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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5S7SM)
It's also available on LG and Samsung smart TV lineups.What you need to knowTikTok rolls out its TV app to more TV screens across North America.The app is now available on more Android TV devices as well as LG and Samsung smart TVs.It offers a lot of the same benefits as the mobile version.TikTok partnered with Amazon Fire TV when it launched the TikTok TV app in the United States and Canada earlier this month, giving the entire family a way to join in on the latest craze together in their living room. Now, that experience is making its way to more TV screens.On Monday, the video-focused social networking service announced that the TikTok TV app is now available on more Google TV and Android TV screens in North America. Aside from those platforms, the latest expansion allows some LG and Samsung smart TV owners in the region to access TikTok content.The app offers the same experience as its mobile counterpart, including access to the "For You" and "Following" feeds on th...
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Latest from Android Central
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Updated | 2025-09-09 11:03 |
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5S7HQ)
While Black Friday tends to bring deals on everything from Android phones to cars and beyond, not everything is destined for a doorbuster deal on November 26. Google has made its best Pixel ever this year, by a wide margin, and that means that many of you will likely be hoping to save a few hundred on one this holiday shopping season. Unfortunately, like everything Google sells, Black Friday Google Pixel deals are a bit more complicated than most. Here's why and how you can find the best deals even when they're scarce.Jump to Black Friday Google Pixel deals:Pixel 6 and 6 ProPixel 4a and 5aPixel BudsPixelbookWhere to find the best Black Friday Google Pixel dealsGoogle Pixel deals will mostly be found from two places: the Google Store and at your local carrier. While Amazon has traditionally seen the best deals on Google Pixel phones around, Amazon can't seem to keep Pixel phones in stock right now. The Google Store has better availability, but fewer deals. Other retai...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5S7QE)
The Raspberry Pi is a magnificent little side-project as you can use it to do pretty much anything that you can set your mind to. From the Raspberry Pi 400, offering an all-in-one computing solution, to creating a retro console by installing RetroPie on the Raspberry Pi, the sky is the limit. But one of the problems with the Raspberry Pi is that you need to have some type of way to actually interact with the interface.This is where the best Black Friday Raspberry Pi display deals come into play. This is the best time to pick up a display for your Raspberry Pi, with several enticing options on sale right now. Even if you plan on using your Pi as a "headless" system, it's important to ensure everything is set up properly and running before making the move. We've rounded up some of our favorite Raspberry Pi display deals for you to take advantage of on Black Friday!And if you're looking for more, be sure to take a look at the best Raspberry Pi accessories to fully customize your Pi....
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5S7QF)
Sennheiser is in its own league when it comes to auditory experiences. The foldable HD 450BT delivers exactly what you would expect from the best Sennheiser headphones: superior, full-bodied sound with comfort. These over-ear Bluetooth headphones look quite stylish too, with a minimalist design that reminds me of Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones.You won't find another pair of such fantastic wireless headphones at such an insanely good price. These come with 30 hours of battery life, ANC, and even an audio jack if you want to plug in for better audio. The Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones have a dedicated physical button to trigger Google Assistant or Siri, and there's a great companion app for your phone as well.The ongoing Black Friday sale on headphones includes these marvelous headphones from Sennheiser. You get a whopping $100 price slash, cutting the entire price neatly in half. Get a pair while you can, because this bargain is insane.Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless Headphone - Bl...
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5S7HP)
Scrubbing hands wasn't talked of much before the COVID-19 era. Now we find ourselves fixating on soaps and sanitizers more than ever. You never know who cleaned their hands before touching something, so this hands-free Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser is a dream. No contact is needed, you just thrust your hands under the nozzle, and it squirts the right amount of liquid handwash.We especially love that this Smart Soap Dispenser supports Alexa. Once you set it up and pair the Amazon Smart Soap Dispenser with an Alexa device like the Echo Dot or Echo Show, you'll enjoy washing your hands a lot more. You can create a schedule, play tunes automatically while you rinse, or even ask Alexa to tell you jokes.Amazon is offering a 31% price cut on the Smart Soap Dispenser this Black Friday. Enjoy the discount and take advantage of it to grab all the nifty smart home products that you've been dreaming of. You'll never have to count to twenty while washing hands again — the Amazon Smart Soap Disp...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5S7QG)
The two services will combine forces.What you need to knowLife360 is acquiring Tile for $205 million.Tile will continue to operate as its own brand entity.Life360 will benefit from Tile's brand presence while Tile will expand its Find network with Life360.The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.Life360 announced on Monday that it has entered an agreement to acquire Tile, the company that popularized the Bluetooth trackers that recently inspired Apple and Samsung.The acquisition will allow both companies to benefit from each other. Life360, which is known for its family-focused location and tracking features, will be able to leverage Tile's strong brand presence in brick-and-mortar stores. Life360 already includes many features such as SOS Help Alert, crash detection, emergency dispatch, and more, which are available through the app.Meanwhile, Tile will be able to take advantage of Life360's network of more than 33 million smartphone users, significan...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5S7P2)
A projector can bring a ton of life to your outdoor space or even a large indoor space. Available while supplies last at Walmart, the RCA RPJ161 projector is just $49 with a 100-inch screen bundled in. This deal is open to Walmart+ customers for a limited time with other customers able to access the deal later on. At $12.95 per month, Walmart+ can be a great way to snag some bargains before they run out at Walmart. There's also a 15-day free trial.The RCA RPJ161 is a 480p native projector that works with signals up to 1080p via one of the two HDMI ports. There's also a VGA connection on the other side and audio ports so that you can hook up an external speaker for more sound over the included speaker. The 100-inch screen helps you make the most of the projector with accurate colors in a dark environment. With a built-in USB port and support for the most common video and image formats, it's a cheap and easy solution for a presentation or slideshow at an event.Get a projector with HD...
