Latest from Android Central

Those controllers can get disgusting, but they aren't too hard to clean.There's almost no way to avoid it, your PS5 DualSense controller is going to get dirty. It doesn't matter how often you wash your hands; it will get dirty (much less dirty than if you don't, which— gross, but still). The DualSense is white, and the back is textured in a way that just leaves it attracting grime and other grossness. And when it comes to cleaning it, some methods are definitely more effective than others.Cleaning the PS5 DualSense gripsWhile you can use a number of different cleaning solutions to wipe away the grime on your controller, from water to rubbing alcohol, I've found Goo Gone does a fantastic job. It's what we would use to clean used controllers when I worked at GameStop several years ago, and it works magic on all kinds of stains — even permanent marker!Dip a microfiber cloth in some Goo Gone and get to work and rubbing the grips of your DualSense. Rubbing in small circles h...

Nothing has raised $22 million to date and will launch its first products in the coming months.What you need to knowCarl Pei's London-based startup Nothing has raised $15 million in series A funding, with the round led by Alphabet's GV.Nothing says it will use the funds to scale operations and invest in R&D.Nothing's first product will include wireless headphones that will debut in the summer, with other smart products launching later in the year. Carl Pei left OnePlus back in October to start his own venture. We got more information on what he's planning a few weeks ago when he announced the name for the startup: it's called Nothing. Today, the startup announced that it is raising $15 million in series A funding, with the round led by GV, Alphabet's venture capital wing.Nothing says that it will use the funds to "expand its team and operations, further invest in R&D, as well as launch its community and first products in the coming months." According to Bloomberg,...

The feature has been in testing since December.What you need to knowTwitter Spaces is now available to some users in India.The experiment allows Twitter users to create audio chat rooms, much like Clubhouse.The company says it's expanding its test to gain more feedback.Twitter Spaces is now going live for some users in India. It's an expansion of a limited experiment that Twitter has been conducting since December.Spaces aims to create a 'conversational space' that 'focuses on the intimacy of the human voice.' At least, that's what the marketing materials say. In practice, it's simply an extension to the main Twitter app that allows for group audio conferencing, with some added curation by the space's host, so people aren't talking over one another. Think live podcasts, but inside Twitter.If that reminds you of another app that's been in the news recently, you wouldn't be wrong. The feature is likely heavily inspired by Clubhouse, the audio chat app that's become the so...

Stadia isn't dead yet, but Google's recent history suggests Stadia users should prepare for the worst.Google has a well-deserved reputation for killing any product or brand that hasn't become the leader in its field, mashing the leftover bits into a Frankenstein's monster with other projects, and rebranding the results with a snazzy new name. Google News and Google Reader combined into Google News, Inbox's best features were smushed into Gmail, Google Play Music became YouTube Music, and so on. Case in point, Google killed or renamed nine services in 2020.Android Central's own Jerry Hildenbrand convincingly explained why Google kills so many of its projects. It's usually to give new life to underperforming software or apps while adding some innovative new features along the way. To paraphrase Luke Skywalker, none of them are ever really gone. They're just reborn, hopefully to a wider audience.I can't argue with Google's approach to software. In terms of some of its recent produ...

Ready for a new messaging app? You've come to the right place.Messaging apps are a dime-a-dozen these days, but when it comes to the big leagues, three options stand out above the rest. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have all seen varying levels of success over the years. Following the news of WhatsApp's impending policy changes, a lot of users are wondering if they should jump ship to something else.WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are all seen as some of the best Android messaging apps currently available, but depending on where your needs lie, one is likely a better fit over the rest. Today, we're going to help you sift through everything and make the best decision possible.Whether you're an existing WhatsApp user looking for a new home or are just getting started in the world of third-party messaging services, here's everything you need to know about Telegram vs. Signal vs. WhatsApp.Jump to:AvailabilityEncryptionPrivacyInterfaceCustomizationFeaturesGroup messagin...

More speed and capacity than LTE with room to grow.Carriers like to cover their ads with phrases that you may have never heard unless you've been following 5G coverage closely. 5G technology uses wireless resources in a more sophisticated and efficient way than LTE ever did. It also brings in many new technical phrases to describe its coverage and speed. We feel it's important for us to explain these various 5G phrases and terms so that you can better understand how it is going to work on every carrier, especially with even some of the best 5G plans treating types of 5G differently.5G NR5G New Radio is the name of the standard being used to build out 5G coverage. When it comes down to it, all 5G equipment needs to work together consistently for years to come. Anything you see today called 5G is going to be using this standard, except for one major outlier.5GEThe major outlier when it comes to 5G is 5GE, which isn't 5G NR. It actually isn't 5G at all. 5G Evolution is the nam...

