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Updated 2024-11-28 21:30
Operation: Tango, Star Wars Squadrons, and more free this month on PS Plus
One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting June 1. Enjoy the price of free until June 30, 2021.★Be stealthyOperation: Tango (PS5 Only)Operation: Tango is a cooperative spy adventure game, allowing players to challenge their friends or other online competitors to dangerous missions across the globe in high-tech adventures. Different skill sets are available, with players choosing between a Hacker or Agent and overcoming various challenges as you work together to come out on top.See at PlayStation★ Space dogfightingStar Wars: SquadronsStar Wars: Squadrons gives players the chance to dive into the cockpit of some of the most iconic ships in the Star Wars universe. Playing as alternating pilots in both The New...
Poll: Which weather app will you be relying on for Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is coming up, and the weather might be a little wonky for some.This weekend is Memorial Day in the U.S., so many people will be taking an extra day off. With most employees still working from home, many will take advantage of the holiday to enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, not everyone will experience great weather this weekend, which may put a literal damper on some plans. Here in sunny Seattle, we're expecting some clouds to roll in, which is typical but unfortunate after weeks of sunny weather. However, that's still nothing compared to what other parts of the U.S. may have to deal with.1:59am CDT #SPC Day3 Outlook Slight Risk: for southeast new mexico and southwest texas https://t.co/6oEffQUiK1 pic.twitter.com/8j9ZEVnx9Q— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) May 28, 2021Fortunately, we've already put together a list of the best Weather apps on Android to help you plan for your weekend. Google has also brought its cute Weather Frog to its smart home displa...
Android 12 is a sign that Google actually cares about the Pixel line
Whether you love the look or hate it, Material You is Google's way to make its Pixel phones stand out.We'll soon see a sixth year of Google building its own phones under the Pixel brand. Pixel 6 leaks and rumors look really interesting, and if even half of them turn out to be correct, we should see a heck of a phone when it comes to the market this fall. But hardware is only half the equation; if you're Google, it's even less than half.Google is and always has been a software company. Most of the services Google produces are applications and software that people love, even though there are plenty of other things about the company that we love a lot less. Google has been under fire lately over privacy issues, but it's worth remembering that Google has never hidden how it makes its money. We agreed to give our details away in exchange for services like Android, Google Photos, or Chrome because they really are that good.We'll talk more about privacy concerns and controversies in t...
Here's all the machines in Horizon Forbidden West (that we know of so far)
New areas to explore and new machines to discover.One of the biggest, most beautiful games revealed during Sony's PS5 showcase The Future of Gaming was Horizon Forbidden West. This ambitious sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is being developed by Guerrilla Games, who are using the Decima engine and the newfound power of the PS5 to great lengths. It will no doubt become one of the best PS5 games when it releases.The world of Horizon Forbidden West is one of mystery and one of the highlights is the different kinds of machines that roam, fly, or swim through the world. As Aloy travels into what was the Western USA, she's going to discover plentiful machines, both new types and returning forms. Here's the full list of machines in Horizon Forbidden West that we know so far.Horzion Forbidden West Machines:Machine ClassesBristlebacksClawstridersChargersShellsnappersSnapmawsSunwingsTremortusksUnidentifiedMachine classesIn the original Horizon Zero Dawn game, machines were...
OPPO Watch 2 tipped to feature the Snapdragon Wear 4100, may run Wear OS
Nearly a year later, we might finally get a second Wear OS watch with the Snapdragon Wear 4100.What you need to knowThe OPPO Watch 2 is rumored to come equipped with the Snapdragon Wear 4100.The only smartwatch to feature the latest Qualcomm chip is the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS.OPPO's upcoming smartwatch is said to retain the square design of the original.Rumors of the OPPO Watch 2 have begun to crop up and suggest that the upcoming smartwatch may feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset.The information leaked online details the rumored smartwatch, showing references in the firmware to the chipset called "msm8937_32go." According to XDA-Developers, it closely matches the SoC reference found in the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS, which is the only smartwatch to date to feature the chipset. Interestingly, the OPPO Watch 2 would be the first smartwatch with the slightly improved 4100+.Additional information includes the fact that the smartwatch will launch in 42mm and 46mm ...
WhatsApp says it won't limit app functions if you don't accept new policy
WhatsApp's new policy change isn't going well.Update, May 28 (5:30 p.m. ET): WhatsApp appears to change course for all usersWhat you need to knowThe Indian government has asked WhatsApp to withdraw its controversial privacy policy.WhatsApp has not complied but has stated that it will not limit access to users that haven't accepted the new policy.WhatsApp will continue to remind users about the new policy, even though "the majority of users ... have accepted them."WhatsApp has stated that it won't limit user accounts in India for not accepting the privacy policy. The company made the statement (via LiveMint) in response to the Indian government's request to halt its controversial privacy policy for violating India's laws.A WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement that the company is complying with the letter from the Indian government over the new policy while also reiterating that the update doesn't affect personal messages. "Its purpose is to provide additional inform...
