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Updated 2025-09-10 23:49
AC Podcast 534: Android 12 Beta 3; Pixel 6 Rumors; RIP Fleets
The team are joined by Nick Sutrich and check out Android 12 Beta 3, fresh rumors about Pixel 6, Z Fold 3, OnePlus Nord 3, Google fines in France, and more.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Android 12 Beta 3 hands on: Game and swatch | Android CentralLatest Google Pixel 6 XL leak hints at a 5X 'ultra tele' camera | Android CentralPremature Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Amazon listing reveals key specs and pricing | Android CentralExclusive: Galaxy Watch 4's new Exynos W920 chip boasts major gains - SamMobileFCC filing reveals the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will support the upcoming S Pen Pro | Android CentralThe OnePlus Nord 2 could come with a pretty impressive camera upgrade | Android CentralOPPO Reno 6 Pro review: A great mid-ranger with a big problem | Android CentralIf you're looking for the cheaper OnePlus 9 Pro in the US, you may be out of luck | Android CentralGoogle has been secretly t...
Capture more of your screen with Android 12 scrollable screenshots
The Android 12 beta 3 arrived with some long-requested features and quality-of-life improvements, with scrolling screenshots at the top of the list. You could crop and edit screenshots in the past, but you were restricted to whatever your phone screen could fit. Now, you can choose to "Capture more" and grab more than double the screen space that you could in the past. Here's how to take scrollable screenshots in the Android 12 beta.How to take scrollable screenshots in Android 12Before you can expand your screenshots, you must install the Android 12 beta on your Pixel or compatible third-party Android phone. If you previously installed the beta, you can likely update to beta 3 using an OTA update. Go to Settings > System > System Update and check if it's available, then download it. Now you're ready to begin.Take a screenshot in any app using your Android phone's screenshot shortcut. To take a screenshot on Pixel phones (and most other Android phones), press and hold t...
Transfer your beloved Google Photos albums to Amazon Photos
Over the past year, many disgruntled Google Photos fans have faced a dilemma: Should they stick with their beloved service and pony up extra cash for high-quality backups, or should they test other waters? I'm not here to definitively recommend or push one photo backup service over another, but I do think it's worth your time to consider all options and even have "backup" backup services lined up. After all, what if something horrible happened to your online photo collection? What would you do then? One of our favorite Google Photos alternatives is Amazon Photos. Here's how to transfer your Google Photos albums to Amazon Photos in just a few easy steps.How to transfer your Google Photos albums to Amazon PhotosWe've covered the basic process of how to export your photos from Google Photos before. Still, just in case you haven't read through that article, we're including those steps below, starting with familiarizing yourself with Google Takeout.Open Google Takeout in your deskt...
How to watch Formula 1’s British Grand Prix online from anywhere
The 2021 Formula 1 season continues and this weekend teams and drivers will be in Northamptonshire, England for the British Grand Prix and we have all the details on how you can watch the race on TV or online.The British Grand Prix will be held at Silverstone Circuit which held its first Grand Prix all the way back in 1950. Before becoming a racetrack though, the circuit was originally a perimeter road that led to the RAF Silverstone airfield. The track itself has a total of 18 turns, a circuit length of 3.66 miles (5.8km) and drivers will complete 52 laps before finishing the 190 mile (306km) race. Red Bull's Max Verstappen holds the current lap record of one minute and twenty seven seconds which he set at last year's British Grand Prix though he came in second while Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton took first place.Speaking of Verstappen, he's currently in the lead in Formula 1's 2021 standings with 182 points, 5 wins and 8 podiums with Hamilton right behind him in second place and Red...
Poll: How long should you keep that Android smartphone before upgrading?
Android smartphones are lasting longer these days.Smartphones are beneficial devices but can often be fickle little things. Like any piece of tech, there's always the possibility that something will glitch out, or perhaps you end up dropping it and shattering your screen. However, there are many reasons that someone may want to swap out their smartphone for a new one, and fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from among the best Android phones.OEMs aren't helping much either, since they've gotten into the habit of launching more flagships per year, such as Samsung, for example, with the Galaxy S21 series earlier this year and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 that's expected to arrive in August. So with that in mind, we want to know how long you usually keep your smartphone before upgrading to a new one.How long do you hold onto your smartphone before upgrading?Android phones were known for not having very long lifespans due to the way Android updates were handled. This would...
Find the best wireless headphones you can get for $100
If your budget for a pair of headphones allows, then something under $100 is within reach. They range from over-ear headphones to true wireless earbuds, giving you some variety to select from. For the best of the bunch, you'd have to start with the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 because of their excellent sound quality, comfort, and consistency.Best overall: Anker Soundcore Life Q30Need long battery life? With the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, you get up to 40 hours of playback while ANC is enabled, with that number going up to a ridiculous 60 hours when ANC is off. That's an impressive figure for a pair of budget headphones, and adding USB-C now makes fast charging possible. Plug in for five minutes and get four hours of play time.That kind of long battery life makes comfort a bigger factor, and thankfully, Anker delivers there. It improved the design and materials from the previous iteration, with a nice headband with deep and wide ear cups to accommodate even the biggest ears. That ...
