Latest from Android Central

How much will you spend?Pokémon Unite is an upcoming strategy game set in the Pokémon world that will allow players to interact with their favorite Pokémon in a brand new way. Instead of a traditional series title, which sees you capturing creatures in turn-based combat, Pokémon Unite will play more like a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) such as League of Legends. Pokémon Unite currently has no launch date, but questions surrounding the game are still swirling.By far, one of the biggest questions currently out there is how it will make money. It's no secret that mobile games tend to utilize microtransactions in some way, but just how Pokémon Unite will do that can end up making or breaking the game. We don't know all of the information, but we do have an idea on just what to expect when it comes to how the game will operate.Jump to:Is it free-to-play?Is there a Battle PassAre there microtransactions?Is Pokémon Unite free-to-play?Yes. According to The...

The phone offers the same 108MP main camera as the Mi 11 at a more affordable price point.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced a new addition to its Mi 10 series of smartphones.The new Mi 10S features a 90Hz AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 870 processor, and a 108MP camera.It will go on sale in China from March 12 for a starting price of 3,299 yuan ($506). Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand announced its first Snapdragon 870-powered smartphone last month, dubbed Redmi K40. Xiaomi has now launched another value flagship phone powered by the same chipset.The new Xiaomi Mi 10S sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ certification. Similar to the flagship Mi 11, the phone features a hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner for a 20MP selfie camera. Xiaomi has paired the Snapdragon 870 processor under the hood of the Mi 10S with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage.On the back of the phone is a quad-camera array with a 108MP main sens...

Why switch to Android when Google's iOS apps are so good?As part of my Switching to Android journey, I'm documenting the differences between the two operating systems, exploring the Android features that you might take for granted, but which iOS users may find are a compelling reason to switch sides.When I asked readers what made them choose iOS vs. Android phones, their reasons varied — Android for price, customization, more innovative hardware, and Windows connectivity, or Apple for privacy, long-term updates, better backups for annual upgrades, and simple competency. Many readers described using one for work and one for casual browsing. Some still regularly customize or root their Android phones, but a few readers said they'd grown tired of bothering with that and preferred Apple delivering things to them on a safe, boring platter.I really appreciated people's perspectives! So while I followed up that post with a discussion of how Android launchers put iOS 14 to shame, I...

Buying a OnePlus phone is easier than ever this year.The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are two very compelling Android phones. Both tout gorgeous AMOLED displays, incredibly fast performance, reliable cameras, you name it. If you're in the market for a new handset, both the 8 and 8 Pro are well worth your attention.Should you find yourself wanting to buy one of the phones for yourself, it's important to know where you should go to do that and where you can get the best OnePlus deal.Below, you'll find a full breakdown of where the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are being sold, what sales/promotions are being offered, and what you need to do to take advantage of them.Jump to:OnePlusAmazonVerizonT-MobileOnePlus Buy directUnsurprisingly, one of the best places you can buy the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro from is directly through OnePlus itself. While OnePlus has expanded the retail and carrier availability of its phones more than ever with the OnePlus 8 series, buying on the OnePlus web...

It's a major shift in the gaming landscape but PlayStation has the brand strength to endure without gobbling up a publisher.Ever since the announcement that Microsoft was buying ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion, there's been something of a fervor, a cry from people that Sony needs to "respond" in kind by buying a publisher to buff up the slate of games from Sony Worldwide Studios. While we never truly heard the end of it, now the deal has been finalized and Bethesda is part of Xbox, these talks are ramping up again.Even my coworker and PlayStation lead Jennifer Locke has argued that for PlayStation to effectively compete, Sony needs to acquire a publisher. I understand the knee-jerk reaction — devolving into list wars, Xbox now comprises 23 different studios while Sony Worldwide Studios is composed of just 13 — but simply wishing for Sony to snatch up a publisher is unrealistic and unneeded. Simply wishing for Sony to snatch up a publisher is unrealistic and unneeded.Mic...

Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowFastestVPN: $17 lifetime membershipExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) Surfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)PIA VPN: $2.69 per month (77% off)NordVPN: $3.71 per month (68% off)IPVanish: $3.75 per month (50% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PureVPN: $0.99 trialMore Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreToday's best VPN deals include 49% off ExpressVPN, access to Surfshark VPN for less than $3 per month, and a $17 lifetime license for FastestVPN. See below for all the details.FastestVPN$1...

ASUS once again shows that it can deliver a gaming phone that stands tall over its rivals.The last three years have democratized hardware; you can get flagship-level performance from mid-range and even a few budget phones today. Qualcomm has introduced several gaming-focused chipsets in the Snapdragon 700 series, and they do a decent job handling the best Android games.So why should you buy a gaming phone in 2021? Much like the gaming PC category, phone makers have turned to design as a differentiation point for gaming phones. These phones also have better thermal management, unique hardware features that make them stand out from flagship phones, and high(er) refresh rate screens.The ROG Phone 5 encapsulates these qualities perfectly. The phone comes with a 144Hz AMOLED display, features the Snapdragon 888, has RGB lighting at the back, a new thermal design that promises better gaming performance, ultrasonic triggers that can be set up for in-game actions, and a massive 600...

