Latest from Android Central

After years and years of wishing and begging, OnePlus answered our prayers and finally put wireless charging into one of its phones. Not only can you wirelessly charge the OnePlus 8 Pro at almost the same speed as its wired chargers, but OnePlus also made sure its latest flagship was compatible with the standard Qi profile, so you aren't entirely reliant on first-party wireless chargers. Here are the best OnePlus 8 Pro wireless chargers to grab for speed, value, and reliability.Top speedOnePlus Warp Charge 50W Wireless ChargerStaff PickTo get 30W wireless charging, you'll need to buy OnePlus's wireless charger, which is bright white with some lovely silver accenting around the side. OnePlus stopped selling last year's 30W version, but you'll still get 30W with the 50W model.$70 at OnePlusIntegrated chargerAnker PowerWave II StandAnker sells a wide, wide array of wireless chargers, but most of them either don't come with an AC charger or use old, outdated micro-USB...

It appears that Google has moved forward with its plans for a native Steam client for Chrome OS, but that's not a magic bullet.One of the biggest reasons I use my Windows desktop computer is because it's my gaming machine. I still do a little audio production, and I have an extensive Lightroom catalog, but most everything I do every day works great on any of the best Chromebooks. Except for those gaming moments.Google knows that the lack of "desktop" games for Chrome is a pain point for many people who would otherwise happily make the switch. The company is trying to do something about it by leveraging the Chrome OS Linux container and Steam, Valve's popular online game store and platform for PCs.We recently saw a hint of the upcoming Game Mode for Chrome that should be tied to the native Chrome OS version of Steam. Google will almost certainly address the fact that mobile games via Android's Google Play Store just aren't enough for everyone. By working with Valve to build an o...

The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro are here and these devices look to take over the throne as the best Android phones of the year. You'll find some pretty great cameras, along with some of the fastest charging speeds imaginable. But if you plan on keeping these phones for a while, you'll definitely want to grab a case for it. As it does with every new phone launch, OnePlus launched some new first-party OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro cases that you should definitely consider.Classic OnePlusOnePlus Sandstone Bumper CaseStaff PickWhen you think of OnePlus devices, chances are you think about the sandstone material that was found on the OnePlus One. While the company has moved away from using this a material for the phone itself, OnePlus continues to release bumper cases with the Sandstone look and feel. Get that feeling of the OnePlus One with the latest OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro.$25 at OnePlus (OnePlus 9)$25 at OnePlus (OnePlus 9 Pro)Something UniqueOnePlus Droid Case for OnePlus 9 P...

Google fielded its strongest lineup of Pixel smartphones in 2020, and now all three of them are available at their cheapest prices yet through Amazon UK's spring sale. The deal includes the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, with savings of up to 20% on the list price. Google's Pixels aren't often reduced in price, so now's a great time to jump on one of the best Pixel deals out there.Google Pixel 4a | £50 offThe Pixel 4a is one of the best value smartphone of the past year, and Amazon's £50 off deal makes it more affordable than ever before. You won't find another phone with a better camera or longer software support lifespan at this price point.£299 at Amazon UKGoogle Pixel 4a 5G | £100 offThe Pixel 4a 5G is available for £100 off the list price, a saving of 20%. It sits pretty close to the Pixel 5 in terms of specs and raw horsepower, with a bigger display, ultrawide-capable dual camera setup, a bigger battery and, of course, 5G connectivity.£399 at Ama...

While music fans have been missing out on live concerts in-person, virtual livestream concerts have been taking over and bringing performances to viewers worldwide. This week, Wonho (formerly of the K-pop group MonstaX) will be taking the virtual stage at Live x Live for a fully produced, full-length concert performance in celebration of the release of his mini album, Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us.The Wonho Special Live event is a ticketed livestream which means you'll need to buy access to watch the show. Tickets start at $19.99 and there are merch bundles to consider as well. Unlike many livestreamed events which are only aired once and no longer available to watch afterwards, Live x Live has ticket options that allow you to rewatch the performance for up to 2 months after it's aired live.Wonho Special Live: When and whereThe Wonho virtual concert begins at 11PM ET on March 27 / 12PM KST on March 28. Make sure you purchase your ticket beforehand so you're prepared to watch ...

Best answer: No, ExpressVPN does not offer a lifetime subscription. In fact, the longest subscription you can purchase from ExpressVPN right now is an annual one, and the first time you sign up for it you get an extra three months free. Running the service the way ExpressVPN does requires ongoing costs, and offering a one-time payment is not a sustainable business model for the company.Secure your browsing: ExpressVPN ($6.67 per month at ExpressVPN)You may have seen one of those "too good to be true" lifetime VPN license offers out there for $10 and wondered why some companies are doing that and others are charging $100 each year. Well, running a VPN company happens to be an expensive endeavor. The hardware (servers) costs money, the software costs money, the apps are expensive to develop, the chat agents need to be paid, and there are lots of other costs.Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is not able to roll all of that into a single cost for each customer and does not allow people t...