I tried Twitter Blue so you don't have to — here's what I found
Normally, I don't write reviews. But I got an opportunity to try out Twitter Blue, the social media's subscription service, and I have a lot of thoughts about it. I'm also on Twitter, A LOT, so I was very excited to test this new service.The service is currently only being tested by users in Canada and Australia. I'm based in Toronto, so lucky me. I tried the service on my iPhone, but it's also available on the best Android phones out there.According to a blog post from Twitter when the service launched, it noted that free Twitter was not going away, and never will, so anyone who wants to keep using the platform as is can still do so.Twitter also said that the "initial set of features was developed based on feedback we received from our very own power Twitter community."The service is CAD $3.49 per month, and just to get it out of the way, I want to note that Twitter offered me a CAD $10 credit so I could try the service.Right off the bat, this feature isn't worth the money...
How to sign up for WhatsApp multi-device and log in to four devices at once
WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps around, and it is finally getting multi-device login. The feature is now live for beta users on Android and iOS, and it lets you log in to four devices at the same time — and you don't have to stay connected to your phone to send messages. This is a big deal for the platform, and the feature is now being rolled out to beta users worldwide.What's particularly great is that the feature is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring you have the same level of security as the default app. Here's how to get started with WhatsApp multi-device, and what you can do with the feature.How to sign up for WhatsApp multi-deviceOpen WhatsApp.Hit the Overview menu (three vertical dots). Tap Linked Devices.Tap Multi-device beta.Tap Join beta. Joining the beta will unlink connected devices. Tap Continue to join the multi-device beta.Once you've joined the beta, you can connect a new device to your account by hitting the Link a device button. Before you ...
Amazon Appstore to get Android App Bundle support, makes it optional
Amazon makes Android App Bundles optional for developers.What you need to knowAmazon announced support for Android App Bundles in its Appstore.Amazon will make it optional for developers to use App Bundles.The Amazon Appstore will be the default source for Android apps on Windows 11.In a surprising move on Friday, Amazon announced that it is supporting Android App Bundles for the Amazon Appstore.App Bundles were recently announced by Google as its replacement for APKs. The new format touts smaller file sizes for faster downloads, dynamic asset compression, and more, making it an ideal solution for many of the best cheap Android phones. And while there are some benefits to the move, it has caused some worry over support for third-party app stores that rely on APKs since Google is making the move to App Bundles mandatory for new apps later this year.Meanwhile, Amazon's move to App Bundles for the Appstore seems to allay some concerns, as the company says AABs will be opti...
Google shows leniency on its Play Store billing policy, at least for now
A recent lawsuit over the Play Store billing system may have something to do with it.Updated working to reflect that Google isn't "delaying" enforcement of its policy, simply that the company is providing an extension for developers that cannot meet the September 30 deadline.What you need to knowGoogle has announced that it will give developers an extension to comply with its Play Payments billing policy.The billing policy would require developers to use the Play Payments system for all in-app transactions.Google is now giving developers of existing apps until March 2022 to comply with the new system.The company is currently facing a lawsuit over its Play Store practices.Google has announced in a blog post on Friday that it is providing some leniency with its Play Store billing policy, which will be required for existing apps on September 30.Google cites difficulties expressed by developers in implementing the new system, "especially for those with engineering teams in...
With Steam Deck on the horizon, the PS5 needs upgradable storage
It's still the lone exception.The announcement of the Steam Deck marked a new entry into the handheld gaming space from Valve. While the fast internal storage can't be upgraded, users can add SD cards to make room for extra games, in a very similar vein to upgrading storage on the Nintendo Switch.With this in mind, the PS5's lack of internal storage options continues to stick out as a sore spot, as every other major console or gaming device has options expanding your overall capacity for games.Sony has the games lineup figured out, delivering quality experienes in the first half of 2021 such as Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. The company has made strong moves for Sony Worldwide Studios recently, acquiring teams that continue to position PlayStation for success.However, one of the PS5's big sticking points has been its limited storage. It has an 825GB SSD, which translates into fast loading times and smooth performance, but fills up quickly. Unlike with the PS4, ...
VPN Deals 2021: Best discounts, coupons & more
Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowFastestVPN: $17 lifetime membershipSurfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)IPVanish: $3.20 per month (70% off)ExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) PIA VPN: $2.08 per month (83% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)NordVPN: $3.67 per month (69% off)PureVPN: $2.91 per month (73% off)More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreOdds are that you know what a VPN is but may not have signed up for one already. There are some common misconceptions about VPNs, especially that they are quite expensive, but that...
These are the best rugged Android phones
More often, phones are designed with shiny glass backs, smooth metal frames, and other sleek elements to make them as attractive as possible. That's great if you prefer form over function, but what about if you're in the market for a smartphone that you don't need to baby nonstop? These aren't phones we'd usually recommend if you're shopping for the best Android phone overall, but if you're especially accident-prone, these devices are kind of perfect. Here are the best rugged Android phones we could find!Ready for 5GUlefone Armor 10 5G 128GBStaff Pick5G is one of the hottest talking points for smartphones right now, and lucky for you, the tech has already made its way to the rugged niche. The Ulefone Armor 10 5G is one of the first rugged phones to offer 5G, ensuring you get the fastest data speeds possible. On top of that, the Armor 10 5G also delivers 128GB of storage, a large 6.67-inch display, and a generous 5,800mAh battery.$590 at AmazonMassive batteryBlackview ...
