Latest from Android Central

Got a green thumb? Don't but kinda wish you did? Grab the AeroGarden Sage Harvest indoor garden that makes growing your own herbs and vegetables super easy. Today it's on sale for just $89.99 at Amazon. The Sage Harvest normally sells for around $130. This is the first time it has ever dropped this low and the first time it has even gone on sale since January. This deal only applies to the Sage Harvest as the White and Black versions are going for around $130.It really doesn't matter whether you're a brand new gardener or someone with some experience who wants to flex a bit, the AeroGarden Harvest makes it super easy either way. Really, it does most of the work. This is a hydroponic garden, which means the plants grow from the water, the nutrients provided, and strong LED lights. There's no need for soil at all, which is often a huge part of gardening and a huge mess you don't have to worry about here.The indoor garden uses high-performance full spectrum 20-watt LED lights to hel...

The cloud-native network will help Dish achieve cost-effective operations.What you need to knowDish Network has struck a deal with Amazon Web Services to build its cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) in the U.S.The company plans to roll out 5G services in Las Vegas later this year.Dish's 5G network is expected to reach around 20% of the U.S. population by June next year. Dish Network has joined hands with Amazon to build its cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) on Amazon Web Services' platform to rival the best 5G networks. The Open RAN architecture significantly reduces the need for physical equipment, as pretty much all the key network functions can run from the cloud.Charlie Ergen, Dish co-founder and chairman, said in a statement: Through this collaboration with AWS, we will operate not just as a communications services provider, but as a digital services provider harnessing the combined power of 5G connectivity and the cloud. Together, we...

Don't be out on the road without a way to charge absolutely everything you've brought with you. Bestek's 300W power inverter makes that possible by adding two AC outlets and two USB ports through your car charger port. Right now you can get the power inverter on sale for $26.39 at Amazon. That's a good price considering the power inverter regularly sells for around $30, has been spiking for around $36, and hasn't dropped this low in more than a year. It's not the lowest price we've ever seen, but it is really good considering how long it has been since we've seen a deal at all.So here's what a power inverter does: it inverts power. Nailed it. The Bestek device inverts the DC power in your car to AC so you can have two AC outlets and two USB ports. All you have to do is plug in the inverter to your car and plug in your devices to the inverter. Use the USB ports for smaller devices like smartphones and other mobile devices. Use the outlets for larger and more powerful appliances, inc...

The iRobot Roomba i3 lineup was introduced late last year and has some of iRobot's latest and greatest tech inside of it. The Roomba i4 is essentually the same robot vacuum but is sold at warehouses like Costco, and if you happen to be a Costco member you can get the i4 for just $279.99 today.That's a huge discount considering it normally goes for $350 there. Plus this price is even $20 better than a sale going on for the i3 making this one of the best Roomba deals out there right now.The main differences between the i4 and i3 are that the i4 comes with two extra filters, which can be handy in a home with pets and people who suffer from allergies and really need all that dust gone, and the i4 lets you set up virtual walls.This is a super cost efficient robot vacuum that has a ton of smart features for what it costs. The smart navigation can map your home and then navigate efficiently and form neat rows while it works. The floor tracking sensors can adapt to any situation, and y...

If you're reading this, you're here because you just want to save the absolute most you can on your new TV. And who can blame you? TVs are expensive, and the price can grow exponentially the more you want out of it. Well, you've come to the right place. Find the best possible TV to fit your budget, but more than that this roundup will feature TVs that still manage to pack in loads of features. A cheap TV doesn't have to mean bad TV either. You'd be surprised what all you can get even when you don't want to splurge on the more advanced sets. Did you know there are even a bunch of great Android TVs to check out?In general, the larger the TV the more expensive it gets so we've separated this roundup into different sizes to help you navigate the best cheap options around.Best Budget TV Deals Available NowBest Cheap TV Deals under 50": Prices as low as $110Best Cheap TV Deals over 50": Prices down to $488More Info: What to look forTCL 43S435 43-inch 4K Roku TVGreat pri...

Looks like a new benefit for PS Plus members.What you need to knowA logo for something called "PlayStation Plus Video Pass" popped up on Sony's official Polish website.The description read that it's a trial service available from April 21, 2021 through April 21, 2022.The description also notes that it's available to PS Plus members in Poland, but it's unclear if there is a global rollout of some kind.VGC discovered a logo for something called the PlayStation Plus Video Pass was published on Sony's official Polish website. Though it has since been removed, the premature reveal indicates that some type of video service could be making its way into the subscription for members.Before being removed, a description read: "A new benefit available for a limited time on PlayStation Plus… PS Plus Video Pass is a trial service active 22.04.21 – 22.04.22. The subscription benefit is available to PS Plus users in Poland."It's unclear if it specifies Poland because it was initial...

