Latest from Android Central

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...

More testing is needed but it should be here later this year.What you need to knowA report from Bloomberg indicates that PS5 users will be able to expand SSD storage sometime in summer.This functionality was previously stated by Sony to be coming sometime post-launch, with no timeframe for Sony is evidently testing to make sure the slot will be correctly cooled by increased fan speed through the update.According to a new report from Bloomberg, the PS5 SSD expansion slot is planned to be usable sometime later in the summer. The report also states that when support is enabled, it'll come with a firmware update that also brings a higher fan speed to ensure the port is adequately cooled.Sony previously confirmed that an update would allow this feature sometime post-launch but did not specify an exact timeframe. Right now, the PS5 is limited to an internal 825 GB SSD, where PS5 games have to be installed. The console does support external HDD or SSDs but only for backward comp...

The Blackout version of Blue Yeti's USB condenser microphone is on sale for $101.34 at Amazon. These mics normally sell for $130. The other available colors are going for that price, and this mic is still $130 at other retailers like Best Buy. The Yeti didn't drop much in price in the last year, probably due to the global pandemic that impacted a lot of prices. Today's drop is the lowest we have seen since 2019's Black Friday sales. That's a long time with few deals, and it's a safe bet this drop won't last long as a result.At this price you're basically getting the larger Blue Yeti for the same price as the equivalent Blue Yeti Nano, which is at its $100 street price. The regular Yeti has more patterns to choose from, more features, and better control all for just $1.35 more.The Blue Yeti is powered by USB so it's easy to just plug in and get it going. It's a condenser mic that includes a tri-capsule array that can record almost any situation.You can choose from multiple patte...

The world may be on fire but at least the PS5 is finally here to distract you.Update, February 2021: PS5 review, 3 months laterSony is launching its most ambitious console to date on Nov. 12, 2020 with the PS5. The company dominated the last generation with the PS4 and silenced naysayers who said that console gaming was dead. After selling upwards of 112 million units over the last seven years, Sony hopes to replicate its success with the PlayStation 5, which has already shattered pre-sales of its predecessor in a fraction of the time. If you're looking to buy a PS5, just be aware that the demand is immense right now, and it could be a while before you're able to find one in stock.Despite only using it for around two weeks, I already see the PS5 being my main system going forward, and this is a huge change for me. Ever since I was a kid I've had an Xbox. My Xbox One X is my primary console right now, previously sitting next to my PlayStation 4 Pro. Believe it or not, I've only ...

Gates says he often plays around with iPhones, but the one he carries around happens to be Android.What you need to knowMicrosoft co-founder Bill Gates revealed that he prefers Android over iOS in his first meeting on Clubhouse this week.Gates said he prefers Android devices as some of them come pre-installed with Microsoft software and are more flexible about how the software connects up with the OS.Clubhouse co-founder Paul Davidson confirmed during the meeting that an Android version of the app is the "top feature" that they are currently working on.Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates gave his first interview on the invite-only Clubhouse app this week. Speaking to CNBC and NY Times journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, Gates revealed during the interview that he prefers Android over iOS.When asked whether he prefers iOS over Android, Gates said that while he often plays around with iPhones, the one he carries around happens to be Android. Gates added: Some of the Android manu...

While the Google Pixel 4a 5G isn't going to be winning any beauty contests, the best Pixel 4a 5G cases jazz up this affordable 5G phone. Protecting your investment is paramount, but let's get real. Life's too short for boring phone cases. Thankfully, these Pixel 4a 5G cases are anything but and add pops of color and extra protection to keep your phone looking brand new.Keep it safeTudia DualShield Merge SeriesStaff PickTudia's Merge Series has been protecting Pixels big and small for years, and if you need some heavy-duty support for your Pixel 4a 5G from Day One, this case will do the job for less than a large pizza.$12 at AmazonFabulous feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric case feels just as amazing on the Pixel 4a 5G as it has in previous generations, and this year we have some fun color options like the Blue Confetti and the classic but ever so sophisticated Basically Black.From $26 at Amazon $40 at Best BuyTwo-tone texturingCaseology ParallaxIf you...

Chatting with the AC forums.In 2021, cloud storage solutions are a necessity for a lot of people. We keep taking more and more pictures on our phones, expandable storage support is becoming an increasingly rare feature, and there are countless cloud storage solutions to choose from.This creates a fun debate around which cloud storage app is truly the best. I'm personally a user of Google One, but there are plenty of other people that swear by Amazon Cloud, OneDrive, and others.Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what a few of our members have to say on the topic: B. Diddy 02-24-2021 05:33 PM “ If you're not interested in paying for an increased Google Drive plan through Google One, and if you have Amazon Prime, then I would also recommend Amazon Photos. The unlimited photo backups there are for original quality. Reply chimpboy74...

