Latest from Android Central

Some of our favorite smart speakers and smart devices use the power of the Google Assistant to make our lives more entertaining and generally easier. Having the Assistant recognize you and know what information that you want (even in advance) is powerful, but there are times when you might not want such a personal connection to your devices. Perhaps you want to ask a query that you don't want to resurface later in your search results, or maybe you're having a (post-pandemic) party and know that a bunch of people may be interacting with your device. For those times, there is Guest Mode for Google Assistant, and we'll show you how easy it is to enable on your smart speakers.How to use guest mode on a Google Assistant speakerAt a reasonable distance from your Google Assistant speaker, say "hey Google, enter Guest Mode."When you are ready to exit Guest Mode, simply say, "hey Google, exit Guest Mode."That's all there is to it! There are no toggles that you have to tap or mana...

The countdown to Google I/O has started.What you need to knowThe Google I/O website now features a countdown to the big day.Clicking on any of the colored orbs to start a game of Breakout.Collecting the letters to solve the puzzle will present registered users with a badge.Google I/O is about a month away, which seems like forever in the tech world. To help you pass the time while you wait, Google has provided a new puzzle game on the conference homepage. Navigating to the site, you'll be met with a new countdown page with several colored orbs spread across the page. Clicking on one of these will open up a game of Breakout.Click to start the game and move your mouse around to get rid of the rows of colors orbs. There are some letters hidden in these orbs, and you'll want to catch those to spell out the hidden word. Once you figure it out, you can enter the term in the Chrome Dev Tools console (Shift+Ctrl+J for Windows/Linux), where you'll be awarded a badge. It's easy eno...

Even high-end Chromebooks struggle because of a weak GPU. News from GTC points to a change.NVIDIA is putting on its yearly GTC event, and an announcement snuck its way through that could mean big things when it comes to the graphic adapter on Chromebooks. In a press release and accompanying blog post about NVIDIA's commitment to ARM chips, there's mention of something really juicy for Chromebook lovers — the company is partnering with MediaTek to build a reference laptop with NVIDIA RTX GPU. And it's not created just for Windows as the operating system. The notebooks will use Arm cores and NVIDIA graphics to give consumers energy-efficient portables with no-compromise media capabilities based on a reference platform that supports Chromium, Linux, and NVIDIA SDKs.Chromium, Linux, and the NVIDIA SDK. Notice that there is no mention of Microsoft Windows, which may seem a little odd. Chances are that NVIDIA and MediaTek would be working with Microsoft, too, to build a great AR...

Liverpool will hope they can use home-field advantage to overturn an aggregate deficit as they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield today. Don't miss this Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with our Real Madrid vs Liverpool live stream guide.The odds are in Real Madrid's favor today with the team going into the second leg 3-1 to the good. The UEFA Champions League's most successful team and current La Liga titleholders are firmly in control of this quarter-final tie, though an away goal in the first leg will give hope to a Liverpool side that is no stranger to spectacular comebacks.A Vinicius Júnior brace bookended the first leg victory with Marco Asensio making the most of a defensive error from Trent Alexander-Arnold for his goal. Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the Reds in the 51st minute which could prove crucial in this tie.Since their last meeting, both sides have played one game in their domestic leagues.Los Blancos kept the pressure on city rivals Atlético ...

Remember the days when you had to either memorize your contact's phone numbers, or you had them written down in some sort of, you know, phone book? Maybe you're too young for that, but I was absolutely thrilled when I could start storing contact information on my phone so that all I ever had to do was search for a name to call or message someone. However, the ease at which we can do this will change slightly due to some new FCC regulations, and it will affect millions of people and their corresponding contact information. We'll talk about what is going on, when it's happening, and how you can edit your contact's phone numbers to accommodate these new FCC area code regulations.What is happening to my contacts, and why?In mid-July 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission adopted the 988 prefix as a universal code that anyone in the United States could dial to automatically reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. However, for this shortcut to work for everyone in the...

Apparently, people really want the OnePlus Watch.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Watch reportedly sold out within a minute after going live.Reviews of the smartwatch haven't been kind, criticizing the software experience.The watch retails for $159, but a $20 voucher is still available.Reviews of OnePlus' first smartwatch are in, and boy, are they harsh. Reviewers have largely ripped apart the device, criticizing its seeming lack of software polish while praising some of its hardware. Our own Harish Jonnalagadda complains in his OnePlus Watch review that the device offers limited support for notifications, no third-party app support, and no always-on display, the latter of which is kind of the point of having a watch. Yet, despite the bad reviews, it seems the watch is still coveted by many, as it apparently sold out within a minute of going on sale.If you take a look on the OnePlus website, you'll see that the watch is currently out of stock. Whether that's due to low in...

