Latest from Android Central

Acer announced this Chromebook half a year ago, but it is yet to launch widely.What you need to knowPricing for the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 has gone live on Acer's U.S. website.It'll cost $480 for the cheapest model and $500 for the most expensive configuration so far.It currently retails at £399 in the UK.Acer's first Snapdragon-powered Chromebook, the Chromebook 513, is going to go on sale in the U.S. soon. While Acer had announced it would be coming in February, the month came and went with little follow-up from the company. This week, the folks over at AboutChromebooks spotted the 513 on Acer's website complete with pricing information. It's a bit of a change from the $400 that Acer promised when it was coming, with the 513 now setting customers back $480.The 513, Acer's first Chromebook with a Snapdragon processor, has been an interesting project to watch from a distance. With both Apple and Microsoft moving towards powerful ARM processors, Google's Chrome OS has l...

By now, you've probably seen iOS users tweeting and posting about Clubhouse, an audio-based social network that, for the moment, is limited to iPhones only. No need to feel too left out, though. Twitter has developed its own version of the platform called Spaces, which integrates directly into the Twitter app you likely already have on your phone. The whole layout may seem a bit confusing at first, but it's addictingly simple to use once you get the hang of it. Let's take a look at how to use Twitter Spaces for Android.How to use Twitter SpacesOpen the Twitter app.You'll see any active Spaces highlighted in purple in the strip above your timeline, right alongside Fleets. Tap a space to preview the attendees.Tap Join this space to automatically enter a space and begin listening to the ongoing conversation.Speakers will be displayed at the top of the list. You can request to become a speaker by tapping the Request button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.Once accepted ...

Subscriptions will make it easier for developers to launch premium and free-to-play experiences.What you need to knowFacebook has upgraded the Oculus Store with Oculus subscriptions, a new way to subscribe to participating apps each month.Individual apps have their own subscription costs and are designed to deliver fresh content every month, as well as additional perks.Oculus subscriptions should open the way for more free-to-play content and help developers earn new revenue streams, as well as provide access to players who might not otherwise pay for a title upfront.When you look at the mobile game landscape, many of the best Android games are of the free-to-play variety. That means you can download the game and play for free but, often, developers will give you ways of purchasing content at your leisure. Up to this point, the same type of experience wasn't readily available on platforms like the Oculus Quest 2, but Facebook is changing that today with Oculus subscriptions...

The Samsung Galaxy A52 could end up being one of the best cheap Android phones of the year and will definitely be a competitor for the next few years. Chances are that you've already found one of the best Galaxy A52 cases, so you'll want to make sure that the display and cameras are protected from potential scratches. We've rounded up some of the best Galaxy A52 screen protectors to ensure that you don't worry about the display getting mucked up.All the boxesIVSO Tempered Glass (6-pack)Staff PickBubble-free installation? Check. Tempered glass? Check. Case-friendly? Check. This six-pack of tempered glass screen protectors from IVSO hits all the marks for those looking to keep the Galaxy A52 screen looking in tip-top shape. Oh, and there are even three lens protectors included if you want to keep the camera glass safe from scratches.$14 at AmazonUse filmSupershieldz High Definition Clear Shield (6-pack)Tempered glass is cool and all, but it can be real finicky...

UK readers will be familiar with Three and well used to seeing its fantastic value SIM-only offerings but the network just kicked off a brand new SIM deal that is well worth a look if you want to save on your phone bill.The deal gets you a huge 30GB of data for just £10 per month, making this one of Three's best offerings to date. You'll also get unlimited texts and unlimited minutes as part of the 12-month deal, plus Three doesn't charge any extra for 5G connectivity. The deal is only available for a limited time, so you don't have long to snag it.Don't waitThree 30GB SIM-only dealThree UK's latest SIM-only discount gives you a huge data allowance and 5G connectivity for only £10 per month on a 12-month plan. The deal is only available for a limited time.See at ThreeIf the price alone isn't enough to sway you, you'll be pleased to know that Three throws in a bunch of other perks to help you save some cash.Personal Hotspot, for example, is included so you can use yo...

Best answer: No, Clubhouse isn't available for Android yet, but a tentative launch date is confirmed for some time in May 2021. For now, it's only available by invitation and exclusively for iPhone users.What is Clubhouse?Launched in 2020, Clubhouse is an exclusive, members-only audio chat social networking app that lets users enter and leave different virtual chat rooms, listen in on discussions on a wide variety of topics, and even, in some cases, participate in them. You can enter and leave a room at will, exploring the various talks going on at any given time, and create a room to start your own talk if desired.The app, created by software developers Alpha Exploration Co., has enjoyed tremendous success with its exclusive group of members, catapulting to a more than $1 billion valuation by January 2021, not even a year after launch.The app does not allow you to share videos, photos, or even text. It's exclusively for audio chats. The virtual rooms are places where membe...

