Latest from Android Central

It's never too soon to start saving. Sure, the Google Pixel 5 is still brand new, but thanks to carriers and stores competing for your business, it's usually not too difficult to find an early discount on a popular product such as this. Pixel 5 deals may be limited at first, but we expect we'll be seeing plenty of offers in no time with carrier discounts arriving first and deals on unlocked devices following. Of course, if the Pixel 5 is out of your price range, there are also some stellar Pixel 4a deals available right now.Best Pixel 5 Deals Available NowWhere to buy the Pixel 5Carrier Deals: Trade-in or BOGOUnlocked deals: Up to $100 offThe Google Pixel 5 offers a number of solid improvements upon the Pixel 4. Though its predecessor received some flak for its bad battery life, the Pixel 5 includes a 4080mAh battery that's miles better than the 2800mAh battery found in the Pixel 4. The cameras are receiving an upgrade as well; the telephoto lens from the Pixel 4 has ...

Deeply hidden in your Chrome settings are tools for blocking pop-ups, but because of how Chrome and other web browsers are programmed to earn money, there are still many types of ads that display. Cybercriminals cleverly disguised phishing schemes, adware, or malicious downloads as legitimate ads, so the best and easiest way to protect yourself is with an ad blocker. Here are some of our favorites.Staff pickAdBlockStaff pickOn top of blocking pop-up ads, AdBlock keeps banner ads from downloading within the content you're reading and stops commercials from showing in YouTube videos. AdBlock doesn't ask for personal information before installing the browser extension, and it doesn't keep information about your browser history or other online activity.Free at Chrome StoreAdware and virus blockingAdBlocker UltimateAdBlocker Ultimate stops every kind of ad. It doesn't have a whitelist, so there is no way to make an exception for an ad or pop-up to get through. Th...

Chatting with the AC forums.Taking a look back at some of the best Android phones from the last couple of years, one that stands out as something special is the Google Pixel 3a. The 3a was Google's first budget handset that launched in May 2019, and shortly after its debut, it became known as one of the best deals of the year.Google continued the 3a's legacy with the Pixel 4a and 4a 5G in 2020, and in 2021, we're expecting a Pixel 5a to keep this train rolling.Taking a look back at the Pixel 3a, though, there are still quite a few people using — and loving — Google's first budget device. Sifting through the AC forums, here's what a few of our members have to say. tfitzpat03 02-03-2021 04:33 PM “ I have been using mine since July 2019. Still works great. No real complaints outside of the camera app lag for me. Reply livetovacation60 ...

There is a lot of talk about how mmWave (millimeter-wave) radio spectrum is the future of 5G cellular networks and how it's a must-have if you want the best Android phone — at least on Verizon. But mmWave signals and spectrum isn't something new and it's not something specifically designed for use in broadband carrier networks; it just happens to do a fair job there, too.Because of the way signals are carried across the mmWave bands, there are plenty of other uses in practical consumer electronics, industrial and military applications, and even some pie-in-the-sky municipal networking systems that we'll never see because of the costs associated with building them out. Remember Wi-Max?What is mmWave exactly?It's common to see articles written about mmWave that don't tell you how or why it works, or at best just give a general idea instead of explaining it. I know I'm guilty of writing some myself.mmWave is a specific area of the radio frequency spectrum that covers all fre...

The issues appear to be limited to the U.S. currently.What you need to knowSome users are reporting connectivity issues with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.As per Down Detector, issues are being detected across several cities in the U.S.Users reports suggest the issues started around 7:50 AM ET.Multiple users are reporting that they are having problems interacting with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant this morning. As per data from Down Detector, the problems started at 7:48 AM ET. While the majority of users are experiencing issues connecting with the server, some users say they are having trouble logging in.The live outage map on the Down Detector website shows issues are currently being detected in New York, Seattle, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and a few other cities across the U.S.In 2021, I want to see a truly mobile (and useful) version of Alexa...

Best answer: You can use your Stadia controller to play games on PC via Steam. Alternatively, your Stadia controller also works with Xbox Cloud Gaming for Android.Try a new gaming subscription: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($15 at Amazon)Stay charged up: USB-C charging cables ($12 at Amazon)What else can I do with my Stadia controller?On February 2, 2021, Google announced that it was shutting down Stadia Games and Entertainment, closing its internal development studios, with head Jade Raymond departing the company. Moving forward, there won't be any internally-developed exclusive games. Your Stadia controller may not be used for playing exclusive games developed by Stadia Games and Entertainment but it can be used for a few other things.To start, if you still want to play games remotely, you can try Xbox Cloud Gaming for Android. You'll need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, at which point you just pair the Stadia controller to your phone using a USB-C cable and you're g...