True wireless earbuds used to be a total luxury item with a price tag to match, but in recent years they have gotten really affordable. Today only, Woot is giving you the chance to snag a solid set of true wireless earbuds for just $49.99 by offering the Jabra Elite Active 65t at half off.Though these are no longer the newest Jabra model on the market, these sporty earbuds still sell for $100 or more at Amazon and other retailers. Unlike a lot of Woot deals, the earbuds are offered brand new with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.The Elite Active 65t earbuds are an upgrade over the regular Elite 65. The Active in the name denotes exactly what they're doing, giving you some protection for a more active lifestyle.They have built-in water resistance and dust resistance with an IP56 rating, which means you can use these at the gym or while outside without worry about ruining them.A selection of earbud tips is included to ensure you get the perfect fit. These things should not be fal...

All the photo fun without the bloat.What you need to knowFacebook has launched an all-new app called Instagram Lite for those in developing markets.Instagram Lite is designed to take up less space and use much less data than the main app.The new app will be rolling out to over 170 countries worldwide over the coming months.Today, social networking giant Facebook announced the launch of an all-new app aimed at connecting even more of the world's population. The new app is called Instagram Lite, and it is a trimmed-down version of one of the company's most popular and most successful platforms — Instagram. The new app was built from the ground-up, based on the frameworkds and lessons learned from the popular Facebook Lite app, which has over 200 monthly active users.Most, but not all, of the core services from the main Instagram app will work on the Lite version, including popular messaging features. Instagram Lite users will be able to view the popular short-form video s...

After suffering a huge 4-1 defeat in the first-leg, La Liga giants Barcelona have a huge mountain to climb as they head to PSG's Parc des Princes in this UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie. Don't miss a moment with our PSG vs Barcelona live stream guide.In their last meeting at Barcelona's Camp Nou, the home side were embarrassed by a rampant PSG side. Despite going ahead within half an hour by way of a Lionel Messi penalty, the Blaugrana were undone by a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick and Moise Kean effort giving PSG a huge advantage going into this second-leg.It's not the first time PSG has held a healthy lead over Barça at this stage in the Champions League, though the Catalan side will have to invoke the spirit of 2016-17's 'Remontada' in order to overcome such a deficit.PSG, meanwhile, are hoping to return to the Champions League final this season for the second time in their history after being defeated in last year's showpiece event by Bayern Munich.Since their last meeti...

The stable Samsung Internet 14.0 update will be released next month.What you need to knowSamsung Internet 14.0 beta is now available to download on the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store.Samsung Internet 14.0 brings improved privacy and security features, along with a more optimized UI for foldable Galaxy devices.It also enables the App Pair feature, allowing users to open multiple Samsung Internet browsers simultaneously. Samsung Internet may not be as popular as Google Chrome, but it happens to be one of the best Android browsers available.The latest beta version of Samsung Internet features improved privacy and security settings, including enhanced Smart anti-tracking. Samsung claims the feature can detect whenever a website tries to track you and stop them automatically. Samsung has also made it easier to monitor your privacy with the new security control panel. In addition to controlling your privacy settings, you can view stats such as how many pop-ups and trackers ...

The phone could make its global debut later this month.What you need to knowThe highly-anticipated successor to the POCO F1 will finally arrive this year.POCO claims the upcoming device will be even better than its predecessor.The phone is rumored to be called the X3 Pro and is expected to launch later this month.Back in August 2018, Xiaomi launched a new smartphone brand called POCO in India. The brand's first product was the POCO F1, which offered flagship-grade specs for under $300. Thanks to its impressive hardware and surprisingly low price tag, it quickly became one of the most popular mid-range phones in the country.After a hiatus of over a year, POCO finally returned as an independent brand last year with the POCO X2, a rebranded version of the Redmi K30. In what comes as great news for POCO fans, the brand has now confirmed that the long-awaited POCO F1 successor is finally coming soon. POCO claims the F1 successor will be all about performance, just like its pre...

The Google Pixel 6 is finally getting a new design.What you need to knowAn update to the Google Camera app suggests changes being made to the Pixel 6.The Pixel 6 may move the selfie camera to the center while upgrading its video capabilities.The Pixel 5a may have a smaller camera hole than its predecessor.The Google Pixel 5a is expected to be the first smartphone launch of 2021 from the tech giant, and leaked renders of the device suggest it could arrive sooner than expected, at least relative to last year's models. While the renders are by no means official, there's a good chance that they're pretty accurate, and the Pixel 5a will look nearly identical to its predecessors, down to the hole-punch selfie camera. But new leaks suggest that the Google Pixel 6 may finally break away from this design.According to 9to5Google, a recent update to the Google Camera app may provide an idea of what to expect from the selfie cameras from both of Google's upcoming smartphones. For ins...

Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked is all about its most popular phones.What you need to knowSamsung has sent out a virtual invite to its next Galaxy Unpacked event.Samsung is expected to unveil the successors of the Galaxy A51 and A71.The Galaxy Unpacked event is set for March 17th at 10 am ET.Not two months after the first Galaxy Unpacked, which saw the Samsung Galaxy S21 launch, it's already time to prepare for the next major launch. A virtual invite for Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked has gone live, and while there's not too much to go off of, we have a good idea of what's coming, and it's all about Samsung's most popular smartphones. No, not the Galaxy S or Note, but the A-series, particularly the Samsung Galaxy A51, which was the best-selling smartphone of 2020.The upcoming Galaxy Unpacked will likely focus on the Galaxy A51 successor, a.k.a. the Galaxy A52, as well as the higher-end Galaxy A72. Leaks of the Galaxy A52 5G have given away much of what's expected from ...

T-Mobile is changing things up for former Sprint customers, too.What you need to knowT-Mobile has updated its privacy policy and will automatically share web and app data from users for third-party ads.Both T-Mobile and Sprint customers will have to proactively opt-out of sharing this information.The privacy change won't take effect until April 26th, and users can change their privacy settings now.While T-Mobile may have some of the best deals on new phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21, some customers may not appreciate this latest move. The company recently released an update to its privacy policy that outlines some changes that it's making regarding how it uses subscriber data. The policy was spotted by the Wall Street Journal, notes that T-Mobile will start automatically collecting data from its customers to use for third-party advertising.T-Mobile notes that personally identifying data is not shared and that users are given unique advertising identifiers to serve relev...

There's developer drama between Frogware and Nacon over the game 'The Sinking City', and rumors are getting more specific with regard to an updated Switch being released this year. The gang also talk about the need for Mario's anniversary celebration to end and make way for more Zelda news.But that's not all the news! The Outriders demo lets you play the first couple hours for free, and Hogwarts Legacy is said to support transgender character creation.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Frogwares alleges publisher Nacon pirated The Sinking City on Steam | Windows CentralNacon fires back at The Sinking City developer Frogwares for 'prejudicial comments' | Windows CentralReport: New Nintendo 'Super' Switch will use larger 720p, OLED Samsung panels | iMoreRIP Mario: The plumber dies March 31 and we can't wait | iMoreThe Outriders demo lets you play the first c...

Text forwarding is one of the main reasons to use Google Voice.What you need to knowGoogle Voice will soon lose the ability to forward text messages.Google attributed the loss of this feature to carriers blocking messages from the service.No timeline has been given on when users will lose the feature.Google Voice is a useful forwarding service for those who prefer to use a phone number outside of their own personal number to communicate with others. It also allows users to link multiple devices to a Google Voice number, so calls and texts can be made or received on multiple devices from the same number. Unfortunately, it seems one of the most important features is being put on the chopping block.According to a message spotted by 9to5Google on the Google Voice support page, text message forwarding will no longer be supported: Important: Message forwarding to linked numbers will stop soon because mobile carriers have started to block these messages.The message is a b...

Sonos has officially announced its latest speaker, and it's coming next month.What you need to knowThe Sonos Roam is the company's cheapest product to date at $169.It's a portable Sonos speaker that performs double-duty as a standalone Bluetooth speaker and a whole-home Wi-Fi speaker. It's fully waterproof, has a 10-hour battery and can easily "throw" music to a nearby Sonos speaker.Sonos doesn't release new products very often. The last consumer speaker it released was back in 2019, when a product demo involved a flight to New York, a gorgeous patio with a view of Manhattan, and demos showing the newly-announced Move speaker caked in mud, submerged in water, and dropped onto concrete. The company made a big deal about the fact that the Move, which replaced the aging Play:3 in the company's lineup, sounded like a big, room-filling Sonos speaker that happened to easily pair with a smartphone over Bluetooth and last for 10 hours on its built-in battery.I really like the Mov...

Best answer: Yes. The official Resident Evil Showcase announced that Resident Evil Village would be coming to PS4, PS5, and other last-gen platforms.When is Resident Evil Village releasing?Resident Evil Village is one of the most hotly anticipated games coming to PlayStation this spring and could be one of the best games on the PS5 this year. It marks the continuation of the story from where the previous game Resident Evil VII left off. Whether you experience it on PS4 or PS5, it will undoubtedly be one of the best horror games released this year.If you want to play Resident Evil Village but haven't been able to upgrade to the PS5 yet, no worries! You will be able to play on your PS4. Resident Evil Village will be launching May 7th, 2021 on both consoles, and it will be available in physical and digital forms.The standard edition is $59.99, while the deluxe edition is only $10 more and features some in-game goodies and bonus digital artwork. The collector's edition contains a...