Fitbit will reportedly start calling out your snoring habit
But you can still blame it on your partner.What you need to knowFitbit is reportedly working on snore and noise detection.The feature will use on-device mics to analyze ambient noise and snore-specific sounds.Users may also be given a "sleep animal" based on how well they sleep.Fitbit already offers fairly thorough sleep detection, but the company is reportedly working on a new feature that will analyze house noisy your environment is while you sleep.9to5Google dug into the Fitbit app and spotted Snore & Noise Detect, which would use on-device microphones to detect and analyze sounds while the user is sleeping. It is apparently able to discern between ambient background noise and a person snoring, although it may not be able to tell who is snoring.The app will then tell the user how frequently they snore while they sleep and how loud the environment was. This could help users who have trouble getting a good night's rest to better discern ways to improve their sleep....
Do you get 5G with Mint Mobile?
Best answer: Yes, Mint Mobile customers are now able to use the T-Mobile 5G network the same way they would use LTE. No special plans or fees are required and customers just need a 5G capable phone.Thank the New T-Mobile network for 5G on Mint MobileDoes Mint Mobile support 5G? Mint Mobile is based on the T-Mobile network and previously only used the LTE network for its phones. Today, Mint Mobile supports 5G on all of its plans at no additional cost. 5G works on any T-Mobile-compatible 5G phone, so if you have an unlocked Galaxy S20 5G, you can get connected on Mint Mobile. Currently, Mint Mobile sells a handful of 5G capable phones directly and several of the best phones to use with Mint Mobile support 5G. Mint Mobile's 5G network works the same way as the T-Mobile network, with the majority of coverage coming from T-Mobile's expansive low-band 600MHz deployment. This low-end network doesn't offer speeds too different from LTE but given its great coverage, it's a solid start...
AC Podcast 527: New Qualcomm chips; Arm v9; Fuchsia; New Chromebooks
The AC gang kick off the Holiday weekend in the United States with everything we know so far about Qualcomm's new Snapdragon processors and Arm v9 mobile architecture. They also talk about a revision to USB-C and Power Delivery that adds 240W charging.Additionally, Fuchsia OS finally goes public, Amazon buys MGM for a whole lot of cookies, and introduces a new range of Chromebooks.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is here to make your Zoom calls more tolerable | Android CentralQualcomm's new Snapdragon 778G is a mid-range 'gaming' chip with truly global 5G | Android CentralArm announces the new v9 mobile architecture: Cortex-X2, Cortex-A710, and Cortex-A510 | Android CentralUSB-C and Power Delivery revisions add 240W Extended Power Range support | Android CentralGoogle's mysterious Fuchsia OS is finally going public with a big Nest Hub update | Androi...
These are the best QHD monitors that you can get right now
While large 4K monitors offer top-notch visuals, a QHD 1440p monitor is more than enough for most people. A QHD monitor is the way to go for gaming and productivity; they are cost-effective and support better frame rates while maintaining great image quality. The best QHD monitor that you can buy right now is the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ1A monitor. Sporting an IPS LCD panel that supports a whopping 170Hz refresh rate, it has HDR10, built-in speakers, plenty of ports, and a lot more.Best overall: ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ1AThe world of monitors is filled with excellent options. In the QHD sector, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ1A is the absolute best option. This 27-inch monitor has a host of amazing features, including an IPS LCD panel with LED backlights, HDR10, and a 130% sRGB color gamut, producing bright, lively, and dynamic visuals. The monitor supports refresh rates going up to 170Hz, making for silky smooth transitions. For gaming, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ1A monitor supports NVI...
Leaked promo video of the Sony WF-1000XM4 reveals a ton of features
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds have something to prove.Update, May 28 (3:10 p.m. ET): Leaked video shows the earbuds in actionWhat you need to knowMore details about the upcoming Sony WF-1000XM4 have emerged.The earbuds will reportedly feature up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on, 36 hours without ANC.LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, and Precise Voice Pickup will be supported.The Sony WF-1000XM4 are rumored to retail in Europe "soon" for €280.The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are expected to launch soon, and more details of the successor to one to the best wireless earbuds have just been revealed.According to WinFuture, the upcoming Sony earbuds will feature a whopping 24 hours of total battery life with ANC turned on. That's eight hours per charge from the case, extending to 12 with ANC turned off and a total of 36 hours.Those numbers are quite a bit higher than the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, which feature fantastic battery life but only manages up to a total of 24 hours. ...
Best OnePlus Deals for May 2021: $300 off OnePlus 8 Pro and more
Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are everywhere, but it's a bit more difficult to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. There are plenty of current OnePlus models to choose from, and whether you want a OnePlus 9, the OnePlus 8 Pro, or one of the more affordable OnePlus Nord devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus 9 devices: free Buds Z earphonesOnePlus Nord devices: free case or screen protectorOnePlus 8 devices: up to $300 offWhich to buy?All of the deals below vary in nature, so while some allow you to buy the unlocked phone with a single purchase today, others require a monthly payment plan; these plans are attached to carriers which usually require you to add a line of service or buy a second device to score the savings. Be sure to read the details of the deal you choose carefully as each offer is different.With so many different OnePlus models out there, you may not see ...
Is it worth the extra cost to buy Samsung's Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE?
Best answer: Most people should buy the standard Bluetooth model of the Galaxy Watch 3. It's less expensive upfront and doesn't require an ongoing service with your carrier. Aside from streaming music and receiving calls independent of your phone, it does everything that the LTE model does — and has better battery life.It's about more than the up-front price differenceThe Galaxy Watch 3 is not a cheap device, starting at $339 for the 41mm Bluetooth model, but is the Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE worth it? The LTE models get an obvious price mark-up — that's whether you buy directly from Samsung or buy from a carrier like T-Mobile. While the cost to add LTE has come down some over previous Galaxy Watch models, you'll still be looking at about a $50 upcharge.On a percentage basis, paying that much extra is annoying for a watch that is otherwise the same. But really, that upfront cost is inconsequential; what you really need to keep in mind is the ongoing cost of that LTE connection...