There's nothing wrong with the tried and true slab form factor we've all grown deeply familiar with over the last decade and some change. Nearly all of the best Android phones these days are some variation of a glass and metal sandwich with a tall, narrow aspect ratio that's both comfortable to hold and spacious enough for today's widescreen videos.That form factor isn't going away any time soon, but while I love the Pixel 5 that I use every day, I also love more experimental phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and even the LG Wing (pouring one out for you, LG). Phones that push the boundaries not just of how powerful a phone can be, but what a phone should be.Foldables and other types of shapeshifting devices aren't for everyone, at least not yet, but for the right user, they offer incredibly powerful features and tools that simply can't happen on more traditional devices, no matter what processor or camera tech you throw at them. There's power — not to mention style — in foldi...

You can help return a lost AirTag with your Android phone.What you need to knowApple's new AirTag can interact with Android devices when its "Lost Mode" feature is activated.When the "Lost Mode" is activated, the AirTag will show a message with the owner's contact information. The message can be viewed on any NFC-capable smartphone. Apple finally introduced the long-rumored AirTags at its Spring Loaded event yesterday. The item tracker uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for "precision tracking," similar to Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+. While it cannot be paired with an Android phone, a support document on Apple's website reveals Android users can actually help return a lost AirTag to its owner (via Apple Insider).Although the AirTag primarily relies on ultra-wideband radio for communication, it includes NFC support as well. When a user places the item tracker in "Lost Mode," it will display a message with details such as the serial number and owner's phone number. The mes...

Roku is getting into the original content business.What you need to knowRoku today announced Roku Originals.Quibi content will be the first set of shows to debut under the brand.The company will make a fuller, more fleshed-out announcement later in May. Roku purchased Quiibi for "significantly less than $100 million" earlier this year, and now the company is integrating this content into its platform. Like other streaming services before it, Roku is adopting the "eponymous originals" label and calling these the Roku Originals. They'll be made available on The Roku Channel today, and join its slate of over 25, 000 TV shows and movies. That's not all the Roku Originals brand will be used for, however. The company has also signaled that it plans to make more original content of its own in the coming weeks. This matches earlier reports that Roku had been scouting for an original content team.Quibi content didn't quite take off when Quibi was a thing due to the platform's aver...

The update includes a number of big fixes as well.What you need to knowOnePlus has rolled out a new stable OxygenOS 11 update for its latest OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro phones.The update brings the latest April 2021 security patch and a few camera performance improvements. Currently, the update is only rolling out to OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro users in India. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are among the best Android phones that have been launched so far this year, offering solid hardware and a great software experience. Even though the phones went on sale just a few weeks back, OnePlus has already rolled out three software updates to make them even better. The company has now started rolling out another OxygenOS update for its latest flagship phones, bringing a bunch of camera improvements and the latest April 2021 Android security patch.According to the official changelog, OnePlus has improved the image processing on both phones and addressed the over-sharpening issue that some owners have be...

When you look at Motorola's latest G Play model, it's not difficult to understand why this is one of the best cheap Android phones. But just because it's "cheap" doesn't mean you shouldn't keep it protected with one of the best Moto G Play (2021) cases. Chances are, you've already picked up one of the best Moto G Play (2021) screen protectors, so why not complete the ensemble with a case? These are our favorite options for those looking to buy a case for their Moto G Play (2021).Familiar designDretal TPU CoverStaff PickIf you're looking to protect both the phone itself and the screen likely don't want to deal with making two separate purchases. That's where the Dretal Slim Fit Cover comes in, as you not only get a great TPU case with a sleek design, but there's also a tempered glass screen protector included.$7 at AmazonSlimmer than slimEasyAcc Slim CaseBig and bulky cases may work for some, but many like the low-profile offered by a slim case. Thanks to the...

If you're yet to add any Alexa devices to your home, Amazon is giving you the perfect opportunity with one of the very best Amazon Echo deals returning for a limited time.Right now, you can snag a 3rd gen Echo Dot for just $4.99 when you buy a month of Amazon Music Unlimited. That means for a total cost of $12.98 for Prime members, or $14.98 without Prime, you'll get the smart speaker worth $40 and a month of tunes to music streaming.The Echo Dot and Amazon Music Unlimited service are the perfect pairing. The voice-activated smart speaker allows you to simply ask Alexa to play the music you want to hear and it will be playing within seconds. There are no ads on the music service and there are over 70 million songs that you can play on-demand.If you like the service, you can keep paying for it at $7.99 per month for Prime members (or $9.99 without Prime), or cancel it towards the end of the month to avoid being charged. Since Amazon Music Unlimited works great on your Alexa spea...

