Latest from Android Central

With all of the streaming, gaming, and working we do from home these days, it's never been more important to have a reliable internet connection. If you've experience drop outs or dead zones, or just have a bunch of devices and smart home gear on your network at all times, then you ought to invest in a mesh networking system for broader coverage.Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems are some of the most popular and widely regarded as some of the best mesh Wi-Fi routers on the market, but you don't have to pay full price to get set up. Here are the best Eero deals out there.Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Systems | 15% off at AmazonEero's home Wi-Fi system was named #1 on Android Central's list of best mesh Wi-Fi systems in 2019 and for good reason. Today's deal at Amazon could score you the Eero Mesh Wi-Fi Router for $67, or grab a multipack to save even more.Starting at $67 at AmazonWhether you're looking for a basic mesh Wi-Fi system, upgrading to an Eero Pro system, or just to add some extra ...

Samsung's flagship smartphone sales increased over the previous quarter, despite weak seasonality.What you need to knowSamsung has posted its financial results for the first quarter of 2021.Its operating profit jumped 45.5% YoY to KRW 9.38 trillion ($8.5 billion), while consolidated revenue increased 18.2% YoY to KRW 65.4 trillion ($59 billion). Samsung says its mobile profitability strengthened further in Q1 2021, led by strong sales of flagship Galaxy S21 series and mass-market Galaxy A-series phones.Samsung today posted its earnings report for the first quarter of 2021. The company saw an 18.2% increase in revenue over Q1 2020 to KRW 65.4 trillion ($59 billion), while operating profit was 45.5% higher at KRW 9.38 trillion ($8.5 billion).Samsung says "solid sales of smartphones and consumer electronics" outweighed lower earnings from its semiconductor and display business units. The IT & Mobile Communications Division posted KRW 29.21 trillion ($26.3 billion) in rev...

The Eufy RoboVac 15C Max is one of our favorite robot vacuums of the year, and has been impressing us since it was released last year. Today, you can get it at a low price of just $175.99 at Amazon. The 15C Max normally sells for around $260. Today's deal matches the lowest we've seen. It's a price we've seen a few times before, but if you've missed it then this is your chance.The 15C Max is a very powerful robot vacuum with great suction that can max out at 2000Pa. That's suction that won't disappoint and can handle anything from hard wood floors to deep carpet. Plus, the robot vacuum is still smart enough to stay as quiet as possible during operation, only bumping up the suction when it needs to. That's where the BoostIQ technology comes into play. It automatically increases the suction when the sensors detect the need for it. It takes only 1.5 seconds to get that extra vacuuming strength, too, so you'll always be getting the best possible clean.With a slim design that makes it...

Samsung's most misunderstood phone of 2020 caught me by surprise.The Galaxy Note 20 is one of Samsung's most perplexing devices in years. It has most of the modern appointments of a 2020 flagship, including 5G support, a top-of-the-line processor, and a trio of high-quality cameras, but it also ditches the luxe glass backing of its Ultra counterpart in favor of a plastic one and features a relatively dated 60Hz 1080p display.On paper, these compromises can make the Note 20 seem like a hard sell compared to the Ultra, especially given the abundance of comparably high-end options like the OnePlus 9 at similar or even lower price points. But in my time with the Galaxy Note 20, I've come to appreciate it as a more practical device than even the pricier Note 20 Ultra that I absolutely love. As it turns out, those hardware tradeoffs aren't so bad. Jump to:Price & release dateWhat I like What's not so greatThe competitionShould you buy?Changelog, April 2021Th...

Make sure the next time you return is your last with these tips and tricks.Returnal is a new third-person roguelike shooter for the PlayStation 5 that's part Metroidvania and part psychological horror wrapped in bullet-hell fueled action. It's an intense, beautiful, and disturbing title, as well as a difficult one. Players play as Selene Vassos, who has found herself stranded on Atropos, a constantly shifting alien planet where death is a never-ending cycle.Returnal is difficult, but with some of our help, you and Selene will be able to conquer the procedurally generated world of the game. Remember — death is not the end. Here's are a few tips and tricks for Returnal.Returnal Resurrection tips:Always keep movingAdjust the optionsFind Silphium Resin earlyUpgrade your blade to take down yellow doorsPurple and orange lasers are bad newsGrab the Child's Watch and the AstronautGet up close and personalDashing and grappling makes you invulnerableLook out for secret roo...

Bought in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsUnlimited talk and text on all plansT-Mobile LTE and 5G speedsUpgrade plan at any timeData as a hotspotConsMust buy in bulkUnlimited plan slowed at 35GBMint Mobile is known for providing great value if you are willing to buy three or more months of service at a time. All data plans come with data access, unlimited talk and text, and the ability to use your data as a hotspot. The unlimited plan comes with 5GB of hotspot data. Mint Mobile is a great fit for most smartphone users.Great flexibilityConsumer CellularFrom $15/mo. at Consumer CellularProsFlexible data optionsShare the plan with two linesAARP discountsRobust AT&T LTE and 5G networkConsLimited phone selectionsUnlimited plan slowed at 35GBConsumer Cellular lets you tailor a plan to your data usage without needing to buy any more than you need. With plans ranging from calling only up to 35GB of data, Consumer Cellu...

