Latest from Android Central

Microsoft has been in support of news laws that Google has openly criticized.What you need to knowMicrosoft's president has spoken out against Google over its news content practices.Google has criticized its rival over its support for recent legislation around news content.Google has posted a webpage proclaiming its support for news publications.Google has facing heat over its stance on supporting news content providers, particularly in Australia and the EU. Following the advent of new legislation giving more negotiating power to local news publications in Australia, Google threatened to pull its search engine out of the country, claiming that the new law was detrimental to its business. Eventually, a deal was reached between them that allows Google to avoid the new law, a situation that has not gone unnoticed by rival Microsoft, which called Google out in recent antitrust testimony.Microsoft President, Brad Smith, who has openly supported Australia's new legislation, rec...

Facebook is sticking ads in more and more places.What you need to knowFacebook announced new ways for creators to make money.The company will now let them use stickers to place small ads in story content.It plans to expand this tool to more short-form videos in the future. Facebook is testing new ways of monetizing short form video content, the company announced today. Its first move is enabling support for ads in stories.Writing in a blog post, Yoav Arnstein, Director, Facebook App Monetization said: In the coming weeks, we'll begin testing the ability for content creators to monetize their Facebook Stories with ads that look like stickers and receive a portion of the resulting revenue. While the initial test is small, we hope to soon expand to more content creators. And then broaden it to short-form videos on Facebook, eventually providing a way for content creators to monetize this popular content.The stories format, popularized by Snapchat, has proven resilient...

Google has finally fixed a long-time problem for Wear OS users.What you need to knowUsers have reported that the Google Assistant hotword for Wear OS has been fixed.The feature has reportedly been broken since at least October.Wear OS users can access Google with their voice or by holding the crown.Wear OS has its share of problems, but a problem with popular feature on the best Wear OS watches has taken Google months to address. As far back as October, users have reported that their Wear OS smartwatches, such as the Fossil Gen 5 LTE, have been unable to access Google Assistant using the hands-free "OK Google" wake word. Fortunately, the problem seems to now be fixed after about five months of complaints.Until now, owners of Wear OS watches have had to rely on manually activating Google Assistant, either by swiping from the home screen or holding down the crown. Recently, a user on Reddit has posted a video of his OPPO Watch activating the assistant after giving the wake-...

Grey's Anatomy returned to television back in November of last year for its 17th season following the longest hiatus in the show's 15 year history. Fans only got to watch six new episodes of the show though before its winter finale but now Grey's Anatomy is coming back once again and we have all the details on how you can watch its 2021 winter premiere on TV or online.Instead of picking up where season 16 left off, the latest season of Grey's Anatomy began about a month and a half into the pandemic with Dr. Meredith Grey and the other doctors, nurses and residents at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital dealing with Covid-19. The pandemic and all of the new Covid-19 protocols have made things quite difficult at the hospital and Dr. Grey was even hospitalized after catching the virus herself. Thankfully though, she finally awoke from her coma during December's winter finale.Just as it did with the first episode of season 17, ABC has big things planned for the show's winter premiere in the...

Netflix may start cracking down on shared accounts.What you need to knowSome users that may be using a friend's password are reporting notices from Netflix to sign up for their own accounts.The notice has appeared for some users, which offers a 30-day free trial to subscribe.The notice appears to have been pushed to a small group of users and appears to be an upcoming security measure for the platform.Netflix has a few plans that allow users to stream from either one or multiple devices simultaneously. Many people like to take advantage of this by granting access to their friends on a single Netflix account, and it's fairly simple to do once you know how to upgrade or downgrade your Netflix account. But the days of freeloading off your buddy's Netflix account might be numbered. While sharing passwords for the popular streaming service is common for many, some users have reported a notice appearing after logging into shared accounts, suggesting they open their own streaming ...

What you need to knowT-Mobile claims a major victory in C-Band auctions with 40MHz gained in top markets.T-Mobile expects to cover 300 million with Extended Range 5G and 200 million with Ultra Capacity 5G by the end of 2022.Home Broadband has 100,000 subscribers and T-Mobile expects 7-8 million in the next 5 years.T-Mobile had its virtual Analyst Day 2021 today and has claimed victory in 5G and doesn't expect to be caught up any time soon. This comes just after its $9.3 billion investment in C-Band spectrum FCC auction which will fortify T-Mobile's already impressive 5G network. T-Mobile's C-Band focuses on urban and suburban areas where cell site density is high and will add 40MHz of spectrum to these areas when it becomes available.This has allowed T-Mobile to buy C-Band spectrum where it will need it most without relying on the spectrum where it doesn't make sense for deployment. T-Mobile estimates C-Band cell sites will require 1.5x more sites than its existing 2.5GHz s...

