Feed androidcentral Latest from Android Central

Favorite IconLatest from Android Central

Link https://www.androidcentral.com/
Feed http://www.androidcentral.com/rss.xml
Updated 2025-07-01 20:17
HBO Max's cheaper ad-supported plan is available now, with some limitations
Access to most of the same great content, but you'll miss out on some newer releases.What you need to knowHBO Max has launched its cheaper ad-supported tier.The subscription is available for $10 per month but features several limitations, such as no 4K or downloads.The new tier should help HBO to better compete with other popular streaming services.WarnerMedia has launched its more affordable HBO Max subscription plan on Wednesday, roughly a year after the service was initially launched. The new subscription plan costs just $10 per month and features most of the same content from the original $15 tier, although with some differences.With the cheaper plan, customers will no longer be able to stream 4K content, nor will they have access to same-day theatrical releases, which is one of the main selling points of the pricier plan. That means missing out on upcoming releases like Space Jam: A New Legacy and The Suicide Squad. Customers also won't be able to download movies o...
Record your voice with the Blue Snowball iCE USB mic on sale for $34
The Blue Snowball iCE was first introduced to be a far more affordable, budget friendly version of the expensive Blue Yeti. Even from the very beginning it only cost $50, so any deal was huge savings. Right now you can get it for just $34.42 at Walmart. We haven't seen it go lower than $40 in years, even at Amazon where it's currently $50. This is a great price on one of Blue's top microphones.In addition to the price, the mic itself is just extremely accessible. Practically anyone can use it, and you don't need a lot of audio experience to do so. For example, the mic is USB 2.0 compatible, so it will work even on an older computer without newer generations of USB. Of course if you do have only USB 3.0 available it will work on that as well thanks to the backwards compatibility of the technology.It's also a plug-and-play device, which means you can just attach it to a USB port and get to recording your voice. You won't have to install any extra third-party software or any drivers...
How much storage do you need in an Amazon Fire Tablet?
Best answer: The simple answer is, no one has ever complained about having too much storage on a tablet. Given how affordable Amazon Fire Tablets are, your best bet is to always go for the largest storage option available.Which Fire Tablet size should I buy? Bigger is almost always betterThe first thing you need to know about buying an Amazon Fire tablet is that the listed storage space is not actually representative of the usable storage space you end up with. Amazon builds its tablets on the Android operating system, which requires a decent chunk of storage for core system functions and Amazon's apps and services. This is worth keeping in mind, especially when considering a tablet that offers 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB options. That low-end 16GB tablet will, in actuality, only give you about 12GB of usable storage. Depending on your plans for downloading games, movies, and other media onto your tablet, you're probably going to want as much storage as possible.The Fire 7 tablet come...
Stadia reveals June's free games for Pro subscribers, including Blue Fire
Chronos: Before the Ashes and The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III complete the lineup.What you need to knowStadia has announced the games that will be coming to Pro subscribers in June.The lineup includes Blue Fire, MotoGP20, Chronos: Before the Ashes, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III.Leaving Stadia Pro are Jedi: Fallen Order, Submerged: Hidden Depths and Reigns.Stadia today revealed the latest games coming free to Pro subscribers in the first week of June. Starting now, gamers can play Blue Fire, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III, MotoGP20, and Chronos: Before the Ashes.Perhaps the most interesting game out of the bunch is Blue Fire, which is coming to Stadia for the first time. Stadia describes it as an "action-adventure that hearkens back to the golden age of 3D platformers." One of the other free games, MotoGP20, is almost its exact opposite, being a motorsports racing game with several different modes.Chronos: Before the As...
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus true wireless earbuds have dropped to just $90
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus true wireless earbuds were great when they first released and still hold up. Right now you can get the earbuds in white or red for a low price of $89.99 at Amazon. This is the lowest direct discount ever on any version of the Buds Plus, and the deal is $10 better than black and $20 better than blue. The earbuds do sell for as much as $150 regularly, although the average street price is closer to $110. Either way, you're saving a lot today.The members of the Galaxy Buds lineup are some of our favorite Samsung earbuds, and we gave the Buds Plus 4 out of 5 stars with a Recommended badge in our review. Daniel Bader said these earbuds have "...no major flaws, no huge downsides, and a price and feature set in line with much of the competition." He added, "...they do everything pretty well, and if you're a Samsung user, their seamless integration with the company's Galaxy phones make them irresistible." Plus the earbuds are now compatible with iOS as well so a...
God of War Ragnarok delayed to 2022, coming to PS4 and PS5
This clash of titans isn't going to be out in 2021.What you need to knowGod of War Ragnarok is the sequel to the 2018 God of War.Developed by Sony Santa Monica, it was originally announced as releasing in 2021.Now, Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed the game will instead launch in 2022.God of War Ragnarok is widely anticipated to be one of the best PS5 games available when it launches but unfortunately, it won't be out this year. In a statement on Twitter, the developer confirmed that God of War Ragnarok is delayed to 2022, becoming another name on a long list of PS5 games that have been delayed this year.This upcoming title is developed by Sony Santa Monica, one of the most acclaimed developers at Sony Worldwide Studios. It's coming to the PS5 and follows the story of the 2018 God of War, which saw Kratos and his son Atreus attract the attention of the Norse pantheon, including the incredibly dangerous Thor and cunning Odin.Though the company hasn't announced...