The Realme X7 is the first phone to launch in India with MediaTek's Dimensity 800U chipset.What you need to knowRealme's X7 series phones are now official in India.Both the phones offer 5G connectivity and feature 64MP main cameras.The Realme X7 will go on sale in India from February 12 for a starting price of ₹19,999 ($275).Realme today launched its X7 series phones in India, nearly five months after their debut in China. Just as expected, however, the Indian Realme X7 variant is a rebranded version of the Realme V15. The phone's main rival in the Indian market will be the Xiaomi Mi 10i, which is currently the best Android phone in the mid-range segment.The Realme X7 sports a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner for the 16MP selfie camera. It is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 800U chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage. Around the back of the phone is a triple-camera setup featuring a 64MP mai...

Value is about more than price; it's about longevity and durability.I know that I'm fortunate to have a job where I get to test, play with, and write about gadgets and gizmos galore — believe me, I'm very grateful to be in this position! But most of the devices I use are only in use for a short amount of time before they have to be either returned or are replaced by the next version to review. However, if you were to take a look at the products that I've purchased for myself, you'd see many older, beat up devices that have faithfully served me for many years. But what might surprise you is the manufacturer for some of my favorite devices that have had the longest lifespans. It's not Apple, Google/Nest, or Samsung, but rather Amazon whose devices have proven the most durable and have stood up to the Johnson family household. Despite being absurdly affordable, Amazon's first-party devices manage to last longer than many more premium and expensive options.We cover a lot of Am...

All you need to know to pick the perfect Hulu plan.Hulu boasts a massive media library that gives subscribers access to thousands of hours of new and classic content at the touch of a button. But with so much to watch, it's important that every subscriber can curate their individual streaming experience. With that in mind, Hulu offers three different subscription plans, as well as a bundle option that also includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Here's a rundown of all the Hulu plans and prices, so that you can decide which is right for you.Streaming made easyHuluFrom $6 at HuluAll the shows and movies you'll needHulu offers three different subscription plans. Pick which plan works best for you and start exploring Hulu's massive library of classic movies, trending series, Hulu Originals and more.Hulu's most popular planHulu offers three different tiers when it comes to signing up for a monthly subscription. The most popular plan is also the cheapest at $6 a mont...

This five-bay NAS is great as a Plex server and doubles up as a robust office-focused enclosure.Synology has plenty of options if you're looking for the best NAS for Plex. The storage manufacturer has a vast array of NAS enclosures catered to home as well as office users, with the Plus series aimed at the prosumer market.The 5-bay DiskStation DS1520+ is a particularly alluring option in Synology's portfolio: it sits above the multimedia-focused 4-bay DS920+ — which costs $549 — and is more affordable than the $800 6-bay Ryzen-powered DS1621+. While the DS1621+ is aimed more at SMBs and doesn't have Plex transcoding, the DS1520+ is ideally suited to media streaming and holds its own for productivity-related use cases.Think of the DS1520+ as a larger DS920+ with better extensibility — with two eSATA ports at the back, you can add up to ten additional drive bays to the NAS. Another upside is that it comes with 8GB of RAM out of the box, double that of the DS920+. So let's se...

Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro owners in Europe will have to wait slightly longer to receive the update.What you need to knowXiaomi's Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro phones have started receiving the stable Android 11 update.The new build is still based on MIUI 12, and not the newer MIUI 12.5. Along with new Android 11 features, the update also brings the January 2021 security patch.Xiaomi's Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, which are among the best Android phones in Xiaomi's current lineup, have finally started receiving the Android 11 update. As reported by the folks at XDA Developers, the Android 11 update is now rolling out to Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro users in India.The update arrives as build version 12.1.1.0.RJDINXM and weighs in at 2.8GB in size. It brings a ton of new features – including improved privacy, one-time permissions, wireless Android Auto support, smart device controls, and more. The January 2021 Android security patch is included as well.Unfortunately, however, the update doesn't...

Best answer: No. The PS5 includes a one-year warranty directly from Sony at no charge. You can also get an extended 90 days warranty beyond the initial year if you register your console.Grab some games: PlayStation Store Gift Card ($20 at Amazon)Get an extra controller: PS5 DualSense Controller ($70 at Amazon)Should you buy an extended warranty for PS5?Unless you are highly accident-prone, you likely don't need to take out an extended warranty on your PS5. It's understandable why you'd want to: due to high demand, it's very difficult to buy a PS5 right now and depending the type of console you get — a regular PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition — you'll be making a $400 to $500 investment.With that in mind, you are most likely fine without getting any sort of extended warranty. Your PS5 comes with a one-year warranty by default, meaning you'll have a decent window of time to check for any major hardware problems or defects. While there's a full list of PlayStation 5 errors and ...

It's Super Bowl week and, if you've recently cut the cord, you're probably thinking about how to watch Super Bowl 2021 this year. With a variety of streaming options, there's basically a way for everyone to watch this year and maybe even catch a stream for free.While there are ample ways to stream the biggest game of the year online, you actually need some hardware to stream the game on. Fortunately, the makers of the most popular streaming hardware are wise to the fact that the biggest annual sporting event is coming right up and are offering some excellent deals on their streaming sticks and set top boxes.Check out the best streaming device deals below and place your orders in time for the main event.Best Super Bowl deals on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV & moreAmazon Fire TV Stick Lite | $21.99 at AmazonThe Fire TV Stick Line is a fantastic entry-level streaming device, perfect for any TV and any room. It's directly discounted to just $22 which is only a few bucks more ...