Slack is introducing more features that no one asked for.What you need to knowSlack CEO has confirmed that the app will introduce Clubhouse audio features.Audio messages are also in the works and are currently being tested.Slack is still planning to launch its version of Snapchat Stories, which it announced last year.Slack has been doing the absolute most lately, and not much of it good. The app just introduced a Slack Connect private messaging feature that allows members to send direct messages to anyone outside of their organization, something that caused much backlash. But the company isn't done introducing new features to the platform, and the next set will come straight from Clubhouse.Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield confirmed (via Portal) in a Clubhouse chat that the app will add some new audio features that will be similar to Clubhouse. He didn't go into detail, but it's not surprising that the company wants to introduce new audio features, considering a growing numbe...

Few PS5 games natively support a keyboard and mouse input, despite offering a distinct advantage in a wide variety of titles. Regardless of whether or not your favorite game does, the PS5 still supports a keyboard and mouse on a system level, meaning you can plug them in and they'll be ready to go. Thankfully, it's easy to add both wired and wireless keyboards to your system.Turn on your PS5. If your keyboard and mouse are connected via USB, plug those into your PS5 and they should be good to go. If you're connecting them via Bluetooth, put the keyboard and mouse in pairing mode. On your PS5, go to Settings (the gear icon on the top right).Scroll down and select Accessories.Select Bluetooth Accessories.Select the accessories you'd like to pair.Although Sony confirmed the PS5 supports a keyboard and mouse at a system level through USB and Bluetooth connections, it's important to note that not all Bluetooth keyboards work perfectly on PS5 — as some people on Reddit foun...

Get in there and make your new OnePlus phone your own.The OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro are two of the hottest phones of early 2021, and they both deserve a spot on our best Android phones list; that much is for certain. Both sport a sleek new design, new Snapdragon 888 chipsets, and much improved cameras, thanks to OnePlus's partnership with camera titan Hasselblad.There's a lot to learn about and explore with these new phones. So once you've placed your order and your shiny (or matte) new device arrives, here are the first things that you should do with the OnePlus 9 or 9 Pro.Jump to:1. Get the look right2. Customize the OnePlus Shelf3. Shove the Shelf4. Experiment with the cameras5. Charge forward6. Customize buttons and gestures7. AOD8. Screen settings9. Moment of Zen1. Get the look just rightEven with the updating UI in OxygenOS 11, the software on OnePlus's newest phones is pretty low-key, with minimal deviations from stock or Pixel-flavored Android. Sti...

Razer is giving us the face mask we don't deserve.What you need to knowRazer has confirmed that its RGB face concept is being turned into a real product.Project Hazel was first unveiled at CES as a concept not intended to come to market.There's no word on when the mark will be available or for how much.COVID-19 may be on the fall and vaccines on the rise, but it's still important to wear masks in public spaces to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Earlier this year, one mask took many people by surprise, and that was Razer's Project Hazel. The face mask features a transparent design with RGB lighting, a staple for PC gaming equipment. While there were originally no plans to bring it to market, Razer seems to have had a change of heart.Speaking to Yahoo Finance this week, Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan announced its intentions to produce the face mask. We were thinking, this is a concept project and is this going to be relevant when vaccinations and everything has been ro...

Unlimited for allT-MobileFrom $60/mo. at T-MobilePros5G access with all plans At least 50GB of premium data Third line free Service in Mexico and CanadaUnlimited mobile hotspot ConsPlans are expensiveSD streaming on most plansInternational calling not included (outside of Mexico and Canada) Not all plans offer international data T-Mobile's three core plans (Essentials, Magenta, and Magenta MAX) are entirely unlimited when it comes to data, text, talk, and mobile hotspot. Along with multi-line discounts, you're also guaranteed at least 50GB of premium data and various international benefits and extra perks. This plan has fantastic value for most smartphone users as long as they live in an area with T-Mobile coverage.The choice is yoursGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google FiProsChoice of Flexible or Unlimited plansLarge combined networkFree international data, talk, and text with Unlimited planBill protection Uses open Wi-Fi networks via Wi-...

It's not clear how many people are affected by this yet.What you need to knowSome Pixel phone owners are reporting a "Sim Manager" error.If affected, users may find themselves subject to an irritating pop-up that reminds them that the 'Sim-Manager has stopped working'. A temporary fix involves uninstalling all updates and reverting the app back to the shipping version.Just like Web View, SIM Manager is an app that's unsexy in its plainness. It's supposed to be invisible, working in the background, handling whatever things SIM Managers do if you could be bothered to look it up. So when it bugs out and users become aware of it, it's a very bad thing. More and more Pixel owners are chiming into a growing thread in the Pixel support forums reporting an error whereby their phone simply pops up a "Sim Manager has keeps stopping" error, over, and over, and over again.Checking the Play Store reveals similarly pleased users. One complains, "Crashes about every 3 minutes. No option...