New hotnessRing Video Doorbell 4$200 at AmazonProsColor Pre-Roll videoDual-band Wi-FiFull 1080p HD videoQuick RepliesAdvanced Motion DetectionConsNo Google Assistant integrationOnly comes with a satin nickel faceplateWith the Ring Video Doorbell 4, Ring kept all of the best parts from the previous models and improved them. Pre-Roll video is now in color rather than only black and white; there's also improved battery life to go with it.Close secondRing Video Doorbell 3 Plus$200 at AmazonPros1080p HD video qualityAdvanced Motion Detection2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-FiPre-Roll VideoQuick repliesConsPre-Roll Video is only black and whiteOnly works with AlexaPriced the same without color Pre-Roll videoThe Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus introduced Pre-Roll video to the video doorbell lineup, and while the feature still works great — as black and white only, it seems dated. Other features are very close in line with the new model, but fewe...

Don't fear the reaper.When the PS5 released late last year, it arrived with a couple of cross-gen releases, a very pretty remake of a 10-year-old game, and an adorable platformer tucked away in the system's memory. But once the dust settled and the newness of the console started to fade, many wondered when the first real next-gen game would arrive for the system — the flagship title that would showcase what the PS5 is capable of. Not just from a technical standpoint, but in its gameplay, sound, story — the whole package.Almost five months into the new year, it's looking like we have to turn to Returnal for answers. This roguelike is the first major PS5 release of the year so there is a lot riding on its shoulders. Not only was it bound to set the standard for next-gen releases, but it had a lot to prove as a new IP amidst news of Sony's focus on blockbusters and reluctance to greenlight new projects.When I first started up Returnal, I thought I knew what to expect. Develop...

Stay connected, stay safe.Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do while behind the wheel. It puts you and everyone else on the road at risk, and while it should go without saying, it is obviously something we don't condone.That said, there are times when you need to stay connected, even when in your car. Whether you're following turn-by-turn navigation, making a hands-free phone call, or controlling your music while on a long road trip, having a device to do all of these things is a must.Google is aware of that, and that's why it created Android Auto. Android Auto is software that's available on your phone and in your car, and it gives you a way to do all of the things mentioned above as safely as possible. Ready to learn more? Keep on reading!Auto upgradeSony XAVAX3000$400 at Best BuyElevate your Android Auto experienceIf you have an older car that doesn't natively support Android Auto, consider this third-party model from Sony. With a 7...

The UEFA Europa League returns today as Premier League giants Manchester United welcome Roma of Serie A in this semi-final clash. Don't miss a moment with our Man United vs Roma live stream guide.Manchester United will be hoping they can go one step further in this year's Europa League after exiting the competition at the semi-final stage last season at the hands of eventual winners Sevilla.United are favorites to lift the trophy, dispatching La Liga sides Real Sociedad and Granada en route to the semi-finals as well as Roma's Serie A compatriots AC Milan.For Roma, a win against Man United would result in the club's first European cup final since the early '90s. Roma's route to the semis saw the team breeze past Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk before a tough test in the last round against Ajax.The Red Devils come into today's first-leg game on the back of a 13-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League that stretches as far back as January. The Europa League remains the club's mos...

Most Google employees have been working from home since April last year.What you need to knowGoogle parent Alphabet saved over $1 billion in 2020 "as a result of COVID-19."Alphabet saw its travel and entertainment expenses decline by $371 million last year.Google will allow its employees to continue working from home until September.Back in March last year, Google began advising its employees around the world to work from home due to COVID-19. While working from home has its downsides, the shift has had a positive impact on Alphabet's business.Since its employees are working from home and aren't traveling anywhere near as much as they used to before the pandemic struck, Bloomberg suggests Alphabet has saved over $1 billion in the last year.A recent filing by the company revealed it saved $268 million during the first quarter of the year due to a reduction in expenses from travel and entertainment as well as company promotions as a result of the pandemic. Alphabet noted ...

If you're getting your smart home set up, the Amazon Echo Show is one of the most versatile devices you can add to the mix. Rather than just being a speaker like other Echo devices, the Echo Show also has a built-in screen that enables all kinds of other use cases.Today only, you can pick up Amazon's 10.1-inch Echo Show 2nd gen for only $149.99 at Woot. That's a discount of $80 versus its regular retail price and a match for the lowest we've ever seen it go.Of course, the 2nd gen Echo Show has now been discontinued in favor of the updated Echo Show 10. The 2nd gen model is now only available refurbished at Amazon but the models on sale at Woot not only cost less, but they are brand new and come with a 1-year Amazon warranty making them a much better deal.Amazon's Echo Show is equipped with a 10.1-inch HD display that can show you the weather, news reports, movie trailers, and more. It's particularly helpful in the kitchen if you want to follow along with a recipe, catch up on Y...