The best football teams from around the world descend on Qatar this week for the delayed 2020 FIFA Club World Cup. Don't miss a moment with our Club World Cup live stream guide.Taking place this February, instead of December 2020, the week-long tournament pits the winners of each region's Champions League against one another to decide which club deserves the title of world champion.Running from February 4 and climaxing in the final on February 11, this tournament also serves as a test run of sorts for Qatar who are slated to hold the FIFA World Cup in 2022.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup matches no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.What is the FIFA Club World Cup?The Club World Cup is an international cup competition in men's soccer that is designed to bring the champions of various regions of the world together in a showpiece tournament.The tournament usually involves seven teams — winners of the...

The Indian government wants Twitter to restrict accounts and tweets related to farmer protests in the country.What you need to knowThe Indian government has issued a notice to Twitter, threatening the social media giant to block accounts and content related to farmer protests in the country.Twitter had restricted several accounts in the country earlier this week in compliance with a legal demand, but the restrictions were later lifted.India's IT Ministry says it may take penal action against Twitter if it refuses to comply with the order.Earlier this week, Twitter restricted access to several popular accounts linked with the ongoing farmer protests in India, in compliance with a "legal demand." However, it restored the accounts just 12 hours after they were restricted. India's IT Ministry has now sent a notice to the social media giant, asking the company to comply with its order to block content and accounts related to the protests.A copy of the notice accessed by TechCr...

Changing your Google Account profile photo from the Contacts app is so simple yet so necessary.What you need to knowGoogle Contacts now lets users change their Google Accounts photo from within the app.You used to only be able to do this from the Google app or Google Photos.The new functionality should be available in the latest version of the Google Contacts app.Google Contacts is a pretty straightforward Android application that doesn't really need to rock the boat in terms of new features. It's simple enough and lets you sync between devices so you don't have to worry about losing your contacts. But one feature that has surprisingly not been present is the ability to change your Google Account photo from within the app. That's a feature that's arriving now in the latest version of the app.XDA-Developers notes that the latest version of Google Contacts (version 3.38) now lets you select a contact photo and syncs it with your Google Account. Before, the Google Contacts a...

Google removed over 100,000 negative reviews of the Robinhood app from the Play Store.Update, Feb 3 (9:00 pm ET): Google says it won't step in this time to save the app ratingWhat you need to knowRobinhood blocked trading to a number of stocks after trading surged thanks to a group of Redditors.GameStop, Nokia, AMC, and other companies were affected by the surge.Robinhood's rating on the Google Play Store tumbled after a swarm of negative reviews plagued the app.Anyone following the drama surrounding Robinhood knows just how much of a mess it's become. For those not aware, the mobile investment app has been under fire after it halted trading to a number of companies after they saw their shares surge. Many people weren't happy with the decision, calling it market manipulation, and even prompting a lawsuit against Robinhood. Another result of the drama is the app saw its rating drop on Google Play Store following a swarm of negative reviews.According to 9to5Google, the Ro...

This time Google Maps is changing up the route selection screen.What you need to knowGoogle Maps is apparently testing out a new look when selecting a route.The updated UI moves the transportation mode selection to the bottom.It appears to be testing with a small group, so a wider rollout is unknown.Google Maps is continuing to add new features and updates to its UI. Just recently, Google brought its split-screen UI from the web client to the Android app, making it easier for users to navigate the virtual streets without getting lost. You can check out our guide to show you how to enable split-screen view in Google Maps on Android. The latest UI change comes to the route selection screen and signals a more uniform look for the app.Spotted by XDA-Developers, the change appears in the route selection screen, where users are prompted to choose from a number of transportation modes. Instead of a boxed section at the top with a tabbed row of transportation modes, the destinati...

Qualcomm reported impressive growth for the quarter ending in December.What you need to knowQualcomm reported its fiscal Q1 2021 earnings, which show impressive growth.As the company continues to ride the 5G wave, with chip sales growing 79%.Qualcomm expects the purchase of Nuvia to affect its short-term financials, albeit with long-term gains.Qualcomm reported its quarterly earnings today, and while the company missed some forecasts, it still showed impressive growth, most likely due to the push for 5G. According to the report, Qualcomm's revenue grew 63% while income shot up 118% YoY. In addition, revenues from Qualcomm's chip sales nearly doubled YoY to $4.22 billion. That further points to the growth of 5G and is something that outgoing CEO, Steve Mollenkopf, expects to ramp up in the current quarter and beyond. We delivered an exceptional quarter, more than doubling earnings year-over-year due to strong 5G demand in handsets and growth in our RF front-end, automoti...