England vs Austria live stream: How to watch the international friendly
With the delayed Euro 2020 tournament looming, England and Austria are looking to get in tip-top physical shape and finalize their respective starting lineups as they take to the Wembley turf in this friendly game. Don't miss a moment of the action with our England vs Austria live stream guide.Though there's nothing on the line in today's game, it's a chance for both managers to experiment with players and formations now that Euro 2020 squads have been locked in.England come into today's game on a four-game winning streak and will be looking to maintain that momentum into this summer's major tournament.Having just announced his final 26-man squad yesterday, Gareth Southgate may look to bring in a few fresh faces today while the pressure is off in order to decide who starts against Croatia on June 13.Austria meanwhile arrive at Wembley on a mixed run of form. Franco Foda's men were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline in their last outing against Denmark and have won just two o...
Here are the best HDMI 2.1 compatible HDMI cables for PS5 and Xbox 2020
If you're a gamer who's into Xbox, PlayStation, or both, and you plan to get your hands on the new PS5 or Xbox Series X (or maybe you were already lucky enough to pick one up!), chances are you'll want to get the best experience possible. This requires loading up on some great PS5 accessories, including the best HDMI 2.1 compatible cables you can find to support higher resolution, more bandwidth (up to 48Gbps), faster refresh rates, and even dynamic HDR. Here are the best we found to enhance your gaming experience even further!Braided strengthHighwings 8K HDMI Cable - 6.6-FootStaff PickIt's still early days for 8K, but if you have a future-friendly set-up for your intense video gaming sessions, this cable can support it with 8K@60Hz (4K@120Hz) to accurately reproduce every scene in the game in stunning clarity. The braided cord will ensure it won't break or fray, along with the anti-bending design and 24K gold-plated plug part material. The 6.6-foot length should suit most ...
Latest Google TV Home app update suggests multi-profile support is coming
This should have been available from the startWhat you need to knowThe Google TV Home app for Android has been updated with minor fixes.Within the update, code was found referring to the addition of multi-profile support.The update also suggests that better parental controls are on the way for kids profiles.The Chromecast with Google TV may be one of the few options out there with Google's new interface, but the company is working on bringing new features to the streaming dongle. Courtesy of the latest APK Insight from 9to5Google, code within the Google TV Home app for Android reveals references to providing the ability to add multiple profiles. Not only will you be able to switch between your own profile and others in the home, but you will also encounter personalized content recommendations.With the current version of Google TV, you can add multiple accounts to one device. However, the content is still personalized for the "main" account. With this upcoming feature, it ...
Eufy Security's new cameras automatically track humans so you don't have to
Ditch the hub and the subscription with Eufy's latest.What you need to knowEufy announced six new cameras covering four different categories: Essential, Spotlight, Solar, and Floodlight.All of these new cameras ditch the reliance on a central hub and feature 8GB built-in storage and local AI-powered human detection.Eufy's new Floodlight Cam 2 Pro features automatic human tracking via a built-in 360-degree pan/tilt/zoom motor.Eufy Security took to the virtual stage to announce six new cameras today, each falling into one of four new categories. Three of these categories call under the SoloCam branding — meaning they're entirely self-reliant since they're all battery-powered and connect directly to Wi-Fi instead of a central hub — while one is a brand new floodlight camera with a big new feature. All of these cameras feature 8GB of built-in storage, connect directly to Wi-Fi instead of a hub, sport at least a 90-decibel alarm, and even have local AI-powered human detectio...
Should you choose the Garmin Forerunner 245 or Vivoactive 4?
Ideal running companionGarmin Forerunner 245$220 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSLightweight designAdvanced running metricsTraining status, load, effectPulse Ox & Body BatteryConsLacks altimeterNo Garmin PayMusic version costs moreIf running is your true passion, you can't go wrong with this GPS running smartwatch. In addition to advanced running dynamics, this model also offers extensive training features, a Pulse Ox sensor, Body Battery energy monitoring, and more.Perfect lifestyle watchGarmin Vivoactive 4From $264 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSPulse Ox & Body BatteryGarmin PayTwo size optionsMusic comes standardConsLacks advanced running dynamicsShorter battery life in GPS modeFor those who like doing many sports rather than just one, the Vivoactive 4 will serve you well. It's equipped with over 20 sport modes, after all. You also get two size options, a touchscreen, an altimeter, and Garmin Pay.Garmin Forerunner 245 vs....
Huawei teases first look at its upcoming Galaxy S21 Ultra challenger
The P50 Pro is expected to set a new standard for smartphone photography.What you need to knowHuawei teased the upcoming P50 series phones at its HarmonyOS launch event today.The company has claimed that the P50 will lift mobile photography to a new level.The Huawei P50 and P50 Pro are expected to launch sometime later this year. At its HarmonyOS launch event today, Huawei offered our first look at the P50 series. Teasing the upcoming launch, Richard Yu, head of Huawei's smartphone business, said that the P50 series "lifts mobile photography to a new level."Huawei is "trying to figure out how to make this great product available to you," but isn't ready to share a specific launch date yet. As you can in the official teaser above, the P50 series will indeed have an egg-shaped camera module on the back. The unique new design was first revealed in March when popular leaker @OnLeaks shared CAD-based renders of the Huawei P50 Pro.The P50 series phones are rumored to come...
