Latest from Android Central

Is your furnace ready for a smart thermostat? Let's find out.Of all the smart home gadgets that have emerged over the last few years, one of the most noteworthy has been smart thermostats. The thermostat has never been a particularly exciting part of any home, but the rise of smart ones has changed that.With a smart thermostat, you can change the temperature using an app on your phone, control the thermostat remotely from anywhere in the world, and potentially save quite a bit of money on your monthly energy bill.Black Friday is one of the best times to finally jump on the smart thermostat game thanks to the endless sea of deals that are available, but before you go ahead and do that, it's important you check that your house or apartment's furnace is compatible with the thermostat you're planning to buy.Use a compatibility checkerGoogle Nest and Ecobee are two of the most popular smart thermostat brands, and both offer interactive compatibility checkers on their respectiv...

Mosseri will have to provide the members of Congress with a plan on how Instagram plans to protect its youngest users.What you need to knowInstagram CEO Adam Mosseri will testify before a Senate panel next month.A bipartisan group of eleven state attorney generals is investigating how Instagram is harming the lives of children and teens. Lawmakers expressed concerns over Instagram's effect on the mental health of teenagers after revelations by former Facebook product manager Frances Haugen earlier this year. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has agreed to testify before Congress for the first time, according to The New York Times. Mosseri is set to appear before a Senate panel during the week of December 6.Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the consumer protection subcommittee, told the publication: He's the top guy at Instagram, and the whole nation is asking about why Instagram and other tech platforms have created so much danger and damage by driving toxic content to ...

Black Friday is back again, and that means that many of the best Chromebooks are down to their lowest prices ever, including the best Chrome OS tablet on the market today, the HP Chromebook x2 11. The x2 11 features a gorgeous 2K touchscreen, a wonderfully crafted fabric-covered kickstand and keyboard, and it sips battery thanks to the Snapdragon 7c compute platform.Plenty of other great HP Chromebook deals shine in the lower price brackets for those needing reliable kid-friendly Chromebooks, but the HP x2 11 is genuinely worth a look for anyone wanting a premium tablet without the slow updates of Android. You get Android app support through Google Play and system/security updates until June 2029, meaning this will get updates for twice as long as any of the Android tablet deals you might buy this weekend.HP Chromebook x2 11 (Save $200)$399 at Best BuyWith the HP Chromebook X2 11, you'll enjoy an ultra-portable Chromebook that can transform into an even more incredible ...

With accessories like hard drives, charging cables, flash drives, PlayStation Move controllers, and PSVR headsets fighting for life on your PS4 or PS5, you'll find there just isn't enough USB ports to go around. If you want to avoid endless amounts of cable swapping, you can easily remedy the problem with the best PS4 USB hub. Here are some of our favorites you can find right now.Our pickAnker 4-Port USB 3.0 Unibody Aluminum Portable Data HubStaff PickIt's our favorite USB Hub for more than just the PS4. The Anker's slim aluminum design and premium quality finish make it a great addition to your PS4 setup, and the four USB 3.0 ports give you high-speed access to more peripherals. It's perfect for your PlayStation 5 as well.$25 at AmazonGive me moar!Anker 7-port USB 3.0 hubIf three extra USB 3.0 ports aren't enough for your peripheral crazed life, how about six more? The Anker seven-port hub is a powerhouse with a two-amp port for charging your smartphone whi...

Black Friday Oculus Quest 2 deals are live right now on the popular and very affordable VR headset. Rather than discount the hardware directly though, Amazon and Best Buy are providing a $50 gift card with all purchases of the device. We'll take that deal all day long rather than some paltry $10 discount off the MSRP.This credit can be used to buy anything you want on these websites, and we're sure you'll be able to spend 50 bucks there, especially with all the deals flying around for the rest of the year around the holidays. You might even be able to use the money on some of the best Oculus Quest 2 accessories or maybe the best Oculus Quest 2 games.As for the Oculus Quest 2 itself, it really is a fantastic standalone VR experience. Gone are the days where you need to pick up an overpowered gaming PC and a separate, more expensive, VR system if you want to enjoy the world of virtual reality. Now, you can just grab the Quest 2, find some awesome games to play, and start experiencing...

As high-end phones get more expensive, awesome budget Android phones get even better. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy today. And with our buyer's guide, you'll be sure to find the perfect phone for you. Here are some of our top choices for the most inexpensive phones available now.What are the best budget Android phones?Last year was tremendous for Android phones in the budget space, and fortunately, this trend has continued well into 2021. You're seeing features like multiple cameras, faster processors, and 5G hit price points that would have been unheard of just a couple of years ago. Because of that, there's a wealth of quality options in the $200–$450 range that won't make you feel like you're compromising.For our top picks, you can't go wrong with either the Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel 5a. The 2020 model hits the perfect balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life, with a clean build of Android that you're sure...

