Android Central RSS Feed

Android 12 could supercharge the At a Glance widgetWhat you need to knowThe beta version of the Google app has been updated to version 12.23.A new feature called 'Live Space' has been discovered.Live Space adds even more alert options to the At a Glance widget in Android 12.The At a Glance widget is enabled by default whenever you use the Pixel Launcher, but it could see some major upgrades soon. The team over at 9to5Google discovered a new feature called 'Live Space,' which enables quite a few features for the At a Glance widget. Currently, the widget will show you the time, upcoming calendar events, weather, upcoming reminders, and any alerts if you are using a work profile.But with Live Space, these notifications are taken up a notch or two. For one, there's much better integration with Google Assistant, as Live Space can be personalized based on different settings that are enabled. These include showing travel plans, commute reminders with estimated arrival times, and...

The Galaxy Note 9 comes with a hefty amount of storage with the base model at 128GB, but if you want to get more with the 512GB variant, you need to cough up another $250. Granted, that version also comes with an extra 2GB of RAM, but that's still a lot more money on top of an already expensive phone. Thankfully, you don't have to splurge for more storage space. Instead, you can pick up a microSD card for a lot less money and still give yourself some more wiggle room. And we have put together a collection of the best Galaxy Note 9 microSD cards you can get.All-rounderSAMSUNG: EVO Select 128GB MicroSDXCStaff PickFor not too much money, you can get Samsung's 128GB EVO Select microSD card and bring your total available storage up to an impressive 256GB. Read and write speeds are rated at 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively, and the card's rated to perform in temperatures ranging from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.$19 at AmazonReliability you can count onSanDisk 128GB Extrem...

Amazon's annual exclusive sale is coming back for an even bigger event sooner than usual in 2021. Prime Day is the sale every Amazon Prime member should be looking forward to. With hundreds of ways to save and hundreds of dollars off popular products, shopping during Prime Day is even a smart way to earn back the cost of Amazon Prime's membership fee.During past Prime Day sales, Amazon hasn't skimped on its offerings in the slightest. We've seen products in just about every category go on sale, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, computers, and of course, just about every Amazon device there is. You name it, there's probably been a Prime Day sale on it. And if the sales of previous years are to be any indication, Prime Day 2021 is already slated to be one of the best shopping events of the year.Best Prime Day deals & sales in 2021As it stands, Amazon has not officially announced all of its early Prime Day deals, but that won't stop ot...

An interesting way to provide podcasts in a music streaming appWhat you need to knowSpotify Greenroom has been announced that makes it easier for creators to connect with fans.While a Greenroom "session" is taking place, you can join the virtual audience.Spotify has plans to launch a Creator Fund later this year for creators to monetize these Greenrooms.Spotify is pulling out all of the stops to ensure that it remains atop the list of best music streaming services. It's also doing everything it can to climb the ranks for providing one of the best podcast apps. That's where Spotify's new live audio experience comes in.Today, the streaming giant announced "Greenroom," which seems like a live radio show mixed with podcasts and features from Clubhouse or Twitter Spaces. Greenroom is the culmination of work that has been done in the background following the acquisition of Betty Labs and Locker Room back in March. Locker Room was a "live audio app" designed for sports fans and ...

The ecosystem of smart home accessories and devices that work with Amazon's Alexa smart voice assistant is vast, and one of the most popular categories is smart lighting, and Alexa controlled light bulbs for using your voice to turn them on and off, adjust colors, and more. With so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which ones are the best Alexa-controlled light bulbs? My top choice is the Philips Hue A21 1,600 Lumen Bulb because it comes from an industry-leading brand, has a massive ecosystem of other Hue products it will work with, and it plays well with Alexa. Plus, it's super bright, which means you can use it almost anywhere and get as much light as you need.Best overall: Philips Hue A21 1,600 Lumen BulbChances are that when you think about smart lights, the brand that comes to mind first is Philips Hue. The product line was introduced way back in 2012 and has arguably maintained its status as the dominant brand in the smart lighting space to this day.E...

Take advantage of these awesome games for a few bucks a month.Google Play Pass continues to offer great value for Android users looking to save on premium apps and indie-developed games in 2021. It's only $5 per month and gives you access to tons of premium content. Plus, if you need to take a break and cancel your subscription, all of your favorite games and apps, as well as their save data, will be waiting when you return.There are a ton of great games that have already been added to the service across multiple genres — from intense strategy games and action-packed indie platformers to relaxing puzzle experiences and immersive RPGs. Of course, this isn't a full list of Play Pass games, just the ones we think you should check out first. If you're looking for other great games to try, be sure to check out our collection of the best Android games!Note: All games on this list are included with your Google Play Pass for no additional charge. The prices shown are what you would p...

