Latest from Android Central

You've got to pick your battles.As reported last week, Google is drastically scaling back the Pixel A-line this year. Rather than the relatively wide launch like the Pixel 4a of last year, it's launching the new Pixel 5a 5G in only two countries — the U.S. and Japan. Even for Google's modest Pixel ambitions, this is unlikely to be a good sign. But rather than dwell on the doom and gloom scenarios, there are some things we can take away from Google's revised strategy.First and most obviously, Google's Pixel 5a is launching. Despite the chip shortage that's plaguing the world, the company is going ahead with this. If Google did want to scale back on its hardware ambitions and only focus on one device, it had the perfect opportunity to cancel the Pixel 5a. It didn't even need to comment on the Pixel 5a rumors. After all, reports of the Pixel 4a XL being canceled did nothing to stop the Pixel 4a 5G from launching (and Google didn't comment on those rumors either). That Google did s...

If you are even the slightest bit interested in setting up some smart security surveillance for your home, then you're not going to want to miss this one-day deal at Amazon that bundles a Blink Mini camera with a Fire HD 8 tablet.With the deal, you can snag the 32GB tablet with the HD cam for less than the price of the tablet alone. At just $74.99, you're saving $50 on the price of the two devices bought separately.The 2020 edition of Amazon's Fire HD 8 tablet brings the iterative updates that you'd expect from a new model and today's promotion is one of the best Fire tablet deals you're going to find anywhere right now. It features up to 12 hours of mixed-use battery life, an 8-inch HD display, a 2.0GHz quad-core processor, and 2GB RAM. It features 32GB of built-in storage with microSD support up to 1TB. The 8-inch device also got USB-C fast charging for the first time and it also features hands-free Alexa and Game Mode.The Blink Mini cam is purpose-built to work in your home ...

With all the packages we receive these days, it makes total sense to equip your front door with a smart video doorbell. They used to be an expensive luxury but video doorbells are actually pretty cheap these days, especially with sales like this one at Woot offering the Ring Video Doorbell 2 and Ring Video Doorbell Pro from just $69.99.Woot is offering the smart home devices in used condition with as much as half off their usual prices. Each unit has been tested to ensure they are in full working order, though they may exhibit some cosmetic blemishes. There's also a 90-day Woot warranty included with your purchase in case of any issues.With the Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door by using an app on your phone, tablet, or computer. It's equipped with a camera that records in 1080p HD with infrared night vision so you can see what's going on outside your home no matter what time of day it is, and it's all accessible from anywhere in the worl...

Steeped in tradition and sporting romance, the FA Cup remains the footballing world's most famous domestic knockout tournament. Read on to find out how to get an FA Cup live stream and watch matches from this season's tournament online from anywhere.While it may have lost its top-tier tournament status and priority with managers in England in recent years to the Premier League, the "magic of the cup" remains for fans and players alike.Much of what makes it special comes from the fact that any team from the top 10 tiers of English soccer are eligible to take part, offering the dream of a trip to Wembley for the showpiece final for lower league opposition.While the chances of FA Cup glory are now somewhat remote for smaller clubs (you'd have to go all the way back to 1980 and West Ham's shock win over Arsenal for the last time a team outside of the top division lifted the tournament's famous jug-like trophy), the tournament does nevertheless continue to throw up giant-killing r...

Let's come together to help heal the planet as we heal ourselves.Now that we're firmly into year two of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's easy to forget that another Earth Day is almost upon us; but sure enough, it'll be here in just a few days. Many traditional environmental pressures and stressors have eased a bit over the past year due to fewer people driving, flying, and moving about. More and more companies have also started to make sustainability a more important, and even a core, principle in their missions and business activities. Still, those improvements are not nearly enough to deal with the constant and growing threat of environmental pollution, economic disparity, and climate change.We all have a role to play in making this world a better place for ourselves and future generations — not just this Earth Day 2021, but for all days moving forward. With that in mind, here are some ways that we as enthusiasts can do our part to practice more mindful and sustainable technology...

This unique sale at Amazon features the Sony X900H 75-inch 4K HDR smart TV on sale for just $1,598. It has also dropped this low at other retailers like Best Buy. The TV normally sells for around $2,000, and it hasn't dropped this low since Black Friday's deals. This is a 2020 model, but Sony replaced it in 2021 with the X90J lineup, which doesn't go up to 75 inches yet and is significantly more expensive even on the 65-inch version. If you need a big, beautiful screen sitting in your living room, this is it.The X900H has a wide range of compatibility with other systems. For one thing, it has Android TV built right in along with Google Assistant. Not only can you control the TV with just your voice, you can also use this functionality to control the rest of your smart home. Search for TV shows and movies, get answers to questions, and more. The TV also works with Amazon Alexa. If you have an Alexa device nearby, you can use your TV to view camera feeds, launch apps, turn up the vol...