There's no shortage of NAS hard drives in the market today (I'm partial to IronWolf drives), but the downside is that they tend to be costly. Even accounting for Black Friday deals, a 12TB Seagate IronWolf costs $270 — that comes out to $22.5/TB.If you're in the market for maximizing value, there's another way. WD introduced the 18TB Elements external drive last year for $515, and right now, it's on sale for $301, making it a fabulous choice. That comes out to $16/TB, and while there is an external housing to contend with, that's easy enough to remove, and inside you'll find a white-label drive that's on par with the IronWolf and WD's Red Plus series.The drive contained within is similar to Western Digital's data center-focused Ultrastar series. In fact, the 18TB model is identical to the Ultrastar HC550 that retails for $369, featuring a helium-sealed design with 7200rpm, and a 512MB cache buffer. In short, these drives are just as good — if not better — than the ones you'll...

I ranked Synology's DiskStation DS220+ as the best home NAS because of its hardware, feature set, and software. The DS220+ is a 2-bay enclosure with two drive bays that can hold 16TB of storage each, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and two USB 3.0 ports.The NAS is powered by the Intel Celeron J4025, offering considerable upgrades over its predecessor when it comes to intensive tasks like Plex and office-related use cases. In short, if you're new to a home server or want a 2-bay enclosure to store your local media collection and back up photos and videos from your phones and cameras, you cannot go wrong with the DS220+.The DS220+ retails for $300, but right now, it is on sale for $240, a $60 discount that brings the NAS down to its lowest price yet. This model only went on sale once before for Prime Day, and then it was sold out in a few hours, so if you've been waiting for this deal to go live, act now. You'll find the enclosure at most major retailers, and if you want to buy from New...

Best answer: Yes, if you have an older router, you should consider moving up to Wi-Fi 6, especially since the prices decreased and new phones will likely support the tech. However, if you already have a fast Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router, it won't be worth it.Speed and capacity upgrades on Wi-Fi 6 routersA lot of things can affect your Wi-Fi performance, including router positioning and nearby interference from your neighbor's router. While you might be able to get some new life out of your router with more optimized positioning, it's not going to help with congestion the way upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router will.Wi-Fi 6 can also handle more devices at once compared to Wi-Fi 5 and will keep speed and latency more consistently even under heavy load. Most of the best Android phones you can buy today support Wi-Fi 6 and allow for up to 1,200Mbps speeds compared to Wi-Fi 5's typical 867Mbps.Since most people keep their routers for years and may upgrade their phones or computers multiple...

The DiskStation DS920+ launched just over a year ago, and it has consistently been in Amazon's best-seller lists following its debut. It's not hard to see why; the DS920+ is powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 that is ideally suited for Plex, you get four drive bays that can hold a total of 64TB, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and dual USB 3.0 ports.The 4-bay enclosure retails for $550, but right now you can get it for just $440 at Amazon, a discount of $110. This deal matches the lowest price we've seen for the DS920+ during this year's Prime Day, so if you're interested in picking up a new home server, now is the ideal time to do so. This deal ran out in under a day during Prime Day, and I'd suggest acting immediately if you've been waiting for the DS920+ to go on sale.The DS920+ has all the hardware features you're looking for in a 4-bay NAS enclosure that's aimed at media streaming. I'm working on a long-term review of the NAS at the moment, but what I can tell you right now is tha...

If you're looking to get into smartwatches this year — or just want to upgrade the aging one you've been using for a while — Black Friday is the best time to do it. While you could get a smartwatch the moment it's released, waiting until Black Friday ensures you're getting the best smartwatch at the best price possible. It's that fabled moment when you don't have to compromise to stay in line with your budget. These are the best Black Friday smartwatch deals you'll find anywhere!Jump to Black Friday Android smartwatch dealsSamsungFitbitFossilMobvoiGarminAmazfit, Xiaomi, other fitness trackersAppleThis year has brought plenty of excellent products to choose from. Whether it's the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the Fossil Gen 6, or the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS, there's a brand new smartwatch that's sure to be on sale for Black Friday. Fans of fitness trackers will find a refreshed series of wearables from brands like Fitbit and Garmin, as well as snazzy offerings from Am...

Fitness trackers are some of the best gifts to pick on Black Friday for anyone working towards a healthier lifestyle. Because not only will you be helping someone achieve their wellness goals, but you get to save some cash! There are a lot of excellent fitness trackers, and there are sure to be plenty of deals to go around this year. Don't worry; we're going to make sure you get the best Black Friday fitness tracker deals all season long.Jump to Black Friday Category dealsFitbit dealsGarmin dealsAmazfit dealsXiaomi dealsMore optionsWhere to find the best Black Friday fitness tracker dealsFitness trackers are available at many different retail outlets, and you can bet that many of them will be running deals on these devices. Below are some of the stores that will be offering the best deals and are most likely to have availability for a wide variety of fitness tracker options. Whether you prefer a one with a more traditional watch design or a slim band-style design to i...