The world may be on fire but at least the PS5 is finally here to distract you.Sony launched 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, and if early demand is any indication, that shouldn't be a problem. According to the NPD Group, the PS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history for unit and dollar sales within its first five months on the market. Sony says that by February 2021 it had sold over 4.5 million units.Ever since I was a kid I've had an Xbox. I played every Xbox console right up until I had to buy a PS4 Pro for this job, actually. But now that I've used a PS5 for several months, I see it as my main console moving forward. The strength of the PS5, plus the revolutionary and welcome changes Sony made...

Once you start equipping your home with a bunch of smart devices, appliances and other gear that isn't smart begin to stand out even more. You don't have to spend a fortune replacing every item in your home with a smart version, though. In lieu of endless cash reserves, you could opt to include a few affordable smart plugs in your setup.If you're all-in on Alexa, the first-party Amazon Smart Plug is one of the best options for you and, right now, you can snag one (or more) at 40% off. Down to $14.99, you're saving $10 and getting the plug at its lowest price to date.Amazon's Smart Plug is already one of the best smart plugs on the market, but at this price it's well worth getting a few. It's exclusively designed to work with Alexa, so don't try and add one to your Google Assistant home or Apple HomeKit setup.However, being designed by Amazon to work with Alexa makes it super easy to get up and running which is what sets it apart from other options out there. You literally take ...

Which carrier delivers the best 5G experience?5G coverage is rapidly expanding across thousands of U.S. cities. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have each launched 5G networks with both high-capacity mmWave and long-range sub-6 bands. If you're ready to jump into a new 5G phone, make sure to keep up to date on which carrier has the best coverage for you. Notably, T-Mobile's 5G network is adding capacity to its network in over 1,000 cities already, thanks to the spectrum it got from Sprint. Once fully deployed, 5G service will provide faster speeds and reduced response times, allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available. However, for now, it's still very much a work in progress.5G is taking hold in the U.S., and it's no coincidence that many of the best cell phone plans now include 5G and most of the best Android phones work with 5G. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed, but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more ser...

Roku TVs and Roku devices give you the ability to stream a variety of content from your favorite apps all in one place. Specifically, Roku provides users with access to more than 3,000 channels, which is more than nearly every competitor. With that in mind, we've created this guide covering everything you need to know about Roku Channels.Guide to Roku ChannelsBest Roku channelsFree Roku channelsPaid Roku channelsHow to watch Roku channelsStream it nowRoku Express$30 at Roku$30 at Amazon $29 at WalmartPlug in and streamThe Roku Express device makes it super easy to stream your favorite online media on your television right now. Simply connect your dongle and use the remote to explore channels and navigate apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.Roku Channels: What are the best channels?The number and variety of Roku Channels currently available can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we've rounded up a list of the best channels available right now on Roku d...

The Fire TV Cube is powered by a hexa-core chipset and comes with 16GB of built-in storage.What you need to knowThe second-generation Fire TV Cube has been launched in India.Amazon's most powerful Fire TV streaming device offers hands-free Alexa access and 4K HDR streaming.It is now available to purchase in the country for ₹12,999 ($173).Amazon today launched its second-generation Fire TV Cube in India. The Fire TV Cube is the company's most powerful Fire TV streaming device and happens to be the only one to offer hands-free Alexa access.The Fire TV Cube can stream up to 4K Ultra HD content with support for Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+ standards. It also supports Dolby Atmos audio, just like the Fire TV Stick 4K.What sets the Fire TV Cube apart from other Fire TV streaming devices is support for hands-free Alexa. The device includes a built-in 1.6-inch speaker, which enables users to interact with the voice assistant even when their TV is off.Amazon's best F...

At this point, Bluetooth wireless headphones have become ubiquitous, coming in a variety of styles and feature sets to support great sound. There are many great options, and chief among them are the Sony WH-1000XM4 at the top of our best wireless headphones. Their sound quality is great. They have industry-leading active noise cancelation (ANC), long battery life, and fit comfortably for long-term use.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4There aren't many flaws to point out with the WH-1000XM4, which was in the same spot before. One of the biggest reasons why is the ANC performance, which gets an upgrade here courtesy of Sony's QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that do the work of blocking out the background. Commuting on a bus, train, or plane won't be a problem while wearing these. Sony's pedigree in this area shows itself with true wireless earbuds, too.Sony chose not to change anything about the sound signature, preserving the same bass-heavy balance that sometimes drowns out...

