Feed androidcentral Android Central RSS Feed

Favorite IconAndroid Central RSS Feed

Link https://www.androidcentral.com/
Feed http://www.androidcentral.com/rss.xml
Updated 2024-11-29 02:45
AC Podcast 524: Accidental Announcement; Data Use Policies
There's only a smattering of device news this week, but a whole lot to discuss regarding Google services and their strategies. Daniel, Ara, and Jerry also offer their take on Apple vs. Epic and what it could mean for other platforms.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Google accidentally announces the Pixel Buds A-Series early | Android CentralSamsung 'accidentally' confirms the mid-range Galaxy A82 5G is on its way | Android CentralSamsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S7 Plus Lite leaks with new book cover case | Android CentralHere's your 'first look' at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 | Android CentralGoogle will allow some employees to permanently work from home | Android CentralGoogle's new policy for Android app listings will give you more information about how your data is used | Android CentralYouTube expands its TikTok rival Shorts to all creators in the U.S. | A...
Lost that Chrome tab you were working on? Here's how to find it.
The ability to search browser tabs in Google Chrome could be a major time saver. Tabs are great for multi-tasking, but they're easy to lose track of. You can try using tab groups to keep things in order, but you can still lose track. In Chrome version 87, the search tabs button rolled out for chromebooks first, and Windows and macOS machines later. It gives you the ability to do exactly that. There's no need to turn the feature on or opt-in. You should see a new button to the right of your tabs that looks like an arrow pointing down.How to search your Chrome tabsClick on that arrow down, and you get a quick vertical list of all tabs that are open in any number of windows. You can scroll up and down to see all the tabs, or you can search by searching for a tab in the search box at the top. Here's how to do it.Click the down arrow to the right of your tabs.Type the name of a tab in the search box.Click the tab you want to see. Chrome will switch you to the tab and window t...
The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best gaming phone you can buy in 2021
Almost any phone can run popular free-to-play titles like Angry Birds or Subway Surfers, but for the more graphically demanding, you'll need one of the best Android phones for games. Some of the best Android games are PC or console ports that — even in their downgraded state — run significantly better with more powerful CPUs, more RAM, and faster display Hz. These games also drain batteries faster and take up enough storage that you may need a microSD card slot to fit them all. Add in-game streaming services like Google Stadia and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Microsoft Project xCloud), and you have every reason to make sure your next phone is capable of handling it all in stride. We think the Galaxy S21 Ultra is the best overall gaming phone, but if that doesn't strike your fancy or is out of your price range, there are plenty of other options worth considering. Here are some of the best Android phones for gamers.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S21 UltraSamsung's annual offering...
Should you buy the Fitbit Luxe or Garmin Lily?
Stylish trackerFitbit Luxe$150 at FitbitProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringFemale health-trackingSpO2 monitoringActive Zone MinutesConsLacks built-in GPSNo NFC paymentsShorter battery life than other FitbitsSleek, compact, and efficient. Those are just a few words to describe the Fitbit Luxe. It's a beautiful accessory that doubles as a tracker. It lacks GPS and NFC payments, but you get activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and a stress management score.Fancy smartwatchGarmin Lily$180 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringFemale health-trackingSpO2 monitoringBody BatteryConsNo built-in GPSNo NFC paymentsLackluster grayscale displayThe Garmin Lily is perfect for those who want a stylish accessory that can track their health and fitness metrics. It comes in two attractive models and offers five days of battery life. It's missing GPS and NFC payments, but this we...
Clubhouse is finally available on Android
After blowing up on the iPhone, Clubhouse is now on Android.What you need to knowClubhouse is now available in beta on Android.It's only available in the U.S. at the moment, with a UK release in the coming days.The invite-only system will remain for the near future. After an earlier private beta teased last week, Clubhouse today announced that it would be making its debut on Android after an earlier announcement this year. The app had taken off in the heyday of the pandemic and spawned many imitators, but had neglected the Android market for a while. There are a few caveats. This is still a beta, it's still invite-only, and you'll need to be in the U.S. to use it (though an expansion to other English-speaking markets has been promised.)Writing over on the Clubhouse blog, the team said: Our plan over the next few weeks is to collect feedback from the community, fix any issues we see and work to add a few final features like payments and club creation before rolling it ...
Chromebook sales exploded this quarter, and they're not slowing down
The 275% spike in sales between now and last year proves that even with lockdown done for most, Chromebooks are here to stay.A year ago on Mother's Day — go call your mother, by the way — most of us had been in lockdown for six weeks and were bracing for another 4-8 weeks. Schools were trying to finish out the academic year however they could, and finding a good Chromebook was starting to get difficult as millions scrambled for cheap communication and consumption devices amid a component shortage caused by manufacturing shutdowns during China's lockdown.Here we are a year later, and thankfully a lot has changed. While lockdowns are still impacting India — and please, donate to relief efforts if you can — vaccinations are continuing to roll out across Europe and North America, and many workers who have been working from home for the last year are getting the choice to start going back to the office. Schools are mostly back in-person and have been since October, so naysayer...
