo editing and management.What you need to knowMicrosoft has announced a few new features with the latest update to OneDrive.Both the web and mobile versions now include a basic photo editor.Microsoft is also highlighting a casting feature and an upcoming photo organizer.Microsoft is launching several new features for OneDrive to make it easier for users to manage their photos.One of the most significant features coming to OneDrive is a photo editor. While not as robust as what's offered in Google Photos, it gives users basic editing functions like cropping, incremental rotations, and various lighting and color adjustments. Of course, these functions can be found in many of the best Android phones, but it's nice to see them coming to OneDrive as an additional editing option for users.The new editor is rolling out now on the web and the OneDrive Android app. iOS devices will receive the editor later this year.In the next coupl...

What you need to knowThe Lenovo 5i Chromebook and the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook have been unveiled ahead of MWC.The Lenovo 5i Chromebook is a 14-inch touchscreen clamshell laptop with a light bar along the front edge, like the Chromebook Pixel or Pixel C of old.-The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook is an updated Flex 5 Chromebook with 11th Gen processors and a new color.Both models will go on sale within the next few weeks, starting at $440.Lenovo makes the Best Chromebook on the market today, the Lenovo Flex 5, but it may have to make room soon for its successor, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook, which Lenovo unveiled today in the lead-up to Mobile World Congress next week. Both laptops are sporting 11th Gen processors and improved speaker systems to go along with minor upgrades to connectivity and aesthetics.The Lenovo Flex 5i upgrades from 10th Gen Intel Core processors to 11th Gen, and we now get the option to steal the Abyss Blue color from the lovely ThinkPad C13. It also look...

What you need to knowT-Mobile's Extended Range 5G covers 300M people six months ahead of schedule.Ultra Capacity 5G covers 150M with 200M expected by the end of 2021.T-Mobile's 5G coverage is nearly 2x more than that of AT&T and 4x more than Verizon.T-Mobile has announced that its 5G network now covers 300M people and further widens its lead in 5G coverage. The majority of this coverage uses T-Mobile's Extended Range 5G made up of its band n71 low-band spectrum. This spectrum is well-suited to cover large areas but lacks the capacity to stand up to an urban or suburban load.Extended Range 5G has made it possible for T-Mobile to bring 5G to rural areas and forms the backbone of its 5G network. T-Mobile's Extended range network covers 1.6 million square miles which is nearly double what AT&T has and four times Verizon's coverage.CEO of T-Mobile Mike Sievert said: Last year, when we said we'd cover 300 million people with 5G by the end of 2021, people thought we ...

If you're reading this, you're here because you just want to save the absolute most you can on your new TV. And who can blame you? TVs are expensive, and the price can grow exponentially the more you want out of it. Well, you've come to the right place. Find the best possible TV to fit your budget, but more than that this roundup will feature TVs that still manage to pack in loads of features. A cheap TV doesn't have to mean bad TV either. You'd be surprised what all you can get even when you don't want to splurge on the more advanced sets. Did you know there are even a bunch of great Android TVs to check out?In general, the larger the TV the more expensive it gets so we've separated this roundup into different sizes to help you navigate the best cheap options around.Best Budget TV Deals Available NowBest Cheap TV Deals under 50": Prices as low as $110Best Cheap TV Deals over 50": Prices down to $488More Info: What to look forTCL 43S435 43-inch 4K Roku TVGreat pri...

Whether you carry your media library with you, shoot a lot of 4K (or even 8K) video, or you're looking to download a few movies ahead of a long commute, expandable storage is essential for a lot of users. Thankfully, even today, you still have plenty of options available, ranging from the high end with endless features to budget options if you don't want to spend upwards of $1,000. These are the best Android phones with expandable storage.Best overallSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 128GBStaff PickThe microSD slot may be dead in the latest Samsung flagships, but it is alive and well in the Note 20 Ultra. You already get pretty sizeable storage internally, with options for 128GB or 512GB, but if even that's not enough, you can add up to 1TB with a microSD card. You'll also get a 6.9-inch 120Hz display, a 108MP primary camera, a telephoto with up to 50X zoom, and a 4500mAh battery.$1,300 at Amazon$1,400 at Best BuyIncredible valueSamsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GBSamsung's Ga...

