Latest from Android Central

HTC could usher in a new era of standalone fitness-focused VR headsets.What you need to knowHTC Vive Air looks to be the company's first major consumer-focused standalone headset in a long time.The Vive Air is made of lightweight, breathable materials that are all removable and washable.The iF WORLD DESIGN award that revealed the headset says it's due for release in 2021 in North America, Europe, and Asia.It's been a long time coming, but HTC might finally have a viable competitor to the Oculus Quest 2 if these leaks for an upcoming headset called the "HTC Vive Air" are anything to go by. Per Engadget, an *iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE award appears to have been published ahead of an official announcement from HTC, making this a bit more official than many other types of leaks.Per the design award, the HTC Vive Air is specifically designed for virtual fitness in mind. That means the headset is made of lightweight, breathable materials, and it looks like everything but the computi...

PS5 stock is selling out fast so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking buy a PS5? Well, so do millions of other people and the stock levels that we've seen so far are tight. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is maybe 15 - 20 minutes (usually just a few minutes, though), and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a difficult task. Sony has warned that it will be hard to find stock throughout the year, but retailers are promising more is coming.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. After spending a few months with it now, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, and you'll want to experience it for yourself whenever you get the chance.Jump to:When are retailers releasing new stock?Buy PS5 in the U.S. Buy PS5 in CanadaBuy PS5 in the UKWhere to buy PS5 accessoriesTips for buyi...

The days of sacrificing great service in search of affordability are officially over. Powered by Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks, Visible puts you on the nation's best network with its singular plan that offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $40 per month all-in — taxes and fees included. There's no annual contract and a variety of excellent deals available for new members or those looking to purchase a new phone.Best Visible DealsBest Visible Android dealsBest Visible iPhone dealsBest Visible plan dealsMore about VisibleVisible: Three months for $20/monthVisible lets you use Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks without paying the high cost of being a Verizon customer. Visible's latest deal drops the cost of the first 3 months for new subscribers to just $20/month with promo code 20FOR3 through April 30.Join today at VisibleWith Visible's Party Pay feature, you can drop the monthly cost of service to as low as $25 per month by getting your friends or famil...

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is one of the best budget phones of the year, and before you go out and buy one, there's one final decision you need to make. Well, there are technically two questions — are you getting 5G and what Galaxy A52 color is best — but the first answer might also answer the second, depending on the market you're buying in. Both the LTE/4G and the 5G versions of the Galaxy A52 come in four Awesome colors, but which one is the most awesome? Let's take a look.Like a summer skyAwesome Blue A52Staff PickI'll confess, I'm partial to blue phones in general, but the Awesome Blue on the A52 is just darling, like the morning sky on a clear summer day — or the powder blue paneling on a vintage car. It's nostalgic, youthful, and energetic, ready to tackle whatever today brings.$375 at Amazon (4G) £399 at Amazon UK (5G)Lilac lovelinessAwesome Purple A52This purple isn't quite as deep or radiant as the Phantom Violet on this year's Galaxy S21, but it's st...

It's available on all Android phones running Nougat and above.What you need to knowGoogle has now added some of the most popular Japanese pop culture characters to AR search.You'll now find icons like Pac-Man, Ultraman, and Hello Kitty present via AR search in the Google Search app or any Android browser.It also works in iOS on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 and above. Google's AR character search already includes cute farm animals, Marvel superheroes, and even those terrible lizards from the Jurassic past. Now, the company is adding several new characters to AR search, including popular characters from Japanese pop culture. The company says that it has seen a rise in anime interest, reaching a crescendo over the last month, even ranking higher than video games.You'll now find anime characters from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gundam, as well as Hello Kitty, Ultraman, Pac-Man, and more. Some of these characters even make sounds, as Google shared in its Japanese blog pos...

Introduced in December 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a solid Android 10 device featuring a 6.5-inch screen, 48 MP camera, and 5,000mAh battery with fast charging. At just 8.9mm thin, it's an entry-level phone that won't rival some of Samsung's more premium models, like the Samsung Galaxy S20, but it's a great phone for those who don't need all the bells and whistles. It's a reliable smartphone for a teenager, an elderly family member, or even as a secondary phone. Regardless of who it's for, protect your smartphone with a case. These are the best Samsung Galaxy A12 cases you can get.Everything you needMilomdoi CaseStaff PickIt's everything you need in one package for an affordable price, including a military-grade protective case with a 360-degree ring holder kickstand on the back along with a 2-pack of tempered glass screen protectors. The case is made of soft TPU silicone and offers heavy-duty protection with Air Cushion technology.$11 at AmazonBuilt-in screen prote...