Facebook has Messenger and WhatsApp, but Instagram is one of its most overlooked messaging platforms.When it comes to messaging apps and services, there are a fair few stalwart apps you'd expect to see brought up in conversation. Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp are obvious. Despite many people hating the primary platform, both offshoots have seen great commercial success and now boast billions of users. If you're messaging someone in 2021, there's a very high chance you're using one of those. Then there's Signal and Telegram, a pair of apps interlinked only by their focus on privacy and their shared desire to topple the duo at the top. Finally, there's iMessage and Google Messages, one of which has succeeded at being the default message service for all users on its platform, and the other of which hasn't gotten its message out on why you should use it.With all that said, Instagram Direct, the integrated messaging client for Instagram, is rarely brought up in the discussion of the...

The director of the 2009 film "Precious" Lee Daniels is back with a new film chronicling the life of jazz legend Billie Holiday and we have all the details on how you can watch The United States vs. Billie Holiday online.The film is based on the book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs and stars Andra Day in its titular role. While The United States vs. Billie Holiday was initially set to be released in theaters, the streaming service Hulu acquired the rights to the film back in December of last year.For those unfamiliar with the story of Billie "Lady Day" Holiday, she was an American jazz and swing music singer who rose to nationwide fame in the US during the 1930s and 40s. However, it was her controversial and heart-wrenching ballad Strange Fruit, based on a poem by Abel Meeropol and recorded in 1939, that got Billie Holiday in hot water with the federal government.As Billie Holiday was also a heroin addict, she was targeted by the Federal Departme...

To get the best Stadia gaming experience, you can't go wrong with the Stadia controller. It's the only one that lets you play Stadia on your TV or link wirelessly to your Android phone or computer. But you may want to use your own Bluetooth controller, or one that's compatible with more of the best game streaming apps. The best Stadia controllers mostly perform the same way, so we're focusing on comfort, premium features, compatibility with other systems, and price.Best Overall: Stadia ControllerWhile other controllers may offer more compatibility and customization, if you want to get the most of Google Stadia, you'll need the Stadia controller. Built like a normal gaming controller, the Stadia controller has a few key features in it that can take your gaming on Stadia to the next level.The Stadia controller comes equipped with two buttons that other controllers won't: the Share button and the Google Assistant button. The Share button allows players to instantly share a clip ...

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy A52 5G and A72 5G phones are rumored to come with 120Hz displays.What you need to knowSamsung has announced a new budget phone called the Galaxy A32.It is Samsung's first A-series phone to feature a 90Hz AMOLED display. The phone also comes with a 64MP camera and a 5000mAh battery. Samsung recently announced the Galaxy A32 5G, its most affordable phone yet with 5G connectivity. The company has now unveiled the 4G-only version of the phone, dubbed Galaxy A32.Surprisingly, the new Galaxy A32 is actually more impressive than the 5G version in many areas, making it one of the best cheap Android phones that Samsung has launched in a long time. It comes with a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and an in-screen fingerprint reader, as opposed to the 6.5-inch HD+ panel on the Galaxy A32 5G.In the camera department, Samsung's Galaxy A32 comes equipped with a quad-camera setup featuring a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP...

Even when these headphones were going for their $80 street price, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Bluetooth headphones were considered our favorite Value Pick for the best wireless headphones of 2021. Now you can get even more value out of them because they are down to a great low price of $67.99 on Amazon. Considering these are the newest headphones in the Soundcore Life lineup, they haven't had a lot of time to even go on sale so this is a great opportunity.The Q30 headphones use a combination of internal and external microphones to generate some powerfully advanced active noise cancellation technology. You can filter out 95% of low-frequency ambient sound so you just can't hear anything going on around you. That's great if you're looking for some distraction-free music listening. The ANC is customizable and comes with three modes: indoor, outdoor, and transport. The latter choice minimizes things like airplane engine noise so you can use these headphones while you're moving around....

Don't count out one of last year's top-end phones just because it isn't brand new.The best Android phone for you isn't always necessarily the newest or most expensive one. While I'm quick to recommend some of the more affordable new options like the Pixel 4a, there's also a strong argument for buying last year's flagship at a significantly reduced price.The Galaxy S20+ is a perfect example. Though Samsung discontinued it just after launching the new Galaxy S21 series, the S20+ is still a terrific buy in early 2020, thanks in large part to Samsung's newly expanded commitment to providing four years of software updates to its phones. Of course, you'll have a hard time finding a discontinued phone in stores, but if you're okay with getting a renewed or refurbished device, you can pick up an S20+ for nearly half its launch price at Amazon.Still worth every pennySamsung Galaxy S20+ (Renewed)$664 at AmazonOne of last year's best phones, made even better thanks to huge disco...