It's time to fire up Fallout or Skyrim on your smartphoneWhat you need to know20 Bethesda games are being added to Xbox Game Pass.This comes after the official announcement of Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda's parent company.Games included are Fallout 4, DOOM Eternal, The Elder Scrolls, and more.Back in September of last year, Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios made a bombshell announcement — it had acquired the parent company of Bethesda Studios, ZeniMax Media. This came shortly after the pre-order announcement for the new Xbox Series S and Series X, which sparked all kinds of excitement as Microsoft finally had more IP games in its portfolio other than Halo and Gears of War.Another reason why this was exciting for many came down to Xbox Game Pass for Android which had recently exited its "project" status, and was rolled into Xbox Game Pass. For $15 per month, you are finally able to play a select library of games right from your phone, sparking interest in finding the ...

Listen to just about anything with these apps on Android.Over the years music fans have gradually changed how they listen to their music and what they listen to it on. With the rise of the smartphone, it's only natural that now the one device we carry with us everywhere is also our primary media player. On Android, we're also fortunate that there's a huge community of developers that create some of the best Android apps that can better the experience we're provided by the folks who made our phones.So it's time dive deep into the depths of the Play Store and find out which options are the best music player apps on Android.The top 3 apps1. Spotify2. Poweramp Music Player 3. CloudPlayer by doubleTwist More optionsMusicolet Music PlayerNyx Music PlayerPhonograph Music PlayerGoneMAD Music Player AIMPMore Streaming ServicesYouTube MusicApple MusicAmazon MusicThese are the top three best music player apps for AndroidWhen finding the best music player ap...

Updating Google Maps for your community is now easier than ever.What you need to knowGoogle today announced three new ways it plans to keep Maps data up to date.It's planning a contest aimed at getting 100,000 local businesses updated with ratings and reviews.Another tool will see users being able to post photo updates without needing to leave a business rating or review.Google is rolling out an update to Google Maps that will make it easier for users to add details and data to map listings. Well, it's not so much an update as it is a series of updates. Not all of them will arrive all at once, and they won't be relevant to everyone.The first is a U.S.-specific update that's also time-limited. Google is running a "Loval love Challenge" for the next month, allowing users on Android phones or tablets to " add ratings, reviews and confirm information to support local businesses [they've] visited". The goal is to reach and update 100, 000 local businesses across the country. S...

For the fashion-consciousFossil Gen 5e$150 at Amazon$250 at Best Buy$250 at TargetProsFashionable designQuick charge optionAdjustable modes to extend battery lifeAffordableConsShort battery life with daily modeNo ECGFossil has roots firmly planted in the fashion side of the business. While the Gen 5e has plenty of smarts, it also stays true to Fossil's strengths and is a gorgeous-looking device. But don't be fooled, the Gen 5e has a ton of great features if you're looking for a basic smartwatch that can track activities, sleep, play music, receive notifications, and more. Plus, its adaptable battery modes mean you can use it as a smartwatch one day and as a regular timepiece with a stylish band the nextA Galaxy's companionSamsung Galaxy Watch 3From $240 at SamsungFrom $249 at AmazonFrom $430 at Best BuyProsBuilt-in GPSStylish designPairs with workouts on TVTwo band sizesLTE cellular optionConsShort battery lifeExpensiveThe ...

A swift turnaround.What you need to knowOnePlus has pulled OxygenOS 11 for the Nord after finding bugs.Users logged their concerns over at OnePlus's official forums just hours after the release.An updated build will be coming shorty.OnePlus has started rolling out OxygenOS 11, bringing Android 11 alongside its own software overlay to its devices. This week, the rollout finally hit the OnePlus Nord, one of the best cheap Android phones we've seen, and the phone nailed for returning OnePlus to its affordable flagship roots in reviews.Despite the relatively slow rollout pace, OnePlus didn't quite manage to satisfy all its customers when it came to the quality of the update. In the 24 hours since the release, many found bugs that ranged from trifling to crippling. Some of those bugs found by the testers included heavy battery drain, interface lag, and camera performance issues. As a result, OnePlus has pulled the update from its servers and will re-release once it's patched w...

Adjusting screen brightness for a phone or watch is necessary for different reasons at different times, and knowing how to change screen brightness on a Wear OS smartwatch can help in all of them. Even the best Android smartwatch can only pack so much battery capacity into its small case, and lowering screen brightness is one of the ways to extend the battery life on your Wear OS watch.How to change screen brightness on Wear OSSome smartwatches like the Fossile Gen 5 LTE have an ambient light sensor built in to automatically change the screen brightness based on the light around it. While a watch like the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS has an ambient light sensor for when you have the AMOLED display active, its secondary display is reflective so that it's highly visible in a bright light without using much battery.Changing the brightness of the display can be necessary at times other than just bright lights. Perhaps you are in a dim environment, and your smartwatch screen is too bright. In...