Smartphone shipments reached 340 million units in Q1 2021, up from 275 million units during the same period last year.What you need to knowGlobal smartphone shipments increased 24% YoY in the first quarter of 2021.Samsung was the biggest smartphone vendor globally in Q1 2021, with a market share of 23%. Huawei, which held the number two spot during the same period last year, slipped out of the top five. The global smartphone market grew 24% YoY in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. While nearly all major smartphone makers saw strong growth during the January to March period, Huawei dropped out of the top five.Huawei had surpassed Samsung as the top smartphone maker in the second quarter of 2020, thanks to strong performance in its home market. Since then, however, the company has been losing market share in pretty much all markets — including China.Linda Sui, Senior Director at Strategy Analytics, said in a state...

What you need to knowVerizon Ultra Wideband 5G is coming to four new cities and 5G Home Internet is coming to three more cities.Verizon will pay up to $500 early termination fees for customers to switch to 5G Home Internet beginning April 29.Verizon is giving new customers that switch a free Samsung Chromebook 4.Verizon announced that it's bringing its Ultra Wideband (UWB) 5G coverage to four new cities bringing the total to 71. On April 22, Ultra Wideband service will come to New Orleans, LA; Fresno, CA; Riverside, CA; and San Antonio, TX. The best cell phone plans now come with 5G including Verizon's Ultra Wideband service which is available with its Play More, Do More, and Get More unlimited plans. All Verizon plans now include Nationwide 5G which makes up most of Verizon's 5G coverage.Verizon's 5G Home Internet is expanding to three new cities starting with Riverside, CA on April 22. Memphis and San Antonio will follow on May 6 bringing the total number of covered citie...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: now $385PlayStation 4 Pro: refurb from $390PlayStation VR: starting at $150More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now...

Are you an active individual looking for the best Android smartwatch? Whether you're focused on powerful fitness and health-tracking tools or an eye-catching design, there are plenty of options. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the best fitness smartwatches with built-in GPS, music storage, full waterproofing, and even NFC for Garmin Pay. It's as fully featured of a smartwatch and fitness tracker that you'll find, so it might be just what you're looking for.Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4Announced late last year, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the company's newest smartwatches to hit the market. It's got some significant improvements when compared to its predecessor, like new on-screen workouts, two size options, and music storage is now standard. Admittedly, these are some significant upgrades, but they come at a cost. If you can get past the hefty price tag, it's a phenomenal fitness smartwatch that will track your every move.Previously, the Vivoactive was only availa...

The feature is making its way to users as part of a server-side rollout.What you need to knowGoogle Photos is finally rolling out the ability to add new files to albums even when you're offline.The functionality appears to be live in the latest version of the Google Photos app for Android for some users. Any new photos or videos you add to an album offline will be synced as soon as you are connected to the internet. The Google Photos app gained a new Documents tab earlier this week, making it a lot easier for users to find their documents. Google has now quietly added another new feature to the app, allowing users to add new photos and videos to albums even when they're offline, without having to back up files.As reported by Android Police, the highly anticipated feature is now live for some users in the latest version of the Google Photos app on Android. If you're among the lucky users who have received the feature, you can now add photos and videos to existing and new...

Facebook recently introduced Oculus Quest 2 keyboard and mouse support to its most popular VR device, but hooking up your favorite pair might not be as obvious as you would have thought. That's because Oculus Quest 2 keyboard and mouse support is still technically an experimental feature, although you shouldn't expect any substantial problems or bugs when using it. Whether you're looking to enhance your work from home experience with apps like Spatial or just browse the web more easily, the best keyboards and best mice will all get the job done with amazing efficiency.How to pair a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse with Oculus Quest 2Pairing your keyboard or mouse with your Oculus Quest 2 is pretty simple, but finding the option isn't as obvious as you might hope. Let's begin with pairing your keyboard.Put the Oculus Quest 2 on your head and press the Oculus button on the right Oculus Touch controller.Select the settings button, located on the Universal Home menu's right side.Sele...

The phone will have a dedicated button to activate "Game Mode."What you need to knowRedmi's first gaming phone will debut in China on April 27.It will be part of the brand's Redmi K40 family. The phone is rumored to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, 67W fast charging, and a 144Hz display.Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand recently teased the launch of its first-ever gaming phone. The brand has now revealed that the phone will make its debut at a virtual event on April 27.The company's post on Weibo confirms the upcoming gaming phone will be part of the Redmi K40 series and is going to be called the Redmi K40 "Gaming Edition." As you can see in the official teaser below, the phone will come with shoulder buttons similar to ones seen on Black Shark devices. We can also see a triple-camera array on the back of the phone, with an LED ring around the sensors. The ring will light up when the phone's Game Mode is activated.Rumors suggest the phone will be powered by MediaTek'...

