Latest from Android Central

Most people are well aware that PC gamers are at an advantage when it comes to pinpoint control and accuracy. Using a mouse and keyboard certainly has its benefits and not everyone is aware that the PS4 and PS5 support keyboard and mouse input. Here are some of the best PS5 games that support a keyboard and mouse that you might want to try. Though all of these don't have native PS5 releases, they can be played on Sony's latest console, which has system level mouse and keyboard support thanks to backward compatibility.Jump to:Assassin's Creed ValhallaCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold WarFinal Fantasy 14OverwatchThey Are BillionsCall of Duty: Modern WarfareCall of Duty: WarzoneDayZAssassin's Creed ValhallaAssassin's Creed Valhalla is the latest and greatest entry in the long-running franchise. After its most recent releases brought players to ancient Egypt and Greece, Ubisoft hopped forward in time to set Valhalla in the Dark Ages of Europe. As Norway is ravaged by ...

Today, doorbells are better than they've ever been before. Thanks to the rise of smart video doorbells, you no longer have to stress about who might be showing up to your home when you weren't expecting anyone. Instead, you can look on your phone, see who it is, and even talk with whoever's at your door. If you rely on Google Assistant for controlling all of your smart things, these are the doorbells you'll want to check out.Best Overall: Arlo Video DoorbellIt took Arlo a little longer than some other companies to get into the Video Doorbell business. Still, the company has used its expertise with security cameras to build the best video doorbell around. While it didn't launch with Google Assistant compatibility, that all changed in June of this year. Now you can control your doorbell camera with Google Assistant and even cast the video to a Chromecast or other smart display.On top of being easy to control with just your voice, the Arlo Video Doorbell out-classes nearly every...

As much as we love playing with and testing the latest and greatest phones here at AC, there is something we can universally agree on that we aren't fans of — paying full price for the best Android phones. If you're in the market for a quality Android phone but don't want to spend a thousand dollars, you could check out the best cheap Android phones, or you you can grab one of the best refurbished phones as these offer a great experience at a fraction of what you'd typically spend. Here are our favorite options!Still a stunnerGoogle Pixel 3aStaff PickAlthough it has been discontinued to make way for the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 3a is still a fantastic value. The device sports the same camera from the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, along with a clean design that you're accustomed to. Plus, you'll still get a few more major software updates before Google moves onto bigger things.From $154 at Amazon From $120 at Back Market From $169 at Gazelle2020's bestSasmung Galaxy S20 FEIt's to...

Mediatonic's 2020 title Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout helped propel the developer into stardom.What you need to knowMediatonic is a game development studio most recently known for Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.Today, Epic Games announced that it was acquiring Mediatonic and its parent company Tonic Games Group. Epic Games is looking at bringing new features like cross-play to Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout but has nothing concrete to announce for now.Publisher Epic Games is acquiring Mediatonic, the studio behind several games but most recently Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. The purchase, which was made for an undisclosed price, will see Mediatonic join other Epic Games studios like Rocket League developer Psyonix. Tonic Games Group CEO Dave Bailey stated that "With Epic, we feel like we have found a home that was made for us.""It's no secret that Epic is invested in building the metaverse and Tonic Games shares this goal. As Epic works to build this virtual future, we need gr...

Google just revamped Profiles on Google Chrome.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a new profile switcher for Chrome on desktop.Starting up the Chrome browser will bring up the profile switcher to easily hop into your own account.The new profile experience will roll out in the coming weeks.Having a shared computer can be a bit of a hassle, especially for households with several members. While we all get used to working from home, it can be important to keep passwords, bookmarks, and other browsing information separate. The best Chromebooks have the ability to switch user accounts, and while the Google Chrome browser can also manage different user profiles, the feature is shoved off into a corner where not many people may know or take full advantage of it. Google wants to address this by putting profiles front and center.Google announced its latest profile switcher in a blog post on Tuesday. With this new revamp arriving on Google Chrome, users will be met with a ...

Most modern Samsung Galaxy phones thankfully come with at least 64GB of storage, but sometimes even that's not enough for all of the photos, videos, music, and other files that you want to carry around. When you hit the limits of your device's storage capacity, you sometimes have to make some tough choices about what to keep and what to cut. We'll show you where to go in the system settings to free up space on your Samsung Galaxy phone, whether you opt for the surgical or the catastrophic approach.How to free up space on your Samsung Galaxy phone on the system levelOpen the Settings app.Scroll down and tap on Battery and device care.Tap on Storage.Here you can see what categories of apps are taking up the most storage space, as well as get a picture of your overall storage capacity. Tap on one of the app categories (here I'll tap on Audio).Tap on the Music folder.Press and hold on a file.Tap checkbox to the left of the file to select it.Tap Move to trash at the botto...