We've waited so long — and we'll have to stay patient a while longerWhat you need to knowPhone Hub has been slowly going live for some lucky users on Chrome OS Canary or Developer builds.It's a server-side A/B test, so very few users have been able to use it so far.The working hub still has a few bugs, but we now have a good idea how Phone Hub looks and acts.We're always excited to hear about new features for our favorite Chromebooks, and one that's been stuck in development for months and months is Phone Hub. This seeks to greatly expand the pairing and connection between your Android phone and Chromebook, just like iPhone/Mac integration by allowing you to see and respond to phone notifications, pick up recent Chrome tabs on the larger laptop screen, and ring or silence your phone without having to go dig it out of your purse across the room.This week, Android Police picked up on reddit posts that Phone Hub was finally working in some Developer and Canary builds of Ch...

Samsung has ditched the microSD card slot with its 2021 flagships, so if you're looking for the best microSD alternatives for the Galaxy S21, we're here to assist. There are plenty of choices available that deliver the same performance as the S21's internal storage, with the Samsung T7 leading the pack with its rugged design and blazing-fast file transfers. So if you're missing the expansion slot, here are the best microSD alternatives for your Galaxy S21.The obvious choiceSamsung T7 500GB Portable SSDStaff PickSamsung's T7 portable SSD has 500GB of storage encased in a shock-resistant design that withstands 6-feet tumbles. You get an incredible 1,050MB/s writes, ensuring near-instantaneous transfers from your S21 to the SSD. Samsung bundles USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables in the box, and the sleek form factor and the durable design make the T7 the ideal choice.$90 at AmazonAs easy as it getsAnker SD Card ReaderJust need to connect your microSD or SD ...

Cases you can rely on.The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G are both amazing phones, but they're also quite pricey. Therefore, you're going to want to protect your investment with a quality case that can stand tall against heavy damage. Luckily, Incipio's brand new line of cases for S21 devices has arrived, and it's everything an S21 user could ever dream of. Here's a look at why.Never worry about drops againUltra-protective cases in the past have been effective, but have always been bulky and uncomfortable. When designing its cases, Incipio set out to find a way to slim down the case profile without sacrificing any protectiveness.Its solution was Impact Strut technology, a creative and innovative design in which a system of small struts is lined across the inner edge of the case. When you drop your phone, the force of the impact is absorbed completely by each of these struts. This design gives Incipio cases the ultra-protective qualities that users ne...

Echo Show 8Goldilocks zone$130 at AmazonProsGreat compromise sizePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraSimilar specs to the larger and more expensive Echo Show (2nd Gen)ConsNo Dolby processingNeed a stand to adjust viewing anglesThe Echo Show 8 has taken pretty much all that was good from the Echo Show (2nd Gen) and the Echo Show 5 and fit them into a perfectly-sized smart screen speaker. On-device privacy controls, a better screen resolution than the smaller Show 5, and better speakers make this a great buy.Echo Show 5Bedside buddy$45 at AmazonProsCompact design to fit anywherePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraBetter speakers than Echo Dot or Echo SpotConsAuto-brightness isn't well-tunedIf all you want is an Echo with a clock, the Dot with Clock is 2/3 the priceThe Echo Show 5 changed the game for the Echo product line. It "showed" that Amazon could put a quality smart screen experience in a smalle...

Google partnered with a Black artist for this new Black History Month collection.What you need to knowGoogle has launched a new collection of wallpapers celebrating Black History Month.The wallpapers were created by Jamaican artist, Melissa Koby, as an expression of the Black experience."Curated Culture" is available now on Google Pixel smartphones.Black History Month is upon us, and many companies are taking time to support and pay tribute to Black lives, in both big and small ways. Google has recently doubled down on its pledge to support Black businesses, especially as the impact of the pandemic continues to take its toll. And while more can always be done to support the Black community, not every act has to be a grand gesture, and even small things can have just as strong an impact.Recently, Google rolled out a new collection of wallpapers available for Google Pixel smartphones that celebrate the Black experience, and they can be downloaded today. Created by Jamaican ...

A step forwardSamsung Galaxy S20+$705 at AmazonProsSD and MST support120hz refresh rateGorgeous QHD DisplayConsOlder processorFewer storage optionsSmaller batteryThe Samsung Galaxy S20+ was a powerhouse upon its release and had a price tag to match. With that, you got a beautiful QHD display, SD card support, MST for mobile payments, and a huge battery. This phone is still a great buy today.A Step backSamsung Galaxy S21 Plus$1,000 at SamsungProsCheaper at introductionBigger BatteryBetter ProcessorBrighter ScreenDynamic Refresh RateConsFHD+ resolutionNo upgrade in CameraFlat screenThe Samsung Galaxy S21+ has a better processor, and there are more storage options, but the upgrades to this phone over its predecessor are minimal. One big upgrade is the price, which Samsung lowered for this generation of devices. But Samsung had to make some sacrifices to get there.Typically, year after year, we see gradual improvements in a...