Grab a screen protector for the Pixel 5 and keep that display looking great
It has been almost a year since the Google Pixel 5 launched to market. If you picked one up recently, or you're still using the one you bought way back when chances are you could do with some accessories for it. In addition to a protective case for the Pixel 5, which should be the essential first accessory buy with any new phone (it's never a bad idea to have a few so you can swap as well), did you also invest in one of the best Google Pixel 5 screen protectors? If not, it's time if you want to avoid the frustration of an accidental drop that cracks your display. These screen protectors will help keep that gorgeous 90Hz screen looking pristine for as long as you have it.Almost everything you needOMOTON Tempered Glass (4-pack)Staff PickThe OMOTON Tempered Glass kit includes almost everything you need, with four total screen protectors and an alignment kit for easy installation. These screen protectors only measure 0.3mm, so you won't feel like there's a whole other screen ...
Protect your Moto G Power's display with these best screen protectors
With a phone as surprisingly great as the Moto G Power, you likely already have one of the best cases. Still, you'll also want the best Moto G Power screen protector. This device helped to prove that you don't need to spend $1,000 on a smartphone just to get a great experience. With up to two days of battery life and the benefit of Motorola's near-stock Android experience, it's tough to find a cheap Android phone that is this great. Nonetheless, you'll still want to make sure you keep it protected from whatever your days throw at you.From the sourceMotorola Essentials Tempered GlassStaff PickOver the past year or so, Motorola has started offering its own accessories for various devices, including last year's Moto G Power. You only get one in the pack, but this Motorola Essentials screen protector is made from tempered glass and offers the perfect fit for your G Power.$13 at Amazon $13 at MotorolaWorld class glassZagg InvisibleShield Glass+ZAGG makes some of ...
Android 12 is getting nearly 1,000 new emoji designs and better pie
Emoji are getting a cleaner look for Android 12.What you need to knowGoogle is updating nearly 1,000 emoji for Android 12.Many emoji are getting updated designs, some of which will change based on the time of day.Google apps like Gmail will also be compatible with the updated emoji.World Emoji Day is July 17, and since new emoji won't arrive until this Fall, Google is celebrating by updating nearly 1,000 emoji with new looks for Android 12.Overall, the updated designs give the emoji collection a cleaner look, but many changes are also intended to make emoji more universal and accessible. Google highlights the pie emoji as an example of this, saying that "it previously looked like a very specific American pumpkin pie (a family favorite!). Now it's something everyone recognizes."Google also highlights how some of the changes are making emoji a bit more intentional. The bikini emoji will no longer look like an invisible body is wearing it, and the face mask emoji now has...
Get the right TV to pair with your brand new PS5
When you're looking for the best TV for PS5, you need to be looking for a few specific features: excellent screen quality, high dynamic range (HDR), and the ability to game in 4K resolution at up to 120 frames per second (FPS). The LG OLED CX Series ticks all of these boxes and then gives you lots more smart functionality thrown in for good measure.Best TV for PS5 overall: LG OLED CX SeriesThe name of the game for the PS4 Pro was HDR gaming, and our old favorite pick was the LG OLED ThinQ B8. However, fast forward many months into the lifecycle of the PS5, and LG still takes the top spot, albeit with the newer LG OLED CX Series. From 4K upscaling to an incredibly thin design, the CX Series is a fantastic option for everyone with a PS5.As one would expect, the CX supports 4K gaming at a 120Hz refresh rate, thanks to the four HDMI 2.1 ports on the back. This television also supports Variable Refresh Rate out of the box, with it smoothly moving from 40Hz all the way up to 120Hz....
Speedefy K7W router review: A cheap but fast AC2100 Wi-Fi 5 router
A cheap router with enough capacity for the whole family.The Speedefy K7W router is an Amazon's Choice pick with the stated goal of delivering fast Wi-Fi speeds for a low price. In most ways, it achieves this with a solid AC2100 dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connection and support for tech like MU-MIMO and beamforming. Wi-Fi 6 is all the rage when it comes to home networking, but when it comes down to it, most of us are fine with the speeds we get from Wi-Fi 5.The tested Speedefy K7W is the white version of the K7, which is available from Amazon. It's advertised as a gigabit router with a strong signal thanks to its seven large antennas, though at just 2,500 square feet of coverage, it's more in line with other routers in this price range. While it's possible for supported devices, like laptops, to connect to the router at speeds over 1Gbps, most of your devices will connect at 867Mbps max. It's a good fit for a gigabit internet connection, but don't expect to get it all on one device.Sp...
Valve's Steam Deck faces an uphill battle against cloud gaming
This could either be really successful or we'll have another Steam controller flop on our hands.Services like Stadia and Xbox Game Pass for Android have made games more accessible than ever, seemingly making dedicated gaming handhelds obsolete — the Nintendo Switch notwithstanding. That hasn't stopped Valve from making waves today as it announced the Steam Deck, a mobile gaming handheld meant to deliver a PC-quality experience. There's a lot to love about this handheld, especially considering it's much more than what it appears to be, but it faces an uphill battle against cloud streaming nonetheless. It faces an uphill battle against cloud streaming.PC-quality games can already be played on mobile devices, so Valve isn't doing anything new here on that front. The most compelling reason to purchase it would be to play your existing Steam library, and that begs the question as to why Valve didn't just make an app similar to Xbox Game Pass. Valve clearly thinks there's value ...