As one of the most popular live TV streaming services, Sling brings the best of cable to your screens while keeping the price more affordable than competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. When it comes to cutting the cord and replacing your cable bill with something a bit less pricey, Sling TV should be the first service you try.Sling TV streaming serviceHow much is Sling per month?What channels does Sling have?Can you get local channels with Sling?What are the Sling packages?Is Sling really free right now?What channels are on Sling Free?What platforms have a Sling TV app?With your Sling subscription, you'll never have to miss another episode of your favorite shows. Not at home? Not a problem. Sling is available as an app on Android and iOS phones and tablets, Xbox game consoles, and streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick, Roku streaming sticks, and Apple TV. Thanks to services like Sling, cable is less restricting that ever before — there's not even a...

T-Mobile is changing things up for former Sprint customers, too.Update, Mar 11 (2:20 pm ET): Google Fi customers will not be included in T-Mobile's new policyWhat you need to knowT-Mobile has updated its privacy policy and will automatically share web and app data from users for third-party ads.Both T-Mobile and Sprint customers will have to proactively opt-out of sharing this information.The privacy change won't take effect until April 26th, and users can change their privacy settings now.While T-Mobile may have some of the best deals on new phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21, some customers may not appreciate this latest move. The company recently released an update to its privacy policy that outlines some changes that it's making regarding how it uses subscriber data. The policy was spotted by the Wall Street Journal, notes that T-Mobile will start automatically collecting data from its customers to use for third-party advertising.T-Mobile notes that personally ident...

Looking for a game that's child-friendly? We've rounded up the best games that kids can play on PS5.There may be thousands of games available on PS4 and PS5, even some through backward compatibility, but not all of them are suitable for children. If you're looking for some more kid-friendly, there are a few notable titles that are definitely worth your time. Whether you have a younger child or a pre-teen, you'll want them to play the best games that are appropriate for their age. We've rounded up some of the best PS5 games for kids so that you don't need to spend hours browsing the store and the internet.Jump to:BugsnaxSackboy: A Big AdventureAstro's PlayroomSlime RancherStardew ValleyMinecraftFall GuysImmortals Fenyx RisingCrash Bandicoot 4Spyro Reignited TrilogyLego DC Super-VillainsBugsnaxBugsnax caught a lot of people's attention when it was first announced, and not just because of its catchy theme song. From the developer of Octodad: Dadliest Catch,...

Google makes a couple of different apps for note-taking and to-do lists, but Google Keep is my favorite because of the flexibility and the wide array of note types it supports. From bulleted lists and classic text, to doodles and collaborative notes that you can share with others, Google Keep has it all. Of course, if you end up liking another to-do app — or if you start a short idea and it ends up turning into a longer one — you need a way to get it out of Keep. Thankfully, we've got two. Here are a few easy steps to show you how to export Google Keep notes.How to copy a Google Keep note to Google DocsGoogle Keep has a 19,999 character limit per note, so once a note gets too long, you'll have to export it to Google Docs to keep the creative flow going. To export to Google Docs, you have to do it manually, one note at a time, but it's more likely you'll be doing it as a note runs out of room or as you transition from planning to drafting for things like term papers and report...

Taking the best features from its wired doorbell — sans the annoying wire.Arlo already makes the best video doorbell that supports Google Assistant, but there is one major thing they could improve: adding the option to go wireless. That's where Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free comes in. Offering basically everything the standard Arlo Video Doorbell offers, Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free gives users the ability to use it wirelessly — by utilizing the built-in rechargeable battery — all while offering the ability to wire it up if dedicated power is available.When compared to most other wireless video doorbells, like the Eufy Video Doorbell or Ring Video Doorbell 3, Arlo offers a truly compelling product that often out-does the competition in almost every area. Arlo's unique 1:1 aspect ratio shines when compared to other video doorbells thanks to its ability to see more important parts of your front porch. It's also got a brilliant object detection algorithm po...

A glass masterpiece you definitely don't want to drop.The first time I held the OPPO Find X, the only thing I remember thinking was that I really, really wanted one. I was hanging out with a few friends in the industry during a visit to Chicago to see some of Motorola's latest devices and, after a few drinks, we were talking about the then-burgeoning Chinese smartphone market where up-and-comers like Xiaomi, Vivo, Huawei and OPPO were quickly making moves into the west.The Find X, like the OnePlus One a few years earlier, seemingly came from nowhere. It conveyed a confidence in hardware design that crossed over into the west, a design that ran beyond mere concept. The motorized camera housing hinted at the notch-free future we're currently living in (with a few exceptions), and the software mess showed the company rethinking how it would approach releasing phones outside of China with subsequent generations.The Find series took a year off in 2019 and came roaring back last ...