There's no word yet on when the phone will begin shipping.What you need to knowPre-orders for the Sony Xperia 1 III will open in the U.S. on July 1.It has been priced at $1,299, $100 more than last year's Xperia II. The Xperia 1 III is the world's first Android phone with a 4K 120Hz OLED screen. Sony's Xperia 1 III will finally be available to pre-order in the U.S. on July 1. The phone was announced in April, along with the "compact" Xperia 5 III. Besides Sony's official website, you'll be able to pre-order the Xperia 1 III from B&H, Adorama, and Focus.Like its predecessor, the Sony Xperia 1 III will be more expensive than nearly all its rivals. Sony has priced the phone at $1,300, making it $100 more expensive than Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra. The Xperia 1 II was launched in the U.S. at $1,200 last year.The Xperia 1 III is the first phone to feature a 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. As you would expect from a flagship Android phone in 2021, it is powered ...

Network-attached storage is a concept that at one point seemed pretty daunting to the layman. These days it's easier than ever to set up. All you really need is an NAS device, a couple of hard drives to fill the bays, and a strong network connection. With that small investment, you an ensure all of your media and data is stored in a secure way that's accessible to your entire home or small business.Some of the more popular brands for NAS devices include Synology, QNAP, and Buffalo. Even Western Digital has gotten in on the NAS side of things. If you want to set up your own home media server or something like a Plex server, then look for one of these popular brands for a system that's easy to use and designed for convenience.Best NAS DealsBuffalo LinkStation 210 2TB private data storage | $15 offThis is a great way to create your own private storage if you're on a budget, and it even comes with the hard drives you need. Access the content anywhere youhave internet. Use it ...

A good headset can transform your gaming experience, allowing you the sound quality you won't get from your TV's speakers while enabling you to communicate with other players easily. As a bonus, headsets keep your gaming sessions quiet if you're sharing a space, and they look pretty awesome. We've rounded up several choices depending on your priorities and budget. Now, if you're in the market for one of the best PS5 headsets, we've got you covered on that front too.Best overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7Let's be honest; gaming headsets tend to be gaudy. You've seen the unwieldy ones that light up in every color imaginable and look like sturdy bludgeoning weapons. That's not to say they aren't good headphones, but they certainly aren't the most stylish. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 benefits from its sleek design. You won't be embarrassed to wear this one no matter the occasion, and its style only scratches the surface of its desirable features.Headsets are more than just about looks, ...

EA makes its second acquisition that it expands into mobile gaming.What you need to knowElectronic Arts announced it's acquiring Playdemic for $1.4 billion.Playdemic is a mobile game developer that previously created Golf Clash.EA, the publisher behind the Sims, Battlefield, and Madden titles, is attempting to expand into the mobile games business.Electronic Arts today announced it has acquired mobile game studio Playdemic for $1.4 billion. Playdemic, which was previously owned by Warner Games Studio, is the developer behind Golf Clash. The acquisition is part of EA's previously stated intention to grow its mobile business, and it's the second such acquisition the company has made so far this year.Playdemic was founded in 2010 and released Golf Clash in 2017. The game now boasts more than 80 million downloads, according to EA's announcement. Playdemic will not only be working on that game in the future, but new games for EA, as CEO Paul Gouge said, "Joining EA, one of the...

Prime Day might be over, but there are still plenty of great tech deals left to take advantage of, including Android smartphones. With phone prices seeming to increase all the time, having an opportunity to pick up a quality handset for less is a big deal.Whether you're in the market for a top-of-the-line flagship or something more affordable, these great smartphone deals will save you money while still netting you a great new phone!Best Amazon Prime Day Android Phone Deals:Flagship phones: Save up to $350Budget options From $175More info Pricing history, which to buy, and moreSamsung Galaxy S21 256GB | $100 off at Amazon$750 at AmazonThe Galaxy S21 is one of the very best Android phones you can buy right now. It has an incredible design, fast performance, great cameras — you name it. The 256GB variant of the Galaxy S21 is still $100 off the regular price, which actually makes it $50 less expensive than the 128GB model. Now that's a great deal!Android ph...

New games, preorders, free weekends, and more coming to Stadia.What you need to knowBorderlands 3 is free to play on Stadia this weekend starting on June 24.Madden NFL 22 is now available to preorder in the Stadia store.Stadia can now be played using Chrome on Android mobile devices.It's a big week for Stadia. The team had plenty to share in its weekly blog post highlighting the week ahead for the platform, and these include a free weekend with Borderlands 3, Madden NFL 22 preorders, Stadia becoming available on mobile, Stadia hitting Android TV, and more.Borderlands 3 is set to be free from Thursday, June 24 until Monday, June 28 for anyone with a Stadia Pro subscription. It will also be discounted to $19.79 through July 1 in the Stadia store, so you have about a week to take advantage of the offer.Google also revealed that Stadia is now available on Android mobile devices and Android TV. This has been a long time coming for the service, and has been considering a glar...