Chatting with the AC forums.With so many great options to choose from at so many price points, finding the best Android phone for you can be challenging. Whether you want to save some money and get a great cheap phone like the Google Pixel 4a, or you've got a little more to spend and want top-level features for a mid-range price like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, it's hard to go wrong. Even if money is no option and you choose a premium flagship like a loaded Galaxy S21 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 2, you know you're getting a great device.The thing is, all of this choice can also lead to indecisiveness or "analysis paralysis." No matter how great the device you chose is, it's not uncommon for smartphone buyers to walk away from a purchase wondering if they should've chosen something else. That sparked a funny discussion over on the AC forums: runliftrepeat 04-19-2021 09:40 PM “ A week ago Saturday I bou...

PS Now is in need of a major overhaul if Sony wants it to be taken seriously.PlayStation Now began its life in 2014 primarily as a streaming service, a way to play a bunch of games without having to download them to your PS4. It has since morphed into a bit of a hybrid service that allows hundreds of games to be downloaded directly to your console. As far as subscription services go, it needs to offer a lot more if it wants to stay relevant because Microsoft is killing it with Xbox Game Pass.Sony's approach to PlayStation Now seems to be outright neglect, and it's in desperate need of an overhaul. PlayStation boss Jim Ryan says that the company wants to expand its existing ecosystem, but everything it's done in regards to PlayStation Now is antithetical to that.PlayStation Now review:Price and availabilityGames and softwareStreamingPlayStation Now hubShould you buy it? PlayStation Now ...

Samsung says SmartThings Find is one of the fastest-growing location services on the market right now.What you need to knowSamsung is adding new safety and convenience features to its SmartThings Find service.The new Unknown Tag Search feature will let you scan for SmartTags that don't belong to you but might be moving along with you.You can also now use Samsung's Bixby voice assistant for finding your belongings hands-free. Samsung's SmartThings Find service, which was launched in October last year, now has over 70 million helper devices. The company has also introduced two new features that are aimed at making the service even better with enhanced privacy and convenience.The new Unknown Tag Search feature scans for unknown SmartTags that may be moving along with you, ensuring nobody can secretly track your location. It works similarly to 'Item Safety Alerts' added to Apple's Find My service with iOS 14.5 beta last month. You will be able to access the feature from the S...

Amazon's annual exclusive sale is coming back for an even bigger event in 2021. Prime Day is the sale every Amazon Prime member should be looking forward to. With hundreds of ways to save and hundreds of dollars off popular products, shopping during Prime Day is even a smart way to earn back the cost of Amazon Prime's membership fee.During past Prime Day sales, Amazon hasn't skimped on its offerings in the slightest. We've seen products in just about every category go on sale, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, computers, and of course, just about every Amazon device there is. You name it, there's probably been a Prime Day sale on it. And if the sales of previous years are to be any indication, Prime Day 2021 is already slated to be one of the best shopping events of the year.Best Prime Day deals & sales in 2021As it stands, Amazon has not announced any official early Prime Day deals, but won't stop other companies from offering up e...

Here's what you need to know about the 2021 mid-range Galaxy A series.The Galaxy A series has taken on an increased significance over the last two years as Samsung's flagships have crossed the $1,000 figure. Customers that don't want to spend that much on a phone have inevitably turned to options like the Galaxy A50 or the A51, and Samsung did a great job porting over features from its flagships to its more affordable phones.For 2021, Samsung rolled out exciting changes to the Galaxy A series. The Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 come with an fresh new design that makes them stand out a lot more from their predecessors, and there's also a 5G-enabled model of the A52 called the A52 5G that allows you to switch to 5G on a budget.So if you're in the market for a new phone in 2021 and want to know the differences between the Galaxy A52, A52 5G, and the A72, here's what you need to know.Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. A52 vs. A72: Three great optionsSamsung has also streamlined a lot of th...

A smarter way of managing your space may be on the way.What you need to knowAndroid 12 could come with an app hibernation feature.It'll help users conserve space and resources by clearing data from unused apps.The feature was discovered in a hidden Android 12 build. Smartphone users often download a lot of apps, far too many to be used by any one user. And research indicates that we don't really use that many. Indeed, there are one-off apps for events, apps for local stores that only get used in stores, banking apps that get used when discrete management is needed, apps that only need running on a case-to-case basis (no one chooses to Zoom on their phone I promise you), and so on. Statista even notes that 25% of apps are only ever opened once. Yet these apps can remain installed on our phones, having access to our data when not necessary, and even taking up space with cached files and so on. For Android 12, Google is working on this with a new feature that'll automatically...

