Latest from Android Central

Spain's top tier is going right down to the wire, with two of the title contenders going toe to toe on Saturday at Camp Nou. Follow our guide below on how to get a La Liga live stream and watch Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid online no matter where you are in the world.Barcelona are in hot pursuit of leaders Atlético Madrid and could overtake Diego Simeone's side with a win at home in this crucial encounter, while a win for the away side would see them open up a seemingly unassailable five-point gap at the top.The match comes ahead of Real Madrid's equally vital clash with Sevilla later on Saturday evening in a set of fixtures that could define where the Championship heads to in what looks set to be the best finish to the Spanish title race for years.With the hosts looking deadly up front, but equally vulnerable at the back, coupled with the all-or-nothing situation Barça find themselves in, the match is unlikely to be a cagey affair with goals very much expected.Read on for ...

Spend the day with mom, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, and several other talented musicians this weekend during the Fantracks virtual Mother's Day Rocks concert. This one-day-only event is giving audience members livestream access to back-to-back concerts featuring women who truly rock.The first show of the day is Decades Rock Live Featuring Bonnie Raitt, recorded live at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event features Bonnie Raitt performing tracks like "Something to Talk About", "Love Letter", "You" and "I Don't Want Anything to Change" with her talented friends such as Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss, Keb' Mo' and Jon Cleary.Sheryl Crow Live At The Capitol Theatre begins just after Bonnie's concert and sees the iconic musician performing on the final night of her "Be Myself" tour. The show is held at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York and also features an exclusive interview with Sheryl at her farm in Nashville....

Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily workflow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2021, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Best Free VPN service 20211. ProtonVPN2. Hotspot Shield3. Windscribe4. TunnelBear5. Hide.me6. SpeedifyFree VPNs aren't for everyoneA note about free VPN optionsThere are a bunch of great free VPN options (which we've highlighted lower on this page), but it's worth noting that these aren't the best picks for everyone. With fr...

Google Assistant should stick to its day job.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant celebrates the COVID-19 vaccine with a song."The Vaccine Song" praises scientists for the record time that vaccines were developed.Just ask Google Assistant to sing the song and... judge for yourself.Google Assistant is apparently very happy about the COVID-19 vaccine, so much so that it now has a song titled "The Vaccine Song" that it will sing to you if you ask it to.It works on smart speakers like the Nest Audio, but if you ask it to since on any of the best Android phones, you get to enjoy the experience with on-screen lyrics, complete with emojis.The Vaccine Song celebrates the vaccine's ability to protect and help prevent severe illnesses from contracting COVID-19 while praising the record time that it took for scientists to develop the vaccines.The song won't win any Grammy awards, but it at least rhymes. Google Assistant tends to lean a bit heavily on the autotune, but it's no...

If you've ever searched for the best fitness tracker or best Android smartwatch, you might be familiar with Garmin, which designs various wearables that cater to both the smartwatch and fitness crowds. When you're looking for a perfect mix of both, the Vivoactive 4 is the best Garmin smartwatch you can buy. Whether you're a professional athlete or a first-time runner, there are many fantastic choices here.Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 might be a year old now, but it's overflowing with features that make it a worthy upgrade from the previous model. You'll now have your pick between two sizes: 45 mm and 40 mm. The larger model gives you an extra day of battery life in smartwatch mode at eight days. It'll last six hours when it's in GPS and music mode. The smaller model dips down to seven days and five hours, respectively.As for the good stuff, you'll have all of the essentials, like built-in GPS, smartphone notifications, Garmin Pay, and 5 ATM water r...

Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier operating on T-Mobile's network that sells its plans in multi-month bundles so you can save money. You can buy three, six, or 12 months at a time. Plans come in 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or even unlimited and include 5G. Should you decide to try out Mint Mobile, porting your number from another carrier is a fairly simple and painless process.Products used in this guideUnlimited calls, texts, and 4GB: Mint Mobile ($45 for three months at Mint Mobile)Unlocked with LTE and 5G: Samsung Galaxy S20 5G ($790 at Amazon)Bring your number to MintBefore starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your old service before moving to Mint, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number — at least, not without going through a much more tedious process.Once you've decided on a plan and received your Mint Mobile SIM card, starting the porting p...

You might never need to take off your headset again!What you need to knowOne user found the ability to officially install Android apps on their Quest 2 via the Oculus Store.Any Android app can currently be installed to an Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2, but it must be sideloaded.A Facebook rep wouldn't confirm or deny the feature to Android Central.Like most mobile electronics devices these days, the Oculus Quest 2 is powered by Android. In fact, sideloading apps on Quest 2 can open up an entirely new world of apps and games, including the very same apps you can use on an Android-powered phone or tablet. While playing VR games on a VR headset is probably going to give you the best overall experience, being able to play the best Android games and run social apps on your Quest 2 transforms it into a device with a very different purpose.Interestingly enough, one user on Twitter seems to have stumbled on what appears to be an official way to load popular Android apps straight...