The Eufy Spaceview 720p baby monitor has dropped to $129.99 at Best Buy. This is one of Best Buy's deals of the day, which means the price is temporary and will be gone by this time tomorrow. The baby monitor normally sells for around $170 at Best Buy and $160 elsewhere. While we have seen it go lower than today's deal, this is within $20 of the best price we've ever seen and it's the best price available right now. The same baby monitor is going for $10 more on Amazon, and that's only after you clip the on-page coupon.This baby monitor lets you both see and hear your little one. The 5-inch 720p display is better than most monitors you'll find on the market, and there's a wide-angle lens included for when your kid transitions from crib to climbing-out-of-the-crib-and-wreaking-havoc. Fun times. You can tilt and pan the lens to see corner-to-corner, and there's a wall mount included for customized coverage. The night vision mode allows you to see in the dark.This also has some nice...

Make Alexa answer the doorRing Video Doorbell Pro 2$250 at AmazonPros3D motion detectionBirds-eye viewHead-to-toe videoAlways recordingAlexa GreetingsSmaller, sleeker designConsPoor Google services integrationRequires a subscription for most featuresNo battery backupRing threw everything and the kitchen sink into the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, a doorbell that can see and do it all. It can even answer itself thanks to Alexa!A wireless dreamRing Video Doorbell 3$180 at AmazonProsLess expensiveCan be hard-wired or run on batteryConsPoor Google services integrationRequires a subscription for most featuresNo pre-roll videoLower resolution and less effective aspect ratioRing Video Doorbell 3 is one of Ring's best video doorbells from 2020 and is now a better value than ever thanks to its new lower price. However, the Video Doorbell Pro 2 just bests it in most categories.Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Ring Video Doorbell 3 are ...

Have you taken a look at your computer recently and lamented the lack of open space? Well, fret no more. You're going to be looking for all new things to download with this drive. The WD easystore 14TB External USB 3.0 hard drive has dropped to $219.99 at Best Buy. That's a ton of space for a very inexpensive price. With this sale, the 14TB version is the same cost as the 12TB version so you're essentially getting two terabytes for free. The 14TB drive normally sells for around $300 or more.As a desktop external hard drive, the Easystore is not a drive meant to travel with you. It should be sitting on your desk serving as a semi-permanent storage for your media. Because of that, WD also makes it really easy to use these drives to back up your system. Use the WD Backup software and you'll be able to set a schedule that backs up your data regularly.If you just want something for your photos, videos, and documents, use the WD Discovery software to back up all of that information eas...

Grab your cowboy hat and boots because the Academy of Country Music is heading back to Nashville, Tennessee for this year's awards show and we have all the details on how you can watch the 56th annual ACM Awards on TV or online.This year's awards show will once again be hosted by 15-time ACM Award winner Keith Urban but this time around he'll have a co-host as he'll be joined on stage by New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton. Just like last year, the show will be broadcast not from one but from three famous Nashville stages and there will be performances at the Grand Ole Opry House, the historic Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe.When it comes to the nominees, Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris lead the pack with six nominations each. Coming in second is the most-nominated female artist in ACM history Miranda Lambert with five nominations. Additionally, Gwen Stefani and John Legend were both nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award for the first time.At ...

The third round of the 2021 MotoGP season sees the riders return to Portimao after an enthralling double-header opener in Qatar. Don't miss a single lap with our guide to getting a MotoGP Portugal 2021 live stream.Pramac's Johann Zarco comes into this weekend's action as the early season leader thanks to his pair of second-place finishesThe Qatar races saw Yamaha factory duo Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo both enjoy wins, with Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia also making a good start to the campaign with his podium finish in the first race at the Losail International Circuit lifting him to fourth in the standings.Unquestionably the big talking point coming into this weeknd's race is the return of six-time champ Marc Marquez after a lengthy lay off.The Spanish rider spent much of last season looking on from the sidelines after sustaining an right arm break that required three separate surgeries to put right.Now finally race-fit after nine months off the grid, Marquez retur...

When looking for the best secure VPN, you want to find a service that can hide your location, protect your sensitive data, and overall help you stay more anonymous online.The whole idea of a VPN, as you may already know, is to increase your anonymity by sending your signal via a go-between server. The result is that you have a buffer layer between your device and where you're connecting to. As a result, it's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find you based on where you've been online.Best Secure VPNs 20211. ExpressVPN: Best overall VPN for security2. NordVPN: One of the best secure VPNs3. CyberGhost: Great value for money security4. VyprVPN: Super-fast performance5. IPVanish: Power and performance1. ExpressVPN: Best overall VPN for security and moreThis is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of seucirty, speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guaran...

After successfully knocking out the former NBA star Nate Robinson at his last boxing match, YouTuber Jake Paul is back and ready to take on former MMA WelterWeight champion Ben Askren and we have all the details on how you can watch Jake Paul vs Ben Askren on TV or online.So far, the 24-year-old younger brother of Logan Paul, has managed to win both of his matches as a professional boxer. In his first match against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, Paul ended things quickly with a first-round TKO after scoring three knockdowns. His match with Robinson ended in a similar way after the second round but now he'll be going up against a more seasoned fighter.During his time in the UFC, Askren won one match against Robbie Lawler before being defeated by both Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia during the one year he was with the promotion. Before that, he had a two-year/six-fight contract with the Singapore-based MMA sports association One Championship where he performed even better than he did in...