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro S has an outdated processor and only offers a few minor upgrades.Depending on your perspective, you may or may not consider the new TicWatch Pro S to be one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. While it certainly offers some nice improvements, it's a lot the same stuff we experienced on the TicWatch Pro 2020. If you're going to spend this much on a smartwatch, you might as well stretch your budget a bit further and get yourself the Ticwatch Pro 3 instead.So, what does the TicWatch Pro S bring to the table that's new and different? The main selling point is a handful of new and upgraded apps from Mobvoi. You'll now have TicExercise 3.0 and TicSleep 2.0, for example. The company also added new apps, including TicBreathe and TicHearing. You can now measure VO2 max during runs as well.If you were anticipating an updated processor with better performance, you'll be disappointed. The TicWatch Pro S is still running the severely outdated Snapdragon Wear ...

The SanDisk Extreme 1TB portable USB-C NVMe solid state drive has dropped to $149.99 at Best Buy as part of Best Buy's deals of the day. Amazon has also price matched this deal, so you'll be able to get it there as long as it lasts at Best Buy. This is a limited time sale that will be gone by tomorrow. The drive normally sells for as much as $240 at Best Buy and can be found going for around $170 or more at other retailers.This is a newer version of a SanDisk Extreme portable SSD we have recommended before. The older version has gone much lower than today's deal before, but right now it's going for $140. That means you can get the newer, faster version for just $10 more.The portable SSD uses a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface. That's an upgrade from 3.1 on the previous generation and ensures a wide compatibility with USB-C connectors including on both computers and smartphones. Because of that USB-C connection and the NVMe technology built into the solid state drive, you can get some re...

The best OnePlus Nord cases are durable, affordable, and dependable, just like the Nord. The phone, which was introduced in the summer of 2020, is a wonderful return to form, a mid-range phone that offers a premium experience at a reasonable price tag. The back of this phone may be covered in impact-resistant Gorilla Glass 5, but that doesn't mean that you can let your Nord go around naked. Scratches, slips, and sweat are still a smartphone's enemy. So, while you might be considering grabbing the rumored OnePlus Nord 2 once it comes out if you still own a Nord, it's worth adding some grip and glamour so the phone can stay safe and solid for years to come.Clear protectionSpigen Ultra HybridStaff PickSpigen is one of the most trusted case brands on the market, and I'm happy to see this robust, clear case available for Nord. The clear back lets that lovely Blue shine through while the black bumper adds grip and contrast.$14 at AmazonClassic protectionTudia DualShield...

Headphone jack, expandable storage, 4K HDR OLED display, and more!Sony's smartphones don't get a lot of love these days, but if you ask me, they're incredibly underrated — in fact, the recently announced Xperia 1 III might end up being one of the best Android phones of 2021. Aesthetically, this phone looks like any of its predecessors, with roughly the same squared-off design and extra-tall aspect ratio. However, under the hood, this looks to be one of the few remaining high-end phones that cater to fans of both new and old features.The Xperia 1 III has an impressive spec sheet, helmed by the latest and greatest Snapdragon 888 processor, along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS storage. That storage is expandable via microSD, something that's become increasingly difficult to find in high-end phones over the last year, and as a bonus, you even get a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones. With LG out of the mobile space, it's more important than ever to have worthwhile com...

The three new Earth-themed wallpapers are the latest additions to Google's "Curated Culture" collection.What you need to knowGoogle has released a bunch of new Earth Day-themed wallpapers for its Pixel phones.You can find the new wallpapers in the "Curated Culture" collection in your styles & wallpapers settings.They are only available for Pixel 3 and newer phones.Back in February, Google introduced a new "Curated Culture" wallpaper collection for its Pixel phones. Last month, the company added three new wallpapers to the collection ahead of International Women's Day. Google is now expanding the "Curated Culture" collection again with new wallpapers for Earth Day, which have been drawn by artist Jeremyville. If you have a Pixel phone, you can access these exclusive wallpapers from the Styles and Wallpapers menu. However, they are only available on the Pixel 3 and newer phones. It is also worth noting that the wallpapers aren't optimized for the hole-punch display...

Chatting with the AC forums.While previous Pixel phones were metal and glass sandwiches in the truest sense, the Google Pixel 5 saw a dramatic change in material design for the brand. Instead of a Gorilla Glass back, we got an aluminum rear panel coated in a protective resin, which could even allow for wireless charging. At first glance, it looked, and felt, like one of the most durable of the best Android phones.But has that proven to be true? Is the Google Pixel 5 really that durable? That's the question raised by a recent AC community forums post. ianhanson85 04-18-2021 08:18 PM “ Hi, Unfortunately my 2+year old Pixel 3XL is nearing its end. The back is randomly separating near the power and volume rocker and going all the way down the phone. Not sure if it's just adhesive or battery expanding. I was not thrilled with Google's solution so even though I had planned on not upgrading unt...