Ever just wanted to have your music or games or software with you and didn't trust that old portable hard drive to survive the trip? Get a portable SSD instead because it's not only faster, it'll survive being tossed around while you keep moving. The WD My Passport 500GB external USB-C portable solid state drive has dropped in price today. It's down to $79.99 at Amazon, which is a price match of Best Buy's deal of the day that features the same great deal. The last deal we shared on this SSD was when it dropped to $85, so the price is only getting better. It will disappear though, and the SSD can jump as high as $130 when it's not on sale.This isn't just an SSD. It also has NVMe technology. If you know about internal SSDs, you know there's a significant difference between an SSD with NVMe and without. Without NVMe, SSDs basically aren't much faster than regular hard drives. They are still more reliable and don't damage as quickly, but you don't really see a difference when it comes...

The feature made its debut as a Pixel 4-exclusive in 2019.What you need to knowGoogle's Live Caption feature can now be activated in Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS platforms.It is listed as an experimental feature currently, so there are a few bugs. The feature is likely to be officially released for everyone sometime later this year.Google has been working on bringing Live Captions to other platforms for almost a year now. While the feature hasn't been officially released for Chrome yet, Google has quietly added Live Caption as a hidden feature for the Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS versions of Chrome (via ChromeStory). Once you enable Live Caption on your device, you will be able to toggle it on or off from the media controls menu on the toolbar.To activate Live Caption in Chrome, paste chrome://flags/#enable-accessibility-live-caption into the search bar and search for Live Caption. After you enable Live Caption, you will have to restart Chrome to be able to do...

The latest round of the Channel 4 show Gogglebox is back on Friday, February 26 at 9:00 PM BST, as announced by the network on Twitter. The video promo for the show hinted at which families would be returning this season, including Mary and Giles, the Malones, and the Siddiquis. Lee and Jenny also confirmed on Twitter that they would be back on our screens soon.For any American not well acquainted with the British reality TV series, here's a quick primer. Gogglebox takes a look at what armchair critics think of the biggest and latest programmes. In other words, the show watches families, couples, and friends watch television. That's it. While it might sound a bit stale or strange, there is a tremendous amount of laughter it's able to produce as people discuss all types of things during these shows. The best way to understand the genius that is Gogglebox, or relive some great moments, is to get lost in clips on YouTube.How to watch Gogglebox: when are whereSeries 17 of Gogglebox...

The new guidelines have apparently in the works since 2018.What you need to knowThe Indian government has announced new guidelines to regulate social media and OTT platforms in the country.The new regulations require social media platforms to appoint a grievance officer and take down unlawful and violent content within 24 hours.Streaming services have been asked to self-classify content into five categories: U, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A. India has released new guidelines for regulating social media and streaming platforms in the country, targeting tech giants like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, and Amazon (via TechCrunch).The government's new guidelines require social media companies to appoint compliance, nodal contact, and resident grievance officers. Social media platforms must also disclose the first originator of misinformation or other unlawful content and comply with takedown requests of violent and explicit sexual content within 24 hours.The new guidelines co...

Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily workflow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2020, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Best Free VPN service 20211. ProtonVPN2. Hotspot Shield3. Windscribe4. TunnelBear5. Hide.me6. SpeedifyFree VPNs aren't for everyoneA note about free VPN optionsThere are a bunch of great free VPN options (which we've highlighted lower on this page), but it's worth noting that these aren't the best picks for everyone. With fr...

Voice commands on the Oculus Quest 2 are a bit more streamlined now.What you need to knowIt was announced that "Hey Facebook" is now a new wake word for devices like the Oculus Quest 2.Documents also show the wake word being available for Facebook's Portal devices as well.The new wake word is optional, should you want to activate it on your devices.Last year, Facebook brought voice commands to its popular VR headsets like the Oculus Quest 2, allowing users to control their headset with the sound of their voice. This approach was accomplished by double pressing on the Oculus controller button, prompting the device to listen out for commands. Facebook announced in a blog post (via The Verge) today that it's pulling a Google and introducing a new "Hey Facebook" wake word, making its voice command feature truly hands-free.Facebook stated in the announcement that users can opt-in to use the new wake word, meaning it's not mandatory. Those that use it will have to activate it u...