Validated disks are aimed at enterprise RackStation models and not DiskStation enclosures.Synology makes the best NAS for Plex and home use, and while its enclosures are popular with consumers, it does a lot of business in the enterprise segment. The company recently made its entry into the NAS HDD market by introducing its own series of hard drives labeled under the HAT5300 series, which are available in 8TB, 12TB, and 16TB storage sizes.Synology says the drives are "high-performance enterprise hard drives specially engineered for Synology deployments," and while the drives are built by Toshiba, they feature custom firmware and are touted to deliver 23% better sustained sequential read performance versus other NAS-focused HDDs.Because Synology now has its own range of hard drives, it is mandating that these drives be the default option for its enterprise-focused NAS models going forward. The company launched three RackStation NAS enclosures alongside the HAT5300 series — the...

Android 12 is going to look much prettier.What you need to knowScreenshots of Android 12 have emerged, showing what could be our first look at the new system-wide theming.We also get a look at the updated look for widgets, which could be in response to Apple's neatly designed widget system.The first developer preview of Android 12 is expected to arrive as soon as this month.Android smartphones are still in the process of receiving the Android 11 update, but the tech world waits for no one, and Android 12 is already being prepared for its first developer preview soon. There have been tidbits of information here and there on what to expect for the update, and while Android in its current form seems pretty full-featured at this point, there's always something that can be improved or implemented. It seems we're getting our first look at some of these improvements thanks to screenshots recovered by XDA-Developers. The screenshots show a bright, cream-colored UI that cou...

Barcode Scanner amassed over 10 million downloads on the Play Store.What you need to knowA popular barcode scanning app was taken off the Play Store after it was found to contain malware.Barcode Scanner reportedly did not include the malware until a recent update on December 4th, 2020.The app was apparently available through Google Play Pass and had over 10 million installs.Google has gotten pretty good at spotting malware on its app store, which features a built-in security suite called Play Protect that can notify you of suspicious or unknown apps. Even on the Chrome Web Store, Google was able to take down a popular extension due to malware that was injected into the code following an update. Unfortunately, this sort of thing can happen more than we realize, and some apps can slip through the cracks, leading to the recent takedown of a popular Play Store app for this very reason.Barcode Scanner, which was developed by app publisher LavaBird LTD, was a simple Play Stor...

Working from home can be great, assuming you approach it the right way. Whether your job is 100% remote or your company is shifting to remote work temporarily, having a good office desk and other office equipment is essential to staying productive and having an enjoyable workday. If you're shopping for the best cheap home office desk there are lots of excellent choices that are not only affordable, but kind to your back and posture. Here are our top picks when it comes to office comfort!Our favoriteFURINNO Econ Multipurpose Home Office Computer Writing DeskStaff PickWe're happy to recommend any of the desks on this list, but if we were to pick one as the best overall, it'd have to be the FURINNO Econ Multipurpose Desk. We'll mention FURINNO a few times today, but the Econ desk stands out for a few reasons. It's offered in a ton of different finishes, there's a slide-out drawer for your keyboard, and the various platforms/surfaces give you ample ways to organize your gear....

A sous vide machine, also known as an immersion circulator, is a powerful kitchen tool that slowly cooks vacuum-sealed food in a temperature-controlled water bath. By circulating water, food is evenly cooked to a precise degree, flavor and moisture are locked in, and you'll end up with restaurant-quality food at home. This strange yet fascinating cooking technique is actually much easier than it sounds, though having the best smart sous vide machine at your side can make the long cooking process easier. The Joule Sous Vide is a small but mighty favorite and one of our best smart kitchen products for a reason. But there are a few other excellent smart sous vide machines worth considering.Best Overall: Joule Sous VideThe Joule Sous Vide has everything you're looking for in a smart sous vide machine. It's the smallest and most compact sous vide on this list and reliable, accurate, and incredibly powerful for its size. Boasting 1100 watts of power, it heats water quickly, quietly, ...

Users are reporting better support for 4K60 streaming.Update, Feb 8 (4:30 pm ET): Google releases the changelog for the Chromecast with Google TV UpdateWhat you need to knowGoogle has released the December 2020 patch for Google TV.Users on Reddit are reporting better support for 4K60, which was reportedly spotty.This comes days after Android TV was updated with a new UI to more closely resemble Google TV.Chromecast with Google TV owners are being treated to an update today, which includes the December patch after one of the best streaming devices skipped out on October and November updates. It comes in at just over 78MB and no changelog was provided, so there doesn't seem to be much more included than a security patch. Additionally, the remote is also being updated, which you can find by navigating to Settings and Remotes & Accessories.Interestingly, users on Reddit are reporting that since updating, they're now gaining support for 4K60 on their TV sets. Chromecast ...