A few other Galaxy A and M series phones are also expected to receive the One UI 3.1 update in the coming weeks.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy M30s and Galaxy A60 phones have started receiving the One UI 3.1 update.While the Galaxy M30s had received the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update in February, the Galaxy A60 is directly making the jump to One UI 3.1. Besides the new One UI 3.1 features, the update also brings the March 2021 Android security patch to the two phones.Samsung recently rolled out the One UI 3.1 update to some of its best cheap Android phones — including the Galaxy A51, Galaxy A21s, and Galaxy M21. The company has now released the One UI 3.1 update for two more devices: Galaxy M30s and Galaxy A60.As per a report from XDA Developers, the One UI 3.1 update arrives as version M307FXXU4CUD1 for the Galaxy M30s and weighs around 750MB in size. Along with several new One UI 3.1 features, the update also includes the March 2021 Android security patch....

The new Samsung Galaxy A32 5G smartphone is dubbed one of the most affordable, if not the most affordable, premium 5G devices currently on the market. Equipped with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, quad rear cameras, 5,000mAh battery, and 15W fast charging, it packs many features in a sleek package. And you'll want to protect that investment with a case. We've rounded up a selection of the best Samsung Galaxy A32 5G cases you can find to accompany your purchase of this new phone.Full-body protectionPULEN Full Body CaseStaff PickGet full, 360-degree coverage of the precious smartphone with this case that consists of a rugged front cover and soft liquid silicone non-slip back cover, combined with a built-in screen protector. Available in four colors, it supports wireless charging and offers a great combination of solid protection with an elegant design.$10 at AmazonMilitary-grade protectinoDretal Military Grade Shockproof Protective CaseMilitary-grade protection with this sh...

Google compiled more than 24 million satellite images from 1984 to 2020 to create the Timelapse experience.What you need to knowGoogle Earth has gained a new feature called Timelapse.The feature allows users to "watch time unfold" and see how our planet has changed over the last four decades. Timelapse in Google Earth shows the rapid change on our planet through five themes: forest change, urban growth, warming temperatures, sources of energy, and fragile beauty. Google Earth is undoubtedly the best Android app for exploring our planet. It lets you virtually fly through cities, peek at natural wonders like Mount Everest, and even enjoy guided tours with Voyager. Google has now announced the biggest Google Earth update in years, enabling users to see how our planet has changed over the last few decades.Rebecca Moore, Director, Google Earth, Earth Engine & Outreach, wrote in a blog post: With Timelapse in Google Earth, we have a clearer picture of our changing p...

If you want to move files from your phone to the best Chromebooks, there's a variety of ways to do it. From plugging in a USB cable like it's 2009 to using Google Drive as a file transfer server, you've got options. But with the arrival of Chrome OS 89, you have one more called Nearby Share. Nearby Share allows your devices to be visible to designated contacts or temporarily visible to all nearby devices, allowing other phones to send you invitations to download a file, photo, or open a shared link.Nearby Share is pretty easy to use on your Android phone, but even after Chrome OS 89, we need to enable a Chrome OS flag to enable the feature, and we need to activate it in order for your Chromebook to become visible to your phone.How to enable the Nearby Share Chrome flagThe hope is that this flag will become enabled by default in future versions of Chrome OS, but for now, you'll have to go turn it on yourself. Here's how.Go to chrome://flags in the Chrome browser.Type Nearby ...

There's no doubting that the Samsung Galaxy A72 could end up as one of the best cheap Android phones of the year. The device packs quite a punch, providing a great design in combination with some pretty impressive specs. With a smartphone that's this compelling, you're going to want to pick up one of the best Galaxy A72 cases, so we've rounded up some of our favorites.Fun and awesomeCaseology Nano PopStaff PickAfter making its entrance alongside the Galaxy S21, the Caseology Nano Pop has quickly turned into our favorite case for any device it's available for. That includes the newly-launched Galaxy A72, as the Nano Pop provides a soft texture for added grip, along with some pretty awesome color combinations.From $16 at AmazonSlim and softRingke Onyx SeriesRingke recently launched its Onyx series of cases, comprised of the standard Ringke Onyx, along with the Onyx Design. There aren't many differences between the two, as the case themselves feature a "granula...

The first in a wave of PlayStation games coming to PCWhat you need to knowDays Gone comes to Steam and Epic Game Store on May 18.This is the first game in a wave of PlayStation exclusives making their way onto the PC.We recently learned that a soft critical reception was the reason Days Gone 2 was never greenlit, despite the game being profitable.Days Gone, the open-world adventure game released on the PlayStation 4, is coming to PC on May 18.Detailed on the PlayStation Blog, the PC version of Days Gone will feature ultra-wide monitor support, unlocked framerates, keyboard support, and a brand new Photo Mode.Days Gone is the first game in a slate of PlayStation exclusive titles coming to the PC, following in the footsteps of Horizon Zero Dawn and Death Stranding, which both made their way onto the PC last year.President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Jim Ryan, stated in an interview with GQ back in February that the decision to bring PlayStation games ...

