Latest from Android Central

If your budget for a pair of headphones allows, then something under $100 is within reach. They range from over-ear headphones to true wireless earbuds, giving you some variety to select from. For the best of the bunch, you'd have to start with the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 because of their excellent sound quality, comfort, and consistency.Best Overall: Anker Soundcore Life Q30Need long battery life? With the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, you get up to 40 hours of playback while ANC is enabled, with that number going up to a ridiculous 60 hours when ANC is off. That's an impressive figure for a pair of budget headphones, and adding USB-C now makes fast charging possible. Plug in for five minutes and get four hours of play time.That kind of long battery life makes comfort a bigger factor, and thankfully, Anker delivers there. It improved the design and materials from the previous interation, with a nice headband that goes together with deep and wide ear cups to accommodate even the...

Chatting with the AC forums.We're revisiting another popular forum discussion today and checking in with our AC community on Samsung Dex. Samsung introduced this new computing form factor back in 2017, and over the past couple of years, it brought the ability to connect your Galaxy smartphone to a computer wirelessly.The problem is, not everyone knows how to use Dex with their Galaxy phone, or even if they do, they still report issues in the process. In particular, AC forum members report issues using wireless Dex with a monitor or TV. JREwing 04-06-2021 07:07 AM “ With wireless Dex, my mouse acts like it's going crazy. Almost useless because of lag. I plug in the device and hardwire Dex, and it works perfect. I hope there is a software update coming soon. I was looking forward to the wireless Dex on both my S7 and Note 10+. Reply Kizzy Ca...

Who needs keys when you have fingerprints?For years, the best smart locks have been trying to get rid of keys, but the experience often falls short of the simplicity of a key. Sure, you could use the PIN pad to unlock the door, but, personally, inputting a PIN always feels like an easy way for someone to gain easy access by watching you tap (or looking at the fingerprints on that shiny keypad). Smartphone entry is a great alternative — especially when locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock will automatically unlock when you're in range — but that, of course, requires you to have your phone on your person, making it no better than a key that can be left in the house accidentally.Eufy seems to have figured out the ideal solution to both of these problems and, ultimately, the best way to get rid of the keys you'll find on any smart lock: a fingerprint scanner right above the keypad. This simple-yet-ingenious solution seems like a no-brainer for a smart lock, and, really, it is. ...

OnePlus is already working on a fix.What you need to knowSeveral OnePlus 9 Pro owners are experiencing overheating issues with their devices.Most owners claim the phone starts overheating when using the camera.OnePlus is aware of the issue and plans to resolve it with a software update.The OnePlus 9 Pro is, without a doubt, one of the best Android phones launched so far this year, offering nearly everything you would expect from a 2021 flagship. Unfortunately, however, a large number of OnePlus 9 Pro users are reporting overheating problems with their devices.As spotted by the folks over at Android Police, many OnePlus 9 Pro owners have complained about the issue on Twitter and the company's official support forum. In most cases, OnePlus 9 Pro users get an overheating warning when using the camera app. Surprisingly, the overheating warning can sometimes appear even when attempting to take a photo outside. We can confirm that our OnePlus 9 Pro review unit also suffers fr...

The best way to experience zero-gravity without losing your cookies.When Ready at Dawn studios released the unfathomably good Lone Echo — a game that invented and simultaneously perfected zero gravity mechanics in VR — few realized how well it would translate into a competitive multiplayer title. Echo VR, as it's now called, is the multiplayer-only spin-off of Lone Echo, available both on the Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, and Oculus Rift platforms.Echo VR already made the list of best Oculus Quest 2 games, and Echo VR Season 1 promises to incentivize players to keep returning so that they can earn points over the season — which ends on May 23, 2021 — earning new chassis, stickers, and other cosmetic features to represent their robot alter-ego. Echo VR is a free-to-play game and Season 1 marks the first time players can opt-in to purchase additional cosmetic items for their characters.Is it worth your time and money? We went hands-on for a few weeks with the Oculus Quest...

As great as the OnePlus 9 is, I keep finding myself going back to the Pixel 4a.A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to spend some time with the latest value flagship from OnePlus when I got to write our OnePlus 9 review. I liked it so much that I dubbed it "Android's new value flagship champ," and I've been using it continuously to this day. Even though many would argue that the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE still holds that crown, there's no denying that the OnePlus 9 is a better option than previous OnePlus devices like the 8 or 8T.I praised the 9's Hasselblad-tuned cameras, its beautiful 120Hz AMOLED display, and its improved haptics, and even though I was a little let down by the color options in the U.S., I was suitably impressed with the availability of cases that can add a little flair and protection to the device.But as much fun as I've been having with the OnePlus 9, I have to admit that I've been giving a couple of my other devices some serious side-eye of late, most notab...

Can champion Dustin Johnson become just the fourth player to triumph back-to-back at Augusta? Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of The Masters 2021 with our guide below.Back in its regular April slot, having been shunted to October last year thanks to the pandemic, the 84th edition of the tournament also welcomes back fans.With a limited number of patrons set to be allowed on the course to watch, the Masters 2021 will be the first major with onlooking spectators since 2019's Open Championship at Royal Portrush, which should bring some welcome added atmosphere and tension to proceedings.Last year's coronavirus-delayed tournament saw Johnson shoot a 20-under-par 268 to set a new tournament record on his way to glory, and the current World No.1 is being heavily backed to retain his title this year.Nevertheless, the pundits' choice to finish the final round victorious this time appears to be Bryson DeChambeau, following his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational...

