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Updated 2025-10-27 20:47
Protect your kids by setting up a supervised YouTube account
YouTube Kids has been around since 2015 and has grown into a great place for children to explore what YouTube has to offer safely. In 2021, the company is expanding ways for younger viewers to see more of what's available from the streaming service, along with a more mature interface with supervised accounts. Instead of a separate app, these accounts will use the official YouTube app, so knowing how to set up a supervised account for kids on Youtube is important.If you want to protect your child from some of the less than appropriate content that can be seen on YouTube, then you'll want to be sure to have the supervised account properly set up. YouTube announced supervised accounts as a way for kids aged 9+ to see to more of what the service offers while still under the guidelines set by their parent. So, whether you have picked up one of the best phones for kids or maybe a tablet like the Lenovo Smart Tab M10 HD that has Google's Kids Space for your child, here's how you can give ...
When the sun comes up, Google Assistant gets busy.
Sunrise and sunset routines are just another aspect of smart home automation that you can enable with Google Assistant. One of the best parts about having smart home products is letting Google Assistant and routines get things done for you that you'd normally have to do yourself. One common occurrence you should take advantage of is sunrise or sunset. Maybe you want your lights to turn on automatically when the sun sets. Maybe you want your smart screen to display the weather at sunrise. Whatever the case, it's easy to do with your smartphone, so let's get started.How to set up a sunrise or sunset routineYou can set a routine to start at sunrise or sunset, but it's buried in the app. Here's how to get there.Open the Google Home App.Tap Routines.Tap the + in the bottom right corner.Tap Add Starter.Tap Sunrise/sunset.Tap either Sunrise or Sunset.Tap Sunrise location.Tap the location where you want Google to track the event. You can choose any saved place or create a ...
Which AI assistant do you prefer to use?
Do you let Google Assistant take over your home? Or maybe you prefer Alexa?Google, Samsung, and Amazon all have AI assistants available on the best Android phones. Each of them have their pros and cons, but they all exist for one purpose; to make our lives just a little bit easier. Several other AI assistants are out there, like Microsoft's Cortana, but none of them have quite the reach that these do. With that in mind, we would like to know which AI assistant you prefer to use? Let us know in the comments why you chose one over the others.Which AI assistant do you prefer?Google Assistant and AlexaGoogle Assistant and Alexa both have a robust ecosystem, thanks to the vast amount of products behind them. Both companies have focused on growing their AI assistants through hardware like the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) and with products to turn your home into a connected home. Google Assistant takes this a step further by integrating with Android smartphones. ...
Should you use AiProtection on your Asus router?
Best answer: Yes! AiProtection is a software package included with many Asus routers that improves network security and adds in-depth parental controls for free.What is Asus AiProtection?The first and most important thing that AiProtection gets right is the cost. AiProtection is free for the lifetime of your router. Unlike some of its competitors like TP-Link Homeshield, Netgear Armor, or Eero Secure, AiProtection doesn't just give you a restricted version of its software, you get the whole thing for free.Neither AiProtection Pro nor AiProtection Classic cost any extra after you buy a supported Asus router. All of Asus' Wi-Fi 6 routers, some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers available, come with AiProtection built-in.AiProtection uses Trend Micro's cloud database to provide up-to-date security for your network. This data is used to power AiProtection's Intrusion Detection System, Malicious Site Blocking, Infected Device Detection and Blocking, and Content Filters. This software all...
The very best Motorola One 5G Ace cases
The Motorola One 5G Ace is one of Motorola's most affordable 5G phone to date, if not the most affordable. It has a big display, ample performance, and a massive battery — all at a great and affordable retail price. If you recently picked up a One 5G Ace or plan on doing so, here are a few case recommendations so you can keep your new phone in tip-top shape for years to come!Flex itCaseology Parallax LiteStaff PickFinished in matte black, this TPU case is totally flexible and offers sufficient protection via just a single layer and raised bezel. This is thanks to the inner defense pattern, which offers drop shock dispersion and air space technology, so you get far greater protection than the thin and lightweight case might suggest by looks alone.$16 at AmazonRugged and clearPoetic Guardian Series CaseGet ultra-rugged protection in a clear package with this case, including a hybrid shockproof bumper alongside a clear protective cover and a built-in screen ...
Entertainment Space doesn't mean that Google cares about tablets again
This new media browser is only here because tablets saw a resurgence during lockdowns and Google can make a few dollars from that.A new feature is coming to some Android tablets called Entertainment Space. It looks a lot like the Chromecast with Google TV interface and debuts on Walmart-branded tablets followed by select models from Lenovo and Sharp, though there's no indication that this will be a required thing for manufacturers to incorporate. Your Galaxy Tab S or any of the other best Android tablets may or may not see this feature.This new attention to tablets might be good news for any of us that are tablet fans, but I think it's important to look at the reason it happened. Google still doesn't care about Android tablets, but it does like quick solutions to capitalize on a once-in-a-lifetime sales jump.2020 kind of sucked. Most of us were stuck at home for at least a short period, and once all the cracks in the walls were counted, we needed something to help pass the time...