EA is making a push into mobile gaming.What you need to knowEA has announced today that it's acquiring Glu Mobile, a major player in mobile gaming.The $2.1 billion deal will combine Glu Mobile's expertise with EA's franchises and brands.This is part of a significant push from EA to expand into the lucrative mobile gaming market.EA is one of the largest game developers and publishers, responsible for huge franchises and video games like Madden NFL 21, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, FIFA 21, and much more. EA has also been involved in mobile gaming for a long time now and seeks to expand its reach. Today, EA announced that it's acquiring Glu Mobile, a major player in mobile gaming responsible for several popular mobile games.The $2.1 billion deal will bring Glu Mobile's teams together with EA's existing mobile teams and help EA push further into the ever-expanding mobile gaming business with new titles. From EA's announcement: Bringing together the best-in-class mobile d...

YouTube Shorts is only broadly available in India.What you need to knowGoogle is testing out a new design in YouTube that includes a prominent 'Create' button.The company is aiming to drive more user attention to YouTube Shorts by smoothening out the video creation process.Shorts remains available in India only at this time.Google continues to build out its TikTok competitor, YouTube Shorts. The company has the short form video service as part of its main-line YouTube app, and it's currently aimed solely at the Indian market, though Google still has plans to expand to global markets.A new feature for Shorts, spotted by the folks over at Android Police, will now make it easier to leapfrog off playing a music video on you like on YouTube into creating a 'Short' inspired by that very music video. The company will now be including a new 'Create' button in the list of actions that appear under a YouTube video, sitting alongside the like, share, and download buttons. It only ...

Twitter is looking into various ways to increase its revenue stream.What you need to knowReports indicate Twitter is looking into various ways to make more revenue.Ideas in consideration include "tipping", charging for more features, making users pay for TweetDeck, and more.Twitter is not making the decision lightly and is putting a "high bar" on whatever it decides to do.Rumors of Twitter mulling a subscription model have been around for years, and even though it hasn't had the same level of user or revenue growth as its closest rival, Facebook, we have yet to see the company implement and such a model. Still, that doesn't mean Twitter has given up on trying to figure out ways to increase its revenue stream, and according to a report from Bloomberg, Twitter has several different ideas in consideration.A subscription-based model is the most obvious way to go, although there are several different kinds of implementations being considered. Twitter could charge members for e...

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...

If you have small ears, chances are you find it difficult to get a pair of headphones that fit well. There are virtually endless choices out there for audio gadgets in 2020, but finding ones that work properly in smaller-sized ears can still prove to be a pain in the butt. That's why we've done our homework and created a list of our favorite headphones and earbuds that are worth spending money on, even if your ears are smaller than the average Joe.Diamond-enhanced soundAnker Soundcore Liberty Air 2Staff PickSticking with true wireless buds, another great choice comes from Anker with the Soundcore Liberty Air 2. Soundcore's "diamond-enhanced sound" touts 15% better frequency bandwidth and double the bass for all-around better audio. Tie that together with Bluetooth 5.0, 28 hours of total battery life, and customizable EQ settings, and you get one heck of a package.$80 at Amazon $100 at Best Buy $80 at WalmartSurprise hitBack Bay Duet 50True wireless earbuds a...

"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 is being changed to Paramount Plus in early 2021.Along with the name change, Paramount Plus is expected to include all of the content found on CBS All Access as well as a bevy of new shows and movies for subscribers to enjoy. Current CBS All Access originals like Star Trek: Picard and The Good Fight will continue airing on Pa...

All you need to know about Hulu and Hulu with Live TVSince launching in October 2007, Hulu has established itself as one of the most versatile and affordable streaming services. Now owned by Disney, the platform has expanded to offer a variety of subscription plans and live channels, among other perks.Whether you're interested in trying Hulu or Hulu with Live TV or want to justify your current streaming commitments, we've got all the details. Here's everything you need to know about Hulu and Hulu with Live TV.Hulu and Hulu + Live TVStream on-demand and liveFrom $5/month at HuluAll the shows, movies, and sports you wantHulu and Hulu + Live TV give you access to the best movie and television content, both on-demand and live streaming. Pick a plan and add-on that works for your family.Hulu and Hulu + Live TVWhat is Hulu?How much does Hulu cost?Where is Hulu available?What devices support Hulu?What's streaming on Hulu?Hulu on-demandHulu + Live TVHulu + Liv...

Budget friendlyOculus Quest 2 64GB$299 at AmazonProsCheaperHas enough storage for most usersSupports all the same features and games as 256GB modelConsNot enough storage for hardcore gamersDeleting games deletes save dataNo microSD slot for expandable storageThe 64GB variant of the Oculus Quest 2 supports all the same features and games as the version with larger storage. It has enough space for many users but will fill up if you're a hardcore gamer. Its lack of a microSD slot makes storage limitations a more significant issue.Extra roomOculus Quest 2 256GB$399 at AmazonProsLots of room for gamesMore affordable than the competitionConsSignificantly more expensive No microSD slotThis version of the Oculus Quest 2 sports 256GB of storage, which would likely take close to 100 Quest 2 games to fill up. You'll have plenty of space for downloading personal files and videos to the headset as well, though it still doesn't have a microSD s...