To this day, the OnePlus 8 continues to be a smartphone with great value, and today that value has simply increased because it's on sale for $399.99 at B&H. The same phone is going for more than $500 at other retailers like Amazon or for as much as $800 at Verizon. This deal is even better than the OnePlus Day sale that's offering the smartphone at a price of $500.Read our review of the OnePlus 8 and see for yourself if it's a phone worth investing in. We gave it 4 out of 5 stars and a Recommended badge. The review said this smartphone "represents incredible value thanks to all of the core tenets of OnePlus phones: good hardware, great software, excellent specs and strong battery life."The OnePlus 8 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage. It features three rear cameras that include a wide angle lens, ultra-wide angle, and macro lens. You'll also get a front-facing 16MP selfie camera. The display features 2400 x 1080 resolution, an AMOLED displ...

Software superiorityROG Rapture GT-AXE11000$550 at B&HProsFast AX11000 tri-band speedsWi-Fi 6E adds support for 6GHzMulti-gig EthernetAsus AiProtection Pro is includedAsus AiMesh allows you to expand your coverageConsIt's still very expensiveGaming aesthetic isn't for everyoneAt AX11000, the ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 is one of the fastest routers around, with greater consistency than most routers thanks to Wi-Fi 6E. The Rapture also comes with four gigabit LAN ports plus a 2.5Gbps port. It's backed up by great software, including AiMesh expansion, gaming optimizations, and AiProtection Pro security and parental controls.Incredible performanceNetgear Nighthawk RAXE500$600 at NetgearProsFast AX11000 tri-band speedsWi-Fi 6E adds support for 6GHzMulti-gig EthernetSleek designConsVery expensiveNetgear Armor requires a paid subscriptionThe Netgear Nighthawk RAXE500 is another high-speed router you can get with Wi-Fi 6E and AX11000 ...

Sometimes, texting just doesn't cut it. Maybe it just feels a little impersonal or maybe you just can't wait to hear a loved one's voice in real time. Thankfully, one of the features that WhatsApp introduced early on is calling, and the service offers both voice and video calls — as well as group calls for both. The feature is incredibly useful for staying connected to friends and family, and the best part is that it is absolutely free. Here's how to make or receive calls with WhatsApp for Android.How to make calls with WhatsApp for AndroidThere are two methods to make calls with WhatsApp. You can go to the Calls tab and initiate a call or do so directly from within a conversation window.Make a WhatsApp call from the Calls tabLaunch WhatsApp from your Home screen or the app drawer.Tap Calls on the upper left of your screen, or swipe right twice to view your call log.Tap the dialer button at the bottom right of your screen. It's the little phone receiver with the plus sig...

Time to Fold again.2020 was a big year for foldable smartphones — with Samsung leading the charge in more ways than one. The company debuted its Galaxy Z Flip lineup to tackle the vertical folding niche, and with the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung gave us one of the very best foldables we've yet to see. As such, there's a lot of excitement and anticipation around the inevitable Galaxy Z Fold 3.The year-over-year improvements between the original Galaxy Fold and the Z Fold 2 are still kind of mind-blowing to this very day, so the idea of Samsung continuing to refine that formula is something we can't wait to see.From the latest specs to leaked designs, and any other rumors we've tracked down, here's everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:PriceAvailabilityDesignSpecsFAQSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 PriceAs jaw-dropping as the features and design of the Galaxy Z Fold lineup have been, that's only been outdone by price. Making ...

Amazon's newest deal of the day includes a huge sale from Anker featuring tons of devices all up to 39% off their regular prices. There are plenty of good options in this sale, so what you get will really depend on what you need. Be sure to check out all the possible options, and remember that these deals expire at the end of the day.If you need some charging cables, there are two kinds on sale here. One is a 10-foot USB-C to USB-A cable that's on sale for $10.99 from a regular price of $15.99. That's a nice $5 discount and the lowest direct price drop on this particular cable that we've ever seen.These 10 foot cables are great if you need some flexibility while you charge, like while you're sitting on the couch or laying in bed. Plus, Anker's cable is constructed with a bulletproof fiber that can withstand 25,000 bends so it will be around for a long time.You could also go with this Powerline+ 3-pack of USB-C to USB-A cables that's down to $13.19 from a $19 street price. Anoth...

The best cell phone plan in 2021 is T-Mobile Magenta, thanks to its 5G-focused design with a massive 100GB of premium data and full 5G access included for everyone with a compatible phone. This is a huge bonus, especially as most of the best Android phones ship with 5G support, and T-Mobile's network is comfortably in the lead for 5G coverage. If you're looking to save some money over the big postpaid carriers, there are more options than ever in prepaid from carriers like Visible and US Mobile whether you need one line or need service for the whole family.What are the best cell phone plans?Cell phone plans aren't just about getting as many minutes and texts as possible anymore. People are using their phones for more than ever before and have come to rely on their phone plan as an essential part of their daily lives. Getting the right plan comes down to getting enough data for your needs, using a network with coverage where you need it, and not wasting money on features you don't w...

