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The Venu 2 is a great smartwatch that would be almost perfect if it were $100 cheaper.Perhaps the fastest-growing tech category right now is wearables, specifically smartwatches. Having one of the best smartwatches is important to those of us who need (or want) to stay in constant communication with our friends and family, or who need a quick and easy method to triage notifications or control smart home devices. Particularly in the time of COVID-19, more and more of us are paying more attention to our activity and fitness and want to collect as much of this data as possible to get a better idea of our overall health and wellness picture.When it comes to making fitness wearables, there is arguably no company that does it better than Garmin. Elite athletes seek out Garmin's watches, trackers, and monitors due to their accuracy, feature set, and battery life. The best Garmin smartwatches have traditionally had some compromises compared to others from Apple, Samsung, or even Fitbit i...

I'm a Starbucks mobile app user, and I'm not going to stop any time soon.Even before a pandemic came along and forced me to stay inside, I went to Starbucks nearly every day. As somebody who has worked from home for the past four years, I relished any excuse to leave my apartment and walk around. Since Starbucks was the closest coffee shop to me, I became a regular, with the baristas knowing my two orders once they saw me enter the store.Part of my reliance on Starbucks was that it was a place close to me that had drinks I enjoyed. The other part was the Starbucks mobile app, which not only makes it easy to pay (especially in putting in mobile orders during a pandemic) but also keeps you coming back for more. Many businesses have apps that "gamify" the experience of being a customer, but Starbucks is one of the best. It's also one of the most sinister. Many businesses have apps that "gamify" the experience of being a customer, but Starbucks is one of the best.Gamification ...

After over a fortnight of green baize action, we've finally reached the grand finale of snooker's most prestigious tournament. Read on to find out how to watch Mark Selby vs Shaun Murphy online and stream the World Snooker Championship 2021 final no matter where you are in the world.2005 champion Murphy booked his place in this showdown after pulling off a remarkable turnaround to beat Kyren Wilson 17-12 in their semi-final clash on Saturday.The world no.7 trailed 10-4 and 11-6 but lived up to his magician nickname to plot an escape that saw him win all five frames after the match resumed at 12-12 on Saturday evening.He'll now face three-time champion Selby, after the Jester from Leicester came back from being 13-11 down overnight against Stuart Bingham.Pulling off breaks of 125 and 132 Selby eventually ground down qualifier Bingham to seal his place in the final, after a gruelling semi-final that lasted almost three hours and 40 minutes longer than Murphy's victory over Wils...

Two of English football's biggest rivals battle it out in the Premier League on Sunday in what we expect to be a full-blooded encounter. Don't miss a moment with our Man United vs Liverpool live stream guide.While local rivals Man City have all but tied up the Premier League title already, Man United will want to keep the pressure on the Sky Blues with a win today. United come into today's game on a 7-game unbeaten streak and will be brimming with confidence after thrashing Roma 6-2 in the Europa League in their last outing.Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 5 Premier League games and will be looking to pick up maximum points in their remaining league games as they play catch-up in the race for Champions League qualification places.Ole Gunnar Solskjær has little in the way of selection issues. Dean Henderson and Daniel James are likely to return after being rested for the Roma game with Mason Greenwood having only featured briefly, too.Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool squad remai...

The 2021 Formula 1 season continues and this weekend teams and drivers will head to Portimao, Portugal for this year's Portugese Grand Prix and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.The Algarve International Circuit, often referred to as simply Portimao, is a newcomer to the Formula 1 calendar as the track held its first Grand Prix last year. Before that, the track was primarily used for pre-season training. Portimao has 16 turns, a circuit length of 2.81 miles and drivers will complete 66 laps before finishing the 190-mile race. While Valtteri Bottas won last year's Portuguese Grand Prix with a time of one hour and 18 minutes, Lewis Hamilton currently holds the best lap record at Portimao with a time of one minute and eighteen seconds.When it comes to the standings going into the third Formula 1 Grand Prix of 2021, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton currently holds the top spot with 44 points, 1 win, and 2 podiums with Red Bull's Max Verstappen right behind...

Race week three of the 2021 MotoGP season sees Fabio Quartararo looking to make it a trio of wins in a row as the riders head to Jerez. Don't miss a single lap with our guide to getting a Spanish MotoGP 2021 live stream.While Frenchman Quartararo is currently the rider to beat, the narrative surrounding Sunday's action will likely be led by the riders taking to the grid on home turf.A total of nine Spanish stars will be looking to impress this weekend, including 2020 champ Joan Mir who is still in search of his first finish inside the top two this season, despite a solid start to the campaign.The big talking point in the lead-up to the race is undoubtedly the return of six-time champion Marc Marquez to Jerez, with the Spaniard lining up on the starting line of the course where things went so badly wrong for him last year.The 28-year-old Repsol Honda rider broke his arm after a nasty crash on this circuit last July, but returned to action last weekend to finish seventh after n...