Oculus sells a ton of accessories for its newest VR headset, but your first purchase should be one of the best Oculus Quest 2 cases, without question. A case will shield your lenses from sunlight damage and make sure all your VR accessories are kept in one place. Original Quest owners can try using their old cases, but the Quest 2 is about an inch smaller so there may be a bit too much wiggle room if you use it as a travel case. We've rounded up the Quest 2 storage and travel cases that we trust to keep your headsets properly protected from falls, lens scratches, or controller stick drift.Official Quest 2 CaseOculus Quest 2 Carrying CaseStaff PickUnlike many of the Quest 2 cases made by third parties that were originally Quest 1 cases, the official Quest 2 Carrying Case is specifically tailored to its new dimensions. It can squeeze inside the headset, controllers, charging cable, power adapter, and Elite Strap with Battery, keeping them static so nothing moves around. The...

We are all surrounded by online services, mobile apps, and our internet service providers, all of which can have deep access to our personal data. In a market landscape where personal data privacy can be hard to find, there are some options you can take to help keep your digital life a bit more private.You've probably heard what has now become something of an internet maxim about free services: you're not the customer, you're the product. It's been said so many times and so many ways since as early as the '70s, per Quote Investigator, and it applies just as much to the internet landscape today as it did to TV when it was first uttered.Many of us have free email services, free messaging apps, free office suites, and a half-dozen free social media accounts. And, in many cases, our data on those services can be used in ways we might not like. Some of it may be used to lump us into categories for targeted advertising. Some of it might end up in the hands of the next Cambridge Analytica...

There are plenty of wearables out there, but even some of the best Android smartwatches can be missing one of the most essential features you could ask for — a heart rate sensor. Luckily, we've put all of the Wear OS devices with a heart rate monitor in one place. Not only are heart rate sensors great for accurately tracking how hard you're going during a workout, but they're also helpful for keeping track of your ticker to make sure everything's working as it should. If you want a Wear OS watch with a heart rate sensor, these are the ones to get!Best of the bestTicWatch Pro 3Staff PickThe TicWatch Pro 3 takes much of the design and features from the previous generations of the TicWatch Pro line then improves on all of it. It's slimmer, with a new SpO2 sensor to improve heart rate tracking and a reworked the secondary display. It's also the first watch to run the powerful Snapdragon 4100, which is quite a big deal.$300 at Amazon$297 at Walmart $300 at B&HA...

What you need to knowFitbit is expanding its health-tracking features, including blood glucose monitoring.Fitbit Sense users outside the U.S. and Europe will now have access to the ECG app.SpO2 readings will soon be available for free on the Fitbit Charge 4.Fitbit has one of the most complete feature sets of any health wearable company, making its devices like the Fitbit Versa 2 among the best fitness trackers on the market. Fitbit's lineup of trackers and smartwatches included features like stress management, skin temperature, blood oxygen measurements, and plenty more. Today the company is expanding several of its features to users in new regions and adding a new helpful measuring tool to its health app.One of the more essential features coming to Fitbit's app is the ability to easily monitor and log your blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes. High or low blood glucose can lead to a number of different health complications such as hyperg...

Here's what we know so far about OnePlus' 2021 flagship.OnePlus had a lackluster 2020 in the flagship category, and it is looking to bounce back this year with the OnePlus 9 series. The OnePlus 9 series will continue the Chinese manufacturer's push as the maker of the best Android phones, and we're likely to see a slew of exciting additions that should make the phones stand out from their 2020 counterparts.We've had a few nuggets of information on the OnePlus 9; there will be three models in the series — OnePlus 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Lite — and they will debut at an earlier-than-usual release window in March 2021. Here's what you need to know about the OnePlus 9 release date, specs, pricing, and availability.Jump to:Announcement and release datePriceModelsDesignSpecsFAQOnePlus 9 Announcement and release dateOnePlus usually launches its flagships in May, but in 2020, the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro were unveiled on April 14. Here's when OnePlus released some of its earl...

Source: StackCommerceTo travel with a MacBook, your iPhone, and other devices, you would normally have to pack multiple chargers. But with the Mopoint 65W GaN PD Charger, you can power all your devices from one pocket-sized accessory. It even comes with adapter pins for worldwide sockets. Right now, it's 14% off MSRP at $42.99.Billed as the world's smallest 65W PD charger, the Mopoint is shorter than a credit card and just 1.2 inches thick. On one side, it has foldable pins for US wall sockets. On the other side, you can attach your devices to two USB PD outputs and a regular USB port.The Mopoint is capable of charging up to three devices with impressive speed. It also protects your devices from overheating and short-circuiting, and the outer shell always stays below 60°C.Rated at 4.6 stars on Amazon, this Kickstarter graduate also comes with adapters for EU, UK, and AU sockets. It's the perfect accessory for anyone who likes traveling light.It's normally priced at $49, but...