Coming June 23 — way to get it in just under the wire, Google.Update, June 23, 2021: Stadia support has arrived on Android TVWhat you need to knowOver half a year after launching the Chromecast with Google TV, you'll finally be able to officially play Stadia games on it.On June 23, Stadia comes to the Chromecast with Google TV and a half-dozen Android TV devices.For non-supported Android TV devices, you'll still be able to play Stadia through an experimental opt-in.Stadia players will be able to use the Stadia controller or compatible Bluetooth controllers on Android TV.One of the most glaring holes in the Chromecast with Google TV, when it launched back in October, was that it didn't support Stadia — you still had to spend more for the four-year-old Chromecast Ultra if you wanted to use Google's streaming game service on your TV. Stadia support for the Chromecast for Google TV was slated to arrive in the first half of 2021, and Google has hit that deadline, barely...

Portugal face fellow European heavyweights France in this crucial Group F clash, knowing that a defeat could bring the defence of their title to an abrupt end.Read on for full details on how to get a Portugal vs France live stream, no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.Portugal find themselves in third with 3 points, having gone down 4-2 to Germany.Having took the lead through a 15th minute Cristiano Ronaldo goal, the Germans cut the Portuguese defence to ribbons for half an hour.Despite a spirited attempt at a comeback in the final quarter of the match, Portugal coach Fernando Santos will likely be ringing the changes to strengthen at the back as they prepare to face the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezman.France, meanwhile, managed to avoid a shock by rescuing a point against Hungary after going a goal down.Tipped by many as a pre-tournament favourite, Didier Deschamps' side will be keen to make amends for their performance in Budapest by g...

The Galaxy Watch Active 4 will have an even sleeker design than its predecessor.What you need to knowThe first CAD-based renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch Active 4 have surfaced.It is expected to be unveiled at Samsung's MWC event on June 28. The smartwatch is tipped to be offered in four color options at launch: Black, Silver, Gold, and Green. Samsung is expected to "reimagine smartwatches" at its MWC event next week — the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Active. Just days before the event, popular leaker @OnLeaks has joined hands with GizNext to share the first CAD-based renders of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 successor.The leaked renders reveal a sleeker design than Samsung's current smartwatches, with redesigned buttons and new band fasteners. While it looks like the Galaxy Watch Active 4 will retain the circular dial of its predecessor, it may not include a physical rotating bezel.According to @OnLeaks, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 successor will use ...

HMD Global says the Nokia G20 will get three years of regular security updates.What you need to knowThe Nokia G20 will be available to purchase in the U.S. from July 1.It was announced alongside the Nokia G10, C20, and C10 phones in April. The phone features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, MediaTek's Helio G35 processor, and a 5,050mAh battery. Back in April, HMD Global introduced two new G series phones alongside the 5G-enabled X series. The Nokia G20, which shares a lot in common with the X10, is finally launching in the U.S. next month to challenge the best cheap Android phones.The Nokia G20 has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a tall 20:9 aspect ratio. It runs on a 12nm MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In the camera department, the phone comes with a quad-lens setup featuring a 48MP main sensor. You also get a 5MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The rest of its key specs include a 5,050mAh battery, a side-mounted f...

To no one's surprise, you can also find Alexa built into certain Android phones. It makes sense since Alexa seems to be everywhere you look. Amazon's voice assistant is in speakers, displays, and even microwaves! Amazon's collection of "Alexa Built-in Phones" highlights this trusty assistant feature, and below are our favorites, including the OnePlus 9, as our top overall pick. But we also researched some additional options so you can find one of the best phones with Alexa to help you choose the right phone for your lifestyle.Best overall: OnePlus 9Looking at all of the Alexa Built-in phones currently available, the one that stands out as the best overall option is the OnePlus 9. The OnePlus 9 is an incredibly capable flagship Android phone through and through, but it manages to cost a fair amount less than similar phones from Samsung and Apple.The OnePlus 9 initially impresses with its display, a 6.55-inch AMOLED panel with a stunningly smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It's power...