For those with limited broadband options, this is an excellent internet source with a lot of 'ifs'.After spending over a decade living in rural Kansas with little to no decent internet, I was ecstatic to try and, after four months, give a T-Mobile Home Internet review. As I discussed in my look towards 5G in 2021 to help rural internet, one of the most considerable sacrifices that people who want to live the country life face is a complete lack of legitimate broadband access.It's been a couple of years since T-Mobile announced its Home Internet service, and when the slow rollout made it to me, I jumped on it. The mobile carrier has been my cell provider for about seven years and has been pretty good. Admittedly, where my home is, no carrier is great — no matter what the coverage maps say.Did I believe that T-Mobile's Home Internet offering could be the fast and reliable internet savior I was looking for — no. However, the carrier's been making speedy upgrades to the towers ...

Wear OS on the TicWatch Pro 3 is about to get a huge performance boost.What you need to knowMobvoi has started rolling out the H-MR2 update for the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS.The update includes plenty of improvements, including optimization for the Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset.H-MR2 should continue rolling out to the TicWatch Pro 3 throughout the week.More than six months after Google announced its H-MR2 update for Wear OS, it's finally arriving on the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS. Oddly enough, the update was announced on the Official Mobvoi Ticwatch group on Facebook, with a changelog attached to it.The update brings with it several new features, improvements, and bug fixes, all of which you can find on Reddit if you're not already part of the Facebook group. One of the biggest enhancements is the improved performance, but the update also brings enhanced support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset, which means the TicWatch Pro 3 should see a huge jump in performance and...

Google will introduce improvements to Chrome and WebView to prevent this from happening again.What you need to knowGoogle explains why the WebView crashes happened, which was due to a bug.The company laid out ways in which it plans to improve Chrome and WebView from now on.A WebView "Safe Mode" would revert back to a stable version in case of future error.Remember last month when all your apps started crashing for no reason? The problem was caused by a bug that was introduced within WebView and Chrome that affected many of the best Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21. Fortunately, there were ways to get around this by uninstalling updates to WebView and Chrome, but it left a lot of people scratching their heads. The Google Workspace team has now addressed the issue while also laying out ways it will improve things from now on to prevent things like this from happening again. A bug within Chrome & WebView's experiment & configuration technology caused inst...

One of Sony's biggest franchises will indeed be making a full return on PS5. Here's what we know so far.Gran Turismo has been one of Sony's biggest franchises since the days of the very first PlayStation. The tagline, "the real driving simulator," has always cut straight to the core of what Gran Turismo is all about, and generally speaking, has received much praise over the years.Jump to:When does it release?Resolution and frame rateWill it support PSVR?Fan favorite circuit returnsWhat cars will it include?What are its features?Will it be on PS4?Gran Turismo esports and Getty Images But it's also hard to believe that the PS4 has gone by entirely without a new, full Gran Turismo game. Gran Turismo 6 launched on the PS3, and while PS4 owners have at least had GT Sport, it's fair to say the reaction has been mixed at times, and it's not quite the same as a full sequel.Which is what we seem to be getting on the PS5. There's still a lot of questions that need answer...

You add a Chromecast with Google TV to every TV in the house for the price of one Apple TV 4K.Even before the pandemic, I spent an unhealthy amount of time with my TV. Between using it for music streaming while I cook, bingeing the latest anime after work, and just re-watching old favorites as I mull over which accessories to add to a collection, my TV is on the majority of the day, and it serves up all my content via Chromecast with Google TV.There's plenty of competition in the best streaming devices space these days: even before Google made its splash with the Chromecast with Google TV back in October, Amazon's Fire TV sticks and Roku had been fiercely battling to be the TV platform of choice in households around the country (and around the world). In contrast, the last new Apple TV before today was released all the way back in 2017 with the first Apple TV 4K, and the Apple TV HD is from 2015.Chromecast with Google TV isn't a perfect device — I've written about its bugs an...

While we're just two months away from Apple's WWDC event, Cupertino held a special Spring showcase to feature new products and upgrades. The aptly-named Spring Loaded event saw the launch of products that have long been rumored, as well as some updated hardware featuring Apple's powerful M1 chip.We may like to focus on the best Android phones here, but these events are always fun to watch for tech enthusiasts, and it's a good chance to see what the other side is up to. So here's a roundup of the things that Apple announced at its Spring Loaded event.Apple TVOne of the best streaming devices is getting even better thanks to Apple's A12 Bionic chip. With the upgraded chip, the new Apple TV 4K can now display 4K HDR content at high frame rates, which can boost not only movies and shows but also gaming with Apple Arcade. The device also features a cool trick that uses the camera, proximity sensor, and light sensor to adjust the TV's color balance.There's also a newly designed r...