Your Chromebook deserves the best microSD card it can get, whether you bought a budget model or the best Chromebook on the market. Chrome's security model treats removable storage differently than storage you can't — and not all Android apps can use SD storage for data — but a microSD card slot means extra storage space for photos, video, documents, or anything else worth keeping. Whether you need microSD — or full-size SD for an older laptop — these are your best bets for dependable, affordable storage for your Chromebook.Go microSamsung EVO Select microSD cardStaff PickFrom $7 at Amazon From $7 at Samsung Today, most Chromebooks ship with a microSD slot, and the microSD card we like best is the Samsung EVO Select. It's available in 32GB to 512GB capacities. This quick little card is a dependable name-brand.All the sizesSanDisk ExtremeFrom $10 at Amazon From $14 at B&HFrom $14 at Newegg SanDisk offers this card in an impressive variety of siz...

The latest OnePlus executive to leave the company.What you need to knowIt's been confirmed that OnePlus chief marketing officer Kyle Kiang is leaving the company.He will leave on April 2nd, the same day that OnePlus 9 devices go on sale.Kiang's departure comes as the company is viewed to have shifted from "flagship killer" to just "flagship."Just six months after OnePlus co-founder, Carl Pei, left the company, another high-profile OnePlus executive is set to depart. Kyle Kiang, the chief marketing officer at OnePlus, is leaving the company on April 2nd to "exploring several opportunities" (via Input). OnePlus issued a statement, confirming the news: Kiang is moving on from OnePlus to explore new opportunities and his last day will be April 2nd. He will always be a good friend of the company and we wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.Kiang has been with OnePlus since 2015 and has been an instrumental part in growing brand awareness. He's a bit of a r...

The OnePlus Nord N10 is now making its way into the hands of the masses, and that means you're going to want to get the best OnePlus Nord N10 screen protectors. The Nord N10 has instantly become a contender for one of the best cheap Android phones, and if you got one, you likely already grabbed one of the best Nord N10 cases. So be sure to finish the ensemble to keep the Nord N10 running for as long as possible.Best valueLK Tempered Glass (6-pack)Staff PickInstalling a new screen protector on your smartphone can be a frustrating proposition, and LK aims to alleviate those frustrations. Along with including three screen protectors for the front display and three for the rear camera module, there's an instructional video that shows you exactly how to install them with ease.$11 at AmazonLifetime warrantyMr. Shield Tempered Glass (3-pack)With some tempered glass screen protectors, you'll have to worry about the "rainbow effect," which can make it frustrating to ...

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 $800 ...

Best answer: The Disney+ Premier Access feature allows subscribers to pay an extra one-time fee in order to access new movies before they're released to all Disney+ members. The cost per movie is roughly $30, depending on which market you're in.The latest in Disney content: Disney+ from $7.99/mo. at Disney+What is Disney+ Premier Access?Disney launched the Disney+ Premier Access feature in September 2020, along with the live-action release of Mulan.Premier Access allows current Disney+ subscribers to pay a one-time, $30 fee to watch a newly-released film three months ahead of other subscribers. Once you've purchased Premier Access, you can continue to stream or download the film for as long as you remain a Disney+ subscriber.In order to buy a Premier Access movie on Disney+, you also need to have a Disney+ subscription, which costs $7.99 a month or $79.99 a year in the United States. It should be noted that the extra fee only provides early access to the movie, meaning ...

Although a Chromebook's trackpad works well enough for most situations, a wireless mouse is best when using a larger display to multitask or during intense video gaming sessions. Chromebooks are here to stay — and Google recently confirmed that it's even extending the lifetime of supported Chromebooks to nearly a decade. Most wireless mice will work with all of the best Chromebooks, whether you're a student looking to get one as a part of your overall selection of Chromebook accessories, or if you're a Chromebook user who craves more precise navigation. Here are some of the best Chromebook mice to meet your unique needs.No risk, easy set-upseenda 2.4G Noiseless MouseStaff PickAvailable in tons of cool colors, including this pastel-like mint green, this versatile mouse is compact enough to throw into your bag and easy to set up via the USB dongle and instant connection via a 2.4GHz network without the need to install drivers. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty that pr...

Gifs are serious business.What you need to knowThe UK's Competition and Markets Authority this week expressed concern over Facebook's Giphy merger.It focused on the potential for increased Facebook dominance in both the digital advertising markets, as well as social media.Facebook and Giphy have 5 days to respond to these issues.Facebook's Giphy merger faces a potential roadblock in the UK. The country's Competition and Markets Authority, or CMA, had begun an investigation into the merger in January. It shared its findings this week, expressing concerns over Facebook's increased hold in the digital advertising markers, as well as the potential for increased dominance in social media.Everyone uses gifs nowadays on social media. Whether you're on Twitter, or WhatsApp, or Snapchat, or even just using Gboard, the humble gif is only ever just a few taps away. While Giphy isn't the only gif platform around, it is one of the most used. The CMA expressed concerns that Giphy coul...