While the original Samsung Galaxy Watch is a few years old now, it's still an incredible smartwatch that's full of useful features. A time may come when you need to replenish your charging accessories. Fortunately, there some great options out there. We've rounded up some of the best replacement Samsung Galaxy Watch charger cables and docks for you to choose from.The charging cable you needDisscool Samsung Galaxy Watch Replacement USB Charging CableStaff PickIn some cases, all you'll need is the charging cable. Whether you've lost track of your original cable or you want a second one for your car or travel bag, this is a good option. No matter where you're headed, you can plug this USB charging cable into a wall adapter or computer, and your Samsung Galaxy Watch will be juiced up again in no time.$13 at AmazonStraight from the sourceSamsung Galaxy Watch Wireless Charging DockIf you don't like the idea of third-party accessories when it comes to charging your...

Going camping? Taking a hike? Heading outdoors somewhere for some reason and not sure if your smartphone will survive the trip? Then you need a device like the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station. Right now the Explorer 500 is down to $419.99 when you clip the $80 off on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a huge drop in price considering it rarely ever drops from its $500 street price directly. In fact, it has been almost a year since we last saw it get discounted. The same power station is still going for $500 at other retailers like B&H.The Explorer 500 is a power station with a massive 518 watt hours capacity. It uses a lithium-ion battery you can recharge in a number of different ways, including a solar panel. Get free power from the sun and keep your devices running even when you're outside for an extended period of time. Of course you can always plug it into a wall or use your car to charge it as well. The solar panel, the Jackery SolarSaga 100W, is sold separately and...

If you're like me, you've probably been using some of the more common social media apps less and less these days. However, just because you aren't crazy about following the craziness on Facebook or Reddit doesn't mean that you don't still crave that human connection and community, right? Well, the good news is that one of our favorite messaging platforms — Telegram — has just the kind of social component you're looking for in the form of its channels. We'll show you how to find and join the Telegram channels that match your interests.How to find and join Telegram channelsOpen the Telegram app.Tap on the magnifying glass/search icon in the top right corner.Type a word, phrase, topic, or media outlet you're interested in.When you find something of interest, tap on the channel.At the bottom of the message thread, tap Join.If you wish to mute the channel or leave it altogether, tap on the three line menu in the top right corner, and then tap on the option you prefer....

We know all about the best Ecobee products including the best deals on Ecobee accessories, which have recently branched to everything from extra sensors for your smart thermostat to cameras and now smart light switches. The Ecobee Switch+ smart light switch normally sells for $80, and today it's on sale for $39.99 at Best Buy. That's a huge drop and one of the best prices we've ever seen for the smart switch, outside of a rare deal also at Best Buy that gave it away for free with the purchase of an Ecobee SmartThermostat.You don't need an Ecobee SmartThermostat to make the smart switch work, but it is one of our favorite smart thermostats and the two devices work really well together. The 5th-generation thermostat features a whole new design with a glass finish, a vivid touch display, a quad-core processor, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and far-field voice recognition that can pick up your commands from across the room.See, the smart thermostat is designed to work with voice assist...

Millions of users had their data exposed in a Facebook data leak earlier this year.What you need to knowFacebook is facing an investigation in Ireland over a recently publicized data leak.The Irish DPC believes that Facebook has broken one or more provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations.Facebook has confirmed it has spoken to investigators regarding the issues raised. Facebook recently suffered a large data leak where a cache of data, initially breached five years ago, was now made publicly available. This cache included "phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and, in some cases, email addresses." Facebook came under fire for declining to notify affected customers about the breach, and now Ireland's Data Protection Commission, or DPC, is stepping in to investigate Faceook over potential GDPR breaches.The DPC shared the following statement this afternoon, saying: The Data Protection Commission (DPC) today launched an own-vol...

Google Assistant is becoming more useful thanks to Duplex.What you need to knowGoogle is announcing several new features for Google Assistant.Google Duplex will automatically fill out your payment info when ordering online from select restaurants.Nest also brings Find My Phone to the iPhone and adds a few updates to Routines.Google I/O 2021 is just around the corner, and updates to Google Assistant are among the things we can expect from the annual developer conference. Today, Google decided to take the wraps off several new features that it's bringing to Assistant and the best Android phones, including one powered by Google Duplex.First, Google has announced that it's expanding its Find My Phone feature on Nest devices to now include iPhones. All it requires is for iPhone owners to opt-in to receive alerts from the Google Home app that will help locate their device by giving it a ring.Google is also announcing the global launch of Sunrise and Sunset Routines. Based o...

If you're one of many people who decided to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 when it came out, you've probably been busy enjoying all the perks it has to offer. Don't forget to make sure it's protected! One type of protection you might not have thought about is for the bezel. We've gathered some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 bezel covers and protectors for you to choose from.Triple the funGoton 3-in-1 Accessories for Samsung Galaxy Watch 3Staff PickAccidents happen, but with this 3-in-1 combo from Goton, you'll be protected from unwanted damage. This kit comes with a soft TPU armor bumper case, 2 tempered glass screen protectors, and a stylish bezel ring. Not only will your watch body be protected against scratches, dust, and bumps, but the sleek matte finish makes it even more attractive.$13 at Amazon (45mm) $13 at Amazon (41mm)Elevate your styleYPSNH Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Bezel Ring Protection CoverIf you want a high-quality stainless steel opti...