How to watch Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş: Live stream Turkish Süper Lig online
This derby clash between these two old Istanbul rivals looks set to determine who will walk away with this year's title as the Turkish Süper Lig reaches a thrilling climax.Follow our guide below on how to get a Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş live stream and watch all the action online no matter where you are in the world.The home side currently find themselves six points behind table-topping Beşiktaş in third with just three games remaining, with both teams separated by second-place side Fenerbahçe.After an indifferent campaign, Fatih Terim's Galatasaray appear to have found some form in recent weeks and come into this match on a six-game unbeaten run.That consistency may have come too late to earn them the championship, but the home side will be determined to step in the way of their neighbors from claiming their first title in four years.Beşiktaş have meanwhile lost just one of their last 16 Süper Lig matches, with Sergen Yalçın's men having thrashed Hatayspor 7-0 dur...
Man City vs Chelsea live stream: How to watch Premier League football
Manchester City are on the brink of Premier League glory as they welcome Chelsea to the Etihad. Don't miss a moment with our Man City vs Chelsea live stream guide.City could secure their seventh English top-flight title with a win today. With local rivals Manchester United the only side that can catch them, the Citizens could have already won the league had United failed to beat Liverpool last weekend. That game was postponed after fan protests meaning the chance to wrap up the title race is now in City's hands.Today's game is equally important to visitors Chelsea who are chasing down a top-four finish in order to qualify for next season's Champions League.In mid-week, both of the teams found safe passage to this season's Champions League final, setting up a second all-English final in three years.Man City denied French champions PSG a second successive final appearance with a Riyad Mahrez brace wrapping up a 4-1 aggregate win.After a 1-1 away leg, Chelsea used home advanta...
These are the cheapest data plans you can buy in the U.S.
Have a carrier in mind, or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are some of the cheapest data plans you can get.If you want to save money on your cell phone plan, there are more options than ever with new ways to save on the major carriers or by going with an MVNO. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or alternative carriers lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less. That being said, depending on your average usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Three could still be your least expensive option. Here are some of the cheapest data plans in the U.S. right now.Before choosing a planBefore choosing a carrier and/or a wireless plan, first determine your needs and usage habits. If this is your first smartphone, I'd like to firstly welcome you to the 21st Century and secondly encourage you to try out your options without getting yourself into any yearly or multi-year contracts. There are a ton of cheap unlocked phones to choose from that will give you the...
How to watch Global Citizen VAX Live: Stream the concert live from anywhere
With COVID-19 vaccines now beginning to be administered worldwide, Global Citizen is holding a special event to help raise donations and make sure everyone, everywhere has access to a vaccine that could potentially save their life. Hosted by multi-platinum recording artist, actress and producer Selena Gomez, VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World will air worldwide this weekend in an effort to raise money for the cause and promote equitable distribution of the vaccines around the globe. Global Citizen has also created a website where you can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.During the broadcast, viewers will be treated to performances by musical guests Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin and H.E.R., as well as appearances by President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, David Letterman, Gayle King, Jimmy Kimmel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Olivia Munn, and Sean Penn. Plus, esteemed guests Prince Harry and Meghan, The...
How to watch Giro d'Italia 2021: Live stream UCI WorldTour cycling online
The battle for the iconic maglia rosa kicks off this weekend in Italy as the world's best riders tackle cycling's most scenic and arguably most challenging stages. Read on to find out how to get a Giro d'Italia 2021 live stream, no matter where you are in the world.Taking place just seven months after last year's coronavirus-delayed edition of the race, this year's race covers over 3,500km of mountain climbs, sprints, and hills, across 21 calf-popping stages.The grueling schedule has four mountainous stages falling on consecutive days between Stage 6 to Stage 9 ahead of equally intimidating summit finishes on the infamous Monte Zoncolan (Stage 14) and Sega di Ala (Stage 17).Last year's surprise Giro winner Tao Geoghegan Hart won't be back to defend his title this time out, with the 104th edition of the race expected to be an open affair.Hart's Ineos Grenadier teammate Egan Bernal leads a trio of favorites to win this year's pink jersey, with the Colombian rider tipped to batt...
How to watch Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid: Live stream La Liga online
Spain's top tier is going right down to the wire, with two of the title contenders going toe to toe on Saturday at Camp Nou. Follow our guide below on how to get a La Liga live stream and watch Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid online no matter where you are in the world.Barcelona are in hot pursuit of leaders Atlético Madrid and could overtake Diego Simeone's side with a win at home in this crucial encounter, while a win for the away side would see them open up a seemingly unassailable five-point gap at the top.The match comes ahead of Real Madrid's equally vital clash with Sevilla later on Saturday evening in a set of fixtures that could define where the Championship heads to in what looks set to be the best finish to the Spanish title race for years.With the hosts looking deadly up front, but equally vulnerable at the back, coupled with the all-or-nothing situation Barça find themselves in, the match is unlikely to be a cagey affair with goals very much expected.Read on for ...