SmartThings Energy aims to save you energy by killing power vampires
Making fridges with touchscreens finally makes sense with SmartThings.What you need to knowSmartThings Energy aims to deliver real-time monitoring of smart home appliance energy usage.This data can be used to set alerts and find out exactly how much energy each appliance setting uses.Only certain Samsung Home Appliances and HVAC systems are supported now, but support will be expanded to other SmartThings-compatible appliances in the future.Samsung SmartThings is proving once again that it's the most underrated way to control your smart home. After a big UI update last month, the SmartThings app is getting a new feature that'll help you save energy and identify which of your appliances is a power vampire. SmartThings Energy, as it's called, is designed to deliver actionable information that's taken from any monitored Samsung appliances in your home.While it's currently limited to supported Samsung Home Appliances and Samsung HVAC products, SmartThings Energy will be expand...
New Honor flagship devices with Snapdragon 888 Plus to debut next month
Honor is unveiling its new Magic 3 Series soon, featuring the latest flagship chipset from Qualcomm.What you need to knowHonor is inviting everyone to the global launch event of the flagship Magic 3 Series on August 12.The new devices will be equipped with the latest Snapdragon 888 Plus chipset.Rumors suggest three new models are coming, including one with a 6.76-inch OLED display.After the unveiling and release of the mid-range Honor 50 series just last month, there's already word on the net of new Honor smartphones coming soon. Rumors suggest the upcoming "Magic 3" will be a proper flagship series, and thanks to a press invite sent out by Honor on Thursday, it looks like we won't have to wait much longer to learn more about the new devices.The notice sent out by Honor invites those interested in the new Honor Magic 3 Series to a live global launch event happening in just a few weeks on August 12, 2021. Along with telling us a bit about the new phones, the event also pro...
Does my Chromebook have Thunderbolt 4?
Best answer: Two Chromebooks, the new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (model CP713-3W) and Acer Chromebook 514 (model CB514-1W), support Thunderbolt 4 with two ports on the left side.Two refreshed Chromebooks support Thunderbolt 4The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is one of the best Chromebooks you can get, and this year it got a refresh. Though the model remains largely the same as its predecessor, there are two notable differences. First, its processor has been upgraded to the 11th Gen Intel Core series, and, second, its USB-C ports have been replaced by Thunderbolt 4. These two ports are located on the same side, meaning that some of the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs and Mac-designed docking stations are now compatible. Likewise, the updated Acer Chromebook 514, which will be released later this summer, also comes with two convenient Thunderbolt 4 ports.What's special about Thunderbolt 4?Thunderbolt ports have been showing up on select Windows laptops and Macs for a while now, and having o...
What are the best characters in Genshin Impact?
Characters in higher tiers tend to be more powerful.Genshin Impact, the latest action RPG from miHoYo, has two dozen characters along with many more coming soon. As with any gacha game, the best Genshin Impact characters require a fair bit of luck and/or money to add to your team. Characters each have different rarity levels and belong to different tiers. Typically, the higher up the tier they are, the more powerful they are. So, which characters should you be hoping for and investing your resources in leveling up? We're here to help and when you finish, be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile fun.Genshin Impact Tier ListHow many playable characters are there?S Rank CharactersA Rank CharactersB Rank CharactersC Rank CharactersD Rank CharactersComing soonHow many playable characters are there?There are over 30 different playable characters in Genshin Impact. A handful are rewards for completing certain portions of the story, including ...
OnePlus Nord N10 5G is getting its only major update with Android 11
Enjoy the only major Android updateWhat you need to knowAndroid 11 is beginning to roll out to the OnePlus Nord N10 5G.This marks the only major Android update that the Nord N10 will receive.OnePlus will only provide security updates for the Nord N10 moving forward.Owners of the OnePlus Nord N10 5G can rejoice now that it appears as though the Android 11 update is beginning to roll out. One Reddit user posted screenshots of their Nord N10, confirming the build number and security patch.The Nord N10 5G was met with a bit of fanfare when it launched late last year, as this provided OnePlus fans a way to get 5G connectivity on a budget. Since then, we've learned that the Nord N10 (and Nord N100) was only slated to receive one major software update, along with two years of security updates. However, after becoming a sub-brand of OPPO, the update schedule was adjusted as the Nord N10 and N100 are set to receive up to three years of security updates.As you would expect, this ...
These are some of the best Google Fit accessories you can buy
When you begin your search for the very best Google Fit accessories, you'll be met with tons of choices. After all, Google Fit is one of the best apps for tracking all kinds of fitness data. Whether you're keeping track of the food you eat, the calories you burn, or your fitness progress over time, there's no shortage of accessories to choose from. Your search might entail finding the best Android smartwatch for health/fitness tracking. Perhaps you'd prefer a more basic accessory. Whatever the case, we've got options for you.Best fitness smartwatchMobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 SmartwatchStaff PickThe TicWatch Pro 3 is the newest release from Mobvoi. It's a genuinely good watch, even if you don't care about fitness tracking. If you do, it's even better. There's a GPS sensor, a heart-rate monitor, and mobile payments. Plus, the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor guarantees ultra-smooth performance.$300 at Amazon $280 at WalmartTipping the scaleseufy by Anker Smart Scale P...
Master your Chromebook and your school year with these shortcuts
From Google Drive to Chrome to Files, these are keyboard shortcuts that you'll find useful when doing just about anything on a Chromebook.Some keyboard shortcuts are universal — Crtl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste — but just as often, shortcuts change between systems, websites, and programs. The best Chromebooks have some fairly standard shortcuts — and a handy shortcut Ctrl + Alt + / to show you the more basic ones — but looking at the full list of shortcuts will make your eyes glaze over faster than the old 400-page novel you had to read over summer vacation.Well, after years of Chromebook use and abuse, I've hit on some shortcuts that every student should know to get what they need to be done quicker and better. Start with the 10 essential Chromebook keyboard shortcuts you need to know, then scope out the masterclass below. After all, if there's anything I learned from school, it's that you've got to work smarter, not harder.Shortcuts:General Chromebook short...