The found-phone mystery genre gets a new contender with Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins!I'll be the first to admit that I don't give one single heck about Doctor Who. I've seen a handful of episodes in my lifetime and, frankly, didn't much care for it. I will even go so far as to say that I was not particularly excited to give a Doctor Who mobile game a try when I saw it on the list of upcoming releases. However, as a lifelong player of the Nancy Drew series, I adore mystery games, and I'm pleased to report that Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins is not only an excellent mystery game, it's among the best android games I've played so far this year.One of the biggest strengths of Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins is that it takes place entirely on "your phone." As Insert Player Character Here, you are meant to have found someone else's phone, which is getting hacked right as the game starts up. After this hacking succeeds, the phone rings. Once you pick up, boom, you're in touch with...

The subtitle is currently Vanguard.What you need to knowThe next entry in the Call of Duty series is returning to World War 2, according to a rumor verified by Eurogamer.The new entry in the popular series will be developed by Sledgehammer Games, developers of 2017's Call of Duty: WW2.The game is expected to release in late 2021.The subtitle is rumored to be Vanguard and may take place in an alternate timeline where WW2 continued beyond 1945.The upcoming Call of Duty game brings the series back to WW2 and will release late 2021 for Xbox, PS5, and PC, according to a rumor verified by Eurogamer.According to Call of Duty fan site Modern Warzone, this year's new Call of Duty is being developed by Sledgehammer Games, the same developers who worked on 2017's Call of Duty: WWII. Modern Warzone also reports that the game is tentatively titled Call of Duty WW2: Vanguard.Modern Warzone also suggests that the game takes place in the 1950s, where 1945 wasn't the end of World War 2...

While crowded music festivals are on a hiatus, virtual music festivals that fans from around the world can watch are taking over. Presented by Live x Live, the Music Lives 2021 festival is streaming live this weekend only with over 72 hours of non-stop performances in celebration of global music. This free-to-stream virtual festival features a lineup of over 120 artists, including musicians like John Mayer, Nelly, Pitbull, PRETTYMUCH, Wiz Khalifa, 24kGoldn, Zac Brown Band, and more.If you're having trouble accessing the festival's live stream once the show begins due to a location restriction, we'll be discussing some of our favorite VPNs to help you watch live from anywhere in the sections below.Live x Live Music Lives 2021 festival: When and whereThe Live x Live Music Lives 2021 festival begins streaming live this Friday, March 26 at 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT and runs through Monday, March 29. You'll be able to watch the show live on the Live x Live website once it begins.Sometimes...

Help shepherd spirits to the afterlife this August when Kena launches for PS4 and PS5.What you need to knowKena: Bridge of Spirits is a fantasy adventure set to release in August for PS4 and PS5.It follows a young spirit guide who uses magical abilities to shepherd those who have died to the spirit realm.A new trailer debuted at the Future Games Show that showcased thrilling combat against fantastical beasts.Those who purchase the PS4 version will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version for free.Kena: Bridge of Spirits received a new trailer at the Future Games Show that gave a a glimpse of some cute and cuddly allies along with the monsters we'll be fighting. The charming indie title was first announced back in June 2020 at Sony's PS5 press conference.The trailer teases an emotional rollercoaster in between some epic battles, so we could have a tear-jerker on our hands not unlike Ori and the Blind Forest.Developed by Ember Lab, Kena: Bridge of Spirits stars the titu...

Unlocking your car or front door could be as easy as tapping your Galaxy phone.What you need to knowGoogle announces the Android Ready SE Alliance to give devices more useful in our daily lives.With the alliance, your smartphone or wearable can become your mobile ID or replace your car keys.Several Android OEMs have already signed up for the program, which is a good sign for adoption.While smartphones grow more powerful, companies also take steps to make them more secure. In 2018, the Titan M Chip was introduced in the Google Pixel 3, and it is included in newer models like the Google Pixel 5, bringing enhanced, tamper-resistant security to smartphones. Samsung's Galaxy phones also come with their own security chip, which the company introduced last year along with the Samsung Galaxy S20. With this extra level of hardware security, Google thinks it's time to make smartphones an even deeper part of our lives, so it created an initiative called the Android Ready SE Alliance....

The Vivo X60 and X60 Pro go global.What you need to knowVivo's X60 and X60 Pro are going global today.The devices launched in China in December 2020.A Vivo X60 Pro Plus launched today in India. It'll be coming to European markets later.Vivo today debuted two new phones, the X60 and the X60 Pro in global markets. While these phones existed in China since 2020, they're now coming to the rest of the world.The X60 is the basic, all-rounder phone that'll satisfy almost anyone. It comes with a Snapdragon 870, the same SoC you'll find in the newly announced OnePlus 9R. There's a 6.56-inch FHD AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a quad-camera layout with a 48MP main camera. and a pair of 13MP cameras for wide-angle and portrait shots. There's up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it has 33W fast charging paired with a 4,3000 mAh battery. The X560 Pro model has all the same specs, but it includes better touch-sampling, a base of 12GB of RAM. You'll also find gimbal ...