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5S7P3)
Tronsmart is unbelievably good at making quality audio products for jaw-dropping prices. Consider the original Force Bluetooth speaker for instance. We chucked it into a pool from four stories above and that thing was still kicking! The brand has mastered the art of providing value, conquering speakers and headphones alike.The newer Tronsmart Force 2 is faster, stronger, and better in every possible way. It's still got that commendable level of robustness and an almost premium build. This iteration bumps up already amazing specs and takes them up a notch. Whether you float in the shallow side or dive into the deep side of the pool, the IPX7 rating will keep this Bluetooth speaker alive and well.Then there's the Qualcomm QCC3021 Chip, loud and crisp 30W sound, support for Google Assistant and Siri, USB Type-C charging, and Bluetooth 5. The Force 2 has a really cool broadcast feature where you can synchronize it with over 100 other Force 2 Bluetooth speakers. What more could you ask ...
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by Joe Maring on (#5S76W)
Motorola released a lot of phones this year. Some of them were pretty decent, others were a bit so-so, but there indeed were plenty of them. Now that Black Friday deals have started popping up, we're looking out for offers on Motorola's already affordable lineup of smartphones during this shopping season.Motorola has just released its Black Friday deals for its smartphones, many of which are already quite a bargain and among some of the best budget Android phones around, especially since they can be found at a fraction of the cost that you'll find other smartphones.When are the Black Friday Motorola deals?Black Friday is fast-approaching and will occur on November 26. Plenty of retailers and OEMs have already announced their early Black Friday deals. Motorola's Black Friday deals are already in full effect, and you can purchase these phones at great discounts at several retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, and Motorola's own website.What Motorola phone should I buy on Bla...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5S7HM)
Black Friday is the perfect time to be on the lookout for some awesome smart home deals, and there are going to be plenty on the top smart speakers. These devices make excellent gifts for someone else or a nice treat for yourself. Adding these to your home, whether to expand your growing smart home setup or because you've always wanted a voice-controlled speaker, Amazon's fantastic sale on its Echo Show lineup is the time to buy.Echo Show speakers are some of the best Alexa speakers you can get thanks to the very helpful display on the front. When you have a smart speaker with a display, it adds a lot more context and visual information to the queries you ask Alexa. Not only that, but the screen also works as a clock, displays the weather, and even upcoming calendar appointments if you want it to.Our review of the Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd gen found that of all the options from Amazon that the 8-inch screen was nearly perfect for most situations. While this deal is for the first-gen...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#5S7P4)
The Surface Duo 2 is more durable than you think.What you need to knowZack Nelson from JerryRigEverything performed his latest durability test on the Surface Duo 2.The phone easily survived the bend test thanks to the Gorilla Glass Victus.This marks the most scratch-resistant foldable phone that's ever been released. Zack Nelson from JerryRigEverything is back with another durability test, this time with the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. As is the case with the majority of the best foldable phones, durability is always a concern, especially considering the steep price tags. This remains true even with Microsoft's latest attempt at a folding smartphone.But as is evidenced throughout this durability test, Microsoft's decision to opt for dual screens held together by a hinge versus a single folding screen is better for durability. When Nelson tries to bend the phone in half, there's a considerable amount of flex, but that's in large part due to the plastic frame. The impressive p...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5S7P5)
What you need to knowThe FCC approved Verizon's acquisition of TracFone on November 22, 2021.Verizon reached an agreement to buy the prepaid carrier over a year earlier, September 13, 2020, for $7 billion.Verizon claims that TracFone customers will benefit from Verizon's investment with better services and new features.Verizon is applauding the FCC's approval of its acquisition of prepaid cell phone carrier TracFone. Verizon had entered an agreement to buy the carrier on September 13, 2020, for $7 billion. At the time, Tracfone was the largest MVNO in the country, with 21 million subscribers.Senior vice president of public policy and government affairs, Kathy Grillo, said of the deal: Verizon welcomes the FCC's approval today of our TracFone acquisition. The deal will provide customers with the best of both worlds: more choices, better services and new features thanks to Verizon's investment and innovation. Customers will benefit with enhancements in devices, network pe...