Your OnePlus Band data can finally sync with Google Health.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Band can now link with Google Fit.Users must update the app to receive the option to sync services.The OnePlus Band is currently exclusive to the Indian market.The first OnePlus wearable was quite promising when it was first announced, especially from a company whose long-time slogan is "Never Settle." Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to the expectation, as noted in our OnePlus Band review, coming up short on several fronts, including battery life and lack of features for the companion Health app. Fortunately, OnePlus is taking steps to address this with the latest update.With this new update to the OnePlus Health app (via Android Police), owners of the OnePlus Band can now link the app with Google Fit. This allows data collected from the OnePlus Band to sync to Google Fit and vice versa with the Health app. Synched data includes steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, and ...

Buying a games publisher has radical ramifications, but it may be inevitable with the way the market is moving.Aside from the new console generation beginning with the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, one of the biggest announcements to come from the past several months was Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion. Under this deal, which was finalized today, studios like Bethesda, Arkane, id Software, MachineGames, and Tango Gameworks are now all part of the Xbox family. This is a move that will shake the industry for years to come, and there are extreme ramifications for what this means going forward, especially for Sony. This acquisition will shake the industry for years to come.Despite any concerns about consolidation, monopolies, and anti-competitive practices — all of which are valid — this is the direction that the industry is moving, as with most tech industries. I may not love the idea of console makers buying up publishers left and right, b...

Happy birthday, Chrome OS!.What you need to knowChrome OS is now 10 years old and sporting a siginificant section of the desktop ecosystem.1 in 10 new computers bought today run Chrome OS, and the number doubles in the United States to 1 in 5.Chrome OS 89 is also packing plenty of new goodies from the long-awaited Phone Hub to Nearby Share support and native screen recording.Whether you've been rocking a Chromebook from the CR-48 days or just picked up a great Chromebook last week, there's never been a better time to be a Chrome OS user, and the Chromebook club seems to be growing every day as Google annnounced on Chrome OS's 10th birthday that Chromebook now make up 10% of new desktop-class computer purchases globally — and 20% in the United States. Between Chromebooks now having 8-9 years of updates from launch to support for Linux, Android, and even Windows support via Parallels, it's little surprise that Enteprise Chromebooks saw 60% growth year-over-year during last ...

Comedy Central isn't just the home of South Park and Tosh.0. Over the years, the channel has endeared audiences with its hilarious, ridiculous, and sometimes cringe-inducing TV series and stand-up specials. From Workaholics and Reno 911! to The Sarah Silverman Program and Futurama, Comedy Central has helped bring some of the best comedy series to television since its inception in 1989.Now, over 30 years later, Comedy Central isn't just watched at home on TVs but also on mobile phones, computers, and tablets — even while traveling. In that time it's become one of the most popular channels in the world, and as such, there's no shortage of ways to watch your favorite Comedy Central shows as they air live.How can I watch Comedy Central?The streaming era has made it easier than ever to watch Comedy Central live. No longer do you need to pay for some pricey cable package; nearly all of the popular live TV streaming services include Comedy Central in their channel listings! Some of ...

What will happen to Agent Jones?What you need to knowEpic Games has revealed that the launch of Fortnite's Chapter 2 Season 6 will feature a single-player experience.The solo mode will start whenever players open the game for the first time since updating. The event will mark the conclusion of the games current storyline featuring Agent Jones. Fortnite's Chapter 2 Season 6 will launch on March 16, and when it does, the game will allow players to experience the conclusion of Agent Jones' mission in a new, single-player experience.Epic Games confirmed the news earlier today, revealing that the "solo experience" will kick off whenever players log in to the new season for the first time. This means that there won't be any chance that players will miss out, although Fortnite will once again be having a special seasonal launch complete with what they're calling their "most ambitious story cinematic yet."Fornite has announced that its upcoming Season 6, launching on March 16, ...

Roku is introducing its easy-to-use TV guide in Canada.What you need to knowRoku is expanding its live TV guide to users in Canada.The guide introduces a collection of live TV channels in one place, including from sources like HBO, SHOWTIME®, STARZ, Cinemax, and Epix.Roku is launching more than 35 new live TV channels to Canadian viewers, with more coming soon.Last year, Roku launched a live TV channel guide as an easy-to-use way to browse live programs, including premium channels from HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax, and Epix. That also includes local live TV listings for users with antennas, and the guide allows users to view up to 12 hours of upcoming programming with the new guide. While Roku users in the U.S. have had access to the guide since last June, Roku is announcing that the feature is now available for users in Canada starting today.The feature should appear as a new "Live TV" tile on their home screen when launching the Roku TV Channel. Users already viewin...

Google is getting more attractive for travel companies as the world reopens.What you need to knowGoogle will now make it free for hotel booking listings to be listed in Search and Travel.Previously, hoteliers had to pay Google for their links to be featured via Hotel ads.Google says it's doing this to help the people connect with the travel industry as countries reopen. Google today announced a new move geared towards the post-pandemic world. It's now making it free for hotels and travel companies to list their booking links directly from the search results page. Previously, when you searched for hotels in Google, you'd be able to see listings and availability, but direct booking links would only be made available if the company had paid for Hotel Ads. This change will come first on Google Travel.Richard Holden, Vice President, Product Management, Travel, said in a blog post: Today's update is part of our larger effort to ensure people have access to all offers availa...