The empire is gone. With humanity on the brink, can you fight your way back to the capital in time to save the universe?Crying Suns is very fond of comparing itself to Faster Than Light, but I've never played FTL so this means absolutely nothing to me. I'm also not one to typically seek out real-time strategy games, so I'm doubly in the red when it comes to having an idea of what to expect from this title. What I do have, however, is a deep, abiding love of sci-fi mysteries and space epics, which is where Crying Suns managed to get its hooks into me.Even with my limited frame of reference, I can say that Crying Suns has a lot going for it: simple but evocative pixel art, an ominously futuristic soundtrack, engaging combat, and mystery to unfold as you travel the cosmos in search of answers. This one is definitely going on the list of best Android games.Our story kicks off with the camera panning down over what looks like a human incubation farm (think the scene from The Mat...

Whether you're a new runner, a budget shopper, a casual runner, or a seasoned expert, there are plenty of smartwatches to choose from. You'll also find that many of the best running watches are also some of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. If you want a well-rounded experience that caters to your affinity for running, you'll have a wide range of options available to you. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music continues to be the best running watch overall with solid battery life, tons of advanced features, and accurate tracking.Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicIf you're a runner of any kind, chances are you've heard a thing or two about the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It's been around for two years, but this is one of those running watches that ages gracefully. Newer models continue to come out — from Garmin as well as other top brands — but the Forerunner 245 Music continues to be a go-to choice for many running enthusiasts.As the name suggests, one of the st...

Google has not made any significant progress in the past two years since announcing it is bringing digital IDs to Android devices, but experts say the tech giant is likely worried about privacy standards and working with several states. They add that the splashy announcement from Apple about its digital IDs "will serve as a catalyst to move Google along."During its developers' conference in 2019, Google said that it was launching electronic IDs to Android phones. Since then, Google hasn't really spoken about any developments on the project. Google announced at the end of December that year that Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 and 765 chips will be the first o support Android Identity Credential APIs, which will help implement digital IDs.Android Central reached out to Google to get clarity on when digital IDs would come to Android Devices, but the company declined to comment. It did provide a link to a blog post it wrote about digital IDs that was published in late 2020.In October 2020...

When will it release?The world of Battlefield is a huge one, and has become known for its large-scale warfare, destructible environments, and cinematic moments of gameplay. Back in April, DICE announced that in partnership with Industrial Toys, the developers would be creating a new Battlefield experience specifically for the mobile audience. The game is set to release some time in 2022, and will aim to be a fully standalone game that operates completely different from the current Battlefield games that exist.While fans wait for more information, DICE has hinted at some of the things they hope to accomplish with the future title, including it becoming one of the biggest and best Android games available With that in mind, here's all we know at the moment about the upcoming Battlefield Mobile.Play the newest entryBattlefield 2042From $60 at AmazonFrom $70 at Xbox (Series X|S)From $60 at Xbox (Xbox One)From $60 at PlayStation StoreBattlefield goes back to the future...

When it comes to upgrading your home theater setup, one of the first things you might want to grab is a streaming device. But that's really only one piece of the puzzle, as you'll also likely want to upgrade the sound quality. Traditional home theater speaker systems are so outdated, with wires running everywhere and dealing with trying to make sure everything is configured properly. Well, Roku can help solve both of those problems in one fell swoop with the Roku Smart Soundbar. And for Prime Day, you can save $36 and instantly upgrade your setup.Roku Smart Soundbar | $36 off at Amazon$144 at AmazonThe Roku Smart Soundbar offers an upgraded audio experience with Dolby Atmos tuning, along with one of the best streaming interfaces possible. With this soundbar, you'll be able to use it as your primary streaming device and movie nights will never be the same again.So how is the Roku Smart Soundbar supposed to fix your streaming needs and audio quality at the same time? Well, ...

Here's what we know so far about Google's foldable Pixel phone.Flagship phone designs haven't changed all that much in the last two to three years — the Galaxy S21 looks very similar to its predecessor — so if you're looking for a phone that stands out, you'll need to pick up a foldable. Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola have pioneered this category, and we're at a point where the best foldable phones are no longer a tech demo but just as usable as traditional phones for day-to-day use.More and more brands are set to make their foray into the foldable category as the segment matures, and an interesting entrant is slated to be Google. The latest leaks point to the search giant introducing a foldable option in the Pixel series sometime as early as this year. Here's what you need to know about Google's upcoming foldable phone.Jump to:Release datePriceAvailabilityDesignSpecsSoftwareGoogle Pixel Fold Release dateRight now, the most credible information regarding a...