YouTube TV will be accessible through the YouTube app on Roku.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out an update for Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from the YouTube app.The move acts as a workaround to Roku removing the YouTube TV app from its channel store.The two companies are reportedly still negotiating the terms of YouTube TV on Roku devices.Google has just introduced a new update to the YouTube app on the best Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from within the app. The new option to "Go to YouTube TV" will be available on the left sidebar of the main YouTube app.The move comes after Roku removed the YouTube TV app from its Channel Store after negotiations with Google apparently broke down over the terms of the app. Google reportedly asked Roku to provide a dedicated row for YouTube search results, and Roku has accused Google of "unfair and anti-competitive requirements to manipulate your search results."In a blog post about th...

Tracking just got a lot easier.What you need to knowAmazon's Sidewalk will soon integrate with Tile trackers.This newfound support will roll out from June 14.Amazon also announced additional integration with Level.Keeping track of your things is about to get easier than ever with a collaboration between Amazon and Tile. From June 14th, Tile trackers will now work with Amazon's Sidewalk, extending the Tile network's coverage to include even Amazon Echo devices.Last year, Amazon Echos gained support for Sidewalk, adding to the pre-existing Ring support, but this is the first major non-Amazon tracker network to integrate with Tile.CJ Prober, CEO of Tile, said: Tile helps millions of people every day find their things, and we're always looking for opportunities to enhance the finding experience for our customers. To that end, working with Amazon to extend our finding network by securely connecting to Amazon Sidewalk devices like Echo smart speakers was an obvious choice...

The Raspberry Pi is an absolutely incredible little computing machine. Powered by Linux, if there's an idea that you can think of, chances are, you'll be able to use a Raspberry Pi to get it done. But there will be times when you need to find the best Raspberry Pi cases, especially if you don't want to use the ones included with the best Raspberry Pi kits. We've rounded up some of our favorites, but really, there are so many great options at your disposal.Best Raspberry Pi 4 CasesThe Raspberry Pi 4 is the newest standalone board to be released, making it the obvious first choice for everyone. But once you've acquired the board, you might want to start looking at some different cases, and thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ranging from just having a basic case or using one that provides the ability to add an NVME M.2 SSD to your Pi, there's something here for everyone.Best for Pi 4Flirc Raspberry Pi 4 CaseStaff PickIf you're not looking for a bunch o...

Maybe it's just me, but I wish I knew these six things before playing.Resident Evil Village is now out, and with it comes one of the most terrifying and enjoyable games we've played in a long time. However, like any Resident Evil title and even some other horror games, it's not the most straightforward. Sometimes, if you haven't played a Resident Evil game before, some of its mechanics won't make any sense. Other times, new features for longtime fans might not be well-explained. So while you might know how to figure out where to go, you might not know how to sell items at the new merchant, run by the Duke. You'll especially want to read our tips if you're new to the series. If you are an old-timer, why not check it out anyway and see if there's something you missed.1. Run during the first Lycan fightWhen you first get to the village, you'll be quickly attacked by a Lycan. However, that'll soon turn into a pack out to get you. You have to survive. You'll have a handgun and a s...

Zuckerberg waxes poetic on the future of social VR and new Quest Pro hardware.What you need to knowQuest Pro isn't coming in 2021, but it will feature enhanced performance and new sensors when it eventually debuts.Facebook is not currently considering a way for kids to make accounts or to officially use VR headsets, despite the growing userbase.Facebook Horizon is the company's big push for how social networking should look and work in VR, and they're waiting until it "feels right" to open it up to the public.The Oculus Quest 2 may have debuted only 6 months ago, but Facebook is already thinking ahead to what the future of VR can look like for a broader Oculus Quest ecosystem. In an interview with CNET, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg talked about several topics related to VR, including upcoming Oculus Quest Pro hardware, the possibility of kids Facebook accounts and accompanying hardware, as well as how he views Facebook Horizon's role in remote work and after-hours playtime....

Best answer: No. Unless you have access to mmWave 5G, cable internet will be faster. For some rural customers, though, 5G may be the best option.Do you have mmWave coverage?For most of us, 5G is not better than cable for home internet, but it's a great second option for a select few. If you've moved to a new home, you likely only have one option for wired high-speed internet, and that's cable. A good cable modem paired with a great Wi-FI 6 router can deliver very fast download speeds with good ping times, but it's far from perfect. Still, a 5G connection with a good signal can deliver comparable download speeds with improved upload speeds as long as you've got coverage.Cable requires a coaxial cable to be run from your house or apartment to a utility pole or distribution box. While these cables are fairly robust, every connection is a potential point of failure, and if something goes wrong, it can be hard to get it fixed. 5G removes that point of failure, and your modem only ne...