In the final Old Firm derby clash of the season, Celtic will be hoping to rain on Rangers' parade with an upset at Ibrox. Don't miss a moment with our Rangers vs Celtic live stream guide.Though there's little to play for in this late-stage Scottish Premiership game with the league title and Champions League qualification already secured, a game between these two sides is never without drama. After a draw in their previous meeting, both sides will want to one-up the other at the last opportunity in the 2020/21 season.Rangers' hopes of a domestic double were quashed at the weekend as they exited the Scottish Cup at the quarter-final stage, losing on penalties to one-time winners St. Johnstone. Steven Gerrard and co. will look to bounce back from that defeat with a big win against their local rivals.Celtic will be looking to spoil Rangers' party by inflicting defeat on the Light Blues for the first time this season. The Bhoys are unbeaten in their last 5 league games and John Kenn...

It's not the phone, but what's behind it that counts.Even before I joined Android Central, I'd been wanting to get my hands on a Fairphone device. I've followed the company's story over the past few years, and have been both inspired by its courage and leadership and left completely aghast at just how unsustainably the tech industry as a whole operates.That's true of most industries of course, but because this is the field I'm passionate about and cover for a living, it was particularly sobering to learn just how unfair and unsustainable the tech industry is overall. I likened this awakening to my first reading of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, in that in learning about the Fairphone story, I got to truly see how the sausage was made, so to speak — and I didn't like it one bit.So it is with that background that I was delighted to get my hands on the company's latest device, the Fairphone 3. I got to spend a few weeks using it in and around my house (hey, we have been in quaran...

Who would've thought that one of the most popular games would be a free Android game that came out in 2018? The social deduction game has enjoyed a healthy bump in popularity, thanks to the help of some big-name streamers. And what comes with popularity? Merchandise, of course. Here's some of the best Among Us merchandise we've found.Drink to a speedy negotiation"Me, the Impostor? Lol." MugStaff PickMe? The Imposter? Why I'd never! Sip your drink as you watch your friends accuse each other of sabotage.$15 at InnerslothA solid stress relieverAmong Us Coloring BookAmong Us can be a stressful game, whether you're an Imposter trying to avoid detection or a crew member trying to complete a task. So why not relax and relieve some stress with this Among Us coloring book?$8 at AmazonWarm and toastyAmong Us Socks (pack of three)Finding and successfully ejecting the imposter is a satisfying feeling. Unfortunately, you might have to eject dozens of innoce...

Finding the best monitor for your needs can be quite a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it's important to figure out exactly what you plan to use the monitor for and then go from there. In this case, we're checking out the best 1080p monitors that you can find, as not everyone needs or wants the higher resolutions offered by the best 4K monitors.Best 1080p Monitor Overall: Dell S2421HSThe Dell S2421HS is our pick as the best 1080p monitor overall, as it's already one of the best Dell monitors that money can buy thanks to the low price point adjustable stand and solid picture quality. You'll find a faster 75Hz refresh rate, which is becoming the new standard for many monitors, and this pairs nicely with the ability to use either HDMI or DisplayPort when connecting to your computer.Although the S2421HS is not exactly geared towards the gaming community, this monitor is compatible with AMD FreeSync. However, if you have one of the best NVIDIA graphics cards, y...

New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for this May.★ Head to the village - May 6Resident Evil VillageStaff PickA brand new Resident Evil experience is almost here, with Resident Evil Village picking up right where Resident Evil 7 biohazard left off. Players will still assume the role of Ethan Winters, this time trapped in a remote village where they'll have to find out the various mysteries of just why you've been taken there. Gameplay seems to be very similar to the extremely popular Resident Evil 4, making this one of the year's most anticipated games.$60 at AmazonMay 14Mass Effect: Legendary EditionThe Mass Effect trilogy is per...

Top-grade video doorbellRing Video Doorbell Pro$170 at AmazonProsNo battery to rechargePre-roll videoSmaller size might be preferable in some casesAdjustable motion zonesPrivacy zonesSlightly more affordableConsWiring can be a deterrentPoor Google Assistant integrationThe Ring Video Doorbell Pro is still the best way to get the Ring experience. From the incredibly useful pre-roll video features to the convenience that comes from never charging a battery, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is the single best Ring video doorbell you can buy. Its only real downside is that it has to be hard-wired to power, limiting ownership for renters.Fantastic wireless choiceRing Video Doorbell 3$180 at AmazonProsNo wiring requiredA bit more affordableAdjustable motion zonesPrivacy zonesConsHave to recharge the battery from time-to-timeNo pre-rollPoor Google Assistant integrationRing Video Doorbell 3 is the third-generation wireless doorbell from Ri...

