Latest from Android Central

Fitbit looks to continue adding useful health monitoring features to its product lineup.What you need to knowFitbit is currently investigating the possibility of measuring one's blood pressure from its wrist-based trackers.It is currently conducting a study to determine if its existing sensors can be used to measure this data point.It's not clear if Fitbit will unveil this option with new products or extend it to current devices.Fitbit has always been a fitness-focused wearable company, but it has really stepped up its health-tracking game with all kinds of new sensors, devices, and features over the past year or so. According to a recent post on the company's blog, we may soon be able to track a new health metric — our blood pressure.Fitbit is currently undertaking a study through its Fitbit Labs research arm to see how some of its existing Fitbit devices might be used to track a person's blood pressure. The study will try to determine if the sensor array on the Sense...

Have you ever thought back to a particularly witty quip one of your friends made in a text, but you can't remember how long ago it was? Or have you struggled to find important meeting details like schedules or addresses in a chat thread, but you can't find it because it's hopelessly lost in the ether of your message app? Ever the feature-packed messaging app, Telegram is once again here to the rescue! Not only can you pin those important chats to a secure place, but you can also save the most important messages in their own folder. I'll show you how easy it is to bookmark and save important messages from within the Telegram app.How to bookmark and save messages in TelegramOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Tap on the chat thread with the message you want to save.Press down firmly on the message you wish to save.Tap on the Forward button at the top right or bottom right of the screen.Tap Saved Messages. Your message will now be saved in a Saved Messages chat folder.Repe...

Perfect FitTP-Link Archer AX3000 / AX50$141 at AmazonProsAX3000 speeds are fast enough for mostFour Ethernet portsSmaller sizeHomeCare software includedConsOnly dual-band Wi-FiCoverage is not as strongThe TP-Link Archer AX50 (known as the AX3000 at Walmart) is a great balance for many people, with its fast AX3000 speeds being more than enough for most. Four Ethernet ports make it easy to connect your wired devices, while a USB 3.0 port lets you hook up an external storage device. TP-Link includes HomeCare with the AX50 model, which provides great parental control software and antivirus protection.Support more devicesTP-Link Archer AX6000$270 at AmazonProsFast AX6000 speedsEight Ethernet portsDual USB ports with USB-CHomeCare includedConsLarge size makes it hard to placeExpensiveOnly dual-band Wi-FiThe TP-Link Archer AX6000 is a great option for many people who need to get many devices online. Even if you haven't made the jump t...

Abandoned is a new, horrifying PS5 exclusive from Blue Box Game Studios.What you need to knowNetherlands-based developer Blue Box Game Studios unveiled Abandoned, a cinematic survival sim coming exclusively to PS5Blue Box Game Studios promises a slow-paced, immersive experience that takes full advantage of the PS5's hardware.Abandoned is currently set to release in the fourth quarter of 2021.Abandoned, a cinematic survival sim from Blue Box Game Studios, is coming exclusively to the PS5 later this year.Revealed on the Playstation Blog, Abandoned story centers around Jason Longfield, a man who wakes up in a strange forest with no memory. Jason soon finds out that he was kidnapped and brought there for a dark purpose. Fighting for his survival, his main goal is to escape.Abandoned promises to make full use of the power of the PS5, and will feature 60 FPS gameplay at a native 4K resolution. Blue Box Game Studios' goal is to make the experience as realistic as possible...

In the past year, Chromebooks became super popular, and maybe you picked up our favorite family option — the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 — or any of the other excellent student Chromebooks for your child — it's still the family computer. So that your child can keep up with their school work, you'll need to know how to add your child's school account on a shared Chromebook and how to switch users on a Chromebook. Doing these things ensures that school assignments can be worked on seamlessly from the classroom to the home, and the family can still access their own accounts.Here's how to set up your child's school account on a shared ChromebookThe process for adding a school account onto a shared Chromebook is a relatively easy one. Still, you do need to have set up a Google account through Family Link first and have downloaded Google Classroom from the Play Store. If you've gotten that done already, we can start adding the school account to the Chromebook.Sign in to your chi...

Making an account is super easy in Among UsAmong Us has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2018 and has since become one of the biggest multiplayer games in recent years. While the simple gameplay and fun social deduction aspects that won over millions remain intact, the game has been updated to meet user requests. In its most recent update, The Airship was added to the game, as well as a new account system.The account system, originally planned for the canceled Among Us 2, adds a few extra features that are sure to help players enjoy the game even more. Here's how to create an account in Among Us.All Among Us GuidesHow to play Among UsAmong Us: Best tips & tricksHow to kick and ban playersAll levels in Among UsThe Skeld tasks guideMIRA HQ tasks guidePolus tasks guideDoes Among Us support cross-play?How to create the best Among Us gameHow to set up voice chatHow to be the best ImposterTips for finding the ImposterEvery way you can kill a Crewmat...