How to get Sling TV on your Fire TV Stick
One of the easiest ways to watch live television without committing to a cable package is Sling TV. The online streaming service includes more than 50 live channels, which vary depending on which package you choose, which spans live sports, breaking news, and all things entertainment. And whether you subscribe to the Sling Orange or Sling Blue plan, one of the easiest ways to access your favorite content is via an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Here's everything you need to know about accessing Sling TV on Fire Stick.Products used in this guide:Live sports and entertainment: Sling TV $35 at SlingStreaming made easy: Fire TV Stick, 3rd Gen $40 at AmazonHow to get Sling TV on Fire StickNavigate to the Home screen of your Amazon Fire Stick. Select the Search icon on the left side of the menu. Type Sling TV and click the first option that appears.Choose the Sling TV app and select Get.Wait for the Sling TV app to Install.Once the Sling TV app has been downloaded, you should...
Your Quest experience will feel next-level with these controller mods
While the Oculus Quest 2 ships with the amazing Oculus Touch controllers — which the headset can fully motion-track to give you a 1:1 experience in VR — sometimes what your hands are actually holding might not quite look like what you're holding in VR. That's why these great Oculus Quest 2 controller accessories are the perfect fit for some of the best Oculus Quest 2 games, as they'll give you an even more immersive experience and may even help you play some games better.The universal solutionVR Cover Controller GripsStaff PickThere are many different controller grip designs available for the Oculus Quest 2, but my personal favorite is the VR cover controller grips. They're a tad bit more expensive than some other brands, but the comfort level, range of adjustability, and ease of removal make them an ideal solution for any situation. Despite the name, controller grips don't just enhance your grip on the controller; they make it easier to hold, throw objects, and get a...
These are the best shows on HBO Max right now
The best shows streaming on HBO Max todayHBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films being released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxHBO Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO Max$15 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsHBO Max original seriesHBO Max launched in 2020 with a handful of original series exclusive t...
How to watch Juventus vs AC Milan: Live stream Serie A online
With a defeat for either side likely to see the loser miss out on qualification for next year's Champions League, the stakes couldn't be higher for both teams going into this massive Serie A clash in Turin.Follow our guide below on how to get a Juventus vs AC Milan live stream and watch Italian football online no matter where you are in the world.Both teams come into the game level on 69 points with second-placed Atalanta. Both Napoli on 67 and Lazio, who have a game in hand, on 64 are breathing down their necks, meaning the risk of missing out on a crucial top-four spot for both Juve and Milan is palpable.While Juve have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, the now desperate situation marks a huge reversal for the away side, with Milan having led the title race for large parts of the season, only to suffer a massive loss of form in the closing weeks.As well as having a huge bearing on both club's finishing place, the match offers further intrigue with it offering up a ...
How to watch Formula 1's Spanish Grand Prix online
The 2021 Formula 1 season continues and this weekend teams and drivers are in Catalonia, Spain for this year's Spanish Grand Prix and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.Constructed as part of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics development program, the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya held its first car race during the 1991 Spanish Touring Car Championship but two weeks later Formula 1 held its first race on the track. The track itself has 16 turns, a circuit length of 2.9 miles and drivers will complete 66 laps before finishing the 191-mile race. The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is a favorite among Formula 1 drivers as the track has a good mix of high and low-speed corners and it is often used for winter testing.During the qualifiers earlier in the weekend, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton was able to triumph over Red Bull's Max Verstappen by just 0.036s and, as a result, he will start on pole. In fact, Hamilton has become the first driver in the history of Fo...
Best cheap VPN services 2021
Being the one of the best VPN services doesn't mean you can't also be among the cheapest VPN services. There are a lot of VPN providers out there offering plans at a variety of different price points, and a few even have free VPN plans. Normally, when it comes to services and subscriptions the best ones are on the more expensive side, but with VPNs that isn't the case.Best Cheap VPN ServicesSurfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)IPVanish: $2.62 per month (65% off)NordVPN: $3.71 per month (68% off)HotSpot Shield: $2.99 per month (77% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PIA VPN: $2.69 per month (77% off)ExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreYou don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN, some of the best VPNs are actually pretty cheap, seriously.1. Surfshark VPN: The best cheap VPN out thereFrom $2.49/mo at SurfsharkWith plans starting out at about 8 cents per day, it's real...
How to watch Canelo vs Saunders online from anywhere
Get ready for one of the biggest fights of the year when Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez will finally take on Billy Joe Saunders in an attempt to become the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world and we have all the details on how you can watch Canelo vs Saunders online.Canelo has a lot to lose in tonight's fight as he's laying down his WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine super middleweight belts on the line to take on Saunders who is currently the WBO super middleweight champion in a 12 round match.While Canelo hasn't lost a fight since 2013 when he was defeated by Floyd Mayweather Jr. by majority decision, Saunders has yet to lose a single fight throughout the entirety of his 12-year career. During his last fight in December, Canelo defeated Callum Smith by unanimous decision earning him the WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine titles. He later defended his titles against Avni Yildirim back in February. Saunders on the other hand also won his last fight against Martin Murray by unanimous dec...