PS Now users can also play Superhot and Ace Combat 7.What you need to knowWorld War Z and Infamous Second Son are the big titles coming to PS Now in March.Ace Combat 7 and Superhot are also coming.Infamous and Superhot have no date for leaving PS Now.PlayStation just announced which games are coming to its PS Now subscription in March, and it's adding several great games, including one of the PlayStation 4's first exclusives.Four new games will be added to PS Now for PS4 and PS5 starting on March 2: World War Z, Infamous: Second Son, Ace Combat 7, and Superhot. World War Z will be available to play until September 6, while Ace Combat 7 will be available until May 31. Neither Infamous: Second Son nor Superhot have dates for when they'll be taken off the service.You get the full range of gameplay experiences with this bunch: World War Z will be fully co-op compatible, with players able to take up arms against the zombie hordes with up to four players; while Superhot is ju...

PS5 stock is selling out fast so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking buy a PS5? Well, so do millions of other people and the stock levels that we've seen so far are tight. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is maybe 15 - 20 minutes (usually just a few minutes, though), and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a difficult task. Sony has warned that it will be hard to find stock throughout the year, but retailers are promising more is coming.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. After spending a few months with it now, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, and you'll want to experience it for yourself whenever you get the chance.Jump to:When are retailers releasing new stock?Buy PS5 in the U.S. Buy PS5 in CanadaBuy PS5 in the UKWhere to buy PS5 accessoriesTips for buyi...

Pixel feature drops are yet another feature that sets Pixels apart from other Android phones.What you need to knowGoogle has just announced the first Pixel feature drop of 2021.This release comes with enhancements to Recorder, the camera, and bedtime mode. There are also new wallpapers to celebrate Women's History Month.Google has just announced the first Pixel feature drop of 2021, and it's the second that'll hit the newly released Pixel 5 and 4a series. Coming just after the Android feature release last week, this one is a little bit limited in scope. It doesn't really bring much new to the Pixel like with older releases, instead, this one is more geared towards helping your Pixels work better with devices and accessories.First, Google's desktop Recorder app is going to go live soon. It was spotted last week, and now it's official. Sometime later today, users should be able to go to recorder.google.com, view, and share all their recorded audio. The regular features from...

Finding decent Android tablet deals isn't so tough anymore, though finding a deal on one of the best tablets can be a bit more difficult. Of course, there are always opportunities to save on tablets even when it's not one of the biggest shopping events of the year like Black Friday or Prime Day. We're gathering all the best Android tablet deals and listing them right here to make saving on your next tablet simple.Best Android tablet dealsGalaxy Tab S7: from $70 with trade-inLenovo Tab M10: starting at $130Fire 7 Kids Edition (2-pack): 25% offWith all the various Android tablets to choose from, you might be wondering which tablet is actually worth buying. We've created a few guides that can help you figure out which are the best of the best, from the best Android tablets to best Samsung tablets, and best Android tablets for students, though there are plenty more to consider as well. We're routinely updating the list below with the best tablet deals for all price points so ...

If you're a commuter or work in a busy environment, you're likely in the market for some of the best noise-canceling headphones. Drowning out all that background noise comes in the form of active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, and it's become a highly sought-after feature now that it's no longer exclusive to expensive headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM4's ANC heads up a group of class-leading headphones through their excellent performance and battery life.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony has been in the top spot before with its WH-1000XM3, which were the best ANC headphones on the market before they were replaced by the WH-1000XM4. Sony's flagship cans have become the benchmark for the industry as a whole, forcing others to catch up. What makes them so good is the unique QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that work together to block out ambient sound. For a daily commute on a bus or train, walking on a busy street, or sitting on a flight, the WH-10000XM4 are up to the task....

With lower prices and more practical features, Samsung's latest Chromebook tries to reach a broader audience.Almost two months after debuting at CES, Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook 2 is out in stores now. Samsung tried to rein in the extravagance and the premium price tag from the original Galaxy Chromebook and instead gave us a mid-range Chromebook in a premium package in this second edition. While I think it might be the most visually striking Chromebook that we'll see in 2021, I'm not entirely sure you should rush out to buy it on day one, and today's reviews seem to agree with my initial assessment. Category Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 ($549) Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 ($699) Processor Intel Celeron 5205U Intel Core i3-10110U Memory 4GB 8GB Storage 64GB eMMC 128GB eMMC Display 13.3" QLED 1920 x 1080px 13.3" QLED 1920 x 1080px Connectivity Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 Ports 2x USB-CmicroSD card slot 2x USB-Cm...