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5S7KW)
It's a good day for bargain hunters for every smart home product under the sun is on sale. Disney's adorable Mickey Mouse Edition of the Echo Wall Clock is no exception, currently going for 30% off on Amazon. If you've got kids, this is something you can't miss!Dressed in his classic red overalls and a can-do attitude, Mickey Mouse is universally adored by children (and many adults) across the globe. Not only does this Echo Wall Clock sport the cutest Mickey illustration we've ever seen, but it's also a smart clock. You can connect it to one Echo device at a time and give the clock commands or instructions through Alexa. Once you've mounted it on the wall of your choice, you can set it up in a few short seconds with your phone.Since the Echo Wall Clock - Disney Mickey Mouse Edition doesn't have a speaker, it alerts you when a timer stops by lighting up the markers. It's perfect for the kids' bedroom so they can learn time management. Or you could hang it in the kitchen to time your...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5S7HG)
Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, is fast approaching, and it's expected that some of the most widely discounted products during this time are going to be smart home gadgets. One of the greatest things about all these sales is that it doesn't matter if you're looking for some of the best Alexa devices, awesome Google Home-related tech, or even more futuristic smart lights to build out the smart home of your dreams — it's all going to be on sale. We'll keep an eye out for the best Black Friday smart home deals as the season progresses and update this list accordingly, so be sure to check back for the latest.Jump to Black Friday Smart Home dealsGoogle Home dealsAmazon Alexa dealsSmart light dealsSmart plug dealsSmart camera dealsSmart doorbell dealsWi-Fi router dealsBlack Friday is a fantastic time to pick up smart home devices. So whether you're just getting started and need an excellent smart speaker to manage your devices, like a Nest Hub Max, o...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5S7HH)
New At a Glance features have been teased for some time.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly one step closer to rolling out new At a Glance features.This includes a new Bluetooth battery indicator, fitness information, Google Pay integration for shopping features, and more.The new features will arrive on the Pixel 6 at some point but could come to other Pixels as well.Google has long teased new features arriving for the At a Glance widget on the Pixel 6. While many of these features didn't come to the latest devices or older Pixels running Android 12, there appears to be proof that they're well on the way.9to5Google took a look in the Android System Intelligence, which powers features like Live Translate on Google's best Android phones. The APK shows evidence that Google is bringing new At a Glance features to the Pixel 6 soon. This is in addition to the features already available in the widget.This includes new integration with apps including Google Pay and will s...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5S7HJ)
The PlayStation Remote Play app allows players to stream the games they're playing on their PS4 or PS5 to another device, such as a phone or PC. Maybe you feel like lying back in bed and are comfortable playing the best PS5 games that way instead of sitting on a couch or chair? Then Remote Play is the way to go. Here's how to set up Remote Play on PS5 with Android devices.How to set up Remote Play on PS5 with Android devicesBefore you begin, note that Remote Play requires, at minimum, a 5 Mbps internet connection. A 15 Mbps connection or higher is highly recommended to have as smooth an experience as possible. It's also worth noting that right now, you'll have to use a PS5 DualSense controller (on Android 12 or above), a PS4 DualShock 4 or touch controls with Remote Play on Android with the PS5.While you can pair the DualSense controller thanks to an update for Android 12 that added support, you can't take advantage of the controller's special features through Remote Play. Late...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5S7HK)
PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain really tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it will be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending a few months with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games to the DualSense haptic feedback. So you'll want to experienc...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5S7HN)
Back to the Wizarding World we go.The long-rumored Harry Potter RPG is real, and it's bringing us back to the Wizarding World of centuries ago, long before Harry and his friends ever made it to the famous school. Hogwarts Legacy was officially unveiled during a PlayStation showcase, so we could expect some marketing deals with Sony's platform. However, if you're looking for information regarding its gameplay, story, release date, and even J.K. Rowling's involvement with it, you've come to the right place.Jump to:What is Hogwarts Legacy?What's the story?What's the gameplay like?Is J.K. Rowling involved?Release date and platformsWhat is Hogwarts Legacy?Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world RPG set around the late 1800s that allows you to customize your own character in the Harry Potter universe. Warner Bros. says that players can "craft potions, master spell casting, and upgrade talents," among other things. Judging from the trailer, it looks like one of the ways we'...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5S7E2)
Samsung's S21 screens will be smooth again "soon."What you need to knowThe final One UI 4 beta seems to have broken the high refresh rate on Samsung's Galaxy S21 phones with Snapdragon chips.The apparent bug seems to limit the refresh rate on S21 displays to 60Hz, well below the 120Hz the phone is capable of.Samsung says it is working on a fix but hasn't given a firm timeline to resolve the issue.Samsung is known for making some of the best Android phones that you can buy, with gorgeous screens featuring high refresh rate displays, fantastic cameras, and industry-leading One UI software. However, the company's most recent One UI beta build for Android 12 seems to have thrown a wrench in that smooth-running machine.According to a reddit thread reported on by Android Police, the final One UI beta build for Android 12 appears to have locked the high refresh rates down to just 60Hz on S21 series phones. This has resulted in stuttery scrolling and laggy app experiences. Curiou...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5S7E3)
Walmart is kicking off its Black Friday deals with some great deals on electronics. Samsung's 170-watt wireless soundbar is just $99, that's $50 off, starting at 3 PM for Walmart+ customers. The deal will be available four hours later for other customers as long as it's still available. If you want to get in early on this and other Walmart Black Friday deals, you can sign up to Walmart+ for $12.95 per month or $98 per year. Even factoring in this cost, this is still a great deal. There's also a 15-day trial available.This soundbar will work with just about any TV thanks to having both a Bluetooth and wired optical connection. It has plenty of power to fill even a large living room with rich sound thanks to a combined 170 watts of power. With a wider soundstage and more space to resonate, a soundbar can dramatically improve the quality of your TV experience over your TV's built-in audio. It's also great for gaming so you can get the better sound with your Black Friday Playstation 5 de...