The leaked Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 look very familiar and that's a good thing
The Galaxy Buds 2 design hints at where Samsung plans to position them.What you need to knowThe first images of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have emerged from FCC documents.Images show a design that's strikingly similar to the Galaxy Buds Pro.The Galaxy Buds 2 are expected to launch later this year along with a bevy of new Samsung products.Images of Samsung's next earbuds have leaked for the first time thanks to an FCC document spotted by AllAboutSamsung. The images unveil a design that looks smaller and sleeker than Samsung's earlier models.These new earbuds appear to adopt a similar design as the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, which are currently some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. It's expected that these will be aimed positioned as a successor to the original Galaxy Buds launched in 2019. This would likely position them at a lower price point than the flagship Buds Pro, offering a more stylish option for users that don't want to break the bank for a good audio exp...
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the future, protect it with a quality case
With its high price tag and nearly all-glass construction, you're going to want to get one of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 cases around. Even with its unique form factor and build, there are still some ways to add some protection to your device. Here are the best cases available right now.Best of both worldsSpigen Ultra HybridStaff PickThe Spigen Ultra Hybrid case brings two fantastic features together. It provides all-around protection without being too thick. The case offers great protection for your phone's front and back by utilizing a dual-layer system with a hard outer shell surrounding a shock-absorbing TPU inner layer. There are also raised bezels that help to keep the screen and camera up off of surfaces.$40 at AmazonLuxury on luxurySamsung Leather CaseThe Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a device with a luxurious price tag and feel, so it should have a case that matches it in every way. Made from high-quality genuine leather, this cover offers an unmatched f...
What is the best 5G network in 2021?
The best 5G network will have a good balance of speed and coverage with room to grow and added capacity as 5G adoption increases. 5G connectivity is now available to hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. thanks to improved support from phone makers and sub-6 5G networks. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all now offer 5G coverage with sub-6 and mmWave. While AT&T and Verizon anxiously await the release of their expensive C-band spectrum, T-Mobile has the best overall 5G network thanks to its wide sub-6 at both 600MHz and 2.5GHz coverage with room to grow with mmWave and C-band spectrum in the coming years.Best overall: T-MobileT-Mobile's 5G network covers millions of people in the U.S., and if you live in an urban or suburban area, there's a good chance you have coverage. This is mostly thanks to T-Mobile's low-band 600Mhz spectrum, which offers excellent coverage and speeds comparable to fast LTE. T-Mobile is also continuing to improve its 5G network with Sprint's mid-b...
Genshin Impact's Midsummer Island Adventure brings a ton of new content
There's a lot of new content headed toward Genshin Impact very soon.What you need to knowGenshin Impact's Midsummer Island Adventure introduces a new 5-star character.A new monster, event wish, and Archon Quest are also coming.The Archon Quest centers around the new character trying to get to Inazuma.Genshin Impact Version 1.6 is on its way, bringing with it a new 5-star character, new monsters, and an Archon Quest that hints we could be going to Inazuma, a brand-new region. The popular free-to-play title only keeps getting better and better as developer miHoYo continues to add content.Midsummer Island Adventure looks like a whole lot of fun. There's Kaedehara Kazuha, a new character hailing from Inazuma, who plays a central role in the upcoming Archon Quest that sees your character attempt to journey into the previously closed off region. The new monster, Maguu Kenki, is a mechanical humanoid that wields a razer-sharp blade like a samurai.Genshin Impact is one of t...
Mint Mobile Deals, Coupons and Promo Codes
Looking to save even more money on Mint Mobile? Here are the current deals and promo codes to help!Finding a Mint Mobile deal or Mint Mobile coupon has never really been a hard task. The MVNO carrier loves to have some fun with promotions, and we like to keep track of them. There are quite a few options when it comes to carriers for your smartphone, and odds are you're shopping around for the best deal. Postpaid plans are a good option for some, but prepaid plans get you the lowest price, as long as you're willing to put your money down first.Mint Mobile is an alternative carrier that uses T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network to bring you great coverage at an even more affordable price. In the past, going prepaid with an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) often meant that you sacrificed a lot when it came to your plan, but that isn't the case anymore. With Mint Mobile you can pick data allotments of 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or even go unlimited depending on your usage habits, and all of ...
These are the best shower speakers you can buy
Stop belting out your favorite tunes in the shower a cappella. These shower speakers are reliably water-resistant to take in the bath or on a trip to the beach, with enough oomph to cut through flowing water for a clear melody. Choose between versatile speakers with built-in speakerphones and voice assistants, lightweight speaker balls that can float in the bathtub, or powerhouses like the JBL Charge 5 with long-lasting battery life and beautifully rich sound.Best overall: JBL Charge 5JBL makes some of the most robust-sounding, weatherproof Bluetooth speakers on the market. We're fans of all things JBL, including their newest speaker, the Charge 5. They're a tad pricey, but if you're looking for a capable sound system that can physically handle being inside the shower with you and you have the budget for it, JBL's Charge 5 is the single best shower speaker on the market today.With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Charge 5 can power your party in the rain, sit poolside or beachs...