From dance parties to photoshoots, the TickTalk 4 can do almost everything — minus one key feature.When I reviewed the TickTalk 3 in November 2019, I liked the device and how much the company was improving the product, which is why I was excited about a TickTalk 4 review. The companion app has remained largely the same, however, there have been some new features added specifically for the new watch.The TickTalk 4 now has more feature parity with other best smartwatches for kids. Though, with features like video calling, iHeartRadio Family, and dual-cameras, the TickTalk 4 can stand out in a field that is becoming increasingly crowded and competitive.This watch differs from the other kid's smartwatches by not trying to look like every other watch — adult versions included. The TickTalk 4 is both a significant change from the previous version of the watch and a continuation of what made that device so good. Here are my thoughts after my son and I spent the last few weeks with...

Transforming nearly any TV into a smart TV is affordable and easy with a Roku streaming stick. These tiny devices plug into your TV's HDMI port to unlock access to a world of streaming services, live TV channels, and other apps that will never leave you without entertainment. While prices are rather comparable to its main competition, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku's devices have a few interesting features you won't find on a Fire stick.Roku Premiere - HD/4K/HDR | $10 off at AmazonStream in 4K or HD with the Roku Premiere. This streaming media device is now discounted by $10 off its regular price! It comes with a premium high-speed HDMI cable so you can easily connet it to your TV right out of the box.$24.99 at Amazon $34 at WalmartOnce you've plugged in your new Roku streaming device, you can download the Roku app and use it as a remote or even plug headphones into your phone and listen to what's on TV privately. You'll also gain access to The Roku Channel which offers t...

Beware The Court of Owls, that watches all the time, ruling Gotham from a shadow perch, behind granite and lime.After years of rumors that WB Games was working on a Court of Owls adaptation for consoles and PC, the developer confirmed the news at DC Fandome. Gotham Knights follows Nightwing (Dick Grayson), Robin (Tim Drake), Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), and Red Hood (Jason Todd), who band together after Batman's supposed death to save the city once more. Despite many assuming that this would take place in the Batman: Arkham universe from Rocksteady, this isn't the case — though Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League actually does.As we approach Gotham Knights' apparent 2021, provided it doesn't fall victim to the myriad of game delays hitting other titles, we'll keep you up to date with everything you need to know about it.Jump to:What is Gotham Knights?Is Gotham Knights in the Batman: Arkham universe?What's the gameplay like?What's the story?Is Gotham Knights coming to...

Another reason to stay on the couch.What you need to knowFandango is launching its Vudu On-Demand streaming service on all Amazon Fire TV devices.Fire TV users will be able to access over 150,000 titles from Vudu.Any purchases or rentals from Vudu's website will be immediately available on the Fire TV app.It seems like every other week, there is a new streaming option for Amazon Fire TV customers, and the latest is arguably one of the biggest and most exciting. Vudu is bringing its on-demand streaming service to all Amazon Fire TV devices, including the best Fire TV Edition smart TVs, the best Fire TV sticks, and even the Fire TV Cube.Owned by move ticket giant Fandango, Vudu offers viewers more than 150,000 movies, TV shows — including fan favorites, classics, and new releases. Popular new releases coming to Vudu this month include "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run," "The Mauritanian," and Disney Pixar's "Soul." Vudu also has recent seasons of shows like "The Wal...

Turning headsAmazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)$250 at Amazon$250 at Best Buy$250 at B&HProsMassively improved cameraBetter speakersRotating displayFaster processorEnhanced privacy controlsConsMost expensive Echo Show everBiggest Echo Show everRotating display and camera may be a turn-off for someThe Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is Amazon's newest Alexa-enabled device, and it's the more advanced and innovative Echo ever. It brings an improved camera, screen, speakers, a rotating display, and advanced privacy and security features. But it is also the priciest Echo ever.Still capableAmazon Echo Show (2nd Gen)$230 at Amazon$230 at Best Buy$195 at B&HProsA more affordable large screen EchoSmaller than Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)No moving parts to worry aboutConsNo physical camera coverScreen is lower-qualityCamera is much worseThe Echo Show (2nd Gen) is still a great value, even two years after its release. It still has a better camer...

Google says the deal will allow the city to reimagine how to serve citizens.What you need to knowThe city of Pittsburgh has signed a four-year deal with Google to migrate its IT infrastructure to the cloud.Pittsburgh currently uses on-premise data centers, which are neither scalable nor flexible.In addition to reducing its IT costs, the deal will also allow the city to provide new digital services for residents.In what comes as a big boost for Google cloud, the city of Pittsburgh has announced a four-year deal with the search giant to migrate its IT infrastructure to the cloud. Currently, the city uses on-premise data centers that provide "a fairly brittle environment that isn't scalable or flexible."Heidi Norman, acting director of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Innovation & Performance told ZDNet: We decided to take a leap with Google and do something that is, within municipal governments, innovative.Along with scaling its existing services, the migrati...