Samsung's kicking off 2021 with a bang.There are some things in the mobile tech space that are a given every single year, one of which is that we get a new Samsung Galaxy S release pretty early on. That's no different for 2021, but rather than waiting until March or April like it usually does, Samsung's launching its next big flagship right now.The Samsung Galaxy S21 brings a mix of expected and drastic changes compared to last year's S20 family, including things like spec upgrades, a refreshed design, and all-new camera tech. Whether you're in the market for a price-conscious flagship or something that goes all-out, the S21 series has something for you.No matter if you're looking for pricing information, details on where you can buy the Galaxy S21, or anything else in between, here's everything you need to know!Killer flagshipSamsung Galaxy S21From $800 at SamsungFrom $700 at AmazonFrom $700 at Best BuyMore phone, less moneyThe Galaxy S21 series has arrived, an...

Most of the best Samsung phones these days are equipped with a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, but to enjoy that high refresh rate, you've typically been limited to a 1080p maximum resolution. With the Galaxy S21 Ultra, one of the biggest improvements Samsung made to the display is running in both Quad HD+ and 120Hz at the same time. It makes an already incredible screen look even better, but you'll need to manually enable this combination in the settings.Products used in this guideUltra premium: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra ($1,200 at Amazon)How to enable Quad HD+ and 120HzOpen the Settings app.Tap Display.Tap Motion smoothness and ensure that Adaptive is selected.Tap the back button in the top left corner of the screen to return to the previous menu.Under Display, scroll down and tap Screen resolution.Ensure that WQHD+ (3200 x 1440) is enabled.That's it! With both Adaptive motion smoothness and WQHD+ screen resolution enabled, your S21 Ultra will run at its maximum d...

Ahead of the gameSamsung Galaxy Watch 3$349 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, ECG, NFCActivity/health trackingBuilt-in mic/speakerTwo size optionsMilitary-grade durabilityConsApp support still needs workIf you've been on the hunt for a fully connected smartwatch, you'll be more than happy with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. You'll have detailed health and fitness metrics, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, LTE connectivity, built-in GPS, NFC payments, and more.A good starting pointFossil Gen 5 LTE$349 at Verizon$349 at FossilProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/health trackingBuilt-in mic/speakerGoogle AssistantTwo color optionsConsOnly comes in one sizeNo ECG or SpO2 sensorThose who are familiar with Wear OS may prefer the Fossil Gen 5 LTE. It's similar to the original Gen 5 models, but now you have LTE connectivity. It comes in two colors and has plenty of ket features, including GPS, heart-rate monitoring, Google Assistant, and NFC payments.S...

Finding decent Android tablet deals isn't so tough anymore, though finding a deal on one of the best tablets can be a bit more difficult. Of course, there are always opportunities to save on tablets even when it's not one of the biggest shopping events of the year like Black Friday or Prime Day. We're gathering all the best Android tablet deals and listing them right here to make saving on your next tablet simple.Best Android tablet dealsGalaxy Tab S7: from $120 with trade-inGalaxy Tab S7 Plus: now $130 offAmazon Fire 7: down to $40Fire 7 Kids Edition: 40% offWith all the various Android tablets to choose from, you might be wondering which tablet is actually worth buying. We've created a few guides that can help you figure out which are the best of the best, from the best Android tablets to best Samsung tablets, and best Android tablets for students, though there are plenty more to consider as well. We're routinely updating the list below with the best tablet deals for a...

Whether you'll be spending Valentine's Day with your special someone or blissfully single, there's no denying that there's love in the air. In the dark and cold of February, we could all use a little warmth and sweetness in our lives, and we could some on our home screens, too! Put a little love in your heart and your Android with a beautiful new wallpaper. Whether you want to upgrade it from just a wallpaper to a full-blown home screen theme is up to you, but each of these walls can upgrade the love factor of your phone all on its own.Love Bytes BackBackdropsStaff pickEverybody deserves love, even that little pixelated T-Rex from the offline Chrome tab game. Backdrops has about a dozen love-related wallpapers, but really, what's more romantic than two 2D carnivores frolicking in the desert?Free at Google PlayFeel the fireworksA Whole New WorldMaybe it's just that it's been almost a year since I've seen proper fireworks, but is there anything more romantic than ta...

Available NowGoogle StadiaFree/$10 at StadiaProsAvailable to play right now for freePro subscription is optionalYouTube integration, friend lists, and direct messagingStream Connect, State Share, and Crowd Play/Choice featuresGoogle Assistant built-inGrowing library of AAA-quality titlesConsFuture is uncertain with internal studio closuresMust purchase most gamesLimited selection of 25-30 games included with subscriptionMore expensive hardwareStadia has been available for over a year and has steadily improved throughout that time. The controller's inclusion of Google Assistant was a nice touch and exclusive features give it a lot of potential. The library is large now at over 160 games with lots of AAA-quality titles in every genre, but the limited selection of Pro games for new subscribers pales in comparison to Luna's channels.Still in Early AccessAmazon Luna$6 at AmazonProsOver 100 games included with subscriptionLowest priced hardwa...