Google I/O returns after skipping out on last year's conference.What you need to knowThis year's Google I/O page is live with a puzzle to figure out the dates.Someone already figured out the puzzle, which stated that the event will be held from May 18 - May 20.We could see new hardware at this event, similar to the 2019 Google I/O.Google I/O is back this year. After canceling last year's event at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Google has set a date for this year's event. Unlike previous years where it could be attended in person alongside a virtual live stream, this year will be entirely virtual. Adding a little normalcy to the event, Google hid the dates behind a cryptic puzzle that takes some figuring out. Fortunately, someone has already cracked the code, and the dates have been revealed.The annual Google I/O developer conference will occur on May 18, 19, and 20, which lines up closely with last year's dates. There's likely to be a lot of talk about Google's pla...

April's security update rolled out to Pixels this week.What you need to knowGoogle today rolled out Android 12 Deveper Preview 2.2 to Pixels.It's a bug fixing update primarily, so no new features are highlighted.The company also included the April security patch which brings its own set of benefits.Google today rolled out Android 12 Developer Preview 2.2. As called out in the description, it is a minor update mostly focused on fixing bugs. It also brings the April security update that rolled out this week, likely including the speed boost to the Google Pixel 4a 5G and Google Pixel 5 that were reported to arrive with that release.As per Google, here's everything that this update is expected to address:Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Settings app to crash when a user tried to access Bluetooth settings. (Issue #180962266)Fixed an issue that caused widgets to be removed from the home screen after a user installed an OTA update.Fixed an issue that caused notifica...

This is one of the best single direct price drops we've ever seen on GoPro's latest action camera. Get the Hero9 Black 5K camera on sale for $349.99 at Amazon when you clip the on-page coupon that takes $49.01 off the price. It is already on sale from its regular $450 price, so you're saving $100 total here. This is similar to, but better than, a deal going on at Best Buy where you can also get the Hero9 Black for $50 off and get a $50 gift card. I'll take the direct $50 savings personally, but you might prefer the gift card.The GoPro Hero9 Black is the newest generation of GoPro, which released in September of last year. This action camera has some amazing technology built into its tiny form, and it makes huge improvements over the previous generations. The Hero9 uses a brand new 23.6MP sensor. You'll be able to take pictures that are lifelike, sharp, and fluid. You can shoot video in resolutions up to 5K, which is the highest ever for a GoPro. Even if you don't go that high, you ...

Out of all of the popular messaging and chat apps available today, there is perhaps none more private and more secure than Signal. Do you want the best encryption? Signal has you covered. Do you want to vanish messages and media? You get that and more with Signal. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to delete everything, you can, of course, delete your account, but there is one secure step that is just below that nuclear option. I'll show you how to erase your Signal chat history completely so that there is no record of your messages on your phone.How to erase your Signal chat history completelyOpen the Signal app on your phone.Tap on the settings menu (three dots) in the top right corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on Data and storage.Tap on Manage storage at the top of the screen.Tap on Clear message history.Read the pop-up disclaimer, and tap Delete.Many of us at Android Central have chosen to use Signal not only because of its privacy and security fe...

What you need to knowT-Mobile Home Internet launches today with 30 million covered households.Unlimited data costs $60 per month with no equipment fees.Nearly 10 million covered households in rural America.T-Mobile has the largest rural 5G network. Five times larger than Verizon and double of AT&T's coverage.T-Mobile Hometown is bringing better access and support for T-Mobile services to rural America.T-Mobile just became one of the largest ISPs (internet service providers) in the country with the official launch of its 5G-based home internet solution. In its Next Un-carrier Move announcement T-Mobile officially launched its home internet service after a year of testing. The service has been launched with 30 million eligible households giving many Americans a new choice for home internet. 40 percent of Americans only have one ISP option making T-Mobile a compelling option for many underserved communities.The service costs $60 per month with autopay and unlike most cab...

WhatsApp's newest stickers want to make the vaccines experience a social one too.What you need to knowWhatsApp is rolling out new vaccine stickers in collaboration with the WHO.The company has also waived fees for health organizations that send messages through its WhatsApp Business API.The new 'Vaccines for All' stickers are available today within WhatsApp. WhatsApp today launched a new sticker pack, dubbed "Vaccines for All", in collaboration with the World Health Organization, or WHO. The company is doing this to help users share their vaccine experiences with fun-looking stickers, and is likely hoping to encourage vaccine uptake.In 2020, WhatsApp also launched a new "Together at Home" sticker pack, also in partnership with the WHO in an attempt to help people stay connected as lockdowns started. This new pack is a reflection of the current stage of the pandemic.WhatsApp also spoke a bit more about its work with public health organizations which began in earnest la...

Now anyone can get their hands on the Motorola One 5G... if they want it.What you need to knowThe Motorola One 5G is now being sold unlocked at several retailers.The smartphone was originally exclusive to Verizon and AT&T in the United States.Most retailers are offering the device at a discounted price for a limited time.Motorola makes many of the best cheap Android phones on the market and normally offers something at just about any price point. Lately, the company has been doubling down on its G series smartphones, bringing flagship features to its mid-range devices like the Moto G100. Unfortunately, many of those devices aren't hitting the U.S. anytime soon, but the company is now making it easier to purchase another solid device — the Motorola One 5G.Starting today, the Motorola One 5G is being offered unlocked in the United States. The device was previously exclusive to AT&T and Verizon when it launched last year, but now, anyone interested in a decent, aff...