Samsung's kicking off 2021 with a bang.There are some things in the mobile tech space that are constant every single year, one of which is that we get a new Samsung Galaxy S release pretty early on. That was no different for 2021, but Samsung gave us the Samsung Galaxy S21 back in last January rather than making us wait until March or April. This year's flagship series brings a mix of expected and drastic changes compared to last year's S20 family, including things like spec upgrades, a refreshed design, and all-new camera tech.Whether you're in the market for a price-conscious flagship or something that goes all-out, the S21 series has something for you, and we're here to help you find out everything you need to know before you buy one for yourself — or buy them for the whole family.Killer flagshipSamsung Galaxy S21From $800 at SamsungFrom $800 at AmazonFrom $800 at Best BuyMore phone, less moneyFor a lot of shoppers, the baseline Galaxy S21 will be the go-to c...

You may have to get a separate case to hold the S Pen.What you need to knowAccording to a new report, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 will not have a dedicated slot for storing the S Pen.Samsung has apparently decided against an S Pen slot due to space constraints and water resistance issues. Unlike the current Galaxy Z Fold 2, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is tipped to come with an official IP rating. Back in October last year, a rumor claimed that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would be Samsung's first foldable phone with S Pen support. Although Samsung hasn't explicitly confirmed the same yet, it did reveal earlier this year that it would bring S Pen support to more Galaxy devices in 2021. Unfortunately, it looks like the upcoming foldable flagship will not have a dedicated slot for the S Pen.According to a report from NaverNews, Samsung had initially planned to have an S Pen slot on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, similar to its Galaxy Note series devices. However, it has now decided against incl...

Screen rotation on smartphones is wonderful when it functions the way it's supposed to, but super annoying when it doesn't. Knowing how to enable and disable screen rotation on an Android phone can save you a lot of frustration. Some apps work better in portrait mode, like Instagram, whereas others like YouTube look better in landscape mode when watching videos. Whether you are using an expensive phone like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or one of the best cheap Android phones, you'll be able to set your phone screen's orientation just how you want it no matter what task you are in the middle of.How to enable and disable screen rotation on an Android phoneAndroid has included an easy-to-use quick toggle within the Navigation Pane to turn off or on the screen rotation feature easily.Swipe down from the top of the screen on the notification bar.Depending on how you have your phone set up, you may need to pull down a second time to show more of your quick toggles.Find the auto-ro...

Chatting with the AC forums.Even though the company had its ups and downs when it came to smartphones, you can't say that LG didn't push the envelope forward with many exciting devices like the LG G5, LG G Flex series, and LG Wing. Even the company's more "boring" devices like the V60 and Velvet were pretty darn good phones, with great cameras and awesome audio output.But with last week's confirmation by LG that it will no longer be making smartphones, a hole has been left in the Android landscape. Naturally, this news has created a sense of uncertainty and unrest in the Android world, and that has been reflected over on the AC forums: jmssarno 04-13-2021 07:44 PM “ As a proud owner of past devices like the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, V20, V40, and currently the LG V60, where do we (the LG fans) go from here... Do I hold on to my V60 Dual Screen knowing there will never be a V70? Do I give up the headp...

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are the latest to top our list of the best true wireless earbuds and, today only, you can score them at a $35 discount at Woot. Down to $164.99 in your choice of black, silver, or violet, this is the lowest we've seen them go since their release earlier this year.Unlike a lot of Woot deals, these earbuds are offered brand new, though it's worth noting a 90-day Woot warranty is included rather than a manufacturer's warranty.Our Galaxy Buds Pro review said these earbuds "made almost every necessary improvement over the Buds Plus — better sound, more comfortable fit, improved design, sweat-resistant waterproofing and, best of all, active noise cancelation."Let's start with the active noise cancellation. You can activate it with just a tap of your finger. The system has both a high and low mode so you can choose just how much noise you want to cancel out. Plus you can download the Wearable app on your Android phone and get even more customization.The...

The ZTE Axon 30 Ultra does away with the tricks.What you need to knowZTE launches the Axon 30 Ultra with three 64MP cameras and a 5x optical telephoto.The Axon 30 Ultra features a traditional 16MP front-facing camera.The display has an adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a 300Hz touch sampling rate.Last year's ZTE Axon 20 5G made heads turn when introducing the first commercially available in-display selfie camera in an attempt to give the phone an uninterrupted viewing experience. Unfortunately, the camera didn't perform as well as hoped, and the fanfare died as quickly as it came. This time around, ZTE decided to go a more traditional route with its latest flagship, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G, in an attempt to better compete with the best Android phones of 2021.Of course, the most notable change to the Axon 30 Ultra is the presence of a 16MP hole-punch selfie camera. After seeing work that ZTE did on an improved in-display selfie camera, it was expected to show up on t...