How to watch Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow on Fantracks live from anywhere
Spend the day with mom, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, and several other talented musicians this weekend during the Fantracks virtual Mother's Day Rocks concert. This one-day-only event is giving audience members livestream access to back-to-back concerts featuring women who truly rock.The first show of the day is Decades Rock Live Featuring Bonnie Raitt, recorded live at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event features Bonnie Raitt performing tracks like "Something to Talk About", "Love Letter", "You" and "I Don't Want Anything to Change" with her talented friends such as Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss, Keb' Mo' and Jon Cleary.Sheryl Crow Live At The Capitol Theatre begins just after Bonnie's concert and sees the iconic musician performing on the final night of her "Be Myself" tour. The show is held at the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York and also features an exclusive interview with Sheryl at her farm in Nashville....
Best free VPN services 2021: The top free VPN options worth trying out
Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily workflow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2021, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Best Free VPN service 20211. ProtonVPN2. Hotspot Shield3. Windscribe4. TunnelBear5. Hide.me6. SpeedifyFree VPNs aren't for everyoneA note about free VPN optionsThere are a bunch of great free VPN options (which we've highlighted lower on this page), but it's worth noting that these aren't the best picks for everyone. With fr...
Google Assistant is so happy about vaccines that it will sing you a song
Google Assistant should stick to its day job.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant celebrates the COVID-19 vaccine with a song."The Vaccine Song" praises scientists for the record time that vaccines were developed.Just ask Google Assistant to sing the song and... judge for yourself.Google Assistant is apparently very happy about the COVID-19 vaccine, so much so that it now has a song titled "The Vaccine Song" that it will sing to you if you ask it to.It works on smart speakers like the Nest Audio, but if you ask it to since on any of the best Android phones, you get to enjoy the experience with on-screen lyrics, complete with emojis.The Vaccine Song celebrates the vaccine's ability to protect and help prevent severe illnesses from contracting COVID-19 while praising the record time that it took for scientists to develop the vaccines.The song won't win any Grammy awards, but it at least rhymes. Google Assistant tends to lean a bit heavily on the autotune, but it's no...
These are the best Garmin smartwatches you can buy
If you've ever searched for the best fitness tracker or best Android smartwatch, you might be familiar with Garmin, which designs various wearables that cater to both the smartwatch and fitness crowds. When you're looking for a perfect mix of both, the Vivoactive 4 is the best Garmin smartwatch you can buy. Whether you're a professional athlete or a first-time runner, there are many fantastic choices here.Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 might be a year old now, but it's overflowing with features that make it a worthy upgrade from the previous model. You'll now have your pick between two sizes: 45 mm and 40 mm. The larger model gives you an extra day of battery life in smartwatch mode at eight days. It'll last six hours when it's in GPS and music mode. The smaller model dips down to seven days and five hours, respectively.As for the good stuff, you'll have all of the essentials, like built-in GPS, smartphone notifications, Garmin Pay, and 5 ATM water r...
Here's a simple way you can port your number with Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier operating on T-Mobile's network that sells its plans in multi-month bundles so you can save money. You can buy three, six, or 12 months at a time. Plans come in 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or even unlimited and include 5G. Should you decide to try out Mint Mobile, porting your number from another carrier is a fairly simple and painless process.Products used in this guideUnlimited calls, texts, and 4GB: Mint Mobile ($45 for three months at Mint Mobile)Unlocked with LTE and 5G: Samsung Galaxy S20 5G ($790 at Amazon)Bring your number to MintBefore starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your old service before moving to Mint, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number — at least, not without going through a much more tedious process.Once you've decided on a plan and received your Mint Mobile SIM card, starting the porting p...
The Oculus Quest 2 might be officially getting Android apps soon
You might never need to take off your headset again!What you need to knowOne user found the ability to officially install Android apps on their Quest 2 via the Oculus Store.Any Android app can currently be installed to an Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2, but it must be sideloaded.A Facebook rep wouldn't confirm or deny the feature to Android Central.Like most mobile electronics devices these days, the Oculus Quest 2 is powered by Android. In fact, sideloading apps on Quest 2 can open up an entirely new world of apps and games, including the very same apps you can use on an Android-powered phone or tablet. While playing VR games on a VR headset is probably going to give you the best overall experience, being able to play the best Android games and run social apps on your Quest 2 transforms it into a device with a very different purpose.Interestingly enough, one user on Twitter seems to have stumbled on what appears to be an official way to load popular Android apps straight...
Google pulls a fast one on Roku by putting YouTube TV in the YouTube app
YouTube TV will be accessible through the YouTube app on Roku.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out an update for Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from the YouTube app.The move acts as a workaround to Roku removing the YouTube TV app from its channel store.The two companies are reportedly still negotiating the terms of YouTube TV on Roku devices.Google has just introduced a new update to the YouTube app on the best Roku devices that will make YouTube TV accessible from within the app. The new option to "Go to YouTube TV" will be available on the left sidebar of the main YouTube app.The move comes after Roku removed the YouTube TV app from its Channel Store after negotiations with Google apparently broke down over the terms of the app. Google reportedly asked Roku to provide a dedicated row for YouTube search results, and Roku has accused Google of "unfair and anti-competitive requirements to manipulate your search results."In a blog post about th...