Microsoft reportedly gives up on Windows 10X, its streamlined Chrome OS competitor.What you need to knowMicrosoft is reportedly halting the development of Windows 10X and won't release it this year.The OS was meant to make Windows compete better with more affordable Chromebooks.Microsoft will apparently focus its efforts on the full version of Windows 10.According to a new report from Petri (via Windows Central), Microsoft is putting its Windows 10X platform on hold and will not release it this year. The news comes a year after Microsoft decided to scale down its Chrome OS competitor to work on single-screen devices instead of dual-screen ones.The report claims that Microsoft has shifted its focus on modernizing Windows 10, which will likely include elements that were meant to arrive with Windows 10X. This may come in the form of the Sun Valley update that's expected for Windows 10 devices later this year.Windows 10X was announced in 2019 as Microsoft's answer to Chrome...

With an 825GB SSD, every gigabyte of space on your PS5 is precious. That's why you don't want to waste it with PS4 games, especially when PS5 games need to be played from their internal SSD. To make your lives easier so that you don't have to constantly transfer games back and forth, you can set an external hard drive as your default drive for PS4 game downloads. Doing so is easy, and it should save you a lot of time. It may not be as fast as the PS5's SSD, but an external drive can play PS4 games just fine.Turn on your PS5. Plug in a compatible external hard drive into one of the back USB Type-A ports (the front USB port will not work because it is not Superspeed). Go to Settings.Select Storage.Select USB Extended Storage.Toggle on Always Install PS4 Games to USB Extended Storage. Can I select a default hard drive for PS5 games?Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you can select a default hard drive for PS5 games at this time. While a recent update finally made it po...

The phone will still receive only two Android version upgrades.What you need to knowOPPO has promised that its flagship Find X3 series phones will receive software support for at least three years.It isn't clear if the company plans to roll out three Android version upgrades to the Find X3 series. Until now, OPPO has been providing only two years of software support to its flagship phones.OPPO's Find X3 Pro is one of the best Android phones that the company has released so far, featuring a gorgeous design and a fantastic 120Hz AMOLED display. To make it an even better alternative to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, OPPO has now promised that the Find X3 Pro will receive three years of software support.OPPO confirmed to Dutch publication Android Planet that the Find X3 series phones will get an extra year of security updates. While OPPO doesn't have a great track record when it comes to software support, most of its phones receive security patches for up to two years. The report sugg...

A new YouTube update wants to make streaming music better.What you need to knowYouTube is testing a new 'listening controls' feature that'll make playing music better on its mobile app.Previously, the app would prompt users to open the dedicated YouTube Music app when streaming music.It's currently only available to YouTube Premium subscribers.Google is testing out a new feature for the YouTube app that'll make playing music without switching to YouTube Music more elegant. Currently, it's possible to play both music and videos on the YouTube app. While playing music, the app often prompts users to switch to YouTube Music for a dedicated music experience. Not all users may have warmed up to this context switching, so Google's bringing the metaphorical mountain to those customers who refuse to switch.With this new experience (spotted by 9to5Google), YouTube will now display a different interface for music that's more akin to music streaming apps than it is to a video app....

Returning EchoAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$100 at AmazonProsSmaller and better fitHands-free Alexa accessImproved ANC performanceMaintains EQ supportGreat support on both iOS and AndroidFaster chargingConsNo real difference in battery lifeNo multipoint BluetoothFinicky touch controlsThe second-gen Echo Buds are Amazon's latest effort to improve upon their debut earbuds, and the results are largely focused on getting more out of the audio from the start. A smaller size and better fit, plus active noise cancelation only serve to make these newer buds worthy successors.Sticking aroundSamsung Galaxy Buds Plus$110 at AmazonProsLong battery lifeGreat soundUSB-C and wireless chargingAmbient modeCustomizable gesturesGreat color optionsConsNo ANC or ANR supportGlossy case gets messyThe Galaxy Buds Plus were the first real leap forward for Samsung when it came to making better wireless earbuds, and they remain a pretty solid option. Th...

The two-day discount event is expected to be held in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and a few other countries next month.What you need to knowAmazon has decided to pause its Prime Day event in India and Canada due to COVID-19,In other countries, however, the event will continue as planned. Last year, Amazon had to delay Prime Day in the U.S. until mid-October due to the pandemic. Amazon is delaying its annual Prime Day event in India and Canada over concerns about rising COVID-19 cases in the two countries (via CNBC). While the company hasn't announced new dates for Prime Day in India and Canada yet, the two-day event will likely be held a few months later than previously planned.This isn't the first time that Amazon has had to postpone Prime Day due to the pandemic. Last year, it had to push Prime Day to mid-October in the U.S. Amazon's 2020 Prime Day was held in India in August, as the COVID-19 outbreak had started to slow down in the country. This year, howeve...