Landscape and selfies are fine, but at less than four feet, the Galaxy S21 goes downhill fast.I stunned all of my coworkers in a morning meeting a few days ago. We were talking about smartphone cameras and the Pixel 5a, and I brought up that I had to double back to the Pixel 4a from my Galaxy S21 for taking my Chromebox 4 review photos and it was far from the first time. "Wait, you take your review photos with a phone?" "I take all my article photos with a phone."Cue the shock and awe.I've been using my cell phone cameras for my article photos — yes, including my reviews — for as long as I've had two phones. While that was harder back in the earlier days when I was using my HTC 10 or Galaxy S6, ever since the original Google Pixel, I've had zero issues getting good photos of any phone, Chromebook, or accessory I've been writing about. Well, zero issues until I got the Galaxy S21 because I don't know what is up with the camera here, but it seems determined to not photograph ...

In recent months, Google has made a bit of news and shaken up the browser space by announcing that it's moving away from the traditional tracking technology of web cookies and moving toward a new option called FLoC. FLoC stands for Federated Learning of Cohorts, and it purports to anonymously aggregate people into interest groups to serve them ads based on the groups they fall into, rather than on their unique, individual ad identifiers. This sounds great in theory, and our own Jerry Hildenbrand has talked on the AC podcast about why he thinks it's a good move for Google and users. However, many competing web browsers using Chromium aren't so thrilled, and neither are many users. Google has begun testing this new method recently, but it's not clear who all is involved in the testing phase. If you don't want to be caught up in this testing, here's how you can block Google's new FLoC web tracking — at least, for now.How to block Google's new FLoC web tracking on desktopOpen the...

The Oculus Quest 2 is lighter, more comfortable, and more powerful than the original Oculus Quest. Facebook refined its design to be more comfortable on your head and in your hands, but that doesn't mean you can't improve it even further with some of the best Oculus Quest accessories. From headphones built specifically for the Quest 2 to a device to let you cast your Quest 2 to a TV, these are the best Oculus Quest 2 accessories. You can order the Oculus Quest 2 now.Strap it upQuest 2 Elite StrapStaff PickThe Quest 2 Elite Strap replaces the standard strap that ships with the headset. The Elite Strap is more ergonomic and has a fit wheel that lets you twist the headset to a nice, snug fit.$49 at Amazon $49 at Best Buy $49 at WalmartIn-ear for the next genLogitech G333 VR gaming earphonesLogitech and Facebook worked together to create these in-ear headphones. The cables are just the right length to work with the headset, and they have dedicated audio drivers for hi...

Google is set to introduce phones with custom silicon — just like Apple and Samsung.Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones — including the $350 Pixel 4a.While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, it looks like the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. The custom chipsets could end up eventually powering its phones and even its Chromebooks, and the first such chipset, the GS101, is set to show up in the Pixel 6 later this year.Here's everything you need to know about Google's custom silicon, including the hardware rundown, security features, camera upgrades, and why this is a big deal for Google's hardware ambitions.Jump to:HardwareSecurity...

Motorola is taking Xiaomi's Redmi Note 10 Pro Max head-on with the new Moto G60.What you need to knowThe Moto G60 and Moto G40 Fusion are the latest additions to Motorola's budget smartphone lineup.Both phones are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G processor and feature 120Hz displays.The Moto G60 is the company's first budget Android phone with a 108MP camera. After launching its first 'flagship' Moto G last month, Motorola today unveiled two new Moto G phones to challenge the best cheap Android phones on the market.The new Moto G60 and Moto G40 Fusion are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G processor, which also powers the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max. Both phones sport a large 6.8-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a centered hole-punch cutout.In the camera department, the Moto G60 has a triple-camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Moto G40 Fusion, on the other hand, comes with a 64MP pri...

A sleek build without the bells and whistles to back it up.I had the pleasure of testing out another EPOS headset a few months ago, the GSP 600, so when I was offered the opportunity to try the company's newest headset and review the EPOS H3, I immediately said yes. The H3 sports a similar form factor to its siblings, making it appear more sleek and stylish with some minor variations. After spending some time with it, I have mixed feelings.The EPOS H3 headset is billed as the company's "next generation of premium peripherals," but there's not a whole ton about it that screams "next-gen." While not necessarily bad, it doesn't live up to expectations that marketing sets, though it fits well within its price point for the features you get. It has a flip-to-mute mic, a closed acoustic design (like several EPOS models), and is compatible with multiple devices. While it's not one of the best PS5 headsets out there, it's still a good option.EPOS H3 review:Price and availabilityW...

On your search for the best VPN service, you might have been confused by the different plans and offerings of each provider when trying to figure out the best value option.For the most part, going for a longer-term plan will save you more money (sometimes as much as 70% or more), though not everyone wants to commit for a year or longer. Fear not, though, as cheap monthly VPN plans do exist so you can get set up with a VPN without spending a ton of cash upfront.Best Cheap Monthly VPN PlansIPVanish: $3.49/1-monthPureVPN: $0.99/7-day trialProtonVPN: $5/1-monthWindscribe: $9/1-monthExpressVPN: $12.95/1-month You don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN. These cheap monthly VPN plans make it affordable to try out a VPN for yourself before committing for a longer period of time or just pay for VPN service as and when you need it without a commitment.IPVanish VPN: 65% off one-month plan$3.49 at IPVanishWith its current deal,...