It's easy to love the Galaxy Z Fold 3 once you get your hands on it. It has a gorgeous 7.6-inch display that rivals a small tablet when unfolded, the fastest CPU available paired with 12GB of RAM, and amazing multitasking software that takes full advantage of the double-screen design.It's also absurdly expensive: $1,800 at full price. If you want a foldable anytime soon, these Black Friday Galaxy Z Fold 3 deals may be your last chance for months to make the upfront cost a bit less brutal. Just be ready to sign up for a new carrier plan or trade in your current phone to get the best deal.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (Verizon)$1,400 or lower at Best BuySave up to $1,600: Through Best Buy, Verizon is offering $400 off, up to $1,000 in trade-in credit for used phones, $200 in Verizon bill credits, and free Galaxy Buds 2 with the Z Fold 3. The biggest savings is for a new phone line; the max trade-in credit for an upgrade line is $440. Still, that comes to about $960 plus tax, mi...

Black Friday is here, and that means now is the time to stock up on additional hard drives and make the switch to a new NAS enclosure. The best NAS enclosures are already on sale, and we've rounded up the best NAS-focused hard drives.Black Friday NAS deals:Deals now liveNAS enclosuresInternal HDDInternal SSDWe haven't seen as many new NAS enclosures launching as previous years, and there's a good reason for that. The global semiconductor shortage has affected the NAS category as well, with brands like Synology choosing to limit the introduction of new models. That said, most of the late 2020 launches will get exciting discounts, so that's something to look ahead to Black Friday draws close. In the meantime, we're rounding up a list of NAS enclosures that you should take a look at during Black Friday.Best Black Friday NAS deals now liveSynology DiskStation DS220+ 2-Bay NAS (save $60)$240 at Amazon$240 at Newegg$240 at B&HThe DiskStation DS220+ is a 2-bay...

If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.Online shopping is the "El Dorado for scammers" looking to target consumers who are excited to get their holiday shopping done during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, experts say. They add now is not the time to feel exhausted worrying about scams, but rather to remember that the tips to avoid it and understanding online protection are easy.In 2020, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission logged 4.7 million cybercrime reports, 2.1 million of which were fraud-related. Consumers lost $3.3 billion to fraud in that time - or $702.13 per case. Dollar losses have spiked 73% year-over-year, suggesting that the pandemic is fueling a significant increase in this type of targeted digital crime, says Carmi Levy, a technology expert."Frighteningly, most consumers still hold onto the outdated notion that cybercrime is something that always happens to someone else, and never to them. We simply don't believe that a fraudulent event can happen to us —...

Buy today and you'll get up to 36% off, or bundled Echo Buds wireless earbuds.For a basic little tablet designed around content consumption, it's hard to fault the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet. And just in time for Black Friday, Amazon's miniature tablet is more affordable than ever. Today's Amazon Deal of the Day lets you bag a Fire HD Plus with Echo Buds for $124.98, or the tablet with its wireless charging dock for $94.88. The latter deal represents a saving of 36% from the standard price.Both of those prices are for the base model 32GB Fire HD 8 Plus with lockscreen ads. You'll pay a small premium to use the tab without lockscreen ads, or to get the roomier 64GB variant. Discounts for the more expensive models vary from 28% to 30% -- so not quite as crazy as the base model's discount, but still a hefty saving.A cheap and cheerful tablet for less than $100Amazon Fire HD 8 PlusFrom $94.88 at AmazonYou'll need to act fast to bag this Amazon tablet deal: Get 36% off t...

There are plenty of Alexa-enabled devices out there today, and making your home smarter and more secure is easier than ever with Amazon Alexa smart locks. One of the most significant conveniences in a home can come from installing a smart lock, so you never have to fish a key out again, and you can also manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, although our favorite is the August Smart Lock Pro, which is stylish, easy to install, and works with most smart homes.Best overall: August Smart Lock ProThe Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don't need to replace your keys to use it. Instead, you can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple's HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi. That included bridge is ...

For the workhorseAmazon Fire HD 10 PlusFrom $180 at AmazonFrom $180 at Best BuyFrom $180 at TargetProsCompatible with Qi wireless chargersPowerful processor, more RAMTransform to laptop mode with Bluetooth keyboardExpandable memory up to 1TBConsNo access to Google Play storeOnly one finish optionIf you plan to do a lot of multitasking and get work done on the tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus might be a worthwhile upgrade thanks to the extra RAM and the compatibility with wireless charging that ensures you can keep it juiced up as needed.Feature-rich family tabletAmazon Fire HD 10From $150 at AmazonFrom $150 at Best BuyFrom $150 at TargetProsAffordableTransform to laptop mode with Bluetooth keyboardExpandable memory up to 1TBFour cool finish optionsConsNo access to Google Play StoreNo wireless chargingSave a few bucks with the Amazon Fire HD 10 model, which is perfect for leisurely personal use, like watching movies, surfin...