These Android phones are under $100 and well worth your money
Not everybody needs to spend upwards of $1,000 on their phone, especially those on prepaid carriers looking to cut down on spending wherever possible. Luckily, the best phones under $100 deliver reliable performance and useful features that make them a great choice. We think the Nokia 1.3 is the best phone in this price range, but if that doesn't strike your fancy, there are plenty of other options out there.1. Nokia 1.3: Best phone under $100HMD Global has a standout option in the entry-level segment in the Nokia 1.3. This particular device is one of the best Android Go phones and comes with lightweight versions of Google services out of the box. Android Go is a great choice in this category as it is designed to run on low-end hardware, and the lightweight OS combined with Google Go apps ensures you don't see any slowdowns.The hardware on offer with the Nokia 1.3 is pretty decent, considering it is an Android Go device. You get a 5.71-inch HD+ screen, Qualcomm's 215 platform...
OnePlus set to launch Buds Pro alongside the Nord 2 next week
Long battery life and noise cancellationWhat you need to knowThe OnePlus Buds Pro will be introduced alongside the Nord 2 on July 22.These new earbuds will feature "adaptive noise cancellation".Battery life is said to last up to 38 hours without noise cancellation, or 28 with it enabled.Last week, OnePlus announced that it was introducing a way for OnePlus fans to try out its upcoming Nord 2, along with some previously-unannounced headphones. These have turned out to be the OnePlus Buds Pro, and now we know the earbuds will also be launching on July 22 with the OnePlus Nord 2.Speaking with CNET, Kinder Liu, OnePlus' head of R&D, revealed a slew of information regarding these upcoming headphones. Instead of offering active noise cancellation, the Buds Pro will take a different approach with what's being called "adaptive noise cancellation". This makes use of three microphones on each of the earbuds and will "intelligently produce noise-canceling counter frequencies."...
Acer Aspire 5 review: A large laptop with a big Achilles heel
I wanted to love this laptop, but that screen just kills me.While searching out the best cheap laptops, I was impressed by the longevity and the productivity of the Aspire 5 line. Even year-old models still seemed to hold their own and could allow users to save money without sacrificing power. For other Aspire 5 models, this has proved true time and time again, but the Acer Aspire 5 A515-55-56VK sadly doesn't keep the tradition.Don't get me wrong; this is a solid laptop with decent performance and plenty of ports. Battery life will last you most of a workday, and the keyboard is backlit for late-night crunch-time. So what's so wrong with this laptop? The screen makes most of my beloved Chromebooks look great by comparison, which renders this laptop mostly irrelevant unless you can catch it on sale.At a glanceAcer Aspire 5 (A515-55-56VK) ...
Baba is me? No, Baba Is You! And Baba is finally on Android
What is reality? How does the world work? That's up to your interpretation in Baba Is You.Puzzle games represent one of the most diverse and interesting gaming genres today. Look at optical delights like Manifold Garden, ultra-minimalistic games like Two Dots, or elaborate, brain-breaking escape games like Samsara Room. Cast a stone in any direction in a room full of the best Android puzzle games, and you'll likely hit upon something great. But the arrival of the critically acclaimed Baba Is You on the Play Store is especially great news for Android gamers.Baba Is You's premise, like most good puzzle games, is incredibly simple at first glance. In a pixelated 2D plane, you control a little creature (A rabbit? A cat? It could be anything if you squint hard enough) and must guide your little Baba to the goal. Now, what's the goal exactly? That's a great question, and it's harder to answer than you might think — since the goal changes from one level to the next.Baba Is You e...
Let an RC car do what you can't in a real car
Here at Android Central, we're big fans of speed and fun. The DJI Mavic Mini catches our eye with its zippy movements and clear footage. Remote-controlled vehicles are another favorite. Today we're delving into the world of RC cars. If you've ever shopped for one, you know that some were designed for kids, and others are aimed straight at hardcore adult drivers. It's a challenge to pick the right one, but we're here to help with our list of the best RC cars of the year. So slap on your seatbelt, and let's go.Best overallARRMA TYPHON 4X4 RC BuggyStaff PickReach speeds of over 50 miles per hour with the ARRMA Typhon 4WD buggy. The 3200Kv brushless motor delivers incredible torque, acceleration, and speed. The aerodynamic profile and the large tires give reliable traction and maneuverability on flat pavement, gravel, rocky paths, and even carpeting. Best of all, all electronics on the ARRMA Typhon are waterproof, so it's up to mudbogging, snow, or cruising in the rain.$3...
Ascend your Genshin Impact characters as much as possible
Make your Genshin Impact party even stronger with weapon and character Ascension.Genshin Impact quickly became one of the best mobile games after its release and that's in no small part to how the game allow you to become powerful. All you have to do is Ascend to a higher state.To do that, you'll need to level up your Genshin Impact characters and weapons as much as possible, reach the right Adventure Ranks, and have the right items on hand. Each character and weapon you want to upgrade requires specific items, which you must either purchase, find on the map, or win in battles. Here's everything you need to know about Ascension and its requirements.Genshin Impact Ascension guideWhat is Ascension?How to Ascend CharactersStep-by-step instructionsCharacter Ascend Materials ChartHow to Ascend WeaponsHow to get Ascension MaterialsGenshin Impact Ascension What is Ascension?After you've been playing with a character for a certain amount of time, you'll hit a wall...