Trying new things is hard — especially when they cost hundreds of dollars.We're in the home stretch of Amazon Prime Day, and there have been deals big and small passing through, and now it's time to head for the checkout after grabbing your last few items. This is the time where we take the plunge on items we'd been considering buying for months — I'm finally trying a set of smooth bamboo sheets to see if they're as cooling as they sound. If you've been debating trying out a Chromebook as your next laptop, this is absolutely, 100% the perfect time to jump on it.There are good Chromebook deals tonight that won't break the bank and will give you a good starting experience with Chrome OS. You can decide if you want to buy a fancier model in the future or if the testing model you buy tonight actually fits the bill all on its own. There are three Lenovo Chromebook deals that are perfect for those wanting to dip their toe in the pool, so to speak, and you should grab them now befor...

Over the course of the two-day Prime Day festivities, we've seen quite a few great wireless earbud deals ranging from the recently-launched Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) and including all of the best Samsung headphones. But there's one deal that has stuck out for me — so much so, that I grabbed another set. The Jabra Elite 85t are my favorite wireless earbuds right now, and time's running out on your chance to save big.Jabra Elite 85t | $69 off at Amazon$162 at AmazonJabra's Elite 85t offer long-lasting battery life, Active Noise Cancelation, a customizable EQ, and are just a fantastic all-around set of earbuds. There's even IPX4 resistance if you want to go for a quick run or hit the gym.Jabra may not get the love and attention it deserves in the wireless earbud space, but they are definitely a favorite for quite a few people here at Android Central. The Jabra Elite 85t are the latest offering in Jabra's lineup, and every time I put them in my ear, I'm reminded as to why ...

It's been a few years since my college days have ended, so I get jealous looking back and comparing my dorm days to what they must be like now. This jealousy is doubled down upon when you take a look at the different Prime Day Android accessories that are on sale for Prime Day and can be great for college students.Enjoying a smarter dormFirst things first, you'll want to deck out your dorm with some nfity smart dorm accessories. This includes a smart speaker or two, of course a streaming dongle like the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for all of your shows and movies, and some voice-controlled lights.Amazon Echo Dot | $25 off at Amazon$25 at AmazonThe Amazon Echo Dot is the perfect smart speaker companion. It fits almost anywhere, which is great for smaller dorms, and can be used to remind you to turn that paper in when it's due.Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite | $12 off at Amazon$18 at AmazonProvided that you're just bringing a TV from home, you're going to want to ma...

Amazon Prime Day is almost over, and even if you didn't take advantage of the amazing Android phone deals, you can grab some great case deals today for the phone you already have. Or, if you did buy a new phone, you can order a case and have it here before your new phone shows up.After all, you wouldn't take your brand new phone out into the wild, wild world without a case on it, right? Right?!Casemakers and screen protector manufacturers are getting in on the Prime Day fun, and here are the deals the best of the best are offering tonight. These deals aren't going to last much longer, so take advantage and get your phone something nice! It deserves it.Caseology | 20%-60% off at AmazonCaseology makes some of my favorite cases on the market, including the Nano Pop Series that's available for the S21 series and the A52/A72 series. Most cases for Galaxy and Pixel phones are discounted.From $8 at AmazonThe Caseology Nano Pop is my favorite case, and it's 40% off today, s...

Fitbit makes incredible smartwatches and fitness trackers. The Fitbit Inspire 2 is one of the best, which is why it's included in our best Android smartwatch Prime Day deals. But there's another fitness tracker that's just as good, and that's the Amazfit Band 5. This is one of the best fitness trackers we've seen, even if the brand isn't as well-known as Fitbit. That said, there are plenty of great Amazfit smartwatches with great Prime Day discounts, and the Band 5 comes in as the most affordable.When the Amazfit Band 5 launched in 2020, it undercut much of its competition with a $50 price tag. Since then, the price has come down a bit for this already affordable fitness tracker, but this Prime Day deal gives you an extra 20% off at checkout, bringing it down to just $32. If that's not inspiring, then I don't know what is.Amazfit Band 5 Fitness TrackerThe Amazfit Band 5 takes many of the best features you'll find in a Fitbit tracker and puts them in a much more affordable dev...