Visible is one of the best values for people that need a lot of data. Not only that, but Visible's simple plan, unlimited hotspot data, and 5G support make it an easy choice for someone trying to make the most of one of the best new Android phones. Utilizing Verizon's LTE and 5G network, most people will have great coverage as well.Visible isn't for everyone since it lacks roaming support and doesn't have many international calling options. It's also not a good fit for people that need to travel abroad. Visible customers also don't get the highest priority data connection, so the connection may be slower than expected in congested areas. Still, for many people, Visible is a great fit. Here's what you need to know before signing up.Just one planVisibleFrom $40/mo. at VisibleUnlimited talk, text, and dataVisible gives you great Verizon coverage with no limits, including 5G with truly unlimited high-speed data plus a 5Mbps hotspot.Jump to:Visible ReviewVisible'...

The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best streaming devices with the new, intuitive interface that will eventually replace Android TV, but the device is not without growing pains. Every new version of a platform has bugs, and Google TV is no exception, leading to YouTube playing videos with a black screen and other apps glitching or freezing up at times. When apps don't behave normally, the best thing to do is force-quit them so that your device can clear out whatever error is causing the issue and resume normal playback.How to force stop an app on the Chromecast with Google TVClick the home button on your Chromecast remote.Click the right arrow to go all the way over to the side menu.Select Settings.Select Apps.Select the app you want to force stop.Select Force stop.Select OK.Once the app is force stopped, you'll be returned to the previous menu. You can either force stop other apps by going left back to the apps list, or you can simply hit the home bu...

$599 for the full flagship experience is too good to pass up.One of the Best Android Phones on the market today is almost half-off at OnePlus right now. The OnePlus 8 Pro is almost a year old, but it's still a powerful phone with a competitive price thanks to stacking discounts from OnePlus.The promo code 8PRO100OFF will give you an extra $100 off the 256GB configuration of 8 Pro, and OnePlus already knocked $300 off the phone on its website. The code appears to be US-only — sorry, international readers — but if you need a new OnePlus phone right now, this is the perfect deal for you.Great phone, better priceOnePlus 8 ProUse promo code 8PRO100OFF at checkout with a valid US shipping address.The OnePlus 8 Pro is an impressive and well-designed Android smartphone that doesn't upend the traditional OnePlus formula so much as extend it to its logical end — more features, higher price. The OnePlus 9 may be just around the corner, but the savings here might make it wort...

Sound bars are one of the more elegant and simple ways to upgrade your TV's basic audio. Those basic built-in speakers aren't going to cut it, even on a great TV. Take that simple upgrade a step further with Vizio's 46-inch 5.1.4 home theater sound system, which adds full surround sound to the sound bar setup. Right now you can get it for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a match for its lowest price, a deal we've only seen twice before. Normally this system sells for around $800 and can go as high as $1,000. It's still going for closer to $800 at some retailers like Sam's Club, but you can find today's deal matched at Best Buy.With this speaker, you don't just have sound blasting from the main sound bar, you'll have it coming from all around you. It's a five-channel system with a wireless subwoofer. More than that, it also supports Dolby Atmos and can shoot audio vertically. That means, with the right setup and the rear surround sound speakers, you have audio coming at you from the front,...

Take to the field with your favorite champions...on mobile devices.What you need to knowLeague of Legends: Wild Rift is a new version of the classic game that's been designed for mobile devices.League of Legends: Wild RIft was first announced back in 2019.League of Legends: Wild Rift begins open beta testing in North America on March 29.League of Legends: Wild Rift is a new mobile version of the popular free to play PC game League of Legends. Developed and published by Riot Games, this alternate mobile version of the game was first announced back in 2019 and has been in beta testing for a while in different regions, but not North America.That changes this month, as Riot Games announced via press release that League of Legends: Wild Rift will begin open beta testing in North America on March 29. You won't need any kind of special access, if you have an Android or iOS device you can just download the test and start playing on the date, experiencing how the classic 5v5 MOBA ...

The TicWatch Pro S launches in 2021 with the Snapdragon Wear 2100.What you need to knowMobvoi launches a successor to last year's TicWatch Pro (2020) with more storage and software features.The new TicWatch Pro S is still powered by the Snapdragon Wear 2100, instead of any of the newer chipsets.The TicWatch Pro S is available now for $260.When it comes to the best Android smartwatch, the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS ranks high thanks to its newer Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100, making for a smooth Wear OS experience with better battery efficiency. So one may be a little confused by Mobvoi's latest offering, the TicWatch Pro S, which launches today as a "mid-price" sports option for Wear OS.The TicWatch Pro S is the follow-up to last year's TicWatch Pro (2020), which itself was an underwhelming smartwatch. It was powered by the much-older Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100, and the only notable upgrades to be found were the increase in RAM to 1GB and improvements to durability. For...