Either Samsung has run out of stock, or the Z Fold 3 is coming soonWhat you need to knowYou can no longer purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 2 from Samsung's website.The device is also being removed from select carriers.This could be related to the rumored launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 3.Outside of recent releases amongst the best cheap Android phones, there has been a bit of a lull in the flagship market. However, there's a sense of growing anticipation ahead of the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, which is rumored to come this August. Usually, this means that the previous iteration would remain available for purchase. However, if you're looking to get the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and live in the U.S., your options are being limited.Earlier today, it was discovered that if you were to try and purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 2 directly from Samsung's website, a new landing page appears stating that the "Galaxy Fold is no longer available for purchase from Samsung.com." The wording here is ...

The best Prime Day deals are nearly here, meaning we're about to be faced with lots of exciting deals on a variety of gadgets and gizmos. Among all of these savings, a lot of them are centered around headphones!Especially in our current world of working and learning from home, the value of having a trusty pair of headphones/earbuds cannot be overstated. Whether you're using them for listening to a virtual lecture, your fourth meeting of the day, or just some music to unwind, headphones are an absolute essential. You can find quality options at all sorts of varying price points throughout the year, but especially during Prime Day as the savings get really exciting.Best Amazon Prime Day Headphone Deals:Headphones: Save up to $100Earbuds From $29More info Pricing history, which to buy, and moreHeadphones are a hot ticket item during Amazon Prime Day, making it one of the best times of year if you're in the market for some new audio gear. Here's a look at the best deals w...

Qualcomm and Google are confusing the narrative around the upcoming Wear OS update.Update, June 17 (2:20 p.m. ET): Google chimes in on Wear OS supportWhat you need to knowQualcomm has stated that its current smartwatch chips can support the upcoming Wear OS update.The company says that it is working with Google on bringing the new update to current chips.Fossil has already stated that current watches aren't getting the update, and Mobvoi seems unsure.Qualcomm has stated that its current smartwatch chips can support the upcoming Wear OS update that Google and Samsung are developing.The company spoke to XDA-Developers and confirmed support with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100, and even the older Snapdragon Wear 3100. This could potentially enable many of the best Wear OS watches to extend their lifespans. That said, Qualcomm's statement still leaves plenty up in the air. We are working with Google on bringing Wear OS 3.0 to Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and 4100 platfor...

A microSD card for your Android phone lets you easily move your files, photos, and music from device to device without having to rely on steady Wi-Fi or costly data. An Android microSD card also lets you load your phone up with more apps, music, and movies, which is especially useful if your device doesn't come with a lot of internal storage. But which ones are the best? Here's a good selection from which to choose.Best blendSAMSUNG (MB-ME32GA/AM) microSDHC EVO SelectStaff PickThis is our preferred card because it's reliable, fast, and goes on sale frequently. And it offers blazing fast speeds at up to 100 MB/sec. read and 90 MB/sec. write.From $7 at AmazonUltra affordableSanDisk 128GB Ultra MicroSDXCSanDisk has more powerful cards, but the Ultra is the right answer for most, offering up to 100MB/s read speeds.From $6 at AmazonGo proPNY 64GB PRO Elite Class 10 U3 microSDXCThis card is an excellent choice for power users who intend to use the card for sto...

Affordable and efficientFitbit Inspire 2From $86 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringActive Zone Minutes10 days of battery lifeAutomatic exercise recognitionConsNo GPS or NFCNot the most attractive designNot quite as advanced as the LuxeThe Fitbit Inspire 2 is nearly a year old, but it's still one of the most budget-friendly and efficient trackers on the market. You get an amazing 10 days of battery life and all of the Fitbit staples, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, Active Zone Minutes, and more.Fancier and pricierFitbit Luxe$150 at Best BuyProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringActive Zone MinutesAutomatic exercise recognitionSpO2 and skin temperature readingsConsNo GPS or NFCExpensive for what it isHalf the battery life of Inspire 2If you're searching for a fitness tracker that prioritizes fashion while still doing an excellent job of monitoring key aspects of your ov...

Google Assistant is at the center of your Google experience. Whenever you ask Google for some information or to control any of your Google Home compatible devices, it'll chat back at you. It'll either tell you what you wanted to know, or in some cases; it'll say, "OK, I'm going to do that thing you just told me to do." As iconic as that voice is, maybe you're looking for something different. Fortunately, there are other options. Voice actor Antonia Flynn provided the original voice of Google Assistant. Depending on where you live, you may have different options. Also, assistant voice options vary from region to region. We'll show you how to change that voice to another one and how to customize it when you get responses.How to change the voice of Google Assistant on your phoneOpen Google Assistant. On an Android phone or tablet, you can say "OK Google" or swipe in from one of the two bottom corners of your screen. On an iPad or iPhone, you can open the Assistant app.Tap the butt...

The long-awaited Pokémon Unite comes to Android this summer.What you need to knowPokémon Unite is a strategic team battle game being developed jointly by The Pokémon Company and Tencent Games' TiMi Studios.Pokémon Unite releases in July for Nintendo Switch and will release on Android in September.Cross-platform play and cross-progression between platforms are planned.Pokémon Unite is free-to-start.Pokémon Trainers rejoice! Pokémon's first strategic team battle game, Pokémon Unite is arriving this summer.Pokémon Unite is a strategic team battle game being developed jointly by The Pokémon Company and Tencent Games' TiMi Studios, who worked on the Arena of Valor. The game had been in closed Beta since March.Pokémon Unite, players face off against each other in 5-on-5 team battles in typical MOBA fashion. During battles, players will catch wild Pokémon, level up and evolve their own Pokémon, and defeat opponents' Pokémon while trying to earn more points t...