There's potential here that with the right support could be great. Right now it's just OK.You'd think a game built for multiplayer would succeed on that front, but Destruction AllStars, a multiplayer game, leaves a lot to be desired.The vehicular combat title just released onto PlayStation Plus on PS5 as a free game for members and while it seems like the perfect fit for PS Plus, it's tough to see anyone going out and spending $70 on this game at retail. What's there is the skeleton of a great game — which can admittedly be built up into something much better — that fails to impress, and it's a far cry from some of the best PS5 games at the moment.Jumping into multiplayer, which should be the meat of the game, you'll see there are only two game modes you can play in a party: Carnado and Stockpile (despite PlayStation saying that Mayhem is playable is teams, it was definitely labelled 'Solo' and would not let us join and play it together). The other two modes (yes, there are...

Take advantage of these double savings on the Roborock S4 Max going on right now at Amazon. When you clip the $50 off on-page coupon and use the code ROBOS4MAX during checkout, you bring the price of this powerful robot vacuum cleaner down to a grand total of just $319.79. That's more than $110 off its regular price and a match for the lowest we have ever seen. It only dropped to this price once directly, and that was during the holiday shopping season. Today is about as good a deal as you're ever going to see.The Roborock S4 Max is advanced enough that it's actually capable of mapping your home. It uses Lidar Navigation and a high-precision laser navigation system, so it can learn exactly what it needs to clean and where. It can scan the room and create a real-time map that is super accurate and allows the Roborock to learn how to clean no matter where it's placed. Plus, you can do things like set invisible boundaries it can't cross, set up temporary zones the S4 Max will clean u...

What you need to knowLG has released a new smartphone integration app for Windows PCs.The application functions similarly to Microsoft's Your Phone app for Windows.For now, the application only works on LG's 2021 Gram laptops.Amid rumors of the company contemplating its exit from the smartphone industry, LG has just released a new smartphone and PC integration application. Spotted by Softpedia, Virtoo is an app developed by Screenovate Technologies that allows PC users to perform a number of smartphone tasks straight from their computer, similar to how Microsoft's Your Phone app functions. LG Virtoo seems available to download on any PC, Android device, and even iOS devices. The app allows basic smartphone functions such as texting and calling from your PC, but you can also mirror your device display on your PC and view your notifications... at least in theory. Reviews in the Microsoft store seem to indicate that LG Virtoo does not function, at least on most PCs, whic...

When it comes to finding the best Garmin Forerunner 645 band, it's crucial to find one that blends seamlessly with your active lifestyle. Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual runner, a perfect fit makes all the difference. As you may know, the Garmin Forerunner 645. is compatible with 20mm quick release bands. You'll have more than enough options to choose from. We've gathered some of our favorites to get you started.Durability for daysRitche Silicone Watch BandStaff pickSilicone is always a top choice for fitness bands because it's both durable and flexible thanks to the elastomer waterproof material. You'll appreciate how durable yet lightweight these Ritche silicone watch bands are. The sturdy stainless steel buckle keeps it secure on your wrist all day long.$18 at AmazonLightweight but toughOlytop NATO BandFor those who prefer a lightweight band that's tougher than ever, this one comes with NATO straps, high-quality stainless steel Zulu rin...

Ever since Samsung announced the Galaxy S8 with its onboard assistant, Bixby, people have been asking for ways to disable it and forget the button ever existed in the first place. The button eventually disappeared with the Galaxy S20 lineup, but Bixby was then integrated into the power button, which made it even more frustrating to use. Now that we're in 2021 and the release of the Galaxy S21 series, a new generation of users is discovering Bixby, so we're back to show you how to disable it all over again.Here's how to get rid of as much of Bixby as possible.Why do you want to disable Bixby?On phones where there's a dedicated Bixby button, one of the biggest frustrations is its placement; the button is right under the volume keys and nearly directly opposite the power buttons. On larger phones like the Galaxy S10+ or Note 10+, this often leads to accidental presses and unintended Bixby launches, especially when double-pressing the power button to launch the camera.Starting ...

Microsoft offered a pointed rebuke of its competitor.What you need to knowMicrosoft today came out in support of Australia's proposed News Media Bargaining Code, a new measure aimed at making search engines pay news publishers.The company criticized Google for threatening to pull Search away from the country if the move was implemented.Google had previously criticized the Bargaining Code as "unworkable."Microsoft has risen up in support of an Australian law that requires search engines to pay publishers for news while issuing a sharp critique of Google.In a statement issued on Wednesday, Microsoft President Brad Smith highlighted the power imbalance between digital news platforms and Australian news businesses. Microsoft supported the proposed News Media Bargaining Code, arguing that it was a reasonable move that would help support Australian news businesses. The company isn't currently subject to the legislation, but Smith says that it would happily abide by those rules ...

