Latest from Android Central

Until now, the Weather Frog was only available on Lenovo smart displays.What you need to knowGoogle's Weather Frog has started rolling out to the first-gen Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max.You can access the new Weather Frog backfround option from the Home companion app.It had started rolling out to Lenovo smart displays in February this year. Google's Nest Hub devices received a major update in February this year with sunrise alarms, family sticky notes, and a bunch of other features. The update also introduced a new Weather Frog wallpaper, which, surprisingly, was limited to Lenovo smart displays initially. Nearly three months later, Google's Weather Frog has finally become widely available on the first-generation Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max (via 9to5Google).If you have a Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max, you can now enable the Weather Frog background using the Home companion app. You will have to head over to device settings > Photo Frame > Experimental to find it. Alternatively,...

The White House is using popular dating apps like Tinder and OkCupid in its social experiment to encourage more vaccinations.While much of the world slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government is trying to convince more people to get vaccinated through a new, yet fairly unusual, initiative between the White House and several different dating apps. Dating apps will now introduce profile badges to indicate whether or not someone has been vaccinated. But there are some doubts that the effort will actually work well in an effort to encourage vaccinations in the country.Each app will attempt to sweeten the pot by including special perks for vaccinated users, like free credits, boosts, or "Super Likes." Andy Slavitt, the Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said in a press briefing last week that it's a way "to reach young people where they are in the effort to get them vaccinated." "...meet people who have that universally att...

The Galaxy S10 has a great, big, beautiful screen with some fancy tricks inside — like that fancy ultrasonic fingerprint sensor — but those tricks make buying a screen protector all the more important and all the more difficult. See, that in-screen fingerprint sensor can't tolerate any air bubbles or gaps between the screen and the screen protector. Your best bets are plastic film protectors or the Whitestone Dome Glass. Here are the best Galaxy S10 screen protectors. Don't forget to check out the best Galaxy S10 cases as well.Has it allZAGG InvisibleShield VisionguardStaff PickZAGG offers everything with its InvisibleShield screen protector, including impact and scratch protection, a built-in blue light filter, and a smudge-resistant coating.$27 at Amazon $45 at Best BuyThe power of UVWhitestone Dome Glass for Galaxy S10Hands down, the Whitestone screen protector is one of the best around. It has an in-depth installation, but the result is nothing short of am...

There are a lot of great mobile games and services these days, and a lot of them might appeal to people who don't typically game on their phones. But playing on a touchscreen with cluttered or unresponsive touch controls can sour the experience, especially of more complex titles.However, I remember before the pandemic, walking to Starbucks and seeing a group of six teenagers sitting around a table playing Call of Duty Mobile. You wouldn't think a game as graphically complex as Call of Duty would work on mobile, let alone be popular, but these boys are a small percentage of the over 300 million players that reportedly downloaded the game as of October 2020. Whether you like it or not, mobile gaming is on the rise, and so are the accessories that make playing them that much easier, like Bluetooth controllers, phone clips, and devices like the Razer Kishi that turn your phone into a handheld gaming console.Why is mobile gaming so popular now?There are multiple reasons why mobile...

The "Always-on VPN" feature is expected to make its way to Chrome OS sometime in the coming weeks.What you need to knowGoogle will soon make it a lot easier to use a VPN on Chromebooks.An upcoming Chrome OS feature will allow users to stay connected to a VPN service all the time. You can try out the "Always-on VPN" feature right now if you are running the latest Dev or Canary channel build on your Chromebook. Using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your privacy on the internet. While nearly all the best VPN services work with Chromebooks, Chrome OS doesn't allow you to stay connected to a VPN all the time. Fortunately, it looks like Google will soon make it much easier to use a VPN on the best Chromebooks.The folks at Android Police have spotted a code in Gerrit that adds a new "Always-on VPN" feature to Chrome OS. While the feature could take a few weeks to hit the stable channel, you can enable it right now if your Chromebook is on the latest Chrome OS Dev or Can...

What sort of technology do you need right now? New earbuds? A smartphone? Maybe a whole new living room entertainment center? If you've been contimplating some big purchases recently, Memorial Day weekend is the time to shop. Best Buy is busting out all the deals for this Memorial Day weekend sale going on now through Monday, May 31. You're going to find a ton of savings on dozens of electronics. Look through the featured deals at the top that includes things like $300 off OLED TVs or $100 off Surface Laptop Go computers. Then check out the rest of the sales in just about every category Best Buy has to offer from video games to camera gear.One of the featured deals includes the Jabra Elite Active 75t true wireless earbuds on sale for $149.99. That's a very solid $30 discount on a pair of earbuds that have not gone on sale much recently outside of refurb deals. They are very good earbuds, too, and are built for gym-goers, runners, and more active people. The earbuds are IP57 rated f...