Alexa on the moveAmazon Echo Show 10$250 at AmazonProsRotating screen silently follows you in full semi-circle13MP Camera is perfect for video callsSound quality is amazing, directionalLow Power modePrivacy featuresSentry mode security cameraConsRequires lots of room to move aroundAlexa Guard Plus subscription for security featuresExpensiveThe Amazon Echo Show 10 is a game-changing smart display that tracks you around a room with its crystal-clear 13MP camera and multiple AI chips. The sound quality is superb and also follows you around the room, and Alexa responds faster than ever.Knows your face and voiceNest Hub Max$230 at Best BuyPros127-degree wide-angle cameraFacial and voice matchingQuick gesturesFantastic audio qualityAuto-dimming screenLong list of Google Assistant-compatible devicesConsRear-firing speakers can cause sound issuesMic/camera cover turns off both at onceExpensiveThe Nest Hub Max was designed to cater...

"Not another streaming service" is starting to become a common refrain amongst cordcutters with new options popping up every few months. Paramount Plus, however, isn't exactly a new service but a rebranded and majorly updated one.CBS All Access was previously known as the home of Big Brother live feeds, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, while slowly accumulating shows and other content from networks like BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and even the Smithsonian Channel. The amount of content on the service would actually surprise anyone who believes it solely includes CBS shows, which is why it's no surprise that the name is being changed to Paramount Plus in early 2021.Along with the name change, Paramount Plus is expected to include all of the content found on CBS All Access as well as a bevy of new shows and movies for subscribers to enjoy. Current CBS All Access originals like Star Trek: Picard and The Good Fight will continue airing on Pa...

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: up to $440 backPixel 4a: get one for free!Google Pixel 4a 5G | 10% off at AmazonAmazon has the affordable Google Pixel 4a with 5G on sale today at $50 off its regular cost! This device is 5G-enabled so you can access faster speeds whether streaming, downloading, or gaming. This is the first time the unlocked model has ever dropped t...

Oculus Touch controllers have wrist loops that keep them from flying off, but you still have to keep a rigid claw grip on them at all times while playing. By installing a hand or knuckle strap, you can keep your Touches fully attached while giving your hands a break. We've collected the best Oculus Quest 2 hand straps — plus straps for the original Quest's different-sized Touch controllers — to make long VR gaming sessions more bearable.Note: We will label which products work with the original or updated Touch controllers, so be sure to check before buying.Best for comfortVR Cover Controller Grips for Oculus Quest 2Staff PickDesigned specifically for the new Touch controllers, these VR Cover grips have felt fabric straps that wrap around the back of your hand or knuckles, plus a plastic non-slip grip that won't bend in your fingers like a silicone grip. We tested and loved these grips, especially the strap that softly hugs your hands and allows you to let go worry-f...

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced developers to adapt their work pipelines and finish games from home. This has led to multiple delays.Last year began with a slew of high-profile game delays, most notably Cyberpunk 2077 and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but then COVID-19 struck and and threw the games industry through a loop. Now that we're into 2021, we'll only be seeing more delays as developers truly begin to understand the effects of the pandemic on their work pipeline. One of the first major delays to come this year was Hogwarts Legacy, being pushed into 2022.We've compiled a list of every game that have been delayed into 2021 and beyond. Some of these games have been delayed indefinitely while others have release windows or a final release date.We'll continually update this list as more games are delayed.DeathloopDying Light 2Far Cry 6Gran Turismo 7Hogwarts LegacyKena: Bridge of SpiritsOutridersPrince of Persia: The Sands of TimePsychonauts 2Rainbow Six Quarant...

Signs of things yet to come.What you need to knowElden Ring was first announced back at E3 2019.Since then, new information has been sparse and new footage or trailers nonexistent.Today, a few snippets of blurred footage leaked from what is reportedly an internal use trailerYes, really. If you've been waiting for news or even a new glimpse of FromSoftware and Bandai Namco's upcoming Elden Ring, there's a little something today. A few seconds of footage from what is reportedly an internal trailer for Elden Ring have leaked. These blurry, camera-off-screen glimpses might seem like the stereotypical fake leak but have been stated to be accurate by multiple reputable journalists and analysts, such as Jason Schreier at Bloomberg.So, if you don't want to see these bits of footage, you should leave now. If you're curious, you can look below.This isn't from me, but I needed some way to share it elsewhere for those who care. #EldenRing pic.twitter.com/YxUNH9Fq2K— AestheticGame...

It's March! That means we're inching ever closer and closer to an escape from winter. But with spring right around the corner, you might need to start thinking about what that entails. Namely, it's soon going to be time for some yard work! Time to start mowing the grass and cleaning those edges again. Equip yourself with some new Greenworks tools on sale during this Amazon deal of the day that includes lawn mowers, a leaf blower, and a string trimmer all going for super low prices up to 30% off.For lawn mowers, you have two options. You can choose the corded electric Greenworks mower on sale for $134.99 or the battery-powered mower going for $209.99. These are both crazy low prices. The corded mower normally sells for around $200 and goes as high as $230. The drop to $135 marks only the second time in the last year that it has dropped this low. The battery-powered mower has dropped to $210 once before, during last year's holiday shopping season, but it more regularly sells for $300...