The new Blink Outdoor only surpasses the Blink XT2 in a few key areas
Newest Blink cameraBlink Outdoor Camera$100 at AmazonProsFour-year battery packLocal video storage moduleNew privacy modeNew physical designConsBattery, USB drive are sold separatelyCosts moreNo free cloud storageThe third-generation Blink Outdoor camera is fairly similar to the XT2 out of the box, but Blink sells a battery accessory that doubles its already impressive battery life, along with a new sync module that enables local video storage — something the XT2 didn't support. However, Blink has removed its free cloud storage for this generation, hoping to compel you into a subscription.Free cloud storageBlink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor CameraBuy Pre-owned at AmazonProsCloud storage available for freeTwo-year battery lifeConsNo option for local storageNot compatible with newer Blink app featuresOfficially discontinuedThis second-generation Blink camera has identical FPS, FOV, and resolution to its successor and still-impressive two-...
How to watch England vs Pakistan: Live stream 1st T20 international cricket
With several players forced to miss out on their ODI triumph earlier this week due to a Covid-19 outbreak, it's a more familiar looking England side that is set to face Pakistan in this intriguing first installment of a tri-match series between the two sides.Watch every ball of this 1st T20 international with our England vs Pakistan live stream guide below.Nine players that were forced to self-isolate during the one-day series have been named for this opening T20 encounter, with Eoin Morgan set to captain a squad that includes Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Jason Roy.Ben Stokes is rested, but Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson are both involved after the pair both gave a good showing in the ODI series.Pakistan will be desperate to give a better account of themselves after an abysmal performance last week.Skipper Babar Azam was a rare bright spark for the tourists, with the Karachi Kings star hitting a superb 158 on Tuesday that was ultimately in vain. His side will once aga...
Xiaomi overtakes Apple to become the second-largest smartphone brand
Xiaomi records an insane 83% year-on-year growth and is now within striking distance of Samsung.It looks like Xiaomi is having a great 2021. In addition to making the best Android phones in the form of the Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11, Xiaomi sold tens of millions of budget phones in the Redmi series, allowing it to nudge past Apple to become the second-largest smartphone manufacturer in the world.The latest data from Canalys reveals Xiaomi now has a 17% global market share, bested only by Samsung at 19%. The firm notes that Xiaomi saw a massive 83% year-on-year growth, with Samsung touting a 15% increase and Apple at just 1%. OPPO and Vivo, meanwhile, are at a joint fourth with a 10% market share.Xiaomi's momentum comes from a strong focus on the budget segment — the Redmi Note 10 Pro is the budget phone to beat in 2021 — combined with a foray into new markets. According to Canalys Research Manager Ben Stanton, most of Xiaomi's growth over the last year was from international mar...
How to watch Space Jam: A New Legacy online from anywhere
The dream team is getting back together in the sequel to Warner Bros's 1996 film Space Jam and we have all the details on how you can watch LeBron James, Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes in Space Jam: A New Legacy online.The sequel to the iconic 90s film puts a modern touch on the Space Jam formula and this time around, LeBron James and his young son Dom (Cedric Joe) are trapped in a digital space called the Warner 3000 Server-Verse by a rogue AI known as AI-G Rhythm (Don Cheadle).After Dom is captured, LeBron must turn Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Lola Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes into an elite basketball team just like Michael Jordan did in the first film to defeat AI-G Rhythm.While Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes faced off against the Monstars in the first film, this time around LeBron and the dream team will be taking on AI-G Rhythm's team of digitized NBA and WNBA stars. It's Tunes versus Goons in Space Jam: A New Legacy but will LeBron and t...
Ookla's Q2 report find T-Mobile to be the fastest mobile carrier
What you need to knowOokla's Q2 2021 mobile report finds T-Mobile to have the fastest mobile network, leading AT&T in second and Verizon in third.T-Mobile has the highest consistency score, with 84.9% of tests achieving at least 5Mbps down.Verizon has the highest 5G consistency score with 79.5% of results over 25Mbps down.Ookla, creator of the popular Speedtest app for testing your internet speed, found in its Q2 2021 report that T-Mobile has the fastest overall network speed. T-Mobile had a median download speed of 54.13Mbps. AT&T came in second with 47.96Mbps, and Verizon came in third with 40.02Mbps. All three carriers tied in latency with 33ms, which is 1ms slower than Q1.T-Mobile also had the highest consistency score, with 84.9% of its tests achieving at least 5Mbps down and 1Mbps up. All three carriers did well in the category, with AT&T close behind at 81.3% and Verizon at 79.7%. Web browsing and streaming should work smoothly at this speed, allowing peo...
Google Assistant is turning your Nest Hub Max into a work-from-home hub
Google Assistant will help you when you're too lazy to take that meeting from your desk.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant is enabled for workspace accounts on smart displays.Users will be able to use Google Assistant to enter meetings from their Nest Hub.The feature is rolling out to Workspace accounts over the next two weeks.Google has been busy updating Workspace with new tiers and features. The latest feature brings Workspace access to some of the best smart displays with Google Assistant like the Nest Hub Max.With the new rollout, Workspace users will be able to join a Google Meet call straight from their smart display, simply by saying something like, "Hey Google, join my meeting." Pulling up schedules should also be easier from any of the best Google Assistant speakers.With work-from-home still the norm for many employees, this could make joining meetings more convenient for those that may have their hands tied or maybe want to just take the call from their ...