While manufacturers are making sure to cut off all cords as part of their increased focus on wireless headphones, it doesn't mean wired connections aren't an option. Bluetooth headphones are great, but if you'd rather do without the latency and charging process, USB-C headphones are a great alternative to both. Just plug and play, and that's it.Go boldRAZER Hammerhead USB-C ANCStaff PickThese earbuds already stand out with the neon green finish, but they also have booming sound and active noise cancelation (ANC). They also come with plenty of tips to get the comfy fit you'd want while wearing them for longer periods.$100 at Walmart $99 at NeweggWireless first with USB-C audioSennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWhile the Momentum 3 Wireless are Bluetooth first, they work just like a pair of USB-C wired headphones. Even better, you can charge them at the same time you're listening to music. A premium design and solid sound with ANC means you get...

Cyber attacks are on the rise, including data breaches that leave personal information compromised. One of the best ways to protect yourself is with an antivirus program designed to keep your locally stored information and your internet data secure. I spent several months testing and reevaluating the top antivirus programs currently available in 2021. While there haven't been many changes since last year, these recommendations will keep your computers, mobile devices and networks as secure as possible. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is still the best antivirus program with real-time protection that stops and scrubs threats from your system before they have a chance to start downloading. Still, there are several other excellent programs on this list to choose from, including a handful of these solutions that work with mobile devices. Check out my picks for the best antivirus apps for Android to see a more comprehensive list.Best Antivirus Overall: Bitdefender Antivirus PlusBitdefend...

Do yourself a favor and download it for free while you can. It's phenomenal.It's easy to say everyone should play a sequel's predecessor before the sequel releases, but that's not always the case. There are times where you honestly just don't need to play the first or second game in a series before you pick up the latest release. While you might be able to hop into Horizon Forbidden West without playing Zero Dawn, I really don't think you should. And now that it's going to be free on April 19 through PlayStation's Play At Home initiative, you have no excuse not to pick it up. Horizon Zero Dawn still looks immaculate on PS4 and PS5.Released in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn still looks immaculate on PS4 and PS5 today. It follows the story of a young woman named Aloy in the 31st century, long after a great cataclysm destroyed civilization. What remained of society regressed into tribes that rarely used technology. Still, remnants of the "Old Ones," Earth's previous advanced society, ...

Beaten 2020 finalists Athletic Bilbao will be hoping to go one step further on Saturday as they take on the might of Lionel Messi and co. in this massive match in Seville. Follow our guide below on how to get a Copa del Rey Final live stream and watch Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona online no matter where you are in the world.In a somewhat bizarre turn of events, it's just one month since Bilbao lost out to Real Sociedad 1-0 in the Coronavirus-delayed 2020 final, in a match which saw Marcelino's side defeated by a second-half Mikel Oyarzabal penalty.Despite that disappointment, Bilbao remains the second most successful team in the tournament with 27 wins, nestled in behind their opponents on Saturday night, with Barcelona boasting 30 triumphs in the prestigious knockout cup.Barcelona are the unsurprising favorites coming into this final, with Ronald Koeman's side enjoying a good run of results in recent weeks.Nevertheless, the Blaugrana's confidence may have been knocked followi...

Snooker's most prestigious event returns to its familiar April slot in the sporting calendar, with Ronnie O'Sullivan looking to win the tournament a seventh time. Read on to find out how to get a World Snooker Championship live stream and watch all the action from anywhere in the world.Last year's tournament, which was delayed until July due to the pandemic, saw Rocket Ronnie beat Kyren Wilson in the final, marking the first time the popular Londoner had won the tournament since 2011.O'Sullivan's main rivals for retaining the title this time out according to snooker pundits will likely be world No.1 Judd Trump, three-time champion Mark Selby and 2009 winner Neil Robertson.Kyren Wilson is also expected to challenge once again, and fans will be hoping he can provide similar unforgettable moments as last year, with his down-to-the-wire semi-final win over Anthony McGill already commonly regarded as one of the sport's most gripping moments.While no fans were at the Crucible last ...

Two of the Premier League's biggest sides meet in this FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Don't miss a moment with our Chelsea vs Man City live stream guide.This season's FA Cup is approaching its crescendo finish but May's finalists are not yet decided. Today, two of the favorites to win the competition meet in the capital as both Chelsea and Man City travel to Wembley for this semi-final clash.Only Arsenal and Manchester United have won more FA Cup titles than Chelsea. The Pensioners were defeated in last year's final by London rivals Arsenal and last lifted the trophy in 2018. New Chelsea manager will be hoping to progress to his first cup final as Blues boss and add to Chelsea's trophy cabinet.Man City, on the other hand, are hunting down another domestic treble à la their 2018-19 season. The Citizens hold a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table and are set to take part in the re-arranged EFL Cup final in April.On top of all that, the Sky Blues remain in the UEF...