What you need to knowNew and existing customers can upgrade to a new 5G phone, Samsung A32 5G with any working phone trade-in.All T-Mobile and Sprint customers still on limited plans will be upgraded to unlimited for no extra cost.Unlimited 5G upgrade is also available to Verizon and AT&T customers for the same or less than their current limited plan.T-Mobile is continuing its march towards 5G for all and it's starting with a free 5G phone for anyone that doesn't yet have one. Part of T-Mobile's Next Un-carrier Move announcement, all working phones are accepted so if you've been holding on to your old phone, it's now time to get your free upgrade. This plan is designed to get the 92% of Americans without a 5G phone to upgrade to the new network.Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile said: This is the moment we've been working toward since we shared our vision for a faster, more inclusive future — a vision we called 5G for All — when we announced our plans to merge with S...

A simpler smartwatchGarmin Venu SqFrom $200 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCHealth/activity trackingLightweight design with LCDSix days of battery lifePulse Ox SensorConsMusic edition costs moreLacks AMOLED displayNo altimeter or gyroscopeThe Garmin Venu Sq is one of the latest smartwatches from the company. It's similar to the Garmin Venu, which was released just one year ago. However, this model has a squarish, lightweight design. You also get an LCD rather than an AMOLED display. Other than lacking an altimeter and gyroscope, it's just as capable as the original Venu.A few more perksGarmin VenuFrom $250 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCHealth/activity trackingPremium design with AMOLEDMusic storagePulse Ox SensorConsMore expensiveShorter battery lifeThose who want to track their fitness and improve their health with a gorgeous lifestyle watch will appreciate the Garmin Venu. It also comes with onboard music storage and a crisp AMOLED d...

Amazon's new Car Mode launches today for safer in-car music access.What you need to knowAmazon today launched a new Car Mode for its Android app.Once enabled, users gain easier access to Alexa and customizable preset playlists.It's available on the latest version of the Amazon Music app for all price tiers. Amazon is making it easier and safer to use the Amazon Music app when you're on the move. It's doing this via a feature called Car Mode that's debuting on Android with the latest version of Amazon Music (so that's version 17.7.4).Once this update is rolled out, you can connect to your car's Bluetooth to enable this. Once enabled, users will have more Alexa hands-free functionality in the app. This is so you can speak more and keep your eyes and hands both focused on driving. As for the interface itself, it'll now feature that there's larger text, larger pictures, more swipe gestures, and less of a focus on searching and selecting new songs. Instead, you'll find custom...

Play through Rokara's story to earn a free Warrior pack.What you need to knowThe Book of Mercenaries Rokara solo adventure is now live.Rokara is one of 10 mercenaries who will all get their own story arcs throughout the year.The heroes will be featured on cards releasing throughout the Year of the Gryphon.Hearthstone, which is one of the best Android games, kicked off a free 10-part serialized solo story campaign that will run throughout the year on April 6 with the launch of Book of Mercenaries Rokara. Similar to the Book of Heroes game mode used to spotlight some of World of Warcraft's signature characters, the Book of Mercenaries series will introduce 10 new characters for Hearthstone and show some of the ways the games' stories have diverged.Rokara is a Frostwolf orc from Alterac Valley who has joined the Horde to seek her fortune. She's deployed to the Barrens, the Horde starting zone spotlighted in the new Forged in the Barrens expansion, where she searches for a ma...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the biggest and most powerful Galaxys ever, as well as being the first to work with the S Pen, traditionally reserved for the Note line. Given its size and heft, you need to protect your investment with a secure case that adds grip and style. The best cases for the Galaxy S21 Ultra are right here, whether you're after a clear case to show off the Ultra's design or a durable tank to keep it safe and secure.Colorful and durableCaseology Nano PopStaff pickAfter two years of the Nano Pop being exclusive to iPhones, it's finally coming to Samsung phones with the S21 series. The Blueberry Navy with its yellow accents is striking and classic, and the impact-absorbing pattern embedded in the back gives you slim protection. I wish the Ultra has gotten the Violet the smaller S21s have, but the colors here are still fun.From $16 at Amazon$20 at WalmartReady to work hardArmadilloTek Vanguard Series for S21 UltraThe S21 Ultra is made for product...

Mint Mobile is all about offering great service for a fraction of the price compared to other big carriers. For many, that philosophy also extends to the phone they choose to use. Thankfully, tons of great Android phones embody the same idea: getting a great experience with the latest specs and features while not paying top dollar for it. The best example of this is the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, which offers a flagship-like experience for less than direct competition. It's a great phone to pair with the solid-but-inexpensive Mint Mobile service. Here are our top picks for the best phones to use with Mint Mobile.Best Overall Phone for Mint Mobile: Samsung Galaxy S20 FEThe Galaxy S20 FE is a device that caught us off guard in the best way possible. Samsung set out to create a flagship-like device, sell it at an amazing price, and the result is one of the very best Android phones you can buy today. That idea of getting more for your money lines up perfectly with Mint Mobile, making t...