HBO Max could offer users more value with its new ad-supported tier.What you need to knowHBO Max could charge $9.99 for its upcoming ad-supported tier.The company has already announced that the cheaper tier will be available this June.The price could undercut other streaming services like Netflix, which doesn't have an ad-supported tier.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven more people to streaming services. HBO Max launched at an opportune time to take advantage of this, bringing several theatrical movie releases to the platform. While not cheap at $14.99/month, it does offer more than one simultaneous stream and supports 4K HDR on many of the best streaming devices. WarnerMedia has already announced plans to launch its cheaper, ad-supported tier this June, and now we may have an idea of how much it'll cost.According to a report from CNBC, WarnerMedia plans to charge just $9.99 for its ad-supported tier. That would challenge rival streaming services like Disney+...

What are you most excited about for Google I/O?What you need to knowThe schedule for Google I/O 2021 has finally been released.The three-day conference will go over plenty of Google products like Wear OS, Android 12, Google TV, and more.Google I/O 2021 is virtual and free for anyone to attend.Google's annual developer conference is only a few weeks away, but there's already a lot to be excited about. We continue to speculate about what to expect at Google I/O 2021. Fortunately, Google is helping out a bit with the speculation thanks to the event schedule that's just been released.Amongst the keynotes, meetups, and workshops, there's quite a lot going on. Fortunately, those that already registered and selected their interests will have certain sessions marked as "suggested for you." Google also has curated schedules based on different topics or interests, and sessions can also be favorited to create your own personal schedule. Many of the sessions seem to overlap, making ...

Qualcomm has high hopes for 2021.What you need to knowQualcomm reported a 52% year-over-year increase in revenue in its recent quarterly earnings.The company has expressed a positive outlook on the state of the global chip shortage later this year.Qualcomm partially attributed its endurance in the chip shortage to a "reduction on orders from an OEM." Qualcomm announced its quarterly financial earnings on Wednesday, beating analyst expectations with $7.93 billion in revenue, a 52% increase when compared to the same quarter last year. That's despite not only a global pandemic but also a global semiconductor shortage that has affected several different industries, not to mention the availability of devices like the PS5. Outgoing CEO, Steve Mollenkopf, attributed Qualcomm's strong growth to its strong position in the market: Demonstrating the strength of our strategy and our success in execution, we delivered another quarter of year-over-year growth driven by sustained dema...

Not sure what to watch? Netflix can help.What you need to knowNetflix has finally launched its shuffle feature worldwide.The "Play Something" feature will roll out on connected TVs first.Android devices will receive the feature soon, with no word on iOS availability.Netflix has been working on its shuffle feature for some time now. A version of it was first spotted a couple of years ago, but nothing ever came of it until last year when the company reportedly began testing the feature. Netflix is now keeping its word and rolling out the feature worldwide.Dubbed "Play Something," the new shuffle feature is pretty straightforward, allowing viewers to launch a movie or TV show at random. It's helpful for the times when you can't figure out what to watch since Netflix chooses shows and movies based on what you've already seen. The idea is that Netflix will guide you towards titles that you're most likely to enjoy. If you're not a fan of what Netflix recommends, you can "Pl...

Best answer: Yes and no. It depends on which games you're playing and if you're playing those games on PlayStation Now. The general rule of thumb is that you'll need PS Plus to play online multiplayer unless the game is free-to-play.Which games can I play online without PS Plus?Only free-to-play games can be played online without PlayStation Plus. Thankfully, plenty of the most popular games today, like Genshin Impact, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and more, are free-to-play. You can access these games so long as you have an internet connection.Do I need PS Plus to play online games in PS Now?No. Oddly enough, any game in PlayStation Now can be played online without an active PlayStation Plus membership. You can think of this as an extra perk of a PS Now subscription. However, if you want to transfer your PS Now game saves from console over to PC for whatever reason, you will need a PS Plus membership to do so.When will PS Plus stop becoming a requirement f...

Video conferencing is finally coming to Telegram next monthWhat you need to knowTelegram has been seeing many major updates in recent months.The next big update will be to introduce video conferencing functionality.Video conferencing is said to be arriving on Telegram sometime in May.Although the number of folks working from home is starting to go down, that hasn't stopped Telegram from finally announcing its video conferencing functionality. Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov posted a short video message on his personal Telegram channel showing off some of the features that will be available. Durov also shared that the feature will be coming in May, although we aren't exactly sure when it pertains to a specific day or time frame.You could think of this as a competitor to Google Meet or Zoom, but it seems to be like a combination of those two platforms along with something like Clubhouse. Instead of just opening the floodgates as soon as the video conferencing room has been opene...