Euro 2020's Group B sees its second games today as Belgium travel to Copenhagen to face off against Denmark with points at a premium. Don't miss a moment of the action with our Denmark vs Belgium live stream guide.After the harrowing events concerning talisman Christian Eriksen, Denmark will hope to bounce back from an opening day defeat against Finland in order to keep the knockout rounds within their reach.Eriksen received urgent medical attention in the Danes' opening game after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field. The game resumed later that day with UEFA stating that both sets of players elected to continue, though few expected the Red and Whites to be on their A-game after the on-field trauma. Thankfully, the Inter Milan midfielder has since shared that he is recuperating well which will give his teammates a boost.For Belgium, it was plain sailing in their opening tie with a comfortable 3-0 win over Russia. Romelu Lukaku bookended the game with his two goals, dedicati...

Cases are practically necessary nowadays, which remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. The Galaxy S20 FE might be a great way for Samsung to own the mid-range phone market, as it has all the specs you could want with a sleek design and plenty of color options to choose from. Once you find the right case and one of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors, you'll be right as rain and ready to do everything.3D effectsCaseology Parallax for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5GStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on the back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while maintaining support for wireless charging.From $15 at Amazon $19 at WalmartThe classicSpigen Rugged Armor Designed for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5GFor years, Spi...

Test out new PS5 features before anyone else.What you need to knowSony has announced the first PS5 system software beta program.People can sign up for a chance to test out new PS5 features in beta.Only those in the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, France, and Germany are currently eligible.Much like Microsoft's Xbox Insider Program and PS4 beta testing, Sony has announced the first PS5 system software beta program that allows players to sign up for a chance to test upcoming features before they hit the public. We're calling on all eligible players to help our teams continue to enhance the PlayStation 5 console experience. By signing up to take part in upcoming system software beta programs, you could be among the first to put new features to the test and provide essential feedback that will help guide their development.You can sign up register on PlayStation's website right now. Anyone wishing to participate will need to meet the following criteria, per ...

While Amazon is undoubtedly saving many of the best Prime Day Chromebook deals, there's nothing saying you can't find fantastic deals right now. In fact, one of the few 4K Chromebooks on the market is down to its lowest price yet, and you should take advantage. The normally-$1000 Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, one of the best Chromebooks, is down to $726 on Amazon, and if you're looking for a streamlined Chromebook with the best screen possible, this one's for you.While a few deals have brought the Galaxy Chromebook down to $800 and even $750 before, sales below that have been rare — especially now that the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 has launched and the i3 model sells for $750. While the newer model has a better battery life, it comes at the cost of that 4K display and the faster SSD storage as well as losing that extra power from the i5. Considering how many of us are working from home these days, the Galaxy Chromebook can be a great investment in your home setup if you want a nativ...

Wi-Fi just keeps getting faster and it's awesome. Early mesh Wi-Fi systems were great for coverage but when it came to speed, they just didn't keep up. Netgear was one of the first to address this with its Wi-Fi 6 Orbi Wi-Fi systems and the RBK752 is just about the perfect balance for those looking for reliable gigabit speeds in a home up to 5,000 square feet with a router and satellite. The RBK752 is easily one of the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems you can get and at $100 off, it's a great value too.Mesh systems can also help out in smaller houses with a lot of interference or just a home with brick or concrete walls. With the headroom available thanks to this system's fast 2.4Gbps mesh link, your Wi-Fi speeds will hold up even in tricky situations. Wi-Fi devices with poor range such as smart TVs can also get a boost since they'll connect to the satellite or router, whichever has the strongest signal.Netgear Orbi RBK752 | $100 off at AmazonA dedicated 5GHz band for the mesh link ...

The shows you don't want to miss on Netflix in 2021While Netflix started as a movie service, fans now tend to think of the streaming platform's extensive library of great shows. Netflix has so many great TV shows that it can be hard to know where to begin. Whether you're streaming a new series from the comfort of your couch or downloading series to watch on your phone to watch later, here are 25 of the best Netflix shows streaming in 2021.The OG streamerNetflixFrom $9/mo. at NetflixStream all the original shows and moviesNetflix subscribers have access to thousands of shows and movies at their fingertips. Sign up now to check out hit series like Bridgerton, Stranger Things, The Crown, and more.Best shows on Netflix 2021New on NetflixTrending on NetflixOnly on NetflixDocuseries on NetflixKids show on NetflixNew on NetflixOne of the best things about Netflix is that it's constantly updating its media library with fresh new shows and episodes. Along t...