These films and series are free on Roku Channel
These films and television series are free on the Roku ChannelWhile Roku devices make it easy to access your favorite subscription-based streaming services — including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and Disney+ — the streaming brand also offers a variety of content that's free to stream via the Roku Channel. With that in mind, we've put together an extensive, if not totally complete, list of the best films and television content streaming for free on the Roku Channel right now.Guide to the Roku ChannelFree moviesAction moviesComedy moviesDrama moviesRomance moviesThriller moviesRoku OriginalsClassic TV seriesQuibi showsMore free contentFree movies on Roku ChannelThe Roku Channel provides users access to a rotating roster of free movies every month. Whether you're into action and comedy films or lean more towards dramatic and romantic flicks, the Roku Channel has a ton of free film content to choose from. Here's an extensive roundup of what films are streaming f...
Samsung's Galaxy Book Pro is the best Samsung laptop you can buy
Samsung doesn't operate in the same vein as Dell by releasing new laptops on a semi-quarterly basis. However, those looking for the best Samsung laptops will want to strongly consider the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. This is one of the best laptops you can find, which is impressive considering how stiff the competition is currently in the laptop market.Best Samsung laptop overall: Samsung Galaxy Book ProOur previous favorite, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, has finally been succeeded by the all-new Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. This laptop comes in two different sizes, 13.3-inches or 15-inches, with both options taking advantage of Samsung's gorgeous OLED displays. Powering these laptops are Intel's 11th-gen processors, which have integrated Intel Xe graphics that will help play some games or get some photo editing done on the go.As you might expect from a Samsung laptop, the Galaxy Book Pro includes a suite of apps designed to work in tandem with the best Samsung phones, such as the Gala...
Android 12 is coming: here's the latest info on when your phone will get it
First comes the developer preview, then the public beta, and finally Snow Cones for everyone.Android 12 is on the way. On February 18, we learned that the first Android 12 Developer Preview had gone live, giving devs access to a preview build of the new operating system, codename Snow Cone. Based on our Android 12 Developer Preview hands-on, the UI is largely unchanged, but there are some behind-the-scenes upgrades that could make your Android handheld that much better.Shortly after Google I/O was finished, Google dropped the first Android 12 beta for Pixel owners. But we also saw quite a few other phone makers launch Android 12 beta programs for their devices. Many of these compatible phones rank amongst the best Android phones), which really shouldn't come as any surprise.With the first Android 12 beta, we have been introduced to Google's Material You design language, marking one of the biggest updates to Android that we've ever seen. This includes subtle changes to different...
Get an Ultra Mobile SIM card and save on your phone bill
Best answer: You can purchase an Ultra Mobile SIM card along with a data plan directly from Ultra Mobile's website, or you can use its store locator online to find the nearest Ultra Mobile retailer near you.Buy an Ultra Mobile SIM card onlineUltra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network that will suit many users' cellular needs. Its plans start as low as 250MB and then go up to 2GB, 3GB, 6GB, 15GB, and unlimited data. You have the choice of signing up for one, three, six, or 12 months at a time, though the best value is offered with a 12-month plan.If you've done your research and checked that you have good coverage with Ultra as well as a compatible GSM unlocked device, such as one of these best T-Mobile phones, you can purchase an Ultra Mobile SIM card directly on Ultra's website. For most of us, this is the fastest and easiest way to get a SIM kit. However, you're not able to purchase an Ultra Mobile SIM on its website without first selecting a data plan, so yo...
Huawei guns for the iPad Pro with its first HarmonyOS tablet
Huawei has also launched a new MatePad 11 alongside the refreshed 12.6-inch and 10.8-inch MatePad Pro models.What you need to knowHuawei has unveiled three new tablets running its HarmonyOS operating system.The new 12.6-inch MatePad Pro features a 16:10 OLED panel, HiSilicon's Kirin 9000E chipset, and a 10,050mAh battery. It has been priced at €799 ($975) in EuropeHuawei introduced three new MatePad series tablets at its HarmonyOS event today, alongside the Huawei Watch 3. As you would expect, the new MatePad tablets run Huawei's "in-house developed" HarmonyOS operating system.The 12.6-inch MatePad Pro sports a 1600 x 2560 OLED display with thin bezels and HDR10 compliance. Huawei's answer to the best Android tablets is powered by HiSilicon's Kirin 9000E chipset, a slightly less impressive version of the flagship Kirin 9000 chip. The tablet packs a large 10,050mAh battery with support for 40W wired charging and 27W wireless charging. It also includes Wi-Fi 6 support, ei...
Valorant joins a growing list of games getting mobile spin-offs
Valorant can soon be played on the go straight from your pocket.What you need to knowValorant is a popular 5v5 hero shooter from Riot Games.It is currently free-to-play on PC.Riot has announced a mobile spin-off of Valorant.The studio did not reveal a launch date or which mobile devices will support the game.One year after Riot Games' tactical hero shooter Valorant released on PC, the company has revealed that a mobile spin-off is in development (via The Verge). The 5v5 free-to-play game is currently only available for Windows PC. This announcement comes as Riot plans to expand the franchise and make it more accessible to players around the world.The studio has revealed very little details about the upcoming spin-off, so we don't know which mobile devices it will come to or when it will release. Given Riot's other most recent spin-off, League of Legends: Wild Rift, we'll likely see Valorant Mobile come to Android and iOS devices."One of our top goals this first year wa...
Which Facebook app or service could you not live without?