Google Assistant is starting to understand more context clues.What you need to knowGoogle has made some improvements to its AI Assistant's conversational abilities.Google Assistant can now understand contextual prompts better than before.Users can teach the Assistant how to pronounce the names of their contacts.Google Assistant is handy when it comes to performing tasks, providing information, and has a pretty good understanding of what's being asked of it. That said, the AI assistant isn't perfect, and Google is continuously working on making improvements to it. The latest update from the company highlights some of the improvements that have been made to Google Assistant, which should make it even more helpful at completing tasks around the house.For starters, Google is now improving the Assistant's ability to understand context clues. Now, when multiple queries are given, the Assistant will discern between them and better connect later prompts to previous ones. For exam...

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)A compact redesign$145 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsClever and compact designUpdated remote is fantasticStill the best Android TV experienceImproved AI Upscaling is greatConsMight run into issues running some Android gamesNot novice-friendly out of the boxThe most striking change for the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV refresh is its unique tube shape and the redesigned remote. This is a streamlined and portable stream box with upgraded processing power that's still delivering the best Android TV experience you can buy.NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019)Subtle upgrade$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at B&H PhotoProsSame sleek Shield TV designMore RAM and double the onboard storageOffers USB ports for external storageThe one you'll want for Plex and gamingConsLess internal storage than older Pro modelMore expensive than the tubeNot enough new features to justify upgradingThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) l...

T-Mobile's item tracker can even tell when it's moved into a dark space.What you need to knowT-Mobile has launched its own item tracker that uses LTE to track items.The SyncUp Tracker gets real-time tracking from miles away and can set a geofenced boundary.T-Mobile customers can add the device to their accounts for just $5 per month.Now that Samsung and Apple have entered the item tracker market, more companies are set to follow suit. T-Mobile is the latest to launch its own device as part of its SyncUp line of connectivity devices. The SyncUp Tracker may not look as svelte as the best Bluetooth trackers, nor is it quite as affordable, but it offers some handy features that could make it a must-have for anyone prone to losing their items.The key difference between T-Mobile's SyncUp Tracker and many other devices like the Apple AirTag is that the SyncUp Tracker relies on a GPS and an LTE connection instead of Bluetooth and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). Because of this, it doesn'...

After seeing the popularity of the Galaxy A71 as it became one of the best cheap Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy A72 arrived and tried to fill some pretty big shoes. With its gorgeous 6.7-inch AMOLED display equipped with a 90Hz refresh rate, you're definitely going to want to use one of the best Galaxy A72 screen protectors to keep your display looking good. We've rounded up some of our favorites, including some that protect both displays and others that protect just the rear camera glass.All the glassIVSO Screen Protector Kit (6-pack)Staff PickIf you want to protect all the glass on your Galaxy A72, then this six-pack of screen protectors from IVSO will be perfect. There are three tempered glass screen protectors for the main display and three more for the glass on the rear camera module. Plus, these are all case-friendly, so you can forget worrying about finding the best case only to realize that it won't work properly.$13 at AmazonPlastic protectionSupers...

We've all been there. You're just casually scrolling through photos on your phone or responding to a WhatsApp message when all of a sudden, it's gone. The photo you were just looking at, the whole album, everything, gone. I know I've accidentally deleted items off my phone before, and also had my phone suddenly freak out on me and decide to delete something without my permission.The boiling anger and the utter sadness of possibly losing that memory forever is something any Android user can relate to. Thankfully, as smartphone software continues to improve, there are some pretty great tools available to help you recover data you thought you lost.In the early days of Android development, many of these tools required you to root your phone so the software could access the appropriate files on your phone. Not anymore. Tenorshare is a software company that has been building data recovery software for over 10 years, and their UltData program is the perfect Android data recovery tool....

Android's aarthquake detection could save lives.What you need to knowGoogle is expanding its Earthquake detection and alert system to more states and countries outside California.The feature is expanding to Washington State after recently coming to Oregon.New Zealand and Greece are the first countries outside the U.S. to receive the new system.Last year, Google launched the Android Earthquake Alerts System, which utilizes the best Android phones "to form the world's largest earthquake detection network." The system was created with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and ShakeAlert to send earthquake alerts to smartphones and help keep people safe. The service was only available in California but is expanding to both New Zealand and Greece, where earthquakes can be quite common and dangerous.Google's system uses the accelerometer in your smartphone to act as a mini seismometer to pick up any chang...

Ultrawide monitors are all the craze nowadays, as you'll get more screen real estate without sacrificing as much desk space as using a dual-monitor setup. But the current "problem" is that there are many great options on the market, all that serve a different purpose other than just adding more pixels. We've rounded up the best ultrawide monitor that you can find in 2021 to make the decision just a little bit easier.Best Ultrawide Monitor Overall: LG 34WN80C-BWhen it comes to finding the "best" ultrawide monitor, it really all comes down to what you'll be using the monitor for. Gamers might look at things like faster refresh rates, while those working from home likely don't care too much about that. The LG 34WN80C falls to those in the latter camp, but is a great option for just about everyone.This is a flat-panel display, so there won't be much of a shock when going from your current monitor to this one. The stand is height and tilt-adjustable, ensuring that you'll get the b...