PlayStation introduced dozens of DualShock 4 colors over the years, and it will likely do the same with the PS5 DualSense. Right now, you can only purchase the DualSense in either white, Cosmic Red, or Midnight Black. We'll continually update this list as more color options become available. Keep an eye out for special console bundles as those sometimes have their own unique controller designs, but until then, here's every color DualSense controller you can buy today.From the cosmosCosmic RedStaff PickOne of the first colorful DualSense options, Cosmic Red, is vibrant and visually appealing. Sony says that it features a subtle blue hue to create a unique shade of red for the controller. It looks especially striking with the blue light bar lit up around the touchpad. Overall, it looks amazing.$70 at Best Buy $70 at TargetPretty plainWhiteThe standard white DualSense controller was released alongside the PS5 console in November 2020. There's nothing exciting...

If it ain't broke, don't six it.Sixit describes itself as "a cute narrative puzzle game," and I'm not too proud to admit that the adorable graphics are what made me choose to pick it up. Featuring adorable animal and plant-based characters in a lovely forest village, Sixit places you in the shoes of Pep, who might be a raccoon or something — you're never really sure.Pep's village is in terrible danger from a sentient storm that seeks to destroy everything in its path. Years ago, the storm was defeated by your village's guardian dragon, Mitera, but the battle greatly taxed her and she's been sleeping ever since. Now the storm has reared its ugly head once again and you, as Pep, must collect six legendary artifacts to try and wake her back up and save your village from certain doom. This is definitely one of the better free games you can play on Android right now and it's probably also one of the best new Android games of 2021 so far.The story is excellent in its own right,...

Enter below before June 6th for your chance to win a Tresorit Solo Annual Plan plus 25% off any renewal or upgrade costs. Details at the bottom of the page.It's no secret that the past year has been quite the crazy one, with more people turning a small corner of their home into an office. Gone are the days where everyone had to huddle in cubicles to get their work done, but creates new privacy concerns with employees using home Wi-Fi networks. That's where a service like Tresorit comes in, providing the end-to-end encryption of those important files, regardless of whether you're in the office or at home.With more people working from home, this opens the door for potential security issues as your home network is likely not as secure as the one at the office. Companies outfit their offices with ultra-fast internet, along with some sort of VPN to try and deter any hackers or malicious parties attempting to gain access.But with the move to the home office, you likely don't have the...

The Fitbit Ace 3 is the brand's latest activity and sleep tracker for kids. And while you might be holding out for the upcoming Minions-themed bands, there are plenty of other swappable bands you can get for the device beyond the standard blue/astro green and black/sport red band that it comes with. As the best fitness tracker for kids, the Fitbit Ace 3 certainly does everything you'd want an activity and sleep tracker to do, without any extra distractions. But with the best bands for Fitbit Ace 3, you can make sure it fits with your child's personal style, too.Like the originalTopPerfekt BandsStaff PickA pretty decent replica of the original band that the kids' tracker comes with, these soft silicone waterproof sport straps come in 10 different colors, so chances are you'll be able to find the child's favorite. Parents with wee ones who love to gnaw on things will also appreciate that they're made of 100% BPA-free food-grade TPE. Some kids might also find the silicone buck...

Everyone seems to have their own solution to the Google Photos storage changes.What you need to knowAndroid Central readers recently responded to a poll asking them what they planned to do when Google ends unlimited uploads to Google Photos next week.The responses were almost perfectly equally divided among the choices offered, but the most popular response was to switch services.Even though it was left off as a question, many respondents wrote in to tell us they're sticking with Google Photos regardless.Here in the U.S., we're eagerly anticipating a three-day weekend as we celebrate Memorial Day, but as we all head back to work next Tuesday, we've got a somewhat unpleasant deadline to look forward to. That is the day — June 1st — that all subsequent photos backed up to Google Photos will start counting against our Google account storage limits.Earlier this week, we asked our readers what they planned to do with their pictures moving forward, and we've included the ...

Fuchsia is ready to power Internet of Things appliances but seeing it on your phone is probably still a ways off.If you're enrolled in the preview program for your original Google Nest Hub you will soon get an update to the software that runs it. You won't realize that the current Cast OS software has been upgraded to Google's Fuchsia, but it is going to happen all the same. Google's own FuchsiaOS technical lead sheds any doubt after 9to5Google initially reported the switch.You don't ship a new operating system every day, but today is that day.— Petr Hosek (@petrh) May 25, 2021At first, this idea sounds like a letdown. The collective mind of the internet seemed sure that Fuchsia was the replacement for Android or part of a larger merging of Android and Chrome to power all things Google. This was an easy trap to fall into because it was a lot more interesting than Fuchsia being an RTOS for something mundane like the software that powers a car, or built for automation, or eve...