There can be only one.Facebook's F8 developer conference is taking place today, and we expect to learn all about the future of the social media giant's many apps, platforms, and initiatives. Following the pandemic-times trend of online events, this year's F8 will be a virtual conference (Facebook canceled last year's for health and safety concerns).Despite being constantly in the news for one reason or another, the main "blue" Facebook app is still going strong, while Facebook Messenger is one of the fastest-growing chat apps around. Even with all of the drama surrounding WhatsApp and its privacy policy changes this year, it continues to dominate among messaging platforms worldwide, and Instagram is still the darling of influencers and ordinary people alike. And who could forget Oculus and the growing popularity of VR gaming, fitness, and social opportunities!?Even though the company generates some strong feelings among users and non-users alike, the simple fact is that Faceb...
These are the best cases for your brand new Pixel 4a 5G!
While the Google Pixel 4a 5G isn't going to be winning any beauty contests, the best Pixel 4a 5G cases jazz up this affordable 5G phone. Protecting your investment is paramount, but let's get real. Life's too short for boring phone cases. Thankfully, these Pixel 4a 5G cases are anything but and add pops of color and extra protection to keep your phone looking brand new.Keep it safeTudia DualShield Merge SeriesStaff PickTudia's Merge Series has been protecting Pixels big and small for years, and if you need some heavy-duty support for your Pixel 4a 5G from Day One, this case will do the job for less than a large pizza.$13 at AmazonFabulous feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric case feels just as amazing on the Pixel 4a 5G as it has in previous generations. This year, we have some fun color options like the Blue Confetti and the classic but ever so sophisticated Basically Black.$40 at Amazon $40 at Best BuyTwo-tone texturingCaseology ParallaxIf you can't s...
Huawei Watch 3 review: Crown prince
Huawei's first HarmonyOS smartwatch looks slick and boasts strong battery life and fitness features.The Huawei Watch line has changed dramatically since it first debuted in 2015. The first Huawei Watch (or the Huatch, as we liked to call it at the time) ran Android Wear and turned heads with its striking design. The second iteration focused on fitness tracking with a more rugged appearance. Then the Huawei Watch GT line traded smartwatch functionality for a trimmed-down OS and long battery life.Now we have the Huawei Watch 3, which seeks to bring the best of all those earlier wearables into a single product. It's the first watch to run Huawei's HarmonyOS, a more fully-featured platform than the barebones LiteOS used in the Watch GT. Huawei is also aiming for multi-day battery life from this new model while also packing a full loadout of working and health-tracking capabilities. And to top it off, this latest Huawei Watch is the best-looking since the 2015 original.While there a...
Google will soon let you stream Android apps to your Chromebook
The upcoming feature will allow you to use apps installed on your phone directly from your Chromebook.What you need to knowAndroid users will soon be able to 'stream' apps to a connected Chromebook.The feature is expected to be released sometime later this year.It could be exclusive to Google's Pixel phones, at least initially. Google Play Services will soon allow you to stream apps from your phone to the best Chromebooks, according to a report from XDA Developers. The publication performed a teardown of the latest Google Play Services beta v21.21.12 and discovered strings that confirm the feature is under development.Even though the latest Google Play Services release contains strings that confirm users will soon be able to stream apps to their Chromebook, the functionality isn't live yet. There are also no details available yet on exactly how the feature will work. Device availability remains unclear as well, although it is being suggested that the feature could be excl...
Is Roku's Streambar or Streambar Pro the better soundbar?
Wide soundstageRoku Streambar$129 at Amazon$130 at Best Buy$130 at B&HProsOptional wired Ethernet connectionBluetooth 5.0 supportCheaper priceSide-firing driversAlexa, Google Assistant supportConsSmaller speakersEthernet adaptor sold separatelyWeaker sound than Streambar ProThe Roku Streambar is a compact, 14-inch-long soundbar with two front- and side-firing drivers (four total) designed for a wider audio presence that will permeate through your entire living room. The Streambar also features better connectivity options for your router and smartphone.Larger speakersRoku Streambar Pro$180 at Roku$180 at Amazon$180 at Best BuyProsUpgraded voice remoteLarger speakers for stronger soundMore traditional soundbar sizeAlexa, Google Assistant supportConsMore expensiveNo Ethernet optionThe Roku Streambar Pro justifies its higher price tag with four large full-range drivers that produce a richer sound than the smaller Roku Stre...
Chromebooks are finally getting a proper video player
The new video player comes with a QuickTime-inspired floating box with various media controls.Update, June 2 (07:50 am ET): Google has rolled out this new video player with Chrome OS 91What you need to knowGoogle is testing an improved video player for Chrome OS.The video player offers a much better UI with a floating box at the bottom that includes all the media controls you would expect.It can be accessed in Chrome OS Canary v91.0.4463.0. The Chrome OS video player hasn't received a major update in years, and isn't anywhere near as feature-rich as users would expect. Fortunately, Google has finally started testing a new video player for Chrome OS that has a much more appealing UI and comes with enhanced controls.As reported by Android Police, the new player is now live in Chrome OS Canary version 91.0.4463.0. While you don't need to have the best Chromebook to try out the new player, you must enable it via the Media App Video flag (chrome://flags/#media-app-video) fir...
Android 12 features we love: The Android runtime is a Mainline module
By putting the Android runtime under the Mainline umbrella, Google gets to control how apps perform across all devices running Android 12 or later.Android 12 is here for those willing to try their luck with beta software but it will be coming in its final form sometime later in 2021. There are plenty of changes — both under the hood and things we can see — that make it one of the best updates we've received in quite a while, and one of them is something you've probably never thought about — the Android runtime will now be a part of Project Mainline.This is an important change for every Android phone, from the best Android phone to the cheapest Android phone. But to understand how important it is, you need to know exactly what Project Mainline entails and what the Android runtime is. That's where we come in.Project MainlineProject Mainline extends the work Google did with Project Treble to try and do two things: make it easier for phone makers to update their products ...