Final Fantasy First Soldier and Final Fantasy Ever Crisis will be coming to Android and iOS.What you need to knowTwo new Final Fantasy 7-related mobile games will be coming to iOS and AndroidFinal Fantasy 7 First Soldier is a battle royale game set in the same universe as Final Fantasy 7.Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis is a more traditional chapter-structured RPG experience. Today was filled with a wide variety of Final Fantasy 7 Remake-related announcements during PlayStation's State of Play. However, over on the official Final Fantasy 7 Remake Twitter account, two brand new mobile games were also announced. Final Fantasy 7 First Soldier and Final Fantasy Ever Crisis are the two new Final Fantasy 7 mobile games that will be coming to iOS and Android in 2021 and 2022, respectively.That's not all, we're also presenting two new mobile games!Here's @FinalFantasy VII The First Soldier - a battle royale game set in Midgar before the events of FFVII. As a SOLDIER candidate, make fu...

Killing each other but in style.What you need to knowDeathloop is an upcoming game from Arkane Studios and Bethesda Softworks.During today's PlayStation State of Play presentation, a stylish new trailer for Deathloop was unveiled.Deathloop is set to release on May 21, 2021.During today's State of Play, Bethesda Softworks showed a new look at the upcoming timed PS5 exclusive, Deathloop with a sleek and stylish new trailer. You can check out the new Deathloop trailer below:Deathloop is currently set to release on May 21, 2021 for the PS5 and PC. Microsoft is currently in the process of acquiring ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks and Deathloop developer Arkane Studios but the deal isn't affecting the release of Deathloop, which is console exclusive to the PS5 for a year.The other timed PS5 console exclusive from Bethesda Softworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo, is similarly not being affected by the acquisition. With that said, the release of Bethesda Softwor...

This is a new, futuristic battle royale game set in the PUBG universe that'll only be out on mobile.What you need to knowThere's a new PUBG game for mobile devices called PUBG: New State.It's set in the PUBG universe, a few years into the future.It will launch some time later this year.PUBG was one of the first modern battle royales and it's beginning to expand. The company behind the game announced PUBG: New State, and it'll only be available on mobile.New State is being developed by PUBG Studio, the same company behind PUBG Classic, and promises to "push the limits of mobile gaming" with its graphics. The game will launch some time later this year, with alpha tests for both Android and iOS on the horizon.PUBG: New State is set within the same universe as PUBG Classic, a few decades into the future — 2051, specifically. Information on what exactly has happened to the PUBG universe in the decades between this and the original PUBG is scarce at the moment, but we do kn...

Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be receiving an extensive PS5 upgrade later this year.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy 7 Remake came to PS4 on April 10th, 2020.Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be getting a PS5 release. Final Fantasy 7 Remake PS5 update is set to release on June 10, 2021. While many of PlayStation's incredible PS4 games have been getting PS5 enhancements lately, most recently of course being Sony Santa Monica's God of War, a few were waiting to get enhanced. It looks to be that Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be the next game to see major improvements on the PS5.During today's PlayStation State of Play it was officially announced that Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be coming to the PS5. On June 10, 2021 you will be able to explore Midgard in stunning 4K at 60FPS on PS5. The game will also be receiving a photo mode to show off these enhancements.Now with all these enhancements, PS4 owners might be wondering what these upgrades might cost them. Luckily enough, if you al...

Spotify will let users filter through songs they actually like.What you need to knowSpotify's latest feature can filter out music from your "Liked Songs" based on mood or genre.Genres and moods will update based on songs that are added or removed from the playlist.The filters will be available for both free and paid Spotify users.There are times when some of your favorite songs might not hit just right. Many of the best streaming music apps on Android let you easily create playlists or filter music based on genre, but Spotify is taking things further. The company announced Thursday that it will soon let users filter out music in their "Liked Songs" collection based on genre or mood. That way your favorite tunes can better match how you might feel at any given moment. Your "Liked Songs" on Spotify are a collection of you—spanning every genre you've ever enjoyed and each mood you've experienced. Some days, you might be looking to play the entire eclectic mix, while on o...

Relive the hunt for Baal.What you need to knowA brand new trailer for Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach was shown off today.The new trailer shows off some of the areas players can explore in the upcoming game.Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach is set to release some time in 2021. During last year's PS5 show case, it was revealed that Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach was coming to the new console. During today's State of Play, a brand new trailer for the upcoming horror game was shown off, giving players a new look at some of the areas they'll get to explore, as well as a new look at some of the animatronic enemies you'll be hiding from throughout your time in the shopping mall.While we don't know just how many other areas players will be able to explore, Steel Wool Studios has said that Security Breach is a huge undertaking, with the Mega Pizza Plex - the name of the mall - being called an "enormous" area. In the meantime, it seems as if players wil...