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by Matt Shore on (#5S7E4)
So you've decided that you have got to throw a new hard drive in your PS4, and an external hard drive just won't cut it. It's one of those upgrades that may or may not visibly improve things, but if you can do it, why not? Most of the read and write speeds are comparable, but we have included them if it's a deciding factor for you. Here are some of the best options available to you.Good at everythingWestern Digital BlueStaff PickIf you want a 1TB SSD at a great price but would rather stick with a more recognizable name, consider this Western Digital drive. You will have loads of space for storage, 560MB/s, and 530MB/s read and write speeds and a five-year manufacturer warranty.$90 at AmazonGood speed, decent priceCrucial MX500 250GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSDThis Crucial drive will get you into some super-fast SSD speeds — 560MB/s and 510MB/s read and write speeds, respectively — while not breaking the bank. Also, if anything goes wrong with it, you ar...
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5S7E5)
Not all tablets are made equal, or for the same purposes, for that matter. Amazon's Kindle lineup is built from the bottom up as a dedicated reading device. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is by far one of the most popular e-readers out there, giving rise to the Paperwhite Kids and the Paperwhite Signature Edition.There's so much to love about the Kindle Paperwhite, especially the fact that it's waterproof. The 6.8-inch E Ink display is soothing to the eyes and feels very nice against your skin. You can read comfortably in dimly lit spaces as the e-reader has an adjustable warm light. You can change the shade to suit your vision.Despite the overwhelming amount of pros, there is one undeniable fact about the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: It looks boring as hell. If you're looking to rectify that, a beautiful case will do the job. Fortunately, these handsome water-safe fabric and leather cases for the Kindle Paperwhite are on sale, giving you 25% more bang for your buck than usual!Kin...
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by Shruti Shekar on (#5S7E6)
Yes, we know Black Friday is often considered a very U.S.-centric holiday, and while that may be true, there are many retailers extending insane deals to our fellow friends up north in Canada. Now that we're getting closer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the deals are still coming fast and often, so check back often for the best deals across all the retailers you want.Black Friday and Cyber Monday isn't as crazy as it is in the U.S., and with people still navigating the pandemic, online shopping is still going to remain at its highest. We are seeing a lot of in-store and a lot of online deals that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your home. We've rounded up our favorites below, so feel free to browse through the best of what Canada Black Friday has to offer!This list is being updated with new Black Friday deals all the time, so check back often.Spotlight DealsBest Buy Canada Black Friday dealsJBL Free II In-Ear Bluetooth Truly Wireless Headphones$79.99...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5S7BT)
Wear OS is catching up to Apple, and it's all because of Samsung.What you need to knowCounterpoint Research shows impressive growth in the Wear OS market share.Wear OS growth coincides with Samsung's increased smartwatch shipments in Q3 2021.The growth shows that Google and Samsung's partnership appears to be working.Wear OS is finally becoming a thing, and it's all thanks to Samsung. A new report from Counterpoint Research shows impressive growth for Wear OS in the smartphone market share, and the new Galaxy Watch 4 appears to be the main driver.The report shows that Wear OS accounted for 17% of smartwatch shipments in Q3, gaining on Apple's WatchOS platform, which held 22% of the market and is the single biggest smartwatch OS.When looking at the market share by OEM, Samsung was the most apparent gainer, having achieved its highest quarterly smartwatch shipments. This is notably at the expense of Huawei and Apple, the former of which saw a massive decline from the sa...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5S7BV)
This might be the best Black Friday phone deal in 2021...but there are some caveats.Starting at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE will cost just $249 on Walmart, in one of the most epic Black Friday phone deals we've seen. And that's not hyperbole: the cheapest we've seen the S20 FE before now is $549.Before you get too excited, Walmart is reserving this sweet deal for its Walmart+ members, at least initially. Walmart+ members get a four-hour head start on Black Friday deals, so theoretically, this deal will open up to the general public at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET — but there's no guarantee it'll still be in stock by then. You'll also need to pay for a full membership to get access; no trial membership trickery.Frankly, paying $13 for a month of Walmart+ to save $450 on a phone seems like a no-brainer, but it's your call!The other caveat is that you'll need to use this phone with Walmart's Straight Talk, which may or may not work for you. It's the rare MNVO th...