Quest 3, Quest Pro, Quest Lite, and more were topics of a casual chat between the two fellows.What you need to knowFacebook plans to support Quest 2 "for a long time" according to Carmack and isn't finished adding features just yet.Future Quest headsets are likely to focus on iterating and optimizing the experience rather than revolutionizing it again, but won't happen in 2021.The Quest 1 was confirmed to have sold more than expected and still has over 1 million active users.One of the more surprising revelations was that the passthrough footage from the Quest's cameras will be made available to developers very soon.CTO of Oculus John Carmack virtually sat down with Andrew Bosworth (Boz), VP of Facebook Reality Labs on Twitter Spaces on April 16 to answer a few questions taken on Twitter earlier in the day. As is usually the case with these sessions, plenty of questions went unanswered in an effort to keep the chat from running too long. There were quite a few interesting ...

The feature is only available in English currently.Update, Apr 16 (7:15pm ET): Early preview is now available in select countriesWhat you need to knowThe Google Assistant's Driving Mode is now rolling out to users outside the U.S.It was rolled out to users in the U.S. late last year.Google announced the feature at I/O 2019. At its I/O 2019 event, Google introduced a new Assistant Driving Mode, allowing users to get things done while navigating with Google Maps. The feature began rolling out to users in the U.S. in October 2020, more than a year after its announcement. As per the folks at Android Police, the feature has finally started expanding to users outside the U.S.While the official support page for the feature previously stated that it was only available in English in the U.S., it now notes that "some features aren't available in all languages or countries." Unfortunately, the support page doesn't include a list of countries where the Google Assistant Driving ...

The third Bang Bang Con is coming to your screens this weekend! BTS is hosting a special, free-to-watch event just for the BTS Army featuring previously unreleased footage from past concerts and meet & greet sessions with fans.The virtual livestream Bang Bang Con 2021 kicks off with footage from one of the group's first major performances, 2015 BTS Live Trilogy: Episode I. BTS Begins. While the event should be available to watch worldwide, you can quickly bypass any location restrictions that won't let you watch due to where you're located by using a VPN.Bang Bang Con 2021: When and whereThe BTS Bang Bang Con 2021 event airs live on YouTube this Saturday, April 17 at 3pm KST / 3am EST / 2pm PHT via the official BTS YouTube account.Though it's not easily apparent, not every YouTube video is available to watch everywhere. Sometimes videos on YouTube and other services can be blocked depending on where you're located in the world. If you're seeing a restriction and unable ...

Android 12 could finally showcase its hidden recycle bin.What you need to knowA look into Android 12 has shown that it may finally let users manage deleted files.The new "trash bin" will allow users to view and remove deleted files from their devices.The Files by Google app is set to receive a similar feature which could arrive around the same time.Android 12 is still in early developer preview on phones like the Google Pixel 5, meaning many of its features are either hidden, not ready, or not finalized. Fortunately, there are plenty of developers who dig into the system to look at potential features that are being worked on. The latest look into the Android 12 code (via XDA-Developers) has unveiled that the hidden "trash bin" may finally become more of a thing with this new release.The trash bin would more or less act similarly to the Recycle Bin in Windows; it would show you all the files that have been "deleted" on your device. The current implementation (below) seems ...

This might make it difficult to get the latest Google Pay rewards.Update, Apr 16 (3:30pm ET): The issue has reportedly been resolvedUpdate, Apr 16 (2pm ET): The problem has been identified and a fix is coming soonWhat you need to knowGoogle Pay is apparently kicking off some American Express cardholders.Many users have attempted to add their cards back, only for them to be removed again.Google is apparently aware of the issue and is investigating the problem.Google Pay has apparently been experiencing some odd behavior lately. It seems that some users with American Express cards have been receiving emails informing them that their cards have been removed from the payment app, as reported by Android Police.There's no clear indication why this would occur, and many Google Pay users have been discussing the issue on Reddit and Twitter. Apparently, the problem will repeat for some even after re-adding the card to Google Pay, even though the notice clearly states that it...

Not everybody needs to spend upwards of $1,000 on their phone, especially those on prepaid carriers looking to cut down on spending wherever possible. Luckily, the best phones under $100 deliver reliable performance and useful features that make them a great choice. We think the Nokia 1.3 is the best phone in this price range, but if that doesn't strike your fancy, there are plenty of other options out there.1. Nokia 1.3: Best Phone Under $100HMD Global has a standout option in the entry-level segment in the Nokia 1.3. This particular device is one of the best Android Go phones and comes with lightweight versions of Google services out of the box. Android Go is a great choice in this category as it is designed to run on low-end hardware, and the lightweight OS combined with Google Go apps ensures you don't see any slowdowns.The hardware on offer with the Nokia 1.3 is pretty decent, considering it is an Android Go device. You get a 5.71-inch HD+ screen, Qualcomm's 215 platform...