You'll just need to make sure you're on Quest 2 firmware v28 first.What you need to knowVirtual Desktop version 1.20.4.0 now supports the new 120Hz refresh rate option on Quest 2.You'll need to download the latest beta Virtual Desktop app from the Oculus store for the Quest 2, and the beta desktop streamer for your PC.120Hz translates to 120FPS — an extremely difficult-to-achieve performance metric that even good gaming PCs will struggle with.If you've been using Virtual Desktop to play PC VR games on your Oculus Quest 2, you're in for a real treat. If you're Oculus Quest 2 has already received the April v28 firmware update, you can download the latest Virtual Desktop beta — that's version 1.20.4.0 as of this writing — and begin playing PC VR games at the new buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. A new low-quality option has also been added for PCs that couldn't quite handle VR streaming in the past, as well.In order to move over to the beta channel, you'll need to ope...

It's rolling out now to all Google Workspace customers.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out improved Maps integration with Google Workspace.This new update will add Google Maps to the Workspace side panel.You'll be able to use Maps while in other Workspace apps like Calendar without needing to switch. Google's Workspace side panel is adding support for Google Maps, the company announced this week. The panel already hosts relevant apps like Tasks and Keep, but Google Maps comes in as an idiosyncratic addition to what was a focused part of the Workspace interface.The way Google explains it, the addition does make a lot of sense. With the newfound Google Maps integration, you can now more easily find information about a location and see precise details without needing to switch apps. It's aimed at smoothening the workflow of frequent Calendar power-users. If you're entering a meeting or an appointment into the Calendar web app, opening Google Maps to see the opening ti...

We expect that the new Samsung Galaxy A52 will take home the crown for best cheap Android phone of the year. This is the successor to the ultra-popular Galaxy A51 from last year that was actually Samsung's best-selling phone over the course of the year. And why wouldn't you want to keep one of the best Samsung phones protected with the best Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A52 5G cases?Our favorite caseCaseology Nano PopStaff PickAre you looking for a case that "pops" with your new Galaxy A52? Caseology's new Nano Pop case fits the bill quite nicely, with its two-tone color scheme providing enough contrast to help your phone stand out. The case is compatible with most screen protectors and only adds 0.14-inches of thickness, keeping your A52 slim and lightweight.From $16 at AmazonThe next bestSpigen Liquid CrystalClear cases are some of the most fun options because they allow you to show off how sleek your new Galaxy A52 is without sacrificing protection. And what bett...

The JP crew are all about Resident Evil this week as they check out Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4 VR. They also the need for Sony to overhaul PlayStation Now, Nintendo Switch Production and the latest Indie World Showcase.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Resident Evil Village demo announced for PS5 & PS4, new trailer showcases gruesome threats | Android CentralResident Evil 4 VR Remake coming to Oculus Quest 2 | Android CentralSony desperately needs to overhaul PlayStation Now | Android CentralNintendo unsure whether Nintendo Switch production will meet future demands | iMorePS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history for unit and dollar sales | Android CentralIndie World Showcase: Everything announced during the April 14 event | iMore...

Step up to the plate.When MLB The Show 20 launched last year, it marked the last time the game would release solely on previous generation consoles. Now, just in time for the start of the 2021 MLB season, San Diego Studio is back once again with the latest entry in the MLB The Show franchise. MLB The Show 21 will not only make the leap to next-gen but will be a multi-platform title for the first time ever.Like many games making the jump to the PS5, MLB The Show 21 features a handful of huge changes that make the game much more exciting. While MLB The Show 20 had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortened MLB season when releasing content, San Diego Studio has made an impressive return to the field. MLB The Show 21 features a ton of improvements and new details that make it one of the best sports games on the market.MLB The Show 21 review:What you'll likeWhat you won't likeShould you play?MLB The Show 21 ...

HTC could usher in a new era of standalone fitness-focused VR headsets.What you need to knowHTC Vive Air looks to be the company's first major consumer-focused standalone headset in a long time.The Vive Air is made of lightweight, breathable materials that are all removable and washable.The iF WORLD DESIGN award that revealed the headset says it's due for release in 2021 in North America, Europe, and Asia.It's been a long time coming, but HTC might finally have a viable competitor to the Oculus Quest 2 if these leaks for an upcoming headset called the "HTC Vive Air" are anything to go by. Per Engadget, an *iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE award appears to have been published ahead of an official announcement from HTC, making this a bit more official than many other types of leaks.Per the design award, the HTC Vive Air is specifically designed for virtual fitness in mind. That means the headset is made of lightweight, breathable materials, and it looks like everything but the computi...

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...