PlayStation Plus continues to be a really good deal for subscribers.What you need to knowOddworld: Soulstorm received a new trailer at today's State of Play.The 2.5D platformer is expected to release on April 6 for PS5 and PS4.It will launch into PlayStation Plus on PS5 for subscribers.During Sony's State of Play today the company revealed that Oddworld: Soulstorm will be launching into PlayStation Plus for PS5. The game is set to release on April 6 and this news follows SIE CEO Jim Ryan's statements that new games would continue to launch into PS Plus.The State of Play brought us a new Oddworld: Soulstorm trailer that showed off a few minutes of gameplay from the upcoming title. Following the events of Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty, the 2.5D platformer stars Abe in a new adventure to save his fellow mudokons from slave labor. Your actions, including who you choose to liberate, will effect the outcome of the game.Previously, new games like Bugsnax and Destruction AllStars...

Kena: Bridge of Spirits looks absolutely magical.What you need to knowKena: Bridge of Spirits is coming to PS4 and PS5.Today's State of Play gameplay trailer shows new locations, enemies, and Kena's attacks.It releases on August 24, 2021.Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Ember Lab. In today's PlayStation State of Play, we got a new look at the gameplay, which showed off new locations, never-before-seen enemies, and Kena's attacks.So what is Kena: Bridge of Spirits about anyway? Kena is a spirit guide whose magical abilities allow her to help the deceased move onto the spirit world whether that be by helping spirits suffering grief or helping them with some kind of unfinished business. Kena also has a large scar stemming from her hand to her shoulder. Players will learn more about her traumatic past as the story progresses.Her main weapon in this journey is a magical staff that can land light to heavy attacks and can even trans...

Sony used its February State of Play to show off several of the games coming to the PS5 in 2021.Today's State of Play was strictly gameplay-centric, as Sony revealed new gameplay footage and trailers of its upcoming PS5 games.Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is getting a PS5 upgradeCrash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is coming to PlayStation 5, and it's getting a glow-up as well. Crash 4 on PS5 will have native 4K at 60 FPS, enhanced audio, and faster loading times. Players will be able to transfer their PS4 saves, and the game will support the DualSense's adapative triggers.Returnal gets a cerebral gameplay trailerReturnal, the PS5's strange roguelite shooter showed off some of its more horror-ish elements in this latest trailer. As it says, everytime protagonist Selene dies, the world changes and she'll have to face new challenges.Knockout City beta coming in AprilKnockout City, the colorful dodgeball game from Velan Studios, is getting a cross-play gameplay ...

Efficient fitness watchGarmin Venu Sq$190 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCAttractive, lightweight designActivity/sleep trackingBattery lasts for up to 6 daysBlood oxygen monitoringConsMusic storage costs moreNot many smartwatch featuresIf you want a smartwatch that offers plenty of health and fitness features, you might be a fan of the Garmin Venu Sq. It has built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, stress monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and NFC payments.Fancy women's watchGarmin Lily$200 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingUp to 5 days of battery lifeStylish, compact designTwo variants to pick fromConsNo onboard GPSNo Garmin PayNo music modelThose who care more about the looks of their smartwatch than the features will appreciate the Garmin Lily. It offers a stunning, feminine design that won't take over your whole wrist. It also has heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and mo...

You will still be able to buy the Sorta Sage Pixel 5 variant for the foreseeable future.What you need to knowThe Google Store and various online retailers have been running out of the popular Sorta Sage Pixel 5 phone.Android Central has confirmed that the green color is not being discontinued at this time.Those interested in purchasing the Sorta Sage Pixel 5 should continue to check stocks at online retailers.There were mild rumbles of panic around the Android Central virtual water cooler this morning as we realized that the beloved Sorta Sage Pixel 5 color variant was not available for purchase on Amazon, the Google Store, and was even listed as discontinued at B&H. Many of us were even afraid that Google was killing off our favorite color of the Pixel 5, but thankfully these concerns were short-lived.Our ace videographer and UK correspondent Alex Dobie confirmed that the green phone was still available on Google's UK online store, and we later heard directly from...

Twitter secures a new revenue stream with its latest announcements.What you need to knowTwitter has just announced that it plans to introduce two new features to the platform.Super Follows will allow influencers to charge followers for access to perks like exclusive content.Communities will allow users to join groups around their favorite topics.Earlier this month, it was rumored that Twitter had been considering a subscription model and "tipping" to bolster the platform, which has often lagged far behind its closest competitor in terms of revenue. Other possible revenue streams that were reportedly being considered, included charging for TweetDeck or to use more advanced features like higher-quality video. During Twitter's virtual Analyst Day on Thursday, the company announced that it is, in fact, developing some of these products.The first is Super Follows, which is a paid subscription model that charges members for exclusive content from accounts they follow. For examp...