The Pixel Buds A volume controls are apparently on the chopping block.What you need to knowThe upcoming Pixel Buds A may lose the volume swiping gestures.Losing swiping controls may be a result of cost-saving measures for cheaper earbuds.The Pixel Buds A are expected to launch relatively soon.There's been some talk of Google's rumored Pixel Buds A potentially losing a feature. The wireless earbuds were first hinted at last month, and since then, more information has been slowly pouring out about what we might expect. The latest tidbit suggests that Google might be ditching a few features on the new model.While looking into the latest version of the Pixel Buds app, 9to5Google found references to a "type_two" model, which is likely the Pixel Buds A. Given that references to "type_one" are likely referring to the Google Pixel Buds (2020), it can be inferred that the upcoming model is just an offshoot of last year's buds. That would make sense since these buds are expected to...

True wireless earbuds have come a long way in the few short years they've existed, and now with so many options with ANC, it can be tough to decipher which are the best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds. Early offerings like the first-gen AirPods were expensive and lacked many features, but as time went on, prices went down, and additional features have been implemented — one of which is noise cancelation. True wireless earbuds that can block out ambient sound are more common than ever before, and today, we're highlighting six of our favorite ones — including the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds as our top overall pick. Here's a power-packed list of the best noise-canceling true wireless earbuds you can buy right now.Best Overall: Bose QuietComfort EarbudsBose has established a reputation for creating some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, and now, it's brought that same level of prowess to the earbud space. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have arrived, and t...

Sling OrangeFamily-friendly and sports$35/mo. at SlingProsMore affordable than comparable servicesFamily-friendly options50 hours of cloud DVR storageConsLess channelsStreaming limited to one deviceAdd-ons add upThe Sling Orange plan features 32 live channels, including ESPN, CNN, BBC America, and AMC. As part of this plan, you can stream only one channel on one device at a time, whether you're recording something or watching it live.Sling BlueNews and entertainment$35/mo. at SlingProsMore variety in channelsStreaming on up to three devices50 hours of cloud DVR storageConsDoesn't include all Orange channelsNo Disney ChannelAdd-ons add upThe Sling Blue plan features 47 live channels, including BET, Bravo, and Cartoon Network. It's also a multi-stream service, which means you can access the service on up to three devices at once.Sling TV's Orange and Blue plans offer a solid selection of channels, depending on what your inte...

There are many reasons to consider buying the new OnePlus Watch, especially if you're seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch. Your next task will be finding a suitable watch band for it! Whether you're looking for something casual and comfortable or you'd prefer something formal and attractive, we've got you covered. Check out the best OnePlus Watch bands we've rounded up for you!Be kind to your skinMorsey OnePlus Watch Soft Silicone BandStaff PickIf you're planning to enjoy plenty of high-intensity activities with your OnePlus Watch, you want to be sure to choose a band that can keep up. This soft silicone sport band is an excellent choice. You can decide whether you want a solid band or one with air holes for maximum breathability. There are multiple color options to choose from as well.From $6 at AmazonClassic beautyRitche Leather OnePlus Watch BandWhether you've got a special occasion coming up or you want a more formal look for the office, this Ritche lea...

With phone displays getting more and more pixel-dense and faster refresh rates, like the OnePlus 9, batteries can drain even faster. Thanks to OLED screens, knowing how to enable dark mode on your OnePlus phone is a thing that not only looks cool but can also save you some battery life. You see, OLED panels don't activate any pixels when representing "black" — instead, black represents what it really is, the absence of light. By not activating large swaths of pixels, you inevitably save battery life. While it's not as simple as a quick settings shortcut like on Samsung Galaxy phones, enabling dark mode on a OnePlus phone is still darn simple.How to enable dark mode on your OnePlus phoneOpen the Settings app from either the app drawer or from the quick settings in the notification pane.Tap on Display.Tap on Dark Mode.By giving Dark Mode a proper set of easy-to-use toggles, you can choose to live on the dark side all the time or schedule your phone to adjust from light ...

There are several reasons why you might want to know how to enable dark mode on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone. With larger displays on phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, dark mode is not only easier on your eyes, but you'll also be able to take advantage of Samsung's OLED screen technology and save battery life by lighting up fewer pixels. Or maybe you just think dark mode looks cool (it does). Whatever the case, I'll show you how easy it is to set your screen to dark mode. Who knows? You may never want to go back!How to enable dark mode on your Galaxy phoneFor this guide, I'll assume your device is on Android 10 Q or newer. There is a way to enable a version of dark mode for Galaxy phones on Android 9 Pie, but it's technically not an Android OS-level setting and may not work across all of your apps.Make sure that your device is updated to at least Android 10. Slide down the notification and settings shade.Depending on how you've organized your system settings in the...