Up to 26% of users switch from iOS to Android — here's why
Apple doesn't care that nearly 26% of its users switch to different platforms between quarters because it is focusing on encouraging users to buy all of the products in its broader functional ecosystem, experts say. They add that users are likely switching over to Android phones to save money.During the Epic Games vs. Apple trial, internal documents showed evidence of "meaningful switching" of smartphone users quarter-over-quarter. The highest percentage of users switching was between Q1 2020 and Q2 2020, which saw 26% of users switch from iOS to Android. This timeframe is particularly interesting as it marks the period that typically follows the announcement and release of new iPhones.Nugget of data on iPhone customers switching platforms came out in the Epic v. Apple trial. Apple submitted this to show people do switch (even if small) and therefore choice does exist.Average iOS loyalty over this time period was 81%. cc @benedictevans @asymco pic.twitter.com/koBSk7bvpK— Ben ...
Google is finally making it easy to loop YouTube videos on Android
You will soon find a Loop button within playback controls in YouTube's mobile app.What you need to knowYouTube has quietly added a Loop button to its mobile app on Android.The Loop video option has been available on the web for years. It might take a few more weeks for the feature to become widely available on mobile.YouTube has started testing a Loop button on its mobile app for Android. The test was first spotted by DroidMaze last month. While it was limited to a small number of users initially, the test has now started rolling out more widely to the best Android phones (via Android Police).The loop video option has been available on the web for years now, although it isn't very easily accessible. Instead of showing up as a dedicated button in the web player, It is hidden away in the right click menu. Fortunately, the Loop video button on the YouTube mobile app can be found easily within playback controls.Although it is certainly disappointing that it took so long f...
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G review: Standing out for all the right reasons
With a bold design and incredible performance, the Mi 11 Lite 5G may just be the lightweight phone you need.Xiaomi launches a lot of phones over the course of a year, and even by its standards, 2021 has been busy. We got the Redmi Note 9T, Redmi Note 10 series, Mi 10i, Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, and a slate of devices under the POCO label, including the POCO X3 Pro, F3, and more recently the M3 Pro.While the Mi 11 and Mi 11 Ultra make a claim for the best Android phones, there's a third model in the series aimed at the mid-range segment: the Mi 11 Lite. This device is particularly interesting because it is the first to be powered by the Snapdragon 780G chipset. Qualcomm dominated the mid-range tier last year with the Snapdragon 765G, and the 780G takes things to a whole new level.The Mi 11 Lite stands out because of its fresh colors, and it has a svelte 6.8mm profile and is one of the lightest phones around at 157g. But it doesn't miss out on table stakes features: you get a 90Hz AMOL...
OnePlus Nord review: Still the one to beat in 2021
The OnePlus Nord continues to deliver the best value in the mid-range segment.OnePlus is at its best in the value segment. The company has made decent strides in challenging Samsung and Google in the high-end category with the likes of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, but the pricing makes them inaccessible to a wide swathe of its audience. That's why it's exciting that OnePlus has a slew of offerings in the mid-range and budget segments with the Nord series.The Nord delivers all the features that you'd expect from a OnePlus flagship — superb hardware, elegant design, clean software, and a lag-free experience — and it does so for several hundred dollars less than the OnePlus 9, making it one of the best cheap Android phones. With flagships steadily increasing in price, the Nord shows that you can get a comparable experience to $1,000 phones at half the cost.The hardware itself is obviously great, and you should have no issues with the Nord in day-to-day usage, but the different...
Prime Day 2021: official dates, early deals you can buy right now, and more
Amazon's annual exclusive sale is coming back for an even bigger event sooner than usual in 2021. Prime Day is the sale every Amazon Prime member should be looking forward to. With hundreds of ways to save and hundreds of dollars off popular products, shopping during Prime Day is even a smart way to earn back the cost of Amazon Prime's membership fee.During past Prime Day sales, Amazon hasn't skimped on its offerings in the slightest. We've seen products in just about every category go on sale, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, computers, and of course, just about every Amazon device there is. You name it, there's probably been a Prime Day sale on it. And if the sales of previous years are to be any indication, Prime Day 2021 is already slated to be one of the best shopping events of the year.Best Prime Day deals & sales in 2021As it stands, Amazon has not officially announced all of its early Prime Day deals, but that won't stop ot...
Amazon Prime Day 2021 has finally been revealed, arrives early this year
Amazon Prime Day 2021 is arriving earlier than any of the previous years.What you need to knowAmazon has announced the dates for its annual Prime Day sales event.Prime Day will take place in the U.S. and many other countries on June 21-22.Amazon Prime Day is an annual event for customers to find plenty of heavily discounted items.After some teasing during its Q1 earnings call in April, Amazon has finally unveiled the dates for its annual Prime Day sales event, which will happen later this month. The event will happen from June 21 through June 22.Amazon Prime Day is an annual event where customers can find exclusive deals on products throughout the site. That includes items like home appliances and kitchenware as well as tech products from the best microSD cards for Android to some of the best Android phones and plenty more.According to Amazon, last year's Prime Day sales event managed to save customers $1.4 billion, with small businesses making more than $3.5 billion. O...