The best Chromebook docking stations can turn your laptop from on-the-go ready to comfortably cozy by plugging in a single USB-C cable. When you're home and want to use a clicky mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or add a secondary display, docking stations are here to keep things tidy and organized. While you could maybe get by with some tiny USB-C hub, the cables are usually too short and leave your desk cluttered, while docking stations help keep things connected while staying out of your way. If you need to get your Chromebook connected, these are the best docking stations.Keep it tidyPlugable USB-C Mini Docking Station with 85W ChargingStaff PickThis compact docking station won't take up much desk space, but it still has enough space for four USB-A peripherals, an HDMI monitor, Ethernet, and an audio jack for some speakers. It can also charge your Chromebook at full speed.$134 at Amazon $134 at WalmartTall or flat, your choiceBaseus 16-in-1 USB-C Dock...

The Fire TV update is reaching more devices.Update, Mar 25 (4:30 pm ET): Update starts rolling out todayWhat you need to knowAmazon is launching its new UI on the Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, and third-gen Fire TV pendant next month.The new UI brings an updated home screen, a new Find tab, and personalized user profiles.The update was released in December for the third-generation Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick Lite.When it comes to the best streaming devices, the Chromecast with Google TV has taken up much of the spotlight since its launch last year. The new Android TV UI brought a more personalized experience with its For You tab, which offered recommendations based on the user's habits and apps. Amazon wasn't sitting on its hands, though, and announced a UI overhaul of its own for its Fire TV platform, which it started rolling out in December to a couple of the best Fire TV sticks. Now, it looks like the update is expanding to more devices starting next month.Prot...

Best answer: No. In the Heights will premiere in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously on June 11.New movies now: HBO Max ($15 at HBO Max)In the Heights on HBO MaxWhile Lin-Manuel Miranda has a strong relationship with Disney, and it would make sense to see In the Heights on Disney+, the film adaptation of Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical is being released by Warner Bros., which previously announced its entire slate of 2021 releases would debut in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day.In the Heights was initially supposed to hit theaters in June 2020, but was pushed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It was later revealed that the film would debut on June 18, 2021, but director Jon M. Chu said in mid-March that the release moved up by one week.At the time, Chu tweeted, "Surprise. We coming to Theaters one week earlier!!! There has been so much demand since our trailer release this week that we decided to get it out to you sooner. Let's gooooooooooooo!!!! See...

Paramount Plus is quickly becoming a worthy competitor to popular services like Netflix and Disney+. But of course, unlike many others, Paramount Plus is only available in the United States at this time. Even if you pay for a subscription and live in the U.S. but go on vacation overseas, you could have trouble watching the service while you're there. Luckily, there's a foolproof way you can bypass any location restrictions you might see when you're trying to stream Paramount Plus from outside the United States.What is a VPN and how does it work?We have the answers to all your VPN questions here at Android Central. However, if you're looking for a quick explanation, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your identity online so that you can browse the web anonymously or as if you're located in a different part of the world. Not only can they be helpful in times like these where you'd like to watch Paramount Plus outside of the U.S., but also when you're using a public internet conn...

It might be some time before Android TV users get 4K streaming on Hulu.What you need to knowAndroid TV users are finally getting access to FHD streams on Hulu.Until now, the app has been limited to 720p streams, while other apps have already moved to 4K.Hulu subscribers can check their Android TV app for updates, although it seems limited to certain devices.Android TV users have many options to stream content, but the Hulu app has unfortunately been stuck in the early 2000s, only supporting 720p streams on 4K TVs. Fortunately, Hulu subscribers using the best Android TVs will finally get to know what 2013 feels like now that the app supports 1080p streaming.Owners of the NVIDIA Shield (2019) have pointed out on Reddit that their devices are now showing support for 1080p streaming on the Hulu app. It was more or less confirmed by 9to5Google:It's unclear when Hulu made the change, but it could be tied to a recent update to the Hulu app on Android TV devices. It should al...

When trying to figure out the best phone for kids, there are many factors to consider. Deciding at what age they should get a phone is entirely up to you, but when you go out and pick one up, you want to make sure you're getting something worthwhile. Important things to consider are security, ease of use, and of course, budget. Lucky for you, there are tons of great handsets that your kid and wallet will equally love. We think the Pixel 4a is the best all-around choice, but if it's not catching your fancy, there are plenty of other stellar phones on this list.Best Overall: Google Pixel 4aBuying a phone for your kid is a balancing act of getting something they'll want to use and having excellent security, all without spending a fortune. In our eyes, the Pixel 4a best fits that bill.The value proposition offered by the 4a is phenomenal due to the fantastic camera, good battery life, and regular security updates. Plus, there's no breaking the bank to both get the phone and a goo...

Google Assistant will organize your things for you.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant is getting a new feature called "Memory" that saves your content in one convenient place.Users will be able to save on-device or real-world items while extracting actionable operations from contextual information.The feature is currently in development, so it's unclear if it will ever reach end-users.There are many ways that Google Assistant is helpful, and reminders are one of them. Once you know how to assign Google Assistant reminders, you can easily set reminders for yourself that work kind of like an alarm but a little less abrasive. And they work particularly well with devices with screens, including the best smart displays. It looks like Google may be looking to give the feature something of a revamp by combining it with the Google Discover Collections tab and slapping a new name on it.The new "Memory" feature was spotted by 9to5Google, which was able to activate the feature an...