Tile trackers will soon work with Amazon's Sidewalk network
Tracking just got a lot easier.What you need to knowAmazon's Sidewalk will soon integrate with Tile trackers.This newfound support will roll out from June 14.Amazon also announced additional integration with Level.Keeping track of your things is about to get easier than ever with a collaboration between Amazon and Tile. From June 14th, Tile trackers will now work with Amazon's Sidewalk, extending the Tile network's coverage to include even Amazon Echo devices.Last year, Amazon Echos gained support for Sidewalk, adding to the pre-existing Ring support, but this is the first major non-Amazon tracker network to integrate with Tile.CJ Prober, CEO of Tile, said: Tile helps millions of people every day find their things, and we're always looking for opportunities to enhance the finding experience for our customers. To that end, working with Amazon to extend our finding network by securely connecting to Amazon Sidewalk devices like Echo smart speakers was an obvious choice...
Make sure you pair your Raspberry Pi with one of the best cases
The Raspberry Pi is an absolutely incredible little computing machine. Powered by Linux, if there's an idea that you can think of, chances are, you'll be able to use a Raspberry Pi to get it done. But there will be times when you need to find the best Raspberry Pi cases, especially if you don't want to use the ones included with the best Raspberry Pi kits. We've rounded up some of our favorites, but really, there are so many great options at your disposal.Best Raspberry Pi 4 CasesThe Raspberry Pi 4 is the newest standalone board to be released, making it the obvious first choice for everyone. But once you've acquired the board, you might want to start looking at some different cases, and thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from. Ranging from just having a basic case or using one that provides the ability to add an NVME M.2 SSD to your Pi, there's something here for everyone.Best for Pi 4Flirc Raspberry Pi 4 CaseStaff PickIf you're not looking for a bunch o...
6 things I wish I knew before playing Resident Evil Village
Maybe it's just me, but I wish I knew these six things before playing.Resident Evil Village is now out, and with it comes one of the most terrifying and enjoyable games we've played in a long time. However, like any Resident Evil title and even some other horror games, it's not the most straightforward. Sometimes, if you haven't played a Resident Evil game before, some of its mechanics won't make any sense. Other times, new features for longtime fans might not be well-explained. So while you might know how to figure out where to go, you might not know how to sell items at the new merchant, run by the Duke. You'll especially want to read our tips if you're new to the series. If you are an old-timer, why not check it out anyway and see if there's something you missed.1. Run during the first Lycan fightWhen you first get to the village, you'll be quickly attacked by a Lycan. However, that'll soon turn into a pack out to get you. You have to survive. You'll have a handgun and a s...
Zuckerberg talks Oculus Quest Pro, no Kids Quest or Horizon any time soon
Zuckerberg waxes poetic on the future of social VR and new Quest Pro hardware.What you need to knowQuest Pro isn't coming in 2021, but it will feature enhanced performance and new sensors when it eventually debuts.Facebook is not currently considering a way for kids to make accounts or to officially use VR headsets, despite the growing userbase.Facebook Horizon is the company's big push for how social networking should look and work in VR, and they're waiting until it "feels right" to open it up to the public.The Oculus Quest 2 may have debuted only 6 months ago, but Facebook is already thinking ahead to what the future of VR can look like for a broader Oculus Quest ecosystem. In an interview with CNET, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg talked about several topics related to VR, including upcoming Oculus Quest Pro hardware, the possibility of kids Facebook accounts and accompanying hardware, as well as how he views Facebook Horizon's role in remote work and after-hours playtime....
Cable is still a better source of internet than 5G for most people
Best answer: No. Unless you have access to mmWave 5G, cable internet will be faster. For some rural customers, though, 5G may be the best option.Do you have mmWave coverage?For most of us, 5G is not better than cable for home internet, but it's a great second option for a select few. If you've moved to a new home, you likely only have one option for wired high-speed internet, and that's cable. A good cable modem paired with a great Wi-FI 6 router can deliver very fast download speeds with good ping times, but it's far from perfect. Still, a 5G connection with a good signal can deliver comparable download speeds with improved upload speeds as long as you've got coverage.Cable requires a coaxial cable to be run from your house or apartment to a utility pole or distribution box. While these cables are fairly robust, every connection is a potential point of failure, and if something goes wrong, it can be hard to get it fixed. 5G removes that point of failure, and your modem only ne...
Microsoft may have just killed its answer to Chrome OS and Chromebooks
Microsoft reportedly gives up on Windows 10X, its streamlined Chrome OS competitor.What you need to knowMicrosoft is reportedly halting the development of Windows 10X and won't release it this year.The OS was meant to make Windows compete better with more affordable Chromebooks.Microsoft will apparently focus its efforts on the full version of Windows 10.According to a new report from Petri (via Windows Central), Microsoft is putting its Windows 10X platform on hold and will not release it this year. The news comes a year after Microsoft decided to scale down its Chrome OS competitor to work on single-screen devices instead of dual-screen ones.The report claims that Microsoft has shifted its focus on modernizing Windows 10, which will likely include elements that were meant to arrive with Windows 10X. This may come in the form of the Sun Valley update that's expected for Windows 10 devices later this year.Windows 10X was announced in 2019 as Microsoft's answer to Chrome...