WhatsApp will keep sending you reminders to accept new policy.What you need to knowWhatsApp won't delete or deactivate your account on May 15.If will keep sending you reminders to accept the new privacy policy.Some functionalities might be limited.WhatsApp will not be deactivating or deleting accounts on May 15, despite saying it would do so earlier this year if you didn't accept its new privacy policy.A spokesperson said in an email to Android Central that the company will keep sending reminders to users in the weeks to come about accepting the policy. Users who have not accepted the policy will also have "limited account functionality."Those limited functionalities include not being able to access your chat list (but you will still be able to answer incoming phone and video calls). If you have notifications enabled, you will be able to tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call.WhatsApp said that after "a few weeks of limit...

Fitbit continues to deliver industry-leading smartwatches designed to impress on multiple fronts, and the two latest smartwatches are no exception. You'll want to be sure you find the best Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 bands for your needs. Keep in mind that both of these wearables are only compatible with Fitbit's new infinity band system. Therefore, the old bands from previous models won't work. On to bigger and better things! Check out some of our favorite options below.Get sportyAdepoy Waterproof Sport Silicone (3-Pack)Staff PickIf you're seeking a durable watch band with plenty of ventilation, you'll want to check out the waterproof sport bands from Adepoy. You can seamlessly switch between workouts and the office with these soft, lightweight bands. This 3-pack comes in a variety of color options.$10 at AmazonBreathable comfortHAPAW Nylon BandWhen you're looking for a lightweight design that's comfortable and breathable, the nylon bands from HAPAW are a goo...

If you're looking to get into console-based sim racing, then the PS4 and PS5 are strong places to be. Not only does Sony have a strong first-party title in Gran Turismo, but it's well supported by third-party offerings like F1 and Project Cars. To take your experience to the next level, a wheel is a sound investment, and the good news is that there are some really awesome choices for the PlayStation. This includes the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT, which is the best option for most people.Best Overall: Thrustmaster T300 RS GTThe T300 RS GT isn't the most expensive wheel, nor is it the most feature-packed or advanced when it comes to the tech inside. However, for most people, what it is is a fantastic all-rounder that balances all of these things. It's approachable for newcomers with an attractive price, yet still delivers a quality experience.It might be a Gran Turismo-branded product, but it's great for all racing games on PS4, PS5, and PC. The wheel rim itself is 11 inches in dia...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since its announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of Diablo Immortal footage, including some gameplay.With the first Technical Alpha for Diablo Immortal having been released in 2020, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Closed Alpha Paragon levelingPvP gameplay What is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is t...

Does 5G live up to the hype? And what's next for mobile tech?Will 5G seriously change the world? Should you buy a new phone right now just because it supports the latest in networking tech? Android Central's Alex Dobie, the one and only MrMobile (a.k.a. Michael Fisher) and TechRadar's John McCann join host Matt Phillips on episode 5 of the Seriously? podcast to debate the future of 5G. The next-generation cellular tech is used in some of the best Android phones of the moment, like Samsung's Galaxy S21 series, but is often viewed as being over-hyped and underwhelming in its current form.The discussion touches on everything from 5G-enabled game streaming to whether you're really getting full 5G speeds when you see that little icon in your status bar. At the other end of the spectrum, the panel talk about 5G's potential to bring faster, lag-free connectivity to more remote areas. And what does the future hold for a possible 6G spec in the decades ahead?And, of course, it wouldn'...

Bring on the salesSamsung Galaxy A52 5G$500 at Samsung$500 at Amazon$500 at Best BuyProsLarger 120Hz screenGreat battery lifeFour years of security updatesIP67 water resistanceTons of carrier incentivesConsNo mmWave supportScreen washes outWeaker cameras, especially at nightSamsung tailored this phone for carriers. As a result, not only do we get a pretty solid phone, whether you're buying it unlocked or with carrier incentives, but we also get a phone that punches above its price point in most categories. Battery life is great, performance is steady most of the time, and even the cameras do pretty decently during the day. The only downside is that the 120Hz screen doesn't get as bright as the competition.Camera championGoogle Pixel 4a 5G$499 at Amazon$500 at Best Buy$499 at B&HProsFaster software updatesBetter camera processingmmWave model availableMore consistent performanceConsSmaller 60Hz screenNo water resistanceT...