Source: StackCommerceText-to-speech can be really useful for creating video voice-overs and audiobooks — but many apps use weird voices. Notevibes helps you produce something more natural, with 177 customizable voices for just $69.99.Not everyone is blessed with a radio-quality voice. Perhaps more importantly, you may not have the time to do a full voice-over for every project.With Notevibes, you can add high-quality narration in seconds. This web-based platform has 177 voices and over 1.2 million characters, covering 18 languages with high-fidelity speech synthesis.To get started, you simply paste your script into the web app. Notevibes gives you loads of options to choose from, and you can highlight specific sections for emphasis.The app also allows you to add pauses, change the speed of the speech, and adjust the volume and pitch.You can save the audio in MP3 format or WAV, or listen via your browser. The latter option is great for digesting written tutorials through...

From getting the best OnePlus 8T cases to finding the best screen protectors, accessorizing your device is everything. When it comes to a new smartphone as great as the OnePlus 8T, finding the right accessories can be a bit daunting. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options available for those trying to ensure the display of their phones continues to look great for years to come.From the sourceOnePlus 3D Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff pickOnePlus has taken to providing all of its own accessories the latest devices, including the OnePlus 8T. With the OnePlus 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector, you are getting one that is designed specifically for this phone, with the precision you would expect. Although there is no cutout for the selfie camera, every edge of the OnePlus 8T's gorgeous display will be protected.$30 at OnePlusLifetime warrantyMr. Shield Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-pack)Even when you find a screen protector that works for you, y...

Android TV users will finally get a taste of the new Google TV experience.What you need to knowGoogle is introducing a new update for Android TV that brings it closer to Google TV.The updated UI introduces a Discover tab and updated home screen.Google still hopes to update Android TV sets with the new Google TV experience in the future.While companies prepare to launch the first TV sets with Google TV preinstalled, the message around which Android TV devices will receive the update has been a mixed bag. TCL and Sony are currently the only TV manufacturers planning to introduce Google TV sets this year, but neither has exactly committed to bringing the new experience to older models. Google has decided to take matters into its own hands and is introducing an update for Android TV that can only be described as a half-step towards Google TV.The new update overhauls the home screen so that it more closely resembles Google TV. Gone is the large, sectioned-off side navigation...

Stay home and get dinner delivered to you.There are just some days where you don't feel like making anything for lunch or dinner or can't go anywhere. That's where these various food delivery services come into play, and there are more options than ever. You can get some of your favorite restaurants delivered right to your door. Plus, with being able to see everything that you're ordering, it makes using the best food tracking apps for Android that much easier.When it comes to finding the best Android apps, some of the best options are the ones that help you out. And what's even better is that the best food delivery apps are constantly being updated with availability in more areas.The top 3 apps1. DoorDash2. GrubHub3. Uber EatsMore optionsPostmatesInstacartZomatoOrder directDomino's PizzaChick-Fil-AChipotlePopeyesPanera BreadThese are the best food delivery appsIf you want the best of the best food delivery apps, then look no further than DoorDas...

Android TV gets another social media app.What you need to knowTikTok is now available on the Android TV platform.The app was released this week according to its Google Play Store listing.It may not work for everyone, with some users reporting incompatibility with the Nvidia Shield. The social media app, TikTok, is now available for download on Android TV. The app was discovered courtesy of Android Police shortly after it debuted earlier this week.Once installed, TikTok offers a lot of the same benefits you'll get on your mobile phone or tablet. You can scroll through videos, like, save, and even log in to your account via the company's clever use of QR codes.It's not available to everyone yet. Android Police notes that while the app even works with the Chromecast with Google TV, it does not work with the Nvidia Shield TV, nor is it available in Lebanon at the moment. It's likely the rollout will continue over the coming weeks, at which point Google or TikTok may make an...

Curious about what the best and most loved Super Bowl commercials have been over the last 20 years? You're in luck because CBS will be airing the Super Bowl Greatest Commercials 2021 on Wednesday as the festivities ramp up to Super Bowl LV which is happening on Sunday, February 7.CBS has already highlighted some of the commercials it will be showing, but the 20-year special will also feature voting from viewers and so there should be some surprises in what the people's choice is. There should be plenty of commercials showing Budweiser, Doritos, Best Buy, and Nike as those companies and products have become a staple year in and year out.While it can seem a little silly to tune in to a show all about commercials and advertisements that companies want you to see, but it's also a unique form of entertainment. In fact, there should be a fair bit of nostalgia as you see commercials that may have come throughout the past two decades.Super Bowl Greatest Commercials: when and whereThe...

Best answer: Yes. If you live in a congested area or have a lot of connected devices, tri-band can improve signal quality and speed even on Wi-Fi 6. However, you'll have to pay more for the privilege.Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with 2.5G Ethernet: TP-Link Archer AX90 ($330 at Best Buy)A fast tri-band AX6600 Nighthawk: Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 ($342 at Amazon)Do you need another band?A dual-band router uses a 2.4GHz channel paired with a 5.2GHz channel. A tri-band router, on the other hand, can help by making use of an additional 5GHz channel to add capacity on another channel. A tri-band router adds in a 5.8 GHz band that typically has less traffic. This combination of the three different bands allows for much greater flexibility in connecting your devices but it's only one part of your connection.If you've got speed or coverage issues with your home Wi-Fi connection, there are a few things you need to check first. The first thing you should do is a speed test with a Wi-Fi device clos...