Google is finally taking the fight to TikTok and Instagram Reels in the U.S. with Shorts.What you need to knowYouTube's Shorts feature has started rolling out to users in the U.S.Until now, Shorts was limited to users in India.The feature offers a similar vertical short-form video experience as TikTok.YouTube announced a new feature called Shorts last year, a short-video format similar to TikTok. Nearly six months after its announcement, YouTube has finally started rolling out the feature in beta in the U.S (via XDA Developers).When YouTube shared its 2021 roadmap last month, it revealed that the Shorts player is now receiving over 3.5 billion daily views. Due to the rising popularity of the feature, the number of Indian channels using Shorts creation tools has more than tripled since December.YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds long and appear on the homepage Shorts shelf. Shorts are also featured on channel pages by default and can even be found in your subscriptio...

PSN appears to have experienced several outages the past three days, affecting various services.What you need to knowPSN has been experiencing outages throughout the weekend and into today.Sony is aware of the issues and is diligently working on a fix.Right now it appears that gaming and social is still having problems, with some players unable to launch games and access network features.Players are still reporting problems with the PlayStation Network, which began to experience outages on February 26, 2021 that have persisted over the weekend and into today, March 1. While Sony is apparently aware of the issue according to its website and is working on a fix, no time was given as to when players can expect everything to be up and running again.Right now it looks like most services are working except for gaming and social, meaning some people may have difficulty launching games and apps or accessing other network features. These aren't affecting every game so it will vary...

Launched at the start of 2021, the Discovery Plus streaming platform provides subscribers with access to more than 55,000 episodes of television from channels including Animal Planet, Food Network, HGTV and TLC. The best way to try out Discovery+ is to sign up for a free trial. Here are the easy steps you need to take to sign up for a free trial with Discovery Plus.How to try Discovery+ for freeWhile Discovery Plus plans start at $5/month, you can sign up right now for a seven-day free trial. All you need is a few minutes to sign up. Here's how to sign up for a free trial with Discovery Plus.Navigate to DiscoveryPlus.com.Select the Start Free Trial button.Choose which level of plan you want to try and select Continue. Enter your email, create a password, and select Agree and Continue.Fill in the Billing Information and select Agree and Continue.Why Discovery+?Discovery Plus is available on most streaming devices and is the go-to platform for fans of shows like F...

One of Amazon's deals of the day features a large selection of LED light strips from Daybetter. You can save up to 31% off the price of these strips, and that represents the lowest price for many of these options. For example, this 50-foot Bluetooth strip was going for $40 at the beginning of January. It's lowest price to date is a drop to around $23, but today you can get it for just $19.19. Of course, that price won't last forever as all of these deals disappear at the end of the day.This Daybetter strip has some great features associated with it. The Bluetooth functionality lets you control the strip from an app on your smartphone. It also comes with an infrared remote control. It's super easy to install as well, and the 50-foot length lets you put it just about anywhere like around your bedroom or under the kitchen cabinets. Use it as bias lighting for a TV even. The strip has a built-in microphone so the lights can sync to your music. Just imagine the intensity of the lights g...

Everything you need, without the luxuries you don't.Update, February 2021: Samsung Galaxy S21 review, 1 month laterIt's easy to get drawn in by the allure of über-premium devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but if there's anything Samsung learned from last fall's shockingly performant Galaxy S20 FE, it's that for many users, the best Android phone isn't necessarily the one with the highest price tag. That's especially true now, as thousands across the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet amidst a global pandemic; for those people, dropping four figures on a smartphone is hardly a top priority.The Galaxy S21 feels like the right phone arriving at the right time. It's $200 cheaper than last year's S20 at launch, and with aggressive trade-in offers, it can be had for much less. While it makes a few concessions in order to reach that lower price, the S21 still offers a fully-fledged flagship experience that I think most people will be perfectly happy with — but make no mista...

Chatting with the AC forums.The Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup offers some intriguing options at more accessible price points than last year, and each of the three sizes -- the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra are strong candidates already for the best Android phones of the year. Samsung announced and launched its flagship series earlier this year than in recent memory and begun shipping them out to customers over the past few weeks.While browsing through the AC Forums this morning, we noticed several posters commenting that recent shipping delays were influenced by the unusually severe weather in Texas and other parts of the southern U.S. Did these storms delay your Samsung Galaxy S21, or are there other factors involved? Or, were you one of the lucky ones who've gotten their S21s in a timely fashion? maverick96 02-27-2021 02:50 PM “ Ordered a S21 Ultra 128gb from Samsung and it’s not expected until March...