Best answer: No. Although the Pixel 4 has held up well over time, Google's more recent releases cover a wide variety of price ranges and better battery quality, so it's hard to recommend buying a Pixel 4 in 2021. Bargain hunters may want to consider the Pixel 4a, one of the best cheap Android phones.How much does the Pixel 4 cost these days?After selling through its existing inventory, Google actually discontinued the Pixel 4, along with the larger Pixel 4 XL, back in August 2020. But that doesn't mean you still can't get the phone through other retailers.Currently, Amazon offers the Pixel 4 for just under $550, down roughly $250 from its original launch price of $800. On its own, that's a decent price for a phone that's still plenty capable, but weighed against newer options like the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5, it's much more difficult to justify.What's it like to use the Pixel 4 in 2021?The biggest selling point of every new Google device is having front access to new version...

Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: starting at $550Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $750 off at VerizonYou can save up to $750 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you switch to Verizon, bring over your current number, and trade-in an eligible device. You must add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal, too. Another deal here lets you buy one and save $1,00...

Astro developer Asobi Team is reportedly unaffected though.What you need to knowJapan Studio is the oldest first-party team at Sony Worldwide Studios.According to VGC, this team is being downsized due to a lack of financial success, with internal game development slowing.Asobi Team, a group within Japan Studio that make the Astro games, are reportedly not affected.According to a report from VGC, Sony is winding down internal game development at Japan Studio, the oldest first-party studio at Sony Worldwide Studios. The "vast majority" of the developers at the studio have reportedly been let go, though Asobi Team, the developers of the Astrobot games, will continue to function as normal.Several key veterans from the studio left earlier in 2021 to begin Bokeh Game Studio, a new team working on a multiplatform horror game. It's not clear if this downsizing also extends to the external development team, which has partnered on titles like the Demon's Souls PS5 remake, which is ...

While trying to find a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones is a bit easier, tracking down a pair of the best volume-limiting headphones to protect your ears from excessive loudness within your headphones is a bit more difficult. The PuroPro wireless headphones from Puro Sound Labs are excellent at keeping the max volume of your audio under the recommended 85 decibels. Listening to high-decibel sounds for extended periods can cause damage. So having a pair of headphones that can limit the max volume to a safe level is a great idea. Here are the best volume-limiting headphones that keep noise safely below 85 decibels so you can listen longer.Best Overall: Puro Sound Labs PuroProThese volume-limiting headphones from Puro Sound Labs are a great-looking pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones that come with active noise-canceling (ANC) as well as adjustable max volume levels. The PuroPro headphones have two levels of volume limitation with a maximum of 85 decibels, safe for lo...

Telegram beta v7.5 adds QR codes for groups and new widgets.Update, Feb 25 (2:30 pm ET): Telegram's new features are going live for everyoneWhat you need to knowThe latest Telegram beta for Android adds group link QR codes.It also introduces two new widgets and multiple options to report content to moderators.The new features are likely to make their way to the stable channel sometime in the coming months. The facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp has been mired in controversy ever since it announced its new privacy policy changes earlier this year. Telegram, which is one of the best messaging apps out there, has seen a massive uptick in downloads as many WhatsApp users are abandoning the app over privacy concerns.While Telegram is already feature-rich, it looks the app will soon gain a bunch of new features. As spotted by the folks at TestingCatalog, the latest Telegram beta for Android adds several useful features, which are likely to make their way to the stable cha...

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is the Chrome OS tablet we've all been waiting for. But then again, it's not just a tablet. With the included keyboard, you can quickly transform it into a laptop whenever needed. It even supports stylus pens and has pretty unbelievable battery life, with the ability to stay powered on for 2 to 3 days per charge. Even at its regular starting price of $280, finding a comparable 2-in-1 as dependable as the Chromebook Duet is close to impossible.The Lenovo Chromebook Duet already sits at a more affordable price than many of its competitors, though if you can find a deal on one, you're really in for a treat. While there are usually one or two ways to save a bit of cash on the purchase, the best Lenovo Chromebook Duet deals don't come around all that often. We'll be tracking all of the best sales and offers right here so be sure to keep this page bookmarked and check back soon if you don't see a deal that entices you to reach the checkout page just yet.Still...