It is powered by the same Snapdragon 215 chipset as last year's Nokia 1.3.What you need to knowHMD Global has announced a new Android Go smartphone, called the Nokia 1.4.The phone features a 6.51-inch HD+ display, dual rear cameras, and a 4000mAh battery.Disappointingly, the phone will ship with Android 10 Go Edition out of the box.Finnish smartphone brand HMD Global today announced the Nokia 1.4, a follow-up to last year's Nokia 1.3. While it isn't a massive step-up from the Nokia 1.3, it does come with a few upgrades that make it HMD Global's best Android Go phone yet.The new Nokia 1.4 sports a 6.51-inch HD+ screen with a waterdrop notch, housing a 5MP selfie camera. While the display is now much larger, the phone runs on the same 28nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 quad-core chipset as the Nokia 1.3. HMD Global has paired the chip with up to 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.In the camera department, the entry-level phone offers a dual-camera setup on the back with an 8MP ...

Best overallSamsung Galaxy S21$800 at Samsung$800 at Amazon$800 at Best BuyProsGaming-optimized Snapdragon 888Aggressive trade-in dealsSmaller, trimmer designNewer One UI 3.1 softwareConsNo microSD slotNo charger in the boxThe Galaxy S21 is a compact, affordable flagship with three great cameras and the latest One UI 3.1 software. The display is better than ever, and with Samsung's current trade-in offers, you can grab the S21 for an unbeatable price.Even better valueSamsung Galaxy S20 FE$700 at Amazon$700 at Best Buy$700 at B&HProsExpandable microSD storageOptical 3x telephoto cameraRetails for $100 lessLarger batteryConsOlder specs and softwareLess generous trade-in The S20 FE is a terrific phone at a great price, with many of the same features as the newer S21. It's the most affordable option in the Galaxy S series, with a larger display and plenty of great colors to choose from.When the Galaxy S20 FE launch...

Best answer: Yes, Stadia supports cross-platform play. However, Google has not specified which outside services or devices cross-platform will work with in the future.Stream to your TV pack: Stadia Premeire Pack ($75 at Google)Portability: Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 ($385 at Amazon)Google's own: Pixel 5 ($700 at Amazon)What is cross-platform play?As more services and platforms begin to offer the ability to play games with someone regardless of what system is used, it raises the question: Does Stadia support cross-platform play? For example, when your friend is using the new PlayStation 5, can you play along together using Stadia? Most games on consoles today only allow people to play against others using the same console, but cross-platform play between devices opens up a whole new world for players across the board.Which devices will support cross-platform play with Stadia?It's unknown if Stadia will support cross-play between consoles such as Xbox One X, PlayStation 5, ...

One of the best email clients for Android gets even better with a new update.What you need to knowEdison today launched Edison Mail+, a subscription service for its email app.It'll cost you $14.99 for the monthly option, with $99.99 to pay annually.The subscription is launching with two anti-phishing features, but Edison says more will be coming later.As we move into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more of our communications remain virtual. There's also a lot of emailing going on for people looking for new jobs, looking for grants, or even seeking government assistance, and scammers can take advantage of that to target people who are vulnerable. One of the best Android apps, Edison Mail, today is getting a new tool, Edison Mail+. It's a subscription-based service that you can get via the app store for $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year. A very steep price if you don't email that much, but one that some may consider being worth it.Its primary safety featur...

Troubleshooting your new console? You're not alone.The PS5 is finally here, marking the start of the next-generation of consoles, along with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The PS5 brings a host of new features and improvements to its system performance, thanks to its new custom CPU and GPU, and its new ultra-high speed SSD that makes load times shorter than ever before. With games like Demon's Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales ready at launch, the PlayStation 5 is already a force to be reckoned with.But with the arrival of every new console generation comes a new generation of issues and bugs. Software and hardware bugs are not uncommon, but will definitely hinder the enjoyment of your new console. We've rounded up all of the known bugs and issues you may encounter, as well as any know workarounds that might help.PS5 GuidesHow to transfer games and save dataHow to attach the PS5 baseHow to set up parental controlsHow to connect to Wi-FiHow to increase download ...

If you've invested in a new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, you'll need to grab a protective case for it, stat, to ensure that you protect that gorgeous and sizable 6.8-inch screen from accidental drops, bumps, scuffs, and scratches. While there are some wonderful cases out there for the S21, including heavy-duty ones, you might be looking specifically for an ultra-thin case that will allow you to show off the ultra-sleek phone. And these are the best thin cases for Galaxy S21 Ultra.Tried and trustedSpigen Neo Hybrid CrystalStaff pickYou can never go wrong with a Spigen case, which is often my go-to when I'm looking to protect a new smartphone or tablet. This one is slim and form fitting, and includes a PC back with TPU edges and a polycarbonate frame. Finished in black, it has a raised lip, precise cut-outs, and offers military-grade protection despite its thin design.$17 at AmazonNo yellowingTORRAS Crystal ClearGet crystal-clear protection while also showing off the f...