Even with the brightest overhead lights, wall cabinets can still block out some light and cast shadows on your work areas. And while indoor LED string lights might help brighten up a room on the whole, the best under-cabinet lighting is a superb way of sprucing up your space while illuminating those dark spots around the house. Whether you are going for large-scale renovation or minor remodeling, several under-cabinet lighting kits provide perfect crisp lighting or soft illumination, just as you'd like it.InfraRed SensorEShine 4 Panels 12 inch LED Dimmable Under Cabinet Lighting KitStaff PickMade of sturdy and high-quality materials, the Eshine 4 panel 12" under cabinet lighting delivers ultra-bright lighting with less power. It has an IR sensor that enables you to activate the lights with a simple hand wave. You can adjust the brightness by placing your hand under the sensor.$60 at Amazon$60 at WalmartUltra ThinPhonar 36 Inch 4000K Under Cabinet LightingWi...

Hopefully Google will continue to add new features to further improve the video experience in the app.What you need to knowThe video playback experience in Google Photos is finally getting a much-needed upgrade.The ability to zoom and pan in videos is starting to roll out to users.It could take a while before the two new features become widely available. Google Photos is currently the best photo backup solution available for Android users. It also offers a wide range of options for editing your photos. However, one area where the app doesn't impress is the video playback experience. Fortunately, a report from the folks over at Android Police suggests Google is finally rolling out new features that allow users to zoom and pin in videos.The new double-tap and pinch-to-zoom features appear to be rolling out as a server-side switch currently, so it will take a few weeks before they start showing up for everyone. You cannot enable the new features just by updating to the lates...

Another day, another set of daily deals from Best Buy. Today you can save a chunk of change on the WD Easystore 2TB portable hard drive. It is down to $59.99 until tomorrow. That's a huge discount for a drive that normally goes as high as $110 and can be found going for around $100 at other retailers like Amazon and Newegg. This is just $10 over the current price of the 1TB drive so you're doubling the storage for a small increase in price.The Easystore is just that... easy. It's a simple portable hard drive that you can use to store and transfer data, whether that'd be music, movies, photos, or video games. The 2TB of space is all there for you to use, and it's in a convenient device that won't let you down. Since its portable, you can take it with you as well, so it can be a great storage companion for your laptop.Connect via USB 3.0 for an easy-to-use interface that is super compatible with a wide range of devices. It's also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 just in case you n...

If you're reading this, chances are you're shopping for the best Android TVs the market currently has to offer. Lucky for you, you've come to the right place! We spent our time and effort researching the most popular Android TVs you can go out and buy, with the end result being these top six picks that stand out as the best of the best. Each Android TV on this list made the cut for one reason or another, so whether you have a large, medium, or small budget, there's an Android TV here with your name on it.What are the best Android TVs?Overall, the Hisense H8G Quantum Series stands out as the best Android TV you can buy in 2021. The television has an excellent 4K ULED display, HDR and Dolby Vision support, and a modern design with plenty of HDMI ports. Even better, you get all of this for an outstanding price.The Sony X800H is a fantastic alternative for the best Android TV. The crisp 4K picture is backed by Sony's X-Reality PRO technology for upscaling content, along with the comp...

The original Wonderboom was great for its time, and the Wonderboom 2 has been a favorite since it came out as well. Get the powerful portable Bluetooth speaker in its Deep Space color on sale for just $66.99 at Amazon. The Bermuda Blue version is down to $69.99, which is a decent sale price as well. The speaker can sell as high as $100, but it has been selling for around $80 since Black Friday. Today's drop is the second lowest price we have ever seen.We haven't seen a lot of sales on the Wonderboom 2 since it released around 2019's holiday shopping season and stayed at full price. It did drop as low as $50 during 2020's Black Friday, but it hasn't even come close to dropping that low since. Our review from Alex Smith gave it 4 stars out of 5 and a Recommended badge. He said the speaker "is not just a durable travel speaker but also a superb option for listening at home" and added "if you're looking for a booming Bluetooth speaker that takes up minimal space, can last all day long,...

There are plenty of Alexa-enabled devices out there today, and making your home smarter and more secure is easier than ever with Amazon Alexa smart locks. One of the most significant conveniences in a home can come from installing a smart lock so that you never have to fish a key out again, and you can manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, although our favorite is the August Smart Lock Pro, which is stylish, easy to install, and works with most smart homes.Best Overall: August Smart Lock ProThe Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don't need to replace your keys to use it. You can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple's HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi. That included bridge is key to thi...