If Amazon builds it, will they come?A few weeks ago, Amazon made what I think was a major product announcement that might have flown under your radar. No, it wasn't that the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) or Echo Frames (2nd Gen) finally became available for general purchase after months of waiting. In fact, the news wasn't really about a single product at all.The announcement I'm referring to was actually for three new products; well, three prospective products, that is. These three products are certainly interesting, and we'll get to them in a second. But what's more interesting to me is the bigger story that they are a part of — the story about Amazon's Kickstarter and Indiegogo crowdfunding competitor called Amazon Build It.Amazon Build It how it worksBuild It is Amazon's answer to address the headache, uncertainty, and confusion that often come with backing a crowdfunding campaign on sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. An extension of Amazon's experimental Day 1 Editions pr...

The phone is tipped to launch in global markets as the Moto G100.What you need to knowMotorola could soon unveil the global version of the Edge S.The phone is rumored to be called the Moto G100.It will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 chipset.Back in January, Motorola announced the first phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 processor in China, dubbed Edge S. The Lenovo-owned company has now started teasing the launch of the global version of the phone, which is rumored to arrive as the Moto G100.There is much more to come, stay tuned! #hellomoto #YouWantItYouGotIt pic.twitter.com/GNe9aaP7p5— Motorola (@Moto) March 10, 2021While the official teaser released by Motorola doesn't confirm the phone's marketing name, it does confirm that the global variant will look nearly identical to the Edge S from every angle. In addition to giving us a "sneak peek" at the design, the teaser also confirms the presence of a Snapdragon 870 chipset under the hood. Motorola will pr...

Woot currently has the refurb iRobot Roomba 960 robotic vacuum cleaner marked down to just $239.99, which is around $160 lower than it regularly sells for in refurbished condition at Amazon. Today's price is the lowest we have ever tracked for it and saves you even more when compared to a new model. Despite being refurbished, your robot vac will look and work like new and comes backed by a 90-day warranty.We named the Roomba 960 our favorite overall robot vacuum cleaner in 2020 so this is a deal you don't want to miss. You can schedule it to run via the free iRobot HOME app, or by using your voice through one of Amazon's Alexa-enabled Echo devices, making it super convenient. You can also tell it not to clean a specific area. The included sensors warn the device if it is getting near an obstacle or if it's about to fall down a flight of stairs.It can run for 75 minutes before needing to be recharged, and it has the ability to recharge and then resume cleaning from the same place....

The phone is a solid upgrade over last year's Galaxy M11 in every area that counts.What you need to knowThe Galaxy M12 is Samsung's latest big-battery budget phone.It comes with a 6.5-inch 90Hz display, an Exynos 850 chipset, and a 6000mAh battery.The phone will be available to purchase in India from March 18 for a starting price of ₹10,999 ($151).Samsung today launched its first Galaxy M series phone with a high-refresh-rate display at a virtual event in India. The Galaxy M12 is Samsung's answer to some of the best cheap Android phones from Xiaomi, Motorola, and Realme.The Monster is here! And now it’s reloaded with an 8nm Processor, a 90Hz Display and a True 48MP Camera. Not to forget its massive 6000mAh Battery. Wait, there’s more. #GalaxyM12 available on Amazon at an introductory price of just ₹9999. pic.twitter.com/HgQxDY1gzO— Samsung India (@SamsungIndia) March 11, 2021Samsung Galaxy M12 sports a 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V display with a 90Hz refresh rate...

It's a clash of the titans in the UEFA Europa League as the Premier League's Manchester United host AC Milan of Serie A in the first leg of the round of 16. Don't miss a moment with our Man United vs AC Milan live stream guide.Today's hosts cruised through the round of 32 with a 4-0 aggregate win over Real Sociedad. In fact, the Red Devils had one foot in the round of 16 after the first leg encounter with Sociedad saw them notch four away goals, a deficit La Real could not overturn on goalless the return leg.AC Milan's journey to the round of 32 wasn't so smooth. The Rossoneri made it through by way of away goals after a 2-2 draw away at Red Star Belgrade followed by a 1-1 home draw at the San Siro.These two sides have not met competitively in 11 years and this is their first clash in Europe's second-tier club competition, reflecting the diminished stature of these two former powerhouse clubs.That being said, both sides are coming close to their former glory in their domestic...

With a 120Hz AMOLED panel and 108MP camera at the back, the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max has the upgrades you're looking for.The most important phone launch in India isn't from Samsung, Vivo, Realme, OPPO, or even OnePlus. That particular honor belongs to the Redmi Note lineup. The series has defined the budget category over the last five years, with Xiaomi racking up 200 million sales in that time.But what's particularly interesting is just how many phones Xiaomi sold in the last 15 months. It took the brand over three years to hit the 100 million milestone, but just 15 months to sell another 100 million units — averaging sales of 7 million a month around the world. It's no wonder, then, that the Redmi Note 9 was one of the best-selling phones globally in 2020 and the standard for the best cheap Android phones.In 2021, Xiaomi is taking things to the next level with the Redmi Note 10 series. The phones now come with AMOLED screens as standard, and the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max has a 108...