Android 12 is inching towards stability.The final Android 12 developer preview is out in the wild, which means it's only a matter of time before the update reaches beta and starts arriving on some of the best Android phones. That will most likely be around Google I/O 2021, where there will be more solid information about the features that are likely to make the final version. Until then, the developer preview has been picked apart on phones like the Google Pixel 5, and we've managed to get a look at surface-level features as well as those not yet ready for prime-time.Do you like what you've seen in Android 12 so far?Android 12 so farOver the past couple of months, Google has released three developer previews and some smaller updates in-between. Each developer preview was focused on adding or building upon features that we may or may not see in the final version. There has been quite a bit to discover, but fortunately, we have a few hands-on videos to highlight some of the ne...

FLoC is a decent solution to the tracking cookies mess, but with Google behind it, competitors and other businesses are leery.FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts) is Google's answer to "fixing" online advertising. It's not a bad solution at all if you look into the tech. Instead of tracking you using cookies (something almost every advertiser does now), it uses your machine and an algorithm built into Chrome to place you into anonymous groups that will receive targeted ads.The idea, which is still in the works but is available as a Chrome Dev demo, has already done a lot of good, just not how Google has hoped. When a behemoth the size of Chrome — which holds about 60% of the web browser market — makes a change like this, it opens a lot of eyes to just how bad third-party tracking cookies are. Google's plans for FLoC aren't going as well as it hoped.We've seen companies like Apple and Mozilla try to tackle third-party cookies, but without the mindshare that Chrome holds...

It's been almost two years since Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker were supposed to meet in the ring but this Saturday boxing fans will finally get to see the heavyweight showdown they've been waiting for and we have all the details on how you can watch Chisora vs Parker on TV or online.The two former heavyweight champions were originally scheduled to go head to head at London's O2 Arena back in October of 2019. However, just before the fight, Parker fell ill after a spider bite and the event was cancelled. Chisora was unconvinced though and in recent weeks he has begun referring to Parker as a chicken ahead of their match.Parker's last fight was in February when he defeated Junior Fa while Chisora was less successful when he stepped into the ring last Halloween to go up against Oleksandr Usyk.The two will finally have a chance to settle their unfinished business at the AO Arena in Manchester tonight where they'll go 12 rounds in a heavyweight bout.Chisora vs Parker isn't the on...

Andy Ruiz makes his first appearance in the ring since losing his heavyweight title, tonight as he looks to get his career back on track against veteran slugger Chris Arreola. Read on for your full guide to watching an Andy Ruiz vs Chris Arreola live stream and don't miss a single punch.It's been a lengthy wait for Ruiz to return to action, with the former undisputed heavyweight champ having not fought since his rematch defeat to Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia all the way back in December 2019.The Mexican-American fighter famously pulled off one of boxing's biggest shocks by beating the British fighter in their first encounter at Madison Square Gardens a year earlier to take the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO.But after coming under fire for being comically overweight for the rematch and keen to prove his title-winning victory was no fluke, Ruiz begins his comeback this weekend with a new slimmed-down look.Looking to be in the best shape of his career and now under the tutelag...

Fight your way through ancient China in Unruly Heroes, an action-packed new take on Journey to the West!Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Novels of Chinese literature, has had many interpretations in the 400+ years of its existence. With more television, film, comic books, manga, and video game adaptations than I can even count, a new game based on this classic tale hardly seems novel. Heck, even Dragon Ball bears the markers of Journey to the West's influence!But if you're not familiar with the story, I'll give you the shortest summary I possibly can. Journey to the West recounts a monk's pilgrimage to obtain sacred Buddhist texts and achieve enlightenment along the way. Encountering many evils on his path and picking up a motley crew to join him on his quest, Journey to the West's legendary tale of Tang Sanzang and his disciples has withstood the test of time for good reason.With such venerated source material and such an inundated catalog of competitors to be measur...

The Wyze Bulb Color proves an excellent smart light bulbs don't have to be expensive.When it was announced, I was really looking forward to working on a Wyze Bulb Color review because finding an LED bulb that offers both colors and tunable whites isn't necessarily difficult, but generally, if you want those colors to be vibrant across the board — it is expensive. Some of the best smart light bulbs cost as much as $50 for a single bulb. This is why checking out what Wyze had to offer in the smart light space, specifically colored bulbs was so enticing.Wyze is known for making a variety of smart home gadgets for very accessible prices. It makes some of the best security cameras at fractions of the cost for most other brands, especially when considering the Wyze Cam Outdoor. I have been using Wyze's tunable white LED smart bulbs for over a year now, and if Wyze can bring the same low-cost and high-quality to a color smart bulb option — I'm going to be very happy.Wyze Bulb Co...