How to watch Elon Musk on Saturday Night Live
Now in its 47th season on air, Saturday Night Live is certainly no stranger to controversy. The iconic NBC series has devoted itself year after year to bringing late-night laughs and great music to the masses that might not always hit the mark. From failed sketches to lipsynced performances and a side of backstage drama, the series is nearly as entertaining during its mistakes as it is when everything goes as intended. With Elon Musk as this weekend's host, and Miley Cyrus as the night's musical guest, SNL looks set to have one of its biggest shows in years.The highly praised and highly controversial Elon Musk, otherwise known as the founder of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla, might not be the typical pick for host of NBC's late-night sketch show. Some cast members have even expressed annoyance since Musk was announced for the gig. The show hasn't seen a more polarized figure lead an episode since then-presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared to host in late 2015.PeacockJoin ...
Here's how to add and remove widgets on your Android phone's home screen
What I love about Android more than anything else is that you can use wallpapers, Android launchers, icon packs, and widgets to turn your phone into a truly unique and custom experience. Widgets are basically miniature applications that run on your home screen, displaying information so that you don't have to dip into the weather app just to see the temperature or see the next calendar appointment. Widgets can also be used to control your music, toggle quick settings, or even interact with your smart home without leaving your home screen. Here's how to add new widgets or remove the widgets that came pre-installed on your Android phone.How to add a new widget to your home screenWidgets are handled slightly differently between launchers — the app that actually runs your home screen — but most launchers follow the same basic process for adding widgets. The layout might be slightly different depending on your phone's manufacturer, whether you're using a third-party launcher, and ...
Protect your kids by setting up a supervised YouTube account
YouTube Kids has been around since 2015 and has grown into a great place for children to explore what YouTube has to offer safely. In 2021, the company is expanding ways for younger viewers to see more of what's available from the streaming service, along with a more mature interface with supervised accounts. Instead of a separate app, these accounts will use the official YouTube app, so knowing how to set up a supervised account for kids on Youtube is important.If you want to protect your child from some of the less than appropriate content that can be seen on YouTube, then you'll want to be sure to have the supervised account properly set up. YouTube announced supervised accounts as a way for kids aged 9+ to see to more of what the service offers while still under the guidelines set by their parent. So, whether you have picked up one of the best phones for kids or maybe a tablet like the Lenovo Smart Tab M10 HD that has Google's Kids Space for your child, here's how you can give ...
When the sun comes up, Google Assistant gets busy.
Sunrise and sunset routines are just another aspect of smart home automation that you can enable with Google Assistant. One of the best parts about having smart home products is letting Google Assistant and routines get things done for you that you'd normally have to do yourself. One common occurrence you should take advantage of is sunrise or sunset. Maybe you want your lights to turn on automatically when the sun sets. Maybe you want your smart screen to display the weather at sunrise. Whatever the case, it's easy to do with your smartphone, so let's get started.How to set up a sunrise or sunset routineYou can set a routine to start at sunrise or sunset, but it's buried in the app. Here's how to get there.Open the Google Home App.Tap Routines.Tap the + in the bottom right corner.Tap Add Starter.Tap Sunrise/sunset.Tap either Sunrise or Sunset.Tap Sunrise location.Tap the location where you want Google to track the event. You can choose any saved place or create a ...
Which AI assistant do you prefer to use?
Do you let Google Assistant take over your home? Or maybe you prefer Alexa?Google, Samsung, and Amazon all have AI assistants available on the best Android phones. Each of them have their pros and cons, but they all exist for one purpose; to make our lives just a little bit easier. Several other AI assistants are out there, like Microsoft's Cortana, but none of them have quite the reach that these do. With that in mind, we would like to know which AI assistant you prefer to use? Let us know in the comments why you chose one over the others.Which AI assistant do you prefer?Google Assistant and AlexaGoogle Assistant and Alexa both have a robust ecosystem, thanks to the vast amount of products behind them. Both companies have focused on growing their AI assistants through hardware like the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) and with products to turn your home into a connected home. Google Assistant takes this a step further by integrating with Android smartphones. ...
Should you use AiProtection on your Asus router?
Best answer: Yes! AiProtection is a software package included with many Asus routers that improves network security and adds in-depth parental controls for free.What is Asus AiProtection?The first and most important thing that AiProtection gets right is the cost. AiProtection is free for the lifetime of your router. Unlike some of its competitors like TP-Link Homeshield, Netgear Armor, or Eero Secure, AiProtection doesn't just give you a restricted version of its software, you get the whole thing for free.Neither AiProtection Pro nor AiProtection Classic cost any extra after you buy a supported Asus router. All of Asus' Wi-Fi 6 routers, some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers available, come with AiProtection built-in.AiProtection uses Trend Micro's cloud database to provide up-to-date security for your network. This data is used to power AiProtection's Intrusion Detection System, Malicious Site Blocking, Infected Device Detection and Blocking, and Content Filters. This software all...