Dish is putting all its pieces into place for a 5G rollout this year.What you need to knowDish announced this week that it's acquiring Republic Wireless for an undisclosed amount.The Relay division of Republic Wireless will continue to operate independently as a 5G customer.Dish Wireless is planning to launch its 5G network later this year.Dish has been on a spending spree lately as it works to build up its street cred as a mobile network. After the company snatched up Boost Mobile as a prerequisite to T-Mobile's merger with Sprint, Dish went ahead and purchased Ting Mobile in a deal that will help with the management of its wireless expansion. This time around, Dish has announced this week that it's acquiring Republic Wireless. As we continue to grow our retail wireless business, Republic broadens our existing customer base and positions us to deliver even more value to the market, expanding our portfolio of mobile solutions to meet a variety of customer needs. We look...

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 9R — 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 dateAfter months of silence, OnePlus finally announced an official OnePlus 9 launch date of March 23, with the official livestream beginning on OnePlus's website at...

After last year's Pandemic Special, the residents of the sleepy mountain town of South Park are back with an all-new hour-long special and we have all the details on how you can watch the South Park Vaccination Special online or on TV.While season 24 of the animated sitcom has already been announced, Matt Stone and Trey Parker decided to take the show in a different direction last year when they revealed that South Park would be doing its first hour-long episode covering the pandemic.The Pandemic Special showed us just how Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Eric, Butters and the other kids from South Park Elementary have been dealing with wearing masks, social distancing and doing distance learning classes on Zoom. However, we also learned that Randy Marsh and Mickey Mouse may have been responsible for unleashing Covid-19 in the first place.Some time has passed and the Covid-19 vaccine is now available and the residents of South Park are eager to get their hands on it. At the same time though,...

LG hasn't gotten any better with updates.What you need to knowLG has posted an update schedule for its smartphones on its German website.The schedule suggests only two smartphones being updated to Android 11 in Q2.The LG Wing isn't expected to receive Android 11 until Q4 of this year.When it comes to updates, LG is known for being notoriously slow. It seemed like things might've finally turned around for the company when Android 10 was released, but alas, LG is back to its old ways. An Android 11 update schedule was spotted on the company's German website, and it doesn't paint a pretty picture for owners of LG's smartphones.According to the schedule, the only two smartphones expected to receive Android 11 in Q2 are the LG Velvet and the LG G8X from 2019. Considering most of the best Samsung phones have already received the update, that's quite an unfortunate outlook for LG fans. Moreover, the 4G version of the LG Velvet won't receive the update until Q3 this year, along w...

The entry-level OnePlus 9 device remains elusive.What you need to knowNew leaked renders of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro show off the devices' designs and colors.The Hasselblad branding appears on both camera humps, suggesting a boost in image quality for both devices.The OnePlus 9R, which is expected to launch alongside these devices, has remained largely unseen.The official teasers of the OnePlus 9 series have officially kicked off thanks to the announcement of the Hasselblad partnership. While OnePlus gears up for the official device launch later this month, device leaks start to ramp up as we get closer to the reveal date. OnePlus may have given fans a glimpse of the 9 Pro, but newly leaked renders provide a full look at the OnePlus 9 smartphones and their colors. The images of the OnePlus 9 reveal three different colors, including violet, blue, and one with a glossy black finish. On the front is a flat display with a hole-punch, while the back shows off the triple...

While shopping around for an affordable dashcam, you may have come across the 360 G300H. At just $79, the G300H stands out as an impressively affordable option, especially in a market where many devices cost well over $100. If you're curious about just what this dash cam brings to the table, we'll help go over some of the key features you can find in the G300H.A complete solution360's G300H is a complete package. It comes with everything you need to set it up in your car and get it running. The camera will include a sticky film for attaching it to your windshield, a lengthy power cable and cigarette lighter adapter, and even a microSD card to go in the camera and store recordings. So, you won't need to spend anything extra on top of the $79 for the device.Detailed videoWith budget devices, you might worry that you're going to make a big sacrifice in terms of image quality. But, the G300H exceeds the specs of a lot of its budget competition. The camera sensor itself offers a 12...

So, you want a keyboard to use with your PS4 or PS5. If you want to use it with games, know that most PS4 games only support keyboards for sending messages to other players in-game, not as an alternative controller. Because of this, you should probably save your money and don't go all-out on a fancy mechanical gaming keyboard. A compact or lightweight keyboard can sit next to you on the couch while you play games and is just as easy to pull into your lap for a quick message. Here are some of the best PS4 keyboards (that also work with PS5) you can get right now.Compact, compact keyboardJelly Comb Foldable KeyboardStaff PickThis Jelly Comb is reliable, compact, and comes with a touchscreen mouse! Don't waste your time with a bulky keyboard, and grab this easy-to-store option.$35 at AmazonSmall, but completeLogitech K360If you're looking for a simple, wireless, compact keyboard that works and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, you might want to consider this one from Lo...