Is music the missing puzzle piece in the mystery of the universe?I've been playing a lot of newer games recently, so this week I thought I'd sift through the bottomless abyss of games I missed to try and find any lost treasures. Boy howdy, did I find a doozy of a game in Samorost 3!Samorost 3 gives me a feeling that is profoundly hard to describe. Samorost is beautiful, whimsical, intricate and charming. And yet it is also somehow disturbing. Maybe it's the muted color palette. Maybe it's the feeling of isolation that you get from thinking about the emptiness of space for too long. Maybe it's that so many things in this strange little world appear to be covered in hair. Whatever it is that makes Samorost so unique, it leaves an unmistakable impression in its wake. This is best Android games quality we're talking about here, folks.The development team has stated that it drew inspiration for Samorost's art direction from the animated works of Yuriy Norshteyn, one of the most ...

Have you been contemplating a new purchase? Whatever it might be, there's a good chance you're going to save on it this weekend because Best Buy has a huge 3-day sale featuring tons of electronics all down to low prices. We're talking about all kinds of savings from price matching deals on Amazon's smart devices to taking as much as $400 off popular 4K Smart TVs. That's just the tip of the iceberg, too. Save on true wireless earbuds, a new laptop, active noise-cancelling headphones, video games, smartphones, and more.Grab the AeroGarden Sprout down to just $59.99 this weekend. We shared a deal on it a couple weeks ago when it dropped to $70 because that was a good price back then. Today you can save another $10 and take a shot at growing some indoor herbs and veggies.These indoor gardens are great because they use bright LED lights instead of the sun for photosynthesis and they grow in water instead of soil. That means you can put them just about anywhere and you'll never create ...

You will also be able to adjust the volume directly from Chrome when casting content.What you need to knowGoogle is working on further improving global media controls in Chrome.You will soon see a row of shortcuts to available targets in the media picker, similar to media controls on Android 11.Google might also add a volume slider and mute button to cast session notifications. Google rolled out global media controls in Chrome last year, making it easier for users to manage audio and video playback. A spotted by an eagle-eyed Redditor, Google is now planning to make a few more changes to media controls in Chrome to make casting easier.An entry in the Chromium Gerrit reveals Google will be adding a row of shortcuts to cast targets at the bottom of the media picker. Users will be able to view a full list of cast targets by clicking on an arrow button to the right. As can be seen in the screenshots below, the revamped media picker in Chrome will look fairly similar to media ...

I think Samsung will have Android 12 ready to go by the time the next flagship series is released.There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying a new Android phone, and every model has its own specific things that make it great. You'll also find a Samsung Galaxy phone at the top or near the top of any best phone list out there, and for good reason: they combine awesome hardware with meaningful features that draw in plenty of users. Small complaints aside (we all have those with every phone), I think Samsung killed it with the Galaxy S21, and I'm not surprised when someone says it's up there with the best Android phones you can buy. You can't deny that the Galaxy S21 is one of the best Android phones you can buy right now.Google also makes some great phones like the Pixel 5, and when it comes to the company's yearly flagship, it has two things that make it stand out: the best camera of any mobile device and instant updates to new Android versions. While companies like S...

The best car phone holders make sure your phone is secure and within reach while safely operating your vehicle. When you're on the go, your phone is more than just a tool for keeping in touch. It's your road trip DJ, your trusty navigator, and for safety's sake, you need to mount it up securely. Your hands need to be on the wheel, not your phone, and you don't need to be looking down for directions at highway speeds. We've gathered up a list of some excellent options for universal car phone holders and mounts for your needs.Brand poweriOttie Easy One Touch 5Staff PickiOttie's Easy One Touch 5 is a great option that's easy to articulate however you like, thanks to a telescopic arm. It also comes in four mount styles, including a cupholder one, so you have options.$25 at Amazon $30 at Best Buy $25 at WalmartBest for rental carsMaxboost Car MountBest Magnetic MountMaxboost's car mount slides into a vent on one side, and securely sticks to a phone with the four magn...

As good as Samsung's software currently is, there's still room for improvement later in 2021.Samsung's One UI software is at the heart of many of the best Android phones out there, like the Galaxy S21 series. The company's smartphone UI has come a long way since the days of TouchWiz (a.k.a. the old, bad Samsung UI), and the current One UI version 3.1 boasts fast performance slick animations and a rich feature set.Nevertheless, there's always room for improvement, and Samsung's position as the leading Android manufacturer in the West means that expectations are high for the upcoming One UI 4.0 update. After three years of One UI, we've rounded the top five things we want to see in the next version.1. No more ads There's no excuse for unblockable push ads on a $1000+ phone.In the U.S. in particular, Samsung phones have become notorious for aggressively pushing ads, often in the form of notifications, to its users' devices. While it is possible to turn off ads on a Samsun...