Chatting with the AC forums.Looking back at 2020, there was a surprising comeback of small phones. While large handsets are still the norm for the vast majority of the market, releases like the Pixel 4a and iPhone 12 mini were breaths of fresh air.We've talked about our undying want and need for more small phones countless times here on AC, but when it comes to our readers and forum members, are they on the same page as us?A few of our fourm members got to talking about this very recently, saying: uw 02-05-2021 12:28 PM “ I have a S20 FE. Great phone. Love everything about it, except the size. I guess it's considered a normal size phone now days. On a whim, I bought a used smaller size Pixel 3 for cheap on eBay. Man, that's been refreshing to use. Love the small footprint and being able to do everything with one hand. I would love to use the Pixel 3 as my daily, but I need to battery size of m...

A "Special Edition" variant of the phone is also in the works.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced the global release of the Mi 11.The flagship phone comes with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, 50W wireless charging, and 108MP triple cameras.The Mi 11 will be going on sale in Europe later this month for a starting price of €749. The Xiaomi Mi 11, which made its debut in China late last year, has finally made its debut in Europe. Xiaomi's latest flagship phone for global markets packs a ton of cutting-edge features – making it a strong rival to the best Android phones on the market.The Mi 11 offers a 6.81-inch AMOLED display with the same QHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate as Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra. Under the hood is Qualcomm's 5nm Snapdragon 888 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.On the back of the phone is a triple-camera array featuring a 108MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 5MP telemacro lens. The Mi 11 also packs a 4,...

Best answer: To get as much speed as possible from your Wi-Fi 6 router, 160MHz is a must. For most homes, however, the speeds available at 80MHz are more than enough.Most don't need 160MHz and can't use itThe frequency ranges open to our Wi-Fi routers can be broken into several different channels typically 40MHz or 80MHz wide. Some newer routers, especially high-end Wi-Fi 6 routers, are using 160MHz channels at 5GHz to achieve truly impressive speeds. However, for many people and their wireless devices, these speeds aren't accessible. To get the most out of a router with 160MHz support, you need a device that supports it and while they exist, it's mostly limited to high-end desktop motherboards and premium notebooks.Wi-Fi 6 doesn't always mean you'll get 160MHz. Wi-Fi 6 capable phones like the Galaxy S20 series only use 80MHz resulting in a maximum connection speed of 1.2Gbps, for example. By no means is this slow and for most people, it's quite a bit faster than their internet...

Here's what we're hoping for.As impossible as it is to believe, it won't be too much longer before Google starts talking about Android 12. We're obviously many months out from the public release, but developer previews and public betas will be here before you know it.The launch of the latest Android update is one of the most exciting things we have to look forward to every single year, and following the high praise of Android 11, we're incredibly eager to learn what Google has in store for us in 2021. The only problem, however, is that details on Android 12 are incredibly scarce at the moment.With that being the case, we've rounded up a list of features we want to see in the latest build of Android. These aren't things that have been confirmed or denied by Google — but if we had a say in anything — this is what we'd make sure is in Android 12.Revamped widgetsWidgets have been a thing in Android since the very first version in 2008, and while we've seen subtle improve...

Even before regulatory agencies formally approved Google's purchase of Fitbit, Fitbit had decided that its users deserved on-wrist access to Google Assistant. With the Sense and Versa 3 smartwatches' releases, Fitbit faithful can now choose which smart voice assistant they want to take with them, whether that's Amazon's Alexa or Google Assistant. If you lean more towards the Google camp, we'll show you how easy it is to use the Google Assistant on your Fitbit watch.How to use Google Assistant on a Fitbit: First setupWhen you get to the setup screen asking you to choose a voice assistant, tap on Google Assistant to connect your Fitibit smartwatch with your Google account.Read the description and tap Activate Google Assistant.Tap the blue Activate button when the app asks for permission to use your voice to track workouts.Tap the blue Turn on button when the app asks to connect Google Assistant to calendars, reminders, and connected health services.Once your Assistant is r...

The Galaxy F62 will be the second phone to launch under Samsung's India-exclusive Galaxy F series.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy F62 will launch in India on February 15.The phone will feature the same Exynos 9825 chipset as the Galaxy Note 10 series.It will also pack a 7000mAh battery, similar to the Galaxy M51.Samsung introduced a confusing new series of phones called the Galaxy F series. The first Galaxy F series phone, the Galaxy F41, was just a rebadged variant of the Galaxy M31. Samsung has now announced that its second Galaxy F series phone will debut in India on February 15. Unlike the Galaxy F41, however, the upcoming Galaxy F62 will not be based on an existing Galaxy phone.The landing page for the Galaxy F62 on Flipkart reveals the upcoming phone will feature Samsung's Exynos 9825 chipset, which powers the company's Galaxy Note 10 series phones. In terms of design, the phone have a centered hole-punch cutout and a quad-camera module on the back.While the r...