Xiaomi's upcoming foldable is rumored to be significantly more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.What you need to knowA new report suggests at least five new foldable phones will launch in Q3 2021.Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 at an Unpacked event in July. Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are also tipped to launch new foldable phones in the next quarter. Samsung will not be the only smartphone maker to launch new foldables in the third quarter of the year, according to a report from DigiTimes. Citing industry sources, the report claims Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo also plan to launch new foldables in the next quarter to challenge Samsung's best foldable phones.Xiaomi, which announced its first foldable phone in March, is reportedly planning to launch a more affordable device to challenge Samsung. Per the report, the company's next foldable phone will be priced lower than the Mi Mix Fold's launch price of 9,999 yuan ($1,570).OPPO and Vivo are al...

If you've ever wondered how to install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi, the answer is a bit more complicated than just following a few steps. Why? Let us explain in this guide.Kodi is the continuation of XBMC, a free and open-source application that is a great media player and a complete replacement for any other media-centric software. It's not a streaming server or DVR. It's the software you use to watch video content and listen to music through any screen with an HDMI connection.Because it's open-source, Kodi runs on just about every platform known to man — Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and a gazillion different flavors of BSD and Linux.Several operating system platforms also work really well on the Raspberry Pi. A marriage of the two makes for a cheap media center that's easy to set up and has all the features you'll find on expensive alternatives. It's a DIY project that anyone can do, and the results are incredible.Before getting startedAs with any DIY project, you'll need...

Don't go chasing waterfalls...unless you're really bored of the beats and tracks you're used to.Beat Saber music packs are a rather eclectic mix of music types. While the original soundtracks (OST) and some of the DLC packs tend to sport a heavy electronic sound with intense tempos, much of the rest of the DLC packs change things up in substantial ways. In the case of the new Interscope Mixtape DLC — the first mixtape style pack, as Beat Games pointed out — features as wide a variety of music styles as there are music packs available for the game.While all of these new tracks have very different sounds, tempos, and beats, all of them have one thing in common: they're all from Interscope Records. Hence, the name of the DLC itself. You might have grown up with some of these songs hitting the top 40 charts on the radio, while others made their debut in the past handful of years. As is always the case with any Beat Saber song, you'll want to make sure you've got the best Beat Sab...

The Reno 6 Pro+ is OPPO's first Snapdragon 870-powered phone.What you need to knowOPPO has introduced three new additions to its Reno smartphone series.All three new Reno 6 series phones offer 5G connectivity and support 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 charging. The Reno 6 series is expected to make its global debut in July. OPPO has refreshed its Reno series with the launch of three new Reno 6 phones. The Reno 6 Pro+ is the company's answer to the OnePlus 9R and POCO F3, which are two of the best Android phones in the value flagship segment right now.The phone sports a 6.55-inch curved AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 processor, which has been coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.Around the back of the Reno 6 Pro+ is a quad-camera array with the same 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor as the Find X3 Pro. It is joined by a 16MP ultra-wide lens, a 13MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom,...

The Nord CE is debuting on June 10, and it will be powered by the Snapdragon 750G.OnePlus was scheduled to launch a device in the Nord series shortly after the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, and earlier this week, the company confirmed that the device will be called the Nord CE 5G. It will make its global debut in India on June 10, and while OnePlus didn't reveal any hardware details, I can fill in a few blanks.OnePlus Nord CE specsAccording to my insider sources, the OnePlus Nord CE will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 750G. We've already seen several devices powered by the mid-range chipset — notably the Galaxy A52 5G and Xiaomi Mi 10i — and the Nord CE 5G will join that list.I can also reveal that the Nord CE 5G will feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED panel with a 90Hz refresh rate — just like the first-gen Nord. With the Nord N10 and N100 switching to LCD panels, it's good to see the CE retaining an AMOLED screen.The device will offer a 64MP lens at the back that's joined by tw...

A free VPN, or virtual private network, is a wonderful thing — as many things that are free tend to be. But, as is also often the case, you get what you pay for and a paid VPN is often better. That said, it all depends on what you need. So which is the best VPN for you, free or paid?The price difference between these two options is clearly big, going from totally free to the average monthly price of a VPN which is about $10. But subscribe for longer and you save money that way.The downside of going for a free option — and one of the main differences between the two — is the amount of data you can use. A free service will have a limit on your data usage in most cases, be it daily or monthly. Once you've gone over that data limit you will no longer be able to use the VPN. There is one unlimited service, but there are other limits, more on that below.So a free VPN is a great option for those that want it for limited use — perhaps to check a map or certain website while abroa...