Which default hard drive is best for PS4 games on PS5? We can help!
With an 825GB SSD, every gigabyte of space on your PS5 is precious. That's why you don't want to waste it with PS4 games, especially when PS5 games need to be played from their internal SSD. To make your lives easier so that you don't have to constantly transfer games back and forth, you can set an external hard drive as your default drive for PS4 game downloads. Doing so is easy, and it should save you a lot of time. It may not be as fast as the PS5's SSD, but an external drive can play PS4 games just fine.Turn on your PS5. Plug in a compatible external hard drive into one of the back USB Type-A ports (the front USB port will not work because it is not Superspeed). Go to Settings.Select Storage.Select USB Extended Storage.Toggle on Always Install PS4 Games to USB Extended Storage. Can I select a default hard drive for PS5 games?Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you can select a default hard drive for PS5 games at this time. While a recent update finally made it po...
OPPO commits to three years of security updates for the Find X3 Pro
The phone will still receive only two Android version upgrades.What you need to knowOPPO has promised that its flagship Find X3 series phones will receive software support for at least three years.It isn't clear if the company plans to roll out three Android version upgrades to the Find X3 series. Until now, OPPO has been providing only two years of software support to its flagship phones.OPPO's Find X3 Pro is one of the best Android phones that the company has released so far, featuring a gorgeous design and a fantastic 120Hz AMOLED display. To make it an even better alternative to the Galaxy S21 Ultra, OPPO has now promised that the Find X3 Pro will receive three years of software support.OPPO confirmed to Dutch publication Android Planet that the Find X3 series phones will get an extra year of security updates. While OPPO doesn't have a great track record when it comes to software support, most of its phones receive security patches for up to two years. The report sugg...
YouTube could be getting new music controls for Premium subscribers
A new YouTube update wants to make streaming music better.What you need to knowYouTube is testing a new 'listening controls' feature that'll make playing music better on its mobile app.Previously, the app would prompt users to open the dedicated YouTube Music app when streaming music.It's currently only available to YouTube Premium subscribers.Google is testing out a new feature for the YouTube app that'll make playing music without switching to YouTube Music more elegant. Currently, it's possible to play both music and videos on the YouTube app. While playing music, the app often prompts users to switch to YouTube Music for a dedicated music experience. Not all users may have warmed up to this context switching, so Google's bringing the metaphorical mountain to those customers who refuse to switch.With this new experience (spotted by 9to5Google), YouTube will now display a different interface for music that's more akin to music streaming apps than it is to a video app....
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus: Echo over Plus?
Returning EchoAmazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen)$100 at AmazonProsSmaller and better fitHands-free Alexa accessImproved ANC performanceMaintains EQ supportGreat support on both iOS and AndroidFaster chargingConsNo real difference in battery lifeNo multipoint BluetoothFinicky touch controlsThe second-gen Echo Buds are Amazon's latest effort to improve upon their debut earbuds, and the results are largely focused on getting more out of the audio from the start. A smaller size and better fit, plus active noise cancelation only serve to make these newer buds worthy successors.Sticking aroundSamsung Galaxy Buds Plus$110 at AmazonProsLong battery lifeGreat soundUSB-C and wireless chargingAmbient modeCustomizable gesturesGreat color optionsConsNo ANC or ANR supportGlossy case gets messyThe Galaxy Buds Plus were the first real leap forward for Samsung when it came to making better wireless earbuds, and they remain a pretty solid option. Th...
Amazon Prime Day postponed in India and Canada over rising COVID-19 cases
The two-day discount event is expected to be held in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, and a few other countries next month.What you need to knowAmazon has decided to pause its Prime Day event in India and Canada due to COVID-19,In other countries, however, the event will continue as planned. Last year, Amazon had to delay Prime Day in the U.S. until mid-October due to the pandemic. Amazon is delaying its annual Prime Day event in India and Canada over concerns about rising COVID-19 cases in the two countries (via CNBC). While the company hasn't announced new dates for Prime Day in India and Canada yet, the two-day event will likely be held a few months later than previously planned.This isn't the first time that Amazon has had to postpone Prime Day due to the pandemic. Last year, it had to push Prime Day to mid-October in the U.S. Amazon's 2020 Prime Day was held in India in August, as the COVID-19 outbreak had started to slow down in the country. This year, howeve...
WhatsApp backtracks on forcing privacy policy, will still bug you about it
WhatsApp will keep sending you reminders to accept new policy.What you need to knowWhatsApp won't delete or deactivate your account on May 15.If will keep sending you reminders to accept the new privacy policy.Some functionalities might be limited.WhatsApp will not be deactivating or deleting accounts on May 15, despite saying it would do so earlier this year if you didn't accept its new privacy policy.A spokesperson said in an email to Android Central that the company will keep sending reminders to users in the weeks to come about accepting the policy. Users who have not accepted the policy will also have "limited account functionality."Those limited functionalities include not being able to access your chat list (but you will still be able to answer incoming phone and video calls). If you have notifications enabled, you will be able to tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed phone or video call.WhatsApp said that after "a few weeks of limit...