If you're thinking about buying the new TicWatch Pro S or you've already purchased it, the next step is finding a suitable band. As always, Mobvoi made sure this device would be compatible with interchangeable bands, so you'll have tons of different options available to you. Whether you want something that's perfect for high-intensity workouts or something more formal for special occasions, we've rounded up some of the best TicWatch Pro S bands for you to choose from.Colorful greatnessBarton Silicone TicWatch Pro S BandStaff PickIf you're a smartwatch enthusiast and this isn't your first time searching for the best TicWatch Pro S band, you might be familiar with Barton. They offer a wide range of quality options, including these silicone bands that are durable, stylish, and comfortable. Not to mention that you can choose from a rainbow of colors!$20 at AmazonStay sleekAimtel Stainless Steel TicWatch Pro S BandIf you've got a formal event to attend, you don't...

The remaster of the PlayStation classic is now on Android.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy VIII Remastered has released on Android.Unfortunately, it does not support cloud saves or controller support, but it will be added in a future update.It is currently available at a discounted price from March 25 to April 4.Sometime this morning, Square Enix released the fan-favorite Final Fantasy VIII Remastered on Android and iOS platforms. It was initially released on Sept. 3, 2019 on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.Final Fantasy VIII Remastered features updated visuals and character models and a slew of other quality of life updates like the option to increase battle speed.However, it seems that the Android version comes with a few missing features. In particular, cloud saves and controller support are not included. The store page notes that those features will be added in a future update.There also seems to be a list of issues that could potentially...

A 720p display is an interesting compromise.What you need to knowMotorola today introduced the Moto G50.It's a cheaper counterpart to the Moto G100 which also broke cover today.5G is a big selling point for this phone, but Moto's also pushing 2 days of battery life as another.Motorola today quietly introduced the Moto G50. It's not quite the headline grabber than the Moto G10, the first Moto G with a Snapdragon 800-series processor is, but it is a phone that also exists.Specs-wise, it's nothing too out of the ordinary for cheap Android phones. So you're getting a big 6.5-inch screen, 4GB of RAM, up to 128GB of storage with Micro SD expansion, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 15w fast charging (if you get the right accessory). You'll find the required triple-camera layout here, complete with the 48MP main camera, the 8MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro lens.There's 5G here too, which's backed by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480, a chip introduced to bring 5G to lower-end phones like th...

The Fitbit Inspire 2 is one of the best fitness trackers on the market right now, and a recent update with partner Tile is making the affordable band an even better deal. We'll show you how you can not only find your Inspire 2 with the Tile tracking app, but you can even find your phone with the new app on your wrist. Let's dive in.How to find your lost Fitbit Inspire 2 through the Tile tracker appOpen your Fitbit app and tap on your profile in the top left corner.Find your Inspire 2 and tap on it.You may need to update your device's firmware. Tap to update and follow the instructions.Install the Tile app if you don't have it on your device already.Create a Tile profile or login to the app if you already have an account.Once you're logged in, tap on the Add a Tile tile.Tap on Fitbit Fitness Trackers.When you see the screen for the Fitbit Inspire 2, tap Next.Follow the intsructions to grant "all the time" location permisison to the Tile app.If you don't grant the T...

Jin Sakai may be coming to theaters in the near future.What you need to knowGhost of Tsushima is a PlayStation exclusive that released on the PS4 in 2020.It follows a samurai attempting to save his homeland during the first Mongol invasion in the late 1200s.Sony is now developing a movie on the successful title with the director of John Wick attached to the project.Deadline reports that a Ghost of Tsushima film is in development from PlayStation Productions, with John Wick director Chad Stahelski attached.The new IP coming from Sucker Punch released on PS4 last summer and became an instant hit, going on to sell over 6.5 million copies since launch. It's no surprise then that given this success — it's easily one of the best PS4 games to ever release — Sony would want to capitalize on it as much as possible."We're excited to be partnering with Chad and 87Eleven Entertainment, to bring their vision of Jin's story to the big screen. We love working with creative partner...

The Fairphone 2 was launched in December 2015 with Android 5 out of the box.What you need to knowThe five-year-old Fairphone 2 is receiving an update to Android 9.It was launched with Android 5 out of the box and has received two major OS upgrades so far.Fairphone has also confirmed that an update to Android 11 will be rolled out to the Fairphone 3 and 3+ in H2 2021.The Fairphone 2, which was launched five years ago as the first-ever modular smartphone, is now getting updated to Android 9. The phone shipped with Android 5 out of the box and was later upgraded to Android 6 and Android 7.1.Just like the Android 7.1 update for the phone, the latest Android 9 update has been developed with Qualcomm support, but comes with Google certification. The update will be rolled out in stages, so it might take several weeks for all Fairphone 2 devices to receive the Android 9 upgrade.Eva Gouwens, Fairphone CEO, said in a statement: To get Google certification for Android 9 for Fa...