The very best Motorola One 5G Ace cases
The Motorola One 5G Ace is one of Motorola's most affordable 5G phone to date, if not the most affordable. It has a big display, ample performance, and a massive battery — all at a great and affordable retail price. If you recently picked up a One 5G Ace or plan on doing so, here are a few case recommendations so you can keep your new phone in tip-top shape for years to come!Flex itCaseology Parallax LiteStaff PickFinished in matte black, this TPU case is totally flexible and offers sufficient protection via just a single layer and raised bezel. This is thanks to the inner defense pattern, which offers drop shock dispersion and air space technology, so you get far greater protection than the thin and lightweight case might suggest by looks alone.$16 at AmazonRugged and clearPoetic Guardian Series CaseGet ultra-rugged protection in a clear package with this case, including a hybrid shockproof bumper alongside a clear protective cover and a built-in screen ...
Entertainment Space doesn't mean that Google cares about tablets again
This new media browser is only here because tablets saw a resurgence during lockdowns and Google can make a few dollars from that.A new feature is coming to some Android tablets called Entertainment Space. It looks a lot like the Chromecast with Google TV interface and debuts on Walmart-branded tablets followed by select models from Lenovo and Sharp, though there's no indication that this will be a required thing for manufacturers to incorporate. Your Galaxy Tab S or any of the other best Android tablets may or may not see this feature.This new attention to tablets might be good news for any of us that are tablet fans, but I think it's important to look at the reason it happened. Google still doesn't care about Android tablets, but it does like quick solutions to capitalize on a once-in-a-lifetime sales jump.2020 kind of sucked. Most of us were stuck at home for at least a short period, and once all the cracks in the walls were counted, we needed something to help pass the time...
How to watch Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş: Live stream Turkish Süper Lig online
This derby clash between these two old Istanbul rivals looks set to determine who will walk away with this year's title as the Turkish Süper Lig reaches a thrilling climax.Follow our guide below on how to get a Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş live stream and watch all the action online no matter where you are in the world.The home side currently find themselves six points behind table-topping Beşiktaş in third with just three games remaining, with both teams separated by second-place side Fenerbahçe.After an indifferent campaign, Fatih Terim's Galatasaray appear to have found some form in recent weeks and come into this match on a six-game unbeaten run.That consistency may have come too late to earn them the championship, but the home side will be determined to step in the way of their neighbors from claiming their first title in four years.Beşiktaş have meanwhile lost just one of their last 16 Süper Lig matches, with Sergen Yalçın's men having thrashed Hatayspor 7-0 dur...
Man City vs Chelsea live stream: How to watch Premier League football
Manchester City are on the brink of Premier League glory as they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad. Don't miss a moment with our Man City vs Chelsea live stream guide.City could secure their seventh English top-flight title with a win today. With local rivals Manchester United the only side that can catch them, the Citizens could have already won the league had United failed to beat Liverpool last weekend. That game was postponed after fan protests meaning the chance to wrap up the title race is now in City's hands.Today's game is equally important to visitors Chelsea who are chasing down a top-four finish in order to qualify for next season's Champions League.In mid-week, both of the teams found safe passage to this season's Champions League final, setting up a second all-English final in three years.Man City denied French champions PSG a second successive final appearance with a Riyad Mahrez brace wrapping up a 4-1 aggregate win.After a 1-1 away leg, Chelsea used home advanta...
These are the cheapest data plans you can buy in the U.S.
Have a carrier in mind, or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are some of the cheapest data plans you can get.If you want to save money on your cell phone plan, there are more options than ever with new ways to save on the major carriers or by going with an MVNO. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or alternative carriers lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less. That being said, depending on your average usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Three could still be your least expensive option. Here are some of the cheapest data plans in the U.S. right now.Before choosing a planBefore choosing a carrier and/or a wireless plan, first determine your needs and usage habits. If this is your first smartphone, I'd like to firstly welcome you to the 21st Century and secondly encourage you to try out your options without getting yourself into any yearly or multi-year contracts. There are a ton of cheap unlocked phones to choose from that will give you the...
How to watch Global Citizen VAX Live: Stream the concert live from anywhere
With COVID-19 vaccines now beginning to be administered worldwide, Global Citizen is holding a special event to help raise donations and make sure everyone, everywhere has access to a vaccine that could potentially save their life. Hosted by multi-platinum recording artist, actress and producer Selena Gomez, VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World will air worldwide this weekend in an effort to raise money for the cause and promote equitable distribution of the vaccines around the globe. Global Citizen has also created a website where you can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.During the broadcast, viewers will be treated to performances by musical guests Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin and H.E.R., as well as appearances by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, David Letterman, Gayle King, Jimmy Kimmel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Olivia Munn, and Sean Penn. Plus, esteemed guests Prince Harry and Meghan, The...