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by Rachel Mogan on (#5S7BW)
Put on your thinking hat.We're rounding up some of our favorite strategy games on Android for the deep thinkers out there. These are more than just simple puzzle games — these require careful planning and forethought to emerge victoriously. You'll find some great replay value in games like these as well since the same strategy won't always work twice.Strategy gamers, pop on your thinking caps and get downloading these outstanding Android games. And if you're looking for the best games in other genres, we have those, too.The gamesBad NorthThe Battle for PolytopiaBloons TD 6Card ThiefChess by AI Factory LimitedCrying SunsThe Escapists 2: Pocket BreakoutEnyoFire Emblem: HeroesGwentHello NeighborHeroes of FlatlandiaHoledown Legends of RuneterraMindustryMushroom Wars 2Night of the Full MoonROME: Total WarTropicoXCOM: Enemy WithinBad NorthBad North is one of those unique games that comes along every so often and wows us all. The developers describ...
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by Brendan Griffiths on (#5S6W5)
Get ready folks, as a PS5 restock is coming to Walmart today as the store kicks off this year's Black Friday Walmart sale despite it only being Monday. The sale begins at 3pm ET, but you'll have to wait until 4pm to get your chance to buy a PS5. Hold on a sec though, as the initial start times are exclusively for Walmart+ members who will be getting a four-hour head start on the sale compared to everyone else. Let us walk you through what you need to know.Walmart+ is a paid membership service, a little similar to Amazon Prime, but without the video streaming. In addition to a four-hour head start on their Black Friday sale (and other sales events) you also get free delivery from your store - including groceries. You also get scan & go shopping in-store, fuel discounts, and discounted Rx prescriptions. Overall, very handy, especially if you have a nearby Walmart for your main grocery shopping online.Hold your horses though, we know you're probably only interested in signing up ...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5S7BX)
Though it's not Black Friday yet, that isn't stopping some genuinely amazing deals from rolling out early. One device that is hot this year is video doorbells, and one of the very best video doorbells is from Google in the Nest Doorbell. It integrates with so many other devices that it can truly change how you monitor and answer your front door. Google itself is offering up to $80 off, with many other retailers coming out with Nest Doorbell deals too.Google offers two Nest Doorbell options, a hard-wired and a battery-powered version. Both support viewing the camera remotely or via a smart display like the Google Nest Hub Max. Along with looking to see who is at the door before you take the time to walk to your door, you also will have the option to speak with the person via two-way audio.Aside from how each is powered, the main differences come in are the features available for free versus with a subscription. The battery-powered Nest Doorbell is the newest version and has many...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5S791)
Wireless is the way to go these days.What you need to knowMore of our readers prefer wireless headphones.Wireless earbuds came in second place with 30% of votes.Wired earbuds were a distant fourth, behind wired headphones.Over the weekend, we asked if our readers preferred headphones or earbuds and whether they go wired or wireless. The question was sparked by an article from The Wall Street Journal about how all the "cool kids" have been spotted rocking wired earbuds. The report highlighted potential reasons for this during a time when wireless is all the rage, from pricing, to warding off unwanted conversations, to the "I'm too cool to keep up with tech" attitude.Interestingly, our poll shows that our readers are much less interested in wired earbuds, with less than 10% of the votes. Wireless reigned supreme with more than half of the votes between headphones and earbuds, leaning largely towards the former.For many of the comments, readers seem to switch between dif...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5S792)
The company cites child safety concerns as the reason behind the delay.What you need to knowMeta has delayed its plan to enable end-to-end encryption for Messenger and Instagram by default.The company's head of safety has confirmed that the rollout will happen in 2023 instead of next year.Meta's default E2EE is facing hurdles from child safety advocates as it's deemed to hamper crime detection.Meta's plan to roll out default end-to-end encryption for Instagram and Messenger sometime next year will no longer happen. Instead, the company is pushing back on the plan until 2023.Antigone Davis, Meta's head of safety, confirmed the delay in a post on The Telegraph (via The Guardian). He said the reason behind it is the growing concern over user safety. According to Davis, Meta wants to spend more time evaluating how to strike the balance between protecting user privacy and combating online crime.E2EE is already turned on by default for some of the best messaging apps for Andr...