Get ready for the fastest A-series Pixel yet.With the arrival of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, it's clear Google is serious not just about smartphones, but smartphone processors. The first-generation Tensor chip may use a fair bit of Samsung technology, but it nevertheless represents a strong statement of intent for Google. Rumors are already swirling around a possible second-gen Tensor, with one development board being given the codename "Cloudripper". That moniker seemingly alludes to running previously cloud-based computational tasks directly on the chip.But what about the Pixel A-series? Typically these mid-rangers have relied on mid-tier Snapdragon chips from Qualcomm. Google has shown it can work within these limitations to ship phones with unique Googley features like Live Transcribe and Astrophotography. Case in point: the recently launched Pixel 5a, based on the pretty unremarkable Snapdragon 765G. It seems inevitable, though, that Tensor chips will eventually power Googl...

Wow, Black Friday PS5 SSD deals are really hitting the ground running today with some all-time low prices on some of the best stroage solutions in the business. Users can finally upgrade the console's internal storage capacity beyond the measly amount the PS5 launched with as Sony recently unlocked the expansion bay.Picking up one of the best PS5 SSD options in the Black Friday PS5 deals events can save you a lot of money. This is an excellent turn of events as just a few weeks ago a lot of the best devices had sold out and we could only find scalper listings. That could all change soon though as Black Friday gathers momentum and more people pick up a PS5. Be prepared to pay quite a lot more if you want a PS5 SSD with a pre-installed heatsink - pro tip, buy one separately for much less (links below). We're constantly testing new PS5-compatible SSDs, so we'll let you know which ones are available too beyond the old favorites likes the Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN 850 Black, and the Firecuda...

As we enter the second year of the Oculus Quest 2's life, you'll find 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 2 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 wit...

There's a brand new Hulu Black Friday deal live right now and it's ridiculously cheap. You can now get a year of Hulu for just 99 cents a month. That's $11.88 for a year of access - some streaming services cost more than that for a single month.That's an 85% reduction compared to the usual $6.99 a month Hulu plan. This deal is open to new customers and even returning ones. The caveat for returning customers is you need to have not been a Hulu member in the past month. That's pretty decent as we see a lot of subscription deals block out returning customers who have been a member in the last six or even 12 months.Hulu Black Friday dealHulu | 99￠a month99￠a month at HuluThis will undoubtedly be the best price of the year for a Hulu subscription. But you'll have to redeem it by November 29 to get this price. A year's sub would usually cost you $83.88, so getting it for just under $12 is excellent value as you're essentially getting 10 months for free. You can cancel it ...

When choosing the best Fitbit, there's one clear winner if price is no object: the Fitbit Versa 3. It's a premium fitness smartwatch with useful health sensors to track your progress across your workouts. And while it's a bit expensive at full price, Fitbit marked it down to $180, a $50 savings.So far, the cheapest deal we've seen on the Versa 3 was during Cyber Monday last year, when it dropped $30 to $200. Fitbit has remained fairly stingy with Versa 3 deals, likely due to its popularity. So we don't expect any site to top this deal anytime soon, though Amazon could surprise us with a Lightning Deal.Throughout November, Black Friday Fitbit deals have come and gone. What's notable is that across all retailers and each wave of deals, sale prices haven't changed. The Versa 3, Charge 5, and Luxe are $50 off, while the Sense is $100 off. They'd go back to full price, only to slip back to the same sale prices a week later.In other words, if you want a Versa 3, don't wait. With an...

Defend your Pixel for less.The Google Pixel 4, 4a 5G and Pixel 5 aren't fitted with glass back panels, but that doesn't mean they're impervious to damage. So you'll want to protect them just as you would any other handset, and if you're into heavy-duty protection then now's a great time to jump on one of Otterbox's many cases for Google's 2020 Pixels.Right now, ahead of Black Friday, the case maker is offering some serious savings across its range of cases for last year's Pixel phones. Cases in the heavy-duty Defender, more svelte Commuter and transparent Symmetry ranges are available starting at less than $15.Up to 64% off Pixel cases from OtterboxOtterbox Pixel casesFrom $14.67 at AmazonProtect your Pixel for less: Otterbox's Black Friday sale at Amazon has Defender, Commuter and Symmetry cases available with savings of up to 64%.Highlights include the Otterbox Commuter for Pixel 4a 5G at just $14.67, the Symmetry clear case for Pixel 5 for $20, and Otterbox Defen...