Tri-band meshEero Pro 6$599 at AmazonProsFast tri-band Wi-Fi 6 connectionCompact sizeCompatible with all other EerosGreat management appConsExpensiveOnly two Ethernet portsEero has made a name for itself by making simple-to-use mesh systems with enough speed for most people. The Eero Pro 6 is the first Eero that can keep up with a gigabit internet connection with multiple nodes thanks to a fast tri-band AX4200 Wi-Fi solution. You can even upgrade an older Eero system with Wi-Fi 6 at the core thanks to full compatibility with all other Eeros.Affordable coverageTP-Link Deco X60$209 at AmazonProsSolid AX3000 speedsCompact sizeHomeCare software for parental controlsGreat priceConsDual-band Wi-Fi must share 5GHz bandOnly two Ethernet portsThe TP-Link Deco X60 is easily one of the best values in mesh systems thanks to an AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 setup that should be fast enough for most people. Two units cover a massive 5,800 square feet and ca...

The Redmi Note 10 will be Xiaomi's first Redmi Note 10 series phone to feature an AMOLED display.What you need to knowLeaked images of the Redmi Note 10 have surfaced ahead of its global debut later this week.The leaked images reveal the phone will feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, an 11nm Snapdragon 678 processor, and 33W fast charging.It will also have a quad-lens camera system on the back with a 48MP main sensor.Xiaomi is set to take the wraps off the Redmi Note 10 series phones at a virtual launch event in India on March 4. Ahead of the event, alleged images of the global Redmi Note 10 have leaked online, revealing the upcoming budget phone's key specs and design. The leaked images reveal the vanilla Redmi Note 10 will be powered by Qualcomm's 11nm Snapdragon 678 chipset, which was announced in December last year. Unlike previous Redmi Note series phones from Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 10 will not have an LCD display. Instead, it will feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED pane...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month, include three major titles all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below with downloads available starting March 2. Enjoy the price of free until April 1, 2021.★A masterful remakeFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeFinal Fantasy 7 is often regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, and in 2020, Square Enix's long-awaited remake of the game finally launched to critical acclaim. Now, players who missed out on the remake of the original game can dive in for free and experience one of the best RPGs ever made. Note: The recently announced PS5 upgrade to Final Fantasy 7 Remake is NOT included with the PlayStation Plus version of the game. You'll need to buy the PS4 version to take outright to get the upgrade or wait for the next-generation version to launch in June.See at PlayStation Store...

Google's Pixel 4a 5G is the unnoticed middle child.Google's Pixels are some of the most anticipated releases of the smartphone market year after year. Even if they do not move the needle in terms of market share, they have helped drive the smartphone conversation, and do somewhat distinguish themselves from other smartphones with interesting design decisions and spec choices. Whether that is good or bad is another matter entirely. I've been using one of Google's latest Pixels — the Pixel 4a 5G — since early December, picking it up as a Christmas present to myself, and I've used it for a couple of months after coming off a Pixel 3a XL and Pixel 4a as primary phones. Today, I'll be highlighting the things I most enjoy about this phone, and the one thing that still bugs me.The Pixel 4a 5G has a nice big screenWith all previous generations of Pixels up to the 3a, Google also had an XL model to go with it. I had just moved from a Pixel 2 XL to a Pixel 3a XL for a year, so the...

Network-attached storage is a concept that at one point seemed pretty daunting to the layman. These days it's easier than ever to set up. All you really need is an NAS device, a couple of hard drives to fill the bays, and a strong network connection. With that small investment, you an ensure all of your media and data is stored in a secure way that's accessible to your entire home or small business.Some of the more popular brands for NAS devices include Synology, QNAP, and Buffalo. Even Western Digital has gotten in on the NAS side of things. If you want to set up your own home media server or something like a Plex server, then look for one of these popular brands for a system that's easy to use and designed for convenience.Best NAS DealsSynology DS220j 2-bay NAS DiskStationHas two drive bays, a 1.4GHz dual-core processor, 512MB of DDR4 RAM, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Create a personal cloud you can access anywhere.$166.99 at AmazonWD My Cloud 6TB personal cloud...

The stable update has arrived two months after the first OxygenOS 11 beta was released for the phone.What you need to knowThe stable Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 update for the OnePlus Nord has started rolling out.Along with a ton of new features, the update brings the January 2021 security patch and a few improvements to the popular mid-ranger. It might take a few days for the update to become more widely available.The OnePlus Nord received its first OxygenOS Open Beta build based on Android 11 in January this year. Two months later, the mid-ranger has finally started to receive the stable Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 update. According to the folks at XDA Developers, the update weighs in at nearly 3GB in size and packs a ton of new features.The stable OxygenOS 11 update brings a refreshed UI design, more customization options for the Ambient Display, an all-new Shelf UI, a revamped Gallery app, and an improved dark mode to OnePlus' best cheap Android phone. It also inclu...