With Android 10, Google introduced dark mode as a native Android feature — except you could only turn it on and off manually. Thankfully, ever since the March 2020 feature drop for Pixel phones, Google added the ability to schedule dark mode on Pixel phones to match the sunset and sunrise. As one of the best Android phones, the Pixel 5 offers some great benefits with its high refresh rate display, but it also drains the battery of your phone faster. Using dark mode, while not a lot, can save you some percentage points of that battery — every little bit counts, right? So, if you have a Pixel, here's how to use that scheduling feature for yourself.How to set up dark mode scheduling on your Pixel phoneOpen the Settings on your Android phone.Tap Display.Tap Dark theme.Tap Schedule.Tap Turns on from sunset to sunrise or Turns on at a custom time.That's all there is to it! You can still manually enable and disable dark mode whenever you want, but having this scheduli...

Google has since streamlined its privacy policies to make them easier to manage.What you need to knowGoogle is facing as-yet-undetermined fines and penalties in Australia over deceptive location tracking practices.The company was found guilty of deliberately confusing its Android privacy settings to enable it to collect user data.Google is exploring its options, including appealing the ruling.Google is facing fines and penalties in Australia over misleading its customers with regard to location data collection (via the Associated Press). Bewee Marcy 2017 and November 2018, Google's messaging around "Location History", as well as "Web and App Activity" neglected to inform users that it would still collect location data if the former setting was switched off but not the latter.The company potentially faces millions in fines and other penalties to be determined at a later date.Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chair Rod Sims said in a statement: This is an...

Could this be the Xperia we've been waiting for?Sony is — and has been for a while — in a tough spot with its smartphone business. We still see regular releases from the company every year, but time and time again, its devices just fail to cultivate any sort of meaningful audience. In 2021, all eyes are set on the Sony Xperia 1 III, possibly being able to change that.The Xperia 1 II was a great Android phone in more ways than one, but a lack of 5G and a steep price made it a difficult recommendation compared to its competitors. With the newly announced Xperia 1 III, Sony is upping its photography game with a never-before-seen dual focal length telephoto lens, along with louder stereo speakers and a 120Hz 4K display.Here's everything you need to know about the Sony Xperia 1 III.Sony Xperia 1 III:PriceAvailabilityDesignSpecsFAQSony Xperia 1 III PriceThe Xperia 1 II is a device that flew under a lot of people's radar, but if there's one thing about it that ...

The Moto G40 Fusion will also debut alongside the Moto G60 at the same event.What you need to knowMotorola has confirmed the key specs of its upcoming Moto G60 and Moto G40 Fusion phones.The Moto G60 will arrive with a 6.8-inch 120Hz display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G chipset, and a 108MP camera.Both the phones will debut in India on April 20. Motorola recently started teasing the launch of two new Moto G phones in India. The company has now confirmed the names of the two phones, along with their key specs and release date.As you can see in the teaser below, the Moto G60 will be a camera-centric budget phone with an impressive 108MP primary camera. It will also feature a large 6.8-inch HDR10 display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G processor. Going by its specs, the Moto G60 appears to be Motorola's answer to the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max. In terms of design, the phone will look similar to the company's best cheap Android phones, with a centered...

Jerry, Ara, and Daniel are here with a mixture of news, rumors, opinions, and apologies as they Pixel Watch leaks, the OnePlus Watch, an upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, Amazon Echo Buds, and more.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Alleged Pixel Watch leak shows us the Wear OS watch we've been waiting for | Android CentralThe Google Pixel Watch is not the magic bullet Wear OS has been waiting for | Android CentralOnePlus Watch review: This isn't the smartwatch you've been waiting for | Android CentralSamsung's 'most powerful Galaxy' teased for April 28 Galaxy Unpacked event | Android CentralSamsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2 will reportedly arrive sooner than expected | Android CentralAmazon's new Echo Buds are the affordable AirPods Pro alternatives you've been waiting for | Android CentralGoogle just accidentally leaked the upcoming Pixel Buds A | Android CentralGoog...

The best phone plans for seniors look a lot like the best phone plans in general. Luckily for most of us, all three of the major carriers offer coverage where we live, so unless you're really after the 5G experience, you don't need to worry about which network you're on as much as getting the right plan. Whether you want something simple like a flip phone or are proficient with smartphones like Android and iPhone, T-Mobile Essentials Unlimited 55 has everything you need for a reasonable price, including unlimited talk, text, and data.Best Overall: T-Mobile Essentials Unlimited 55T-Mobile has a few distinct advantages for seniors. First of all, there are T-Mobile stores all over the country, so you can talk to an actual human being to set up your phone and service. The next is that it offers a discount for customers 55 and over and has the wisdom not to make customers refer to themselves as seniors if they don't want to.T-Mobile has three tiers of plans available to 55 and old...