The test appears to be limited to iOS currently.What you need to knowSpotify is testing a short-form video feed inspired by TikTok and Instagram Reels.The new "Discover" feature shows users a vertical feed of music videos that they can like or skip. Similar to Netflix's "Fast Laughs" feature, Discover is aimed at helping Spotify users find new music. Music streaming giant Spotify has started testing a new short-form video feed called "Discover" (via TechCrunch). The feature is similar to TikTok's vertical video format, which has already been adopted by several social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.The Discover feature appears as a new tab in the navigation bar at the bottom of the Spotify mobile app. While the company has confirmed the test, there's no word on whether the feature is available on both Android and iOS. In a statement sent to Android Central, a Spotify spokesperson said: At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an e...

The PS5 has been out for quite some time now, and while finding one can be a bit difficult, those who do own one can take advantage of something its predecessor also had: remote play. So whether you're too tired to sit up or simply want to lounge around in a different room while playing, the PS5 allows players to connect to the console and play from their phone remotely. Better yet, you can even connect your DualSense controller to your phone, making it much easier to play. Of course, propping your phone up to play can be a bit of a hassle, so we've collected some of the best PS5 controller phone mounts available right now.A tight holdOrzly PS5 Controller Mobile Gaming ClipStaff PickOrzly's DualSense controller phone mount promises a secure hold, and thanks to its padded phone grip, it's likely to back those promises up. Not only does it feature a tighter grip on your phone, but it also has easily accessible control options for adjusting the viewing angle of your phone. T...

More people around the world can now communicate by using only their eyes.What you need to knowGoogle has expanded language support for its Look to Speak app.The app lets users communicate by using their eyes to choose phrases that their phone will speak aloud.It now works with 17 more languages in addition to English.Google has recently added support for 17 additional languages to its accessibility app that allows people with speech and motor impairments to communicate solely through their glances (via Android Police).The Look to Speak app was launched late last year as part of a collaboration between Google's machine learning team and speech and language therapist Richard Cave. However, the app initially supported only the English language.The most recent version of Look to Speak makes it easier for more people all over the world to communicate through their eyes. According to the app's Play Store listing, the Look to Speak app now supports the following languages:...

Power up!Black Friday is a great time to get your hands on new charging gear for your Android device.Right now on Amazon, you can get up to 40% off these Belkin USB-C wall chargers that deliver fast charging PD through GaN, or you can spend just $12 on a compact charger that delivers PD Fast charging to any device that will take it.Because they work with USB-C, they can be used with basically any Android phone as well as iPhone and iPad, and boast a much smaller size than other chargers that deliver similar wattage.Lowest-ever priceBelkin USB C GaN Wall Charger 20W | $10 offThis wall charger delivers 20W of power using Gallium nitride technology to any iPhone, iPad, or AirPods.$15 at AmazonBelkin USB-C Wall Charger 20W | $5 offThis is a more compact version of the above that delivers PD fast-charging in a very small form factor. Perfect for all iPhones and Android alike.$13 at AmazonBelkin's USB-C GaN wall charger delivers fast charging PD in a low...

Blink's Black Friday deals are a great place to start if you're looking to upgrade your home with smart home video security. Blink, an Amazon company, makes attractive and compact home security cameras and video doorbells. Since it's Amazon, Blink products work with Alexa and fit right in with many of the other best Black Friday smart home deals you can get on sale now.Blink's cameras are available in black or white housings so they can easily match the trim around your home. You can pick up the affordable and compact Blink Mini for jobs inside the house such as keeping an eye on your furry friend at home. This camera's size and price make it one of the best Blink cameras you can get with a 1080p resolution, motion detections, and two-way audio. If you're an animal lover, this camera alone makes the challenges of a smart home worth it.Blink also has great deals on its video doorbells including bundles with multiple cameras. At a time of year when we get so many packages left on...

When was the last time you cleaned your phone? We're guessing it has either been a while or you've never actually done it. (Eugh.) Never fear for PhoneSoap Pro is here to save the day. Get one of these smart devices for your home to rid your phone of germs regularly. In the era of COVID-19, this level of hygiene has become essential.Wiping your phone with a regular disinfectant or hand sanitizer isn't a good idea. Many of these products contain chemicals that may react badly with your phone. That might lead to an accident or may even damage your device. The PhoneSoap Pro relies on none of that. Instead, its weapon of choice is UV rays.You don't even need to unplug your phone. The PhoneSoap Pro allows you to take out two birds with one stone. Instead of charging and sanitizing your phone as two separate tasks, you can combine them into a single chore. There is a small gap that gives way to your phone's charging cable. Plus, you can use the device to clean other small objects that fi...