Google Chromecast remains one of the simplest solutions for wirelessly streaming between devices anywhere there's a reliable Wi-FI signal. It works for streaming entertainment at home, making a conference room presentation at work, or as a quick way to share videos in the classroom. However, if you're solely relying on a Chromecast for wireless streaming, now may be the perfect time to upgrade. We recommend the most recent NVIDIA Shield TV (2019), which delivers the best Android TV experience along with the wireless functionality and compact design of a Chromecast.Best Overall: NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)NVIDIA has owned the Android TV streaming box segment for years with the same NVIDIA Shield TV hardware. In 2019, it finally gave us a new look with an upgraded processor that delivers all the features required to keep pace with the newer competition in the streaming space.The new Shield TV is a tube-shaped device that's designed to hide behind your TV — just like a Chromecast ...

Four beloved recent JRPGs from NIS America are coming to Stadia soon, hot on the heels of Dragon Quest XI last week.What you need to knowYs VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA releases on Stadia April 1 for $40.Ys IX: Monstrum Nox releases on Stadia this summer for $60.The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III releases on Stadia April 1 for $60.The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV releases on Stadia April 9 for $60It's good time to be a Stadia user if you're a fan of JRPGs. Not only did we just get Dragon Quest IX last week from Square Enix, which is widely regarded as one of the best traditional-style JRPGs in recent memory, but now we're getting four more massive, sprawling adventures from NIS America over the coming weeks that are sure to be added to many best Stadia games lists.Both Trails of Cold Steel III (April 1) and Trails of Cold Steel IV (April 9) are releasing on Stadia very soon, which will bring the two latest entries in the long-running and critically ac...

Best answer: Yes. The biggest difference between each of the versions is how you interact with the game by tapping on your phone screen, being hooked up to a TV with a controller, or playing on your PC with a keyboard and mouse. But there are also other differences between the mobile, PC, and console versions of Genshin Impact.Genshin Impact versionsWhich version should I play?Cross-savesControls & selectionsGraphics & resolutionMechanics & performanceMinimum requirementsWhich Genshin Impact version should I play?Considering that Genshin Impact is free on all its available platforms, you should play it on whatever compatible phone, console, or PC you have handy. The visuals and controls will be better on PC and PS4 (and PS5 through backward compatibility) compared to mobile, but the game still works really well on a phone.Controlling your actions with screen taps isn't as easy as using a mouse or a controller. And since Genshin Impact currently doe...

The Moto Edge S gets a global launch as the Moto G100.What you need to knowThe Moto G100 has launched as the global variant of the China-exclusive Moto Edge S.Design and specs are largely the same between the two models.The Moto G100 will be available soon in Europe and Latin America.Motorola's Moto G phones are among the best cheap Android phones on the market. The company has made a brand out of offering a Moto G smartphone for just about every price-point, and the Moto G Stylus is among the few smartphones to offer a built-in stylus (looking at you, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra). The company is now extending its Moto G lineup to include higher-end flagship performance thanks to the newly announced Moto G100.Motorola's new smartphone features a 6.7" FHD+ 90Hz HDR10 display with two punch-holes for the dual front-facing cameras, offering wide and ultra-wide sensors. On the back is the quad-camera setup nestled onto a square stove, featuring a 64MP main sensor capable of ...

The Snapdragon 780G is here to boost midrange smartphones.What you need to knowThe Snapdragon 780G features a triple ISP for simultaneous image capture and support for advanced AI capabilities.Qualcomm promises top-tier gaming with 10-bit HDR and updateable GPU drivers.The first phones to come equipped with the new chip are expected to arrive in Q2 2021.The successor to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 is finally here. After much speculation about a follow-up to one of last year's most popular mobile chips, the Snapdragon 780G has arrived to continue pushing the best cheap Android phones to new heights. That includes new camera capabilities, powerful AI processing, and top-notch gaming performance, with features previously found only in the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888.The new Snapdragon 780G consists of a Kryo 670 CPU and Adreno 642 GPU built using a 5nm process, making it more energy-efficient and 40% more powerful than the 7nm Snapdragon 765. Qualcomm touts its 6th gene...

Warp-chargedOnePlus 9 Pro$1,069 at OnePlusPros65W wired charging and 50W wireless chargingHasselblad-backed camera systemClean, customizable OxygenOS softwareLower launch priceCons5G is limited to T-Mobile in the U.S.Smaller battery capacityThe OnePlus 9 Pro is the company's latest and greatest flagship offering, with incredibly fast charging and stellar cameras backed by the legendary Hasselblad. Its display is also stunning and can reach 1Hz to reduce power consumption.Telephoto masterSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra$1,000 at Amazon$1,000 at Best Buy$1,000 at B&HProsDual telephoto cameras with up to 100x zoomPressure-sensitive S Pen supportHigher storage and RAM optionsWider availability with better 5G supportConsHigher launching priceSlower charging speedsThe Galaxy S21 Ultra can capture otherworldly telephoto shots, reaching all the way up to 100x at the tap of a button. It has incredibly powerful hardware, along with clean so...