What you need to knowA native PS5 version of Genshin Impact arrives on April 28.The release coincides with the new Genshin Impact update, titled Beneath the Light of Jadeite.The new update will include new characters, enemies, new quests, and the ability to build your own home.The new PS5 version will feature improved textures and resolutionThe popular free-to-play action RPG Genshin Impact is coming to the PlayStation 5 on April 28, alongside the version 1.5 update.The Genshin Impact dev team took to the PlayStation Blog to share details about the upcoming update, called Beneath the Light of Jadeite, and share the new features PS5 owners can expect. The PS5 version of Genshin Impact will support native 4K resolution, enhanced textures, and faster loading times.Beneath the Light of Jadeite introduces two new characters to Genshin Impact — Eula, the Spindrift Knight from Mondstadt, and Yanfei, a legal adviser from Liyue Harbor. Eula is a five-star character, a claymore...

Cases are practically a necessity nowadays, which remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. The Galaxy S20 FE might be a great way for Samsung to own the mid-range phone market, as it has all the specs you could want with a sleek design and plenty of color options to choose from. Once you find the right case and one of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors, you'll be right as rain and ready to do everything.3D effectsCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on the back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while maintaining support for wireless charging.From $15 at Amazon $19 at WalmartThe classicSpigen Rugged Armor Designed for Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5GFor years, Spigen has reigned supreme as ...

Finding decent Android tablet deals isn't so tough anymore, though finding a deal on one of the best tablets can be a bit more difficult. Of course, there are always opportunities to save on tablets even when it's not one of the biggest shopping events of the year like Black Friday or Prime Day. We're gathering all the best Android tablet deals and listing them right here to make saving on your next tablet simple.Best Android tablet dealsGalaxy Tab S7: from $150 with trade-inGalaxy Tab S6: $80 offFire HD 8 Kids Edition: 30% off twoWith all the various Android tablets to choose from, you might be wondering which tablet is actually worth buying. We've created a few guides that can help you figure out which are the best of the best, from the best Android tablets to best Samsung tablets, and best Android tablets for students, though there are plenty more to consider as well. We're routinely updating the list below with the best tablet deals for all price points so you can fin...

We all knew it was going to be popular.What you need to knowSony's PS5 is the fastest-selling console in United States history.This accounts for both unit and dollar sales within the first five months on the market.It's still incredibly difficult to find the PS5 in-stock due to high demand and chip shortages.March's NPD numbers have been revealed and they paint a very successful picture for the PS5. According to Mat Piscatella from the NPD Group, Sony's PS5 is the fastest-selling console in United States history accounting for both unit and dollar sales within its first five months on the market.Back in February, Sony confirmed that it had sold 4.5 million PS5 consoles at the time. February's NPD numbers also revealed that it was the fastest-selling console in U.S. history in terms of dollar sales. Despite it being difficult to buy a PS5 right now, it looks as if plenty of people have been able to get their hands on one.This is good news for PlayStation, which has found...

Right as HTC was peaking, so was one of the oddities of 2011 tech: 3D. I revisited the phone that combined the two.Android is coming up on its 13th birthday, which means many of the phones that drove the platform's early success are now a decade or more old. 2011, in particular, gave us the likes of the Galaxy S2 and first Galaxy Note — some of the best Android phones of their time — along with a lot of weird experimentation as the smartphone boom really started to take off.That's perfectly encapsulated by the HTC EVO 3D, which I've been playing with this past week for the first time in 10 years. Just as the Taiwanese phone maker was peaking in terms of brand awareness and market share, stereoscopic 3D displays were the new hotness. Growing up in the 90s, 3D TV, of the non-cardboard-glasses kind, seemed like science fiction. Now it could fit in a tiny rectangle in a device that also took 3D photos.Obviously, things didn't quite pan out — for 3D and, ultimately, HTC's phon...

Samsung may tease the tablet at its rumored July Unpacked event.What you need to knowSamsung is tipped to be working on a triple-folding tablet called the Galaxy Z Fold Tab.The tablet could launch sometime early next year.It is rumored to come with S Pen support and more durable Ultra Thin Glass (UTG). Earlier this week, a report out of South Korea claimed Samsung is planning to hold an Unpacked event in July to announce the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2. According to a new report from GizmoChina, Samsung may also showcase its first triple-folding tablet at the event, although the decision is apparently still being debated by the company's marketing team.Per the report, the triple-folding device will be called the Galaxy Z Fold Tab and is going to be released in the first quarter of 2022 to take on the best Android tablets. While the biggest selling point of the Galaxy Z Fold Tab will its tri-folding capability, the tablet is also tipped to come with a "hybrid" S Pe...

The Galaxy A32 5G smartphone is one of Samsung's latest and the most affordable 5G device in the line-up. Despite its small price tag, it has tons of premium features and comes equipped with a gorgeous 6.5-inch HD+ display. While the first thing you'll need to do is protect the Galaxy A32 5G smartphone with a case, you should also consider a screen protector for added peace of mind. And these are the best Samsung Galaxy A32 5G screen protectors you can find.Keep onlookers awayPULEN Privacy Screen Protector – 2-packStaff PickThis screen protector offers both the benefit of added protection for the screen against scratches and cracks. It also functions as a privacy screen by making the screen visible only to those directly facing it. This way, those standing or sitting nearby can't sneak a peek while you're entering passwords or sending personal messages.$9 at AmazonBrilliant marketingCaptainShld Tempered Glass – 2-packYou have to give it to this brand for the b...