AT&T thought it would be easier to list the phones that will work after the 3G shutdown. It was wrong.What you need to knowAT&T has published a list of smartphones that will continue to work after it shuts down its 3G network.The company also lets users easily check if their device will be affected.AT&T has scheduled its 3G shutdown for February 2022.Carriers are moving away from 3G and AT&T is among them. Many people are potentially worried about how the shutdown may affect their phones, so AT&T published an exhaustive list of devices that will still work when the network goes dark. This is just the first of seven pages of smartpones.As expected, the list includes many of the best Android phones sold today, all separated by manufacturer. The Apple list is pretty small; iPhone 6 and up will remain good to go. Somewhat surprisingly, the Microsoft Lumia 950 is on the list, which means fans of the now-dead Windows Phone can continue on if they so choose...

Twitter 'Blue' will set you back just $3 a month.Update, May 27 (8:00 p.m. ET): Twitter Blue to feature color themes and reading modeWhat you need to knowThe first details of Twitter subscription plans emerged this weekend.It'll be called Twitter Blue and set you back at least $3 a month.Features will include little tools like 'undo tweet' and bookmark collections.Twitter's subscription service has just been named. According to social media sleuth and security researcher Jane Manchun Wong, the service has been tentatively dubbed "Twitter Blue" and will cost $2.99 per month.With Twitter Blue, the company reportedly plans to offer a package of convenience features. The features aren't something you'll miss if you already have Twitter, but they'll also be incredibly nice to have.First, there's 'undo tweets.' Much like Gmail's 'undo send,' it allows you to undo a tweet and unsend it within a customizable window of time. You don't need to pay for this; Twitter's delete but...

Google Messages may not be on the same level as iMessage, but Google is slowly trying to change that.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly adding the ability to pin conversation in the app.For now, users can only pin three messages to the top of their list, but the number could change.Apple has a similar feature in iMessage, which lets users pin contacts to the top of their conversations list.Google has slowly been working towards making Google Messages a better option for texting, and the latest look into the app shows a useful feature that may arrive soon. Pinning conversations isn't a new concept since many of the best messaging apps can do it but may finally arrive on Google Messages.XDA Developers spotted the new feature in the latest update to the app and even managed to get it to work. At the moment, the app seems to only allow up to three conversations to be pinned, but it's possible that number could change. In the screenshots below, you can see the pin optio...

What you need to knowBoost Mobile customers will be able to sign up for exclusive DraftKings contests where it is legal to do so.Boost is offering new customers a free $50 Sportsbook bet to new users placing their first bets.This integration starts with an NBA Finals contest on June 11 and end at the start of the Finals.Boost Mobile announced a partnership with DraftKings to bring exclusive contests to Boost Mobile customers. Boost Mobile's owner DISH partnered with DraftKings in early March 2021 to bring betting to its Hopper TV platform. Boost Mobile customers will be able to sign up for exclusive contests starting with a $100,000 NBA Finals contest with users guessing the total number of points scored throughout the series. This contest starts on June 11 and ends at the start of the Finals on July 8.Speaking to CNET executive vice president of Boost Mobile, Stephen Stokols said: "We try to go where the big carriers are too conservative to go. I don't think you'll see...

Taking everything we loved from Horizon Zero Dawn and somehow making it better.What you need to knowA new State of Play debuted gameplay footage from Horizon Forbidden West running on PS5.In the gameplay, we saw Aloy save her friend Erend from a band of rival raiders, showcasing new weapons and traversal options.Horizon Forbidden West is expected to launch on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.Just a couple of weeks before E3, Sony's latest State of Play showcased Horizon Forbidden West gameplay on PS5. If you thought Horizon Zero Dawn looked good, you're about to be blown away by what Forbidden West has in-store. Developer Guerrilla Games has been teasing the game all day and revealed some new machines and locations fans can look forward to.The trailer showcased a band of raiders and several machines that gave chase to Aloy. Eventually she made she way underwater and swam to a seemingly safe area before a gigantic mechanical beast resembling a mammoth, called a Tremortusk, ...

There are a lot of cheap tablets out there, but only a few are worthy of being called the best cheap Android tablets. The Android tablet market, on the whole, is a bit of a mess once you look outside of Amazon or Samsung, but there are some solid and viable options if you want to spend less than $300. We've rounded up some of our favorites, and while they vary in features and uses, all of the best cheap Android tablets are worthy of claiming the title of being your next couch tablet.Best cheap Android tablet overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7It's no surprise that Samsung offers the best cheap Android tablet, as the company provides options for every corner of the Android market. Even with newer tablets like the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, the Galaxy Tab A7 is no slouch and includes many features you will want.Starting off with the design, this is a slim aluminum slab with glass on the front, which makes for quite a gorgeous form factor. With the Galaxy Tab A7, Samsung made the decisio...