Don't forget to redeem these free Primogems, Mora, XP, and more!You're going to need to gather several items and powerups in order to effectively explore Genshin Impact's magical land of Teyvat. This is one of the best Android games to come out so far, as well as one of the best free PS5 games available. There are characters that need to be acquired and then once you have them, you'll need to level them up so you can take on all of the bosses and Hurlichurl camps you come across. To help you out, we've gathered all of the Genshin Impact codes that give you free in-game items. And don't worry. We'll explain how to redeem codes as well.Free Genshin Impact codesHow to redeem codesRedeemable codesExpired codesHow to redeem a code from the Genshin Impact websiteGo to Genshin Impact's official website.Click Redeem Code.Click on the Server box.The game will ask your for your Username and Password. Enter your informationSelect Log In.Now select the Server drop dow...

Slack Connect's latest feature is a useful tool that could backfire.What you need to knowSlack Connect is introducing a new DM feature that lets users reach out to individual Slack members.The feature is meant to help foster working relationships between employees at different organizations.Unfortunately, the feature isn't being met with praise, with fears that it could lead to unwanted spam messages.Slack is on the move again. As one of the best messaging apps for phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21, Slack always looking for ways to improve its product. Slack Connect is part of the messaging platform's growing desire to upend email and become your all-encompassing work communication tool. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy about its latest feature.Slack Connect launched last year, allowing businesses to create shared channels to help foster collaboration. Today, Slack is taking it a step further with a new feature that allows users from different organizations to send p...

If you're anything like me, you have a hard time making the most mundane decisions. Like, where do we want to order takeout from? Or when should we plan our next socially-distanced hangout? Thankfully, instead of sending a million texts back and forth, checking your calendars, and wringing your hands out of frustration, you can simply create a poll in your Telegram group chats to get the ball rolling. It's easy to do! Let's take a look at how to create and share polls in Telegram group chats.How to create and share polls in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Tap on the group chat from which you want to launch your poll.Tap on the attachment menu icon (looks like a paperclip) next to the message composer.Tap on the Poll option.Under Poll question, type in the question you want to ask.Under Answer options, type in the options you want to offer. Tap on the + icon to add more answer options.Under the Settings, you can toggle options to allow for Anonymous Voting, Multiple Answers...

An all new Rocket League exclusive for mobile.What you need to knowRocket League Sideswipe is a new standalone release set to release worldwide in 2021.The new release introduces a two-dimensional perspective and new touch screen controls.Alpha tests start today in Australia and New Zealand, with additional regions coming soon.Rocket League developer Psyonix announced that it's bringing its competitive car soccer game to mobile devices in the form of Rocket League Sideswipe, and it will launch later this year.According to a blog post released by the developer, Rocket League Sideswipe is a new standalone release that introduces a new, two-dimensional perspective. Players will compete in fast-paced, 2-minute 1v1 or 2v2 matches using new, intuitive touch screen controls that should appeal to both newcomers and long-time Rocket League players. Players will also be able to customize their cars and compete in different game modes.Rocket League Sideswipe will be free and lau...

Alexa is the beating heart of the Amazon Echo and the platform where its app-like abilities — called Skills — live. Alexa Skills are what allows your Echo device to do all kinds of things such as turn on your lights, control your Wi-Fi, and tell you what's happening in the world today. But for most Skills, you need to enable them before they work. We'll show you how to enable new Alexa Skills and disable ones that you no longer wish to have connected to or associated with your Alexa account.Products used in this guideUpdated O.G. of the ecosystem: Amazon Echo (4th Gen) ($80 at Amazon)Set up and control: Amazon Alexa (Free at Google Play)How to enable a new Alexa Skill in appOpen the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on the More menu at the bottom right of the screen.Often, the Alexa app will showcase skills on the main page, from which you can immediately enable new Skills or jump to the search page.Tap on Skills & Games from the sidebar menu.Tap the magnifying...

Missing The Mandalorian? Well, season 3 is a long way off it seems. Outside of re-runs, the best way to keep your mind on all things Mandalore is with some Star Wars themed stuff. Right now you can get this 6-quart Instant Pot Duo with Grogu plastered all over it on sale for $59.98 at Amazon. This Instant Pot normally sells for around $100, and you can see the other Star Wars-themed options here are all going for that price (except for the $80 BB-8 Instant Pot, which is only 3 quarts). This price drop seems to be matching a sale going on at Williams Sonoma.Star Wars decorations are great and all, but can it cook? Why yes, yes it can. The Instant Pot Duo is loaded with all sorts of special settings to help you cook so many things. It can essentially replace 13 other appliances with its smart programs. The 13 programs include soup, meat/stew, bean/chili, poultry, saute/simmer, rice, multigrain, porridge, steam, slow cook, keep warm, yogurt, pressure cook, and manual. Make and do all ...