The company all about search finally added a search bar to Google Stadia.What you need to knowGoogle has announced that it's finally bringing a search bar to Stadia.Several new features and enhancements are in the works for Google Stadia.Android users will soon be able to access Stadia from the web browser.While Google Stadia has improved since its launch, adding plenty of new games to its repertoire, some fairly basic functions are still missing from the service. Fortunately, Google has listened to its users and is working on bringing several new features to the platform, which should greatly enhance the experience.The first and probably most important function coming to Stadia is the search bar. This feature has been surprisingly absent from Stadia, despite the platform being developed and operated by the largest search provider in the U.S. With the addition of a search bar, it should be much easier for Stadia players to search through the platform's continuously growin...

Looking like a solid lineup this month.What you need to knowMay's free games on PlayStation Plus are Battlefield 5, Wreckfest, and Stranded Deep.Wreckfest is available for free on PS5 while Battlefield and Stranded Deep are free on PS4.Both Battlefield 5 and Stranded Deep can still be played on PS5 through backward compatibility.Sony's revealed next month's PlayStation Plus lineup and it's headlined by Battlefield 5, the last mainline entry in the long-running series back from 2018. It's joined by Wreckfest: Drive Hard, Die Last on PS5 and Stranded Deep. All of the games will be available for free for PS plus members until May 31.While Battlefield 5 is a well-known title, you may be unfamiliar with Wreckfest and Stranded Deep. Wreckfest is a demolition derby racing game that support online multiplayer with up to 24 players. Stranded Deep is an open-world survival game that sees your plane crash into the Pacific Ocean, leaving you stranded among the animals and elements....

Bigger can be betterGarmin Venu 2$400 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCHealth/activity trackingNew sleep score & fitness ageBig & beautiful AMOLED display11-day battery life & battery saver modeConsSuper expensiveOnly two colorsWe never know quite what to expect when a successor hits the market, but the Garmin Venu 2 is here to impress. The new features include fitness age, sleep score, Health Snapshot, new activity profiles, a battery saver mode, and more. It's also got a large and vibrant AMOLED display.Smaller has its perksGarmin Venu 2S$400 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCHealth/activity trackingNew sleep score & fitness ageSmall size is ideal for small wrists10-day battery life & battery saver modeConsAlso very expensiveSmaller displaySlightly shorter battery lifeIf you're expecting the Venu 2S to be wildly different than the Venu 2, you'll be surprised. The only difference here is the size of the watch. You still...

Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video are currently the only two popular streaming services that offer HDR10+ content.What you need to knowThe Chromecast with Google TV has gained official HDR10+ certification.You can now stream HDR10+ content on Paramount+. Roku's Express 4K+ streaming player has also received HDR10+ support.The Chromecast with Google TV is the latest streaming device to receive HDR10+ certification. As reported by FlatPanelsHD, the device can now stream content in HDR10+ format on Paramount+. Amazon Prime Video also streams some of its shows in HDR10+, but it isn't clear if the streaming service supports the format on Chromecast with Google TV.While HDR10+ is nowhere near as popular as other HDR formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10, the list of supported content is slowly growing. The format was developed by Samsung and is backed by over 100 companies — including Amazon, Panasonic, Philips, and Vizio.Matt Frost, Director of Product Management at Googl...

Roku devices and Roku TVs make it super easy to watch your favorite films and movies within minutes. While there are a variety of subscription-based apps and free channels to choose from, one of the best options on Roku right now is the Hulu app. In addition to offering a ton of Hulu Original shows, the platform offers an extensive on-demand media library featuring both classic series and films, as well as access Hulu + Live TV. Here's everything you need to know about Hulu on Roku.Products used in this guideStream with friends: Hulu from $6 at HuluHow to get Hulu on RokuWith just a few clicks on your Roku remote, you can log in to your Hulu account and start streaming. Here's what you need to do to access Hulu on Roku.Using your Roku remote, press the Home button.Select Streaming Channels in the list on the left side of the screen. Select Search Channels. Search for Hulu. When it appears in the results, select Add Channel. When the channel is installed, selec...

We have reviewed a bunch of VPN services and ExpressVPN is our top pick for just about everyone. It earned a full 5 stars in our review, we are constantly praising the customer service, speeds, reliability, and more multiples times, but all of that comes with a price. ExpressVPN is definitely one of the more expensive VPN services compared to its competitors, but you can still score a great deal if you know where to look.ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers that span across 160 different locations in 94 countries, so there's no shortage of options when you are looking to spoof your location. You can check all the locations and make sure that the one you want is available before signing up.Today's best ExpressVPN dealWhen it comes to VPN deals there is no shortage of great options out there. We've already covered all of the top VPN services that are out there, but just because something is great doesn't mean that you have to pay too much money for it. ExpressVPN may not be the c...