Hey Spotify, play my new Daily Mix.What you need to knowSpotify is rolling out a new Google Assistant-like, hands-free voice command system using the wake words "Hey Spotify.""Hey Spotify" works with the app open and running on the screen, and can be used to play songs, albums, playlists, or artists.Users can choose between two different voices for when the service talks back to them.Spotify: music streaming service, podcatcher, micro social network, and now ... voice assistant, because why not? In the latest version of its Android app, Spotify has added new microphone settings that enable users to utter the wake words "Hey Spotify" and queue up a song, artist, album, or playlist entirely hands-free.We're currently running the latest version of Spotify on the Pixel 5, but you don't need one of the best Android phones to get this new hands-free voice command service up and running. Any phone running version 8.6.14.975 of the Spotify app should be able to enable "Hey Spotif...

An Amazon cookie error is keeping people locked out of their accounts.What you need to knowAn Amazon error has led to some people being unable to log in to their accounts.The site recursively demands for users to enable cookies, preventing any log in irresepctive of whether cookies are enabled or not.The error appears to mostly hit users in parts of the United States.Having issues signing into Amazon? It's not just you. Reports are rife of users being unable to log into the retailer's website due to a cookie error. When someone attempts to log in, the site will prompt them to enable cookies. Whether cookies are enabled or not makes no difference as the user will be presented with that same screen.It's an odd issue, but one that's not affecting everyone. From parsing social media, only a few people are reporting it so far. From Down Detector, it appears to mostly be a U.S. issue. If it becomes more wide-spread, then Amazon will likely issue a formal comment. If not, then...

Upcoming additions to Ikea's Symfonisk range sound intriguing to say the least.What you need to knowDetails around upcoming Ikea Symfonisk products suggest the retailer is working with Sonos over a new table lamp.Another product in the works includes a speaker that's directly embedded into wall artwork. The embedded speaker is codename Titan, and is slated for a release in the coming months. Sonos has diversified its product portfolio — the Sonos Roam is testament to that — and one of the more intriguing products that have come out of the company is its collaboration with Ikea. Back in 2019, Ikea partnered with Sonos to create the Symfonisk range, delivering speakers that served a dual purpose. The Symfonisk table lamp worked as a regular lamp, but it came with an integrated speaker that sounds as good as the Sonos One.Considering the Sonos One is one of the best Sonos speakers you can get for under $200, the fact that the Symfonisk table lamp retails for just $179 is...

Samsung's new Galaxy A52 brings affordable 5G to the US.What you need to knowSamsung launches its latest Galaxy A smartphones in the U.S.The Galaxy A52 5G will launch as the "flagship" mid-range smartphone, while the Galaxy A32 5G will be Samsung's most affordable 5G phone to date.The phones will come with two months of YouTube Premium and six months of SiriusXM Streaming.Samsung is bringing its latest Galaxy A series smartphones to the United States. The company launched the Galaxy A52 5G during last month's Galaxy Awesome Unpacked event and is finally introducing it stateside, along with a family of other Galaxy A smartphones. This will bring some of Samsung's most affordable 5G phones to subscribers on the best wireless U.S. carriers.The Galaxy A52 5G is the current "flagship" of Samsung's A-series smartphones. It brings a large 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display along with a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature that has been reserved for the best Samsung phones. Other flag...

A Worthwhile UpgradeTP-Link Archer AX3000 / AX50$141 at AmazonProsAX3000 speeds are a great upgrade for manyWi-Fi 6 compatibleFour Ethernet portsHomeCare software included (AX50)USB 3.0 portConsOnly dual-band Wi-FiNo OneMesh expansionThe TP-Link Archer AX50 (also known as the AX3000 at Walmart) is the sweet spot for most families looking to add more speed and capacity to their home network. With a wide and fast 5GHz band capable of up to 2,402Mbps, Wi-Fi 6 capacity improvements over previous generations, and great parental controls, this is a great router to get the whole family online.Entry-level Wi-Fi 6TP-Link Archer AX1800 / AX20$100 at AmazonProsAX1800 speeds are adequate for manyWi-Fi 6 compatibleFour Ethernet portsUSB 2.0 portConsVery basic parental controlsNo QoS by applicationNot as fast as AX3000 / AX50The TP-Link AX1800 will likely be faster than the router you already have if you haven't upgraded in a while, but its...

Commit and save.Verizon sells all kinds of phones. From top-of-the-line flagships to discounted budget devices. From iPhone to Android. From phones focused on watching media to phones focused on cameras. No matter what you're looking for, you're probably also looking to save some money. Who isn't? Verizon releases new and interesting deals all the time. The majority of these deals work in a similar fashion, too. You will get the discount on the phone through a series of promotional credits applied to your monthly bill. It may take up to two years to earn all your savings, but that would be worth it when we're talking about hundreds of dollars.Best Verizon Plan DealsWhile some people (and even other carriers) like to poke fun at Verizon for being more expensive, if you look in the right places you can actually get a plan that meets your needs without spending too much cash. The carrier does offer a variety of different options, and you'll want to do a little research to figure o...