OnePlus continues slowly bringing Android updates to its flagships.What you need to knowT-Mobile has started rolling out the OxygenOS 11 update to the OnePlus 7T and 7 Pro.These updates bring Android 11 as well as OnePlus's own small tweaks to the older flagships.According to T-Mobile, these updates started rolling out around the 9th of April.T-Mobile has started rolling out the OxygenOS 11 update to the OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T this month (via 9to5Google). Users of OnePlus's phones will now get the company's latest stable software package. This will take the operating system to Android 11, joining the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 9-series.Other than Android 11, OxygenOS 11 brings refinement to the interface, enhancements to dark mode, HEVC recording support, a revamped camera UI, a selection of new Ambient Display clock styles, and more. Like with the global rollout, this only includes the February security update, a pitfall that stops OnePlus from being one of the very best Andro...

OnePlus is celebrating all things OnePlus with a huge sales event called OnePlus Day. You're going to find a ton of great deals available while this is all going on. Get a great price whether you're interested in a new OnePlus smartphone, which you can get for hundreds of dollars off today, or just want something to complement the phone you already have (like 50% off a protective case or some Bluetooth headphones at a discount).For example, one of the best deals available in the sale is on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z Bluetooth headphones. They are discounted to $29.95 during this event, which is a $20 discount off the website's regular price and $30 off what they're going for at other retailers like Amazon. Not only that, but if you add two pairs of headphones to you cart you'll get the second pair completely free. That's $100 worth of headphones discounted to just $30 total. Huge savings.Sure, the Bullets Wireless Z headphones use an older wireless design, but that doesn't me...

In addition to Amazon's Alexa, the all-new Echo Buds work with Google Assistant and Siri as well.What you need to knowAmazon has announced its second-generation Echo Buds.The new earbuds bring improved active noise cancellation and a more comfortable design. They are now available for pre-order and will begin shipping in the U.S. next month.Amazon today announced its second-generation Echo Buds, which it claims are better than their predecessors in nearly every area.The new earbuds are claimed to be 20% smaller than the first-generation Echo Buds, which makes them a lot more comfortable for extended use. Amazon is also using a shortened nozzle to improve comfort, along with built-in vents that help reduce ear pressure during use. Just like the best wireless earbuds, the all-new Echo Buds are IPX4-rated, which means they are capable of withstanding some splashes and light rain.When it comes to the audio experience, the new Echo Buds feature enhanced Active Noise Cancel...

Cubism looks to be the first title to receive an update with the new higher framerate cap.What you need to knowOculus has begun rolling out update version 28, which upgrades the Quest 2's display to 120Hz.Cubism, a popular puzzle game with hand tracking support, is receiving an update for 120Hz sometime today.Other developers of games like Superhot have expressed interest in updating to 120Hz, as well.It hasn't even been 24 hours since Facebook announced the April Quest 2 v28 update and developers are already beginning to patch their Oculus Quest 2 games to support the new 120Hz refresh rate. On Twitter, developers of Superhot VR and Cubism, two of the best Quest 2 games, have posted about the Quest 2's new ability to render games at 120Hz; a 30% faster refresh rate which results in smoother gaming and a more realistic-feeling VR experience.While the Superhot VR developers seem to just be contemplating the move to 120Hz in the future, Cubism developer Thomas Van Bouwel sa...

Beautiful hardware and camera improvements based on user feedback.What you need to knowTCL is releasing three new devices today, including the TCL 20L, 20L+, and 20 Pro 5G.The 20 Pro 5G is the company's most premium device yet, featuring curved glass, improved cameras and display tech, and wireless charging.In addition to the three main phones, TCL has teased a new 3-in-1 expandable device that uses both folding and rolling display tech.TCL has made a name for itself in the mobile space over the last year with a broad selection of some of the best cheap Android phones around with premium designs, snappy software, and a penchant for display tech. Today, the company is expanding its 20 Series, originally launched at CES 2021, with three new models: the TCL 20L, 20L+, and TCL's most powerful phone yet, the 20 Pro 5G.Each of these devices feature TCL's mainstay NXTVISION display tech, which boasts true-to-life colors and blue light filtering, along with AI-driven visual enhan...

Before the Switch was cool, it was all about the 3DSUntil recently, the Nintendo 3DS was the fourth best-selling handheld console of all time. Now that the Nintendo Switch has been around for a few years, it's taken over the 3DS, but there's no denying that the 3DS isn't still a great console.But for those that no longer have their 3DS and want to play some of those classics, you'll need one of the best Nintendo 3DS emulators for Android. Unlike Game Boy or NES/SNES emulators, there just aren't as many good Nintendo 3DS emulators available. Nevertheless, we've rounded up the best of the best.The top 3 apps1. Citra Emulator2. DraStic DS Emulator3. RetroArchMore optionsLemuroidmelonDS EmulatorThese are the best Nintendo 3DS emulators for AndroidAlthough Citra Emulator has been around for PC and Mac users for years, it's still a relative newcomer to the Android emulation space. The app was officially released in 2020, and has been seeing regular updates to bri...