How to watch Giro d'Italia 2021: Live stream UCI WorldTour cycling online
The battle for the iconic maglia rosa kicks off this weekend in Italy as the world's best riders tackle cycling's most scenic and arguably most challenging stages. Read on to find out how to get a Giro d'Italia 2021 live stream, no matter where you are in the world.Taking place just seven months after last year's coronavirus-delayed edition of the race, this year's race covers over 3,500km of mountain climbs, sprints, and hills, across 21 calf-popping stages.The grueling schedule has four mountainous stages falling on consecutive days between Stage 6 to Stage 9 ahead of equally intimidating summit finishes on the infamous Monte Zoncolan (Stage 14) and Sega di Ala (Stage 17).Last year's surprise Giro winner Tao Geoghegan Hart won't be back to defend his title this time out, with the 104th edition of the race expected to be an open affair.Hart's Ineos Grenadier teammate Egan Bernal leads a trio of favorites to win this year's pink jersey, with the Colombian rider tipped to batt...
How to watch Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid: Live stream La Liga online
Spain's top tier is going right down to the wire, with two of the title contenders going toe to toe on Saturday at Camp Nou. Follow our guide below on how to get a La Liga live stream and watch Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid online no matter where you are in the world.Barcelona are in hot pursuit of leaders Atlético Madrid and could overtake Diego Simeone's side with a win at home in this crucial encounter, while a win for the away side would see them open up a seemingly unassailable five-point gap at the top.The match comes ahead of Real Madrid's equally vital clash with Sevilla later on Saturday evening in a set of fixtures that could define where the Championship heads to in what looks set to be the best finish to the Spanish title race for years.With the hosts looking deadly up front, but equally vulnerable at the back, coupled with the all-or-nothing situation Barça find themselves in, the match is unlikely to be a cagey affair with goals very much expected.Read on for ...
How to watch Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow on Fantracks live from anywhere
Spend the day with mom, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, and several other talented musicians this weekend during the Fantracks virtual Mother's Day Rocks concert. This one-day-only event is giving audience members livestream access to back-to-back concerts featuring women who truly rock.The first show of the day is Decades Rock Live Featuring Bonnie Raitt, recorded live at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event features Bonnie Raitt performing tracks like "Something to Talk About", "Love Letter", "You" and "I Don't Want Anything to Change" with her talented friends such as Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss, Keb' Mo' and Jon Cleary.Sheryl Crow Live At The Capitol Theatre begins just after Bonnie's concert and sees the iconic musician performing on the final night of her "Be Myself" tour. The show is held at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York and also features an exclusive interview with Sheryl at her farm in Nashville....
Best free VPN services 2021: The top free VPN options worth trying out
Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily workflow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2021, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Best Free VPN service 20211. ProtonVPN2. Hotspot Shield3. Windscribe4. TunnelBear5. Hide.me6. SpeedifyFree VPNs aren't for everyoneA note about free VPN optionsThere are a bunch of great free VPN options (which we've highlighted lower on this page), but it's worth noting that these aren't the best picks for everyone. With fr...
Google Assistant is so happy about vaccines that it will sing you a song
Google Assistant should stick to its day job.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant celebrates the COVID-19 vaccine with a song."The Vaccine Song" praises scientists for the record time that vaccines were developed.Just ask Google Assistant to sing the song and... judge for yourself.Google Assistant is apparently very happy about the COVID-19 vaccine, so much so that it now has a song titled "The Vaccine Song" that it will sing to you if you ask it to.It works on smart speakers like the Nest Audio, but if you ask it to since on any of the best Android phones, you get to enjoy the experience with on-screen lyrics, complete with emojis.The Vaccine Song celebrates the vaccine's ability to protect and help prevent severe illnesses from contracting COVID-19 while praising the record time that it took for scientists to develop the vaccines.The song won't win any Grammy awards, but it at least rhymes. Google Assistant tends to lean a bit heavily on the autotune, but it's no...
These are the best Garmin smartwatches you can buy
If you've ever searched for the best fitness tracker or best Android smartwatch, you might be familiar with Garmin, which designs various wearables that cater to both the smartwatch and fitness crowds. When you're looking for a perfect mix of both, the Vivoactive 4 is the best Garmin smartwatch you can buy. Whether you're a professional athlete or a first-time runner, there are many fantastic choices here.Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 might be a year old now, but it's overflowing with features that make it a worthy upgrade from the previous model. You'll now have your pick between two sizes: 45 mm and 40 mm. The larger model gives you an extra day of battery life in smartwatch mode at eight days. It'll last six hours when it's in GPS and music mode. The smaller model dips down to seven days and five hours, respectively.As for the good stuff, you'll have all of the essentials, like built-in GPS, smartphone notifications, Garmin Pay, and 5 ATM water r...
Here's a simple way you can port your number with Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier operating on T-Mobile's network that sells its plans in multi-month bundles so you can save money. You can buy three, six, or 12 months at a time. Plans come in 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or even unlimited and include 5G. Should you decide to try out Mint Mobile, porting your number from another carrier is a fairly simple and painless process.Products used in this guideUnlimited calls, texts, and 4GB: Mint Mobile ($45 for three months at Mint Mobile)Unlocked with LTE and 5G: Samsung Galaxy S20 5G ($790 at Amazon)Bring your number to MintBefore starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your old service before moving to Mint, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number — at least, not without going through a much more tedious process.Once you've decided on a plan and received your Mint Mobile SIM card, starting the porting p...