The days of sacrificing great service in search of affordability are officially over. Powered by Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks, Visible puts you on the nation's best network with its singular plan that offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $40 per month all-in — taxes and fees included. There's no annual contract and a variety of excellent deals available for new members or those looking to purchase a new phone.Best Visible DealsBest Visible Android dealsBest Visible iPhone dealsBest Visible plan dealsMore about VisibleVisible: Three months for $20/monthVisible lets you use Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks without paying the high cost of being a Verizon customer. Visible's latest deal drops the cost of the first 3 months for new subscribers to just $20/month with promo code 20FOR3 through April 30.Join today at VisibleWith Visible's Party Pay feature, you can drop the monthly cost of service to as low as $25 per month by getting your friends or famil...

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is one of the best budget phones of the year, and before you go out and buy one, there's one final decision you need to make. Well, there are technically two questions — are you getting 5G and what Galaxy A52 color is best — but the first answer might also answer the second, depending on the market you're buying in. Both the LTE/4G and the 5G versions of the Galaxy A52 come in four Awesome colors, but which one is the most awesome? Let's take a look.Like a summer skyAwesome Blue A52Staff PickI'll confess, I'm partial to blue phones in general, but the Awesome Blue on the A52 is just darling, like the morning sky on a clear summer day — or the powder blue paneling on a vintage car. It's nostalgic, youthful, and energetic, ready to tackle whatever today brings.$375 at Amazon (4G) £399 at Amazon UK (5G)Lilac lovelinessAwesome Purple A52This purple isn't quite as deep or radiant as the Phantom Violet on this year's Galaxy S21, but it's st...

It's available on all Android phones running Nougat and above.What you need to knowGoogle has now added some of the most popular Japanese pop culture characters to AR search.You'll now find icons like Pac-Man, Ultraman, and Hello Kitty present via AR search in the Google Search app or any Android browser.It also works in iOS on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 and above. Google's AR character search already includes cute farm animals, Marvel superheroes, and even those terrible lizards from the Jurassic past. Now, the company is adding several new characters to AR search, including popular characters from Japanese pop culture. The company says that it has seen a rise in anime interest, reaching a crescendo over the last month, even ranking higher than video games.You'll now find anime characters from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gundam, as well as Hello Kitty, Ultraman, Pac-Man, and more. Some of these characters even make sounds, as Google shared in its Japanese blog pos...

Introduced in December 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a solid Android 10 device featuring a 6.5-inch screen, 48 MP camera, and 5,000mAh battery with fast charging. At just 8.9mm thin, it's an entry-level phone that won't rival some of Samsung's more premium models, like the Samsung Galaxy S20, but it's a great phone for those who don't need all the bells and whistles. It's a reliable smartphone for a teenager, an elderly family member, or even as a secondary phone. Regardless of who it's for, protect your smartphone with a case. These are the best Samsung Galaxy A12 cases you can get.Everything you needMilomdoi CaseStaff PickIt's everything you need in one package for an affordable price, including a military-grade protective case with a 360-degree ring holder kickstand on the back along with a 2-pack of tempered glass screen protectors. The case is made of soft TPU silicone and offers heavy-duty protection with Air Cushion technology.$11 at AmazonBuilt-in screen prote...

Smartphone shipments reached 340 million units in Q1 2021, up from 275 million units during the same period last year.What you need to knowGlobal smartphone shipments increased 24% YoY in the first quarter of 2021.Samsung was the biggest smartphone vendor globally in Q1 2021, with a market share of 23%. Huawei, which held the number two spot during the same period last year, slipped out of the top five. The global smartphone market grew 24% YoY in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. While nearly all major smartphone makers saw strong growth during the January to March period, Huawei dropped out of the top five.Huawei had surpassed Samsung as the top smartphone maker in the second quarter of 2020, thanks to strong performance in its home market. Since then, however, the company has been losing market share in pretty much all markets — including China.Linda Sui, Senior Director at Strategy Analytics, said in a state...

What you need to knowVerizon Ultra Wideband 5G is coming to four new cities and 5G Home Internet is coming to three more cities.Verizon will pay up to $500 early termination fees for customers to switch to 5G Home Internet beginning April 29.Verizon is giving new customers that switch a free Samsung Chromebook 4.Verizon announced that it's bringing its Ultra Wideband (UWB) 5G coverage to four new cities bringing the total to 71. On April 22, Ultra Wideband service will come to New Orleans, LA; Fresno, CA; Riverside, CA; and San Antonio, TX. The best cell phone plans now come with 5G including Verizon's Ultra Wideband service which is available with its Play More, Do More, and Get More unlimited plans. All Verizon plans now include Nationwide 5G which makes up most of Verizon's 5G coverage.Verizon's 5G Home Internet is expanding to three new cities starting with Riverside, CA on April 22. Memphis and San Antonio will follow on May 6 bringing the total number of covered citie...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: now $385PlayStation 4 Pro: refurb from $390PlayStation VR: starting at $150More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now...