The functionality is expected to become available to the public sometime in the near future.What you need to knowThe Google Home app could soon let users restrict access to smart home controls.Similar to the Nest app, the Google Home app is expected to allow managers to decide the level of shared access with other people.The functionality is expected to roll out to users sometime later this year.Back in September last year, the folks at 9to5Google discovered some strings in the Google Home that suggested it could soon offer the same "access levels" feature as the Nest app. While the feature is yet to go live, the folks at Android Police have now spotted a few UI tweaks that confirm Google is indeed working on allowing managers to restrict access to smart home controls.In the latest version of the Google Home app, you can view the access level everyone in your household has and which devices they can control by heading over to the Google Home settings > Household and ta...

The newest Spider-Man is selling strong.What you need to knowMarvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a PS5 launch title.Sony confirmed in its financial results that Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales has sold 4.1 million copies.These sales include both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game.Sony shared its financial results for Q3 2020 fiscal year, ending December 31, 2020. While the highlight was how the PS5 sold over 4.5 million units so far, we did get sales figures for one PS5 launch title. Sony confirmed that Insomniac Games' Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales has sold 4.1 million copies so far.Sony did not give an exact comment on the sales other PS5 launch titles like Demon's Souls or Sackboy: A Big Adventure, only stating that in general the launch games have "sold well." Demon's Souls is only available on the PS5, while Sackboy: A Big Adventure is on PS4 and PS5.Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is available on PS4 and PS5, with a free next-generation upgrade ava...

Head over to B&H and grab the Amazfit Band 5 fitness tracker while it's down to just $27.99 thanks to a 30% off on-page coupon. The coupon is part of a B&H DealZone sale, which means it'll probably expire tomorrow. Without the coupon, the Amazfit is going for $40. That's the same price it's going for at Best Buy and Amazon. Today's deal at B&H is the lowest price we've seen and better than the competition for now.A fitness tracker should be just that: a fitness tracker. Don't come at me with any of these fancy half-watch half-fitness tracker half-snow plow contraptions. When your device is trying to do everything, it can't do anything. The Amazfit Band 5 focuses on being the fitness tracker you need to keep an eye on your health and achieve your goals.The band covers 11 different sports and activities. If you decide to go for a run or a walk, it will automatically start tracking you. Other things it automatically tracks includes your daily steps, calories burned, dist...

Racking up numbers for the newest generation.What you need to knowSony has shared its Q3 2020 fiscal year financial results.Sony confirms that 4.5 million PS5 consoles have been sold so far and the company is working to meet demand.PlayStation Plus now has 47.4 million subcribers.Sony shared its Q3 2020 fiscal year financial results, with a massive quarter for the PlayStation brand in its Game & Network Services segment. We've known for a while that the PS5 was selling well, with Sony previously confirming that the PS5 launch was Sony's biggest console launch ever. Now, Sony has confirmed that 4.5 million PS5 consoles were sold through December 31, 2020.Overall sales during the quarter increased 40% year-over-year to 883.2 billion yen, or about $8.4 billion. With the challenges of meeting consumer demand, Sony noted that "We continue to do everything in our power to ship as many units as possible to customers who are waiting for a PS5." Restocks of the PS5 at various ...

To properly protect your Oculus Quest when traveling or even at home, you'll need one of the best Oculus Quest cases. The Quest lenses must be shielded from sunlight at all times. Beyond that, something can easily fall into the headset and scratch the lens if you're not careful — and the Quest has a lot of small accessories that are hard to keep track of unless stored in the same place. Whether you just want a compact travel case for your Quest and controllers, or a larger storage case with space for all your VR peripherals, one of these choices below should do the trick. Or, if you need the best Oculus Quest 2 cases, follow that link.Perfect fitOculus Quest travel caseStaff PickThis is the official travel case for the Oculus Quest. It's a softshell case with enough room for your headset, Touch Controllers, charging cable, and adapter. The foam compartment of the case that holds the Touch Controllers keeps them separate from the headset, which helps protect the lenses....

Today at Woot you can participate in a sale that includes two different Amazon Kindle models refurbished and down to low prices. The 2019 Amazon Kindle is just $39.99 with this deal, and the Kindle Voyage is only $10 more at $49.99. Both are super low prices for these models, and both come with a 90-day Woot warranty in case the refurb doesn't live up to Woot's standards. Of course you can always get free shipping on Woot products if you use your Amazon Prime membership. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a few extra bucks in a flat fee.With the Kindle you get a screen built for reading with a 167 ppi glare-free display. That means you'll still be able to read even in direct sunlight, although based on the weather where I am we're still several months away from seeing the sun again. Adjust the brightness so you can read comfortably whether you're indoors or outdoors or reading at night or during the day. You'll get 4GB of storage that can handle thousands of titles, and you can do other...