The Oculus Quest 2 might be officially getting Android apps soon
You might never need to take off your headset again!What you need to knowOne user found the ability to officially install Android apps on their Quest 2 via the Oculus Store.Any Android app can currently be installed to an Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2, but it must be sideloaded.A Facebook rep wouldn't confirm or deny the feature to Android Central.Like most mobile electronics devices these days, the Oculus Quest 2 is powered by Android. In fact, sideloading apps on Quest 2 can open up an entirely new world of apps and games, including the very same apps you can use on an Android-powered phone or tablet. While playing VR games on a VR headset is probably going to give you the best overall experience, being able to play the best Android games and run social apps on your Quest 2 transforms it into a device with a very different purpose.Interestingly enough, one user on Twitter seems to have stumbled on what appears to be an official way to load popular Android apps straight...
Google pulls a fast one on Roku by putting YouTube TV in the YouTube app
YouTube TV will be accessible through the YouTube app on Roku.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out an update for Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from the YouTube app.The move acts as a workaround to Roku removing the YouTube TV app from its channel store.The two companies are reportedly still negotiating the terms of YouTube TV on Roku devices.Google has just introduced a new update to the YouTube app on the best Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from within the app. The new option to "Go to YouTube TV" will be available on the left sidebar of the main YouTube app.The move comes after Roku removed the YouTube TV app from its Channel Store after negotiations with Google apparently broke down over the terms of the app. Google reportedly asked Roku to provide a dedicated row for YouTube search results, and Roku has accused Google of "unfair and anti-competitive requirements to manipulate your search results."In a blog post about th...
Tile trackers will soon work with Amazon's Sidewalk network
Tracking just got a lot easier.What you need to knowAmazon's Sidewalk will soon integrate with Tile trackers.This newfound support will roll out from June 14.Amazon also announced additional integration with Level.Keeping track of your things is about to get easier than ever with a collaboration between Amazon and Tile. From June 14th, Tile trackers will now work with Amazon's Sidewalk, extending the Tile network's coverage to include even Amazon Echo devices.Last year, Amazon Echos gained support for Sidewalk, adding to the pre-existing Ring support, but this is the first major non-Amazon tracker network to integrate with Tile.CJ Prober, CEO of Tile, said: Tile helps millions of people every day find their things, and we're always looking for opportunities to enhance the finding experience for our customers. To that end, working with Amazon to extend our finding network by securely connecting to Amazon Sidewalk devices like Echo smart speakers was an obvious choice...
Make sure you pair your Raspberry Pi with one of the best cases
The Raspberry Pi is an absolutely incredible little computing machine. Powered by Linux, if there's an idea that you can think of, chances are, you'll be able to use a Raspberry Pi to get it done. But there will be times when you need to find the best Raspberry Pi cases, especially if you don't want to use the ones included with the best Raspberry Pi kits. We've rounded up some of our favorites, but really, there are so many great options at your disposal.Best Raspberry Pi 4 CasesThe Raspberry Pi 4 is the newest standalone board to be released, making it the obvious first choice for everyone. But once you've acquired the board, you might want to start looking at some different cases, and thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ranging from just having a basic case or using one that provides the ability to add an NVME M.2 SSD to your Pi, there's something here for everyone.Best for Pi 4Flirc Raspberry Pi 4 CaseStaff PickIf you're not looking for a bunch o...
6 things I wish I knew before playing Resident Evil Village
Maybe it's just me, but I wish I knew these six things before playing.Resident Evil Village is now out, and with it comes one of the most terrifying and enjoyable games we've played in a long time. However, like any Resident Evil title and even some other horror games, it's not the most straightforward. Sometimes, if you haven't played a Resident Evil game before, some of its mechanics won't make any sense. Other times, new features for longtime fans might not be well-explained. So while you might know how to figure out where to go, you might not know how to sell items at the new merchant, run by the Duke. You'll especially want to read our tips if you're new to the series. If you are an old-timer, why not check it out anyway and see if there's something you missed.1. Run during the first Lycan fightWhen you first get to the village, you'll be quickly attacked by a Lycan. However, that'll soon turn into a pack out to get you. You have to survive. You'll have a handgun and a s...
Zuckerberg talks Oculus Quest Pro, no Kids Quest or Horizon any time soon
Zuckerberg waxes poetic on the future of social VR and new Quest Pro hardware.What you need to knowQuest Pro isn't coming in 2021, but it will feature enhanced performance and new sensors when it eventually debuts.Facebook is not currently considering a way for kids to make accounts or to officially use VR headsets, despite the growing userbase.Facebook Horizon is the company's big push for how social networking should look and work in VR, and they're waiting until it "feels right" to open it up to the public.The Oculus Quest 2 may have debuted only 6 months ago, but Facebook is already thinking ahead to what the future of VR can look like for a broader Oculus Quest ecosystem. In an interview with CNET, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg talked about several topics related to VR, including upcoming Oculus Quest Pro hardware, the possibility of kids Facebook accounts and accompanying hardware, as well as how he views Facebook Horizon's role in remote work and after-hours playtime....