The leak also corroborates previous rumors of a QHD+ 120Hz display and 12GB of RAM.What you need to knowAlleged images of a OnePlus 9 Pro prototype have leaked.The images reveal a quad-camera array with Hasselblad branding. The setup will include an ultra-wide lens and a telephoto lens with 3x zoom. Last month, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau revealed that the company would invest "huge resources" on providing a much-improved camera experience to users this year. Photos showing an alleged OnePlus 9 Pro prototype have now leaked courtesy of YouTuber Dave2D, showing a quad-camera setup with Hasselblad branding.In case you aren't aware, Hasselblad is a Swedish brand known for its medium format cameras and lenses. It partnered with Vertu for the $11,000 Signature Touch in 2014 and worked with Motorola on the $250 True Zoom Moto Z mod two years later.As per Dave2D, the OnePlus 9 Pro's quad-camera array will include a regular lens, a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a...

With a massive battery and reliable hardware, the POCO M3 is one of the best budget phones of 2021.POCO burst onto the scene back in 2018 with the POCO F1, but the brand failed to build on the momentum of that device. It was effectively dormant for 18 months until the POCO X2 made its debut last February, which is when POCO was spun out as its own sub-brand, à la Redmi.Like its Redmi counterpart, POCO saw the most amount of success in the budget segment. The POCO M2 turned out to be the best-selling phone in India in the online segment in November, racking up over a million units. POCO is now the third-biggest brand in India in terms of online sales, and with the sub-$200 category contributing to over 80% of all phone sales in India in 2020, there is a lot of potential for POCO to grow.It is looking to do just that with the POCO M3; the phone was unveiled back in November and is now making its way to India. There's no shortage of budget phones in India, and with the M3, POCO i...

The biggest NFL game of the year, Super Bowl 2021, has just taken place in Tampa, Florida. This year the Kansas City Chiefs took on on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether you are attending a party, planning to stay home, or will be traveling (safely), one thing you may be wondering is how to watch the Super Bowl 2021 live stream. Well, there are a lot of different ways, and a lot to know about the ways to stream the Super Bowl live online.Whether you care about football or not, there is a whole lot to enjoy about the Super Bowl. From the epic Super Bowl half-time performances to the amazing commercials that will debut, you are going to want to find a way to stream it live. Luckily, it doesn't matter very much where in the world you are located, it's pretty easy to find a way to tune in and watch the Super Bowl online for free.Use a VPN to watch Super Bowl 2021A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can be used for a number of things these days. Sure, one of the key advantages to using...

When it comes to looking for an alternative laptop to Windows or macOS, then you're going to want one of the best Linux laptops. There may not be as many options running the Linux operating system as the competition as most of the big-name computer manufacturers aren't making Linux laptops, so it's helpful to know exactly what smaller companies have available. Thankfully, there are some great options from smaller players who have great reputations when it comes to standing behind their products. But there are also a few that come from those bigger companies, who also make some of the best laptops and best Chromebooks.Pure PowerLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8Staff PickLenovo is targeting the enterprise power user who wants Linux with this powerhouse. The Windows version is already one of the best laptops overall, so why not get the best but with Linux? With a 10th-gen Intel Core i5, up to 16GB of RAM, up to a 1TB SSD, and Fedora 32, this is a developer's dream machine. The...

Best answer: Yes, though be sure to check out what limitations your free VPN has to see if it is Super Bowl suitable. Most free VPN services have data caps which you may run into during the game. Others have limited server availability which may make catching a CBS or BBC stream impossible. A paid VPN would provide a better experience.30-day money-back guarantee: ExpressVPNIt's very easy to watch Super Bowl 2021 with networks like CBS and the BBC airing the game for free. If there isn't a broadcaster showing the game for free in your region or you want to tune into the broadcast of a different country, you can use a VPN to change your device's location in order to achieve that.If that's your situation and you want to get a stream of the game without spending a dime, you've probably looked into free VPN services wondering if they will work for the Super Bowl, and now you're reading this article.The short answer to your query is that technically yes, you can stream the Super ...

Whether you've had your PS5 for months or just a day, there's nothing worse than running into a huge error and needing to get it repaired. If you've tried the basic remedies and nothing is working, it's time to check in with Sony for proper repairs. Here's how to start a warranty repair for PS5.How to start a warranty repair for PS5Before you file a warranty, it's worth checking in with the PlayStation Support page to see if there's a simple solution to your particular issue. After all, being without your console for a while is the worst-case scenario, so you don't want to go through with it unless you have no other choice. Note that the process will be a little depending on what model you have, a PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition.There are a few different issues that, if you can't find a solution, will be covered the warranty. The disc drive on a regular PS5 failing is covered, as is any storage failure problems, issues with the screen not being displayed properly, or constant crashe...