People want to pick up a Pixel for Prime Day.What you need to knowEarlier this week, we polled AC readers to ask which phone sales they'd be looking for on Prime Day.The top choice was Google's Pixel lineup, followed by Samsung's Galaxy S phones.More affordable options like the Moto G series and OnePlus Nord series came in last in the poll.Earlier this week, we polled our AC readers to see which phones they were looking to score deals on during Amazon's Prime Day 2021 event. Perhaps it's no surprise that the top choices were some of the most premium (and most expensive) Android handsets you can buy right now. Most respondents are hoping for deals on Google's Pixel phones.The top pick was the Google Pixel, including devices from the 4 and 5 series, with nearly 38% of the vote. Samsung's Galaxy S21 series came next with 31% of the vote, followed by OnePlus's 8 and 9 series with around 12%. Rounding out the bottom of the list were the affordable Moto G and OnePlus Nord ...

The phone is apparently codenamed "Berlin."What you need to knowMotorola is reportedly working on at least three new Edge series phones for 2021.All three phones are tipped to feature 108MP main cameras. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 778G chipset may power the follow-up to last year's Motorola Edge.Motorola's next premium mid-ranger will be a significant upgrade over the Motorola Edge, according to a new report from TechnikNews. Along with shedding light on the key specs of the Motorola Edge successor, the report suggests the Lenovo-owned company will launch two other Edge series phones to take on the best cheap Android phones from Samsung.The follow-up to last year's Motorola Edge is said to be codenamed "Berlin." It may be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 778G chipset, which was announced just a few weeks back. In the camera department, the North American variant of the phone will reportedly include a triple-camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, an...

Qualcomm is switching up the already confusing narrative around the upcoming Wear OS update.What you need to knowQualcomm has stated that its current smartwatch chips can support the upcoming Wear OS update.The company says that it is working with Google on bringing the new update to current chips.Fossil has already stated that current watches aren't getting the update, and Mobvoi seems unsure.Qualcomm has stated that its current smartwatch chips can support the upcoming Wear OS update that Google and Samsung are developing.The company spoke to XDA-Developers and confirmed support with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100, and even the older Snapdragon Wear 3100. This could potentially enable many of the best Wear OS watches to extend their lifespans. That said, Qualcomm's statement still leaves plenty up in the air. We are working with Google on bringing Wear OS 3.0 to Snapdragon Wear 4100+ and 4100 platforms. Snapdragon Wear 3100, 4100+ and 4100 platforms are capab...

Though Sony hasn't yet announced any official ship dates for its newest flagship phone, you'll still need one of the best Sony Xperia 1 III cases to protect this highly anticipated device. It's expected to be a direct rival to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and perhaps one of the best Android phones with an impressive spec sheet featuring a 120Hz 4K display and a dual focal length telephoto lens. Here are the best cases to protect the latest Sony Xperia 1 III and its powerful camera.Spigen Rugged Armor CaseClassic DefenseStaff PickThe classic Spigen Rugged Armor Case is made of lightweight yet durable TPU and remains a staff favorite when protecting the latest Sony Xperia, just like it did for the Sony Xperia 1 II. Not only does it look stylish, but this case is built with Air Cushion Technology that will protect all of your phone's corners and has raised edges to ensure the best screen protection.$25 at SpigenOlixar Genuine Leather Wallet CaseMultifunctionalI...

If you're eyeing one of Garmin's latest smartwatches, such as the Forerunner 55, you'll also want to find yourself an ideal band to go with it. Most people will use this Android smartwatch to track runs and other intense workouts, so we've rounded up a few excellent options to pick from. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the best Garmin Forerunner 55 bands. There's plenty more out there!Up for anythingRitche Silicone Watch BandStaff PickWhen you're on the hunt for a Garmin Forerunner 55 band that is up for anything, look no further than this silicone band from Ritche. The premium waterproof material is flexible and durable. Not to mention that it's also lightweight and won't irritate your skin while you're running. It comes in a wide array of vibrant color options, too.$19 at AmazonPerfect breathabilityLomet Nylon Replacement Sport BandIf you're concerned about breathability, you can put your worries at ease with the Lomet nylon sport band. It's made...

Amazon is going hard on accessory makers, and RAVPower is the latest... victim.What you need to knowIt seems Amazon has removed RAVPower accessories from its store.The move follows shortly after allegedly removing two other popular accessory makers due to "fake" reviews.RAVPower has allegedly sent customers gift cards to incentivize product reviews.Popular accessory maker RAVPower appears to have been removed from the Amazon online store as the commerce giant continues cracking down on retailers.While an official reason has yet to be confirmed, the most likely reason is due to RAVPower allegedly providing customers with gift cards to incentivize positive online reviews. WSJ journalist Nicole Nguyen first noticed the removal of the listings, which happened shortly after she published an article detailing her experience with the company.According to Nguyen, RAVPower included a QR code with her purchase of a charger which offered a $35 gift card. The offer required her to ...