Cytus II is an EDM bonanza for veteran and newbie rhythm game players alike.Some people, myself included, just love to live under a rock. I have missed so many trends — you wouldn't believe how out of touch I am with the rest of society at large. I even managed never to play Rock Band. Not. Even. Once. So if you're like me and you've somehow managed to dodge every single rhythm game ever released, then you have most certainly missed the boat on Cytus. It's our Android Game of the Week, and we think it happens to be one of the Best Android Games that we've played in a while.A long-running series of rhythm video games from Rayark Games, Cytus has been going strong since 2012 and shows no signs of stopping. Cytus II, one of the newest entries in the series, was released for mobile in 2018. Despite its age, you probably wouldn't guess that this title is over 3 years old now, based on its high production quality, great control scheme, and gorgeous anime-styled character designs....

Using Telegram to message your favorite people is about more than just text; it's full of pictures, videos, stickers, and even GIFs, so knowing how to free up storage space on your phone from the Telegram app is essential. All of those things not only make chatting fun but also helps to more fully express how you're feeling when messaging. The downside, however, is that all of those extra bits of expression require more space on your phone's storage. Even if you opted for that 512GB Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, it could still fill up quickly these days. So let's get into how you can free up some of that precious data from your phone for other fun things.How to free up storage space on your phone from the Telegram appOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Tap on the three lines in the upper left corner.Select Settings.Tap on Data and Storage.Choose Storage UsageTo clear out temporary storage, tap on Clear Telegram Cache.If you want to clear out everything Telegram has stored on y...

Steeped in tradition and sporting romance, the FA Cup remains the footballing world's most famous domestic knockout tournament. Read on to find out how to get an FA Cup live stream and watch matches from this season's tournament online from anywhere.While it may have lost its top-tier tournament status and priority with managers in England in recent years to the Premier League, the "magic of the cup" remains for fans and players alike.Much of what makes it special comes from the fact that any team from the top 10 tiers of English soccer are eligible to take part, offering the dream of a trip to Wembley for the showpiece final for lower league opposition.While the chances of FA Cup glory are now somewhat remote for smaller clubs (you'd have to go all the way back to 1980 and West Ham's shock win over Arsenal for the last time a team outside of the top division lifted the tournament's famous jug-like trophy), the tournament does nevertheless continue to throw up giant-killing r...

While the best Chromebooks are all about letting you get your work done quickly and easily, nothing says you have to work in silence. All of the best music streaming services have web players that work well on Chrome OS, and there's also a wide variety of Android music apps that work great on Chromebooks for playing your personal collection.Given that most Chromebooks don't have dedicated media controls on their keyboards — well, unless they use an external keyboard — you usually have to go back to that tab or app, and then you can pause, skip, whatever. You shouldn't have to do that every time, though, and if you take advantage of this little-used Chrome OS feature, your media controls never have to be more than a single click away.How to pin media controls on a ChromebookStart playing music on any website or app.Tap the time in the bottom right corner of your screen.Tap the music widget below the quick settings toggles.Tap the pin icon at the top of the media cont...

Ecobee has been asked to share "proactive state" data, even when users aren't using the Alexa command.What you need to knowA new report from The Wall Street Journal claims Amazon tried to use its power to put pressure on Ecobee to collect private user data.Ecobee decided against complying with the demand as doing so would violate customer privacy. The Canadian company also worried that Amazon could use the data from its users to create competing products. Amazon leveraged its dominance to put pressure on Canadian smart thermostat maker Ecobee to share data from its devices, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. The report claims Amazon asked Ecobee to serve data from its Alexa-enabled devices even when customers weren't using them.Ecobee apparently refused to share data with the tech giant, fearing that complying with the demand would violate the privacy of its customers. The company also worried that Amazon might use the data to build products to rival...

Using BitTorrent and torrenting files without a VPN is the worst thing you can do. Torrenting is a relatively risky thing to do at the best of times, but without a VPN protecting you, your online identity is shared with everyone who is also torrenting the same files as you.Torrent files behind one of the best VPNs and you won't have to worry about your IP address or location being shared amongst others. All the data you share or receive will be completely encrypted and your connection will be secure.Best Torrenting VPN 20211. ExpressVPN: Best all-round VPN for torrenting2. NordVPN: An excellent choice for torrenting and P2P3. CyberGhost: Stylish, easy-to-use apps4. Windscribe: Unlimited device support5. TunnelBear: A newbie-friendly torrenting VPN1. ExpressVPN: Best all-round VPN for torrenting everything elseThis is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and afforda...