Using one of the best ergonomic keyboards can relieve unnecessary strain on your wrists, shoulders, and posture caused by traditional keyboards. Using a proper keyboard can make even the best Chromebook better. When it comes to ergonomic keyboard styles, there is a number to choose from. Some offer a curved split design, whereas some have a flat with a slight wave to the keys. Here are the best when it comes to ergonomic keyboards.Best wireless ergonomic keyboardsSilent, yet accurateLogitech Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic KeyboardStaff PickWhere the Logitech K350 mentioned previously offers a small posture change to typing, the Ergo K860 has a wider split to the keys as well as an arch the overall board shape. Together with shallower scooped keys that have a quiet press to them, these features come together to offer a more serene typing experience. The wireless Ergo K860 is also part of the Logitech Unifying Receiver, so it uses the same adapter for your other compatible ...

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is clearly the top dog in the S21 series. It's the biggest, fastest, and best-equipped Galaxy you can buy. If you're going to spend top dollar on a top phone, then you probably want to do everything you can to protect your purchase. Following is a roundup of the best heavy-duty cases to cover your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Whether you prefer to wrap your S21 Ultra up like RoboCop or let some of its personality shine through, we've got a tough case to match your tough phone.Speck-tacularSpeck Presidio2 Grip CaseStaff PickSmartphone buyers have loved Speck cases for years, and one of the company's most popular offerings is the Presidio line. We love it because it's thin yet still very durable, offering protection from drops of up to 13 feet. Best of all, it discourages bacterial growth with Microban technology, and yet it's still easy to hold onto thanks to the groves on the back and sides.$34 at Amazon (Blue)$45 at Amazon (Black)$35 at Amaz...

The PS5 has been out for a few months now, and while finding one can be a bit difficult, those who do own one can take advantage of something its predecessor also had: remote play. Whether you're too tired to sit up or simply want to lounge around in a different room while playing, the PS5 allows players to remotely connect to the console and play from their phone. Better yet, you can even connect your DualSense controller to your phone, making it much easier to play. Of course, propping your phone up to play can be a bit of a hassle, so we've collected some of the best PS5 controller phone mounts available right now.A tight holdOrzly PS5 Controller Mobile Gaming ClipStaff PickOrzly's DualSense controller phone mount promises a secure hold, and thanks to its padded phone grip, it's likely to back those promises up. Not only does it feature a tighter grip on your phone, but it also has easily accessible control options for adjusting the viewing angle of your phone. The mou...

What time to tune in, what to expect and more.After devoting its State of Play shows to specific games like The Last of Us Part 2 throughout 2020, Sony recently announced a new State of Play showcase for February 25, 2021. This showcase isn't focused on a single game and is instead bringing a variety of updates and announcements on PS4 and PS5 titles for players to look forward to. Here's how to watch today's State of Play presentation.How to watch the Feb. 25 PlayStation State of PlayToday's State of Play kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT. The show will be around 30 minutes long, give or take a bit. 10 games will be show, with both new titles and some games previously announced at the June 2020 Future of Gaming showcase both being featured.Go to the official PlayStation YouTube video for the State of Play.Alternatively, you can also go to the official PlayStation Twitch channel.The YouTube link is live now, if you want to wait until it goes live at 5:00 p.m. ET. ...

Amazon's Music app hadn't seen an update in two years prior to this release.What you need to knowAmazon Music is now available on the Google TV platform.The company's TV app had gone without updates for more than two years.Alongside this update, Amazon is adding support for Canada, Brazil, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, and Australia.Amazon is rolling out a new app to the Google TV and Android TV platforms from today. It's an update to the Amazon Music app, the first one it has received in years. Today's update, as per The Verge, brings support for the new Google TV interface. It also expands regional availability to non-U.S. regions. It's not clear what other changes will be accompanying this release.When this app rolls out, it'll be another music option for Google's plaform, joining expected offerings like YouTube Music and third-party ones like Spotify and Tidal.The app will offer the same subscription options as other Amazon Music apps. You...

Best answer: Yes! Blue light filters are great with computer monitors, particularly during long work sessions. But before buying one, first check to see if your monitor already has blue light filtering technology built-in.What is a blue light filter?Electronic devices like computer monitors and screens can emit harmful blue rays of light, high-energy visible (HEV) light that shines at a high intensity. It's essentially the same type of light that is naturally produced by the sun. So, you can imagine why, according to some experts, blue light can cause things like dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and sleep disruptions, particularly for those who are staring at a screen day after day, for hours on end. Some companies even suggest that too much exposure to blue light can lead to macular degeneration, though the jury is still out on that claim.Nonetheless, the potential dangers of too much blue light exposure have led to a rise in products like blue light filters ...