The process of how to get a VPN can be super simple if you just go online, download the first you see, and install it. But, in reality, it's far more complex than that. Not only do you have to pick the right service if you want the best VPN experience but you also need to know how to set it up correctly for your needs.Start by working out why you want a VPN. Is your priority getting a secure VPN for better online privacy and anonymity? Do you want a Netflix VPN for streaming internationally? Perhaps a VPN is your way to save money on shopping where the prices adjust to your details.Then you need to think about where this applies. Will you need it on your computer, your phone, maybe your console and TV? And do you want more than one person to use it in your household?Price is another big part of your decision. There are free VPN options and there are paid-for VPN choices – do you need to pay or not?Then, once you've picked one, how do you actually get it up and running? Read...

It only took Samsung a few months.Update, Apr 30 (8:10 pm ET): The Galaxy SmartTag+ is available for purchase.What you need to knowThe Galaxy SmartTag+ is finally up for purchase after being announced in January.The tag features UWB for enhanced location tracking with the SmartThings Find app.Galaxy SmartTag+ retails for $40 and is available in two colors.During Galaxy Unpacked in January, Samsung announced its first Bluetooth tracker alongside the Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones. The Galaxy SmartTag was launched as a competitor to some of the best Bluetooth trackers on the market, but then Samsung also teased an even better version of the tracker that would be released at an unspecified date. Although without much fanfare, that date happens to be upon us, with Galaxy SmartTag+ now available for preorder.Like other Bluetooth trackers, the Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag+ can be attached to items like backpacks, luggage, or even pets and track them with a Bluetooth signal. S...

Visible is upgrading your upgrades.What you need to knowVisible is announcing updates to its early-upgrade plan for both Apple and Android devices.Subscribers can upgrade their smartphones with no fee after paying off just half their device.The new upgrade plan will start on May 3.One of the best MVNO carriers is making it easier for subscribers to get the latest and greatest smartphones sooner. Visible subscribers will soon be able to upgrade to some of the best Android phones of the year thanks to Visible's early upgrade plan.Subscribers financing a new phone through Affirm will not only benefit from 0% APR but will soon be able to upgrade to a new device after at least 50% is paid off. This includes iPhones, devices made by Samsung and Google, and select devices from Motorola, ZTE, and OnePlus. Subscribers will have to send in the old device within 14 days of receiving the new one, which Visible notes must be the same "make" of the one being traded in.That means if y...

Apparently, some Fossil Gen 5 users still have not received the update.Update, April 30 (5:00 pm ET): The update is rolling out again!What you need to knowFossil is pausing its rollout of Google's H MR2 update for Wear OS.The company addresses some issues with the update and has not specified when it will resume rolling out to devices.Google's H MR2 update was released last year to provide speed and battery improvements to the platform.Google surprised many when it rolled out an update for Wear OS, aiming to improve the performance of its smartwatch platform. The update, dubbed H-MR2, brought some under-the-hood improvements to make Wear OS faster and more battery efficient. The Suunto 7 received the update first, followed by the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch, but apparently, Fossil is having some issues and has paused the rollout.According to a Fossil representative on Reddit, the company is working out some issues with the update, which is why some users have yet to receive...

Bulk savingsMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsLarge T-Mobile networkHotspot on all plans5G access includedMulti-month discountsUnlimited plan availableConsNo multi-line discountMint Mobile delivers a solid network experience on T-Mobile's network with access to LTE and 5G if you have a phone that supports it. Mint has four plans to choose from, all of which get significantly cheaper if you're able to buy six months or a year upfront. If you know you have great T-Mobile coverage, Mint can be a great way to save.Family savingsAT&T PrepaidFrom $25/mo. at AT&TProsGreat coverage on the AT&T LTE networkUnlimited availableDiscounts for multiple linesMulti-month discountsData rolloverCons5G access is only on the top planMore expensive plansAT&T Prepaid leverages AT&T's network to deliver great savings in a variety of ways. You can mix and match a family plan with multi-line saving and autopay discounts. You ...

Another brick in the wall of Facebook's first-party Oculus Studios.What you need to knowFacebook continues to bolster its first-party VR development repertoire with another top-tier VR developer.As with other VR developer acquisitions, Oculus has pledged to continue to support the game on all available platforms.The news follows a record-setting earnings quarter for Facebook's AR and VR division.Facebook is officially announcing its acquisition of Downpour Interactive, the developer behind the massively popular multiplayer military simulator Onward. While Facebook isn't disclosing the terms of the deal, they did specify that Downpour Interactive will remain an independently operated studio despite joining the umbrella of Oculus Studios. Onward has remained one of the best Quest 2 games since its launch and, indeed, one of the best multiplayer shooters on any VR platform where it's available. Facebook says that Onward will continue to receive updates and support on all platf...