Slack's newest feature lets you have perfectly-timed messages.What you need to knowSlack is rolling out scheduled messages to its messaging app.The feature allows the user to set a time for messages to be sent after being drafted. It's coming out gradually to Slack apps on both mobile and the desktop.Slack just picked up scheduled messages, a popular messaging feature that allows you to draft your messages in advance so they will be sent later. The feature is rolling out gradually, so not all customers will have it yet.Like with other apps which offer this feature, users will have a variety of options. Slack has preset times for either 9:00 AM or the start of the next week. Users can also select custom times if they choose to. This is especially useful for remote teams that work in different timezones, allowing for asynchronous communication.Up until the point at which messages are sent, Slack users will also be able to manage their messages from the new clock icon that...

You need a 4K monitor. Well, maybe you don't need it, but you definitely want it. There are a lot of benefits to having 4K resolution on a computer monitor, whether you are deep into photo editing, play computer games, or want the best way to watch movies and TV shows while sitting at your computer desk.Unfortunately, 4K is already a relatively expensive feature compared to 1080p or 1440p resolutions so the more extra features you add the quickly the price can rise. These monitors don't usually run cheap, and if they do it's because they sacrifice refresh rate, response times, or other tech. Whatever you're looking for in a 4K monitor, we have the best deals available right here.Best 4K Monitor DealsSamsung UR55 28-inch 4K monitor renewed | $50 offCovered by Amazon's Renewed guarantee. Not only does this monitor have 4K resolution, it also uses an IPS panel. That means you get incredible image quality and great viewing angles that let you see what's on display from wherev...

Best answer: AirPods technically work with Android phones, but compared to using them with an iPhone, the experience is significantly watered-down. From missing features to losing access to important settings, you're better off with another pair of wireless earbuds.The perks of using AirPods with an Android phoneThis is a multi-faceted question, so let's start with the positives. Whether you get AirPods or AirPods Pro, they both act as regular Bluetooth earbuds when used with an Android phone. You put them into pairing mode, select them from your list of Bluetooth devices, and you can start using them as you would any other wireless headphones/earbuds.You'll get the same sound quality and battery life that you get with an iPhone, meaning the core experience is mostly the same. Put the AirPods in your ears, pick a song or podcast to listen to, and you can enjoy your audio wherever you go.The regular AirPods are fairly basic earbuds with a one-size-fits-all design that works ...

If you're looking for a great streaming media experience, you can't go wrong with these Fire TV deals for Prime Day. Amazon offers the Fire TV experience in several different form factors to suit your needs, TV equipment, and budget. From the small Fire Sticks to the all-in-one Fire Cube or Nebula Soundbar, up to a full-featured Fire TV Edition set, Amazon has you covered.Even if you prefer another virtual assistant to Amazon's Alexa, or if you aren't fully invested in the Amazon ecosystem, the Fire TV experience is among the most affordable, accessible, and enjoyable in the industry. Amazon also regularly drops the price on its devices, particularly around big sales events like Prime Day. Here are some of the best Prime Day Amazon device deals for Fire TV that we've found so far.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4KThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K regularly goes on sale, making it an even better value than its already low retail price. Control your shows and your smart home with this affordabl...

If you're captivated by the market's most stylish tracker yet, make sure you also choose a suitable band for your Fitbit Luxe. Whether you're headed outdoors, to the gym, or you've got a formal event to attend, there are plenty of options. We've rounded up some of the best Fitbit Luxe bands for you to explore! This tracker is a brand-new release expected to ship out in mid to late June, so more band options should become available shortly.Classic comfortFitbit Luxe Classic BandStaff PickIf you're like most people and you plan to use your wearable for fitness tracking, you want a comfy band that will be gentle and lightweight on your skin. Fitbit's classic band is a great choice. Did we mention you can take it for a swim, too? It comes in a few different color options to match your style, including Lunar White, Black, Orchid, and Peony.$30 at FitbitPerfectly durableFitbit Luxe Woven BandSome fitness enthusiasts prefer a band with a bit more heft to it. The be...

As millions of us continue to learn and work from home, Prime Day deals will make a great time to replace your aging desktop or add another Chromebook to your family's collection. Most of the best Chromebooks have been available for over a year now, which means that deals are much more likely this year than they were last year — when we were also in the midst of the 2020 Chromebook shortage.Part of why Chromebooks have (almost) always had great deals on Prime Day is that mid-range Chromebooks come down to budget prices, and budget Chromebooks come down to impulse-buy prices. Considering that Chrome OS is designed to run on more affordable hardware to begin with, and that means that Prime Day is the best time to get a laptop, especially a budget laptop.No matter your budget this Prime Day, Google has durability and usability standards for almost all Chromebooks — because most models are designed for chaotic classrooms or unforgiving businesses — that make Chromebooks ideal f...