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds have something to prove.What you need to knowMore details about the upcoming Sony WF-1000XM4 have emerged.The earbuds will reportedly feature up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on, 36 hours without ANC.LDAC, Hi-Res Audio, and Precise Voice Pickup will be supported.The Sony WF-1000XM4 are rumored to retail in Europe "soon" for €280.The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are expected to launch soon, and more details of the successor to one to the best wireless earbuds have just been revealed.According to WinFuture, the upcoming Sony earbuds will feature a whopping 24 hours of total battery life with ANC turned on. That's eight hours per charge from the case, extending to 12 with ANC turned off and a total of 36 hours.Those numbers are quite a bit higher than the Sony WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds, which feature fantastic battery life but only manages up to a total of 24 hours. It's also notably higher than the five and eight respective hours provide...

The Luna library continues to grow.What you need to knowLuna+ adds three new titles to its subscription service: Yakuza 0, The Falconeer, and Killer Queen Black.Amazon Luna is currently in beta, and you must request an invitation to check out the service.Luna+ costs $5.99 a month.The fledgling cloud-based gaming platform, Amazon Luna, just added a trio of games to its growing library. Yakuza 0, The Falconeer, and Killer Queen Black will join the service this June.All three games are worth getting excited about: Yakuza 0 is the origin of the Yakuza series and a mature action-adventure that has players navigate the glitz and grime of crime in Japan during the 80s as Kiryu Kazuma and Goro Majima. The Falconeer is an open-world air combat game where you pilot a giant bird in high-stakes fantasy battles, and Killer Queen Black is an online multiplayer version of the popular team-based arcade game.This announcement comes hot on the tail of today's Sonic Central presentation, ...

Whether you're leery of Google's data collection practices, fed up with Nest Wifi's lack of advanced functionality, or simply browsing the market for something better, we've rounded up some of the best alternatives to Nest Wifi. Check them out below — there should be something for everyone!Best overallEero 6 3-packStaff PickEero 6 is a replacement for the standard Eero taking wireless speeds up to AX1800 with a supported Wi-Fi 6 device. This also means the link between Eeros is stronger which, according to Eero, makes an Eero 6 mesh suitable for internet connections up to 500Mbps. Eero also has one of the best setup and management apps around with frequent security updates and amazing compatibility with older nodes.$280 at Dell$279 at Amazon$279 at Best BuyPremium and powerfulNetgear Orbi RBK752Netgear has been in the home networking game for a long time, and it shows. With Wi-Fi 6 support and a fast AX4200 tri-band connection, this system should be ab...

Whether you have had your Google Pixel 3 XL for years or just managed to pick one up today, you should really grab yourself one of the best Pixel 3 XL cases (or three) to keep your phone safe when you're out in the big, cruel world — or when you're bumbling around your apartment at 2 a.m. like a half-blind, half-asleep idiot. Whatever the scenario, protect your phone and show off your style with one of the best Pixel 3 XL cases that are offer style and durability.Ruggedly handsomeSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff Pick$12 at AmazonSpigen's Rugged Armor has been one of our go-to cases for years: it feels great in hand and protects your phone as well as many dual-layer cases would.The X factorRingke Fusion-X$12 at AmazonFrom $12 at WalmartThis big brother of the Fusion features a beefier bumper and reinforced corners for extra protection, and the translucent red version is so lovely.Armored protectionSUPCASE Full-Body Rugged Holster Case Unicorn Beetle Pro Series...

The OnePlus Nord N100 was overshadowed by its 5G-touting counterpart, but that could change this time around.What you need to knowOnePlus has teased the launch of its next budget 5G smartphone.The OnePlus Nord N200 will feature 5G connectivity, something that was missing on its predecessor.OnePlus says to "stay tuned" for more information on the launch date.OnePlus teased the launch of the latest Nord N smartphone for the U.S. The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is expected to be the company's most affordable 5G smartphone, following after the budget OnePlus Nord N100.OnePlus CEO Pete Lau did not divulge any details about the device, only that the company "is committed to making the 5G experience more accessible than ever." The current OnePlus Nord N100 sits under the OnePlus Nord N10 5G and is currently the company's cheapest model, although it does not feature 5G connectivity. Assuming OnePlus doesn't jack up the price much, its successor could become one of the best Android phone...

The Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 ship with one disposable AA battery each, but once those run out of juice, you should invest in the best Oculus Quest 2 replacement batteries to fill in for them. While the Touch Controllers last longer than the headset's limited battery, they still use enough energy that you'll need to invest in some rechargeable batteries or a stack of disposable batteries to stop your VR sessions from getting disrupted. Here are the batteries and chargers we recommend for your Oculus Touch controllers.Best rechargable batteries + chargerPanasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA 3 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA eneloop Rechargeable BatteriesStaff PickThese rechargeable batteries store up to 2,000 mAh of power and can be recharged up to 2,100 times. They can be charged completely from dead or partially charged without damaging the energy storage memory. We recommend buying them with the quick charger accessory, which will get your AAs recharged in no time, but you...