Is it time for a new mic? If you're a content creator, you should always be looking for new ways to upgrade your audio. It's one of the most important pieces of that puzzle. The B&H DealZone is a collection of unique daily deals from the retailer, and today's DealZone features the Samson G-Track Pro USB microphone. It's down to just $99.99 today, which is a price we genuinely only see during these special sales. The mic sells for $130 or more otherwise. The black version is going for that $130 street price at B&H, Amazon, and other retailers. It has been a while since we've seen the Silver version go on sale at all, so grab one while you can because this deal won't be around tomorrow.This powerful USB condenser mic packs a bunch, and it's designed for recording both vocals and instruments. It has a 1/4-inch input that's perfect for connecting your favorite instrument. There's an on-board 24-bit 96 kHz audio interface, too, that allows for adjustments of the different inputs...

These twists and turns feel just right.Smartwatches are almost always forced to compromise in their design in some way. After all, it's hard to cram all of the various specs and sensors that make these tiny wrist computers so functional into something you'd actually want to wear out. The result is usually a thick, unattractive gadget that costs as much as a nice traditional watch, with the double whammy of needing to be charged once a day.Sadly, even in some of the best Android smartwatches, those hardware tradeoffs are met with equally cumbersome software in the form of Wear OS, which continues to be a slow-moving disaster, limiting the number of compelling options on the Android side. That number dwindles even further once you decide you want some health-oriented features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.But Samsung does things a little differently. The Galaxy Watch line uses the company's homegrown Tizen software, rather than Wear OS, and features hardware nic...

Most other Apple executives did not agree with Cue's views.What you need to knowA new deposition by Epic Games has revealed Apple's Eddy Cue wanted to bring iMessage to Android as early as 2013.Most other Apple executives were not in favor of porting iMessage to Android as it would make it easier for users to switch to Google's mobile OS.While there are a few workarounds available, iMessage on Android may never become a reality. A court filing by Epic Games had revealed earlier this month that Apple had decided against releasing a version of iMessage compatible with Android to keep users within its ecosystem. A new deposition by the Fortnite maker has now surfaced, which affirms Apple's senior VP of software and services, Eddy Cue, was in favor of bringing iMessage to Android as early as 2013 (via The Verge).In its latest deposition, Epic Games has cited an email exchange between Cue and Craig Federighi, who currently serves as Apple's SVP of software engineering. Per the...

Free games every monthPlayStation PlusFrom $9.99/mo. at PlayStationProsGives you access to play games online 2-3 free games every month for free 100GB of cloud storage ConsPlayStation Plus games aren't always the best No Xbox Game Pass-like service on PlayStation as of yet PlayStation Plus gives you access to not only being able to play online, but a large library of some of PlayStation's best games. Better yet, if you want to upload saves and other items into the cloud, PlayStation Plus gives you a ton of space to work with.Stay onlineXbox Live GoldFrom $9.99/mo. at XboxProsTwo free games every month Up to 50% discount on certain Microsoft Store titles Ability to upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ConsXbox Game Pass has essentially priced out just having Xbox Live Gold.Xbox Live Gold has been around for a long time, and it offers many of the same pluses as its competitor. You'll get two free games every month, discounts on titles ...

Gaming is simply better with a controller in your hands.Gaming on Android typically requires you to settle for using touchscreen controls. However, some gracious game developers take the time and effort to add support for Bluetooth gamepads— and we love them for it. Since so few games provide this feature, we've taken the time to test and compiled our list of the best games that let you play with the best Bluetooth controller in your hands.We'd also recommend getting a Style Ring or PopSocket which can help prop your phone up at a good angle for gaming.You might recognize some of these games from the best Android games roundup and for good reason. But you're here for the best games with controller support, after all, so here I present to you the best you can find on the Play Store.The gamesCall of Duty MobileGRID AutosportTesla vs Lovecraft Evoland 2 Horizon Chase World TourRiptide GP: RenegadeModern Combat 5: BlackoutGTA: San AndreasOceanhornUnkilledSkate P...

Google is also making it easier to plan road trips.What you need to knowGoogle is launching a bunch of new features to help you plan your next vacation.When you search for travel information on Google Search, you will now be shown if there are COVID-19 related travel advisories or restrictions for your destination. Google has also updated Explore to help you get destination ideas.As vaccination campaigns have started picking up in most countries around the world, people have started to plan vacations again. Google says it recently started seeing more searches for travel-related destination information such as where to travel and travel restrictions in different countries.To help people plan their next vacation, Google is rolling out a few updates that will help them stay informed on the latest travel guidance explore potential destinations. Google Search will now let you know if there are any COVID-19 related restrictions or travel advisories when you search for hotels ...

Samsung is the biggest phone manufacturer in the world, and with good reason — it makes incredible phones, combining outstanding hardware design with handy features that differentiate its phones. The Galaxy S21 is the best Samsung phone you can buy right now for its value and hardware, but plenty of other devices hit different sizes and price points.1. Samsung Galaxy S21: Best OverallIt may not be very compact, but the Galaxy S21 brings plenty to the table, and the highlight is that it is debuting for $200 less than its predecessor. Samsung achieved this by reducing the screen's resolution to FHD+ — last year's Galaxy S20 had a QHD+ panel — and ditching the glass back for a plastic option. The 6.2-inch AMOLED screen still has 120Hz refresh rate, so you still get velvety smooth interactions for everything from browsing, scrolling through social media, and gaming.You also get the latest internal hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 888 chipset, and this time there's Sub...