Customers are the losers in Google's very public tussle with Roku over YouTube TV.What you need to knowRoku removed the YouTube TV app from its app store after negotiations with Google fell through.Google responded to the action, maintaining its position and accusing Roku of seeking "special treatment."Roku has called Google's terms "unfair and anti-competitive."Anyone looking to download the YouTube TV app on any of the best Roku devices may be in for a surprise, as the company has just removed the app from its store. The move comes after failed negotiations between the two companies, with Roku accusing Google of monopolistic behavior and search manipulation.Google issued a statement in response to Roku's action, stating that Roku has "engaged in this tactic with other streaming providers" and that Google's terms have been in place for several years. Roku requested exceptions that would break the YouTube experience and limit our ability to update YouTube in order to ...

Several new featuresGarmin Venu 2$400 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFC10 to 11 days of battery lifeStunning AMOLED displayHealth Snapshot, fitness age, sleep scoreTwo size optionsConsSignificantly more expensiveThe Garmin Venu 2 shows that successors can indeed be successful. There are several new features to go around. You get the essentials and more, including fitness age, sleep score, Health Snapshot, new activity profiles, a battery saver mode, rapid charging, and more. It's more expensive, but the beautiful design, AMOLED display, and extra perks might just be worth the money.Timeless classicGarmin Vivoactive 4$268 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFC7 to 8 days of battery lifeActivity/sleep trackingMore affordableTwo size optionsConsShorter battery lifeNo battery saving modeLacks Venu 2's new perksMost people searching for a smartwatch with solid health and fitness tracking will be more than happy with the Garmin Vivoactive 4. You get t...

We've all been there. You're just casually scrolling through photos on your phone or responding to a WhatsApp message when all of a sudden, it's gone. The photo you were just looking at, the whole album, everything, gone. I know I've accidentally deleted items off my phone before, and also had my phone suddenly freak out on me and decide to delete something without my permission.The boiling anger and the utter sadness of possibly losing that memory forever is something any Android user can relate to. Thankfully, as smartphone software continues to improve, there are some pretty great tools available to help you recover data you thought you lost.In the early days of Android development, many of these tools required you to root your phone so the software could access the appropriate files on your phone. Not anymore. Tenorshare is a software company that has been building data recovery software for over 10 years, and their UltData program is the perfect Android data recovery tool....

Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without having to own a console or gaming PC. While Stadia can be used as a free service, Google does offer a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, as well as one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active but are only available to be claimed for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Some of the best Stadia games have been offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game ...

Over the past year or so, quite a few of us have been learning to adjust to working from home, and by most indications, that will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. Most companies that I have been hearing about will either continue to allow employees to work from home indefinitely, or will allow for some hybrid version of it.If you are one of the folks that will be doing most of their job from home for a while, having a good desk can be vital to building a productive workspace in your home. Standing desks have long been recommended as a great option to get work done while keeping your mind active and focused while you're working.The SmartDesk from Autonomous is a great addition to your home office without having to stretch your budget too far. It offers all the necessary features of a standing desk in a well-designed, sleek-looking package that can seamlessly fit into your home office.The high-quality design means it's solidly built with little to no wobble i...

The missing link can now be found.Are you looking to set up Oculus Air Link on your Oculus Quest 2 but can't seem to find the option? Don't worry, you're not alone and there's nothing wrong with your Quest 2. Despite getting the April v28 Quest 2 update, many Oculus Quest 2 players don't have the ability to configure Air Link because, quite simply, the option is missing from their Oculus Home dashboard. If you'd rather not wait for Facebook to enable the feature for everyone and get to playing the best Oculus Link games, there's a solution — albeit not the most simple solution ever created.Thankfully, a clever Redditor figured out a quick command that'll force your Oculus Quest 2 to restart the system software and check for new features, thus enabling the missing Air Link feature. It's not super cut and dry though, so you'll need to follow these steps in order to get it working. For this process, you'll need a PC, your Quest 2, and a USB cable that can connect the two. We'll be...

The psychological horror roguelike Returnal has arrived on the PlayStation 5 and is one of the best games on the system. The fast-paced bullet hell action, light Metroidvania elements, and gorgeous visuals and performance that showcase the power of the PS5 all help Returnal stand out in the crowd. The plot of Returnal is also a wild ride, and Selene's never-ending cycle isn't broken when the credits roll the first time.After clearing all six biomes, you might find yourself left with more questions than answers. Who was the White Shadow? And why is Selene still trapped in this cycle? Well, there's a third act waiting to be completed, but the path to the game's true ending isn't clear. If you're scratching your head and wondering what to do, we're here to help. Here's how to complete the third act in Returnal on PS5.A house haunted by memoriesIn the first biome and the fourth, Selene will come across a house similar to the one she lived in back on Earth. When you enter the hous...