A new way to keep track of your Digital WellbeingWhat you need to knowOneLab Studio has launched a new wallpaper app named WellPaper.These live wallpapers change throughout the day, revealing how much you are using your phone.The app is free to download and works with any Android device.There is definitely no shortage of options for finding the best wallpaper apps on Android, but only a few of them are unique. Take SwirlWalls from Chris Lacy for example, as this allows you to set unique live wallpapers that move around as you interact with your device. But today, OnePlus is taking a different approach to wallpapers on your Android phone with the newly-released WellPaper.Digital Wellbeing has been a battle Samsung, Google, Apple, and others have been fighting, and now OnePlus is joining the fray. With Wellpaper (via XDA Developers), you are provided with three different wallpaper options to choose from: Composition, Radial, and Glow.Each of the colors in the wallpaper ...

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...

Protecting the Samsung Galaxy S9's curved display is no easy task — tempered glass offers the best protection, but a PET film can generally flex around the edges of curved displays better. There's also a price difference, so there's a lot to consider when you're buying. These are the best screen protectors for your Samsung Galaxy S9.Best overallWhitestone Galaxy S9 Screen Protector (Dome Glass)Staff PickWhitestone's UV-curing wet-install Dome Glass kit is the best on the market. It's expensive, but it'll protect your screen when it needs it most.$40 at AmazonEasy to installamFilm 3D Curved Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S9AmFilm simplifies the install by providing an "applicator case" so you can line up the perfect fit. This simpler tempered glass option also costs less.$10 at AmazonBest for casesSpigen NeoFlex (2-pack)Spigen is great for case-friendly screen protectors. They might not be tempered glass, but they're far easier on your wallet...

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE accidentally went live earlier this week.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Tab S7 Lite and A7 Lite are now official.The tablets bring the best of Samsung's big-screen experience to a cheaper price point.They'll be going on sale from June.Samsung today finally launched the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, a cheaper variant of the Galaxy Tab S7 that was well praised last year as one of the best Android tablets.The Tab S7 FE will come in four colors: Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Green, and Mystic Pink. Samsung will slap on a pair of AKG speakers with Dolby Atmos compatibility, and there'll be a 12.4-inch 2,560 x 1,600 TFT display that's S Pen compatible around the front.As expected, it'll be a 5G compatible device powered by the Snapdragon 750G processor. There's up to 6GB of RAM backing this, alongside 128GB of expandable storage to store your apps and games. With a 10,090mAh battery and support for 45W fast charging (charger sold separately), Samsung...

Make sense of your healthFitbit Sense$290 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSECG, EDA, skin temperature sensorsActive Zone Minutes featureAdvanced heart rate technology6-day battery lifeConsLTE connectivity is not an optionPrevious Fitbit bands aren't usableWhen you're looking for a smartwatch that will help you stay on top of your health, you can't do much better than the Fitbit Sense. You'll have advanced heart rate technology, a handful of important sensors, stellar battery life, and a free Fitbit Premium trial.Stay connected at all timesSamsung Galaxy Watch 3From $330 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSOptional LTE connectivityMilitary-grade durabilityTwo size optionsNew health/fitness featuresConsMore expensiveBattery life could be betterThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a nice improvement from its predecessor. Users will have onboard GPS, optional LTE connectivity, seamless smartphone notifications, mobile payments, and some new health/fitness fe...

One of the most important features of your smartphone is its storage. It's how you download your favorite apps, save all of your special photos, download music playlists for long road trips — you name it. The longer you hold onto your phone, the more likely it is you'll start to run out of space at some point down the road. Should you find yourself in this situation, here are a few tips on how to free up storage space on your Android phone.Products used in this guidePure Android: Google Pixel 4aAdd more space: Samsung EVO Select 128GB microSD CardWe're using a Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 10 for this guide. Some screenshots may not look 100% the same depending on what phone you have, but the core idea of everything should be the same.Check how much storage left on your phoneFirst thing's first, we should take a look at how much space is left on your phone. It's a good idea to go through and clean stuff up every now and then regardless of how much space you have, b...

Verizon one-ups T-Mobile with its Google Play Pass offer.What you need to knowVerizon is offering Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade to its subscribers.Depending on the plan, users could get up to a full year of access for free.The offer requires a new line activation to qualify.Verizon has announced a new offer for its customers, giving them free access to Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade for up to a year when you subscribe to one of its Unlimited plans. The offer is available for both new and existing customers on some of the best Verizon plans that offer unlimited data and 5G access.Google Play Pass free with Verizon Unlimited plansVerizon is now including up to 12 months of Google Play Pass for free with its Unlimited plans, and best of all, the deal is available for both new and existing customers. You'll also score access to other streaming services like Disney+ and Discovery+ for free as a member.Shop at VerizonWith Verizon's latest offer, if you're on Ve...