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by Matt Shore on (#5S793)
Pick a game for your kids to play on their Android devices.Xbox Game Pass has so many games that one person will probably not be able to play them all in one lifetime. It has games for Android gamers, console gamers, RPG fans, FPS enthusiasts, casual gamers, and just about everything in between.It's not just the adult gamers who can get something out of a Game Pass subscription. There are plenty of games on Game Pass that are appropriate for younger players as well. Several of them have touch controls, though several require the use of a controller. Luckily, there are several controllers that work well with Game Pass on Android.These are the games we recommend for parents who want to let their kids play on Game Pass.Jump to:Banjo-KazooieSlime RancherDisneyland AdventuresRush: A DisneyPixar AdventureOvercooked 2Ori & the Blind ForestPHOGS!Viva PiñataNew Super Lucky's TaleYooka-Laylee and the Impossible LairPeggle 2Banjo-KazooieThis game and its seq...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5S794)
You don't need to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of the best PS5 deals going around. Walmart currently has a 12-month PlayStation Plus membership for one of the lowest prices you'll find. Instead of $60 for an entire year, you can get a PS Plus 12-month membership for just $40. It almost never goes below $40, so this is the best price you'll find.Keep in mind that those with Walmart+ also get early access to some of Walmart's exclusive Black Friday deals. This early access will only last for four hours, and after that it's a free for all as the deals open up to everyone. Thankfully, it looks like this PS Plus deal isn't gated behind a Walmart+ subscription. But if you're interested in checking out some of the retailer's other deals (the PS5 should be in-stock today with early access), then Walmart+ is something you should consider. Just keep in mind that early access is not available for those who sign up for a free trial. You'll need to actually be a paying member.Save ...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5S795)
Just when we thought 2020 was a lot to handle, along came 2021. But you know what? We made it to the finish line, and that deserves a celebration. To honor the companies that have kept us entertained, productive, and even awed throughout the year, we've compiled a list of our favorite products and services this year. From streaming media to Android phones, from smartwatches to tablets, and all the gadgets and gizmos that make our lives easier.Join us in congratulating our Best of 2021 Android Central Award winners. We're betting that you'll agree with many of these picks as well!Best Android Phones of 2021Best Phone OverallGoogle Pixel 6 Pro$900 at GoogleA triumphant return to the topFinally, Google made the flagship phone fans have been craving for as long as the Pixel line has been a thing. The Google Pixel 6 Pro builds on the solid foundations of the regular Pixel 6 and adds, among other things, one of the best telephoto cameras around.The 4X 48-megapixel shooter...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5S796)
It's safe to say that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is one of the best Android phones you can get your hands on at the moment. The phone has similar hardware to the Galaxy S21+, but the fact that it folds down makes it that much more exciting. And retailing for $999, it costs the same as the Galaxy S21+ as well.Samsung has incentivized its latest foldables quite heavily following their launch, but Walmart's latest offer takes things to a whole new level. As part of its Black Friday deals, Walmart is offering up to $750 off the Galaxy Z Flip 3, with the effective cost of the phone down to $250. Obviously, there are a few caveats: the deal comes with an instant $500 e-gift card from Walmart, and if you're trading in an older device, you get an additional $250 e-gift card, bringing the total to $750.The deal is valid on the AT&T and Verizon models of the Galaxy Z Flip 3, and isn't available with the unlocked models. You'll see the offer kicking in at 3pm ET exclusively for Walmart Plus memb...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5S797)
An opera director and an exorcist are on the way.What you need to knowTwo new characters have been revealed for Genshin Impact.Shenhe is a disciple from a family of exorcists, while Yun Jin is an opera director.These two characters do not have a launch date, but it'll be sometime after Update 2.3.Genshin Impact is getting two more characters, as revealed on Monday. According to the Twitter bios shared out for Yun Jun and Shenhe, Yun Jin is a Geo Polarm user and the director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe. Meanwhile, Shenhe is a Polearm user that comes from a family of exorcists.Shenhe is known as the "Lonesome Transcendence," while Yun Jin is referred to as "Stage Lucida." There's no other information right now, as these characters won't be available until at least sometime after Genshin Impact Update 2.3. Update 2.3 brings several new quests and events in the Dragonspine mountains, with training and even the ability for players to collect snow for building a snowman.That ...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5S798)
If you've been on the fence about whether or not to buy the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, maybe a decent discount is all you need to be swayed. These watches are already fairly priced given all the updates and new features they have, but who doesn't love a good sale? The good news is some of the best Black Friday Android smartwatch deals are starting early this year, so you don't have to wait to get your discount. In fact, there are several models within the Galaxy Watch lineup that will be on sale.As you check out all the great deals on Android smartwatches, you'll see there are plenty of sales to go around. The newest models in the Galaxy Watch series are the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Aside from a few differences in the physical design, these watches share the same features.If you can stretch your budget a bit further, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offers a more traditional design with a physical rotating bezel for seamless UI navigation. It comes in 42mm and 46...
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by Brendan Griffiths on (#5S76S)
It's that time of year when we start getting ready for the Black Friday PS5 deals, and you certainly shouldn't be waiting until the day itself if you haven't bagged Sony's new console yet. Since launch, last November, the PS5 has never lasted more than a few minutes when it comes into stock, and we expect the feeding frenzy to be no different well into next year.Jump to Black Friday PS5 dealsSee PS5 stockInternal SSDHeadsetsControllersTVPlayStation PlusWe're here to help point you in the right direction of the stores most likely to get the PS5 in next. There won't be any discounts on the console, though, and Black Friday PlayStation 5 bundles that appear will likely feature a range of items all added at full price because people will pay it. Sad, but true. So, if you see a sensibly priced PS5 at any moment from now, just bag it while you can.It's not all bad news, as the genuine stars of the Black Friday PS5 deals will be found on some of the very best PS5 headsets, ...