No PlayStation Plus subscription required.What you need to knowHorizon Zero Dawn is now free for everyone on PS4 and PS5.It will be available for free until May 14.Once you download it, it's yours to keep forever. It will not be removed from your library.Everyone on PS4 and PS5 can now download Horizon Zero Dawn for free thanks to PlayStation's Play At Home program, encouraging people to stay inside and play games. The program recently gave away Ratchet and Clank and a bunch of other titles for free, and it looks to continue the trend over the coming months.Horizon Zero Dawn is free from April 19 at 11pm ET until May 14, so that gives people a few weeks to take advantage of the offer. What's even better is that it's the Complete Edition, featuring the Frozen Wilds expansion. Once you download it, it's yours to keep forever. They won't be removed from your library at some arbitrary date in the future.This is an excellent way for Sony to drum up hyper before its sequel. I...

No social media platform is safe from the Clubhouse takeover, not even Reddit.What you need to knowReddit has just announced its own Clubhouse clone, Reddit Talk.The platform works similarly to Clubhouse, with its own Reddit flair added to the mix.The service isn't widely available at the moment, but moderators can join the waitlist.Reddit just officially jumped on the Clubhouse train. Coming on the heels of Facebook's announcement, as well as other offerings like Twitter Spaces and Discord's Stage Channels, Reddit is rolling out with Reddit Talk. The service will offer a Clubhouse-like experience with Reddit's own particular flair.The platform revealed on Monday that Reddit Talk will be available within subreddits. It will feature hosts and audiences, and the host will be able to regulate the audio chats, meaning users can be invited, muted, or booted. Reddit hopes to bring more customization to the service with background colors, reactions, and interchangeable avatars...

Google Photos is now the place for your documents.What you need to knowGoogle Photos is rolling out with a new "documents" category.This new section will collect photos with visible text and categorize them based on their type.The update has started rolling out but has yet to reach a wide number of users.One of the best things about Google Photos is how it leverages AI to categorize your photos into various, easy-to-find collections. Recently, the app started integrating Google Lens features, such as a copy/paste tool that pulls text from images. Google is taking things a bit further by categorizing all of your photos with text into its own "Documents" category.Some users are noticing the new Documents section when navigating to the Search tab in Google Photos (via Android Police). Once inside, your images will be further categorized based on the type of "document" the app thinks it is. For instance, images of text messages will get their own album, as will cook covers, r...

Parler's sudden disappearance comes hours after a blunt ultimatum from the Apple App Store: moderate your platform or leave.Update, April 19 (06:00 pm ET): After Apple finally approved a Parler update, Google is likely to do as well.What you need to knowParler has been suspended from Google Play, pending improvements to its moderation system.The social media network has been the source of much criticism after Trump supporters and QAnon conspiracy theorists flocked to the platform.Apple is giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints regarding the content and moderation of its network or be banned from the App Store, but it appears Google is suspending first and then asking for changes to be let back in.It has been a very busy week for social media news! President Trump got permanently banned from Twitter earlier this afternoon after being suspended indefinitely from Facebook and Instagram yesterday, and earlier today, Apple issued a warning to the social media network tha...

What you need to knowVerizon with partners Ericsson and Samsung has begun deploying C-Band equipment to towers.Verizon plans to cover 100 million people with C-Band Ultra Wideband 5G by March 2022.T-Mobile counters that its mid-band 2.5GHz 5G already covers 125 million with 200 million by the end of 2021.T-Mobile also claims that its mid-band 5G has much better propagation than the 3.7 to 3.98GHz C-Band spectrumVerizon was the first company to really impress people with incredible wireless speeds on its Ultra Wideband millimeter-wave 5G network. Even as the speeds continued to climb, coverage was a constant issue with poor building penetration and inconsistent performance even with a line of sight to the tower. Verizon spent big on C-Band with an average of 161MHz nationwide once it's available. Verizon announced that it's working with partners Ericsson and Samsung and has begun to deploy C-Band equipment to its towers so it can flip the C-Band switch as soon as possible.I...

Google commemorates the first atmospheric, extraterrestrial flight with Ingenuity Mars Helicopter easter egg.What you need to knowGoogle has included a fun easter egg on the search page for the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter.When searching "Ingenuity," an interactive model of the helicopter will fly around your computer screen.NASA successfully conducted the first test flight of the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter on Monday.Monday represented a landmark moment as NASA completed the first powered test flight on Mars, thanks to the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter. It marks a major accomplishment for NASA and opens up a world of possibilities for unmanned planetary exploration. To commemorate the moment, Google Search has launched a fun Easter egg for anyone hoping to read up on the little helicopter that could and did.If you type in "Ingenuity," "Mars Ingenuity Helicopter," or any combination thereof, the associated Wikipedia card will display a small animation of the robot. Clicking on i...