Getting the best Pixel 3 charging pad is extremely important, considering these are the first Pixels to sport wireless charging. Google took a unique approach to how the Pixel 3 makes the most out of wireless charging, however, by only allowing fast charging speeds on explicitly supported models. This dramatically limits your selection for wireless chargers that support the full 10W rate, but if you don't mind stepping down to 5W, there are plenty of other options that'll work just fine.Made by GoogleGoogle Pixel StandStaff pickMade specifically for the Pixel 3 series, the Pixel Stand delivers fast charging speeds and turns your phone into a showcase for Google Photos.$40 at Amazon $80 at Best Buy $45 at WalmartCompact and powerfulAnker PowerWave AlloyAnker's PowerWave 15 is small and portable but has plenty of juice built-in to keep your Pixel 3 chugging along. The company includes a USB-A to USB-C nylon cable, but you'll need to supply the wall adapter.$30 at ...

It's basically a Microsoft Store and Apple Store combined.What you need to knowGoogle shows off its first retail store a day before its grand opening.The store will include help desk support, on-site Pixel repair, workshops, and much more.The Google store is located in NYC and opens tomorrow, June 17.Google's NYC store has its grand opening tomorrow, June 17, and the company is providing a sneak peek at what to expect from its first brick-and-mortar retail experience.Before stepping into the store, customers will be met with Discovery Boxes along the windows, which showcase some of its products. On this inside, these boxes will provide customers with helpful information on products with the help of transparent LED displays.Stepping into the space, it's apparent that Google's retail experience is all about interaction. Products will be displayed throughout the store, not unlike what one would find at the Apple Store, allowing users to play around with devices like the Go...

The new tools will help admins foster better conversations within groups.What you need to knowFacebook is rolling out a bunch of new tools for its community group admins.The new tools will help admins have better moderation of content.Admins will now be able to pin group rules to the top for members to see clearly.Facebook is giving community group admins a bunch of new tools that will help organize groups, including an easier way to ensure conversations don't end in potential conflict. Admins will have access to these new community moderation tools on desktop or mobile, including any of the best Android phones.The new tools will now fall under what the social media giant is calling "Admin Home," which is a "more intuitive destination for all admin tools, settings, and features that admins can customize to fit their needs."Facebook says that it's also introducing "comment moderation to Admin Assist," which will allow admins to set up criteria to automatically moderate p...

EA is bringing one of its most popular shooters to mobile.Apex Legends is one of Electronic Arts' most successful games, with more than 100 million unique players. EA announced that it'd be bringing the game to mobile audiences, and interested uses can currently register for the closed beta on Android.The game follows in the footsteps of other successful shooters that have made their way to mobile -- such Fortnite, Call of Duty, and PUBG (all three of which made our list of best Android games). There's a massive audience for battle royale games on Android, and Apex Legends will fit right in when it launches.Jump to:What is Apex MobileHow is it different from other versions?What phones support Apex Mobile?When will the game launch?How much will Apex Mobile cost?What is Apex Legends Mobile?Apex Legends is a battle royale hero shooter in which you play as various characters, called Legends, participating in fights in a large arena. EA first revealed its intention...

Starting at just $20 per month for unlimited calls and texts and $10 per gigabyte of data, Google Fi is one of the most compelling carriers around. Factor in its excellent global roaming, nationwide coverage, and billing feature that credits back whatever data you don't use, and you have an even more appealing purchase. Fi works with almost any unlocked phone, but certain features, like intelligent network switching, only phones "designed for Fi," like those below. The Google Pixel 5 is our top recommendation for the network because of its complete feature support, but here is a collection of the best phones for Google Fi if that doesn't fit your needs.Best overall phone for Google Fi: Google Pixel 5The best overall option is the Google Pixel 5 when it comes to phones that work with Google Fi. Not only is the Pixel 5 an exciting phone on its own, but it was also built with Fi in mind to provide the best possible experience when used on the network. It supports Fi's network swit...

There are a lot of options for the best Sony Xperia 1 II cases, even though Sony doesn't have a huge fanbase here in the U.S. Thanks to its sleek design and flagship specs, the Xperia 1 II is already a contender for the best Android phone. Add in the triple-camera array on the back with a few "borrowed" features from Sony's Alpha cameras, and this is one of the best Android video cameras. With a smartphone this promising, you'll definitely want to keep it protected, and these are the best cases for your new phone.Easy to pickSpigen Rugged Armor CaseStaff PickThe Spigen Rugged Armor has everything you need for a solid and lightweight case. Made from TPU, the Rugged Armor is built to withstand drops, and the carbon fiber design is familiar and still looks great. There's also some additional padding in all four corners for even more shock absorption.$12 at AmazonFamiliar protectionCruzerLite Carbon Fiber CaseCruzerLite cases used to be all the hype back in the ...

Tons of spectrum and coverageT-Mobile has one of the most ambitious 5G plans of any carrier out there, and with its purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile has a ton of spectrum and a great platform to build a strong 5G network. T-Mobile has already deployed a nationwide 5G network on its low-band Extended Range 5G spectrum and is adding even more speed and capacity with its Ultra Capacity 5G spectrum. T-Mobile also has mmWave spectrum that has been deployed in a few cities. This combined network is poised to be one of the strongest in the nation.Jump to:Do I have 5G coverage?Which phones work with 5G?Which plans supoprt 5G?How is T-Mobile's 5G network different?What happens to Sprint 5G customers?Is 5G worth it?What is 5G For Good?Do I have 5G coverage on T-Mobile and Sprint?Most people that have T-Mobile 5G coverage right now are covered by a low-band network built on its 600MHz band n71 spectrum. T-Mobile calls coverage on this band Extended Range 5G. Reclaimed from bro...