Chromebooks are getting ready to hit the ground running.What you need to knowGoogle is getting ready to expand Chrome OS's pre-installed app list.Chromium commits indicate that Google is planning to add Meet and Chat by default.This would be the web apps as opposed to the Google Play Android apps.Chromebooks don't come with a lot of apps out of the box. You'll find Chrome, the Play Store, Gmail, and a selection of other Google apps and utilities on first boot. Google is considering expanding that list of pre-installed Chrome OS apps to include Google Meet and Google Chat, according to a pair of new feature flags.As per 9to5Google who stumbled upon these feature flags:These two feature flags read: Default Chat web app Enables the Chat web app to be installed by default. enable-default-chat-web-app Default Meet web app Enables the Meet web app to be installed by default. enable-default-meet-web-app Google Meet is a popular service, used...

While fun backgrounds have been a hit with video call services like Zoom, sometimes they can be distracting. That can also be the case with regular backgrounds, which might include personal items or even, let's face it, a mess you just don't want anyone to see. While Google is working on new ways to improve how you look on Google Meet calls, including some exciting new developments in AI, you can consider things like ring lights to enhance your visage as well. Those still don't solve the issue of a distracting background. You can actually keep things professional by blurring out your background. This ensures the focus remains on you and not what type of houseplants you have at home or vinyl records in your collection. But how do you blur your background on a Google Meet call?How to blur your background on a new Google Meet callOpen the Google Meet app or go to Google.meet.com.Tap New meeting.Tap Start a new meeting. Tap the three dots on the far right.Select Change backgrou...

Consumers are upset they have to pay more to get their Galaxy S20 fixed.What you need to knowSamsung is being sued for a camera defect in S20 series phones.Lawyers say Samsung did not disclose this defect.Samsung being charged for fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of consumer-protection laws.Customers are suing Samsung for not disclosing a defect that caused Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone cameras to shatter unexpectedly.Despite paying a high premium price for the phone, Samsung "refuses to cover the issue under its warranty," according to the lawsuit filed by attorneys at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP. The lawsuit was filed on April 27 and accuses Samsung of fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of several consumer-protection laws.The defect affects the back camera module's glass covering that "shatters" randomly without any force placed on it, even if the phone is protected by the best Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra cases. The shatter leaves a prominent "bullet ...

A very stylish OnePlus experience.What you need to knowYou can now buy a limited edition of the Nord in an artsy box designed by Joshua Vides.It's called the OnePlus Nord X Reality to Idea Collector Box.It'll set you back £469, the same price as the regular non-exclusive Nord Model.OnePlus phones often come with various collector's editions, and the Nord is no exception. Aside from the OnePlus Nord Literally Only One Edition, there's a OnePlus Nord X Reality to Idea Collector Box — a limited edition of the OnePlus Nord in a stylish box.Inside the package you'll get the Norditself, then a creative case, a sleeve, and a tote back, all decked out in a monochrome design by artist Joshua Vides. It's all very minimal and intended to reflect OnePlus's stated ethos of "stripping things down to the essentials." You're not getting anything that's not in the regular OnePlus Nord functionality and features-wise, but that is most likely not why you'd be interested in this.With ...

PlayStation Now may not be the hugely popular service that Xbox Game Pass is for players, but the subscription service still has a ton of value. It offers more than 800 games spanning some of the best that the PS2, PS3, and PS4 have to offer and adds new games monthly. However, if you're a member of PlayStation Now and find yourself ready to get rid of your subscription, doing so is incredibly easy.How to cancel PlayStation Now on your consoleLuckily, canceling your PlayStation Now subscription is easy, no matter what console you have. Ending your subscription is as simple as navigating to your account information page on your console and/or website. From there, you simply turn off the auto-renew function or cancel the service, and you're good to go. To cancel your PlayStation Now subscription on your PS4 or PS5, follow these steps:From the dashboard on your PlayStation 4 or 5, head to your Settings app on the console. Scroll all of the way down to Users and Accounts on the P...

As you would expect, the Clearly White Pixel 4a prototype looks nearly identical to the Clearly White Pixel 4a 5G.What you need to knowGoogle has accidentally revealed an unreleased white Pixel 4a prototype in an Instagram story.It is likely that Google may have originally planned to release the phone in black and white colors at launch.The Pixel 4a is available in just two color options: Just Black and Barely Blue.Google posted a new story on its official "Made by Google" Instagram account on the occasion of International Dance Day, showing off its latest Nest Audio smart speaker. As spotted by the folks over at Android Authority, the Instagram story also reveals an unreleased white Pixel 4a.While the phone looks fairly similar to a Pixel 4a 5G in Clearly White, the orange power button makes it clear that the device is, in fact, a Pixel 4a. Surprisingly, however, the story hasn't been taken down yet.It is possible that Google may have planned to release the Pixel 4a ...