Google's cute Weather Frog finally arrives on Nest Hub devices
Until now, the Weather Frog was only available on Lenovo smart displays.What you need to knowGoogle's Weather Frog has started rolling out to the first-gen Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max.You can access the new Weather Frog backfround option from the Home companion app.It had started rolling out to Lenovo smart displays in February this year. Google's Nest Hub devices received a major update in February this year with sunrise alarms, family sticky notes, and a bunch of other features. The update also introduced a new Weather Frog wallpaper, which, surprisingly, was limited to Lenovo smart displays initially. Nearly three months later, Google's Weather Frog has finally become widely available on the first-generation Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max (via 9to5Google).If you have a Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max, you can now enable the Weather Frog background using the Home companion app. You will have to head over to device settings > Photo Frame > Experimental to find it. Alternatively,...
Dating apps try to convince you to get vaccinated, but it might not work
The White House is using popular dating apps like Tinder and OkCupid in its social experiment to encourage more vaccinations.While much of the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government is trying to convince more people to get vaccinated through a new, yet fairly unusual, initiative between the White House and several different dating apps. Dating apps will now introduce profile badges to indicate whether or not someone has been vaccinated. But there are some doubts that the effort will actually work well in an effort to encourage vaccinations in the country.Each app will attempt to sweeten the pot by including special perks for vaccinated users, like free credits, boosts, or "Super Likes." Andy Slavitt, the Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said in a press briefing last week that it's a way "to reach young people where they are in the effort to get them vaccinated." "...meet people who have that universally att...
Protect your investment with these Galaxy S10 screen protectors
The Galaxy S10 has a great, big, beautiful screen with some fancy tricks inside — like that fancy ultrasonic fingerprint sensor — but those tricks make buying a screen protector all the more important and all the more difficult. See, that in-screen fingerprint sensor can't tolerate any air bubbles or gaps between the screen and the screen protector. Your best bets are plastic film protectors or the Whitestone Dome Glass. Here are the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors. Don't forget to check out the best Galaxy S10 cases as well.Has it allZAGG InvisibleShield VisionguardStaff PickZAGG offers everything with its InvisibleShield screen protector, including impact and scratch protection, a built-in blue light filter, and a smudge-resistant coating.$27 at Amazon $45 at Best BuyThe power of UVWhitestone Dome Glass for Galaxy S10Hands down, the Whitestone screen protector is one of the best around. It has an in-depth installation, but the result is nothing short of am...
Mobile gaming accessories are having a moment, but who's paying attention?
There are a lot of great mobile games and services these days, and a lot of them might appeal to people who don't typically game on their phones. But playing on a touchscreen with cluttered or unresponsive touch controls can sour the experience, especially of more complex titles.However, I remember before the pandemic, walking to Starbucks and seeing a group of six teenagers sitting around a table playing Call of Duty Mobile. You wouldn't think a game as graphically complex as Call of Duty would work on mobile, let alone be popular, but these boys are a small percentage of the over 300 million players that reportedly downloaded the game as of October 2020. Whether you like it or not, mobile gaming is on the rise, and so are the accessories that make playing them that much easier, like Bluetooth controllers, phone clips, and devices like the Razer Kishi that turn your phone into a handheld gaming console.Why is mobile gaming so popular now?There are multiple reasons why mobile...
Your Chromebook may soon gain a useful new 'Always-on VPN' feature
The "Always-on VPN" feature is expected to make its way to Chrome OS sometime in the coming weeks.What you need to knowGoogle will soon make it a lot easier to use a VPN on Chromebooks.An upcoming Chrome OS feature will allow users to stay connected to a VPN service all the time. You can try out the "Always-on VPN" feature right now if you are running the latest Dev or Canary channel build on your Chromebook. Using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your privacy on the internet. While nearly all the best VPN services work with Chromebooks, Chrome OS doesn't allow you to stay connected to a VPN all the time. Fortunately, it looks like Google will soon make it much easier to use a VPN on the best Chromebooks.The folks at Android Police have spotted a code in Gerrit that adds a new "Always-on VPN" feature to Chrome OS. While the feature could take a few weeks to hit the stable channel, you can enable it right now if your Chromebook is on the latest Chrome OS Dev or Can...
Save on electronics this Memorial Day with Best Buy's weekend sales event
What sort of technology do you need right now? New earbuds? A smartphone? Maybe a whole new living room entertainment center? If you've been contimplating some big purchases recently, Memorial Day weekend is the time to shop. Best Buy is busting out all the deals for this Memorial Day weekend sale going on now through Monday, May 31. You're going to find a ton of savings on dozens of electronics. Look through the featured deals at the top that includes things like $300 off OLED TVs or $100 off Surface Laptop Go computers. Then check out the rest of the sales in just about every category Best Buy has to offer from video games to camera gear.One of the featured deals includes the Jabra Elite Active 75t true wireless earbuds on sale for $149.99. That's a very solid $30 discount on a pair of earbuds that have not gone on sale much recently outside of refurb deals. They are very good earbuds, too, and are built for gym-goers, runners, and more active people. The earbuds are IP57 rated f...