The UEFA Europa League returns today as La Liga's Granada CF host Premier League giants Manchester United in this quarter-final clash. Don't miss a moment with our Granada vs Man United live stream guide.This is Granada's first European campaign in their 90-year history and the Nazaríes will be wanting to make the most of the home-field advantage in this quarter-final first-leg clash.Diego Martínez's side finished second in a group containing PSV, PAOK, and Omonia in order to progress to the knockout stages and have seen off stiff competition from Napoli and Molde in order to reach the quarter-finals at the first time of asking.Today's opponents Manchester United are no strangers to the latter stages of the Europa League having reached the semi-finals last season.The Red Devils dropped into this year's Europa League competition at the round of 32 after failing to escape their Champions League group. Victories over Real Sociedad and AC Milan secured their Europa League quart...

LG's current premium phones will receive three Android updates.What you need to knowAfter exiting the handset market, LG is now promising three Android updates to its current portfolio.LG says its premium phones released after 2019 in the G series and V series as well as the Velvet and Wing are eligible. 2020 phones in the K series and LG Stylo will get two platform updates. LG confirmed its exit from the smartphone market earlier this week, with the company winding down operations by the end of July. While the announcement said that current phones will continue to receive updates, LG didn't clarify just what phones were eligible, and how many updates they will receive.In a new press release, LG is clarifying its stance on software updates. Basically, all of LG's premium phones released after 2019 in the G series and V series — and last year's Velvet and Wing — will receive three guaranteed Android updates.That's in line with what Samsung offers on its best Android ...

The OnePlus 9R is nothing more than a rebranded OnePlus 8T with a different camera housing.With the OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus has shown that it can deliver an all-round package that measures up to the best Android phones in the market today. The OnePlus 9 takes that same formula but at a more accessible price point.Then we have the OnePlus 9R. The phone is positioned as the value option in the OnePlus 9 lineup, slotting in at ₹10,000 ($135) less than the OnePlus 9. But in reality, the OnePlus 9R is just a rebranded OnePlus 8T with a new design for the rear camera housing.Of course, this isn't the first time OnePlus did this. The OnePlus 7 was effectively the same phone as the OnePlus 6T, but with new camera modules and an upgraded chipset. It's no surprise, then, that the OnePlus 9R is limited to India and China. OnePlus isn't launching the phone in other markets because it also understands that the 9R doesn't offer anything substantially different to the 8T.So why is OnePlus ...

Since you're here, chances are you've come across the term VPN or Virtual Private Network. Mabe you've heard about VPNs because you want to watch BBC iPlayer on U.S. soil or Netflix when traveling abroad, or perhaps you want to know everything about why a VPN is also great for anonymity, security, and your personal online safety. If any of that applies to you, you're in the right place.What is a VPN and why do I need one?A VPN is a clever way of obscuring your online identity and encryption data sent and received from your devices. Usually, when you go online you get connected to a server and given a unique IP address. This identifies where you are logging on from and can be used to associate data with you. Since these servers are relatively open, there are inherent risks to privacy with that data being visible to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or even potential bad actors wanting to intercept that data.This IP address and associated data can give away your real-world ide...

The Play Store redesign is here whether you like it or not.What you need to knowGoogle's new Play Store UI is rolling out now on Android devices.The updated UI removes the hamburger menu and moves it to the profile thumbnail.The redesign is already a point of contention for some.There have been whispers of Google working on a UI refresh for the Play Store for some time now. The last time Play Store received a new look was in 2019 when it rolled out the new Material theme with a new color scheme and bottom navigation bar. While those elements have remained, this latest redesign does move around some UI elements in an effort to make things look cleaner.When you first open the new Play Store UI, you'll notice that the hamburger menu on the left side is no longer there. You'll be greeted with a dialogue telling you that the Play Store menu items have all been moved to your profile thumbnail. Clicking it will bring up the menu, which has been condensed. For instance, the opt...

But it's not the only Clubhouse competitor Facebook is working on.What you need to knowFacebook is testing a new web app called Hotline that is very similar to the popular Clubhouse app.Hotline allows the host to live stream instead of being audio-only. Sessions are recorded and saved afterward.Anyone can sign up on the waiting list using their Twitter account.Facebook has been developing its competitor to the popular Clubhouse app that's sweeping the iPhone community. Today's public test "launch" of Hotline is a little something like that, Facebook's experimental NPE division. The web app has many of the fixings of a Clubhouse competitor, but with a little extra flare - or fire - thrown in.Hotline is a web application that lets users host Q&A sessions with an audience. Similar to how you use Twitter Spaces or Clubhouse, it can be an audio-only session, and unlike those platforms, the host can also choose to live stream the session with video. Another way it differs i...

Blink BasicSingle camera subscription$3/mo. or $30/yr. at AmazonProsInexpensive Storage on Blink's cloudLive view and motion clip recordingPhoto captureRapid video accessConsOnly works with one Blink device Extended warranty not includedBlink discount not included Blink Basic is extremely affordable at only $30 per year and will give you access to all the extra features you need to improve your home security, such as storage of motion clips and live view sessions on Blink's cloud server that you can view via Blink's app. The downside is that Blink Basic will only cover one security camera.Blink PlusMultiple device protection$10/mo. or $100/yr. at AmazonProsCovers multiple Blink devicesStorage on Blink's cloudExtended warranty 10 percent Blink device discount Live view and motion clip recording ConsMore expensiveBlink Plus costs more, but it's the subscription plan for anyone that owns a few Blink security cameras. This plan wi...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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