Of all the screens that are in my house, the one that gets the most amount of use is my work monitor, followed by the Kindle Oasis. I got started with the first Kindle Oasis three years ago, and switched to the new version that debuted in 2019 as soon as it was introduced. I read a lot of books over the course of a year, and having used a dozen e-readers, I can confidently say that the Kindle Oasis is the best you can get your hands on right now.What makes the Kindle Oasis so different to Amazon's other e-readers is the design; it has an asymmetrical design with one side housing the battery, and it mimics the feel of holding a book folded over. But my favorite feature is the tactility — the Kindle Oasis has physical page turn buttons on the side that make it a delight to use.I'm not exaggerating when I say that the Oasis has enabled me to read more, and a large part of that is down to the screen. Like all Kindles, the Oasis has an e-ink panel, but here you get a large 7-inch scre...

The TCL 10 series ranked among the more memorable affordable flagships of 2020, with the 10L in particular turning heads with its eye-catching design, clean software and quad camera system. This Black Friday, both the 64GB and 256GB versions of the phone are available on Amazon at considerable discounts -- the cheaper variant is on sale for $152.99, down from $249.99, while the more capacious model is going for $219.99.While the TCL 10L packs a fairly modest Snapdragon 665 processor, it has enough horsepower for everyday smartphone tasks, paired with a reasonable 6GB of RAM. There's a Full HD+ 6.3-inch display with hole-punch selfie camera, and around the back a quad-camera system is headlined by a 48-megapixel main shooter.Up to 39% off TCL's 'meat and potatoes' smartphoneTCL 10L$152.99 at AmazonThis entry-level TCL phone has plenty to offer at its newly reduced starting price. And even if you choose to upgrade to the 256GB version of the phone for additional storage spa...

Runners who want to score a great deal on a smartwatch for Black Friday should check out the Garmin Forerunner 55. This wearable is already priced on the low end of the Garmin smartwatch lineup, but we're expecting it will be discounted for Black Friday. If you've been waiting for the right time to invest in a GPS smartwatch, you should definitely hop on this Black Friday Android smartwatch deal.If you've been a runner for some time now, you probably know just how many different running watches there are to pick from. With that said, none of them hold a candle to Garmin's reputation for accuracy and advanced tracking features.Some of the best Garmin smartwatches can be found in the Forerunner lineup. Whether you're buying your first running watch or you've dabbled a bit, there are endless options available to you. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is geared at runners who are seeking an entry-level smartwatch that's still packed with features.This model is the successor to the Foreru...

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)A compact redesign$129 at Amazon$129 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsClever and compact designUpdated remote is fantasticStill the best Android TV experienceImproved AI Upscaling is greatConsMight run into issues running some Android gamesNot novice-friendly out of the boxThe most striking change for the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV refresh is its unique tube shape and the redesigned remote. This streamlined and portable stream box with upgraded processing power still delivers the best Android TV experience you can buy.NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019)Subtle upgrade$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at B&H PhotoProsSleek Shield TV designMore RAM and double the onboard storageOffers USB ports for external storageThe one you'll want for Plex and gamingConsLess internal storage than older Pro modelMore expensive than the tubeNot enough new features to justify upgradingThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) looks and runs nearly...

Big, bold, and beautiful; these are the words that describe the Amazon Kindle Oasis to a T. You get so much screen real estate from that huge 7-inch e-ink display. She's a real feature-rich beauty. You won't get this sort of reading experience out of any old Android tablet that's for sure.As in any great Kindle device, you can adjust the warmth of the screen to your liking. The large screen makes it even easier to read, in addition to the supreme eye comfort delivered by the E Ink technology. It also makes it a lot more fun to read comics and graphic novels on your Kindle Oasis. You don't need to squint your eyes or zoom in at odd angles to read the dialogue boxes.There's a lot of memory in this thing, with either 8GB or a whopping 32GB of storage. Kindle Oasis comes with audiobook support along with a wide range of supported file formats. You can keep all manner of books — text, audio, or graphic — in the Kindle Oasis with that storage capacity. Let's not forget the IPX8 rat...

The update arrives a year after the phone was upgraded to Android 10.What you need to knowASUS has started rolling out the Android 11 update for the ROG Phone II.The update introduces a ton of new features and changes as part of Android 11.However, it is possible that the update will take several weeks to reach everyone.ASUS has started pushing the stable Android 11 update to the two-year old ROG Phone II after launching its closed beta program in September.Interestingly, the update comes a year after the phone picked up Android 10. It should be noted that the ROG Phone II debuted in 2019 with Android 9 Pie out of the box, so the timing of the latest update isn't too bad by ASUS' standards.The update includes many of Android 11's new features, such as the system's notification bar style, a built-in screen recorder, improved privacy features, and more. Of course, it includes a much-needed UI update. Click here to see the complete changelog.In addition, the armoury crat...