Google and Facebook aren't off the hook just yet.What you need to knowA bill introduced in the U.S. aims to give newspapers more negotiating power with Big Tech.The lawsuit comes just after Google and Facebook strike deals with foreign media entities on appropriate financial support for news content.The legislation has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.The battle over fair compensation for content is not over for Google and Facebook. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Sen. Amy Klobuchar re-introduced the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, which aims to give news companies a fighting chance for negotiating appropriate compensation for content with tech giants like Google and Facebook. This bipartisan legislation will improve the quality of reporting and ensure that journalists are able to continue their critical work. Our media outlets need a fighting chance when negotiating for fair treatment by the digital platforms where so many American...

Crisp and compactLenovo Chromebook Duet$231 at Amazon (64GB)$249 at Best Buy (128GB)$249 at Walmart (64GB)ProsHigher quality screenMore storageDetachable keyboardConsSmaller screenQuiet speakersWith the keyboard and kickstand included in-box, the Duet is great whether you're lounging on the couch to read comics or typing emails while you're at the corner cafe. The keyboard is a tiny bit cramped, but it's easy to adapt to so long as your hands are slender.Streamlined for studentsAcer Chromebook Spin 311 (3H)$320 at Walmart (64GB)$300 at Target (32GB)ProsSlightly larger screenHighly portable2-in-1 laptop formatConsLimited portsLimited storageLower quality screenAcer cut every bit of fat and excess from previous generations to get the price for the latest 311 down to its lowest yet. If you need a Chromebook that's more suited to being used in your lap or in cramped quarters, the Spin 311 can fit the bill so long as you don't ne...

If you're looking for something more portable, we've seen those deals today, too, but if storage space is your driving concern, then this is the deal for you. The WD Easystore 16TB drive has dropped to $259.99 at Best Buy. We haven't seen it drop this low since Black Friday, so you'll want to grab it while you can because it might be a while before we see it again. The huge capacity drive normally sells for around $350 at Best Buy, and it's not really available elsewhere.As a desktop external hard drive, the Easystore is not a drive meant to travel with you. It should be sitting on your desk serving as a semi-permanent storage for your media. Because of that, WD also makes it really easy to use these drives to back up your system. Use the WD Backup software and you'll be able to set a schedule that backs up your data regularly.If you just want something for your photos, videos, and documents, use the WD Discovery software to back up all of that information easily. It can also ma...

The PS4 has an immense catalog of great games that let you relax, visit a new world, or hang out with friends online. That includes a vast number of sports games catering to fans and competitors of every type. Whether you want to put together a dream team featuring your favorite professional athletes or play a wild, futuristic sport that will test your reflexes and situational awareness, there's a game for that. We've put together a guide to some of the best PS4 sports games available now so you can enjoy all the thrills.Featured favoriteRocket League for PS4Why play soccer with people when you can do it with customized Battle-Cars? Face your friends in the arena through local multiplayer and online play that lets you share games with people playing on PC. The impressive physics engine is easy to pick up while adding realism to the fantasy sport.Free at PlayStationPop a wheelieFutureGrindStaff PickA sci-fi version of freestyle BMX, FutureGrind challe...

The game was canceled a month ago and then un-canceled.What you need to knowTerraria is releasing for Stadia on March 18.The game's developer canceled the port earlier this year before resolving a dispute with Google.Pricing details are unannounced, but it will be the latest (v1.4.0.5) version of the game.Today, Google announced via Twitter that Terraria is officially releasing for Stadia next week on March 18. With no Minecraft or Roblox, Terraria is primed to immediately become one of the deepest sandbox building Stadia games alongside free-to-play creation game Crayta.Terraria began as, more or less, a 2D pixel art version of Minecraft, but it's evolved into much more of a "game" with deep lore, tons of bosses and enemies, and a heavy focus on co-op exploration and action-adventure-meets-platformer gameplay.Pricing details are not available yet, but since Terraria is only $10 on PC it will likely cost the same on Stadia.The sudden launch of Terraria on Stadia is re...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was initially announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since its announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of Diablo Immortal footage, including some gameplay.With the first Technical Alpha for Diablo Immortal officially out now, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Technical Alpha Paragon levelingWhat is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is there a Batt...

Since being introduced late last year, we've seen several great deals on the newest Sony Bluetooth headphones, the WH-1000XM4, but deals on the previous generation XM3 headphones have become less common. That's too bad because they are still very, very good headphones. You can take advantage of a rare deal from Focus Camera right now knocking the price of the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphiones down to $199.99 with the code BDTHANKS. That takes $148 off the price. You can still find these headphones going for $348 at other retailers like Crutchfield, but the next best price is $213 through a third party on Amazon. This price is as good as previous deals we've seen, but it's been at least 8 months since the last major sale.While the XM4 headphones offer some improvements, they're also nearly $150 more at the moment. The XM3 headphones definitely won't let you down.These headphones include USB-C charging, atomic pressure optimization that can adjust for noise-cancelling at higher altitudes...