It's never too soon to start saving. Sure, the Google Pixel 5 is still brand new, but thanks to carriers and stores competing for your business, it's usually not too difficult to find an early discount on a popular product such as this. Pixel 5 deals may be limited at first, but we expect we'll be seeing plenty of offers in no time with carrier discounts arriving first and deals on unlocked devices following. Of course, if the Pixel 5 is out of your price range, there are also some stellar Pixel 4a deals available right now.Best Pixel 5 Deals Available NowCarrier Deals: Trade-in or BOGOUnlocked deals: Up to $130 offThe Google Pixel 5 offers a number of solid improvements upon the Pixel 4. Though its predecessor received some flak for its bad battery life, the Pixel 5 includes a 4080mAh battery that's miles better than the 2800mAh battery found in the Pixel 4. The cameras are receiving an upgrade as well; the telephoto lens from the Pixel 4 has been replaced with a standa...

You'll enjoy playing Outriders, but you probably won't remember it when you're done.Outriders is an enjoyable, if slightly formulaic, looter shooter that is at its best when it remembers to be fun and at its worst when it tries to tell a story. A solid core of fun gameplay, a simple but rewarding mod system, and a responsive difficulty curve do a lot to save the game from mediocrity, and Outriders is much better than mediocre.That said, a panoply of peripheral issues hold the game back from being a true delight. The problems with the gameplay are small, but once you notice them, they're very difficult to ignore. And if you want an engaging story, you can forget about it, because almost everything about Outriders' story and setting is forgettable.Also, as a side note: I don't want to address the server issues in great detail since I'm optimistic they'll be fixed over the next couple of weeks. However, they were there when I started playing, and have only marginally improved at t...

Getting a new phone in your hands doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. There are always deals out there on Android phones but they tend to come and go rather quickly with other discounts appearing in their place. However, if you're hoping to buy one of the latest devices on the market, finding a proper deal is easier than ever these days.Best Android Phone DealsUnlocked dealsCarrier dealsWhen it comes to buying a new smartphone, there are two main types of deals to consider. You could buy your new phone unlocked so that you own it and can bring it to any carrier where it's compatible, or you can purchase devices through carrier deals at a retailer such as Verizon or T-Mobile.Carrier deals generally make you pay for the device in monthly installments and require that you add a line of service, which means you'll be locked into paying for the device (and your service contract) for a few years. Deals like these can be excellent if you're willing or need to ...

The Galaxy A51 makes a great case for being one of best cheap Android phones on the market, so you'll want to make sure you get the best Galaxy A51 cases. With a sleek and overhauled design to go along with one of the best displays on a budget-friendly smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A51 is sure to turn a few heads. But you'll still want to make sure to keep that design looking great for years to come, so check out some of our favorites case options.Form-fitting safetySpigen Liquid Air ArmorStaff PickNot many folks want a big, bulky case to slip their new phone into. The Spigen Liquid Air Armor solves this by offering a form-fitted solution. And the anti-slip surface will help prevent fingerprints while adding comfort and grip.$12 at AmazonAll the glitterWallme Waterfall Quicksand CaseWith the Wallme Waterfall Quicksand Case, you'll get fantastic drop protection thanks to the TPU material. Wallme also includes a two-pack of HD screen protectors in the box that ...

Facebook is going all-in on audio.What you need to knowFacebook announced that it's launching a suite of audio products to put its own spin on the Clubhouse app.The new features include audio-only Rooms, podcasts, and audio clips on social feeds.The new features are currently in development and will launch within the next few months.Copying TikTok is so last year, and now all the social media platforms have moved over to the next big thing: Clubhouse. Given that the popular Clubhouse app is still not available on the best Android phones, Facebook has an opportunity to fill the void. The company already teased its plans to create its own version of the app and has even started testing a new Clubhouse-like Q&A service aimed at professionals. In a blog post on Monday, the company has just announced a suite of new audio features that it plans to launch soon.The first is the more obvious Clubhouse clone called Live Audio Rooms that the company plans to integrate into the...

Right as HTC was peaking, so was one of the oddities of 2011 tech: 3D. I revisited the phone that combined the two.Android is coming up on its 13th birthday, which means many of the phones that drove the platform's early success are now a decade or more old. 2011, in particular, gave us the likes of the Galaxy S2 and first Galaxy Note — some of the best Android phones of their time — along with a lot of weird experimentation as the smartphone boom really started to take off.That's perfectly encapsulated by the HTC EVO 3D, which I've been playing with this past week for the first time in 10 years. Just as the Taiwanese phone maker was peaking in terms of brand awareness and market share, stereoscopic 3D displays were the new hotness. Growing up in the 90s, 3D TV, of the non-cardboard-glasses kind, seemed like science fiction. Now it could fit in a tiny rectangle in a device that also took 3D photos.Obviously, things didn't quite pan out — for 3D and, ultimately, HTC's ph...