These are the best bands for the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3
Fitbit continues to deliver industry-leading smartwatches designed to impress on multiple fronts, and the two latest smartwatches are no exception. You'll want to be sure you find the best Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 bands for your needs. Keep in mind that both of these wearables are only compatible with Fitbit's new infinity band system. Therefore, the old bands from previous models won't work. On to bigger and better things! Check out some of our favorite options below.Get sportyAdepoy Waterproof Sport Silicone (3-Pack)Staff PickIf you're seeking a durable watch band with plenty of ventilation, you'll want to check out the waterproof sport bands from Adepoy. You can seamlessly switch between workouts and the office with these soft, lightweight bands. This 3-pack comes in a variety of color options.$10 at AmazonBreathable comfortHAPAW Nylon BandWhen you're looking for a lightweight design that's comfortable and breathable, the nylon bands from HAPAW are a goo...
The best wheels to take your PS4 & PS5 racing to the next level
If you're looking to get into console-based sim racing, then the PS4 and PS5 are strong places to be. Not only does Sony have a strong first-party title in Gran Turismo, but it's well supported by third-party offerings like F1 and Project Cars. To take your experience to the next level, a wheel is a sound investment, and the good news is that there are some really awesome choices for the PlayStation. This includes the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT, which is the best option for most people.Best Overall: Thrustmaster T300 RS GTThe T300 RS GT isn't the most expensive wheel, nor is it the most feature-packed or advanced when it comes to the tech inside. However, for most people, what it is is a fantastic all-rounder that balances all of these things. It's approachable for newcomers with an attractive price, yet still delivers a quality experience.It might be a Gran Turismo-branded product, but it's great for all racing games on PS4, PS5, and PC. The wheel rim itself is 11 inches in dia...
Diablo Immortal: Closed Alpha, release date, everything you need to know
Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since its announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of Diablo Immortal footage, including some gameplay.With the first Technical Alpha for Diablo Immortal having been released in 2020, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Closed Alpha Paragon levelingPvP gameplay What is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is t...
Catch AC's Alex Dobie and MrMobile on the Seriously? podcast!
Does 5G live up to the hype? And what's next for mobile tech?Will 5G seriously change the world? Should you buy a new phone right now just because it supports the latest in networking tech? Android Central's Alex Dobie, the one and only MrMobile (a.k.a. Michael Fisher) and TechRadar's John McCann join host Matt Phillips on episode 5 of the Seriously? podcast to debate the future of 5G. The next-generation cellular tech is used in some of the best Android phones of the moment, like Samsung's Galaxy S21 series, but is often viewed as being over-hyped and underwhelming in its current form.The discussion touches on everything from 5G-enabled game streaming to whether you're really getting full 5G speeds when you see that little icon in your status bar. At the other end of the spectrum, the panel talk about 5G's potential to bring faster, lag-free connectivity to more remote areas. And what does the future hold for a possible 6G spec in the decades ahead?And, of course, it wouldn'...
Is the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G better than Google's Pixel 4a 5G?
Bring on the salesSamsung Galaxy A52 5G$500 at Samsung$500 at Amazon$500 at Best BuyProsLarger 120Hz screenGreat battery lifeFour years of security updatesIP67 water resistanceTons of carrier incentivesConsNo mmWave supportScreen washes outWeaker cameras, especially at nightSamsung tailored this phone for carriers. As a result, not only do we get a pretty solid phone, whether you're buying it unlocked or with carrier incentives, but we also get a phone that punches above its price point in most categories. Battery life is great, performance is steady most of the time, and even the cameras do pretty decently during the day. The only downside is that the 120Hz screen doesn't get as bright as the competition.Camera championGoogle Pixel 4a 5G$499 at Amazon$500 at Best Buy$499 at B&HProsFaster software updatesBetter camera processingmmWave model availableMore consistent performanceConsSmaller 60Hz screenNo water resistanceT...
Samorost 3 is the most visually striking mobile game I've played in years
Is music the missing puzzle piece in the mystery of the universe?I've been playing a lot of newer games recently, so this week I thought I'd sift through the bottomless abyss of games I missed to try and find any lost treasures. Boy howdy, did I find a doozy of a game in Samorost 3!Samorost 3 gives me a feeling that is profoundly hard to describe. Samorost is beautiful, whimsical, intricate and charming. And yet it is also somehow disturbing. Maybe it's the muted color palette. Maybe it's the feeling of isolation that you get from thinking about the emptiness of space for too long. Maybe it's that so many things in this strange little world appear to be covered in hair. Whatever it is that makes Samorost so unique, it leaves an unmistakable impression in its wake. This is best Android games quality we're talking about here, folks.The development team has stated that it drew inspiration for Samorost's art direction from the animated works of Yuriy Norshteyn, one of the most ...