Turn your phone into your e-reader with the best e-book apps for Android
Ditch the heavy books and turn your phone into your library.If you've been considering the jump from physical books to e-books, you'll need to figure out the best e-book apps for Android. Books can be heavy, expensive, and take up valuable space in a cramped apartment, so making the transition is worth it. Thankfully you've got a few options, depending on where you want to get your books and how you want them to look on the screen.Take a peek at our picks for the best e-book apps for Android!The top 3 apps1. Amazon Kindle2. Moon+ Reader3. Libby, by OverDriveMore optionsGoogle Play BooksKoboPocketBookWattpadNOOK: Read eBooks & MagazinesGoodreadsScribd: Audiobooks & ebooksWhat are the best e-book apps for Android?While there are many apps on the Play Store that make it easier than ever to find and read new e-books, there's only one that stands largely above the rest. The Amazon Kindle app provides a vast library of e-books and audiobooks, with mo...
Just bought the Nokia G10 or G20? You'd better get a screen protector.
Finnish phone maker Nokia has only just released the Nokia G10 and G20 budget duo into the wild. If you bought yourself one of the G-series devices, the first thing to do is cover it up. Next, you should buy the best phone cases and screen protectors for your Nokia G10 and G20 to stay in prime condition. After all, with three surefire major updates, you'll want to keep your Nokia phone in tip-top shape throughout the years. Take note that both phones have exactly the same display, so they'll fit into some of the best Nokia G10 and G20 screen protectors. Here are some of our favorites.Protect and preserveSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickThis Supershieldz Tempered glass offers rounded corners for maximum protection. With this on, your Nokia G10 and G20 will be scratch-proof and free of fingerprints without interfering with the display output or touch response.$7 at Amazon $8 at WalmartHardcore protectionCaptainShld Tempered Glass Screen Protec...
Your emoji list could get a lot more inclusive and a little frisky, too
The new emoji take a step in the right direction.What you need to knowNew emoji have been revealed as part of the upcoming Emoji version 14 update.The draft includes a more inclusive selection of emojis, including a multi-colored handshake.The new emoji are expected to be finalized later this year and could arrive on devices in late 2021 or early 2022.The Covid-19 pandemic may have delayed things a bit, but the latest emoji have been revealed in a draft for the upcoming Emoji 14 update.The new additions offer a look into the more inclusive direction that emoji are taking. The list included more hand positions with multi-color selections and even a new mixed-color handshake.Most notably, the new emoji now include a pregnant man and pregnant person, which sheds more light on the trans and non-binary communities and highlights how pregnancy is also possible for these individuals.While the addition of more inclusive emoji may not seem like a big deal to some, studies ha...
Keep your Galaxy Note 20 Ultra shatter-free with these screen protectors
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a curved AMOLED display covered with Gorilla Glass 6, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need a great screen protector. Curved glass is inherently more vulnerable than flat, and the Note 20 Ultra's massive screen leaves many opportunities for scratches and potential cracks. That's why you should buy one of the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra screen protectors for your new, expensive phone.The glass wayVenoro Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickVenoro is a name we often rely on for quality screen protectors for all major phone releases, and with the Note 20 Ultra, it's showing up to the plate yet again. This single-screen protector is of the tempered glass variety, offering incredibly scratch resistance, a 99.99% transparency rating, and a super slim design at just 0.3mm thick.$4 at AmazonUltra-soft, auto repairUniqueMe TPU Screen Protector (4-Pack)Made of soft TPU, this pack includes a pair of bubble-free, case-friendly prot...
You can plug in an SSD up to 8TB with your PS5
Best answer: Just like the PS4, the PS5 supports external hard drives and SSDs up to 8TB, so that's the maximum amount of storage you can have in addition to its built-in SSD. It's unknown whether the same limitations will be in place once Sony expands its internal storage options.Why do I need more storage on my PS5?Every PS5 comes packed with an 825GB internal SSD, and only about 667GB of that is usable for your games. When games can reach 50GB to even 100GB each, that only leaves room for a handful. And if you happen to buy smaller games around 20GB, you're still looking at a few dozen that you can store at any one time. If you play games frequently, you likely have more games than that. Since it can be a hassle to continually delete and redownload games, you'll want to pick up some extra storage.Does the PS5 support internal SSDs?Though Sony will be adding expanded internal storage support for the PS5 at some point, it doesn't currently support it. PS5 storage is a bit co...
Best Free Android VPN Apps in 2021
If you're running an Android phone or tablet and want the anonymity, security, and geo-restriction freedom that a VPN can offer, you've come to the right place to find the best free Android VPN app for you.A virtual private network will allow you to keep your digital life more secure meaning your personal details are kept just that, private. This is great if you use open Wi-Fi like at coffee shops, airports, or hotels where you're potentially open to threats. It's also ideal for watching geo-restricted shows on Netflix when abroad.We recommend ProtonVPN for those looking at free VPN options, but you may also want to consider stepping up to a paid option like ExpressVPN. We've highlighted all the best VPN for Android options previously, but ExpressVPN gives you reliable service, fast speeds, and removes all the compromises you may have to make for a free option.Is a free Android VPN app right for me?A free Android VPN app is appealing because it means that you have to pay nothin...