Android 12's camera 2 API changes mean app developers can harness the power of your phone's camera. But there is a catch.Most of the best Android phones come with a pretty spectacular camera onboard. Granted, it's not as flexible as an expensive stand-alone camera but taken for what it is — a tiny camera embedded inside a smartphone — some amazing photos can be taken with the camera that's always in your pocket.The problem is most of the features of these great cameras have been locked inside the camera application that comes with the phone itself. It's not a huge problem because almost every phone maker includes a really good camera app on the phones it sells, but there are some applications in the Google Play Store that can take your photography to the next level. But only if you can work with the basic, main camera and not rely on any of the extras.That can change with Android 12 and the changes to the Camera2 API. The Camera2 API is part of Android that allows an applic...

While we have seen the Roborock S6 go on sale in the past, we have never seen it drop as low as it is today. Grab the Roborock S6 robot vacuum cleaner and mop while it's on sale for $379.99 at Amazon. The S6's high price is $650 and it has been selling for around $600 since the beginning of the year. Previous price drops never went below $400, so today's sale is a new low.There are other variations of the Roborock S6 that are on sale as well today. Grab the Roborock S6 Pure while it's on sale. Not only do you get $80 off the price directly, but you can save another $60 with the on-page coupon. That brings the total down to just $459.99. This is also a new low price for another popular robot vacuum.The Roborock S6 is a smart device. It's equipped with LiDAR navigation and uses a Z-shaped cleaning route. What that means for you is a machine that's as effective and detailed as it can be when it cleans. Thanks to its sensors and awareness, it can actually map multiple floors in your ...

Data savingsMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsBulk savingsCheaper dataNo overagesCompatible with most phones5GB mobile hotspotConsInternational roaming is extraMinimum of three monthsUnlimited is slowed at 35GBMint Mobile can save you money on data with three months of service and can save even more with six and 12-month plans. With plenty of data options for most people and no risk of overage fees, you'll get T-Mobile's huge LTE and 5G network behind you for an affordable price.Worldwide coverageGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google FiProsFree roaming data in 200+ countriesData is free over 6GBMultiple networks5G coverageMulti-line savingsConsExpensive dataFew phones support full networkData slowed on all plansSimply Unlimited plan has fewer perksGoogle Fi is a great premium option with no contracts. You get the benefit of more than one network with a supported phone that keeps speeds and coverage higher than many other ...

So long as it stays out of the sun, this mid-range phone will shine.I'm a firm believer in not overpaying for a quality smartphone experience. My favorite phone of 2020 wasn't the Galaxy S20 or the OnePlus 8 Pro, it was the Pixel 4a. After years of the best cheap Android phones being phones that were just "good enough", the last two years have given us budget phones that look, feel and perform far better than expected, and the bar has been similarly raised for the mid-range phones like the OnePlus Nord, the Galaxy S20 FE, and the Pixel 4a 5G.Last year's Galaxy A51 5G brought us power that the 4G versions of the A51 lacked and gave us bonafide 5G options without having to shell out flagship money. That made its sequel, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, one of the most anticipated phones of the year from a normal consumer standpoint, and Samsung has delivered. While there are places where the strings of its $500 price tag shine through, the Galaxy A52 5G is a great phone for the everyday ...

It's been almost two years but the wait is finally over for fans of Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes from season 4 of the show on TV or online.The Handmaid's Tale is adapted from the 1980s novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood and the show first premiered on Hulu's streaming service back in 2017. The series takes place following the Second American Civil War and is set in a totalitarian society called Gilead in what was formerly the United States.As fertility rates have collapsed due to STDs and environmental pollution, women that can still bear children are highly sought after by the ruling elite. These handmaids as they're called are used as the sexual slaves of the ruling elite and are forced to wear long red dresses, heavy brown boots, and a large white coif to conceal them from public view.June (Elizabeth Moss) is the main character of the show and one of Gilead's handmaids. She struggles to survive as a handmaid ...

With limited presence and a small portfolio, it is no surprise that Xperia phones aren't selling well.What you need to knowSony shipped just 0.4 million Xperia phones in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2020.It shipped 2.9 million phones in FY2020, down from 3.2 million units in the previous year.Despite falling sales, Sony is still not ready to give up on the smartphone market.Sony today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. The company reported an operating profit of 66.5 billion yen ($610.8 million) in the March quarter, up from 35.4 billion yen during the same period a year earlier.The Japanese tech giant could only ship around 400,000 smartphones in the January to March period, down from 1 million units in the previous quarter. While Sony shipped a total of 3.2 million Xperia smartphones in the fiscal year 2019, shipments declined to 2.9 million units last year. Although Sony admits that its mobile communications business is...