The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has everything you could want from a 2020 flagship. There's a powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, multiple rear cameras, and a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display. That display is one of the main reasons to pick up the S20+, but if it happens to get scratched or shattered, the experience won't be the same. Prevent that from happening by picking up one of the best Galaxy S20+ screen protectors. Trust us — you want one.Complete packageCaseology Film for Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus Screen ProtectorStaff PickAfter picking up the Galaxy S20+, chances are you don't want to spend a ton of money on a screen protector. Thanks to Caseology, you don't have to. This package gives you two protectors at a great price, in addition to an impressive feature-set. The protectors are crystal clear, scratch-resistant, compatible with the in-screen fingerprint sensor, and can self-heal themselves.$9 at AmazonTour de forceGalaxy S20 Plus Screen Protector Dome GlassW...

You don't need your computer or even your console to buy PS5 games. All you need is your mobile device and the PlayStation App. With its latest update before the PS5 launched, the app was overhauled to include an integrated store, allowing players to purchase and download games directly to their consoles with ease. Just sign into your account, and you'll be ready to go.If you go to download a game while your console is turned off and not in Rest Mode, just be aware that it will start downloading the next time you turn on your PS5.How to buy PS5 games on the PlayStation App for AndroidOpen up the PlayStation App on Android.Select the PS Store icon in the lower middle of the screen to browse games.Alternatively, select the Search icon at the lower right to search for a specific game by name. Select the game you wish to purchase.On its store page, select Add to Cart.Select Confirm Purchase at the bottom of the page that opens up.How to download PS5 games from the PlaySt...

Twitter is rolling this out to a limited number of people.What you need to knowTwitter is testing two photo-related tweaks on mobile apps.It'll let users see how their photos will appear on the timeline as part of a change to the tweet composer.The company will also enable higher quality uploads, allowing for the sharing of 4K pictures.Twitter is testing out an improvement to how its mobile app handles photos on Android. In a limited test the company announced today, there'll be changes made to both the tweet composer and image upload quality.The composer will now display a more representative view of an image you plan to share pre-upload. That is to say; you'll now see how it would appear in the timeline before you upload it.The second is a small tweak that'll let you see and view 4K pictures on Android and iOS. It's a step up from the compressed images that users can share now, and it'll presumably help photography enthusiasts share their work more accurately.In a c...

Instead of trying to keep all of your Google and Gmail accounts in order on multiple devices, why not have everything on one device? The best Android phones have made it an easy process to add accounts, sync accounts, and remove accounts. We'll show you just how easy it is to add a second (or third, or fourth) Google account to your Android phone.How to add a second Google account to your Android phoneHow to remove a Google account from your Android phoneHow to add a second Google account to your Samsung phoneHow to add a second Google account to your Android phoneLaunch Settings from your Home screen, the app drawer, or the Notification Shade.Swipe up in the Settings menu to scroll down.Tap Accounts.Tap Add Account.Tap Google.Type in your email address in the provided field. You can also create a new account to be added.Tap Next.Type your password.Tap Next.How to remove a Google account from your Android phoneSwipe down from the top of the Home screen.T...

The best MVNOs for Verizon all have great coverage on the Verizon network with plans that work for most people. Instead of going through the expense of spending billions developing and maintaining a mobile network, these carriers use Verizon's network to deliver great service and coverage without the expense of Verizon's plans. You can even use most of the best Android phones with these carriers. When it comes to carriers powered by Verizon's network, Visible stands out as the best overall choice with unlimited data and great savings opportunities. Here are some of the best MVNOs that use Verizon's network.Best Overall: VisibleVisible is the first and one of the most unique prepaid carriers on this list. Rather than going into a store to get started with your new phone service, everything with Visible is handled through its mobile app. This includes creating an account and paying your bill. There's just one plan to choose from at Visible, and it costs $40/month. For that pr...

The "pro" gaming features will remain, however.What you need to knowOnePlus is killing Fnatic mode in Oxygen OS 11.This comes as a result of the end of its partnership with the brand.OnePlus's new Pro Gaming Mode will still keep all the features of the old Fnatic mode. OnePlus is changing how its gaming mode is branded. The company had teamed up with Fnatic, an esports brand, to provide an advanced gaming mode on its smartphones dubbed "Fnatic Mode". "Fnatic Mode optimizes the device CPU, GPU, and RAM for best possible gaming experiences, and blocks notifications from apps, calls, and other distractions while gaming," both companies announced in a shared release made in 2020 when bringing the feature to all OnePlus phones from the 5 and up.Now, it's removing the branding from OxygenOS 11, renaming the Fnatic Mode to Pro Gaming mode The reason was simple, the partnership between both companies had ended.OnePlus delivered the following statement to XDA: OnePlus' partn...