It is expected to be unveiled alongside Motorola's first budget phone with a 108MP camera.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed the full specs of Motorola's upcoming Moto G20.The phone will apparently come with a 90Hz HD+ display, quad rear cameras with a 48MP main sensor, and a large 5,000mAh battery. It is tipped to be priced around the ₹10,000 ($133) mark in India. Earlier this month, we got our first look at Motorola's upcoming Moto G20. More official renders of the entry-level device have now surfaced, along with nearly all its key tech specs.According to a report from 91Mobiles, the Moto G20 will arrive with a 6.5-inch HD+ display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone will apparently be powered by a 12nm Unisoc T700 octa-core processor, which uses two ARM Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and six efficiency-focused ARM Cortex-A55 cores. As can be seen in the renders above, the phone will have a quad-camera setup on the back. The setup is said to...

The co-op game has finally launched, but not without some bumps in the road.Square Enix and People Can Fly's sci-fi shooter Outriders has released for PS4 and PS5, with a demo still available to download (a pretty lengthy demo, at that). If you've hopped into the newest title — which also happens to be free through Xbox Game Pass — you may have ran into some issues already. While no game is without its faults — especially one that relies on servers — they should be noted all the same so that the developers can get to work on fixing them.We've compiled a list of major issues that people are experiencing, including any workarounds that people have found so far. One major issue you'll probably see a ton of: server disconnects and inventory wipes.Outriders Known bugs and how to fix themInventory wipesThis may be the worst one of all. It's unclear why it happens, but you may randomly lose all of your hard-earned items and accolades, wiping dozens of hours of progress in ...

It's not a serious Xbox Game Pass competitor... yet.If you've read some of my articles lately — particularly the one where I say PlayStation keeps shooting itself in the foot — you'd probably think my outlook on PlayStation is all doom and gloom. Honestly, it isn't. PlayStation is in no danger of going under or anything like that; I just think it's losing some of the magic it had during the PS4 era. That said, I only bring up its problems because I want it to be better — and I know it can be better. One area that it desperately needs to be better in is PlayStation Now. What PlayStation Now offers right now is fine, but it could be so much better.What PlayStation Now offers right now is fine. You get access to over 800 games, most of which can be downloaded instead of streamed, and it only costs $60/year, half the cost of Microsoft's Game Pass Ultimate. But considering most of the games are older releases and you can't stream these games through Remote Play to your phon...

The best 4K Android TVs are abundant these days, but not all of them come with the same interface, and that can be a determining factor when looking for something that does UHD. Android TVs have emerged as a solid way to access popular streaming services and other apps that enhance the TV viewing experience. The Sony A8H Bravia OLED is a beautiful screen that brings out the best in both visual splendor and convenient connectivity.Best Overall: Sony A8H Bravia OLEDSony does special things with OLED panels, and the A8H Bravia is an example of that. There are 55 and 65-inch panels available, and Sony's X1 Ultimate processor offers plenty of ways to calibrate and improve the screen's output. With Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and even a Netflix calibration mode, this is a gorgeous display that can adapt to almost anything you want to watch and make it look great.Thin bezels and an adjustable stand make this fit right into your decor. Bright or dark rooms don't matter, either, cour...

Whether you're looking for more ways for you and your family to stay entertained indoors or want to be able to take more books with you wherever you go, you ought to check out Amazon's Kindle e-readers.Right now, Amazon is offering a stellar Kindle deal to help snag a couple of e-readers with a significant discount. Simply buy two Kindle devices together and you'll save 20% on the total price. That means you could snag two entry-level Kindle e-readers for just $72 apiece or save as much as $120 on two top-tier Kindle Oasis devices.The Kindle Oasis e-reader is made for absorbing as many books, newspapers, magazines, and audiobooks as you possibly can. It has a 7-inch 300 ppi display that's specifically designed to be flush on the front for a sleek design. There's also an adjustable warm light that lets you shift the screen from white to amber. That can be helpful based on changing lighting conditions, and it can be a little more relaxing on your eyes.In addition to the flush dis...

For big phones, this one is a must-have feature.If you are a lover of big beautiful phones, you probably have seen a one-handed mode in the settings or have even used it — unless you have something like the Pixel 4a 5G or the Pixel 4 XL. That's because Google hasn't developed a one-handed mode as part of Android. Until we see Android 12, that is. Google needs a one size fits all solution for every phone.Manufacturers like Samsung built a one-handed mode for its Ultra sized phones, and most companies that make the other best Android phones have done the same. These companies know that it's a feature we'll use because most people can't reach the whole way across a ginormous display to tap something.The only issue with this is that each and every phone maker does it a little differently. That's because it's up to Google to build a proper one-handed mode as part of Android so it can work on every phone. That's a big ask; think about all the different models of phone and all ...

The best Chromebooks have keyboards with great tactile feedback, but if you're going to be typing on a Chromebook at a desk for hours and hours on end, consider swapping to a mechanical keyboard. Not only will using a separate keyboard help you avoid neck strain by letting you move your Chromebook up to a higher position, but mechanical keyboards are longer-lasting and offer better feedback for your fingers to ensure that you're hitting the right key every time. These are the best mechanical keyboards to use with your Chromebook today, tomorrow, and for years to come.Tiny, but mightyDIERYA DK61E 60%Staff PickThis compact keyboard won't take up much desk space, but it still gives you all the comforts and choices, with four switch types available, USB-C rather than USB-A, and a spill-resistant circuit board.$51 at AmazonBest for the officeDas Keyboard Model S ProfessionalDas's keyboards have been highly regarded for years, and the Model S is a no-nonsense full-size ...

The POCO M3 Pro 5G may be an even more impressive device than last year's POCO M3.What you need to knowThe next POCO phone could be a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 10 5G.A regulatory listing suggests the phone will debut as the POCO M3 Pro 5G.The Redmi Note 10 5G features a 6.5-inch FHD+ 90Hz display, MediaTek's Dimensity 700 chipset, and a 48MP camera.Xiaomi's popular POCO sub-brand launched a new value flagship called the POCO F3 last month, alongside the spiritual successor to the POCO F1. The POCO F3 is actually a rebadged version of the Redmi K40, which made its debut in China in February. An FCC listing has now revealed that POCO will soon launch yet another "new" device based on an existing Redmi phone.New @POCOGlobal phone, #POCOM3Pro5G, which is the same phone as #RedmiNote105G, just with different branding.CC @MishaalRahman @aamirXDA @stufflistings pic.twitter.com/N0MpXJd89o— Kacper Skrzypek (@kacskrz) April 13, 2021The listing all but confirms that t...

Extra ports and included mounts help the Chromebox 4 give you that all-in-one feeling — with a better monitor.While Chromebooks tend to grab the limelight and Chrome OS tablets like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet are seen as the future, there are still Chrome OS devices for the desktop crowd, and 2021 is the best year to buy one for the next couple of years. See, the last time we had a generational change in Chromeboxes was 2018, and since then, users have had to pay 2020 prices for 2017 hardware in order to get the best Chromeboxes.Last fall, ASUS announced the Chromebox 4 and it's finally on sale. I've been wanting to review this Chromebox for months because not only did this model have the most ports, but ASUS has absolutely nailed the Chromebook experience with hits like the Chromebook Flip C434, and I wanted to see if they've reached that same level with the Chromebox, too. The good news is they have, and if you're in the market for a new family desktop that your kids won't br...

Chatting with the AC forums.Depending on which cellular carrier you use and the infrastructure in your area, LTE and 5G mobile broadband speeds can vary wildly across the United States. As consumers, there is not much we can do about it, save for complaining to the mobile companies and our elected officials. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is interested in getting a better picture of mobile broadband coverage in the U.S. and is asking people to use its speed test app to help us, and them, learn more about the different speeds available across the country. The idea is that the information collected will help push to improve coverage for all citizens.This isn't the first speed test app ever released, but it does aim to serve a greater purpose than just letting you know if you can download that game or stream that movie. The app has been a popular discussion topic on the AC forums recently: belodion 04-12-2021 07:...

We tested several of the best antivirus apps on Android cellphones and tablets to learn which offer excellent malware protection without causing too much drag on your device. Bitdefender Mobile Security is the overall best. In fact, it's my top pick for Windows and Mac antivirus, too. Bitdefender ranks high for malware protection, doesn't use too many resources, and includes a few extra tools. It's also an overall good value.Bitdefender Mobile SecurityBest overall antivirus for AndroidBitdefender seems to do just about everything you'd need. It stops malware attacks and has web protection that warns of dangerous websites before you visit them. This app uses power management to use little of your phone's battery to avoid slowdown.With this app, you can also remotely access your phone to wipe data, lock it down, or send a message to the device. You can also locate it with this feature, and connects it to your Android smartwatch to help remind you to grab your phone or locate ...

Move over Galaxy S20 FE — we have a new all-around Android champion.With Ultra, Pro, and foldable phones pushing up the high-end of the Android spectrum and sub-$400 budget phones getting better and better, an interesting category has emerged over the past year or so — the value flagship segment. Once an area dominated, if not solely occupied, by OnePlus, this category has seen an influx of challengers from the likes of Samsung, Google, and Apple over the last 18 months with phones like the Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 5, and iPhone 12 garnering all of the attention and praise. But with the launch of the 9 series, OnePlus just may have clawed its way back to claim its crown.As you'll see here and in our OnePlus 9 Pro review, the company has created a series of phones that are more than good enough to turn OnePlus into a household name. The phones continue to have excellent styling, screens, and software, and they've finally made the leap with their camera capabilities. After usin...

The smaller, the better.While many folks looking for a new phone will immediately race to the biggest and fanciest new flagship around, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is just too much in size, price, and problems. While the Galaxy S20+ is a more reasonable phone, as a busy woman with small hands, it's too big to use one-handed, too big for my pockets, and too big my shoulder holster.Thankfully, the "baby" Galaxy S20 is just a few hairs bigger than the Galaxy S10, and between the generous battery, a Lindt Chocolate-smooth 120Hz screen, and the most significant camera upgrade in Galaxy history, the Galaxy S20 is without a doubt one of the best Android phones of 2020 for non-Pixel-purists — and especially for women and small phone enthusiasts.I've had my Galaxy S20 for a year now, and while I have some very, very tiny hang-ups with the phone, none take away from the great experience I've had with it.Galaxy S20 reviewPrice & availabilityHardware and designDisplayBattery life...

Sony steps up the Xperia 1 III cameras and display.What you need to knowSony has announced the Xperia 1 III with the first 4K 120Hz display on a smartphone.The Xperia 1 III and 5 III also come equipped with the first telephoto lens with Dual PD variable optics for different focal lengths.The device will be available this summer, along with the Xperia 10 III.Sony has done it again. While it's not quite the smartphone powerhouse as other OEMs like Samsung, the company does manage to produce impressive flagship smartphones. Last year's Xperia 1 II brought all the right refinements to the design, cameras, and overall experience, although it was hindered by the lack of a high refresh-rate display. Well, it's a new decade, and Sony is out to prove that it can provide the best display on a smartphone with the new Xperia 1 III.You'll notice that the boxy design is largely unchanged from last year's flagship model, offering a tall 21:9 aspect ration display flanked by two sizeab...

Kids will now see their five most-watched titles and characters at the top of the screen in the "favorites" row.What you need to knowNetflix has redesigned its Kids profiles to be more visually appealing.Instead of Trending shows, the top row on the home screen now shows the kid's most-watched shows.The revamped Kids profiles are now rolling out to Smart TVs globally. Netflix has overhauled its Kids profiles to make it easier for children to easily find their favorite shows and characters right from the home screen.Until now, the layout for the Kids' profile was not very different from adult profiles. The top rows showed all the trending shows, along with other suggested content. Now, however, kids will see a row of their most-watched shows on the home screen with popular characters from those shows appearing right above the title boxes. Netflix customizes the favorites row for each kid using their watch history, and titles that are featured come from its full catalog, n...

All three major carriers in the U.S. offer unlimited cell phone data plans. But which is the best?The big three networks in the United States, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, all offer at least one unlimited cell phone data plan. That's important for power data users as well as anyone who uses their mobile broadband internet as their sole way for staying in touch with friends and family or for entertainment. These days, many of us just don't have time to wait around for slower data.But just because all carriers offer unlimited data, it doesn't mean that all plans are created equal. Pricing is important, as are "extras" like tethering and the hidden data cap that pushes you back to slower speeds once you reach it. And of course, zero-rating means we have to pay attention to what unlimited means when it comes to the quality of streaming media as well as the source. It is also worth keeping in mind that many of the best MVNO carriers offer unlimited data for a lower price. Let's ta...

Yet another massive update for the Oculus Quest 2.What you need to know120Hz mode can now be enabled in experimental options, making VR even smoother.Oculus Link can soon be used wirelessly on fast Wi-Fi networks, enabling native wireless PC VR gaming.Oculus Home can now track keyboards and add your desk in VR for a better work from home experience.Facebook continues to spoil Oculus Quest 2 owners with another massive new firmware update, this time the April Quest 2 v28 update. First off, the official addition of 120Hz support, which was teased by Oculus CTO John Carmack back in November. 120Hz is a substantial upgrade over the current 90Hz maximum refresh rate that many of the best Quest 2 games support, meaning games that support this new higher refresh rate will look and feel even smoother than before.There's no telling just how many developers will use 120Hz, as that refresh rate increase likely means games will need to significantly alter graphics quality in order to...

ZTE has entered the flagship conversation with the Axon 30 UltraWhat you need to knowLeaked renders show off the ZTE Axon 30 Ultra from every angle.The phone will sport a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.There's a new focus on cameras with triple 64MP sensors and an 8MP telephoto lens.While Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus duke it out for the title of best Android phone so far in 2021, ZTE is gearing up to throw its hat in the ring. Evan Blass has shared a series of official press renders showing off the ZTE Axon 30 Ultra, which brings another enormous camera module to the conversation.Blass states that the Ultra will feature a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with those waterfall-curved edges on the sides. This could be a contender for one of the best gaming phones, thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, which is a bump up from the new 120Hz standard for flagships.Under the hood, there's not too much of a surprise, as the Snapdragon 888 will be powering ZTE's flagsh...

U.S. carriers are apparently still committed to RCS.What you need to knowU.S. carriers have reportedly ended their joint CCMI.The initiative was supposed to result in the launch of a cross-carrier RCS app.T-Mobile has arguably been the largest proponent of Google's RCS efforts.RCS isn't dead, but the joint effort to make it more widespread in the U.S. has reportedly been killed off. According to a report from Light Reading, the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative (CCMI) is no more after failing to produce anything meaningful in the past year.CCMI was the joint effort by T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T to get RCS off the ground with a messaging app that would work seamlessly between the different networks. The initiative was formed in what seemed like opposition to Google's efforts to push RCS on Android with one of the best text messaging apps. The carriers planned to produce something in 2020, but as we can see, it never materialized.The folks over at Light Reading spok...

A new Galaxy is on the way.What you need to knowSamsung has sent out invitations for an upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.It's unclear what the company is expected to announce, but the invite suggests it's something powerful.The event is scheduled for April 28 and will be live-streamed on Samsung's website.Samsung has just sent out invitations for a Galaxy Unpacked event to occur later this month. This would make it the third Galaxy Unpacked event in four months, although there's not much to go on here. Samsung's biggest announcements for the first half of the year seem to be behind it, but it's always fun to speculate.As it stands, successors to the best foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 aren't expected until later this year, possibly in August, with rumors indicating that the company could launch a mysterious dual-hinge smartphone. Samsung already launched its mixed-bag Galaxy Chromebook back at CES.The most likely suspect would be a new PC, namely the Gal...

Great features on RTOSOnePlus Watch$159 at OnePlusProsOnboard GPSHeart rate and blood oxygen monitoring2 weeks of battery lifeMusic storageMic/speaker supportConsRuns RTOS rather than Wear OSNo support for NFC paymentsLacks always-on display optionWhen you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that offers solid health and fitness tracking, the new OnePlus Watch might catch your eye. It's got the essentials, including onboard GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, two-week battery life, and more. It may not be as advanced as the Versa 3, but it delivers in some important areas.An all-around better OSFitbit Versa 3$230 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCBlood oxygen monitoring6 days of battery lifeGoogle Assistant & Alexa Built-inMic/speaker supportConsShorter battery life More expensiveMost people in the fitness tracking world are familiar with Fitbit. The company's latest smartwatch, the Versa 3, has many impro...

Ticks every boxTP-Link Archer AX90$300 at AmazonProsFast tri-band Wi-Fi 62.5Gbps WAN/LAN EthernetSet it up with an Android appSupport for OneMesh expansionConsHomeShield requires a paid subscriptionThe TP-Link Archer nails the sci-fi look with a design that looks inspired by Art Deco with a dash of Neo-Futurism. It delivers AX6600 Wireless speeds with eight-stream tri-band Wi-Fi 6 for added capacity in congested areas compared to dual-band. This router also comes with a 2.5Gbps WAN/LAN port for those with a high-speed home network.Fast as lightningNetgear Nighthawk RAX70$297 at AmazonProsFast tri-band Wi-Fi 6Ethernet Link AggregationWorks with Amazon Alexa and Google AssistantSet it up with an Android appConsNo multi-gig EthernetNetgear Armor requires a paid subscriptionThe Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 continues Netgear's handsome spaceship-like design with its six antennas concealed in the wings. This router delivers tri-band Wi-Fi 6...

Google Chrome might be alone in its quest to replace third-party cookies.What you need to knowThird-party web browsers are speaking out against Google's FLoC technology.The Chromium-based browsers and search engines dispute Google's claim that FLoC protects user privacy.FLoC is currently being tested in the Chromium browser engine.Google has been touting its new FLoC technology for some time, explaining how it can help preserve user privacy while giving advertisers similar results to third-party cookies. The technology, which is meant to eventually replace third-party cookies, is currently being tested in Google Chrome, but not everyone is happy about it. Advertisers initially pushed back on the technology, but now some of the best Chrome desktop alternatives that are speaking out against it.In a series of statements, Brave, Vivaldi, and DuckDuckGo are all voicing their concerns over Google's FLoC technology, which groups users into "cohorts" based on similar browsing his...

The best Android video cameras come equipped with all sorts of amazing manual video controls, so why not pair those cameras with the best smartphone gimbals that'll ensure ultra-smooth, cinematic video? With the wide availability of portable, easy-to-use, and best of all, affordable gimbals for your phone, there's no excuse to shoot shaky cam footage — unless you're just a huge fan of The Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield. The DJI OM 4 is the best smartphone gimbal you can buy, but there are plenty of other options to up your next vlog quality.Best Overall: DJI OM 4DJI has long been a major player in the smartphone gimbal space, starting with the original Osmo Mobile. The OM 4 is the latest addition to the lineup, with a dead-simple magnetic design that actually separates the mount from the rest of the gimbal, allowing you to attach your phone in a matter of seconds and get to shooting.You can rotate or reposition your phone for better balance and varying angles if you so ...

Arkane's Deathloop has been pushed back until September, but Outriders is here now and the team have a review of the new shooter. Kojima Productions is rumored to be in talks with Xbox to publish their next game. The also chat about Monster Hunter as Pokémon for "grownups" and take many other wild detours along the way!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Arkane's Deathloop delayed to September on PS5 | Android CentralSony's stance on game preservation sets the industry backwards | Android CentralOutriders hit with launch day server and connection issues, should be more stable now | Windows CentralOutriders for Xbox review: A genuinely fun looter shooter in spite of itself | Windows CentralKojima Productions reportedly in talks with Xbox to publish next project | Windows Central...

More space to exploreOculus Quest 2 256GB$399 at AmazonProsLots of room for gamesMore affordable than the competitionCons30% more expensive No microSD slot for expandable storageThe Oculus Quest 2 with 256GB of storage gives you enough room for 20-50 Oculus Quest games before running out of space. There's enough space where you can download a movie for offline viewing, but don't go crazy with that since there's no microSD card slot. Beyond that, this version has no exclusive features that the 64GB lacks.Best for PC gamersOculus Quest 2 64GB$299 at AmazonProsCheaperSupports all the same features and games as 256GB modelConsNot enough storage for many newer gamesDeleting games deletes save dataNo microSD slot for expandable storageThe 64GB variant of the Oculus Quest 2 supports all the same features and games as the larger storage version. Since many newer Quest games take up 8GB or more, this version is likely best for gamers who wa...

Your next Chromebook could see an NVIDIA GPU paired with an ARM processorWhat you need to knowNVIDIA is partnering with MediaTek for a new reference line of laptops.This is the first big project for NVIDIA after its acquisition of ARM Limited last year.These laptops are to be designed for Chromium, Linux, and NVIDIA SDKs.Late in 2020, NVIDIA shocked the world by announcing its acquisition of ARM Limited, but until now, we had no real idea of what to expect from this. Sure, NVIDIA is likely to tap ARM to create some new chipsets, but there was also the potential for creating new and innovative graphics cards for desktops and laptops. Today, NVIDIA announced (via XDA Developers) that it is working with MediaTek to "create a new class of notebooks powered by an Arm-based CPU alongside an NVIDIA RTX GPU".This move is only logical considering that ARM processors are going to be skyrocketing even more in popularity with PC makers. Microsoft was one of the first on the scene, bu...

The best cheap true wireless earbuds have become great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V2, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality.Best Overall: Creative Outlier Air V2It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V2 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 12 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another (almost) two charges in the charging case, and you've got over 30 hours of total listening time. The only real downside is that the case doesn't feature wireless charging.Creative based the design on the Outlier Gold, which used different ear tips than the original Outlier Air did, and that move pays dividends in both fit and comfort. It also gives you a better seal to trap in more of the bass and preserve as much of the soundstag...

Exploding batteries are a known risk when it comes to transporting smartphones.What you need to knowVivo has been banned from Hong Kong Air Cargo over a fire incident.Images and videos shared on social media appeared to show pallets containing Vivo phones burst into flames.Vivo is investigating the incident, Vivo phones have been reportedly banned from a Hong Kong Air Cargo, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Airlines, following a fire at a Hong Kong airport this week as reported by Air Cargo World (via Android Authority). The ban also encompasses two other companies, logistics companies Cargo Link Logistics HK Co Ltd and Sky Pacific Logistics HK Co Ltd.The fire was reportedly caused by a shipment of Vivo phones at the airport, with a pallet carrying the devices erupting into flames. It's not clear whether it was due to improper handling by the logistic companies, or a flaw in the phone themselves that caused the conflagration.Vivo Mobile Pallet Catches Fire While Loading in Ca...

Oldie but a goodieRing Video Doorbell Pro$170 at AmazonProsThermal motion detectionAlexa greetingsDual-band Wi-Fi supportLess expensivePre-roll videoConsLess accurate motion detectionPoor Google services integrationNo battery backupRing Video Doorbell Pro has been the best Ring Video Doorbell for years for a reason. Inside its tiny form-factor, it packs a 1080p camera that's always recording, giving you the best look at what's happening (or happened) on your doorstep. It also features Alexa Greetings, which lets it answer itself when you're not around.The upgrade choiceRing Video Doorbell Pro 2$250 at AmazonProsThe most accurate motion detectionBirds-eye view mapsHead-to-toe videoAlexa greetingsDual-band Wi-Fi supportPre-roll videoConsMore expensivePoor Google services integrationNo battery backupRing Video Doorbell Pro 2 retains the original tiny form-factor and improves everything else about the product, including a new h...

Finding a really great deal on the PlayStation VR can sometimes feel impossible. Compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, this virtual reality headset has quickly become a favorite amongst gamers moving into the VR space; unfortunately, that also means there's rarely a reason for Sony or any retailers to provide a discount on it. Luckily, we know of a surefire way you can save on the PSVR anytime you'd like.While the PlayStation VR is primarily a headset, you'll also need the PlayStation Camera and PlayStation Move controllers to complete the setup and play VR games on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. You could purchase these items separately and potentially pay less by doing so, though an easier way to purchase everything you need is with a PlayStation VR bundle. Sony is always offering some bundle that includes these essential VR peripherals as well as a new VR game so you'll be ready to start playing immediately.One way you can always save on the PlayStati...