Bigger can be betterGarmin Vivoactive 4From $257 at AmazonProsLarger displayLonger battery lifeGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingPulse Ox, Body BatteryConsOnly two color optionsToo big for some wristsThe Garmin Vivoactive 4 models might be a couple of years old, but it's still one of the company's best smartwatches yet. You get heart-rate monitoring, GPS, activity/sleep tracking, on-screen workouts, and more. The standard model comes in a 45mm case, so it's perfect for large wrists.Small wrists uniteGarmin Vivoactive 4SFrom $269 at AmazonProsGreat for small wristsFour color optionsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingPulse Ox, Body BatteryConsToo small for some wristsShorter battery lifeAll of the amazing features on the Garmin Vivoactive 4 can also be found on the 4S. This smaller variant comes in a 40mm case, so if you don't want the biggest watch on the market, the 4S is a good alternative. It's more lightweight and also o...

We know you don't have to pay a fortune for great true wireless earbuds, and today's deal is a great example of an inexpensive pair that just becomes even greater by getting even cheaper. The Aukey Sports true wireless earbuds are new earbuds that have only been around since November, and they are well worth it at their regular $50 price. Today, though, you can save a ton by getting these earbuds for $25.24 at Amazon thanks to a direct price drop to $38.24 and an on-page coupon you can clip that takes off an additional $13. That brings the earbuds down to 50% off in a deal that is sure not to last long.These Aukey earbuds are not like most true wireless earbuds you've seen, and you might not be excited to see that hook design that's so different from other designs. However, if you've used ear hook headphones before or you're someone that spends a lot of time at the gym or running from class to class, then you will appreciate what those hooks do for you. They provide a secure fit th...

Facebook looks to ditch Android, Qualcomm, Apple, and Google in the future.What you need to knowFacebook is looking to become less dependent on Android and Qualcomm as it develops its own AR/VR OS and chipsets.Oculus Quest 3 and 4 could very likely feature some sort of eye-tracking or face tracking to enhance social apps by creating more realistic avatars.Future Quest products should have significantly higher-resolution displays with HDR tech to better match how our eyes perceive reality.An Interview with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed several details about the future of the Oculus Quest platform, including Facebook's quest to become less dependent on the other FAANG companies in Silicon Valley. The Oculus Quest 2 was the first step in utilizing a more VR-centric SoC from Qualcomm, whereas the original Oculus Quest utilized a similar chipset that was used in mobile phones. Facebook's goal, moving forward, is to focus on creating custom silicon and operating systems t...

The first Android phones featuring the chipset are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2022.What you need to knowQualcomm has reportedly started testing early samples of its next-gen flagship mobile processor.The chipset is said to be codenamed "Waipio" and carries the model number SM8450.It could be Qualcomm's first Snapdragon chipset to feature technology from German camera company Leica.Just yesterday, renowned leaker Roland Quandt revealed that Qualcomm is working on a variant of its flagship Snapdragon 888 chipset without an integrated 5G modem. The upcoming Snapdragon 888 version will make it possible for Android OEMs to release affordable value flagship phones with 4G LTE connectivity in markets where 5G is still a distant dream.As per a new report from WinFuture, Qualcomm has also started working on its next flagship Snapdragon mobile processor, which is likely to be announced in December. The chipset has apparently been under development for some time now ...

Helping your little Minions get active.What you need to knowFitbit has announced the launch of the Fitbit Ace 3 wearable for kids.The new fitness tracker has an 8-day battery life and is swim-proof.Fitbit is also bringing the beloved Minions characters to your kids' wrists with Despicable Blue and Mischief Black accessory bands.Fitbit currently offers some fantastic smartwatches in the Versa 3 and Sense, but the company cut its teeth by making some of the best fitness trackers around. While most of its devices are geared towards adults looking to improve their overall health and fitness, the company is also one of the only tech companies making dedicated health trackers for children. Today, it has announced the newest edition to its fitness band lineup, the kid-focused Fitbit Ace 3. As families continue to navigate remote learning and social distancing guidelines, it is a constant challenge to keep kids moving, motivated, and happy while trying to balance the time they ...

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a lot to offer, both in terms of features and design. Make sure you choose a suitable band for your wearable. Whether you need a band that can handle high-intensity workouts or you want to dress it up for fancy occasions, there are plenty of options. The Vivoactive 4 works with 22mm quick release bands. If you prefer the smaller Vivoactive 4S, you'll need 18mm bands instead. Not to worry, we've included the best Garmin Vivoactive 4 bands in both sizes.Waterproof comfortRitche Silicone Watch BandStaff PickNeed a watch band that can do it all? Check out these silicone bands from Ritche. They're made of premium elastomer material that's flexible and waterproof. This makes it one of the best Garmin Vivoactive 4 bands for swimmers. Best of all? You'll never have to worry about skin irritation as it's lightweight and dries easily.From $17 at Amazon (22mm) From $17 at Amazon (18mm)Impeccably permeableSycreek Quick Release Watch BandThe V...