Experts think the carrier is doing what it can to be number one, but also to eventually onboard customers to more expensive plans.T-Mobile's move to add free lines to bolster wireless net additions is a tactic to make itself the winner, but in the long run, the carrier wants to "cross-sell and upsell," and get more customers on expensive plans, experts say.On May 4, the carrier posted its Q1 2021 earnings indicating it added nearly 800,000 new post-paid customers with an increase in revenue of $19.8 billion. The carrier, which some argue to be one of the best wireless carriers in the U.S., is still merging Sprint's network with its own.T-Mobile also reported that its net income remained flat "as higher revenues were offset by expense increases as a result of the Sprint Merger, including merger-related costs."Roger Entner, a telecom analyst and founder of Recon Analytics, said in an interview that even if those free lines don't add revenue to T-Mobile, they add "stickiness," a...

Chatting with the AC forums.As much as I love the bright, vivid, high-refresh displays on larger phones like the OnePlus 9 or Samsung Galaxy Note 20, there's something refreshing about using a more one-handed friendly phone like the Google Pixel 4a. For me, there's a dose of nostalgia for the days when the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was considered a beast, but it's also easier and more comfortable to use a small phone one-handed. And that's not even taking into account the conveniences a smaller form factor brings to those of us who have smaller pockets to stuff larger and larger phones into. Will we see the Android equivalent of the Apple iPhone 12 mini anytime soon, or are foldables our hope for more pocketable phones?It's not a new debate, but it's one that keeps coming up in certain circles, including the AC forums: Kuldip Wagh 05-06-2021 10:43 PM “ 1. Samsung OneUI has become much better, cleane...

The service could give users a chance to "influence" the development of planned shows before filming is completed.What you need to knowNetflix is reportedly working on a new "N-Plus" service.The service will include podcasts, custom TV show playlists, how-tos, and more. At this point, it is unclear when the service will be launched. Netflix is toying with the idea of rolling out a new service called N-Plus, according to a report from Protocol. The streaming giant recently sent out a survey to some users, asking them if they would be interested in accessing new content such as podcasts, user-generated playlists, how-tos, and more.Netflix describes N-Plus as a "future online space where you can learn more about the best Netflix shows and things related to them." Until now, Netflix has been posting behind-the-scenes interviews, podcasts, and other similar content through YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms.Along with behind-the-scenes content, however, N-P...

Changing your life and making it as a journalist is no small task but that is exactly what Annie Easton has done in Hulu's hit comedy Shrill and we have all the details on how you can watch the final season of the show online.Based on the book Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West, the series first premiered on Hulu back in 2019. Set in Portland, Oregon, Shrill stars American actress and comedian Aidy Bryant who is known for her work on Saturday Night Live.At the beginning of the series, Annie was an overweight young woman who wanted to change her life but not her body. Although the world around her deemed her not good enough because of her weight, Annie soon realized that she's just as good as anyone else and decided to act on it. However, in order to get the assignments she wanted to write about, Annie had to win over and convince her perfectionist boss Gabe Parrish (John Cameron Mitchell) that she had what it takes.The third and final season of the show finds Annie e...

Motorola's $230 budget beauty can't rise above an extremely competitive landscape.I've said it many times, but I firmly believe that Motorola's Moto G line changed the world, and why we had to give you a Moto G Stylus review. It brought down the cost of good-enough Android phones to the point where it was finally possible to recommend them to people; it opened the door for millions of people around the world to take advantage of what the operating system could do without the hardware getting in the way. And over the years, it's managed to iterate and evolve without losing the fundamental tenets of what made the original so compelling in the first place.But under Lenovo's tutelage, the Moto G line has exploded in volume and complexity, and instead of following up 2019's superb Moto G7 series with the Moto G8 in North America, the company reset the brand entirely, releasing two phones under the names Moto G Power and this one, the Moto G Stylus. All of this success is what keeps mo...

Samsung needs the Galaxy A series to continue its 5G dominance.Samsung is the world's largest smartphone manufacturer by some margin; in Q1 2021, the South Korean manufacturer sold 76.1 million phones around the world and had a 22% market share. While Samsung traditionally relied on its flagships for a bulk of the revenue from its mobile business, it is increasingly turning to the mid-range and budget segments to bolster growth.The Galaxy S21 series was well-received following its debut earlier this year, but there won't be a Galaxy Note this year, with Samsung shifting focus to foldables, like the upcoming Z Fold 3.Looking back at the ten best-selling phones last year, Samsung did not have any Galaxy S or Note models in the list. However, it did have four models in the Galaxy A series, with the Galaxy A51 narrowly losing out to the iPhone 11 as the best-selling phone of 2020. That particular device was joined by the budget-focused Galaxy A01, A11, and A21s. Samsung's decis...