Greet the holiday season in high spirits with these fantastic Android phone and smartwatch deals for Black Friday. Everything is on sale and some folks are generous enough to give some stuff for free. If you're looking to score freebies this holiday, take a good look at this awesome offer from Paramount Plus.The streaming scene has grown exponentially, bringing us a much more diverse portfolio. Netflix is no longer the ruling party with services like Paramount Plus rising on the horizon. The streaming service is a new and improved version of the previously-named CBS All Access service. You get access to hundreds of movies from Paramount, Miramax, and MGM. The platform also offers TV shows from popular networks like CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, and The Smithsonian Channel.Although a month's subscription usually costs about $5, you can pocket that change this time around. Paramount Plus and its extensive library of content is up for grabs completely free of cost with ...

Kindle offers the best e-readers in the market, with dependable features and a fantastic library of the latest and greatest titles. The 6.8-inch Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen boasts the perfect screen size to read comfortably for hours on end. It's perfect for any scenario, be it day or night, because of the adjustable warm light inside it.The Kindle Paperwhite is pretty robust, with a splash-resistant build to prevent damage from your oopsies. Clumsy folk such as myself really appreciate these thoughtful tweaks. There have been numerous occasions where I've inadvertently spilled soup or coffee on my beloved paperbacks, with much heartache in tow. You can even get water-safe covers to go with your water-resistant Kindle Paperwhite.With an undying battery that lasts for weeks on end, you can easily pop the Paperwhite in a bag and take it wherever you go. It's about the size of your average Android tablet so it's portable enough for your travels. The E Ink display is glare-free which ma...

Among the best Black Friday smart home deals, you can always count on discounts on Amazon's smart display tablets and security cameras. But for hardcore savings, you can buy an Echo Show 5 bundle with a wide range of Ring Cams.Among these deals, the excellent new Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is $200 ($50 off) with or without the Echo Show 5, so there's truly no reason not to snag one. And for other bundles, the Echo Show 5 adds just $10 to the total price, making it a no-brainer if you need a great outdoor security camera.Most of these bundles will save you anywhere from $115 to $135, for up to 47% off the list price for each device. Or, if you grab a two-pack of Battery-powered cameras with your Echo Show, you'll save an epic $195 total. You can see the full list of these discounted Echo/Ring bundles at Amazon.Ring Cam / Echo Show bundles up to 47% off for Black FridayRing Spotlight Cam Wired Bundle with Echo Show 5 | $135 off$150 at Amazon (White)$150 at Amazon (Bla...

Virtual reality enthusiasts have a lot of deals to sift through this holiday season. Not only are there amazing Black Friday deals on Oculus Quest headsets, but other brands have been discounted as well. While the Oculus Quest 2 is the perfect VR headset for many people who want a standalone device and don't want to be tethered to their computer, it isn't for everyone. That's where the HTC Vive comes in.The HTC Vive is undoubtedly one of the more expensive VR headsets on the marking, sometimes costing well over $1,000 for the complete package. This Black Friday you can save hundreds on those same headsets, dropping them to just $399 in some cases. Now that's a price that's competitive. And best of all, you can save on related HTC Vive accessories, too.Save hundreds on the HTC Vive and related accessoriesHTC Vive Pro Eye (Headset Only) $599$599 at Amazon$200 off is certainly a nice deal on this HTC Vive Pro Eye headset. Featuring precision eye tracking, a combined resolu...

Black Friday is here, and that means now is the time to stock up on additional hard drives and make the switch to a new NAS enclosure. With plenty of deals already available and more going live every day, this is the best time of the year to upgrade your home server.Black Friday NAS deals:Deals now liveNAS enclosuresInternal HDDInternal SSDWe haven't seen as many new NAS enclosures launching as previous years, and there's a good reason for that. The global semiconductor shortage has affected the NAS category as well, with brands like Synology choosing to limit the introduction of new models. That said, most of the late 2020 launches will get exciting discounts, so that's something to look ahead to Black Friday draws close. In the meantime, we're rounding up a list of NAS enclosures that you should take a look at during Black Friday.Where to find the best Black Friday NAS dealsQNAP TS-453D-4G$440 at AmazonThe TS-453D-4G is the ideal choice for Plex 4K transcod...

The QNAP TS-453D-4G isn't going to win any awards for its name, but the NAS enclosure is one of the best if you're looking to switch to a home server with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports. And with an Intel Celeron J4125 under the hood, it is one of the best NAS for Plex you can get your hands on right now.There haven't been too many NAS enclosures on sale this year, and that's what makes the discount on the TS-453D-4G that much more enticing. The NAS retails for $549, but it is on sale for $440 — 20% off its regular price and a savings of $110.You get a lot of value here; the Celeron J4125 is the same chip that's powering the DiskStation DS920+ — my pick for the best 4-bay NAS for Plex under $600 — so you're getting the same robust hardware. What gives the TS-453D-4G an edge is the dual 2.5GbE ports; if you're looking to pick up a NAS and want multi-gigabit connectivity, this is the obvious choice.Elsewhere, you get 4GB of RAM out of the box with a free slot available to a...