Bowflex stepped up to make a Peloton-killer, but this ain't it. Not yet, anyway.A year ago, Bowflex made an amazing bike for half the price of the starter Peloton. The reason I like that bike so much was simple; it did everything a Peloton could do and let me watch whatever I wanted to watch while I'm on the bike. See, I have very little interest in being part of a virtual spin class when I'm on my bike. In fact, when I first started using an indoor bike to lose weight, I binged the entirety of Stargate SG-1 while riding. Being able to bring my own screen to the Bowflex bike so I could ride in my own home and record my rides with my heart rate while I watched whatever I wanted was a dream.When Bowflex announced the Velocore bike series, I was similarly excited. Instead of having to bring your own screen, there was a 16 or 22-inch display mounted on the edge of the bike with access to dozens of streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+. If you wanted that guided, spin class-style ex...

Privacy at its coreRing Video Doorbell 3$180 at AmazonProsAdjustable motion zonesDual-band 2.4Ghz/5Ghz Wi-FiPrivacy zonesNo wiring needed since it's battery-poweredConsPoor Google Assistant integrationThe Ring Video Doorbell 3 isn't a mind-blowing generational leap, but it's a worthwhile product upgrade nonetheless. With a focus on privacy, better motion detection, and improved compatibility with faster, modern Wi-Fi networks, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful battery-operated video doorbell.Now discontinuedRing Video Doorbell 2See it at AmazonProsNo wiring needed since it's battery-poweredConsOnly supports 2.4GHz networksPoor Google Assistant integrationCan't customize motion detectionOfficially discontinuedRing has made a name for itself over the years, and the Ring Video Doorbell 2 has been at the forefront of that. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 isn't being sold at many places nowada...

The EU says consumers are losing out due to Apple's anti-competitive App Store practices.What you need to knowThe European Commission has found Apple's app store practices to be in violation of the EU competition law.It is concerned with the mandatory use of Apple's own in-app purchase system imposed on third-party music streaming apps distributed via the App Store.Apple will have to respond to the European Commission's objections within the next twelve weeks. The European Commission today issued a "Statement of Objections" against Apple, nearly two years after Spotify filed an antitrust complaint with the European Union over "Apple Tax." The Commission's preliminary conclusion is that the Cupertino-based tech giant is in breach of the EU competition law.The Statement of Objections takes issue with the imposition of Apple's own in-app purchase system on all third-party music streaming apps that are distributed via the App Store. A preliminary investigation by the Commissi...

Android 11 is coming to more and more phones every day.The stable version of Android 11 was released a few months ago, and while it isn't the most revolutionary update we've ever seen, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about it. Whether you're looking forward to the new conversation notifications, chat bubbles for messaging apps, or the upgraded permission handling, it may be a while before you can actually start messing around with all of these software goodies.The update is available for the Pixels and select OnePlus phones, while the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 lineups have also received their One UI 3.0 update which is based on Android 11. We've rounded up all of the current info to help give you a better idea of when Android 11 will arrive on your device.The timelines change based on manufacturer and region, but the list below should give you a broad overview of if and when you will get the Android 11 update on your phone.Jump to:Google PixelSamsungOnePlusXia...

Star Wars Day is almost here! May the Fourth is coming up and Instant Pot wants to get a head start with some interesting Star Wars-themed deals. Right now you can get an Instant Pot Duo pressure cooker with either an R2-D2 theme or a Darth Vader theme on sale for $59.98. These custom designs are very limited and never go on sale. Today's deal is only the second time we have seen either one of these Instant Pots drop from their regular $100 street price, and this is the lowest they go. This is a great price for a fantastic pressure cooker, and the Star Wars theme is just a little bit extra if you happen to be a fan.There are some other themes available, but they aren't on sale. You can get the BB-8 version for just $79.99, but that's also a 3-quart Instant Pot instead of a 6-quart pot.I am all for Star Wars-themed anything. Celebrate your fandom with one of these pressure cookers. Go for it. However, I also need to know that this is a good device, right? The Star Wars theme is fu...

Never worry about losing your keys again after you grab one of our picks for the best Bluetooth trackers! Simply pair one of these Bluetooth trackers with your phone and attach it to your keys or valuables. When you lose an item, you're only an app away from quickly finding it again. Tile continues to dominate this market though it faces competition from new players all the time. Even so, our favorite Bluetooth tracker is still the Tile Pro. And the newer version, introduced in late 2019, offers an unbeatable range, the loudest alert, and a one-year replaceable battery.Best Overall: Tile ProOne of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a Bluetooth tracker is range. This determines the distance a tracker can be found through your smartphone app. Most people shopping for a tracker are going to look for the largest range possible. While many options on the market clock in around 100-200 feet, the new Tile Pro beats those numbers by a long shot. It's also smooth and sl...

Working from home? Need to always be ready for the next meeting? The Jabra Evolve 75 Bluetooth headset is perfect if you're already moving around a lot anyway. Right now the headset is down to $216.80 at Amazon. That's a huge drop in price since it normally sells for around $280. It has only dropped this low one other time so far this year, and this is the best price we've seen since last year's Black Friday sale. Grab it while you can before the price jumps back up.[thrifter:319228 template:reco cache:resetWe like Jabra. They make good headsets. Whether you need something to pair with your Samsung smartphone or you just need something that's powerful but inexpensive, Jabra seems to pop up everywhere. So it makes sense that Jabra would have one of the best office headsets around, too.The Evolve 75 uses Bluetooth 4.2 technology and can work with pretty much any Bluetooth device. It actually has dual Bluetooth connectivity so you can stay connected for your calls and connect to ano...