Ring brings significant security upgrades to your front porch.What you need to knowRing has announced updates to two of its most popular products.The Ring Video Doorbell 4 features Advanced Motion Detection, 4-second color pre-roll, and Quick Replies for $200. The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro features 3D Motion Detection, Bird's Eye View, and a 110db siren for $250.Today Ring announced two major product updates to two of its most popular lines of devices — video doorbells and smart security lighting. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro are both getting some major technological updates to help you better monitor the safety and security of your home.Ring's most popular products are probably its line of video doorbells, and the standard-bearer for the line is getting some pretty impressive upgrades for 2021. As with the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus last year, the Video Doorbell 4 will be getting the ability to record four seconds of pre-roll video,...

I don't know about you, but in all the time I've owned a smartphone, I've probably tried more than a half-dozen different Android email apps. No matter how many excellent gimmicks or new features they have, though, I always end up back in the loving arms of the original Gmail app thanks to its consistency, familiarity, and overall simplicity. Generally speaking, it has everything I need and nothing that I don't want. Well, that is, until Google went and stuffed a giant Google Meet, Google Chat, and Rooms tabs at the bottom of my inbox. If this annoys you as much as it does me, I'll show you how you can get rid of those Google Meet, Google Chat, and Rooms tabs and return your Gmail inbox to the simple space it once was (Just don't worry about the unread count. Those will go away, I promise!).How to disable the Google Meet tab in Gmail on AndroidOpen the Gmail app on your Android phone.Tap on the hamburger menu at the top left corner (three lines).When the navigation bar slide...

LG didn't always get everything right, but it moved the needle for the rest of the industry.Goodbyes are never easy, and LG's recent announcement on leaving the increasingly competitive mobile industry was especially painful, for lovers and dissenters alike. No matter your feelings on LG's last few product lines, it's impossible to deny the influence the company has had on the smartphone industry throughout the years. From Quad DACs to ultra-wide cameras, double-tap to wake, and modular hardware, LG has never been afraid to experiment and offer consumers unique, niche features.Some of the best LG phones were ones that few other manufacturers, if any, would dare to design. A phone with a rotating swivel display, hiding a smaller square screen underneath. A phone with a rugged, rubberized backing and stainless steel rails, backed by a secondary screen up top and a myriad of previously unseen manual video controls. A phone with a slide-out bottom that allowed you to add camera grips...

Best answer: Yes, the Sonos Roam is waterproof up to 3 feet of submersion for as long as 30 minutes and dust-proof thanks to an official IP67-certification.How waterproof is the Sonos Roam?Sonos has been making some of the best smart speakers for a while now, and with the Sonos Roam being the first easily portable speaker the company has made, it begs the question — is the Sonos Roam waterproof? Ok, technically, the Sonos Move is portable, but it is heavy and on the bulky side. For the Move, Sonos went with an IP56-certification that means the speaker can handle some dust and being splashed by water.For the Roam, Sonos opted to get the portable speaker a more robust certification at an IP67 level. Since the Roam is far more simple to haul around due to the smaller overall package, it makes sense to have a higher tolerance for the elements. If you're unsure what this rating means, here's a bit of clarification:First digit 6: Dust-tight. No ingress of dust.Second digit 7: *...

Another day, another set of awesome daily deals from Amazon. Right now you can get a USB-C hub or a laptop docking station from Vava for up to 33% off its regular price. These are some really good low prices on gear that could literally change how you work from day to day.The least expensive option, for example, is Vava's 8-in-1 USB-C hub. It's down to $26.99 in today's sale, and that's nearly $13 off what it regularly goes for. It's a whole new low price, too, that we've never seen before. And this hub turns one USB-C port into eight different tools, including more ports for plugging in peripherals and 4K HDMI output. You'll want one of these hubs, for sure, and grab one before the prices come back up.The Vava USB-C docking station takes the USB-C hub to a whole new level. It's down to $79.99 at Amazon today. That's a $20 discount off its regular price and one of the only direct drops in price we've ever seen for it, outside of a drop to $85 that happened almost a year ago.Not...

Chatting with the AC forums.As fun and customizable as the best Android phones have always been, it used to be that they performed better over the long run with a bit of manual interference. The old IT Crowd adage of "turn it off and on again" would often do wonders for how smoothly your device would run, clearing out virtual cobwebs and bugs. But with advancements and optimizations in Android over the years, do you still find that restarting your phone makes a difference?This is a question we've asked before and seen previously on the AC forums, but after the April security update, it has resurfaced.How often do you restart your Android phone? Mr Bojangles1 04-05-2021 07:40 PM “ I restart my phone every day, but I'm always messing with/ tweaking it as it's rooted. But I believe it's a good thing to restart at least every few days. It just refreshes everything for phone to run smoothly ...