Google pledges not to build backdoors in FLoC but not everyone's convinced
Google is having a hard time convincing others that it means no harm.What you need to knowGoogle VP Jerry Dischler has stated that the company doe not plan to build backdoors in FLoC.Google will abide by the same Privacy Sandbox standards as other ad agencies.Some are not convinced, including other browsers critical of Google's new technology.Google has been trying to convince ad tech companies that it will follow its own Privacy Sandbox initiative, which the company recently echoed at a marketing event. Google VP Jerry Dischler stated that the company will abide by its own FLoC technology and won't build a backdoor to give itself an advantage. We'll be using these [Privacy Sandbox] APIs for our own ads and measurement products just like everyone else, and we will not build any backdoors for ourselves.The statement, as reported by DigiDay, can be seen as Google playing damage control as the industry criticizes the company's move to replace browser cookies.Google to...
Here's how to disable the new app badges on your Chromebook
Stay focused and avoid distractions with Do Not Disturb and improved notification settings.What you need to knowGoogle's Chrome OS improvements for June include icon badges and increased notification control, new wallpapers, and the ability to save entire Google Drive folders for offline editing.As apps gain the ability to display app badges for unread messages and other notifications, we also get the option to quickly disable notifications on a per-app basis as well as Do Not Disturb to turn them all off.New "Imaginary" wallpapers from Leo Natsume add some summer whimsy to your Chromebook.It's not live quite yet, but soon we'll be able to save entire folders for offline editing without first having to open every single document in them.Part of what makes the best Chromebooks so good is that they're always getting better. While Chromebooks didn't get much attention at Google I/O two weeks ago, the Chrome OS team has been busy improving on the features added in Chrome OS 89...
OnePlus Watch update finally brings promised workout modes, AI Outfit
We're a step closer to the OnePlus Watch we were (sort of) hoping for.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Watch is receiving an update that brings the promised 110 workout modes.The device is getting an AI Outfit feature to mimic the user's clothing to create a watch face.The update comes after OnePlus devices finally received the AOD function.Owners of the OnePlus Watch are finally getting their hands on an update that brings the fitness features first promised at launch. OnePlus software manager Baihan H. announced update B.52 on Monday in the OnePlus forum.The update brings more than 110 workout modes to the watch, a feature that the company first promised at launch and one of several that were notably missing. The update also introduces a marathon running function as well as a new AI Outfit feature.AI Outfit was hinted at when the company announced the first major software update for the OnePlus Watch. The feature allows the user to change the watch face by capturing a...
Costco Canada drops the budget-focused Moto G Fast down to just $160
There's more than meets the eye with Motorola's latest affordable smartphones. Just last year, the company debuted three budget-conscious devices all sitting well below $500 each: the Moto G Fast, Moto G Power, and the Moto G Stylus. With the Moto G Fast debuting at just $249.99 in Canada, it's become one of the least expensive ways to get a dependable Android smartphone in your hands.Thanks to a limited-time offer at Costco Canada, the Moto G Fast is dropping even lower in price! Through June 6, customers can purchase the Moto G Fast on sale for just $159.99 at Costco Canada and save $90 off its full cost instantly, though you will need to be a Costco member if you want to take advantage of today's discount. This phone has more recently been priced around $210.Moto G Fast | $90 off at Costco CanadaThe affordable Moto G Fast is dropping even lower in price with today's extra $50 discount at Costco Canada. This device features a 6.4-inch Max Vision HD+ display, 32GB expandable...
Best Nest deals for June 2021: Nest Thermostat from $118 and more
Nest makes some of the best smart thermostats, security cameras, and self-installed home security systems out there, but it comes at a price. Some of the equipment can be on the expensive side, which means that you may not be able to have as much of it in your home as you'd like, but we are here to help make it easier to afford more. At times, you can find some pretty sweet deals on a variety of Nest's most popular items.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $114Nest Wi-Fi: as low as $149Nest Cameras: from $123Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $35Whether it's a direct price drop, coupon code, or bundle deal, we've scoured the internet to find all of the best deals around Nest's hardware that are available right now and rounded them up. We will keep this page updated with the best deals we can find, so if you frequently find yourself looking for more of it, you'll want to bookmark this page.Best Cheap Nest Thermostat DealsI just moved int...
Which PS4 should you buy: Slim or Pro?
PS4 Pro4K Ready$450 (renewed) at AmazonPros4K HDR gaming looks incredible on everythingPlayStation VR performance is best on this PS4ConsNoticeably larger Can get loud during intense gameplayIf you want the best possible last-gen PlayStation experience, this is the one to buy, even if it's the largest and most expensive option.PS4 SlimBudget-friendly$414 at AmazonProsFits just about anywhereWhisper quietInexpensiveConsNo 4K supportThe slimmer PS4 plays every game with ease, but the lack of 4K output is noticeable if your TV supports it.It's hard to go wrong with either version of the PlayStation console, but these two versions serve very different purposes. While you can still play every PS4 game on each option here, you'll notice a significant difference in overall quality depending on the room you're playing in and the other hardware you connect to the PlayStation.PlayStation 4 stock issuesDue to the pandemic, it's become incr...