Chatting with the AC forums.The Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra were some of the most-anticipated phones of 2021 and are sure to be among the most popular sellers among the best Android phones this year.There are a ton of great cases available for the smaller Galaxy S21, the mid-sized Galaxy S21 Plus, and the large Galaxy S21 Ultra. I've certainly got my favorites, and I know that my case guru colleague Ara Wagoner does as well. Let's see what the AC forums had to say... VW Maverick 01-15-2021 06:41 PM “ https://www.androidcentral.com/best-samsung-galaxy-s21-plus-cases I prefer the Otterbox Symmetry. Mav. :cool: Reply pags11 01-15-2021 06:51 PM “ Ordered a Tech 21 Evo Check case yesterday for my S21 Ultra. Reply AlphaBe...

The Galaxy S20 comes with its own plastic screen protector, but it's not of great quality. With a new phone, you need the most protection to keep it from scratches and dings. If you want the best possible experience, you should consider upgrading to a better quality screen protector that also works with the ultrasonic screen protector. Here are the best Galaxy S20 screen protectors available on the market.American-madeArmorSuit MilitaryShield Galaxy S20Staff PickThis oleophobic film protector comes in a compact roll and uses a wet application to avoid bubbles and misalignments. ArmorSuit is also one of the few screen protectors made in the USA if you prefer to buy domestic.$10 at AmazonName brand protectionInvisibleShield Ultra Clear+InvisibleShield is very proud of its work, but beyond the scratch and shatter resistance, there's another critical reason to consider the Ultra Clear+ as one of the best Galaxy S20 screen protectors. There's an anti-microbial treatmen...

The Moto G30 has also been launched in India alongside the Moto G10 Power.What you need to knowMotorola has launched two new Moto G series phones in India.The Moto G10 Power is a slightly more impressive variant of the Moto G10 that the company announced last month.It will be going on sale in the country from March 16 for ₹9,999 ($137).Motorola today launched two Moto G series devices in India to challenge the best cheap Android phones from Xiaomi and Samsung. While the Moto G30 made its global debut alongside the entry-level Moto G10 last month, the Moto G10 Power is an "all-new" device.Like the Moto G10, the Moto G10 Power sports a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a waterdrop notch for the 8MP selfie camera. Powering the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. On the back of the phone is a quad-lens camera system with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP dept...

Look out, Moto, we may just have a new sub-$300 champ.Okay, I have to be honest with you.I went into this Nokia 5.4 review without very high expectations. After all, how excited can you really get about an Android phone that is under $300 in this era where the best Android phones can cost well over $1,000, and even so-called "value" flagships are approaching $800? As it turns out, after using it for a little over a week so far, the Nokia 5.4 has excited me quite a bit.I like to picture myself as a champion of affordable tech, so long as it's good affordable tech. My personal daily carry is usually the $350 Google Pixel 4a rather than the more expensive $700 Google Pixel 5. I prefer to wear a minimalistic and affordable fitness tracker to a fancy expensive smartwatch, and I'd rather rock out with an Echo Dot or Nest Mini than a high-end Bose or Sonos system. What can I say? I'm basic; it's just how I roll.The Nokia 5.4 isn't a perfect phone, and if you must have the absolute c...

Update: CBS now has the whole interview live on its website. If you're outside of the U.S., you'll find that you won't be able to access the video, though using a U.S. server via ExpressVPN will successfully unblock this geo-restriction.After ending her iconic talk show back in 2011, Oprah is back for a new two-hour sit-down interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and we have all the details on how you can watch Oprah with Meghan and Harry on TV or online.Although Oprah attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in 2018, the couple first discussed their experiences with the media and public life with ITV in a documentary titled Harry and Meghan: An African Journey that aired in 2019. Just a year later though, the couple announced that they would be stepping down as working members of British royal family and moving to North American in order to become financially independent.In their first interview since stepping down from the royal family, Oprah will di...

Fling yourself up mountains and skyscrapers like you've got nothing to lose.When Crytek's original mountain climbing simulator came out in 2016, it and Richie's Plank Experience were talked up as tests for the acrophobic or basophobic among us to face our fears. I couldn't afford a VR-ready PC at the time, but I remember trying out The Climb on a friend's Rift CV1 and getting weak at the knees the first time I looked down.I'm still not keen on heights and am about the furthest thing from Alex Honnold, but The Climb 2 affected me very differently now that I'm more familiar with VR. Basically, it's hard to feel afraid of heights when the game gives you the ability to crawl or leap freely from one handhold to the next, with no need to worry about supporting your body weight or finding proper footholds. You're not quite Spider-Man, but you certainly will feel a little superhuman.So long as you're clear that The Climb 2 is more an arcade experience than a heart-racing simulator, the...