Android 12 can make your phone dance to the music.Android 12 has plenty of features to explore, but one of the coolest may be the ability for your phone's haptic motors to work in tandem with an audio stream. Vibration is something every Android phone — from the best phone to the most budget-friendly phone — already has and every phone can also play sounds through its external speaker. Pairing the two might lead to some really innovative stuff!What are haptics?Inside of every phone is a small motor that is purposefully made to be off-balance, called a linear resonant actuator. When Android tells a phone to vibrate, this motor spins. Because it's off-balance, it shakes and vibrates while it's spinning and this vibration is what we're feeling when our phone is on mute and someone calls. Haptic feedback isn't a small feature, and it isn't easy to get it right.These vibrations are useful for other things, too. The most familiar — and for many the most vital — thing...

With all the packages we receive these days, it makes total sense to equip your front door with a smart video doorbell. They used to be an expensive luxury but video doorbells are actually pretty cheap these days, especially with sales like this one at Woot offering the Ring Video Doorbell 2 and Ring Video Doorbell Pro from just $69.99.Woot is offering the smart home devices in used or certified refurbished condition with as much as half off their usual prices. Each unit has been tested to ensure they are in full working order, though the used devices may exhibit some cosmetic blemishes. There's also a Woot warranty of up to 1 year included with your purchase in case of any issues.With the Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door by using an app on your phone, tablet, or computer. It's equipped with a camera that records in 1080p HD with infrared night vision so you can see what's going on outside your home no matter what time of day it is, and...

The 10-bit color management system is making its debut on the OPPO Find X3.What you need to knowThe OPPO Find X3 series is set to be launched on March 11.The Find X3 Pro will run Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 5G chipset.OPPO's 10-bit color management system will debut on the Find X3.OPPO's next flagship smartphone lineup is on the way and the company has just announced the date of its launch event. We're expecting a few phones to be unveiled including the OPPO Find X3, Find X3 Lite, and Find X3 Pro. OPPO even managed to include a few details about its higher-end Pro model which will be the cream of the crop in the company's smartphone lineup this year.The follow-up to last year's OPPO Find X2 Pro will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, which will power many of the best Android phones that will launch this year. The device will mark the debut of the company's 10-bit Full-path Colour Management system that was announced late last year, making it the first Android smar...

Why Google essentially building a '4a 5G Lite' would make sense, and what it could mean for the Pixel 6.The Google Pixel 5a is coming, and people have questions.Based on information and CAD renders leaked out by Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka OnLeaks) this past week, it seems the 5a is going to look almost identical to the Pixel 4a 5G — a phone that might be barely seven months old by the time the 5a arrives. All of which makes the successor to one of the best cheap Android phones seem like a pretty confusing proposition.A glance down the spec sheet and a peek at the renders reveals a familiar 6.2-inch screen, dual rear cameras, rear fingerprint scanner, a hole-punch selfie camera and headphone jack. Only the dimensions are slightly different, with the 5a apparently being slightly chunkier than the 4a 5G.If you saw these renders out of context, you'd think you were looking at a Pixel 4a 5G.But this leak isn't as boring as you might think — and that's partly because of what we...

The 2021 awards season is kicking off with the 78th Golden Globe Awards and we have all the details on how you can watch the awards show on TV or online.After Ricky Gervais' controversial speech at last year's Golden Globes, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has decided to let Tina Fey and Amy Poehler take over the hosting duties for this year's show. This will be the comedic duo's fourth time hosting the Golden Globes after they did so from 2013 until 2015.Things will be a bit different this time around though as the show will be virtual with Poelher hosting from The Beverly Hilton Hotel in California and Fey hosting from the Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center in New York City. As a result, many of this year's nominees and winners will also be tuning in virtually to accept their awards though there will be some celebrity presenters at each location. While the Golden Globes are usually held at the beginning of January, this year's show was delayed due to the pand...

In the world of Assistant vs. Alexa, the Nest Audio makes Google's case nicely.Update, February 2021: Nest Audio, 4 months laterIt's important not to overthink what the Nest Audio is, or what it's trying to be. Google isn't; it was pretty clear about that fact during the product's introduction. It's a successor to the popular 2016 Google Home, the company's original air freshener-shaped cylindrical Google Assistant-powered speaker, which was released during a very different time in the company's hardware roadmap.It wasn't until the following year, in 2017, that the colorful, rounded-corner, fabric-covered aesthetic we know and love today was revealed in the forms of the Google Home Mini and Home Max, petite and portly versions of that original speaker designed to make the Google Assistant accessible to more home sizes, budgets, and audio enthusiasts.In the last couple of years, there has been no shortage of Google Assistant speakers released to the market, but most of them sh...