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by Olivia Lipski on (#5S76T)
Investing in a few smart Wi-Fi plugs is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to get your smart home set up. However, if you've already jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a few Ring products like the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 or even a security camera to keep an eye on your home, you'll want to make sure you can get other devices in your home connected all under one roof (or in this case, app). These are the top smart plugs that work with the Ring app to ensure that all your devices communicate without any glitches.Rain or shineRing Outdoor Smart PlugStaff PickThere's no doubt that the Ring Outdoor Smart Plug, which just so happens to be our top ranking outdoor smart Wi-Fi plug, will work like a charm with the Ring app. It'll also help you get any outdoor lights and appliances synced up with your Ring doorbells and cameras, so everything works like a breeze.$30 at Amazon $30 at Best Buy $30 at Home DepotFull controlLeviton DZPA1-2BW Decora Smart Plug-in O...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5S76V)
It is currently on sale only in China.What you need to knowThe OnePlus 9RT could soon make its way to the Indian market.A listing for the phone on the Google Play Console suggests it will be marketed as the OnePlus RT in India. It features a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 120Hz OLED screen, and 65W fast charging. The OnePlus 9RT, which was introduced in China last month, could soon launch in India with a different name. According to new evidence spotted by tipster @stufflistings, the phone will be launched in the country as OnePlus RT.Interesting. OnePlus 9RT has been listed as OnePlus RT on the Google Supported Devices list and Google Play Console listing. The same model build has received the BIS certification in the past.#OnePlus #OnePlus9RT #OnePlusRT pic.twitter.com/kmo2YGHFoq— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) November 20, 2021In addition to revealing the phone's marketing name for the Indian market, the OnePlus RT listing on the Google Play Console also suggests the p...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#5S76X)
There are plenty of Black Friday gaming deals going around in the console space for everything related to Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, but you may be someone who's ahead of the curve and prefers cloud streaming tech. Aside from Stadia and Microsoft's excellent Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming, Amazon offers its own cloud streaming service called Luna. The company is bundling it its popular FireTV Stick shortly before Black Friday.Streaming enthusiasts can now purchase the Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller bundle or the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Luna Controller bundle for a discounted price ranging from $75 to $85, a savings of over $40 from their usual prices. The biggest difference between the 4K and 4K Max models is that the 4K Max features dedicated buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 for a smoother streaming experience.Fire TV Gaming Bundle including Fire TV Stick 4K and Luna Controller $75$75 at AmazonPick up this bundle a...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5S76Y)
Apple wasn't the first to go the true wireless route with the AirPods, but it made the biggest statement, inspiring others to copy the "stem" design that protrudes out of the ear. The best cheap true wireless earbuds can include clones that are often nowhere near as good as the genuine article, but that's not necessarily the case here. The Anker Soundcore Life P3 are arguably better than the AirPods in the features that matter most: sound, battery, and price.Best overall: Anker Soundcore Life P3Everyone loves an underdog that can battle an established player, and that's exactly what Anker has with the Soundcore Life P3. Their larger drivers deliver a pretty bass-heavy sound signature by default, giving these earbuds an edgy and loud verve right out of the box. Plus, they have active noise cancelation (ANC) that works surprisingly well for budget buds like these.Unlike the AirPods, Anker supports its earbuds with an app that lets you customize controls and use EQ presets to ad...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#5S76Z)
Plex is the best way to manage and stream your local media collection, and the best part about the service is that you can access your media library remotely. Plex does a lot of things right; it catalogs your media, adds metadata and trailers, and gives you detailed statistics. The service itself is free to use, but there's a Plex Pass tier that unlocks a whole host of features, including live TV shows, DVR, the ability to download shows and movies on your phone, hardware transcoding, and a music player that's designed for lossless music.Plex Pass costs $4.99 a month, $39.99 annually, and there's a one-time option called the lifetime pass that goes for $120. For Black Friday, Plex is offering 25% off the lifetime pass with code LIFETIMEOFCOMFORT, bringing the cost down to $89. That's a fantastic deal for what is arguably one of the best media managers out there.Now, there's a workaround to get the price of the lifetime Plex Pass further down. Just switch the country when making the...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5S73S)
Garmin's Black Friday deals have begun, and the entire line of Garmin Instinct smartwatches are on sale ahead of the big day. Right now, the biggest discount we're seeing is a whopping 43% off Garmin's most well-rounded Instinct model. That's an incredible $130 off the normal price!Other great deals include $150 off the Garmin Instinct Solar GPS, which will keep its charge anytime you're outdoors, thanks to some brilliant built-in solar panels. On top of charging from the sun, the Garmin Instinct Solar can tell you exactly how intense the sun is at any given time, letting you know when it's time to put more sunscreen or sun-protective clothing on.No matter which Garmin Instinct you pick, you'll be getting a rugged smartwatch with built-in GPS that'll take you anywhere you want without worrying about battery life. In smartwatch mode, these watches will last an average of two weeks on a single charge, while the more intensive always-on GPS tracking modes will last a full hike and...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5S73T)