Microsoft is doing everything right, making PlayStation look even worse.Sony has a long history of disregarding the importance of game preservation. This became a hot topic of debate recently when PlayStation announced its plans to close down the PS3, Vita, and PSP storefronts, permanently shutting off the only way to purchase many games on those platforms. Game preservation is a frequent talking point in the gaming community when stuff like this happens, and frankly, Sony is doing an awful job with it, putting it mildly.Now infamously, Jim Ryan said in a 2017 interview with Time, "When we've dabbled with backwards compatibility, I can say it is one of those features that is much requested, but not actually used much. That, and I was at a Gran Turismo event recently where they had PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 games, and the PS1 and the PS2 games, they looked ancient, like why would anybody play this?"Though he was Sony's head of global sales and marketing, he went on to become and st...

The "Pro" in its name isn't for nothing.I've reviewed a handful of streaming accessories over the past few weeks, including the Razer Seiren X microphone, and I've now had the chance to try out the Razer Kiyo Pro webcam. As the "Pro" in its name suggests, it's an upgraded version of the Razer Kiyo, ditching the integrated ring light but improving fidelity and performance.This may only be the second proper webcam I've spent any amount of meaningful time with — after the Logitech StreamCam that I just reviewed — but it's easy to tell the quality on display here. I can confidently say it sits among the best streaming equipment for PS4 and PS5. However, because the PS5 doesn't support third-party webcams, you'll get the most mileage out of this camera on a PC. Still, for anyone using capture cards and not Sony's built-in capture software, you can stream PS5 games and look amazing while doing so with this camera.Razer Kiyo Pro review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What...

As more of our appliances get smart, certain things we use daily begin to stand out and seem even dumber if they are not yet integrated into our Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant smart home setups.Meross offers a number of accessories that can smarten up dumb devices, and a bunch of their most popular products are on sale at Amazon with prices starting at just $17. The deals are good for today only or while supplies last so don't wait on placing your order.If you use your garage door a bunch, it makes total sense to give it the same smarts that you've added around the rest of your home with a smart garage door opener. Thankfully, the Meross MSG100 Smart Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener is discounted down to just $29.99. This sells for up to $36 usually and today's discount drops it down to one of its best prices ever.Once up and running, it works with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control and you can use the Meross app to turn your phone into a garage door remote. You can get noti...

The UEFA Champions League is back this week and today sees the current champions Bayern Munich host Ligue 1 titleholders PSG in this quarter-final clash. Don't miss a moment with our Bayern Munich vs PSG live stream guide.In a rematch of last year's final, Bayern Munich and PSG meet this time in the competition at the quarter-final stage. Bayern will be hoping to get the advantage on home turf today before the return leg in Paris next week.Die Roten dismantled Lazio of Serie A to make it this far with a 6-2 scoreline on aggregate over two legs in the round of 16. Similarly, the Parisians made light work of La Liga giants Barcelona in the last round with a 5-2 aggregate score.In the domestic league, FCB look destined for yet another trophy and what would be a record ninth consecutive title. Hans-Dieter Flick's side are now seven points clear at the top of the table after beating next-best side RB Leipzig 1-0 in their last outing to further open the gap.The Reds come into today...

If working from home has got you moving even less than usual or you want to take some good habits back into the office, then we've got a deal just for you. The Cubii Pro seated under-desk Bluetooth elliptical allows you to keep moving even while you're just sitting there at your desk or on the couch and it's on sale for just $279 at Amazon for one day only. The elliptical normally sells for around $350, and today's deal marks the best price we've seen for the Chrome color in 2021.You know and I know that working out should be a bigger part of your routine. But it's hard! It's hard to find the time, often inconvenient, and hard to do. The great thing about the Cubii Pro is that it offers a low-impact workout. It's just about keeping your feet moving and keeping track of your personal goals. Do as much or as little as you want. Use it at home or at the office without stressing your joints. Put it under your desk or keep it by the couch so you can work out while you watch TV.Since ...

Microsoft's dedication to Android translates to a great Chrome OS experience, too.Once upon a time, to get the best experience for Microsoft services, you needed to buy a Windows laptop. If you were on a budget laptop with lower specs, though, performance was slow, all tasks were tedious, and your productivity suffered. These days, though, the best Chromebooks offer excellent performance and less maintenance at lower price points.Thanks to the way Microsoft has worked to improve Microsoft apps and services across all platforms — from Macs to Android tablets to phones — you can still get most of the Microsoft goodies on a Chromebook. In fact, if you're on a tight computer budget, a Chromebook could be the best machine for Microsoft users — something even Microsoft acknowledges as it preps Windows 10X to better compete with Chrome OS.From productivity to playing games, here's how to get the best Microsoft experience on a Chromebook.Best of Microsoft on Chromebooks:Mi...