Considering that it's been more than four years since its release, you're probably looking for the best portable chargers for Google Pixel. The battery isn't where it used to be when it once ranked as one of the best Android phones back in the day, so you'll want to keep your phone going with a portable charger. With the right power pack, you'll be able to keep all your devices charged, too!It's all built inZendure Power Bank SuperminiStaff PickWith Power Delivery, Quick Charge 3.0, and a 10,000mAh capacity, the endure Power Bank Supermini packs an impressive punch. You'll get a portable charger that's around the size of a credit card, plus it comes in a variety of colors. You can also use the Supermini to charge everything from your Pixel to your Nintendo Switch and everything in between.$45 at Amazon $60 at WalmartPopular choiceAnker PowerCore Slim PDAnker is a big name in the charging space and when you see options like the PowerCore Slim PD, you'll understand ...

If you're a content creator, or want to become one, then you're going to need a good mic for recording audio. The Jlab Audio Talk is a relatively new condenser mic that just came out last year. It just dropped in price for the first time, and right now you can get it for $79.99 at Amazon. This same deal is also available at a couple of other retailers like Best Buy. The condenser mic normally sells for around $100, so grab it at this price while you can because it might not last long.There are two other members of the JLab Audio Talk lineup, and both of those devices are on sale as well. Grab the JLab Audio Talk Go, which is meant to be a more portable and compact version, for $10 off while it's on sale for $39.99. Or step up to the JLab Audio Talk Pro and get it on sale for $119.99 at Amazon. That's down from a street price of $149.The JLab Audio Talk is a high-performance mic that is meant to sit on your desktop and provide consistent studio-quality audio. It has three condense...

The Redmi K40 Pro is the most affordable Snapdragon 888-powered phone yet.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi K40 series is now official.The K40 series includes three models: K40, K40 Pro, and K40 Pro+.The Redmi K40 Pro+ comes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 processor, a 108MP camera, and a 4,520mAh battery. Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand today unveiled a trio of affordable flagship phones powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 800 series chips. The new Redmi K40 series phones have a similar design to the Mi 11, but offer even better value.The Redmi K40 Pro+ is the most impressive of the three new Redmi flagships. It features Qualcomm's 5nm Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The phone has a triple-camera setup on the back with a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL HM2 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP tele macro lens. For selfies, the phone has a 20MP camera housed within the tiny hole-punch cutout at the top of the display.Like the...

Get out and put your feet to the pavementFor many of us, running is hard work. Maybe it's a motivation thing, or perhaps it's a physical thing. Whatever the reason, the simple fact is that running is exercise, and exercise can be a real pain.We're taking a look at some of the best running apps for Android, and we've got a few different kinds of apps here. Some are more of the hard-core variety, for folks used to exercise who may be looking to increase and improve the way they do things. The best part about most of these apps is that they can integrate with the best fitness trackers, so you can have all of your workout information in one place. Others are more simple — only tracking steps or basic movement. There's a place for all of these, and some of them work rather nicely with the best fitness apps.The top 3 apps1. Strava2. Runkeeper3. Nike Run ClubMore optionsZombies, Run!Run with Map My RunFitbitAdidas Running App by RuntasticEndomondo - Running & Wa...

Netgear Nighthawk MK62 AX1800 mesh networking system is a great way to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 and ensure your whole home can access your internet at the best available speeds. Right now you can get the 2-pack that includes the Nighthawk router and a satellite extender for just $169 at Amazon. That's $31 off its regular $200 price. This system has even jumped as high as $230 recently, and you can find it going for that price at other retailers like Best Buy. Today's drop is only the second time it has ever gone this low and is within $9 of the lowest price we've ever seen.When you setup the system you use the router and the satellite extender to create a seamless Wi-Fi network. It can cover up to 3,000 square feet with accessible internet. Thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 tech you'll get four powerful streams that deliver up to 1.8Gbps of speed. Most modern devices can take full advantage of the Wi-Fi 6 speeds, so you'll definitely see an upgrade when using gear like the new PlayStation 5 or the i...

Keeping your Google account locked up tight is a useful skill, whether you know how to enable two-factor authentication on your Google account or you change your password regularly. Relying on Google's suite of accounts for every facet of your life can mean total devastation if anything were to happen to them. That's why it's so important to keep a secure Google account, especially if you're using equipment like best Google Assistant speakers or similar tech. Taking the proper security precautions against account theft or other breaches can protect you from ne'er-do-wells or even Google foul-ups, saving you headaches and plenty of precious time later.Make a new, strong passwordThe easiest thing you can do right away to ensure you have a secure Google account is secure is to create a strong, unique password.This step automatically eliminates security problems raised where you've used the same password twice or you've inadvertently given out a password in the past.Make sure yo...

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...