Google has also announced new guidelines to ensure preview assets accurately represent an app or game.What you need to knowGoogle has updated its Play Store policies to crack down on app listings that mislead users.The policy change is expected to be enforced sometime later this year.Any app that doesn't comply with the new policies will be removed from the Play Store.Google's Play Store is filled with thousands of great apps and games. However, there are also a ton of apps on the store with misleading titles and catchy icons. Google has now announced a new policy change that will require app listings to include only precise and meaningful information.Google says its goal with the new policy change is to ensure developers keep their app metadata "recognizable and unique." App titles will now be limited to 30 characters, and developers will be prohibited from including graphic elements to promote the app or indicate its ranking. Additionally, special character sequ...

Best answer: Yes. Ultra Mobile does support 5G, but you need to have a 5G-enabled phone to access the next-generation wireless network. You will also need to have an Ultra phone plan.What is Ultra Mobile?Ultra Mobile focuses on offering cost-effective phone plan options, so you're not spending hundreds on a phone plan. It's a Mobile Virtual Network Operator that uses on T-Mobile's network, and because it runs on T-Mobile's network, it supports many devices that are made for the U.S. market.According to the company's site, its 5G network covers 200 million people in 6,000 cities. Because T-Mobile's network coverage is vast, most people won't have trouble having a network connection. The only time you'll find yourself having issues is in more rural areas, in which case you might encounter dead zones.However, if you're planning to use the service for 5G, you'll need a phone that enables 5G services. Ultra Mobile does have nationwide 5G coverage, but not only will you need a phon...

When Samsung brings the Note back in 2022, it probably won't look like what we've come to expect.It's been a good couple of years since I last used a big-screened Samsung phone for any length of time. When I have used a Galaxy S, it's usually been one of the smaller models. That said, I've also used and enjoyed the Galaxy Note series over the years, many of which have ranked among the best Android phones. But spending more time with the Galaxy S21 Ultra over the past week or so has convinced me that this, and not the Note, is the future of big-screened, slab-shaped Samsung phones.Or, to put it another way, the Galaxy Note, in its current form, is obsolete.It seems that Samsung itself might be of that same opinion, as the boss of the company's smartphone division has basically told us not to expect a Galaxy Note 21 this year, with the Note instead expected to make a return in 2022. As for why that's the case? Well, I don't want to go too far down that particular rabbit hole. S...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting May 4. Enjoy the price of free until June 1, 2021.★Crash hardWreckfest: Drive Hard, Die Last (PS5 Only)Burn rubber, break the rules, and take down your opponents in this full-contact racer. Wreckfest: Drive Hard, Die Last's title explains a lot of the game, as you'll be racing wrecking cars as you look to come out on top in a variety of circuit races. Upgrade your car, improve its looks, and then dive into some Challenge modes the game has as well for even more fun.See at PlayStation★ Relive the fightBattlefield VBattlefield V drops players into some of the most iconic and well-known battles throughout World War II, in a way only a Battlefield game could. Players ...

A great option for today's work-from-home needs.Shure is one of the most pedigreed names in the audio business, with a range of incredibly popular and instantly recognizable microphones, from the SM7B to the SM57 to the gorgeous Super 55 Deluxe. These models have been around for decades and have established Shure as an undeniable force in recording, but in more recent years, there's been an increasing demand for portable USB microphones — not so much for musicians looking to record their next album, but for podcasters, streamers, and voiceover artists who want to record audio without the need for expensive and bulky equipment like XLR interfaces and pre-amps.Last winter, I reviewed the Shure MV7, calling it "the perfect podcasting microphone" thanks to its great sound, versatility, powerful app, and options for either USB or XLR output. It's essentially a more compact and modern SM7B, and I still use it for every recording of the Android Central Podcast — but even that microp...

Chatting with the AC forums.Recent reports from the Apple vs. Epic Games trial unearthed communications between Apple executives, confirming that the company had at least considered bringing its popular iMessage service over to Android as far back as 2013. It's pretty easy to understand why Apple wanted to protect its ecosystem lock-in, but it's also interesting to speculate what might have been.Sure, we have no shortage of great messaging apps over here on Android, but being able to securely communicate with our iPhone wielding friends on their preferred chat app would have been nice too.So what say you, faithful Android community? Would you have rushed to download iMessage for Android to join club blue bubbles? I probably would have.We want to hear from you — If iMessage was available on Android, would you use it? Why or why not? Let us know!Join the conversation in the forums!...