A first impression is rather hard to unmake.Chromebooks have just crossed a big milestone, reaching more users than macOS in the last year. As more and more Chromebooks saturate the market, there's a consensus that this growth is fueled by cheap, inexpensive Chromebooks rather than more premium devices. With the pandemic dragging on and remote work continuing for a few more months, Chrome OS's market share should continue to grow even further. Android has yet to fully shake off its "cheap" reputation.A critique that Chromebooks thrive only in internet-rich places is batted away if everyone has to work from Wi-Fi after all, and grabbing a cheap Chromebook that does most of what you want is better than nothing if you have to have something right now. If cheap Chromebooks primarily carry this growth without a corresponding rise in more expensive, premium devices, this can be a very bad thing for Google. Here are a few reasons why this may be.The first reason should be somewha...

Chrome is just more user-friendly on iOS.As a site focused on the best Android phones, Chromebooks, and Google software and services, we don't often consider what life is like on the other side of the OS spectrum. You know who I'm talking about here... the fruit company you love, or hate, or love to hate — Apple. Say what you will about its hardware and software (go on, I know you want to), the simple fact is that, at least in North America, Apple and iOS is a strong competitor to Android. Even though we still see many converts switching from iOS to Android, at least half of our friends and family are likely using iPhones. When we reviewed the iPhone 12 last year, we even called it "the ideal Google phone." Heck, I'll admit it: I frequently use an iPhone myself!Since I have a lot of recent first-hand experience with iOS, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the Google apps that I use on both platforms to see which experiences are better on the iPhone. With Apple...

There's really not enough time in the day for everything that needs to get done anymore. Luckily, finding time to kick your feet up and relax becomes a bit easier with a robot vacuum as capable as the Proscenic M6 PRO. This smart robot vacuum maps your house's layout and then gets to work cleaning your carpets, hard floors, and will even mop up after itself! Controlling it is easy too, as you can use an app on your smartphone or voice control it using Alexa.Though this smart vacuum regularly sells for $329, a sale at Amazon has dropped it to the best price in its history! Today you can snag one on sale for $229.99, saving you close to $100 off its usual cost.Despite its affordable price tag, the Proscenic M6 PRO is a feature-packed robot vacuum. It works as both a vacuum and a mop based on your needs with strong 2600Pa suction power and a 180ml electric water tank.Unlike a lot of robot vacuums, it can smartly navigate your home with built-in mapping and LiDAR sensors to help it...

Granada will hope they can replicate Man United's away performance in order to overturn an aggregate deficit as they travel to Old Trafford today. Don't miss this Europa League quarter-final second leg clash with our Man United vs Granada live stream guide.The La Liga side are facing elimination from their very first European competition as they come into today's game 2-0 down following a first-leg home defeat.Though the Nazaríes saw off stiff competition from Napoli and Molde in order to reach the quarter-finals at the first time of asking, they need a spirited comeback in order to make it any further in the competition.Away goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes in the first leg put Man United firmly in the driving seat going into the second leg, though bookings for Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, and Harry Maguire in the last match leave the team short-staffed due to suspensions.Since their last meeting, both sides have played one game in their domestic leagues.Unit...

Chrome will now default to HTTPS for improved privacy and faster loading speed.What you need to knowChrome 90 is now rolling out to the stable channel on desktop and Android.The latest release brings the AV1 encoder to the desktop version, which promises better compression efficiency for video conferencing. Additionally, Chrome now defaults to HTTPS for more secure browsing. Google has started rolling out Chrome 90 to the stable channel for desktops and Android devices. While the latest update doesn't bring a long list of new features, there are two important user-facing changes that make one of the best browsers even better (via BleepingComputer).First, Chrome 90 for desktop ships with the AV1 encoder, which is "specifically optimized for video conferencing with WebRTC integration." Since AV1 offers higher compression efficiency compared to other types of video encoding, your next video call will be slightly smoother. Additionally, AV1 enables video for users on low band...

After six seasons on TV Land, the final season of Darren Star's Younger is coming to Paramount Plus and we have all the details on how you can watch it online.Based on the novel of the same name by Pamela Redmond Satran, the show follows a divorced 40-year-old woman named Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) who wants to re-enter the competitive publishing industry in New York City. However, the ageist industry isn't too welcoming to women her age.During a night out at a bar though, a 26-year-old tattoo artist mistakenly thinks that he and Liza are the same age. It's then that she comes up with a plan to pass herself off as 26 and try to get a job at a publishing house called Empirical. Liza aces her interview, gets the job, and at Empirical she meets star editor Kelsey (Hillary Duff) and her new boss Diana (Miriam Shor).In season 6 of the show, Liza finally had her cover blown by the ex-wife of Charles, the man she's dating. At this point in the series, she's also moved on from Empiric...

As technology advances and matures, it's only natural for some features to disappear as part of the evolution process. When it comes to Android phones, one thing that used to be an iconic staple that has since become a thing of the past is a removable battery. Few phones are released these days with a battery that can be replaced by the end-user, but if you know where to look, there are still a few options left that are worth checking out.The ideal choiceSamsung Galaxy XCover ProStaff PickThe Galaxy XCover Pro is a rugged phone that ticks all the right boxes. It has IP68 water resistance, a 6.3-inch Full HD screen, Exynos 9611 chipset — same as the Galaxy A51 — 25MP camera at the back, and a removable 4050mAh battery. The rugged design makes it ideal for outdoor use, and the best part is that the phone is available officially in the U.S.$425 at AmazonBest for mostMoto E6 SmartphoneOut of all the phones out there with a removable battery, we think the Moto E6 i...