Here's every DualSense controller available today
PlayStation introduced dozens of DualShock 4 colors over the years, and it will likely do the same with the PS5 DualSense. Right now, you can only purchase the DualSense in either white, Cosmic Red, or Midnight Black. We'll continually update this list as more color options become available. Keep an eye out for special console bundles as those sometimes have their own unique controller designs, but until then, here's every color DualSense controller you can buy today.From the cosmosCosmic RedStaff PickOne of the first colorful DualSense options, Cosmic Red, is vibrant and visually appealing. Sony says that it features a subtle blue hue to create a unique shade of red for the controller. It looks especially striking with the blue light bar lit up around the touchpad. Overall, it looks amazing.$70 at Best Buy $70 at TargetPretty plainWhiteThe standard white DualSense controller was released alongside the PS5 console in November 2020. There's nothing exciting...
Sixit for Android is a fascinating, fun, free-to-play roguelite
If it ain't broke, don't six it.Sixit describes itself as "a cute narrative puzzle game," and I'm not too proud to admit that the adorable graphics are what made me choose to pick it up. Featuring adorable animal and plant-based characters in a lovely forest village, Sixit places you in the shoes of Pep, who might be a raccoon or something — you're never really sure.Pep's village is in terrible danger from a sentient storm that seeks to destroy everything in its path. Years ago, the storm was defeated by your village's guardian dragon, Mitera, but the battle greatly taxed her and she's been sleeping ever since. Now the storm has reared its ugly head once again and you, as Pep, must collect six legendary artifacts to try and wake her back up and save your village from certain doom. This is definitely one of the better free games you can play on Android right now and it's probably also one of the best new Android games of 2021 so far.The story is excellent in its own right,...
Tresorit is the end-to-end encryption service that you need
Enter below before June 6th for your chance to win a Tresorit Solo Annual Plan plus 25% off any renewal or upgrade costs. Details at the bottom of the page.It's no secret that the past year has been quite the crazy one, with more people turning a small corner of their home into an office. Gone are the days where everyone had to huddle in cubicles to get their work done, but creates new privacy concerns with employees using home Wi-Fi networks. That's where a service like Tresorit comes in, providing the end-to-end encryption of those important files, regardless of whether you're in the office or at home.With more people working from home, this opens the door for potential security issues as your home network is likely not as secure as the one at the office. Companies outfit their offices with ultra-fast internet, along with some sort of VPN to try and deter any hackers or malicious parties attempting to gain access.But with the move to the home office, you likely don't have the...
Here are the best bands for Fitbit Ace 3 in 2021
The Fitbit Ace 3 is the brand's latest activity and sleep tracker for kids. And while you might be holding out for the upcoming Minions-themed bands, there are plenty of other swappable bands you can get for the device beyond the standard blue/astro green and black/sport red band that it comes with. As the best fitness tracker for kids, the Fitbit Ace 3 certainly does everything you'd want an activity and sleep tracker to do, without any extra distractions. But with the best bands for Fitbit Ace 3, you can make sure it fits with your child's personal style, too.Like the originalTopPerfekt BandsStaff PickA pretty decent replica of the original band that the kids' tracker comes with, these soft silicone waterproof sport straps come in 10 different colors, so chances are you'll be able to find the child's favorite. Parents with wee ones who love to gnaw on things will also appreciate that they're made of 100% BPA-free food-grade TPE. Some kids might also find the silicone buck...
There's not much reader consensus about the Google Photos storage changes
Everyone seems to have their own solution to the Google Photos storage changes.What you need to knowAndroid Central readers recently responded to a poll asking them what they planned to do when Google ends unlimited uploads to Google Photos next week.The responses were almost perfectly equally divided among the choices offered, but the most popular response was to switch services.Even though it was left off as a question, many respondents wrote in to tell us they're sticking with Google Photos regardless.Here in the U.S., we're eagerly anticipating a three-day weekend as we celebrate Memorial Day, but as we all head back to work next Tuesday, we've got a somewhat unpleasant deadline to look forward to. That is the day — June 1st — that all subsequent photos backed up to Google Photos will start counting against our Google account storage limits.Earlier this week, we asked our readers what they planned to do with their pictures moving forward, and we've included the ...
Here's why Google is updating the first-generation Nest Hub to Fuchsia
Fuchsia is ready to power Internet of Things appliances but seeing it on your phone is probably still a ways off.If you're enrolled in the preview program for your original Google Nest Hub you will soon get an update to the software that runs it. You won't realize that the current Cast OS software has been upgraded to Google's Fuchsia, but it is going to happen all the same. Google's own FuchsiaOS technical lead sheds any doubt after 9to5Google initially reported the switch.You don't ship a new operating system every day, but today is that day.— Petr Hosek (@petrh) May 25, 2021At first, this idea sounds like a letdown. The collective mind of the internet seemed sure that Fuchsia was the replacement for Android or part of a larger merging of Android and Chrome to power all things Google. This was an easy trap to fall into because it was a lot more interesting than Fuchsia being an RTOS for something mundane like the software that powers a car, or built for automation, or eve...