Cable is still a better source of internet than 5G for most people
Best answer: No. Unless you have access to mmWave 5G, cable internet will be faster. For some rural customers, though, 5G may be the best option.Do you have mmWave coverage?For most of us, 5G is not better than cable for home internet, but it's a great second option for a select few. If you've moved to a new home, you likely only have one option for wired high-speed internet, and that's cable. A good cable modem paired with a great Wi-FI 6 router can deliver very fast download speeds with good ping times, but it's far from perfect. Still, a 5G connection with a good signal can deliver comparable download speeds with improved upload speeds as long as you've got coverage.Cable requires a coaxial cable to be run from your house or apartment to a utility pole or distribution box. While these cables are fairly robust, every connection is a potential point of failure, and if something goes wrong, it can be hard to get it fixed. 5G removes that point of failure, and your modem only ne...
Microsoft may have just killed its answer to Chrome OS and Chromebooks
Microsoft reportedly gives up on Windows 10X, its streamlined Chrome OS competitor.What you need to knowMicrosoft is reportedly halting the development of Windows 10X and won't release it this year.The OS was meant to make Windows compete better with more affordable Chromebooks.Microsoft will apparently focus its efforts on the full version of Windows 10.According to a new report from Petri (via Windows Central), Microsoft is putting its Windows 10X platform on hold and will not release it this year. The news comes a year after Microsoft decided to scale down its Chrome OS competitor to work on single-screen devices instead of dual-screen ones.The report claims that Microsoft has shifted its focus on modernizing Windows 10, which will likely include elements that were meant to arrive with Windows 10X. This may come in the form of the Sun Valley update that's expected for Windows 10 devices later this year.Windows 10X was announced in 2019 as Microsoft's answer to Chrome...
Which default hard drive is best for PS4 games on PS5? We can help!
With an 825GB SSD, every gigabyte of space on your PS5 is precious. That's why you don't want to waste it with PS4 games, especially when PS5 games need to be played from their internal SSD. To make your lives easier so that you don't have to constantly transfer games back and forth, you can set an external hard drive as your default drive for PS4 game downloads. Doing so is easy, and it should save you a lot of time. It may not be as fast as the PS5's SSD, but an external drive can play PS4 games just fine.Turn on your PS5. Plug in a compatible external hard drive into one of the back USB Type-A ports (the front USB port will not work because it is not Superspeed). Go to Settings.Select Storage.Select USB Extended Storage.Toggle on Always Install PS4 Games to USB Extended Storage. Can I select a default hard drive for PS5 games?Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you can select a default hard drive for PS5 games at this time. While a recent update finally made it po...
OPPO commits to three years of security updates for the Find X3 Pro
The phone will still receive only two Android version upgrades.What you need to knowOPPO has promised that its flagship Find X3 series phones will receive software support for at least three years.It isn't clear if the company plans to roll out three Android version upgrades to the Find X3 series. Until now, OPPO has been providing only two years of software support to its flagship phones.OPPO's Find X3 Pro is one of the best Android phones that the company has released so far, featuring a gorgeous design and a fantastic 120Hz AMOLED display. To make it an even better alternative to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, OPPO has now promised that the Find X3 Pro will receive three years of software support.OPPO confirmed to Dutch publication Android Planet that the Find X3 series phones will get an extra year of security updates. While OPPO doesn't have a great track record when it comes to software support, most of its phones receive security patches for up to two years. The report sugg...
YouTube could be getting new music controls for Premium subscribers
A new YouTube update wants to make streaming music better.What you need to knowYouTube is testing a new 'listening controls' feature that'll make playing music better on its mobile app.Previously, the app would prompt users to open the dedicated YouTube Music app when streaming music.It's currently only available to YouTube Premium subscribers.Google is testing out a new feature for the YouTube app that'll make playing music without switching to YouTube Music more elegant. Currently, it's possible to play both music and videos on the YouTube app. While playing music, the app often prompts users to switch to YouTube Music for a dedicated music experience. Not all users may have warmed up to this context switching, so Google's bringing the metaphorical mountain to those customers who refuse to switch.With this new experience (spotted by 9to5Google), YouTube will now display a different interface for music that's more akin to music streaming apps than it is to a video app....
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus: Echo over Plus?
Returning EchoAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$100 at AmazonProsSmaller and better fitHands-free Alexa accessImproved ANC performanceMaintains EQ supportGreat support on both iOS and AndroidFaster chargingConsNo real difference in battery lifeNo multipoint BluetoothFinicky touch controlsThe second-gen Echo Buds are Amazon's latest effort to improve upon their debut earbuds, and the results are largely focused on getting more out of the audio from the start. A smaller size and better fit, plus active noise cancelation only serve to make these newer buds worthy successors.Sticking aroundSamsung Galaxy Buds Plus$110 at AmazonProsLong battery lifeGreat soundUSB-C and wireless chargingAmbient modeCustomizable gesturesGreat color optionsConsNo ANC or ANR supportGlossy case gets messyThe Galaxy Buds Plus were the first real leap forward for Samsung when it came to making better wireless earbuds, and they remain a pretty solid option. Th...