This is your budget Pixel for 2021.While it may have taken longer to be released than we initially hoped, last year's Pixel 4a proved to be one of 2020's best Android phones. Between its OLED display, reliable performance, amazing cameras, and $349 asking price, it's a phone that still remains a killer value here in 2021.As good as the Pixel 4a continues to be, though, it's time to start looking ahead to what's next — specifically, the Google Pixel 5a. Whether you're interested in the latest spec rumors, want to see design leaks, or anything else, here's everything you need to know about Google's upcoming Pixel!Tiny but mightyGoogle Pixel 4a$349 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy$349 at B&HThe best camera under $400Simply put, the Pixel 4a is one of the best values the smartphone market has to offer today. The camera is better than ever, performance is plenty fast, the battery is reliable, and there's even a headphone jack. Assuming you're a fan of smaller phones a...

Qualcomm's CEO-elect answers questions about 5G and more.What you need to knowQualcomm President and CEO-elect Cristiano Amon went on Reddit for an AMA session.Amon answered questions about Qualcomm, its role in 5G, and the effects of the global chip shortage.These are some of the highlights from questions that he answered.Qualcomm recently opened the Snapdragon Insiders program as a way to reach out to technology enthusiasts and fans of the company's products. The program is meant to give members access to perks like contests, event invites, Ask Me Anythings (AMAs), and first dibs on information about new products. Today, the newly appointed Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon, took to Reddit for an AMA discussing Qualcomm's current and future products.As expected, many of the questions were focused on 5G, which is understandable now that it's becoming more commonplace with many of this year's best Android phones to launch thus far. One question posed was about the role of 5G o...

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra just got some new powers.What you need to knowT-Mobile has pushed the March security update to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.The update also adds official eSIM/Dual SIM Dual Standby capabilities.Google Pixel phones were previously the only Android phones to support eSIM in the U.S.The Note line may be on haitus this year, but Sone of the best Samsung phones of 2020 just became more relevant thanks to the latest update that's being pushed out. T-Mobile customers in the U.S. are receiving a new update to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that brings the March security update along with the unexpected addition of eSIM support.Additionally, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra also gets Dual SIM Dual Standby support, which allows the device to have two active phone numbers working simultaneously. Not only is this the first Samsung in the U.S. to support eSIM functionality, but it's also the first Android smartphone in the U.S. besides the Pixel smartphones like the Goo...

Since many of us are working from home these days anyway, why not utilize the devices and services we have lying around to get the job done? Thanks to a partnership between Google and Zoom, you can now start, join, and receive Zoom calls on your Nest Hub Max smart speaker. To get started, you need to connect your accounts to the Google Home app. We'll walk you through how to do just that in the steps below.How to use Zoom on the Nest Hub MaxOpen the Google Home app on your smartphone.Tap on your profile icon/avatar in the top right corner.Scroll down to Services, and tap on Voice and video calls.Tap on Video & Voice Apps.Tap on Zoom to create or link your account.Tap Link Account.Tap to Authorize linking of your accounts.Now, simply ask your Google Assistant on your Nest Hub Max to "start a Zoom call."The Google Assistant will give you the option to start a new meeting, join with a meeting ID, or join a meeting that is already scheduled on your calendar. Th...

Some of our favorite smart speakers and smart devices use the power of the Google Assistant to make our lives more entertaining and generally easier. Having the Assistant recognize you and know what information that you want (even in advance) is powerful, but there are times when you might not want such a personal connection to your devices. Perhaps you want to ask a query that you don't want to resurface later in your search results, or maybe you're having a (post-pandemic) party and know that a bunch of people may be interacting with your device. For those times, there is Guest Mode for Google Assistant, and we'll show you how easy it is to enable on your smart speakers.How to use guest mode on a Google Assistant speakerAt a reasonable distance from your Google Assistant speaker, say "hey Google, enter Guest Mode."When you are ready to exit Guest Mode, simply say, "hey Google, exit Guest Mode."That's all there is to it! There are no toggles that you have to tap or mana...

The countdown to Google I/O has started.What you need to knowThe Google I/O website now features a countdown to the big day.Clicking on any of the colored orbs to start a game of Breakout.Collecting the letters to solve the puzzle will present registered users with a badge.Google I/O is about a month away, which seems like forever in the tech world. To help you pass the time while you wait, Google has provided a new puzzle game on the conference homepage. Navigating to the site, you'll be met with a new countdown page with several colored orbs spread across the page. Clicking on one of these will open up a game of Breakout.Click to start the game and move your mouse around to get rid of the rows of colors orbs. There are some letters hidden in these orbs, and you'll want to catch those to spell out the hidden word. Once you figure it out, you can enter the term in the Chrome Dev Tools console (Shift+Ctrl+J for Windows/Linux), where you'll be awarded a badge. It's easy eno...