SSD compatibility is complicated on PS5 right nowOne of the most exciting features about the PS5 is its lightning-fast SSD. With only 825GB of storage — and only around 667GB of it actually usable — it fills up quickly. An SSD means that developers can theoretically cut down on the size of games, but this only goes so far. In anticipation of Sony approving support for expanded SSD storage, we've created a handy guide to explain the differences between an SSD and HDD, how PS5 storage currently works, and more.Jump to:SSD vs HDD explainedPS5 SSD compatibilityExpanding your PS5 storageSSD vs HDD explainedSSDs (solid-state drive) tend to be faster and smaller than HDDs (hard disc drive) because the former uses flash-memory chips and does not having moving parts. HDDs, on the other hand, take longer to read/write information because they use magnetic tape and have internal moving parts. This is also why SSDs are usually more expensive than HDDs.According to Sony,...

Facebook's trying to make it easier to have control of your information.What you need to knowYou can now transfer Facebook posts to several platforms.These platforms include Google Docs, Blogger, and Wordpress. The feature comes as part of a larger 'Data Transfer Project' initiative.Facebook has been under quite a bit of fire for a myriad of privacy reasons over the past few years. However, the company has started to try and provide more control of your data and information. This started all the way back in 2019, with a new tool to move Facebook photos and videos to Google photos.The tool officially launched late in 2020, and now there's another tool being added to the arsenal. In a blog post, the Director of Privacy and Public Policy for Facebook, Steve Satterfield, revealed that a new tool is now avaialble for those that want to export and transfer posts or notes.With this new tool, dubbed 'Transfer Your Information' is easily accessible from the Facebook settings in ...

A good keyboard is essential, which is why you deserve only the best Chromebook keyboard for typing and the best Chromebook keyboard replacements when something goes wrong. Chrome OS plays well with most keyboards on the market, and whether you're looking for a travel-friendly keyboard to replace your Chromebook's sticking keys, need a wireless keyboard to use in bed, or you're a student looking for the perfect keyboard companion, we've got a keyboard for everyone! The number of keyboards with Chrome OS function keys is still relatively small, but all keyboards can still work with Chromebooks with F1-12 standing in for the function keys.Made for GoogleLogitech K580 Wireless Keyboard, Chrome OS EditionStaff PickYou can swap between two devices quickly on this slim keyboard, which has Chrome OS function keys up top, as well as a number pad with page up/down, home, and end keys. The connection is strong, and the key travel is a good depth for a long-lasting keyboard.$46 at A...

But don't worry. More regions will be added over time.What you need to knowApex Legends is coming to Android devices as Apex Legends Mobile.A regional beta starts later this month in India and the Philippines, with more regions being added over the year.Apex Legends Mobile is a brand new game, built from the ground up for mobile devices.It will not feature cross-progression or cross-play.The uber-popular free-to-play shooter Apex Legends will be coming to mobile soon as Apex Legends Mobile, with a regional beta launching later this month.EA announced that the regional beta will only be available for India and the Philippines at the start, but the plan is to include more countries over the course of the year. The first of these tests will only be available on Android devices, but will eventually expand to include iOS support as well.The publisher also provided the first details of the game, since they first expressed interest in porting Apex Legends mobile devices. This...

The best Note 20 cases can be found in all different sizes, colors, and shades, but the materials are what truly separate the class acts from the imitators. Plastic feels cheap, metal inhibits wireless charging, and wood can feel lovely but is inflexible. Leather is luxurious in hand, easy to work with, and it keeps your phone looking every bit as premium as its price tag. These are the best leather Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases on the market today.First-party perfectionSamsung Leather CoverStaff PickSamsung's leather cases have been the ones to beat for years now. Perfectly matched to each of the Note 20 Ultra's colorways, this svelte cover is perfectly sculpted to every curve of the phone.From $25 at Amazon $46 at Best BuyFull grain feelSnakehive Vintage WalletI just absolutely adore the suede-like feel of a full-grain leather like that used on the Snakehive Vintage Wallet case. Even better, it's available in half a dozen colors, including a beautiful bottle green ...

The Galaxy Watch 4 will need every bit of battery life it can muster.What you need to knowNew details have emerged about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 4.A report alleges that the smartwatch will feature at least one model with a larger battery capacity.There are still no details around when to expect Samsung's next smartwatch.While Samsung gears up for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, more details have emerged about the company's alleged Wear OS smartwatch. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has been rumored for some time, although specific details of the device have been pretty scarce. The latest report gives us an idea of what we can expect regarding battery capacity with some good news and some bad news.According to The Elec (via 9to5Google) the upcoming Galaxy Watch 4 will sport slightly different battery capacities from its predecessors. The 41mm version will reportedly come with a 240mAh battery, slightly down from the 247mAh battery on the same size Samsung Galaxy Watch 3...