Xiaomi, OPPO, & Vivo could soon launch new foldables to challenge Samsung
Xiaomi's upcoming foldable is rumored to be significantly more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.What you need to knowA new report suggests at least five new foldable phones will launch in Q3 2021.Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 at an Unpacked event in July. Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are also tipped to launch new foldable phones in the next quarter. Samsung will not be the only smartphone maker to launch new foldables in the third quarter of the year, according to a report from DigiTimes. Citing industry sources, the report claims Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo also plan to launch new foldables in the next quarter to challenge Samsung's best foldable phones.Xiaomi, which announced its first foldable phone in March, is reportedly planning to launch a more affordable device to challenge Samsung. Per the report, the company's next foldable phone will be priced lower than the Mi Mix Fold's launch price of 9,999 yuan ($1,570).OPPO and Vivo are al...
Build your own Kodi media server using a Raspberry Pi
If you've ever wondered how to install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi, the answer is a bit more complicated than just following a few steps. Why? Let us explain in this guide.Kodi is the continuation of XBMC, a free and open-source application that is a great media player and a complete replacement for any other media-centric software. It's not a streaming server or DVR. It's the software you use to watch video content and listen to music through any screen with an HDMI connection.Because it's open-source, Kodi runs on just about every platform known to man — Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and a gazillion different flavors of BSD and Linux.Several operating system platforms also work really well on the Raspberry Pi. A marriage of the two makes for a cheap media center that's easy to set up and has all the features you'll find on expensive alternatives. It's a DIY project that anyone can do, and the results are incredible.Before getting startedAs with any DIY project, you'll need...
Review: Beat Saber's first Mixtape DLC will take you back a decade or two
Don't go chasing waterfalls...unless you're really bored of the beats and tracks you're used to.Beat Saber music packs are a rather eclectic mix of music types. While the original soundtracks (OST) and some of the DLC packs tend to sport a heavy electronic sound with intense tempos, much of the rest of the DLC packs change things up in substantial ways. In the case of the new Interscope Mixtape DLC — the first mixtape style pack, as Beat Games pointed out — features as wide a variety of music styles as there are music packs available for the game.While all of these new tracks have very different sounds, tempos, and beats, all of them have one thing in common: they're all from Interscope Records. Hence, the name of the DLC itself. You might have grown up with some of these songs hitting the top 40 charts on the radio, while others made their debut in the past handful of years. As is always the case with any Beat Saber song, you'll want to make sure you've got the best Beat Sab...
OPPO's new Reno 6 Pro+ is a OnePlus 9R challenger with a 'pro-grade' camera
The Reno 6 Pro+ is OPPO's first Snapdragon 870-powered phone.What you need to knowOPPO has introduced three new additions to its Reno smartphone series.All three new Reno 6 series phones offer 5G connectivity and support 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 charging. The Reno 6 series is expected to make its global debut in July. OPPO has refreshed its Reno series with the launch of three new Reno 6 phones. The Reno 6 Pro+ is the company's answer to the OnePlus 9R and POCO F3, which are two of the best Android phones in the value flagship segment right now.The phone sports a 6.55-inch curved AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 processor, which has been coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.Around the back of the Reno 6 Pro+ is a quad-camera array with the same 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor as the Find X3 Pro. It is joined by a 16MP ultra-wide lens, a 13MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom,...
OnePlus Nord CE 5G is launching with Snapdragon 750G, 64MP camera
The Nord CE is debuting on June 10, and it will be powered by the Snapdragon 750G.OnePlus was scheduled to launch a device in the Nord series shortly after the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, and earlier this week, the company confirmed that the device will be called the Nord CE 5G. It will make its global debut in India on June 10, and while OnePlus didn't reveal any hardware details, I can fill in a few blanks.OnePlus Nord CE specsAccording to my insider sources, the OnePlus Nord CE will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 750G. We've already seen several devices powered by the mid-range chipset — notably the Galaxy A52 5G and Xiaomi Mi 10i — and the Nord CE 5G will join that list.I can also reveal that the Nord CE 5G will feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate — just like the first-gen Nord. With the Nord N10 and N100 switching to LCD panels, it's good to see the CE retaining an AMOLED screen.The device will offer a 64MP lens at the back that's joined by tw...
Free VPN vs. Paid VPN: Which is best for you?
A free VPN, or virtual private network, is a wonderful thing — as many things that are free tend to be. But, as is also often the case, you get what you pay for and a paid VPN is often better. That said, it all depends on what you need. So which is the best VPN for you, free or paid?The price difference between these two options is clearly big, going from totally free to the average monthly price of a VPN which is about $10. But subscribe for longer and you save money that way.The downside of going for a free option — and one of the main differences between the two — is the amount of data you can use. A free service will have a limit on your data usage in most cases, be it daily or monthly. Once you've gone over that data limit you will no longer be able to use the VPN. There is one unlimited service, but there are other limits, more on that below.So a free VPN is a great option for those that want it for limited use — perhaps to check a map or certain website while abroa...
These are the AT&T phones that will still work after the 3G shutdown
AT&T thought it would be easier to list the phones that will work after the 3G shutdown. It was wrong.What you need to knowAT&T has published a list of smartphones that will continue to work after it shuts down its 3G network.The company also lets users easily check if their device will be affected.AT&T has scheduled its 3G shutdown for February 2022.Carriers are moving away from 3G and AT&T is among them. Many people are potentially worried about how the shutdown may affect their phones, so AT&T published an exhaustive list of devices that will still work when the network goes dark. This is just the first of seven pages of smartpones.As expected, the list includes many of the best Android phones sold today, all separated by manufacturer. The Apple list is pretty small; iPhone 6 and up will remain good to go. Somewhat surprisingly, the Microsoft Lumia 950 is on the list, which means fans of the now-dead Windows Phone can continue on if they so choose...