As we enter the second year of the Oculus Quest 2's life, we're expecting some seriously great deals for the hardware and accompanying accessories this Black Friday. Many companies have already begun to offer sales and discounts on their accessories, and newly refined designs ensure that the accessories you buy today will be a better experience than the ones you purchased this time last year. Here are the best Black Friday Oculus Quest deals to enhance your gaming experience.Jump to Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 dealsSee Oculus Quest 2 stockCasesController gripsFacial interface replacementsHead strapsCables, batteries, and docksHeadphonesUnlike some other consoles, Meta has been able to keep the Oculus Quest 2 in stock at most retailers without issue over the past year — even despite record-breaking sales for the headset. The new Quest 2 128GB SKU is the best value you'll find, as it's the same price as last year's 64GB SKU but with double the storage. Couple that w...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5S73V)
Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 successor is expected to be announced next week.What you need to knowQualcomm is turning Snapdragon into a cross-category technology brand.It is also coming up with a new "simplified" naming structure for its platforms. Snapdragon mobile platforms will transition to a single-digit series and generation number, starting with Qualcomm's next flagship Snapdragon 8-series chip.Earlier this month, Qualcomm revealed that its Snapdragon Tech Summit will kick off on November 30. Just a week before the event, the company has now announced that it is changing the naming scheme of its Snapdragon mobile platforms.Qualcomm believes that the new simplified naming scheme will "make it easier" for consumers to discover and choose Snapdragon-powered devices. Its mobile platforms will transition to a single-digit series and generation number starting with its next flagship 8-series platform. Until now, the chip was rumored to be called the Snapdragon 898.The nex...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#5S73W)
Sony is stepping it up in a big way for a new generation with PS5 VRJump to:Will the original PSVR work on the PS5?What is the PS5 VR?PriceRelease dateThe new controllersDisplay and lensesWired or wireless?Room scale trackingHeadset designEye-trackingFace-trackingNew types of gamesFrom brand new controller designs to higher-fidelity visuals, there's a lot to get excited about with PS5 VR. PlayStation VR on the PS4 has been a success story in some very real ways, and Sony plans to continue that trend on the PS5. With over 5 million units sold and a steady library of games, Sony proved that VR gaming could be successful as an add-on to an already successful console. Sony has confirmed that the PSVR 2 will be a PS5-exclusive release and will debut after 2021 with some exciting new technologies in tow.If you've ever played or owned an original PSVR, you'll know that, while it's a great overall experience, there are certainly some improvements that can be made. So...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5S73X)
The new feature aims to protect your privacy from Google and Facebook.What you need to knowDuckDuckGo has added a new app tracking protection capability on Android.However, the feature doesn't block trackers in a few apps that rely on tracking to function properly.The new feature is available in beta for now, and you can join the waitlist.Many of today's best Android phones lack a feature similar to Apple's App Tracking Transparency, which allows you to prevent third-party apps from tracking you online. DuckDuckGo, a privacy-focused browser, has added a new feature to address this flaw.The company has announced the availability of its new App Tracking Protection feature, which allows you to block trackers embedded in various Android apps. DuckDuckGo explained in a blog post that "trackers it identifies in other apps from third-party companies" will be prohibited from tracking your online activities.DuckDuckGo's tracking protection is currently in beta and works in the b...
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by Brendan Griffiths on (#5S713)
Black Friday PS5 SSD deals are in hot demand and we're seeing some of the lowest ever prices for them right now, so there's no need to wait. Users can finally upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with as Sony recently unlocked the expansion bay.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options in the ongoing Black Friday PS5 deals events can save you a lot of cash. This is an excellent turn of events as just a few weeks ago a lot of the best devices had sold out and we could only find scalper listings. That could all change going forwards, of course, so we wouldn't even wait for Black Friday at this point as there are some great PS5 SSDs on sale right now. Be prepared to pay quite a lot more if you want one with a pre-installed heatsink - pro tip, buy one separately for much less (links below). We're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 98...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5S714)
Jump to Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesWearablesTabletsChromebooksEarbudsIt has been a banner year for Samsung, between the camera prowess of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the more polished foldable experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3, and the launch of the first smartwatch with Wear OS 3, the Galaxy Watch 4. So whether you're looking for new earbuds or a great deal on one of the best Android phones, Black Friday always brings tremendous deals to every segment, and we're here to help you find the best one for you and your family members.While supply issues might make some smartphone deals more elusive than in previous years, there are a few perennial deals and plenty of bundles hoping to sweeten the pot this Black Friday. Tablets are another area we expect Samsung to offer bountiful discounts in, and Galaxy earbuds will drop from good prices down to "what the heck are you waiting for" territory before the turkey leftovers are demolished.Where to find ...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5S715)
Shopping for the best Black Friday Android smartwatch deals will produce a plethora of options. However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest smartwatch to hit the market, you won't want to miss out on these Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 deals.These wearables have only been out for a few months now, but Samsung is still offering $50 discounts on any model you choose for Black Friday. You can rest assured that these are some of the best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals you'll get your hands on this year.If you're not familiar with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or why it quickly became known as the best Android smartwatch you can buy, there's a lot to cover. There are two options to choose from: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic.The Galaxy Watch 4 is a lightweight aluminum smartwatch that comes in either a 40mm or 44mm case. The color options are Green, Black, Silver, and Pink Gold. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a premium stainless steel smartwatch that's available...
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