Best Note 20 deals of June 2021: Note 20 from $10/month or up to $1,000 off
The Galaxy Note 20 series are two of the best Android phones right now. If you're already a fan of the Note lineup, then you'll have a lot to be excited about with the new generation. If you aren't a fan, you should be. The phones have all the latest from Samsung, including a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, a triple camera setup, 5G connectivity, and a new and improved S Pen stylus.Being brand new, these phones are going to set you back a penny or two, but we're on top of that. We've got every place you can find the Note 20 (or the Note 20 Ultra) and every deal available right now.Best Note 20 Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $450Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more More Info: Price tracking, comparisons & moreNote 20 Ultra | $204 off at AmazonSave $204 instantly on Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 Ultra today at Amazon. This deal is only valid on the 128GB storage model in Mystic Bronze while supplies last.Shop at Amazon $999 at Walma...
Should you get the Synology DiskStation DS220+ or DS220j?
Synology DiskStation DS220+Latest and greatest$300 at AmazonProsIdeal for media streamingPowerful hardwareOutstanding software featuresWorks great for 4K transcodingTwo Gigabit Ethernet portsHolds up to 32TB of storageConsNo M.2 slots for SSD caching Missing an eSATA port The DiskStation 220+ is a standout choice if you're in the market for a NAS enclosure for use as a media server. The NAS has powerful hardware, 2GB of RAM, and can handle 4K transcoding, ensuring seamless media playback across all devices on your home network. You get a lot of other software features as well, and overall the DS220+ is the two-bay NAS to beat right now.Synology DiskStation DS220jOutstanding value$170 at AmazonProsBest value Robust software featuresGigabit Ethernet connectivityRuns quiet Holds up to 32TB of storageConsLimited memoryNot great at transcoding filesThe DiskStation 220j offers incredible value, and you get a decent set of features that m...
Apple TV arrives on the NVIDIA Shield and other Android TV devices
NVIDIA announced it first, but it's coming to all Android TV devices.What you need to knowThe Apple TV app is now available on Android TVs.It brings access to exclusives like Ted Lasso and Home Before Dark.On the NVIDIA Shield, the Apple TV app supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The Apple TV app is now available on Android TV platform via the Google Play Store. While it was announced to be coming specifically to NVIDIA Shield devices, a Google spokesperson confirmed to Android Central that "starting today, the Apple TV app is rolling out to the Android TV OS ecosystem."The Apple TV app had made its first appearance on the Chromecast with Google TV but was promised to be coming to other Android TV devices in the future. Now that it's here, it brings access to popular Apple TV Original shows as Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and others. It also makes using an Apple TV+ subscription in an Android household more feasible.You'll also be able to use Apple TV Channels a...
These are the best shooting action games for Android
Spill some blood with the best Android shooters currently on the market.Professional and/or competitive shooter games are fast becoming a sustainable industry trend for mobile gaming. Both game development and smartphone hardware reaching the point where phones can absolutely deliver top-notch gaming experiences — even for first-person shooters.This still probably sounds like crazy talk to traditional PC gamers but the fact is mobile shooters have cut out a nice niche within the pro-gaming community — franchises such as PUBG Mobile and Guns of Boom have competitive esports leagues that can be advantageous to people who love to stream or try playing for cash in a tournament. Just like other online games for console or PC, mobile games reward teams who can practice and train together — or you can just jump into the game and have some fun on your phone.And if you're looking for something a bit less violent, check out our favorite Android games of 2021!The gamesCall of...
Prime Day 2021: Predicted dates & potential deals
Amazon's annual exclusive sale is coming back for an even bigger event sooner than usual in 2021. Prime Day is the sale every Amazon Prime member should be looking forward to. With hundreds of ways to save and hundreds of dollars off popular products, shopping during Prime Day is even a smart way to earn back the cost of Amazon Prime's membership fee.During past Prime Day sales, Amazon hasn't skimped on its offerings in the slightest. We've seen products in just about every category go on sale, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, computers, and of course, just about every Amazon device there is. You name it, there's probably been a Prime Day sale on it. And if the sales of previous years are to be any indication, Prime Day 2021 is already slated to be one of the best shopping events of the year.Best Prime Day deals & sales in 2021As it stands, Amazon has not announced any official early Prime Day deals, but that won't stop other compa...
Chinese police crack down on mobile game cheat creators making millions
A group of PUBG Mobile cheatmakers were making hundreds of thousands of dollars a month.What you need to knowA VICE report details the background of the creators of a popular PUBG Mobile cheat, whose business recently came to an end.The creators were making hundreds of thousands a month, and millions a year, from the sale of these cheats.The Chinese police cracked down on this in an operation known as "Chicken Drumstick."Chinese police have cracked down on one of the largest mobile gaming cheat developers in the world, known to them as "Chicken Drumstick," and to its users as Cheat Ninja. In a new report, VICE documents the cheat-maker's story and reveals just how many millions they were making from the illicit software.The cheats in question include things like wallhacks and were developed for the mobile versions of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. Naturally, given cheating has a negative effect on a game and the bottom line of the game's creators, Chinese company Tencent ...
One of the best wireless headphones of 2021 drops to $90 at Amazon Canada
Despite what some top brands on the market would like you to believe, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars for an excellent pair of noise-cancelling headphones. In fact, thanks to a limited-time sale at Amazon Canada, you can snag the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones for just $90 today! These headphones were chosen as our favorite Value Pick in this guide to the best wireless headphones of 2021.Previously sold for up to $150 just earlier this year, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are now available for just $89.99 at Amazon Canada when you clip the coupon on their product page before heading to checkout. That's a savings of $60 off their original price and a match of the best price we've ever seen them reach. More recently, these headphones have been sitting around $110 for the past few months.Anker Soundcore Life Q30 | $60 off at Amazon CanadaClip the coupon at Amazon to save an extra $20 on the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 hybrid active noise-cancelling headphones fo...