Twitter's rumored subscription service will let you customize app colors
Twitter 'Blue' will set you back just $3 a month.Update, May 27 (8:00 p.m. ET): Twitter Blue to feature color themes and reading modeWhat you need to knowThe first details of Twitter subscription plans emerged this weekend.It'll be called Twitter Blue and set you back at least $3 a month.Features will include little tools like 'undo tweet' and bookmark collections.Twitter's subscription service has just been named. According to social media sleuth and security researcher Jane Manchun Wong, the service has been tentatively dubbed "Twitter Blue" and will cost $2.99 per month.With Twitter Blue, the company reportedly plans to offer a package of convenience features. The features aren't something you'll miss if you already have Twitter, but they'll also be incredibly nice to have.First, there's 'undo tweets.' Much like Gmail's 'undo send,' it allows you to undo a tweet and unsend it within a customizable window of time. You don't need to pay for this; Twitter's delete but...
Google Messages preps a 'new' feature it should've already had
Google Messages may not be on the same level as iMessage, but Google is slowly trying to change that.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly adding the ability to pin conversation in the app.For now, users can only pin three messages to the top of their list, but the number could change.Apple has a similar feature in iMessage, which lets users pin contacts to the top of their conversations list.Google has slowly been working towards making Google Messages a better option for texting, and the latest look into the app shows a useful feature that may arrive soon. Pinning conversations isn't a new concept since many of the best messaging apps can do it but may finally arrive on Google Messages.XDA Developers spotted the new feature in the latest update to the app and even managed to get it to work. At the moment, the app seems to only allow up to three conversations to be pinned, but it's possible that number could change. In the screenshots below, you can see the pin optio...
DraftKings is coming to Boost Mobile with exclusive contests and credits
What you need to knowBoost Mobile customers will be able to sign up for exclusive DraftKings contests where it is legal to do so.Boost is offering new customers a free $50 Sportsbook bet to new users placing their first bets.This integration starts with an NBA Finals contest on June 11 and end at the start of the Finals.Boost Mobile announced a partnership with DraftKings to bring exclusive contests to Boost Mobile customers. Boost Mobile's owner DISH partnered with DraftKings in early March 2021 to bring betting to its Hopper TV platform. Boost Mobile customers will be able to sign up for exclusive contests starting with a $100,000 NBA Finals contest with users guessing the total number of points scored throughout the series. This contest starts on June 11 and ends at the start of the Finals on July 8.Speaking to CNET executive vice president of Boost Mobile, Stephen Stokols said: "We try to go where the big carriers are too conservative to go. I don't think you'll see...
Horizon Forbidden West gameplay looks gorgeous as Aloy battles new beasts
Taking everything we loved from Horizon Zero Dawn and somehow making it better.What you need to knowA new State of Play debuted gameplay footage from Horizon Forbidden West running on PS5.In the gameplay, we saw Aloy save her friend Erend from a band of rival raiders, showcasing new weapons and traversal options.Horizon Forbidden West is expected to launch on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.Just a couple of weeks before E3, Sony's latest State of Play showcased Horizon Forbidden West gameplay on PS5. If you thought Horizon Zero Dawn looked good, you're about to be blown away by what Forbidden West has in-store. Developer Guerrilla Games has been teasing the game all day and revealed some new machines and locations fans can look forward to.The trailer showcased a band of raiders and several machines that gave chase to Aloy. Eventually she made she way underwater and swam to a seemingly safe area before a gigantic mechanical beast resembling a mammoth, called a Tremortusk, ...
These are the best cheap tablets that won't break the bank
There are a lot of cheap tablets out there, but only a few are worthy of being called the best cheap Android tablets. The Android tablet market, on the whole, is a bit of a mess once you look outside of Amazon or Samsung, but there are some solid and viable options if you want to spend less than $300. We've rounded up some of our favorites, and while they vary in features and uses, all of the best cheap Android tablets are worthy of claiming the title of being your next couch tablet.Best cheap Android tablet overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7It's no surprise that Samsung offers the best cheap Android tablet, as the company provides options for every corner of the Android market. Even with newer tablets like the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, the Galaxy Tab A7 is no slouch and includes many features you will want.Starting off with the design, this is a slim aluminum slab with glass on the front, which makes for quite a gorgeous form factor. With the Galaxy Tab A7, Samsung made the decisio...
The Sony WF-1000XM4 battery life could put the Galaxy Buds Pro to shame
The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds have something to prove.What you need to knowMore details about the upcoming Sony WF-1000XM4 have emerged.The earbuds will reportedly feature up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on, 36 hours without ANC.LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, and Precise Voice Pickup will be supported.The Sony WF-1000XM4 are rumored to retail in Europe "soon" for €280.The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are expected to launch soon, and more details of the successor to one to the best wireless earbuds have just been revealed.According to WinFuture, the upcoming Sony earbuds will feature a whopping 24 hours of total battery life with ANC turned on. That's eight hours per charge from the case, extending to 12 with ANC turned off and a total of 36 hours.Those numbers are quite a bit higher than the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, which feature fantastic battery life but only manages up to a total of 24 hours. It's also notably higher than the five and eight respective hours provide...