Google Chrome has a fairly robust password manager. It can help generate passwords, store them safely, sync them across multiple devices, and even help you change your bad passwords. But there are a lot of reasons why you might want to consider switching to a dedicated password manager. As a rule, they're more secure, work across multiple browsers and devices, and still largely do everything Chrome does. Basically, all password managers let you import passwords from Chrome. All you have to do is import the CSV generated by Chrome into your new password manager. Here's how to do that.How to export your passwords from Google ChromeOpen Google Chrome.Click your profile photo in the upper right corner of the browser.Click the Key icon under your name and email address.Click the three dots to the far right of Saved Passwords. Click Export passwords.There will be a warning box here and one that's worth repeating. When you export your passwords, you will be exporting them to a ...

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...

The Galaxy S21 series phones are the first to get the June 2021 security patch.What you need to knowThe June 2021 Android security patch has started rolling out to Samsung's Galaxy S21 series phones.The rollout is currently limited to South Korea. Samsung is expected to release the June security update for more Galaxy phones over the coming days. Samsung's Galaxy S21 series have started receiving a new software update that brings the June 2021 Android security patch. According to SammyFans, the June 2021 security update arrives as version G991NKSU3AUE8, G996NKSU3AUE8, and G998NKSU3AUE8 for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra, respectively.The new security update appears to be limited to users in South Korea right now, but it will expand to more markets over the coming days. Since we're still in May, Google hasn't yet detailed the changes included with the June 2021 security patch. More details are expected to arrive in the first week of June, which is when G...

This may be the best $300 Chromebook deal I've ever seen.As AC's Chromebook queen, I check Chromebook prices the way most of you check sports scores or the weather forecast, looking to see if the best Chromebooks have gotten some overnight discounts or lightning deals that could help you get a better laptop for less. Today, Acer announced its first Thunderbolt 4 Chromebooks, including a new version of last year's wildly popular Acer Chromebook Spin 713. With the new model is launching at $700, last year's $530 and $630 models are starting to see sweet sales. I expected to see them down to $450-$500, but I was not prepared to see $329 staring me in the face on Best Buy's website.If you value your eyes or your wallet, go grab this immediately before it sells out.Premium screen, budget priceAcer Chromebook Spin 713$329 at Best BuyThis is worth it for the 2K touchscreen alone.Balancing excellent performance and futureproofed fundamentals, Acer produces the most well-round...

Bring the classic arcade action you remember to your phone with these great fighting games!Fighting games have fallen to the wayside on the latest consoles (and the less said about the state of arcades the better) but for a long while, fighting games reigned supreme in the video game world. They were often the battleground where gamers showed off their skills in arcade tournaments or huddled around a TV with your best pals. Fortunately, the genre is still well-represented on mobile devices, with a great mix of ports and original titles to satisfy fans of fisticuffs.Here's hoping we see more ports of classic fighting titles but until then, enjoy these great fighters. And when you're done here, be sure to head over to the best Android games list to check out some other great games!The gamesShadow Fight 3King of Fighters '97Mortal KombatReal Boxing 2Injustice 2Fighting Tiger - LiberalSkullgirlsStreet Fighter IVPrizefightersReal Steel World Robot BoxingBrawlhallaFin...

Over the last few years, we've seen a resurgence in home speakers thanks to the rise of Alexa and Google Assistant. The idea of having a "smart speaker" is a lot more appealing to folks than a traditional, dumb speaker, and this has created a significant shift in the home audio market. Sonos has been creating killer speakers since 2002, and lately, has adapted to the changing industry. The company's product line is now better than ever, with its top overall offering being the tried-and-true Sonos One. Here's why the One is so darn good, along with the company's other top gadgets.Best overall: Sonos OneWith an impressive portfolio, one of the best Sonos speakers that stands out for most people is the Sonos One. This is the Gen 2 model that was quietly released in March 2019, and while it's mostly the same as the Gen 1 version, it benefits from an upgraded processor and better Wi-Fi performance.In any case, the Sonos One is our favorite Sonos speaker for a lot of reasons. It's ...

If you're thinking of leaving AT&T's prices behind but still like its coverage, then check out these alternative carriers.We've compiled the complete AT&T Wireless MVNO list so that you don't have to go searching all around the web for a great wireless deal. A mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) is an "alternative carrier" that leases network coverage from one of the large carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon). Much of the time, these carriers can offer cheaper service by targeting smaller markets or removing features that many people won't need.Thanks to the size and quality of AT&T's 3G, LTE, and 5G network and support for most unlocked phones, AT&T is an easy choice for an MVNO. Still, many of the best MVNOs use one of the other networks, or even multiple networks, and may be a better fit for you.You need to make sure that your phone has the following GSM bands to work with an AT&T-based MVNO. Alternatively, you can check your IMEI on the website of m...