The new Fitbit Ace 3 Special Edition is aimed at kids who love Minions
Fitbit also rolled out new updates for the Versa 3.What you need to knowFitbit introduced the Fitbit Ace 2 Special Edition Minions, a sleep tracker aimed at young children.It piggybacks off the popular minions brand and comes in a nice Minions Yellow. Fitbit also announced software updates for the Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense.Fitbit today announced a new Fitbit Ace model, the Fitbit Ace 3 Special Edition: Minions. It's a version of the already Minion-focused Fitbit Ace 3 that brings even more Miniony action to the watch.Starting from $99, the Minions edition adds an exclusive, engraved accessory band in the iconic "Minions Yellow." There are also two new bands for the Ace 3 in Despicable Blue and Mischief Black. Finally, the company will add a new animated clock face, available exclusively on Ace 3 devices, aimed at making kids form healthy habits and illustrating their progress towards daily customizable goals for step count or activity.Alison Ross Powers, Head of Global S...
Jiggle Physics 083: Sonic's 30th; Epic vs. Apple; Sony's Investor Call
This week, we check out all the happenings for Sonic the Hedgehog's 30th Anniversary. We also dig into the juicy morsels found within the Epic vs. Apple court case, Sony's recent investor call, and what secret stuff Nintendo and Microsoft might be working on together.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Sonic the Hedgehog's 30th Anniversary stream: Everything announced | iMoreHorizon Forbidden West gameplay looks gorgeous as Aloy battles new beasts | Android CentralEpic Games v. Apple: Here's everything we've learned so far | Windows Central10 quotes that could reveal the outcome of the Apple vs Epic Games trial | iMoreYep. Epic and Apple argued, in court, about whether a banana can be naked. | iMoreApple slams 'unspeakable' Itch.io content hosted on Epic Games Store | iMoreEpic CEO: Sony forces Epic to pay for Fortnite cross-play on PlayStation | Android Ce...
Why not upgrade your Wi-Fi? Here's our guide to the best routers!
The best Wi-Fi routers can be lifesavers. The difference between good Wi-Fi in your house and poor connectivity can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. Whether you need something with a ton of speed and connections or just want to make sure you don't drop connection when you move around your home there's a router that's right for you. Here's our reliable guide to some of the best wireless routers you can buy today!What are the best Wi-Fi routers?The TP-Link Archer AX21 is the best Wi-Fi router thanks to its AX1800 speeds being enough for most people, along with offering the capacity for future Wi-Fi 6 devices. It also has an easy setup procedure thanks to the TP-Link Tether app for smartphones. If you're looking for something to keep up with most households without going overboard, the AX21 is a great fit.The best value option is the TP-Link Archer A7. While there are cheaper routers available, the AC1750 speeds should keep up with HD media streaming and browsing ...
Google's Play Pass subscription service is now available in 90 countries
Over 40 new games are coming to Play Pass.What you need to knowGoogle's Play Pass is expanding to 48 new countries.Verizon customers with eligible unlimited plans can now get up to 12 months of free Play Pass access in the U.S.Crying Suns, Evoland 2, Botanicula, and Night of the Full Moon are the latest additions to the hundreds of games available on Play Pass.Google's Play Pass subscription service has expanded to 48 additional markets around the world. With the latest expansion, the Play Pass is now available in 90 countries. You can find a full list of all the 90 countries here.Google has also joined hands with Verizon to offer up to 12 months of Play Pass access. However, customers must be subscribed to one of Verizon's Unlimited plans to be eligible for the offer. Those of you who are on the Big Red's Start Unlimited plan will get access to six months of Play Pass. Customers with Verizon's Play More or Get More unlimited plans, on the other hand, are eligible to rece...
The Google Pixel 5 is the best phone for taking photos, period
One of the biggest reasons to buy a high-end phone is for the camera. Whether through computational processing or the use of as many lenses as possible, phones are taking good enough photos these days that most people don't even consider a dedicated camera. Luckily, there are plenty of options for people that want effortless point-and-shoot style photography, as well as those who want to go more in-depth or have different needs in a phone beyond the camera. The best Android camera is on the Google Pixel 5 because it's simple to use yet produces amazing photos in all conditions.Point and shootGoogle Pixel 5Staff PickIf you want the very best camera experience you can get on an Android phone, the Pixel 5 is what you need to buy. The 12MP primary and 16MP ultra-wide sensors might not sound all that impressive, but when combined with Google's unmatched image processing, you end up with a phone that takes incredible pictures every time you press the shutter button. Day or night,...
Google’s foldable Pixel could steal one of Galaxy Z Fold 2’s best features
Google's rumored foldable Pixel will apparently be among the first non-Samsung phones to feature an ultra-thin glass cover window.What you need to knowGoogle's first foldable phone will reportedly use Samsung's ultra-thin glass (UTG).Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip are currently the only foldable phones to use UTG. Samsung may begin supplying UTG to Google and other smartphone makers in the second half of the year. Samsung Display will soon begin supplying its ultra-thin glass (UTG) to Google, according to a new report from ETNews. Samsung Display currently supplies UTG only to Samsung electronics.Samsung Display is said to have decided to sell UTG to other companies to help expand its foldable display business. It plans to begin shipping UTG to Google and a few other companies in the second half of the year. Announced in February last year, Samsung's ultra-thin glass is manufactured using an intensifying process to achieve enhanced flexibility and durabili...
...412413414415416417418419420421...