Even high-end Chromebooks struggle because of a weak GPU. News from GTC points to a change.NVIDIA is putting on its yearly GTC event, and an announcement snuck its way through that could mean big things when it comes to the graphic adapter on Chromebooks. In a press release and accompanying blog post about NVIDIA's commitment to ARM chips, there's mention of something really juicy for Chromebook lovers — the company is partnering with MediaTek to build a reference laptop with NVIDIA RTX GPU. And it's not created just for Windows as the operating system. The notebooks will use Arm cores and NVIDIA graphics to give consumers energy-efficient portables with no-compromise media capabilities based on a reference platform that supports Chromium, Linux, and NVIDIA SDKs.Chromium, Linux, and the NVIDIA SDK. Notice that there is no mention of Microsoft Windows, which may seem a little odd. Chances are that NVIDIA and MediaTek would be working with Microsoft, too, to build a great AR...

Liverpool will hope they can use home-field advantage to overturn an aggregate deficit as they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield today. Don't miss this Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with our Real Madrid vs Liverpool live stream guide.The odds are in Real Madrid's favor today with the team going into the second leg 3-1 to the good. The UEFA Champions League's most successful team and current La Liga titleholders are firmly in control of this quarter-final tie, though an away goal in the first leg will give hope to a Liverpool side that is no stranger to spectacular comebacks.A Vinicius Júnior brace bookended the first leg victory with Marco Asensio making the most of a defensive error from Trent Alexander-Arnold for his goal. Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the Reds in the 51st minute which could prove crucial in this tie.Since their last meeting, both sides have played one game in their domestic leagues.Los Blancos kept the pressure on city rivals Atlético ...

Remember the days when you had to either memorize your contact's phone numbers, or you had them written down in some sort of, you know, phone book? Maybe you're too young for that, but I was absolutely thrilled when I could start storing contact information on my phone so that all I ever had to do was search for a name to call or message someone. However, the ease at which we can do this will change slightly due to some new FCC regulations, and it will affect millions of people and their corresponding contact information. We'll talk about what is going on, when it's happening, and how you can edit your contact's phone numbers to accommodate these new FCC area code regulations.What is happening to my contacts, and why?In mid-July 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission adopted the 988 prefix as a universal code that anyone in the United States could dial to automatically reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. However, for this shortcut to work for everyone in the...

Apparently, people really want the OnePlus Watch.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Watch reportedly sold out within a minute after going live.Reviews of the smartwatch haven't been kind, criticizing the software experience.The watch retails for $159, but a $20 voucher is still available.Reviews of OnePlus' first smartwatch are in, and boy, are they harsh. Reviewers have largely ripped apart the device, criticizing its seeming lack of software polish while praising some of its hardware. Our own Harish Jonnalagadda complains in his OnePlus Watch review that the device offers limited support for notifications, no third-party app support, and no always-on display, the latter of which is kind of the point of having a watch. Yet, despite the bad reviews, it seems the watch is still coveted by many, as it apparently sold out within a minute of going on sale.If you take a look on the OnePlus website, you'll see that the watch is currently out of stock. Whether that's due to low in...

While the original Samsung Galaxy Watch is a few years old now, it's still an incredible smartwatch that's full of useful features. A time may come when you need to replenish your charging accessories. Fortunately, there some great options out there. We've rounded up some of the best replacement Samsung Galaxy Watch charger cables and docks for you to choose from.The charging cable you needDisscool Samsung Galaxy Watch Replacement USB Charging CableStaff PickIn some cases, all you'll need is the charging cable. Whether you've lost track of your original cable or you want a second one for your car or travel bag, this is a good option. No matter where you're headed, you can plug this USB charging cable into a wall adapter or computer, and your Samsung Galaxy Watch will be juiced up again in no time.$13 at AmazonStraight from the sourceSamsung Galaxy Watch Wireless Charging DockIf you don't like the idea of third-party accessories when it comes to charging your...

Going camping? Taking a hike? Heading outdoors somewhere for some reason and not sure if your smartphone will survive the trip? Then you need a device like the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station. Right now the Explorer 500 is down to $419.99 when you clip the $80 off on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a huge drop in price considering it rarely ever drops from its $500 street price directly. In fact, it has been almost a year since we last saw it get discounted. The same power station is still going for $500 at other retailers like B&H.The Explorer 500 is a power station with a massive 518 watt hours capacity. It uses a lithium-ion battery you can recharge in a number of different ways, including a solar panel. Get free power from the sun and keep your devices running even when you're outside for an extended period of time. Of course you can always plug it into a wall or use your car to charge it as well. The solar panel, the Jackery SolarSaga 100W, is sold separately and...

If you're like me, you've probably been using some of the more common social media apps less and less these days. However, just because you aren't crazy about following the craziness on Facebook or Reddit doesn't mean that you don't still crave that human connection and community, right? Well, the good news is that one of our favorite messaging platforms — Telegram — has just the kind of social component you're looking for in the form of its channels. We'll show you how to find and join the Telegram channels that match your interests.How to find and join Telegram channelsOpen the Telegram app.Tap on the magnifying glass/search icon in the top right corner.Type a word, phrase, topic, or media outlet you're interested in.When you find something of interest, tap on the channel.At the bottom of the message thread, tap Join.If you wish to mute the channel or leave it altogether, tap on the three line menu in the top right corner, and then tap on the option you prefer....