If you have multiple controllers, you'll really want a charging station for them.Sony released a handful of official accessories alongside the PS5 in November 2020, and the unsung hero of the batch is the DualSense Charging Station. With Prime Day just around the corner and stock looking marginally better than it used to, you'll want to keep an eye out for it on Amazon.It goes without saying that it's a bummer when your controller dies during the middle of a game. You don't always want to plug it in with a USB-C cable to keep playing, especially since the cable included with the system isn't that long — in fact, I end up sitting on my floor if I need to use it. Thankfully I was able to get a DualSense Charging Station, and it's quickly become one of my favorite and most used accessories.Though I only have one DualSense controller at the moment, I'm about to get a second. I preordered the Cosmic Red DualSense back in May and can't wait for it to come in. I usually charge my ...

Best answer: The easiest way to see if your phone is unlocked is to try another SIM card in it. You can also call the carrier you purchased it from to check the status and request an unlock.Where did you buy it, and how?Carrier-locked phones are limited to using a SIM from just one carrier. This means that if you want to change carriers, you'll need to make sure your phone is unlocked or get ready to buy a new one. The good news is that if you've paid off your phone, you can get it unlocked and bring it to another carrier.If you bought your phone from a carrier, the first thing to do is make sure it's paid off. If you were paying it off over a series of payments, you'd need to make sure you have paid the full balance. Once it's paid off, it will either unlock automatically, or you can request an unlock from the carrier. If you're switching to a new carrier, make sure to get your phone unlocked before you leave your old carrier. You can still get your phone unlocked down the lin...

OnePlus and OPPO will continue to operate as independent brands.What you need to knowOnePlus is merging its teams together with OPPO.The company says the deeper integration will allow it to deliver faster and more stable software updates to users. OnePlus merged its R&D resources with OPPO in January. OnePlus has decided to "further integrate" its organization with OPPO to create better products and bring faster updates to its users. The announcement comes six months after OnePlus merged its R&D resources with OPPO. OnePlus says that it has seen a positive impact from the changes introduced earlier this year and is hopeful that the deeper integration will also be positive for its users.The merger could mean that future phones from the two companies will have a lot in common. It is rumored that OnePlus' upcoming Nord 2 will be based on the Realme X9 Pro. Like OnePlus and OPPO, Realme is owned by China's BBK Electronics.Announcing the "deeper integration" with OP...

Horse racing fans worldwide will have a total of 35 different races to watch this week at the annual Royal Ascot horse racing festival and we have all the details on how you can catch all the action on TV or online.The Royal Ascot is one of the most popular horse racing meets in the world and the five-day event is held annually at the Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England. However, unlike the tracks in the U.S., Ascot Racecourse is shaped like a rounded triangle and includes both uphill and downhill stretches. Horses from around the world will be in attendance as will racing fans who missed out on seeing the event live last year due to the pandemic.Unlike the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, the Royal Ascot is very much a social event and the 4,000 attendees at this year's races will need to adhere to a strict dress code. While men are typically required to wear a top hat and a waistcoat with a tie, women must also dress formally while always wearing a hat, ...

There are a bunch of Fitbit devices on the market these days and choosing between them can be difficult. One key factor for many buyers, presumably including you reading this article, is price. Fitbit's smartwatches and fitness trackers span a wide range of price points and pretty much all of them can be found at a discount if you know where to look.Best Fitbit Deals Available NowFitbit Smartwatch Deals: Save up to $90Fitbit Fitness Tracker Deals: Save $20 or moreFitbit Smart Scale Deals: From $50More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreFitbit Sense | $239.99 at AmazonThe Sense is Fitbit's newest and most premium smart health watch. It has sensors to measure your electrodermal skin activity, temperature, and stress levels, and it can also take an ECG reading to determine if you have atrial fibrillation. All of this in a stylish new package. The gold model is $90 off its original MSRP right now at Amazon. The graphite version is $80 off.$239.99 at Amazon...

As only the second watch to run the Snapdragon 4100, the TicWatch E3 is one to watch.For fans of Google's wearable platform, Wear OS, we're in a bit of limbo right now — which is why putting together a TicWatch E3 review puts me in a bit of a pickle. While we know that Google and Samsung are partnering to rebuild Wear OS, we don't know if any existing Wear OS watches will get the update.Fossil has said that it doesn't plan to upgrade current watches, and there has been some confusion as to whether one of the best Android smartwatches available will be upgraded or not — see what I mean? It's a pickle. Traditionally the line of E devices from Mobvoi has been in the realm of entry-level smartwatches due to the barebones design and hardware used to get the price down.Interestingly though, the TicWatch E3, while still offering a very understated design, is one of two smartwatches on the market that is running the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 processor — the other is the TicWatch P...