Are you an active individual looking for the best Android smartwatch? Whether you're focused on powerful fitness and health-tracking tools or an eye-catching design, there are plenty of options. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the best fitness smartwatches with built-in GPS, music storage, full waterproofing, and even NFC for Garmin Pay. It's as fully featured of a smartwatch and fitness tracker that you'll find, so it might be just what you're looking for.Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4Announced late last year, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the company's newest smartwatches to hit the market. It's got some significant improvements when compared to its predecessor, like new on-screen workouts, two size options, and music storage is now standard. Admittedly, these are some significant upgrades, but they come at a cost. If you can get past the hefty price tag, it's a phenomenal fitness smartwatch that will track your every move.Previously, the Vivoactive was only availa...

The feature is making its way to users as part of a server-side rollout.What you need to knowGoogle Photos is finally rolling out the ability to add new files to albums even when you're offline.The functionality appears to be live in the latest version of the Google Photos app for Android for some users. Any new photos or videos you add to an album offline will be synced as soon as you are connected to the internet. The Google Photos app gained a new Documents tab earlier this week, making it a lot easier for users to find their documents. Google has now quietly added another new feature to the app, allowing users to add new photos and videos to albums even when they're offline, without having to back up files.As reported by Android Police, the highly anticipated feature is now live for some users in the latest version of the Google Photos app on Android. If you're among the lucky users who have received the feature, you can now add photos and videos to existing and new...

Facebook recently introduced Oculus Quest 2 keyboard and mouse support to its most popular VR device, but hooking up your favorite pair might not be as obvious as you would have thought. That's because Oculus Quest 2 keyboard and mouse support is still technically an experimental feature, although you shouldn't expect any substantial problems or bugs when using it. Whether you're looking to enhance your work from home experience with apps like Spatial or just browse the web more easily, the best keyboards and best mice will all get the job done with amazing efficiency.How to pair a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse with Oculus Quest 2Pairing your keyboard or mouse with your Oculus Quest 2 is pretty simple, but finding the option isn't as obvious as you might hope. Let's begin with pairing your keyboard.Put the Oculus Quest 2 on your head and press the Oculus button on the right Oculus Touch controller.Select the settings button, located on the Universal Home menu's right side.Sele...

The phone will have a dedicated button to activate "Game Mode."What you need to knowRedmi's first gaming phone will debut in China on April 27.It will be part of the brand's Redmi K40 family. The phone is rumored to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, 67W fast charging, and a 144Hz display.Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand recently teased the launch of its first-ever gaming phone. The brand has now revealed that the phone will make its debut at a virtual event on April 27.The company's post on Weibo confirms the upcoming gaming phone will be part of the Redmi K40 series and is going to be called the Redmi K40 "Gaming Edition." As you can see in the official teaser below, the phone will come with shoulder buttons similar to ones seen on Black Shark devices. We can also see a triple-camera array on the back of the phone, with an LED ring around the sensors. The ring will light up when the phone's Game Mode is activated.Rumors suggest the phone will be powered by MediaTek'...

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro S has an outdated processor and only offers a few minor upgrades.Depending on your perspective, you may or may not consider the new TicWatch Pro S to be one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. While it certainly offers some nice improvements, it's a lot the same stuff we experienced on the TicWatch Pro 2020. If you're going to spend this much on a smartwatch, you might as well stretch your budget a bit further and get yourself the Ticwatch Pro 3 instead.So, what does the TicWatch Pro S bring to the table that's new and different? The main selling point is a handful of new and upgraded apps from Mobvoi. You'll now have TicExercise 3.0 and TicSleep 2.0, for example. The company also added new apps, including TicBreathe and TicHearing. You can now measure VO2 max during runs as well.If you were anticipating an updated processor with better performance, you'll be disappointed. The TicWatch Pro S is still running the severely outdated Snapdragon Wear ...

The SanDisk Extreme 1TB portable USB-C NVMe solid state drive has dropped to $149.99 at Best Buy as part of Best Buy's deals of the day. Amazon has also price matched this deal, so you'll be able to get it there as long as it lasts at Best Buy. This is a limited time sale that will be gone by tomorrow. The drive normally sells for as much as $240 at Best Buy and can be found going for around $170 or more at other retailers.This is a newer version of a SanDisk Extreme portable SSD we have recommended before. The older version has gone much lower than today's deal before, but right now it's going for $140. That means you can get the newer, faster version for just $10 more.The portable SSD uses a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface. That's an upgrade from 3.1 on the previous generation and ensures a wide compatibility with USB-C connectors including on both computers and smartphones. Because of that USB-C connection and the NVMe technology built into the solid state drive, you can get some re...