The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro true wireless earbuds have quite the model name, but even if you have to take a breath in between the words there's plenty to like about these very powerful earbuds. The thing you should like the most is that they're on sale today, and we follow these earbuds so we know a good deal when we see it! Just clip the $30 off on-page coupon and get the Liberty Air 2 Pro for just $99.99 at Amazon. The coupon is available with every color, so get it in Black, Blue, Pink, or White. Check out Best Buy and some other retailers for more places you can find this deal.We consider the Liberty Air 2 Pro to be some of the best wireless earbuds around, and that's no surprise considering Anker regularly makes our list. Compared to previous generations, the Liberty Air 2 Pro definitely improve on the formula with some important changes.The active noise-cancelling on these earbuds don't just cancel out ambient noise and call it a day. You can actually customize wh...

Chatting with the AC forums.Aside from perhaps games or social media apps, there isn't anything we do more frequently on our phones than texting, or messaging, our friends, family, and contacts. One of the many great things about Android is that you are free to select which of the best SMS or best messaging apps you want to use as your default. Of course, you can always try multiple ones and customize many of them to your heart's delight.There are so many great options that even the team here at AC is a bit divided on which messaging apps are the best. However, we're always game to try new chat apps, so naturally, this thread on the AC forums caught our eye: rjack22 04-24-2021 11:44 AM “ I have a S21 phone and a Tab S7 tablet. I want a good texting app that will work on both and sync with each other. I am currently using the Samsung Message app but it leaves a lot to be desired. I am lookin...

The UEFA Champions League continues today as last year's finalists PSG play host to current Premier League leaders Man City. Don't miss a moment with our PSG vs Man City live stream guide.After dispatching last year's winners Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, PSG will be confident coming into this tough clash. The repeat of the 2020 final saw the Parisians come out on top on away goals after drawing 3-3 on aggregate.In the last round, Man City saw off German giants Borussia Dortmund 4-2 over two legs with a pair of 2-1 wins earning the Sky Blues a semi-final berth.Pep Guardiola's side will be buoyed after lifting the Carabao Cup at the weekend. In doing so, the side equalled Liverpool's record for the most League Cup wins with eight as well as the Reds' record for the most consecutive wins with four on the trot.PSG are also on a good run of form, winning four of their last five games in all competitions including a 5-0 win in the Coupe de France quarter-finals.With two o...

The Galaxy A51 offers camera and design upgrades, but the underlying hardware is unchanged from 2019.Under increased pressure from Chinese rivals, Samsung overhauled its budget strategy in 2019. The underwhelming Galaxy J series was gone, and the Galaxy A lineup essentially took its place. Samsung traditionally limited the Galaxy A series to the mid-range segment, but now it fields devices starting as low as $120 all the way to $600.The new-found change in focus also came with better product releases. The Galaxy A50 was one of the best budget Android phones you could buy in 2019, featuring great hardware, a fresh design, and decent cameras. In typical Samsung fashion, the company introduced an updated model six months down the line in the Galaxy A50s, and at the start of 2020, the Galaxy A51 made its debut.The Galaxy A51 is a continuation of what Samsung has been doing in this segment for the last two years. There are a few enticing changes — particularly around the camera si...

TCL took the wraps off its first self-made and own-branded Android phones in the TCL 10 series last year, and the inexpensive devices are even more affordable at Amazon right now. Ahead of the arrival of the TCL 20L series, these unlocked phones are available at record lows with as much as $135 off, dropping these devices back down to their Black Friday prices.The higher-end of the two on offer, the TCL 10 Pro, is on sale for just $314.99 unlocked. All you have to do to score the saving is clip the coupon on its product page for $135 off before you add it to your cart.The 10 Pro features a Snapdragon 675 octa-core processor and 6GB RAM. There's 128GB of internal storage with microSD card support. It sports a 6.47-inch FHD+ waterfall AMOLED display with an in-screen fingerprint processor and HDR 10 support. It's equipped with a quad-camera set-up, with a main 64MP shooter supplemented with a low-light video camera, a wide-angle lens, and a macro camera.The TCL 10L is the entry...

The PS5 has sold more than the PS4 during the same time period since launch.What you need to knowSony has posted its Q4 2020 fiscal year financial results.The company has revealed that it has sold a total of 7.8 million PS5 consoles so far.Sony's PlayStation Plus service now has 47.4 million monthly active users. Sony today shared its financial results for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2020. The company posted an operating profit of 66.5 billion yen ($610.8 million) during the period, thanks to a strong performance by its gaming, movie, and music divisions.The games and network services business saw an impressive 32% YoY increase in full-year sales, reaching 2.66 trillion yen ($24.6 billion). Operating profit, on the other hand, came in at 342 billion yen ($3.17 billion), up from 238 billion yen ($2.2 billion) last year. However, Sony notes that the division's operating income was dragged down by "loss resulting from strategic price points for PS5 hardware that we...