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park. Everyone has their perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.The best launchersBest Overall Smart Launcher 5Resurging Legacy Nova LauncherSwiss Army Launcher Action LauncherBest Productivity Microsoft LauncherQuick and Simple Niagara LauncherHonorable Mention Lawnchair 2Best Overall: Smart Launcher 5 AC Score 5 ...

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: as low as $5/monthPixel 4a: up to $130 offGoogle Pixel 4a 5G | $5/month at VerizonThis 5G model of the Google Pixel 4a is now available at Verizon for as low as $5 per month! You'll just need to add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal. Another option at Verizon earns you up to $200 back with the device's purchase...

FuboTVSports fans rejoiceFrom $65/mo. at FuboTVProsImpressive live sports lineup4K streaming for sportsMore channels ConsMissing TBS, TNT, CNNLimited cloud DVR storageAdd-ons add up The FuboTV cable replacement streaming service focuses mainly on channels offering live sports, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and international soccer. You'll also find news, network series, and an on-demand media library.YouTube TVLive sports and more$65/mo. at YouTubeProsImpressive live sports lineupGreat overall channel lineupUnlimited cloud DVRConsNo offline viewing No HD playbackRestrictions on select sports contentYouTube TV offers live TV, on-demand video, and cloud-based DVR. Among the 85 channels included as part of the service are the Big Four broadcast networks. You also have the option to add premium channels.Both FuboTV and YouTube TV offer the best in live sports coverage outside of a traditional cable package. FuboTV's plans o...

Typing on Wear OS just got a lot better.What you need to knowGoogle just released an update to the Gboard app on Wear OS.The new version features enhanced suggestions, support for multiple inputs, and more.The update is rolling out today and measures in at 12.18MB.Google just dropped a surprise update to the Gboard app on Wear OS. The new update brings a new layout the more closely resembles Gboard on the best Android phones while also bringing a few new features and improvements to the experience.The keyboard now comes with a black background instead of the grey-ish tone found on the previous version. It also changes some design and layout elements with larger, more pronounced buttons. You can see the difference between the two versions below:The circular language button is no longer present and has instead been moved to the space bar. Pressing and holding the now-larger space bar will bring up language and input options similar to how the smartphone app behaves. And...

The world's biggest rockstars weren't always so big... From Cradle to Stage takes a look at the relationship between mothers and musicians through the lens of a six-part unscripted television series that's premiering exclusively on Paramount Plus. Directed by Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Nirvana fame, and based on the book by his mother Virginia Hanlon Grohl, the series sees Dave and Virginia visiting the homes of some of the most iconic acts in music history to see how they truly became who they are today.Among the musicians featured in the show are Pharrell Williams, Brandi Carlile, Geddy Lee of Rush, Miranda Lambert, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, and Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons.Paramount+Join at Paramount+ todaySubscribe at Paramount+ today to start watching From Cradle to Stage and get your first week free! Along with shows from VH1 and MTV, the service includes films and series from networks like Comedy Central, BET, Nickelodeon, CBS, and more. T...

Best answer: No, not as a tracker. The Apple AirTag will work with an Android phone via NFC when the tracker is in Lost Mode to return it to its owner.Don't plan on buying an Apple AirTag if you use an Android phoneWhen Apple announced the AirTag during its Spring Loaded Event in April 2021, this question came up: "Will the Apple AirTag work with an Android phone or not?" After all, it works like all the other excellent Bluetooth trackers on the market, right? Kind of. While the Apple AirTag has Bluetooth, which can help track it down, there is much more technology inside that coin-shaped device than just Bluetooth.Arguably the most impressive bit of technology inside the AirTag is the inclusion of UWB (ultra-wideband) that helps with locating the device down to within half an inch. You'll find NFC in the tracker as well, and that's the only part that will be compatible with Android phones. If the owner of an AirTag puts it into "Lost Mode," if found by an iPhone or Android use...

Google is going to protect you whether you like it or not.What you need to knowGoogle is highlighting its password management tools on World Password Day.Eligible accounts will be automatically enrolled into two-factor authentication.Google hopes to stop using passwords eventually due to their insecure nature.Google has announced that it will automatically enroll users into two-factor authentication in a move to better protect accounts. The announcement came as Google recognizes World Password Day.In a blog post, Google stated that accounts that are "appropriately configured" will be enrolled soon, although did not elaborate on when the change will occur. With the 2FA turned on, logging into your Google account from your computer will send a prompt to any of the best Android phones that are linked to the account. You will have to confirm that it's you trying to sign in.Enabling two-factor authentication for everyone will ensure that there's no unauthorized access to an ...