Woot's huge 4K TV sale is well worth checking out if you're wanting to upgrade to something bigger and better with discounted models from as little as $280. The sale features a bunch of Samsung smart TVs and LG OLED screens, as well as a few Sony and VIZIO TVs. Though this sale is slated to run until April 19, select models have already sold out so there's really no telling how long supplies will last.All of the TVs in today's sale are offered refurbished, and though they may not be brand new, they've each been inspected and tested to ensure they're in proper working condition. Oftentimes, you can barely notice an item has been used before after it's been refurbished. Plus, Woot includes a 90-day Samsung warranty with the purchase.The sale includes the super neat Samsung The Frame TV. This TV has made a name for itself due to its Art Mode, which transforms the TV when it's off into a work of art — art which you've selected. There are hundreds of pieces to choose from including ...

Xiaomi's Mi 11 is the company's newest flagship and what is likely its best phone yet. If you're looking for an affordable yet premium flagship to fill the gap left by Huawei, this is the phone to consider.Want to buy a Xiaomi Mi 11? Start hereXiaomi Mi 11Mi 11 Pro and UltraXiaomi Mi 11 LiteWhere can I buy a Xiaomi Mi 11?Anything else?What's the Xiaomi Mi 11 got to offer?Like all such phones from Xiaomi, this is a competent phone that follows up from the Mi 10 and Mi 10T with hardware that impresses and offers fabulous bang for your buck. Xiaomi first announced this phone in December 2020, so while we do not have a solid grasp of this phone's release in some Western markets just yet, we know just how well it performs in real life. It was the first phone with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, even beating out Samsung and its lovely but expensive S21 Ultra.Design-wise, it's your typical metal and glass sandwich with a camera bump at the rear. It's a series of soft and rou...

We've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases that we could find because we know how important it is to keep your prized and expensive new smartphone safe and protected for its entire lifetime. Some of these cases offer maximum protection, while others showcase that incredible Samsung style. When looking for a case from this list, consider the form factor, color, and thickness that works best for you.Exclusive to the PlusSamsung Kvadrat CoverStaff PickSamsung has been on a sustainability kick in 2021, and this lovely textured case is part of that initiative. Made entirely out of recycled PET bottles, the case not only keeps new materials out of the product stream, but it can be composted as well! The texture makes it easy and comfortable to hold while still providing protection. You can pick one up in violet or a stunning silvery gray.$35 at Samsung$35 at AmazonA pleasure to holdCaseology Parallax CaseIt's not often that you find one of the best-looki...

The Galaxy A72 is a decent enough phone, but the A52 and A52 5G overshadow it.Last year's Galaxy A71 was one of the best Android phones around, with Samsung managing to deliver a phone that stood its own in the mid-range category.The Galaxy A71 did particularly well last year because it had more to offer than the Galaxy A51 — it featured a higher-resolution camera, larger screen and battery, and a chipset that was significantly faster. The Galaxy A51 just didn't pass muster on the hardware front, and that allowed the A71 to shine.Things are different in 2021. The Galaxy A52 delivers much-needed improvements on the hardware front, including a 90Hz AMOLED display, a much more powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset, 64MP camera at the back, and 25W fast charging as standard.As for the Galaxy A72, Samsung decided to play it safe. The phone is identical to the A52 in terms of the internal hardware, with the only differences being a telephoto lens at the back, a larger 6.7-inch display...

Google Play Music is really officially dead, in case you were still in doubt.What you need to knowGoogle issues a surprise update to Google Play Music.The update allows users to hide the app from their app drawer and delete all data.Users had until last month to transfer their tunes over to YouTube Music.If you haven't heard, Google Play Music is dead. Google has been encouraging users to switch to YouTube Music, which is admittedly one of the best music players on Android. Today, Google issued a surprising update (via 9to5Google) to its Play Music app after it was recently killed off. Although, instead of gaining any new features, the update allows you to hide Play Music and all of the data associated with it, which comes in handy for anyone unable to delete the app.The update allows you to finally get rid of the app if it came preinstalled on your device. That includes devices like the Google Pixel 3 or the LG G8 (too soon?), which only come with the option to disable t...

Secure messaging requires even more security to send moneyWhat you need to knowSignal Payments introduced for those in the United Kingdom.The only payments currently accepted make use of the MobileCoin protocol.The feature could be expanded to more countries based on feedback.If privacy is the name of the game, then Signal Private Messenger is the way to go. Signal is already one of the best Android messaging apps, thanks to its vast array of security and privacy features, but the company is looking to expand a bit further.In a blog post, Signal's head of growth and communication, Jun Harada, detailed the company's new beta build for those who live in the UK. Instead of bringing messaging features to the platform, this new beta brings the ability to make secure mobile payments between users. But instead of relying on traditional means of linking your bank account or debit cards, Signal plans to make use of cryptocurrency.Signal has partnered with MobileCoin, which fea...