It's only the second Wear OS smartwatch with the Snapdragon Wear 4100.What you need to knowMobvoi launches its new TicWatch E3 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset.The new Wear OS watch offers many of the features found in its higher-end predecessor but at a cheaper price point.The Mobvoi TicWatch E3 is available today for $200.Two years after Mobvoi launched the TicWatch E2, the company has announced the new Mobvoi TicWatch E3, which comes equipped with the latest Wear OS software and Qualcomm processor.The new Mobvoi TicWatch E3 brings many improvements over its predecessor, including a more streamlined design that's akin to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. The display is slightly smaller at 1.3-inches and has a slightly lower resolution at 360x360, but the reduced size should make it an easier fit for more people. However, the real story is what's underneath the hood.Mobvoi has equipped the TicWatch E3 with the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100, marki...

Worthy upgradeAmazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)$130 at AmazonProsFar better cameraImproved processing speedsOptional stand for video and photos ConsCan't connect external speakers, wired headphonesMore expensiveThe Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) only has a handful of differences compared to the previous generation model. But they are worth it if you've noticed shortcomings in photo and video quality and/or slow response times/operation. Not only is the camera significantly better, but it can even pan/zoom the constantly keep you in the frame.Still does the jobAmazon Echo Show 8$110 at AmazonProsAffordableCan connect external speakers, wired headphoneOptional stand for photos and videosConsLacklustre cameraSlower processorIf you already forked over the dough for an Amazon Echo Show 8 and you have been happy with it, there's no reason to upgrade. But if you have noticed that apps run slow, the voice assistant isn't as responsive as you'd l...

The first uMCP-equipped devices will hit markets this month.What you need to knowSamsung has begun mass producing LPDDR5 UFS-based multichip package (uMCP) for smartphones.The package integrates Samsung's fastest LPDDR5 DRAM with UFS 3.1 NAND flash storage. Samsung says the package will deliver flagship-grade performance to a broader range of smartphone users.Samsung has started mass production of the industry's first LPDDR5 UFS-based multichip package (uMCP). The new uMCP combines LPDDR5 DRAM with UFS 3.1 NAND storage. It will be available in DRAM capacities ranging from 6GB to 12GB, with storage options from 128GB to 512GB.Samsung claims this combination will enable users to "immerse themselves in numerous 5G applications that were previously only available on premium flagship models, including advanced photography, graphics-intensive gaming and augmented reality (AR)."The LPDDR5 interface brings a 50% improvement in DRAM performance over LPDDR4X, while UFS 3.1 double...

Keeping your phone's screen unlocked 24/7 is unsafe, and it consumes a fair amount of battery life. You can change the timeout length on your Android phone to put it to sleep automatically after a set amount of inactive time. This way, you can keep prying eyes off your private data and make your phone last a little longer. Let's get to it!How to change your screen timeout length on an Android phoneThe screen timeout settings on almost every Android phone can be found under the display settings. This includes older versions such as Android 9 and 10, the current Android 11, and the latest Android 12, which is still in beta.Open Settings on your Android phone.Look for Display and tap it.Tap Screen timeout and choose your desired length.There are plenty of preset options for you to choose from in the screen timeout settings. The time lengths range from 5 seconds all the way up to 30 minutes. You can choose an amount of time that matches your average usage. We recommend eith...

After proving himself to Charlamagne tha God on The Breakfast Club at the end of last season, Lil Dicky is back with brand-new episodes of his comedy series on FX and we have all the details on how you can watch Dave on TV or online.David Burd is an American rapper who goes by the stage name Lil Dicky that first rose to fame on YouTube after releasing a music video for his song 'Ex-Boyfriend'. He's had several hit songs since including 'Pillow Talking', 'Molly' and of course, '$ave Dat Money". In 2017 though, Lil Dicky revealed that he was interested in having his own TV show in an interview with Inverse and just three years later, Dave premiered on FX.Dave is a half-hour long live-action comedy series that tells a fictionalized version of Lil Dicky's rise to fame as a rapper living in Los Angeles. During the first season of the show, viewers saw Dave kickstart his rap career by withdrawing his Bar Mitzvah money to shoot a music video that ended up going viral. He then went to Ph...

Motorola might skip a Razr launch this year to work on its glow-up for next year.What you need to knowRumors suggest that there won't be a new Motorola Razr this year.The company will reportedly work on refining its foldable design and may instead launch a new device in 2022.The Motorola Razr 5G was an iterative upgrade from the original, but the next foldable could be a more substantial upgrade.Motorola may skip launching a new Razr this year, according to a new report from DSCC. The company reportedly wants to spend more time refining its foldable design before the next release.Amid reports that other companies like Honor are gearing up to release foldable smartphones this year, Motorola apparently won't be among them. The report states that a new Motorola Razr "isn't expected until the second half of 2022 as they look to re-invent their foldable design."Given the short release period between the first two models, which was less than roughly seven months, it might mak...