Ahead of its 11th and final season which will air later this year, The Walking Dead is returning to AMC with six new bonus episodes and we have all the details on how you can watch them on TV or online.The post-apocalyptic zombie show based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard first premiered back in 2010. So far there have been 10 seasons of the Walking Dead and while season 10 was originally supposed to end after episode 16, AMC decided to extend it further with the release of six all-new episodes before season 11 premieres sometime this fall.The Walking Dead tells the story of sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln) who wakes from a coma to discover that the world has been overrun by zombies. Grimes then travels to Atlanta where he finds his wife Lori, his son Carl and a group of other survivors. The first season of the show ended up being a hit and in the years since, Rick's group has holed up on a farm, i...

Sometimes it's nice to have just one device that accomplishes several different goals at once. You can get that in this TaoTronics LED desk lamp, which is on sale for $43.34 at Amazon. While there was a time in this lamp's life that it sold for around $50, it has been selling at $60 or more for most of the past year. Unfortunately, a lot of devices jumped in price in 2020 thanks to the global pandemic, but it's nice to see some of them coming back down. And today this lamp has come down to the second lowest price we've ever seen.The LED desk lamp has just a ton of different features. Let's talk about the lamp aspect first. It emits an even glow with flicker-free LED lights. There are five different customizable color temperature settings and five brightness settings so you can get the light just perfect for your mood or your environment. Create the ideal atmosphere for whatever you're doing.The lamp is also easily adjustable thanks to a rotating base and adjustable body. It's fle...

The UE Hyperboom portable Bluetooth speaker is the best big Bluetooth speaker around. For the first time since it came out in early 2020, it is on sale for $340.99 at Amazon. That's down from its usual price of $400. The sale price is also available at other retailers like Best Buy. Of course if you look in the wrong spot you'll actually find it going for way more than even its normal street price, like at Walmart where it's nearly $500.The Hyperboom is one of UE's newest speakers, and it's designed to be the big, bass-producing, music-blasting speaker that you need in a system that's still compact enough to be portable. You'll get loud, pristine sound mixed with Ultimate Ears technology that really helps boost the bass for a rich blend of audio no matter what music you prefer.You can connect up to four devices to the Hyperboom at once. Two of them can connect via Bluetooth. Then you can always add a third via the auxiliary port and a fourth via the optical input. Switch between ...

Debuting March 4, Paramount Plus is quickly gearing up to compete with top streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. Just this past week, ViacomCBS announced a slew of exclusive TV series and films that will be premiering on Paramount Plus, from reboots of popular TV series like Rugrats and BET's The Game to series adaptations of Paramount films like The Italian Job and Grease, as well as new films like The Quiet Place II and Mission: Impossible 7 coming to the service 45 days after their theatrical release. Starting at $4.99 per month, the service is a rebrand of CBS All Access while offering even more content at $1 less per month for its base plan.Paying annually is always a better option at CBS All Access as you're able to save a bit extra on the total cost and won't have to worry about a monthly bill. Right now though, it's an even smarter way to join. Through March 3, you can get your annual subscription to Paramount Plus for only $29.99 when you use promo code PARAMOUNTPLUS ...

We regularly watch for the best Bluetooth headphones under $50, and the Plantronics Backbeat Fit 350 don't normally count because they regularly sell as high as $60 and even $80 at some retailers. Right now you can get these great Bluetooth headphones for $39.99 at Best Buy and while price-matched at Amazon. This is one of Best Buy's deals of the day, so you'll want to act fast before the price expires.Looking for an easy pair of headphones to take with you to the gym? That's what the Backbeat Fit 350 would be good for. They use Bluetooth 4.1 technology so you get low power consumption and no interuptions while you're streaming your favorite tunes. They pair simply and easily with any of your Bluetooth devices.You'll also get a six hour battery life that will last for up to 240 hours in standby mode, so you can toss them in your bag without needing to worry about recharging them before you hit the gym at the end of the day. You can count on them to still be working when you head ...

Former Android Central Grand Poobah Phil Nickinson is running the ship over at our sister site WhatToWatch.com these days. He joins Daniel, Jerry, and Ara for a survey of what's happening in the streaming video service world. The crew also have some follow up on Android 12 Developer Preview and the first Pixel 5a leaks.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Disney+ Star launches internationally — here's what you need to know | Android CentralDisney+ now has nearly 95 million paid subscribers globally | Android CentralThe Disney Plus price increase is coming to your country soon, subscribe now | Android CentralDisney Plus reaches a new gear internationally with the launch of Star | WhatToWatchMonica Rambeau's 'WandaVision' glow up | WhatToWatch'WandaVision': What's the deal with Agatha Harkness? | WhatToWatchThe frustrating subtlety of WandaVision on...