Yakuza 0 and more come to Luna+ this June
The Luna library continues to grow.What you need to knowLuna+ adds three new titles to its subscription service: Yakuza 0, The Falconeer, and Killer Queen Black.Amazon Luna is currently in beta, and you must request an invitation to check out the service.Luna+ costs $5.99 a month.The fledgling cloud-based gaming platform, Amazon Luna, just added a trio of games to its growing library. Yakuza 0, The Falconeer, and Killer Queen Black will join the service this June.All three games are worth getting excited about: Yakuza 0 is the origin of the Yakuza series and a mature action-adventure that has players navigate the glitz and grime of crime in Japan during the 80s as Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima. The Falconeer is an open-world air combat game where you pilot a giant bird in high-stakes fantasy battles, and Killer Queen Black is an online multiplayer version of the popular team-based arcade game.This announcement comes hot on the tail of today's Sonic Central presentation, ...
Looking for alternatives to Nest Wifi? Here are the best options.
Whether you're leery of Google's data collection practices, fed up with Nest Wifi's lack of advanced functionality, or simply browsing the market for something better, we've rounded up some of the best alternatives to Nest Wifi. Check them out below — there should be something for everyone!Best overallEero 6 3-packStaff PickEero 6 is a replacement for the standard Eero taking wireless speeds up to AX1800 with a supported Wi-Fi 6 device. This also means the link between Eeros is stronger which, according to Eero, makes an Eero 6 mesh suitable for internet connections up to 500Mbps. Eero also has one of the best setup and management apps around with frequent security updates and amazing compatibility with older nodes.$280 at Dell$279 at Amazon$279 at Best BuyPremium and powerfulNetgear Orbi RBK752Netgear has been in the home networking game for a long time, and it shows. With Wi-Fi 6 support and a fast AX4200 tri-band connection, this system should be ab...
Keep your Pixel 3 XL safe and stylish with these cases
Whether you have had your Google Pixel 3 XL for years or just managed to pick one up today, you should really grab yourself one of the best Pixel 3 XL cases (or three) to keep your phone safe when you're out in the big, cruel world — or when you're bumbling around your apartment at 2 a.m. like a half-blind, half-asleep idiot. Whatever the scenario, protect your phone and show off your style with one of the best Pixel 3 XL cases that are offer style and durability.Ruggedly handsomeSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff Pick$12 at AmazonSpigen's Rugged Armor has been one of our go-to cases for years: it feels great in hand and protects your phone as well as many dual-layer cases would.The X factorRingke Fusion-X$12 at AmazonFrom $12 at WalmartThis big brother of the Fusion features a beefier bumper and reinforced corners for extra protection, and the translucent red version is so lovely.Armored protectionSUPCASE Full-Body Rugged Holster Case Unicorn Beetle Pro Series...
The OnePlus Nord N200 gets teased, could be the company's cheapest 5G phone
The OnePlus Nord N100 was overshadowed by its 5G-touting counterpart, but that could change this time around.What you need to knowOnePlus has teased the launch of its next budget 5G smartphone.The OnePlus Nord N200 will feature 5G connectivity, something that was missing on its predecessor.OnePlus says to "stay tuned" for more information on the launch date.OnePlus teased the launch of the latest Nord N smartphone for the U.S. The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is expected to be the company's most affordable 5G smartphone, following after the budget OnePlus Nord N100.OnePlus CEO Pete Lau did not divulge any details about the device, only that the company "is committed to making the 5G experience more accessible than ever." The current OnePlus Nord N100 sits under the OnePlus Nord N10 5G and is currently the company's cheapest model, although it does not feature 5G connectivity. Assuming OnePlus doesn't jack up the price much, its successor could become one of the best Android phone...
Keep your Oculus Quest controllers going strong with these batteries
The Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 ship with one disposable AA battery each, but once those run out of juice, you should invest in the best Oculus Quest 2 replacement batteries to fill in for them. While the Touch Controllers last longer than the headset's limited battery, they still use enough energy that you'll need to invest in some rechargeable batteries or a stack of disposable batteries to stop your VR sessions from getting disrupted. Here are the batteries and chargers we recommend for your Oculus Touch controllers.Best rechargable batteries + chargerPanasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA 3 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA eneloop Rechargeable BatteriesStaff PickThese rechargeable batteries store up to 2,000 mAh of power and can be recharged up to 2,100 times. They can be charged completely from dead or partially charged without damaging the energy storage memory. We recommend buying them with the quick charger accessory, which will get your AAs recharged in no time, but you...
OnePlus' WellPaper app uses live wallpapers to visualize your daily usage
A new way to keep track of your Digital WellbeingWhat you need to knowOneLab Studio has launched a new wallpaper app named WellPaper.These live wallpapers change throughout the day, revealing how much you are using your phone.The app is free to download and works with any Android device.There is definitely no shortage of options for finding the best wallpaper apps on Android, but only a few of them are unique. Take SwirlWalls from Chris Lacy for example, as this allows you to set unique live wallpapers that move around as you interact with your device. But today, OnePlus is taking a different approach to wallpapers on your Android phone with the newly-released WellPaper.Digital Wellbeing has been a battle Samsung, Google, Apple, and others have been fighting, and now OnePlus is joining the fray. With Wellpaper (via XDA Developers), you are provided with three different wallpaper options to choose from: Composition, Radial, and Glow.Each of the colors in the wallpaper ...
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