The best premium Chromebook just got better, and you can buy it today!What you need to knowFour new Chromebooks debuted at Next @ Acer, with one going on sale today.The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 uses last year's great design and adds in Thunderbolt 4 and Intel Evo platform certification for $700.Acer's first 17.3-inch Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 317, arrives next month for $380.Updated models for the Acer Chromebook 314 and Acer Chromebook 514 arrive later this summer.Summer is approaching, and with it comes a new crop of capable Chromebooks, including a refresh of the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, one of the best Chromebooks on the market today. The new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 — model number CP713-3W — is mostly the same as last year's CP713-2W, except for two very important upgrades: it's powered by the 11th Gen Intel Core series of processors, and the USB-C ports have been upgraded to Thunderbolt 4. I'm not totally thrilled that they're on the same side, Macbook-sty...

Best answer: No, the Oculus Quest 2 does not need a PC to operate. However, hooking it up to a PC will open an entire library of PC-only content.The standalone wonderThe Oculus Quest 2 was designed to be played on its own, anywhere, and at any time. There's no need to make a Quest 2 PC connection thanks to a powerful custom mobile processing chipset inside the Quest 2. That processor can recreate virtual worlds in a way that feels real to the person wearing the headset. The four cameras on the outside of the Quest 2 headset can see the world around and map it in 3D space, keeping track of your movements in VR and translating them to the virtual world in a way that makes sense. That means you won't need to hook up additional cameras or light boxes the way other VR systems required.Likewise, the cameras track those Oculus Touch controllers via a bevy of LEDs placed in the ring of the controller, enabling fast and accurate movements that make it feel like you're moving the virtual...

Google One is a great all-in-one solution to store your Google Photos, Docs, and other important pieces of online information. It is easy to access and use, priced competitively among the online storage options and can be accessed from just about any connected device, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. And while it's great that Google gives you more free storage than some other companies (15GB for all users), it's also pretty easy to fill up your quota, especially if you've got years of emails, documents, photos, videos, and music or movies in there. Google does offer affordable upgrade tiers, but the first thing you should do before you upgrade is to make the most of the space you already have. Here's how to manage and free up your Google One storage to accomplish just that.How to manage and free up your Google One storageOn an Android deviceOpen the Google One app.Tap on Storage at the top of the screen.Scroll down and tap on Free up account storage.Sc...

The refreshed One SL doesn't offer new features or functionality.What you need to knowSonos has introduced a "refreshed" version of its One SL speaker.The new model is said to be more power efficient and is also recyclable. It is now available to purchase from Sonos as well as third-party retailers. Sonos has quietly introduced a refreshed version of its One SL speaker. The new model comes with a "more efficient" wireless radio and a more sustainable product packaging.Sonos has also made a few tweaks to the design of the speaker's base to get rid of excess plastic and stickering. Although the minor refresh doesn't bring any new features to the "dumb" speaker, Sonos says the updated model is compatible only with its newer Sonos S2 app. The launch of the refreshed One SL was first reported by The Verge.In a statement sent to Android Central, Sonos said: We continually seek opportunities to make our products more efficient and sustainable. In this case, we've made upda...

Whether you own the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or any of the previous models, you want to keep track of your S Pen. This seems easy enough, but it's not uncommon for small accessories like this to get misplaced. If that time has come, try not to worry too much. You'll have some different options on how to replace your Samsung Galaxy Note S Pen.While some of the best Samsung Galaxy Note 20 cases ensure you still have easy access to your S Pen, this doesn't mean it won't get damaged or lost. Fortunately, all hope is not lost when it comes to finding a replacement.How to replace your Samsung Galaxy Note S PenFirst, retrace your steps and take one last look around to see if you can locate your S Pen.Remember that you'll receive a notification if your S Pen is too far from the Bluetooth connection.After receiving this notification, be sure to put your Samsung Galaxy Note S Pen in its place when you're done using it.If all hope is lost and it's time to replace your Samsung Galaxy Not...

Phones aren't the only pieces of tech that benefit from protective covers. Though the PS5 DualSense controller doesn't necessarily need a skin, there are plenty of reasons to get one. Maybe you want to get a better grip on your controller, or maybe you don't want that pristine white case getting all dirty. Maybe you just want a different color. Whatever the reason, you can pick up a fairly cheap controller skin for your DualSense. While they're all pretty similar, here are some of the best PS5 controller skins to fit your style and budget.Pleny of colorseXtremeRate PlayVital Guardian Edition Case for PS5 DualSenseStaff PickeXtremeRate's Guardian DualSense case is ergonomic and comfortable, featuring high-grade silicone and provides protection against bumps and scratches. There are over 10 different colors to choose from, and it comes with a set of thumb grips.$16 at AmazonJust the gripseXtremeRate PlayVital Red Anti-Skid PS5 DualSenseWant to have a better gr...