This is great news for game preservation efforts.What you need to knowSony announced in March that it had plans to close the PS3, PS Vita, and PSP digital storefronts over the summer.Following widespread backlash and criticism online, the company has reversed its decision and will continue to operate the PS3 and PS Vita storefronts.The PSP storefront is still set to close on July 2, 2021.PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan has confirmed that the company will not close the PS3 and PS Vita digital storefronts after all. This comes a few weeks after Sony had announced its initial plans to close the PS3, PS Vita, and PSP storefronts this coming summer. After widespread criticism online, that decision has been reversed.In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Ryan goes on to say that it's clear the wrong decision was initially made. When we initially came to the decision to end purchasing support for PS3 and PS Vita, it was born out of a number of factors, including commerce support challe...

The UK is invoking national security concerns to halt this merger.What you need to knowThe UK has paused NVIDIA's ARM acquisition while it opens an investigation into national security concerns.It will also seek advice from interested third parties as part of this probe.NVIDIA has committed to cooperating with the investigation. NVIDIA's Arm purchase has just hit a snag as the UK today announced that it would be halting the $40 billion deal pending the results of a probe.The UK's Competiton and Markets Authority, or CMA, will be investigating the transaction. It will then issue a report focusing on "jurisdictional and competition issues" alongside a summary of any representations it receives on potential national security issues arising from a consultation it will launch to gather third-party views. One might imagine Qualcomm and Graphcore would have a lot to contribute to the third party views section, for example. Qualcomm had reached out to the CMA, alongside the FTC s...

The most advanced, fashionable Fitbit tracker to date.What you need to knowFitbit just announced a stylish, high-end fitness tracker called the Luxe.The new Luxe is the first Fitbit tracker with a color screen, and it features many of the advanced health monitoring abilities of its premium smartwatches like the Sense.The tracker is available for preorder today for $149.99, with a special edition version coming in June for $199.99.Now that we're a full month into spring at this point, Fitbit has given us all another reason to get out, be active, and take better care of ourselves. The company just announced a new premium fitness tracker that it's calling the Fitbit Luxe.What is the Fitbit Luxe? The Fitbit Luxe is not only luxurious, but it is also a very advanced fitness tracker.From the looks of things, the new Fitbit Luxe is not only the best tracker that Fitbit has ever made, but it might be the best fitness tracker on the market today. It features a refined and e...

Full smartwatch experienceSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2$197 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCOptional LTETwo size optionsApp supportActivity/sleep trackingConsMore expensiveShorter battery lifeIt may not be the newest wearable out there, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still as impressive as ever. It offers advanced health/fitness tracking, built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, optional LTE connectivity, electrocardiogram (ECG), NFC payments, and more.Falls short of a smartwatchOnePlus Watch$159 at OnePlusProsBuilt-in GPSHeart rate + blood oxygen monitoring14 days of battery lifeMusic storageActivity/sleep trackingConsRTOS limits smartwatch featuresLacks NFC, LTEThe primary reason to consider buying the OnePlus Watch is the affordable price tag. If you're new to wearables, it could be what you're looking for. It has GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and some other useful features. However, it falls short in...

A new report revives concerns of impropriety.What you need to knowA new report claims that Huawei had the ability to eavesdrop on all numbers in the Dutch KPN network.This discovery was made as part of risk assessment by KPN in 2010. A Huawei spokesperson said, "Huawei has at all times worked under the explicit authorisation of KPN."Huawei has been accused of using its position as a telecoms component supplier to eavesdrop on all conversations taking place over the KPN Network, as reported this weekend by the Dutch de Volkskrant. The findings date from a 2010 risk assessment report commissioned by KPN. The company later refused to share these findings for unclear reasons.Courtesy of The Telegraph: The report, which was obtained by Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, suggested that publishing these findings could severely damage KPN's reputation. The operator had 6.5m subscribers at the time. The report said: "The continued existence of KPN Mobile is in serious danger ...

Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are everywhere, but it's a bit more difficult to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. There are plenty of current OnePlus models to choose from, and whether you want a OnePlus 9, the OnePlus 8 Pro, or one of the more affordable OnePlus Nord devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus 9 devices: up to 30% accessoriesOnePlus Nord devices: free case or screen protectorOnePlus 8 devices: up to $350 offWhich to buy?All of the deals below vary in nature, so while some allow you to buy the unlocked phone with a single purchase today, others require a monthly payment plan; these plans are attached to carriers which usually require you to add a line of service or buy a second device to score the savings. Be sure to read the details of the deal you choose carefully as each offer is different.With so many different OnePlus models out there, you may not see ...