If you're a commuter or work in a busy environment, you're likely in the market for some of the best noise-canceling headphones. Drown out all that background noise with active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, which has become one of the most highly sought-after features that's no longer exclusive to expensive headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM4's ANC heads up a group of class-leading headphones through their excellent performance and battery life, making them our top choice. But there are plenty of other options for a variety of lifestyles and budgets on this list.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony has been in the top spot before with its WH-1000XM3, which were the best ANC headphones on the market before they were replaced by the WH-1000XM4. Sony's flagship cans have become the benchmark for the industry as a whole, forcing others to catch up. What makes them so good is the unique QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that work together to block out ambient sound. For a daily com...

Roma have a mountain to climb if they are to overturn Manchester United's significant aggregate advantage and progress to the UEFA Europa League final. Don't miss a moment with our Roma vs Man United live stream guide.Manchester United have essentially stamped their ticket to Gdańsk after thumping Roma in the first leg clash. After going 2-1 down at halftime in the home leg, United turned on the style in the second half, bagging five goals to all but secure their place in the final.Roma's recent league form doesn't make for good reading either with the team picking up just one point out of 12 available in their last four Serie A games and recording just one win in their last eight games.With a string of poor results and Europa League qualification seemingly out of reach for next season, it was announced that Roma manager Paulo Fonseca will leave the club at the end of the season with former United manager Joes Mourinho taking the reins for the next campaign.Despite a healthy...

One of Samsung's latest smartphones, the Galaxy S21 Ultra, impresses with tons of fabulous features, including amazing cameras and a super sleek design that's complemented by the absolutely gorgeous 6.8-inch screen. The phone is IP68 dust and water-resistant, but it's still important to protect it with a case. And while the device doesn't come with the popular Samsung S Pen, it works seamlessly with one. So, it's a no-brainer to grab the S Pen — easily the best stylus for Android phones like this one — to use with this phone. While you're at it, consider choosing among the best S Pen cases and other accessories to complete the experience.Trusted brandSpigen Liquid Air PStaff PickYou can never go wrong with a Spigen case, and this one actually comes with a built-in slot to accommodate an S Pen. It's slim and form-fitting with an anti-slip matte surface that's comfortable to hold while tapping away or jotting notes. With military-grade protection and Air Cushion technolog...

I know it's hard to find a docking station, but this costs as much as my first Chromebook.What you need to knowHyper has announced a series of accessories that are Made for Chromebooks.The HyperDrive 14-Port USB-C Docking Station for Chromebook has four video outputs and 5 USB-A ports.Hyper's also offering a 5-in-1 USB-C Hub and an Ethernet to USB-C Adapter.All three products will be launching in August, ranging in price from $50-$240.Whether you're running the best Chromebook or you're using something that's a couple of years old, you can upgrade your experience and turn your Chromebook into a perfect work from home laptop by adding on an external monitor and a better mic than the dinky one your Chromebook shipped with using a Chromebook-compatibile docking station. The problem is that finding a docking station that plays nice with a Chromebook can take a while because things aren't always the same as they are on a Windows laptop or a Macbook.I've actually gone throug...

Second chancesAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$100 at AmazonProsSmaller and better fitHands-free Alexa accessImproved ANC performanceMaintains EQ supportGreat support on both iOS and AndroidFaster chargingConsNo real difference in battery lifeNo multipoint BluetoothFinicky touch controlsAmazon is back for an encore with the second-gen Echo Buds, focusing on improving the things their predecessors didn't do so well. The results will largely depend on how you view the audio output, but the supporting features at least move the ball forward.First time outAmazon Echo Buds$130 at B&HProsSolid active noise reduction (ANR)Up to 20 hours of total listening timeHands-free Alexa accessEQ support for some custom soundGreat support on both iOS and AndroidCompact charging/carrying caseConsAging Micro-USB for chargingNo wireless chargingOnly available in blackThe debut Echo Buds don't look to be here for long, as Amazon looks to go all-in...

Bringing back the age of gathering around a table for some fun.Dungeons and Dragons is one of those experiences I've often considered but had never undertaken. Over the years, I've played card games like Magic the Gathering, taken part in several Everquest and World of Warcraft LAN parties, and, yet, something as ubiquitous as Dungeons and Dragons has, somehow, always eluded my grasp. I don't know if it's the deep commitment that D&D players often find themselves agreeing to — my own brother has a regular D&D group he plays with — or the huge rulebook that seems to change all the time; it's just never been part of my routine.Demeo threatens to change all of that — in a very good way, of course — by bringing the feel of Dungeons and Dragons to the world of VR, creating a board game atmosphere in a virtual basement where you and three other teammates can delve deep into dungeons without the need for a commute or a massive commitment. It's Dungeons and Dragons for th...