Contrary to what you might hear, you can print from a Chromebook, but it isn't quite as easy as it might be with other computers. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you can't ever print from your Chromebook. The following printers are among the best Google Cloud printers. Even though the Google Cloud Print feature is no longer supported, you can still connect these printers with a Chromebook for printing from the device without a complex setup.Simple and cost effectiveEpson EcoTank ET-2720 Wireless All-in-One Inkjet PrinterStaff PickNot only can you print wirelessly, but the refillable ink reservoirs last up to two years so you can print without having to worry about getting more ink.$200 at Best Buy$250 at TargetBest for the officeCanon Office MAXIFY IB4120 PrinterDesigned specifically for the office with its 500-paper capacity, the Canon Office IB4120 printer works with multiple devices and is great at home, too.$140 at Amazon$140 at Walmart$130 at StaplesBla...

Android 11 is here with exciting new features, and it is making its way to your phone.With Android 11, Google is making a few tweaks to refine the platform instead of making wholesale changes. Privacy is a big focus with Android 11, with Google introducing one-time permissions and granular control over what sort of data you share.There are new features to get excited about as well — the power button menu picked up a massive overhaul, the Conversations view does a great job highlighting your messages, and there are little tweaks throughout the interface that give it an added polish.Android 11 is ready to power the best Android phones of 2021, and alongside new devices, manufacturers are doing a better job rolling out the update to their 2020 phones. So here's everything you need to know about all the new features in Android 11 and when your phone is likely to receive the update.Jump to:Release dateCustom skinsReviewMessaging featuresPermissionsScreen recorderDis...

Unlike most streaming services, Peacock has a free tier that allows you to stream shows and movies on-demand without ever paying a cent! However, if you do sign up for a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus paid subscription, you can unlock even more content including original series and films starting at just $4.99 per month.Stream Peacock for free todayNBC's streaming service Peacock offers one of the best values on the market. After all, how many streaming platforms do you know of which have a free streaming tier? Unlike Netflix, Disney+, and other popular services which don't even offer free trials currently, you don't need to pay a cent to start streaming Peacock.The free tier at Peacock gives you the ability to watch full-length films, beloved NBC TV series, and even select episodes of Peacock originals. With a paid subscription, you'll unlock everything there is to watch on Peacock with no restrictions starting at just $4.99 monthly.Is Peacock TV really free?Yes! Signing ...

Premium design and perksGarmin VenuFrom $200 at AmazonProsPremium design plus AMOLEDGPS, HRM, NFCBody Battery and Pulse OxOn-screen workoutsMusic storageConsToo expensive for some usersYou'll never feel like you're missing out on features when you have the Garmin Venu on your wrist. It has onboard GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, on-screen workouts, Body Battery, Pulse Ox, NFC payments, music storage, and so much more.Women's watch for basicsGarmin LilyFrom $200 at AmazonProsPetite, fashionable designActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringBody BatteryPulse OxConsLacks GPS, NFCNo music storageMissing on-screen workoutsIf you want to enjoy the perks of health and activity tracking without having a giant piece of tech on your wrist that dulls your style, you'll be happy with the Garmin Lily. This smartwatch offers heart-rate monitoring, fitness/sleep tracking, Body Battery, and Pulse Ox.Garmin Lily ...

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

Google's new Sleep API enables low-power sleep tracking on Android devices.What you need to knowGoogle is making its Sleep API publicly available.The API is used to power features like Bedtime mode in Google's Clock app.Developers can now use the Sleep API as part of the latest Google Play Services.Google has decided to make its Sleep API publicly available to help Android users stay informed about their sleep and allow developers to create great sleep tracking apps that have minimal impact on battery life. Most developers currently use detection algorithms that are inconsistent between apps. When multiple apps check for changes in user activity independently and continuously, your phone's battery drains faster than usual.Nick Grayson, Product Manager at Google, wrote in a blog post: So much of what we do relies on a good night's rest. Our phones have become great tools for making more informed decisions about our sleep. And by being informed about sleep habits, peopl...

Best answer: Technically, yes. Mint Mobile is a subsidiary of Ultra Mobile, and both are MVNOs on T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G network that offer a variety of prepaid plans at affordable prices.Wait, Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile are the same company?Both Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are MVNOs on T-Mobile's network. What most people don't know, though, is that Ultra Mobile actually launched Mint Mobile in 2016 as a subsidiary under the name Mint SIM, which was later rebranded to Mint Mobile in 2018. Though both carriers share the same CEO, David Glickman, Mint Mobile seems to have taken off as the cooler, more innovative budget MVNO that still gets access to T-Mobile's 4G LTE and 5G networks. Actor Ryan Reynold's ownership stake in Mint Mobile helped with that. Since 2019, he's become the face of the company and appears in Mint's comical commercials.We’re upping our data. And our political influence. #MintMobile @Mayor_Max pic.twitter.com/ue2hcMJRXX— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReyno...