Latest from Android Central

TCL is doing for smartphones what it did for TVs.When you see the name TCL, you likely think of TVs. There's an excellent reason for that. The company's incredibly value-laden line of 4K TVs made a massive splash in the market several years back and have only improved since then. I've got one. My dad has one. My best friend has one, and his dad has one, so on and so forth. But the smartphone market is a little more complicated, a little more competitive, and a little more difficult to crack than the TV sector was.That's where the TCL 20 line comes in. Three very affordable phones create an excellent follow-up to TCL's big self-branded debut last year, which landed them on the list of best cheap phones time and time again. After all, TCL isn't a newbie to the smartphone market; it's been making phones under the Alcatel, Blackberry, and Palm brands for years (among others), and now TCL is leveraging its reputation for its second-generation TCL-branded phones.The TCL 20 Pro 5G is ...

Spur adoption, soothe flaring tempers, and boost sales numbers. Everyone wins.A few days ago, Samsung gave us its first look at the new Wear platform during MWC, and despite it being one of the most anticipated events from this year's conference, we didn't actually see much of anything new during this teaser for next month's Unpacked event. It was confirmed that the Galaxy Watch 4 will be the first watch with the new unified platform, and we learned that Samsung's skin for the new platform will be called One UI Watch, which makes sense given that Samsung is trying to make it look and feel more like your Galaxy phone.However, when it came to seeing how the new platform would actually look and behave, we saw two gifs more than we saw at Google I/O. That's it. All the app examples were straight out of the Google I/O presentation, and the splash screen showing all the app icons and a couple of examples that looked like a shuffled version of the hero from Google I/O. We got to see wha...

If you're still working from a conventional thermostat, maybe it's time to get a smart upgrade. You don't have to spend hundreds for the privilege either. Last year, Google released an inexpensive version of its famous Nest Thermostat, and it's a great option that has held up over the long term. Well, today you can get the Snow-colored version for a brand new low of $87.99 at Amazon. The other colors (Charcoal, Fog, and Sand) are all on sale as well, but they are only going for $99.98. That's not quite the $42 discount of the Snow, but it's still $30 in savings compared to the thermostat's regular $130 price that it rarely varies from.The next closest product in the Nest lineup is the older Nest Thermostat E, and you can see how these two products stack up. But you won't find the Thermostat E going for this low of a price anywhere. It's even going for as much as $170 at some retailers like Home Depot.Compared to even more advanced versions, this Nest Thermostat does lack some of ...

The all-new PlayStation 5 is officially available for purchase, but finding a retailer that actually has stock of the new console available to buy isn't such an easy task just yet. With that being said, there are still plenty of opportunities to pick up the new PlayStation 5 or the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition if you give it just a bit of time and know where to keep looking.As of July 2021, we're noticing that the PlayStation 5 still typically goes out of stock on the same day as it becomes available for purchase at most major online retailers. While that outlook may seem grim, the bright side is that retailers are consistently receiving stock of the console and you generally don't have to wait too long before they return in stock somewhere.TargetTarget is where you should purchase the PlayStation 5 when given the chance, since there's a way you can actually save up to $25 on its purchase there when you check out using the RedCard. There's a free debit version with no fees...

England will be looking for more of the same as they lock horns with Sri Lanka once more following last week's T20 drubbing of the Lions.Watch every ball of this ODI series with our England vs Sri Lanka live stream guide below.The tourists will need to improve considerably in this three-match series, after an at times abject display, culminating in a thrashing in Saturday's final match at The Hampshire Bowl that saw them bowled out for just 91 and England waltzing to a comfortable 3-0 victory.Somewhat unsurprisingly, the Lions are ringing the changes for these matches, with uncapped all-rounders Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya Lakshan, plus bowler Ishan Jayaratne all set to make their debuts.One ray of light for Sri Lanka is that England will be without a number of key stars, with big guns Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and fast bowler Jofra Archer all sidelined through injury.The hosts nevertheless have plenty of backup to call upon, with T20 international batter Dawid Malan set ...

The PGA tour rolls into Motor City for the third installment of this tournament.Watch every ball of this PGA Tour event with our 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic live stream guide below.Bryson Dechambeau had been looking to defend the title he won last year after tearing apart the Detroit Golf Club course with a masterclass in power driving, but surprisingly the favourite is already out after missing the cut after Round 2 on Friday.Looking to capitalise on DeChambeau's exit will be a field that includes Phil Mickelson, Jason Kokrak, Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler.The flattest site on the PGA Tour, the 7,370-yard Detroit Golf Club course plays to a par-72 that has traditionally favoured the game's bigger hitters.Inclement weather has disturbed this year's early proceedings, but brighter conditions are now expected for the remainder of the tournament.Read on for full details on how to live stream 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic PGA Tour golf online from anywhere.2...

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

Blossoms blowing once again.Sucker Punch Productions recently announced Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut. This compilation includes Ghost of Tsushima, as well as several updates and a new expansion that continues Jin Sakai's story, taking place on Iki Island. It's currently slated to arrive on August 20, 2021 for PS4 and PS5. Depending on if you've already purchased the game or not, you'll have a few different options here.Ghost of Tsushima was well-received critically and commercially, having sold over 6.5 million copies so far. As such, the PS5 version could end up being one of the best PS5 games available.What is Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut?Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is a new version of the game with additional content and some special features that are only available on the PS5 version. Here's everything that's included:Iki Island expansionDirector's commentaryBonus technique point, Charm of Hachiman's FavorDigital mini-art bookHero of Tsushima skin set...

Looking to save even more money on Mint Mobile? Here are the current deals and promo codes to help!Finding a Mint Mobile deal or Mint Mobile coupon has never really been a hard task. The MVNO carrier loves to have some fun with promotions, and we like to keep track of them. There are quite a few options when it comes to carriers for your smartphone, and odds are you're shopping around for the best deal. Postpaid plans are a good option for some, but prepaid plans get you the lowest price, as long as you're willing to put your money down first.Mint Mobile is an alternative carrier that uses T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network to bring you great coverage at an even more affordable price. In the past, going prepaid with an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) often meant that you sacrificed a lot when it came to your plan, but that isn't the case anymore. With Mint Mobile you can pick data allotments of 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or even go unlimited depending on your usage habits, and all of ...

One of the great things about the best messaging apps is that you can customize and craft them to look just the way you want them. It's true of Signal, it's true of WhatsApp, and of course, it's true of Telegram. We'll show you just how easy it is to change your theme, backgrounds, and chat settings on Telegram so that your messaging experience is as colorful as you are.How to change your theme and chat settings on TelegramOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on Chat Settings. From here, you can customize nearly every design feature of your chats, including text size and bubble shape, and color.Tap on Change Chat Background.Scroll through the available Chat Background options. You can upload your own Chat Background by tapping on Select from Gallery, or just choose to Set a color.Select your favorite background.Note that now you can also choose from a large selection of animated backgrounds that are mult...

States are opening back up just in time for the 4th of July, but COVID-19 remains a problem.Many Americans will celebrate the 4th of July holiday this weekend, which means there will be plenty of trips and get-togethers. States are starting to open back up, and mask mandates are being lifted thanks to vaccination efforts around the country, meaning people will have more to celebrate this weekend. Where I live in Seattle, Washington, we've recently felt the full force of summer come down upon us, but now that weather relatively back to normal, people will be more inclined to go out.While many states have hit the 50% mark of fully or partially vaccinated individuals, the U.S. has fallen short of its 70% goal by July 4. The latest data shows that just over 54% of Americans have received at least one shot, while 43% are fully vaccinated. That said, contact tracing apps linked to the Exposure Notification system that Apple and Google rolled out last year may still prove helpful in mak...

The next generation of Wear OS is a full platform update, complete with new hardware to support it.You hate to hear it. I actually hate to say it. Nevertheless, updating any existing watches, whether they run Wear OS or Samsung's Tizen, to the new platform will do nothing but hold the platform back and keep it from reaching its full potential.This sucks, but it's still true. You might have the best Android smartwatch or a new Galaxy Watch 3 and feel like you've been duped if you don't get the update everyone really wants, but you shouldn't feel this way. That doesn't matter, though, and I'd probably feel the same way. We're all secretly hoping for some sort of solution, but the solution is that trying to get the new software onto existing hardware is a continuation of the thing that made the current version of Wear OS so bad — worrying about making it run on underpowered and underperforming hardware.We thought a solution was found when Qualcomm announced expensive new chips t...

Action-arcade gaming is back and better than ever with all the guns, crazy enemies, and punishing gameplay you could want.Huntdown is immediately gripping. The game opens with static pixel art images fading in and out over a scrolling, fully voice acted narrative introduction. It's the 21st century, but things have gone south fast in this dystopian world. War has left society in shambles and now mega-corporations vie for power against rampaging gangs. On the edges of these two factions are bounty hunters that will take out anyone for the right price.It's a little Mad Max, a little Bladerunner, and all 80s. From the synthwave soundtrack to the neon-lit, bombed-out, graffitied cityscapes, this game just oozes that incomparable 80s vibe. I was addicted in seconds and haven't put the game down since. You better believe that this action platformer is 100% going on the list of our best Android games.To make your way through this brutal new world, you'll take on the role of three ...

After a smash-hit movie and several seasons as a Netflix series, Ted and Tim Templeton are back for another animated feature-length adventure that's available to stream online as well as being released in theatres in the US.Read on to find out how to watch The Boss Baby: Family Business and stream the new movie online from anywhere in the world.The original movie, a smash hit back in 2017, followed the spy-style adventures of Tim and his supersmart baby brother - the titular Boss Baby - while highlighting a secret war between toddlers and puppies.This sequel fast forwards into the future with Tim (James Marsden) and Ted (Alex Baldwin) having grown into adults where they have drifted apart from each other.Ted is now a successful hedge fund CEO while Tim is now a stay-at-home dad, but the pair are brought back together once more when a new boss baby with a brand new approach crosses their path.The post-coronavirus new normal sees the film being released on Peacock and in thea...

Described by film critics as a modern cross between Terminator and Starship Troopers, this new Chris Pratt starring sci-fi movie has skipped cinemas and is available to stream right now.Read on to find out how to watch The Tomorrow War and stream the new movie online from anywhere in the world.Pratt plays Dan Forester, an ex-soldier turned high school biology teacher, whose life is interrupted when time travelers arrive from 2051 warning that in the future mankind is losing a war against a deadly alien species.Resolved to help save the world for his daughter, Dan teams up with a brilliant scientist and his estranged father to rewrite the planet's fate.Co-starring Oscar-winning actor JK Simmons and Handmaid's Tale star Yvonne Strahovski, expect alien battles a plenty in this big budget summer blockbuster.Read on to find out how to watch The Tomorrow War online, no matter where you are in the world.The Tomorrow War: Where and when?This much-anticipated sci-fi movie is set...

If you've been holding off on getting the Galaxy S21 Ultra, now might be a good time.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available in a new Navy Blue colorway.The new color appears to be exclusive to Best Buy, but Verizon customers can buy the phone in installments.The Galaxy S21 Ultra launched in Phantom Silver, Phantom Black, and Phantom Titanium.The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra just quietly launched in a new color variant. The phone is now available in a new Navy Blue colorway.The Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the best Android phones and originally launched in Phantom Silver, Phantom Black, and Phantom Titanium, the latter of which is exclusive to Samsung.com. There are other Samsung exclusive colorways, but they vary depending on the region. Phantom Navy is one of these colorways, which looks similar to the new Navy Blue.The new colorway features a dark blue hue that extends onto the camera hump in an even darker shade.If you're looking to score this new...

Google showed its biggest gains but also big losses for POC employees.What you need to knowGoogle has released its latest diversity report for 2021.The report shows improvements in Black and Latinx representation as well as Black females in leadership roles.Google says that there is still work to do, but its efforts are showing good results.Google's annual diversity report has been published, showing the progress the company has made in its efforts to increase representation among POC employees.The report highlights improvements in the amount of new Black and Latinx hires, both rising to 8.8% from 5.5% and 6.6%, respectively. This has been a point of contention for the company as Black issues around racial injustice and inequality came to a head in 2020.Improvements have also shown in the number of female hires, which rose for Black, White, and Latinx employees.Google attributes its progress to programs built and implemented across the company, particularly to ensure ...

Motorola's 2021 budget launch, the Moto G30, is a splendid package deal in the looks department and the internal specs area. You get a buttery smooth 90Hz refresh rate on the 6.5-inch LCD along with a Snapdragon 662 chipset, a 5,000mAh battery, a 64MP main camera, and Android 11 out of the box. The phone may feature a water repellent design, but you still need a case to protect the Moto G30 from scratches and bumps. If you're going to cover up your phone, you better do it with style. So get one of the best Moto G30 cases right here.A classy caseBinceen Premium Soft Leather CoverStaff PickTreat yourself to this premium delight of a phone case. The Binceen Premium Soft Leather Cover will give your Moto G30 a classy glow-up.$16 at AmazonShow some skinOsophter Clear Reinforced Corners TPU CoverFlash some of your Moto G30's sexy bod with this see-through case from Osophter. Protecting your phone from scratches and bumps doesn't mean you need to hide it away under...

Samsung wants you to empty your wallet for its next smartwatchWhat you need to knowThe Galaxy Watch 4 could start at around EUR 350 and go up to EUR 350.Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is said to be priced at more than EUR 470 for the 42mm version.The Galaxy Buds 2 will be slightly cheaper than the Buds Pro, coming in at around $150.Over the last two weeks, we've seen countless rumors and official-looking renders for everything from the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. This includes Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2, which are expected to replace the Galaxy Buds+ as some of the best wireless earbuds that money can buy. And now, we might have a better idea of how much the Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 4 Classic, and Galaxy Buds 2 will cost thanks to MySmartPrice.Kicking things off, the Galaxy Watch 4 is expected to arrive in two different sizes, with the smaller 40mm version priced between EUR 350 (~$415) and EUR 370 (~$439). The larger 44mm version is expected to be priced b...

To decide which of the best Dell monitors to add to your PC or laptop, we focused our choices on the displays that our readers should reasonably expect to pay for an accessory. Dell technically sells $4000+ "monitors" that are larger than your TV, and beneath those are a variety of giant curved models and other premium devices that only a handful of professionals will need for color accuracy. What truly matters is that Dell sells several reasonably-priced monitors that will appeal to any student, artist, or gamer in need of more desktop space, such as the excellent 27" P2720DC USB-C Monitor.Best overall: Dell 27" USB-C Monitor (P2720DC)With its QHD resolution, the P2720DC strikes the right balance between gaming-centric or budget 1080p monitors that just don't look amazing and the more expensive 4K monitors that cost as much as a laptop. At 2560x1440 resolution with a high PPI density and 350 nits of brightness, you get a level of aesthetic quality that will fit the vast majori...

The Galaxy Note 20 series are two of the best Android phones right now. If you're already a fan of the Note lineup, then you'll have a lot to be excited about with the new generation. If you aren't a fan, you should be. The phones have all the latest from Samsung, including a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, a triple camera setup, 5G connectivity, and a new and improved S Pen stylus.Being brand new, these phones are going to set you back a penny or two, but we're on top of that. We've got every place you can find the Note 20 (or the Note 20 Ultra) and every deal available right now.Best Note 20 Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $450Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more More Info: Price tracking, comparisons & moreThe Note 20 starts at $1,000 and the Note 20 Ultra starts at $1,300. The more you add, like extra storage, the more you're going to pay. Obviously investing in a new phone, especially one as advanced as the Note 20, is not a supe...

Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without having to own a console or gaming PC. While Stadia can be used as a free service, Google offers a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, and one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active but are only available to be claimed for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Some of the best Stadia games have been offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game every month...

"Not another streaming service" is starting to become a common refrain amongst cordcutters with new options popping up every few months. Paramount Plus, however, isn't exactly a new service but a rebranded and majorly updated one.CBS All Access was previously known as the home of Big Brother live feeds, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, while slowly accumulating shows and other content from networks like BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and even the Smithsonian Channel. The amount of content on the service would actually surprise anyone who believes it solely includes CBS shows, which is why it's no surprise that the name has now been officially changed to Paramount+.Paramount+ Streaming ServiceWhat is Paramount+?How much does Paramount+ cost?Are there any Paramount+ deals?Where is Paramount+ available?What's streaming on Paramount+?What devices support Paramount+?Account limits and profilesTry Paramount+ for freeParamount+ in...

The PS5 ushers in a new generation of console gaming and with it comes a completely new controller. Still, players can use their old PS4 controllers in a limited capacity with backward-compatible games as long as they're officially licensed. Here are the best PS5 controllers you should be looking at.The obvious choiceDualSenseStaff PickThe DualSense is the official controller for the PS5. It's slightly larger than the DualShock 4 and sports enhanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. It provides an immersive experience that allows you to feel every shot, special ability, punch, or slide like never before. It's also the only controller that can play full PS5 games right now.From $67 at Amazon - $69 at GameStopThe classicDualShock 4 Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4The standard DualShock 4 was the main controller for the PS4, and it can be used with the PS5 — to play backward compatible games. You can still use it to play your existing library, but...

A staggering improvement in just a year's time.It isn't often that I get to review a product that genuinely feels like part of the future in quite the way the Galaxy Z Fold 2 does. The first-gen Galaxy Fold came close, but the initial display woes combined with other compromises like the dinky cover screen served as reminders that we were still very much in the present.With the Fold 2, Samsung has corrected these issues and doubled down on its reputation for outstanding build quality and display tech to create something that truly feels out of place in our current timeline; a marvel of modern engineering that somehow feels equal parts refined, experimental, niche, and practical.Of course, it's also prohibitively expensive for most people. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 launched at $2,000 and is now on sale for $1,700, and even that demands a certain level of commitment to its ever-evolving (and ever-volatile) form factor.Put simply, it's a luxury device aimed at consumers that, like...

Another upcoming feature could help you easily separate your personal and professional lives on Twitter.What you need to knowTwitter has previewed a feature that will let you limit your tweets to "trusted friends."It will work similarly to Instagram's "close friends" feature, which was released in 2018. Twitter is also exploring ways to enable users to take on different 'facets' from a single account. Twitter has revealed that it is working on a few features that will give users more control over who can view their tweets. With "Trusted Friends," users could choose to tweet to a group of close friends. You will no longer have to toggle your tweets from public to protected or juggle between alternative accounts. Going by its description, the feature appears similar to the "close friends" option that Instagram offers.Another approach that Twitter is currently exploring is to let users tweet from distinct personas within a single account. The 'Facets' feature will make it...

New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for this July.★ Take on the horde July 23Orcs Must Die! 3Staff PickInitially launching as a Google Stadia exclusive in July 2020, Orcs Must Die! 3 is now making its way to other platforms this month. The action-tower defense game for PS5 is the fourth installment in the Orcs Must Die! series and sees players taking on one of two roles apprentice war mages that are tasked with defending rifts from various onslaughts of orcs. Similar to other entries, players can utilize various traps, special abilities, and much more.$30 at AmazonJuly 27Neo: The World Ends with YouA sequel to the 2007 fan-favori...

These tips and tricks will help you make the most out of Google Meet.Video calls have been a part of corporate life for years, but they really took off during the pandemic. We've written about all of the major players, from Zoom and Microsoft Teams to Google Duo and Skype. However, the one communications app we use every day here at Android Central is Google Meet.There is a ton of great Google Meet content here on the site, from how-to guides to comparisons against those other competing apps and services. Out of all those, we've collected the ten best Google Meet tips and tricks that we felt were the most important for making your next team meeting or virtual family get-together a better experience.Jump to:Green roomStreamingGrid viewsPinningCastingRecordingQuick accessVisual enhancementsScreen sharingKeyboard shortcutsTip 1 Try before you flyDon't be that person who joins a call only to discover with horror that their microphone and/or speakers aren't wo...

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, PSVR deals are out there — if you know where to look.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 usually offers a 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 PlayStation VR (when it's in st...

OnePlus Nord N10 5GOur pick$300 at Amazon$250 at Best Buy$280 at WalmartPros6.49-inch 90Hz IPS LCD6GB / 128GBDecent camerasExpandable storage3.5mm headphone jackWarp Charge 30TConsNo IP ratingOnly 1 major updateNo sliderThe OnePlus Nord N10 5G trades an OLED display and more yearly platform updates for great internals, surprisingly effective cameras, 5G, the magic of Warp Charge 30T, and two relics of the past: a microSD slot and a headphone jack. Don't worry. You still get snappy 90Hz transitions but nothing fancier like an IP rating or wireless charging.OnePlus Nord N200 5GThe cheaper option$240 at Amazon$240 at Best BuyPros6.49-inch 90Hz IPS LCDExpandable storage3.5mm headphone jack18W fast chargingCheapest 5G phoneLarge 5,000mAh batteryConsNo IP ratingOnly 1 major updatePoor camerasNo sliderAll budget phones have large batteries to compensate, which strikes true with the OnePlus Nord N200 5G. The newest member of t...

This GPS smartwatch lets runners track their workouts with confidence.If you want to get serious about tracking your runs and other workouts, you're going to need a specific kind of Android smartwatch for the job. When it comes to finding a lightweight design, excellent battery life, superior fitness tracking, and advanced running features, you might find yourself looking at the Garmin Forerunner 55. It's definitely an upgrade from the Garmin Forerunner 45, and it's fairly priced for all the improvements you get.Anyone familiar with Garmin smartwatches knows that the lineup varies quite a bit, so it's important to understand where the Forerunner 55 stands. There are some premium options out there, like the new Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, which is mostly geared toward more experienced users and professional runners who need detailed metrics and cellular access for emergencies. If you consider yourself an elite athlete such as a distance runner, cyclist, or triathlete, the Garmin Fo...

Nick Sutrich has joined Android Central full-time, so he helps the crew blast into the long weekend with all the news about Wear OS that came out of MWC 2021. He, Daniel, Ara, and Jerry also talk about some new phones, Galaxy Buds 2, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 Plus, and more.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Nicholas Sutrich (@Gwanatu) / TwitterFrom dumpster fire to crown jewels: Wear OS finally got good at MWC 2021 | Android CentralSamsung gives Wear OS a One UI makeover ahead of Galaxy Watch launch | Android CentralThe new Wear OS is coming first to Samsung's next Galaxy Watch launching later this summer | Android CentralThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 looks gorgeous in these new leaked renders | Android CentralLeaked Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 renders leave little to the imagination | Android CentralSamsung's Galaxy S21 FE may launch in just two markets due to chip shortage | Android Cen...

The winners of this year's UEFA European Football Championship will be decided at next week's Euro 2020 final but first Belgium and Italy will meet in Munich, Germany to decide which team will move onto the semi-finals and we have all the details on how you can watch Belgium vs Italy on TV or online.Although it's now 2021, the best European football teams and players are currently in the middle of a month-long tournament to decide who will be crowned the winner of Euro 2020 since the championship was delayed by a year due to the pandemic.While 16 countries sent their best players and teams to the tournament which started on June 11, only eight countries remain and this weekend Belgium and Italy, Switzerland and Spain, Ukraine and England and the Czech Republic and Denmark will all play in the quarterfinals to decide which four teams move on to the semifinals ahead of next Sunday's final.What makes today's Belgium vs Italy match particularly interesting is the fact that neither ...

Moto G Stylus 5GFuture worthy$400 at MotorolaProsBig, sharp screen5G ConnectivityBumped up internalsConsSame lookNo mmWaveThe Moto G Stylus 5G gets some upgrades over its predecessor that can't be ignored. With more RAM and storage, it should run smoother and fit a lot more games, apps, and video. That alone could justify the price, but this model also has a bigger battery. Plus, with Android 11 out of the box and 5G support, it's a little more future-ready.Moto G Stylus (2021)Cost-saving alternative$300 at MotorolaProsCheaperSame displayComparable camerasConsDated softwareLess memoryThe Moto G Stylus (2021) will save you $100 right away if you know you don't need 5G anytime soon. For casual use, it's likely to feel every bit as capable as the Moto G Stylus 5G, and its display won't disappoint. But, in the long run, the dated software may require you to upgrade again sooner.Motorola's phone lineup is quickly getting out of h...

If you recently got your hands on the new Garmin Venu 2, you know this smartwatch is both brains and beauty. This means you'll want to keep it safe from unwanted damage, so you'll need to find a screen protector that fits your watch. It's important to remember that this wearable comes in two sizes. The Venu 2 is 45mm, and the smaller Venu 2S is 40mm. We've rounded up some of the best Garmin Venu 2 and 2S screen protectors for you to pick from.Perfectly transparentSupershieldz Garmin Venu 2S and 2S Screen Protector (3-pack)Staff PickIf you know a thing or two about screen protectors, you know Supershieldz is one of the most reputable names on the market. It should come as no surprise that it's also the best Garmin Venu 2 and 2S screen protector you can buy. You get high-quality TPU film for easy installation with no residue. You also get real touch sensitivity and high-definition transparency for maximum resolution.$7 at Amazon (45mm) $7 at Amazon (40mm)Sharp preci...

WhatsApp is reportedly adding new quality options for sharing video files.What you need to knowWhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users select the quality of videos before sharing them.The upcoming "video upload quality" feature will offer three options: Auto, Best Quality, and Data Saver. It isn't clear if WhatsApp plans to revise its file size limit for videos. You may soon be able to share high-quality videos with your contacts on WhatsApp. WABetaInfo has found evidence of a new "video quality" feature in the latest WhatsApp beta update v2.21.14.6 for Android. As can be seen in the screenshot below, the feature allows you to choose the video quality before you begin uploading it. You'll be able to choose from three options: Auto (recommended), Best Quality, and Data Saver.As you would expect, the Auto option will automatically choose the video quality based on your data speed. When you select "Best Quality," videos will be larger in size and can take slightl...

Choosing your next laptop just became even more dependent on which phone you own.Earlier this year, I decided to switch from iOS to Android after years of being an exclusive iPhone user. It was a no-pressure decision: I could always switch back to iOS if the novelty wore off, and most of my favorite games and productivity apps are both free and platform agnostic.But now that I'm in the market for a new laptop, and thanks to the new Windows 11 announcement, deciding which phone OS I prefer just became much more important. Because which of the best available laptops I buy — an M1 MacBook Air, a Dell XPS 13 9310, or a Razer Book 13, most likely — may depend on it. Computers and phones are becoming so connected that I can't buy one without considering the other.Synergy between phones and computers is obviously nothing new. Once I started using Android phones, I tried out Microsoft's Your Phone app on my Dell work laptop. Its tools were comfortably familiar to me as an Appl...

5G is moving quickly, with coverage finally reaching more people thanks to Sub-6 5G. As a result, every major carrier has some of the best 5G plans available for their customers. Each major carrier now offers 5G, but T-Mobile stands apart with 5G included with all of its plans, including old plans. T-Mobile has a commanding lead in coverage, but AT&T and Verizon are working fast to catch up. The best overall plan for 5G is T-Mobile's Magenta plan with unlimited data, Netflix, and great family savings.Best overall: T-Mobile MagentaUnlike other carriers, T-Mobile offers 5G on all of its plans, so if you upgrade to a 5G capable device, you can get connected with no hassle. T-Mobile's 5G network isn't the fastest right now, but it has the most coverage by far, and the continued expansion of its 2.5GHz coverage is adding more speed all the time. Even so, the speeds on T-Mobile 5G should be plenty for normal phone usage. With that in mind, the Magenta plan is one of the best valu...

I keep trying to love my smart home stuff, but sometimes I don't know if it loves me back.Why are "smart homes" a thing? Why do companies continue pushing this idea of automating our home devices when there is so much fragmentation and inconsistency when trying to use them — even with the best of the best smart home products? And knowing about their shoddy track record, why do I keep buying smart home devices?Perhaps it's because, for decades, movies and TV shows have perpetuated the idea that having a home that can handle tasks for me will free up time to do other things. I love all things tech-related, and finding ways to intertwine it into my life has been something that I've been enamored with since I was a child. At the same time, I enjoy simple things in life that just work.So do smart homes call to me because I'm lazy? No! ...Ok, maybe to a point. But in the realm of smart home devices, you can rarely depend on simplicity or consistent, automatic performance. They take...

TikTok expects longer videos to pave the way for "even richer storytelling and entertainment" on its platform.What you need to knowTikTok is rolling out the option to create longer videos.TikTok says the expanded format will give creators more flexibility and reduce the need for multi-part posts. The new option will roll out to users over the coming weeks. TikTok has started rolling out the ability to create videos up to three minutes long, enabling users to "captivate the community with their creative expression." TikTok began testing three-minute videos on its platform in December last year. Until now, longer videos were only available to a few top creators. It believes creators will now have the "canvas to create new or expanded types of content."As you may have seen, many creators on TikTok create multi-part stories for cooking demos, beauty tutorials, and comedic sketches. With support for longer videos, creators on the platform finally have more flexibility.TikTok...

OPPO is touting video as a key differentiator for the Reno 6 series.If there's one beneficiary to Huawei's continued ban, it would be OPPO. The Chinese manufacturer was able to take advantage of Huawei's downfall in global markets, positioning itself as the ideal alternative. Thanks to a strong portfolio of devices like the Reno 5 Pro and the Find X3 Pro, OPPO is now the world's fourth-largest smartphone brand, posting a 35% year-on-year increase in sales.The Reno series in particular is driving a lot of momentum for the brand. The Reno 10X Zoom was aimed at the flagship segment, but OPPO pivoted the lineup to focus on the value segment — going up against the best cheap Android phones — and that has proved to be a fruitful decision. With the Reno 6 Pro now slated to make its global debut (the phone is launching in India on July 14), I talked to Tasleem Arif, VP and R&D Head at OPPO India, to get a better sense of what the phone has to offer.The Reno 6 Pro is coming just...

Google failed with Android Go in India, but its partnership with Jio will finally allow it to target the masses.Over four years ago, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that smartphones need to cost as little as $30 to gain widespread adoption across India. Although the country is the second-largest smartphone market in the world — with over 700 million users — there's still a sizeable chunk of the Indian populace that hasn't made the switch.Xiaomi and other Chinese manufacturers have significantly lowered the barrier to entry for smartphones, offering decent options for as low as ₹6,799 ($90), but that is still out of consideration for millions of Indians. Google tried to target the $50 to $75 segment with Android Go devices in the past, but those efforts have failed to gain momentum, much like its tryst with Android One.But all that is changing thanks to Google's partnership with Jio in India. Jio announced the JioPhone Next, an entry-level phone that's running an "optimized"...

Google is continuing to offer freebies to loyal YouTube TV subscribers.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly offering free Chromecast with Google TV devices.The offer is going to YouTube TV subscribers to promote the new 4K streaming option.Eligible subscribers must live in the U.S. and have made at least one valid payment.Google really wants YouTube TV subscribers to get the best possible experience. The company is reportedly emailing subscribers and offering free Chromecast with Google TV devices.The promotion was first spotted by Droid Life and specifically mentions the new 4K Plus add-on that was recently announced for YouTube TV: To ensure our loyal YouTube TV members have a great viewing experience (including the ability to watch 4K content on our optional, new add-on service), we would like to offer you a free Chromecast with Google TV device — while supplies last.Coming off the heels of the 4K announcement, it seems Google really wants users to sign u...

Samsung is still expected to launch the Galaxy S21 FE, but it may be limited.What you need to knowA new press image leaks of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE and its colorways.The image corroborates previously leaked renders of the S21 FE colors.The Galaxy S21 FE could receive a limited launch due to the chip shortage.Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE have just leaked again, this time in the form of what appears to be a press image of the upcoming smartphone.The image was obtained by Android Headlines, who just leaked the renders of the Classic variant of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. The Galaxy S21 FE is shown in its different colorways, which appear to be black, green, white, and purple, although you can expect Samsung to put its own spin on the color names.The colors match with previous renders of the Galaxy S21 FE from leaker Evan Blass, which showed the same colorways.Given the visual similarities between this and the vanilla S21, it's expected that Samsung will follow...

Sony is clearing stock of its former flagship earbuds.What you need to knowThe Sony Xperia 1 III is up for preorder in the United States.Sony is offering a free pair of wireless ANC earbuds for a limited time.The smartphone retails for $1300 and ships on August 19.The Sony Xperia 1 III (read "one mark three") is finally available to preorder in the United States. The device will not come cheap, retailing for $1300 with seemingly no carrier partnerships available for device installments.Sony hopes to justify the price with tempting add-ons to sweeten the pot. The company is offering a free pair of its previous flagship wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM3. They were released in 2019 but still feature impressive active noise cancellation that rivals even the best wireless earbuds.For gamers, Sony also includes 43,200 CP points for Call of Duty: Mobile, valued at $540. These points are used to purchase items and weapons in the game to enhance your player.These freebies ...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The free PlayStation Plus games offered this month include three major titles, all available on either the PS4 or PS5. Check out the list of games below, with downloads available starting July 1. Enjoy the price of free until July 30, 2021.★Survive at all costsA Plague Tale: Innocence (PS5 Only)Often heralded as one of the best games of the last generation of gaming, A Plague Tale: Innocence is getting the full upgrade treatment, as it's coming to the PS5 with full 4K native resolution, targeted 60 FPS gameplay, improved visuals, and faster loading. Following the tale of young Amicia and her little brother Hugo, A Plague Tale: Innocence focuses on the two family members trying to survive in a world filled with Inquisition soldiers, swarms of rats, and much more.See at PlayStation★ Futuristic warfareCall of Duty: Black Ops 4Call of Duty: Black Ops 4...

These games are offered to Prime Gaming users on top of July's free games.What you need to knowOne of the benefits to being an Amazon Prime subscriber is that it offers free games under its Prime Gaming umbrella.Prime Gaming subscribers can pick up three classic LucasArts adventure games throughout summer, including The Secret of Monkey Island and Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis.The first game you can download, Monkey Island, is available today, as are the seven other games Amazon is offering for free through the month of July.Amazon today announced it'd be offering a series of classic LucasArts games to its Prime users throughout the summer. In total, Amazon will give three games out to Prime users: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition on July 1, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis on August 1, and Sam & Max: Hit the Road on September 1.All three games are adventure games with the classic point-and-click style of gameplay. Secret of Monkey Islan...

PUBG: New State is an upcoming mobile-only entry in the PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds franchise, set decades in the future, though not as far out as the upcoming science-fiction horror game, The Callisto Protocol. While PUBG: New State is currently slated to arrive at some point later in 2021, players on Android can pre-register right now, so you won't miss out on what could be one of the best Android games when it is available. Here's how to pre-register for PUBG: New State on Android devices.How to pre-register for PUBG: New State on AndroidPre-registration is a simple process, as you'll just need a Google account, and then you'll make your way over to the Google Play Store.From your computer or Android device, make your way to the Google Play Store.Using the search bar, search for PUBG: New State. Click the title; it should be the top result.Click the green Pre-register button. Just like that, you're good! If your Android device works with PUBG Mobile, you'll likely...

Recording calls can be handy for several reasons, from taking notes afterward to personal security. You can manually record calls on Android phones. Still, Google dialer allows you to automatically record calls from numbers not in your contacts and selected numbers in your contacts. Unfortunately, these features are not available everywhere, but if you can record calls in your region, we'll show you how to do it, but first, a word about recording calls.It's imperative to check your local regulations and laws to determine how legal call recording can be. Laws vary from state to state and from country to country, but it usually boils down to single-party consent or two-party consent. One-party consent means that you can record your calls because you are the one party giving consent. Two-party consent actually requires the consent of everyone on the call, whether it's two or more. Regardless, it's considered polite to inform others that the call is being recorded. Indeed, automatic ca...

Though there used to be a free trial for Sling TV, right now Sling doesn't have one available. However, there are a few excellent deals that new subscribers can snag to lower the cost of becoming a member. Plus, the Sling Free section is still available to let you watch select on-demand content for free without even needing an account!Sign up at Sling TV nowSling TV is easily one of the best live TV streaming services out there right now. Not only is it affordable with plans starting at just $35 per month, but it includes many of the most popular cable channels and local broadcast channels as well. Whether you're a sports fan who can't live without ESPN or someone who's obsessed with HGTV and discovering new ways to reinvent spaces and furniture in your home, Sling TV has you covered.Though Sling has offered free trials of its service in the past, currently there is no free trial available at Sling. However, there are some great deals for new members to consider — one of whic...