Save hundreds on laptops, 4K TVs, or headphones in Best Buy's 3-day sale
Have you been contemplating a new purchase? Whatever it might be, there's a good chance you're going to save on it this weekend because Best Buy has a huge 3-day sale featuring tons of electronics all down to low prices. We're talking about all kinds of savings from price matching deals on Amazon's smart devices to taking as much as $400 off popular 4K Smart TVs. That's just the tip of the iceberg, too. Save on true wireless earbuds, a new laptop, active noise-cancelling headphones, video games, smartphones, and more.Grab the AeroGarden Sprout down to just $59.99 this weekend. We shared a deal on it a couple weeks ago when it dropped to $70 because that was a good price back then. Today you can save another $10 and take a shot at growing some indoor herbs and veggies.These indoor gardens are great because they use bright LED lights instead of the sun for photosynthesis and they grow in water instead of soil. That means you can put them just about anywhere and you'll never create ...
Google Chrome's casting feature is about to get a lot better
You will also be able to adjust the volume directly from Chrome when casting content.What you need to knowGoogle is working on further improving global media controls in Chrome.You will soon see a row of shortcuts to available targets in the media picker, similar to media controls on Android 11.Google might also add a volume slider and mute button to cast session notifications. Google rolled out global media controls in Chrome last year, making it easier for users to manage audio and video playback. A spotted by an eagle-eyed Redditor, Google is now planning to make a few more changes to media controls in Chrome to make casting easier.An entry in the Chromium Gerrit reveals Google will be adding a row of shortcuts to cast targets at the bottom of the media picker. Users will be able to view a full list of cast targets by clicking on an arrow button to the right. As can be seen in the screenshots below, the revamped media picker in Chrome will look fairly similar to media ...
Project Treble's success means Android 12 will come to Samsung phones fast
I think Samsung will have Android 12 ready to go by the time the next flagship series is released.There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying a new Android phone, and every model has its own specific things that make it great. You'll also find a Samsung Galaxy phone at the top or near the top of any best phone list out there, and for good reason: they combine awesome hardware with meaningful features that draw in plenty of users. Small complaints aside (we all have those with every phone), I think Samsung killed it with the Galaxy S21, and I'm not surprised when someone says it's up there with the best Android phones you can buy. You can't deny that the Galaxy S21 is one of the best Android phones you can buy right now.Google also makes some great phones like the Pixel 5, and when it comes to the company's yearly flagship, it has two things that make it stand out: the best camera of any mobile device and instant updates to new Android versions. While companies like S...
The best car phone holder for your phone
The best car phone holders make sure your phone is secure and within reach while safely operating your vehicle. When you're on the go, your phone is more than just a tool for keeping in touch. It's your road trip DJ, your trusty navigator, and for safety's sake, you need to mount it up securely. Your hands need to be on the wheel, not your phone, and you don't need to be looking down for directions at highway speeds. We've gathered up a list of some excellent options for universal car phone holders and mounts for your needs.Brand poweriOttie Easy One Touch 5Staff PickiOttie's Easy One Touch 5 is a great option that's easy to articulate however you like, thanks to a telescopic arm. It also comes in four mount styles, including a cupholder one, so you have options.$25 at Amazon $30 at Best Buy $25 at WalmartBest for rental carsMaxboost Car MountBest Magnetic MountMaxboost's car mount slides into a vent on one side, and securely sticks to a phone with the four magn...
Samsung's One UI 4.0 needs to have these five new features
As good as Samsung's software currently is, there's still room for improvement later in 2021.Samsung's One UI software is at the heart of many of the best Android phones out there, like the Galaxy S21 series. The company's smartphone UI has come a long way since the days of TouchWiz (a.k.a. the old, bad Samsung UI), and the current One UI version 3.1 boasts fast performance slick animations and a rich feature set.Nevertheless, there's always room for improvement, and Samsung's position as the leading Android manufacturer in the West means that expectations are high for the upcoming One UI 4.0 update. After three years of One UI, we've rounded the top five things we want to see in the next version.1. No more ads There's no excuse for unblockable push ads on a $1000+ phone.In the U.S. in particular, Samsung phones have become notorious for aggressively pushing ads, often in the form of notifications, to its users' devices. While it is possible to turn off ads on a Samsun...
T-Mobile's strategy to stay ahead of Verizon is all about 'stickiness'
Experts think the carrier is doing what it can to be number one, but also to eventually onboard customers to more expensive plans.T-Mobile's move to add free lines to bolster wireless net additions is a tactic to make itself the winner, but in the long run, the carrier wants to "cross-sell and upsell," and get more customers on expensive plans, experts say.On May 4, the carrier posted its Q1 2021 earnings indicating it added nearly 800,000 new post-paid customers with an increase in revenue of $19.8 billion. The carrier, which some argue to be one of the best wireless carriers in the U.S., is still merging Sprint's network with its own.T-Mobile also reported that its net income remained flat "as higher revenues were offset by expense increases as a result of the Sprint Merger, including merger-related costs."Roger Entner, a telecom analyst and founder of Recon Analytics, said in an interview that even if those free lines don't add revenue to T-Mobile, they add "stickiness," a...