We know all about the best Ecobee products including the best deals on Ecobee accessories, which have recently branched to everything from extra sensors for your smart thermostat to cameras and now smart light switches. The Ecobee Switch+ smart light switch normally sells for $80, and today it's on sale for $39.99 at Best Buy. That's a huge drop and one of the best prices we've ever seen for the smart switch, outside of a rare deal also at Best Buy that gave it away for free with the purchase of an Ecobee SmartThermostat.You don't need an Ecobee SmartThermostat to make the smart switch work, but it is one of our favorite smart thermostats and the two devices work really well together. The 5th-generation thermostat features a whole new design with a glass finish, a vivid touch display, a quad-core processor, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and far-field voice recognition that can pick up your commands from across the room.See, the smart thermostat is designed to work with voice assist...

Millions of users had their data exposed in a Facebook data leak earlier this year.What you need to knowFacebook is facing an investigation in Ireland over a recently publicized data leak.The Irish DPC believes that Facebook has broken one or more provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations.Facebook has confirmed it has spoken to investigators regarding the issues raised. Facebook recently suffered a large data leak where a cache of data, initially breached five years ago, was now made publicly available. This cache included "phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and, in some cases, email addresses." Facebook came under fire for declining to notify affected customers about the breach, and now Ireland's Data Protection Commission, or DPC, is stepping in to investigate Faceook over potential GDPR breaches.The DPC shared the following statement this afternoon, saying: The Data Protection Commission (DPC) today launched an own-vol...

Google Assistant is becoming more useful thanks to Duplex.What you need to knowGoogle is announcing several new features for Google Assistant.Google Duplex will automatically fill out your payment info when ordering online from select restaurants.Nest also brings Find My Phone to the iPhone and adds a few updates to Routines.Google I/O 2021 is just around the corner, and updates to Google Assistant are among the things we can expect from the annual developer conference. Today, Google decided to take the wraps off several new features that it's bringing to Assistant and the best Android phones, including one powered by Google Duplex.First, Google has announced that it's expanding its Find My Phone feature on Nest devices to now include iPhones. All it requires is for iPhone owners to opt-in to receive alerts from the Google Home app that will help locate their device by giving it a ring.Google is also announcing the global launch of Sunrise and Sunset Routines. Based o...

If you're one of many people who decided to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 when it came out, you've probably been busy enjoying all the perks it has to offer. Don't forget to make sure it's protected! One type of protection you might not have thought about is for the bezel. We've gathered some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 bezel covers and protectors for you to choose from.Triple the funGoton 3-in-1 Accessories for Samsung Galaxy Watch 3Staff PickAccidents happen, but with this 3-in-1 combo from Goton, you'll be protected from unwanted damage. This kit comes with a soft TPU armor bumper case, 2 tempered glass screen protectors, and a stylish bezel ring. Not only will your watch body be protected against scratches, dust, and bumps, but the sleek matte finish makes it even more attractive.$13 at Amazon (45mm) $13 at Amazon (41mm)Elevate your styleYPSNH Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Bezel Ring Protection CoverIf you want a high-quality stainless steel opti...

OnePlus continues slowly bringing Android updates to its flagships.What you need to knowT-Mobile has started rolling out the OxygenOS 11 update to the OnePlus 7T and 7 Pro.These updates bring Android 11 as well as OnePlus's own small tweaks to the older flagships.According to T-Mobile, these updates started rolling out around the 9th of April.T-Mobile has started rolling out the OxygenOS 11 update to the OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T this month (via 9to5Google). Users of OnePlus's phones will now get the company's latest stable software package. This will take the operating system to Android 11, joining the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 9-series.Other than Android 11, OxygenOS 11 brings refinement to the interface, enhancements to dark mode, HEVC recording support, a revamped camera UI, a selection of new Ambient Display clock styles, and more. Like with the global rollout, this only includes the February security update, a pitfall that stops OnePlus from being one of the very best Andro...

OnePlus is celebrating all things OnePlus with a huge sales event called OnePlus Day. You're going to find a ton of great deals available while this is all going on. Get a great price whether you're interested in a new OnePlus smartphone, which you can get for hundreds of dollars off today, or just want something to complement the phone you already have (like 50% off a protective case or some Bluetooth headphones at a discount).For example, one of the best deals available in the sale is on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z Bluetooth headphones. They are discounted to $29.95 during this event, which is a $20 discount off the website's regular price and $30 off what they're going for at other retailers like Amazon. Not only that, but if you add two pairs of headphones to you cart you'll get the second pair completely free. That's $100 worth of headphones discounted to just $30 total. Huge savings.Sure, the Bullets Wireless Z headphones use an older wireless design, but that doesn't me...