The Pixel Buds A may really be just around the corner.What you need to knowGoogle is said to be working on a cheaper version of the Pixel Buds, dubbed the Pixel Buds A.An email sent out to Nest owners this morning inadvertently confirmed the reports.Keen-eyed viewers spotted a 'Sage Green' looking Pixel Pixel Buds A included in marketing material.Google is said to be launching a new set of Pixel Buds, the Pixel Buds A. Much like the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G, these earbuds are expected to bring the best of Google's aural skillsets down to cheaper price points.While the Pixel Buds A have existed primarily in the realm of rumor, a promotional email spotted by 9to5Google shows the upcoming Pixel Buds A in a marketing render. This email was sent out to people who had signed up for reminders about Nest products and was aimed at educating those customers on the newest Nest Hub.Right at the bottom, however, a render used to showcase Google's slew of current products has the Pix...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they'll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21, you have options. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases you can buy today. The best part of all is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long-term!Colorful and well-texturedCasology Nano PopStaff pickThe Galaxy S21 is the first Android phone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it was 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case is grippier than Casology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and absolutely pop around the camera cutout on the S21.From $16 at Amazon$20 at WalmartSlim grip and gritRingke Onyx SeriesIf you just want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung, Ringke's Onyx series...

It's now been confirmed by a PlayStation representative.What you need to knowMLB The Show 21 is the latest entry in a franchise historically developed by Sony for PlayStation.This year, MLB The Show is heading to PlayStation and Xbox simultaneously, with full cross-play enabled.In a new report, a PlayStation representative confirmed that this decision was solely MLB's, and not Sony's.MLB The Show 21 is coming to PlayStation and Xbox later this month, a move that already does away with years of precedent set by Sony and their games exclusivity philosophy. Even more shocking was the announcement that MLB The Show 21 is launching day and date into Xbox Game Pass, making the title even more accessible for first-time Xbox players. Now, a new report from Inverse confirms what many of us feared, and ends many of the speculations circulating since the announcement: it was MLB that chose to bring MLB The Show 21 to Xbox, not Sony.MLB The Show 21 is the first Sony-developed title t...

LG will be shutting its mobile phone business, so these phones won't see the light of day.What you need to knowThe LG V70 and Rollable phone have leaked on the web.The leaks appear to be a mix of regulatory images and live prototype models. Neither phone will be released following the shuttering of LG's mobile phone business.LG's now-canceled Rollable phone has shown up on the web alongside the LG V70. These images come from Twitter user FrontTron, via XDA Developers. Both phones would have launched later this year had the company not opted to shutter their mobile phone business, continuing the company's strings of ambitious releases.Starting from the V70, codenamed Rainbow, it's visually similar to last year's LG Velvet. The company had opted to adopt a more modern design, one that would look less workmanlike than the previous G and V Series. To all accounts, it succeeded.Writing for Android Central, Alex Dobie praised the design, commenting: The Velvet is probab...

Chrome's latest experiments are actually pretty cool.What you need to knowGoogle has launched a collection of AR and VR experiments on Chrome.Sodar and Measure Up use AR to calculate distance and measure objects in your environment.Floom uses location data to let you peer through the Earth at a point on the other side.Experiments with Google always shores up interesting projects from coders using a variety of Google products. Several months ago, the company celebrated 1 billion views of Billie Eilish's Bad Guy and created an endless video loop which could be interwoven with thousands of fan videos from YouTube using AI. Researchers also created an accessibility app that allows persons with disabilities to "speak" using just their eyes and smartphone. The latest collection of experiments brings some AR fun to your smartphone using the power of WebXR in your Chrome browser. Augmented and virtual reality are opening up the possibilities of how we interact with the world an...

Nothing can turn your great Android phone from state-of-the-art to overpriced paperweight faster than a dead battery. The best portable chargers and power banks can help recharge your tech when life plays keep-away with your power outlets. Portable chargers used to be big, bulky, and slow, but USB-C power banks and Power Delivery charging standards have made things much faster — fast enough to charge laptops, even — and have allowed power banks to get slimmer and better than ever. There are plenty of options in every shape or size, but our favorite is the affordably awesome RAVPower PD Pioneer Series 20,000mAh. Still, there are plenty of other choices that rank among the best portable battery packs. Here are our top recommendations that you can buy today.Best Overall: RAVPower PD Pioneer Series 20,000mAhWhen choosing a portable charger, it's all about balancing power with portability. After all, a power bank doesn't do you any good if it's so bulky that you forget it at hom...

Google's newest Pixels were held back performance wise. April's security update rectifies that.What you need to knowGoogle's Android April security updates includes a performance boost of as much as 50 percent to the flagship Pixel 5.The Pixel 5 now performs consistently in line with other Snapdragon 765 phones.The Pixel 4a 5G also received a similar boost.The Google Pixel 5 just got a bit faster with yesterday's April update. Yes, we noted in the article that Google did say it was including "performance optimizations for certain apps and games", but a Twitter thread shared by Der Standard's Andreas Proschofsky indicates that the performance boost is between 30 to 50 percent, based on his testing post-patch install.Turns out the Pixel 5 is now getting way better results in 3DMark. Like in 30-50 percent better compared to a P5 w March patch level. Even the results in general benchmarks like PCMark Work are a bit better (even though in this case really only just a bit). 2/...