Amazon Prime Day postponed in India and Canada over rising COVID-19 cases
The two-day discount event is expected to be held in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and a few other countries next month.What you need to knowAmazon has decided to pause its Prime Day event in India and Canada due to COVID-19,In other countries, however, the event will continue as planned. Last year, Amazon had to delay Prime Day in the U.S. until mid-October due to the pandemic. Amazon is delaying its annual Prime Day event in India and Canada over concerns about rising COVID-19 cases in the two countries (via CNBC). While the company hasn't announced new dates for Prime Day in India and Canada yet, the two-day event will likely be held a few months later than previously planned.This isn't the first time that Amazon has had to postpone Prime Day due to the pandemic. Last year, it had to push Prime Day to mid-October in the U.S. Amazon's 2020 Prime Day was held in India in August, as the COVID-19 outbreak had started to slow down in the country. This year, howeve...
WhatsApp backtracks on forcing privacy policy, will still bug you about it
WhatsApp will keep sending you reminders to accept new policy.What you need to knowWhatsApp won't delete or deactivate your account on May 15.If will keep sending you reminders to accept the new privacy policy.Some functionalities might be limited.WhatsApp will not be deactivating or deleting accounts on May 15, despite saying it would do so earlier this year if you didn't accept its new privacy policy.A spokesperson said in an email to Android Central that the company will keep sending reminders to users in the weeks to come about accepting the policy. Users who have not accepted the policy will also have "limited account functionality."Those limited functionalities include not being able to access your chat list (but you will still be able to answer incoming phone and video calls). If you have notifications enabled, you will be able to tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call.WhatsApp said that after "a few weeks of limit...
These are the best bands for the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3
Fitbit continues to deliver industry-leading smartwatches designed to impress on multiple fronts, and the two latest smartwatches are no exception. You'll want to be sure you find the best Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 bands for your needs. Keep in mind that both of these wearables are only compatible with Fitbit's new infinity band system. Therefore, the old bands from previous models won't work. On to bigger and better things! Check out some of our favorite options below.Get sportyAdepoy Waterproof Sport Silicone (3-Pack)Staff PickIf you're seeking a durable watch band with plenty of ventilation, you'll want to check out the waterproof sport bands from Adepoy. You can seamlessly switch between workouts and the office with these soft, lightweight bands. This 3-pack comes in a variety of color options.$10 at AmazonBreathable comfortHAPAW Nylon BandWhen you're looking for a lightweight design that's comfortable and breathable, the nylon bands from HAPAW are a goo...
The best wheels to take your PS4 & PS5 racing to the next level
If you're looking to get into console-based sim racing, then the PS4 and PS5 are strong places to be. Not only does Sony have a strong first-party title in Gran Turismo, but it's well supported by third-party offerings like F1 and Project Cars. To take your experience to the next level, a wheel is a sound investment, and the good news is that there are some really awesome choices for the PlayStation. This includes the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT, which is the best option for most people.Best Overall: Thrustmaster T300 RS GTThe T300 RS GT isn't the most expensive wheel, nor is it the most feature-packed or advanced when it comes to the tech inside. However, for most people, what it is is a fantastic all-rounder that balances all of these things. It's approachable for newcomers with an attractive price, yet still delivers a quality experience.It might be a Gran Turismo-branded product, but it's great for all racing games on PS4, PS5, and PC. The wheel rim itself is 11 inches in dia...
Diablo Immortal: Closed Alpha, release date, everything you need to know
Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since its announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of Diablo Immortal footage, including some gameplay.With the first Technical Alpha for Diablo Immortal having been released in 2020, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Closed Alpha Paragon levelingPvP gameplay What is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is t...
Catch AC's Alex Dobie and MrMobile on the Seriously? podcast!
Does 5G live up to the hype? And what's next for mobile tech?Will 5G seriously change the world? Should you buy a new phone right now just because it supports the latest in networking tech? Android Central's Alex Dobie, the one and only MrMobile (a.k.a. Michael Fisher) and TechRadar's John McCann join host Matt Phillips on episode 5 of the Seriously? podcast to debate the future of 5G. The next-generation cellular tech is used in some of the best Android phones of the moment, like Samsung's Galaxy S21 series, but is often viewed as being over-hyped and underwhelming in its current form.The discussion touches on everything from 5G-enabled game streaming to whether you're really getting full 5G speeds when you see that little icon in your status bar. At the other end of the spectrum, the panel talk about 5G's potential to bring faster, lag-free connectivity to more remote areas. And what does the future hold for a possible 6G spec in the decades ahead?And, of course, it wouldn'...
...370371372373374375376377378379...