But will it have NFC?What you need to knowMotorola will reportedly be the first to use Samsung's 200MP camera sensor.Xiaomi may use the sensor in the second half of 2022.Samsung may wait until 2023 before introducing the sensor on its Galaxy phones.Samsung introduced its new 200MP ISOCELL camera sensor back in September, although there's no word yet on who will be the first to use the new sensor. However, leaker Ice universe claims that Motorola will take that mantle.According to the leaker, Motorola will be the first to launch a phone with the 200MP sensor, although they did not say when it would launch or on what phone. The leaked Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is said to feature two 50MP sensors, so it's not likely to be that device.This would depart from the norm, which usually sees Xiaomi being the first to adopt Samsung's new sensors, even before Galaxy phones. In that regard, Ice universe says that Xiaomi isn't expected to use the sensor until the second half of 2022, gi...

Browsing through the best Black Friday headphone deals? Trying to figure out which wired gaming headset will suit your needs? We've got you covered. The EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600 is currently 38% off at Amazon thanks to a Black Friday 2021 sale, which means you can save $57 if you opt to pick it up right now.The EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600 uses a 3.5mm headset jack, so it's compatible with every gaming device that also has a 3.5mm headset jack. If you want to play on your PS5, this'll work. If you then want to carry it over to your PC or Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, you can do that.It's a comfortable headset, with quality materials, as well as volume control and a microphone that can easily be muted, so it's perfect for frenetic multiplayer games or taking your time in a slower, pondering single-player adventure. The sealed design also ensures solid noise cancellation, keeping you focused and helping to tune out distractions.EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600 for 38% offEPOS Sennheiser...

The holiday season is on the horizon, and that means we're starting to see some great Black Friday deals on all kinds of cool tech gear, from the best Android phones to the best headphones and wireless earbuds to pair with them.Black Friday headphone deals:Deals live right nowWireless headphonesWireless earbudsGaming headsetsWired earbudsWe'll be regularly updating this list collection through the Black Friday weekend, so be sure to check back frequently if you don't see the audio deals that you're looking for. Whether you're looking for something to keep you entertained on a walk or jog, noise-canceling headphones to let you focus while at work, or something that just sounds amazing for your epic video game battles, we've got you covered.Black Friday headphone deals live right nowSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro (save $50)$150 at SamsungThe Galaxy Buds Pro deliver outstanding sound combined with powerful noise isolation, IPX7 water resistance, a lightweight design t...

Using a neckband speaker is a lot like using a Hi-Fi boombox that's always in the perfect place. Sony's wireless neckband Bluetooth speaker may sound like workout equipment but it's really one of the best work-from-home accessories you can get. This speaker sits comfortably on your shoulders bathing your ears in clear audio without isolating you from the world. This speaker is a massive 35% off, that's just $98 on Amazon for Black Friday.Also available in white with the same discount, the Sony SRS-NB10 works like any other Bluetooth headphones so you can listen to music, videos, or even make calls without putting your phone up to your ear. Like the best Black Friday headphone deals this speaker is designed for personal audio. Plus, you still get great stereo separation with a wide soundstage.The difference is that you don't block out the rest of the world so you can clearly hear alerts, the kids in the next room, or even cars pulling into the driveway without turning off your music...

The two companies have already agreed to delay mid-band deployment.What you need to knowAT&T and Verizon have proposed to limit their new 5G mid-band spectrum.The limits would allow the carriers to potentially avoid FAA concerns over interference.Both carriers have maintained that their new C-Band spectrum would not pose a problem.Verizon and AT&T are preparing to launch their new mid-band 5G spectrum in January to booth their networks for the best Android phones, but there may be some limitations in its initial rollout.The companies have penned a letter to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel (via The Wall Street Journal), proposing power limits to their 5G towers. This would last roughly six months and allow the FAA to investigate the potential impacts that the frequencies may have on aircraft equipment, as pointed out by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA).The letter, which was obtained by Android Central, points out how C-Band deployment in countr...

For those looking to pick some new, technologically upgraded versions of various items, there are plenty of amazing gaming and PS5 deals ahead of Black Friday, including Razer's Anzu Smart Glasses, which is currently $70 off of its original price.The smart glasses from Razer act as basic sunglasses at their most basic, with blue light filters included in the lenses to help minimize the strain your eyes take while either hanging around outdoors or while on the computer or watching television. The Anzu Smart Glasses also feature 60ms Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to the built-in microphone and speakers to go hands-free while you're out and about.Save $70 on the Razer Anzu Smart GlassesRazer Anzu Smart Glasses | $130$130 at AmazonThe Anzu Smart Glasses are the perfect item for those who spend a lot of time either outdoors or in front of a screen, and with their connectivity options, you won't need to pair them with much to get a full range of enjoyment out ...

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