Rumored Galaxy Watch 4 SoC could make Wear OS smooth as butter
Samsung is overhauling its smartwatchesWhat you need to knowA new rumor claims the Galaxy Watch 4 series will be powered by the Samsung Exynos W920.This new processor is said to offer up to 1.5x faster performance over its predecessor.Samsung is rumored to unveil the Galaxy Watch 4 series at an Unpacked event next month.After seeing the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic appear on Amazon, today, we might have a better idea of the processor powering the likely contenders for the best Android smartwatch. According to a report from SamMobile, Samsung will be using its new Exynos W920 chipset, which is rumored to offer 1.25x faster speeds.Until now, Samsung has heavily relied on its Exynos 9110 processor for the best Samsung smartwatches. This includes the likes of the Galaxy Watch Active from 2019, along with the Galaxy Watch 3 from last year.But it appears as though Samsung is going through a complete overhaul in its wearable department. Not only does this rumor suggest t...
Should you buy the Garmin Vivoactive 4 or Vivoactive 4S?
Bigger can be betterGarmin Vivoactive 4$325 at AmazonProsLarger displayLonger battery lifeGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingPulse Ox, Body BatteryConsOnly two color optionsToo big for some wristsThe Garmin Vivoactive 4 model might be a couple of years old, but it's still one of the company's best smartwatches yet. You get heart-rate monitoring, GPS, activity/sleep tracking, on-screen workouts, and more. The standard model comes in a 45mm case, so it's perfect for large wrists.Small wrists uniteGarmin Vivoactive 4S$320 at AmazonProsGreat for small wristsFour color optionsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingPulse Ox, Body BatteryConsToo small for some wristsShorter battery lifeAll of the amazing features on the Garmin Vivoactive 4 can also be found on the 4S. This smaller variant comes in a 40mm case, so if you don't want the biggest watch on the market, the 4S is a nice alternative. It's more lightweight and also offers a few...
Get a grab-and-go charge with these wireless chargers for the Note 20
The best wireless chargers for the Galaxy Note 20 are consistent, stylish, and speedy. They should never make you guess whether your phone is lined up properly, nor should they leave you waiting and waiting on a sluggish 5W charge instead of Samsung's Fast Charge wireless profiles. These are the best and brightest wireless chargers for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, whether you need something light and nimble for your cubicle at work or a sturdy stand for your nightstand.Fastest speedSamsung 15W Fast Charge 2.0 Wireless Charger StandStaff PickThis is just about the only charger that actually charges the Note 20 at 15W since most third-party 15W chargers use a different protocol than Samsung's Fast Charge 2.0. These perks alone make this our top pick for the best Samsung Galaxy Note 20 wireless chargers.$65 at AmazonCharge your way!Anker PowerWave AlloyWhile most wireless chargers are still powered by Qualcomm QuickCharge, this well-made Anker charger lets you use Q...
Samsung's affordable Galaxy Chromebook Go is finally on sale for $299
The new Galaxy Chromebook Go offers entry-level specs and optional LTE.Update, July 15 (2:30 p.m. ET): Available now for purchaseWhat you need to knowSamsung has introduced a new entry-level Chromebook.The Galaxy Chromebook Go comes with a 14-inch HD display, Intel Celeron N4500 processor, and optional LTE connectivity. The new Chromebook is available for $299. Samsung has quietly listed a new entry-level Chromebook model on its website, dubbed the Galaxy Chromebook Go. Although the company hasn't issued a formal press release, the Samsung Mobile Press website includes several images and the device's full specs sheet. The page was first spotted by Android Police.Unlike Samsung's best Chromebooks, the Galaxy Chromebook Go doesn't come with an OLED or QLED panel. Instead, you get a 14-inch LCD display with 1366 x 768 resolution. It is powered by Intel's Jasper Lake Celeron N4500 processor, coupled with Intel UHD Graphics and up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM.The rest of the Gala...
How are birthdays in Genshin Impact celebrated?
Happy birthday to you, dear Traveler!Many games ask for your birthday and when the happy day rolls around, gift you something fun in game. Genshin Impact celebrates your birthday and every other character's birthday with gifts as well. So what do you get for your birthday in Genshin Impact? Well, we've experienced birthdays in Genshin Impact, so we can show you exactly what you'll get! And be sure to check out our best Android games for even more mobile gaming fun.How are birthdays in Genshin Impact celebrated?Every character in Genshin Impact has a birthday. For most of them, that birthday is predetermined, but for the main protagonist, you can select any birthday you want. While you can give the game your actual birthday, you can also select tomorrow if you just want your birthday goodies ASAP.When your birthday rolls around, you will have a message in the Mail section along with a gift. Your gift, Cake for Traveler, opens up to reveal two Fragile Resin, which restore 60 ...
OnePlus needs to rebuild trust after its shady app throttling tactics
OnePlus went about it all wrong.OnePlus has been under fire lately over its decision to quietly implement app optimization in its latest flagship smartphones. However, while the act itself has been seen as problematic by some, experts are saying that throttling apps wasn't the biggest problem. The main issue is that the company was not upfront about its decision to throttle app performance on the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro.After an initial investigation by Andrei Frumusanu at Anandtech, it was discovered through benchmarking is that the OnePlus 9 Pro seems to perform worse than some of the best Android phones on the market when it comes to running many apps. This would include devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, both of which use the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor.Frumusanu points out that in regular usage, it's not very apparent that this is happening. "In isolation, you'd probably not notice it...I hadn't immediately noticed it myself," ...
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