Do you miss small phones?
Chatting with the AC forums.As much as I love the bright, vivid, high-refresh displays on larger phones like the OnePlus 9 or Samsung Galaxy Note 20, there's something refreshing about using a more one-handed friendly phone like the Google Pixel 4a. For me, there's a dose of nostalgia for the days when the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was considered a beast, but it's also easier and more comfortable to use a small phone one-handed. And that's not even taking into account the conveniences a smaller form factor brings to those of us who have smaller pockets to stuff larger and larger phones into. Will we see the Android equivalent of the Apple iPhone 12 mini anytime soon, or are foldables our hope for more pocketable phones?It's not a new debate, but it's one that keeps coming up in certain circles, including the AC forums: Kuldip Wagh 05-06-2021 10:43 PM “ 1. Samsung OneUI has become much better, cleane...
Netflix wants to give you insider access with a new 'N-Plus' service
The service could give users a chance to "influence" the development of planned shows before filming is completed.What you need to knowNetflix is reportedly working on a new "N-Plus" service.The service will include podcasts, custom TV show playlists, how-tos, and more. At this point, it is unclear when the service will be launched. Netflix is toying with the idea of rolling out a new service called N-Plus, according to a report from Protocol. The streaming giant recently sent out a survey to some users, asking them if they would be interested in accessing new content such as podcasts, user-generated playlists, how-tos, and more.Netflix describes N-Plus as a "future online space where you can learn more about the best Netflix shows and things related to them." Until now, Netflix has been posting behind-the-scenes interviews, podcasts, and other similar content through YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms.Along with behind-the-scenes content, however, N-P...
How to watch season 3 of Shrill online from anywhere
Changing your life and making it as a journalist is no small task but that is exactly what Annie Easton has done in Hulu's hit comedy Shrill and we have all the details on how you can watch the final season of the show online.Based on the book Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West, the series first premiered on Hulu back in 2019. Set in Portland, Oregon, Shrill stars American actress and comedian Aidy Bryant who is known for her work on Saturday Night Live.At the beginning of the series, Annie was an overweight young woman who wanted to change her life but not her body. Although the world around her deemed her not good enough because of her weight, Annie soon realized that she's just as good as anyone else and decided to act on it. However, in order to get the assignments she wanted to write about, Annie had to win over and convince her perfectionist boss Gabe Parrish (John Cameron Mitchell) that she had what it takes.The third and final season of the show finds Annie e...
Moto G Stylus (2020) review: This pen isn't actually mightier
Motorola's $230 budget beauty can't rise above an extremely competitive landscape.I've said it many times, but I firmly believe that Motorola's Moto G line changed the world, and why we had to give you a Moto G Stylus review. It brought down the cost of good-enough Android phones to the point where it was finally possible to recommend them to people; it opened the door for millions of people around the world to take advantage of what the operating system could do without the hardware getting in the way. And over the years, it's managed to iterate and evolve without losing the fundamental tenets of what made the original so compelling in the first place.But under Lenovo's tutelage, the Moto G line has exploded in volume and complexity, and instead of following up 2019's superb Moto G7 series with the Moto G8 in North America, the company reset the brand entirely, releasing two phones under the names Moto G Power and this one, the Moto G Stylus. All of this success is what keeps mo...
Why Samsung's 2021 Galaxy A series is more important than the Galaxy S
Samsung needs the Galaxy A series to continue its 5G dominance.Samsung is the world's largest smartphone manufacturer by some margin; in Q1 2021, the South Korean manufacturer sold 76.1 million phones around the world and had a 22% market share. While Samsung traditionally relied on its flagships for a bulk of the revenue from its mobile business, it is increasingly turning to the mid-range and budget segments to bolster growth.The Galaxy S21 series was well-received following its debut earlier this year, but there won't be a Galaxy Note this year, with Samsung shifting focus to foldables, like the upcoming Z Fold 3.Looking back at the ten best-selling phones last year, Samsung did not have any Galaxy S or Note models in the list. However, it did have four models in the Galaxy A series, with the Galaxy A51 narrowly losing out to the iPhone 11 as the best-selling phone of 2020. That particular device was joined by the budget-focused Galaxy A01, A11, and A21s. Samsung's decis...
The best Android launchers for your phone 2021
Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park. Everyone has their perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.The best launchersBest Overall Smart Launcher 5Resurging Legacy Nova LauncherSwiss Army Launcher Action LauncherBest Productivity Microsoft LauncherQuick and Simple Niagara LauncherHonorable Mention Lawnchair 2Best Overall: Smart Launcher 5 AC Score 5 ...
Best Pixel 4a Deals of May 2021: Pixel 4a 5G from $5/month and more
Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: as low as $5/monthPixel 4a: up to $130 offGoogle Pixel 4a 5G | $5/month at VerizonThis 5G model of the Google Pixel 4a is now available at Verizon for as low as $5 per month! You'll just need to add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal. Another option at Verizon earns you up to $200 back with the device's purchase...
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