Another option for developers looking to even the online playing field.What you need to knowDenuvo offers game protection services like Anti-Cheat to publishers of PC games.Denuvo has joined a program for PS5 exclusive middleware and development tools.Anyone publishing games on PC will now have access to Denuvo for implementing Anti-Cheat technology.We've learned today that Denuvo is joining PS5 exclusive middleware tools. This means developers working on some of the best PS5 games will have access to Denuvo Anti-Cheat for implementation in their games. Denuvo Anti-Cheat is currently available for anyone publishing games on PC, where it has a long and interesting history.As part of this new partnership, Denuvo intends to bring "fairness and fun back to gaming" by providing Anti-Cheat for any developers trying to keep out hackers or anyone looking to cheat in online games."Cheating ruins video games for honest players," said Reinhard Blaukovitsch, Managing Director of De...

The OnePlus 9 Pro's ultra-wide camera will have a freeform lens, which is claimed to reduce distortion from 20% to just 1%.What you need to knowOnePlus CEO Pete Lau has teased the camera performance of the brand's upcoming flagship phone on Twitter.The ultra-wide camera on the OnePlus 9 Pro will use Sony's 50MP IMX766 sensor. OnePlus 9 series will debut at a global launch event on March 23.OnePlus announced its partnership with Hasselblad earlier this week, promising to deliver a significantly improved camera experience, starting with the OnePlus 9 series. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau has now shared a camera sample on his Twitter account, teasing improved ultra-wide photography.Ultra-wide photography literally broadens your horizons. Shouldn’t it also keep them true? On the left, a shot taken with a conventional ultra-wide. On the right, the same (and yet totally different) photo taken with the #OnePlus9Series, free of distortion. pic.twitter.com/jbtWae2faP— Pete Lau (@PeteLa...

Even though we're a few months away from the event, a few big companies have already decided to stay away from the trade show.MWC has the first major trade show to get canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic last year. Weeks before the show was canceled entirely by the GSMA, several companies announced that they would not be part of the event over health concerns. Although the pandemic has now slowed down and vaccinations have started in many countries, it looks like MWC 2021 may suffer the same fate.Even though the event is set to take place in June, a few companies have already started to bail on MWC 2021 Barcelona. While only a handful of companies have pulled out of MWC 2021 so far, more companies are likely to follow suit in the coming weeks. Just like 2020, most companies may announce the successors to their best Android phones at virtual events this year.Here's the list of all the big names that won't be attending MWC 2021 Barcelona:NokiaEricssonSonyNokiaNokia...

In June 2020, Google launched a feature that Android users have been anxiously awaiting for years — its answer to Apple's AirDrop. It came in the form of something called "Nearby Share," and it allows you to easily share links to other Android users through a streamlined and simple process. Nearby Share is now widely rolling out to all Android phones, and if you aren't quite sure how to use it, we'll be walking you through all of its ins and outs. Let's get started!Products used in this guideAndroid goodness: Google Pixel 4a ($350 at Amazon)How to use Nearby Share on your Android phoneTo get the ball rolling, we'll take a look at how you initiate Nearby Share on your phone to share something with a contact. It's just as easy as sharing something through any other app on your phone, with the whole process going as follows:Tap the share icon on something you want to share (it looks like three circles with lines connecting them).Swipe up on the Android share menu.Tap ...

Best Buy has a lot more going on than just some amazing Mario Day sales. You can also save on some other stuff, too! Grab a Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB portable hard drive down to a low price of $44.99. This is a great low price for a hard drive that was once one of the best and is now growing more rare as time goes on. Normally the Backup Plus Slim sells for around $60, and you're not going to find it for a better price than Best Buy's deal today. In fact, B&H has the next best price, but it's going for $53 over there. The Best Buy deal is only available in the Space Gray color.The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is historically one of the best external hard drives around. It has always been a top contender even though it has been around for a while. It's sleek, lightweight, and has a large capacity for its size. It's extremely portable and designed to be slipped into any pack on your way out the door. Use it to keep your favorite media with you at all times.With 1TB of space you'...

By now, you've probably seen iOS users tweeting and posting about Clubhouse, an audio-based social network that, for the moment, is limited to iPhones only. No need to feel too left out, though; Twitter has developed its own version of the platform called Spaces, which integrates directly into the Twitter app you likely already have on your phone. The whole layout may seem a bit confusing at first, but it's addictingly simple to use once you get the hang of it. Let's take a look at how to use Twitter Spaces for Android.How to use Twitter SpacesOpen the Twitter app.You'll see any active Spaces highlighted in purple in the strip above your timeline, right alongside Fleets. Tap a space to preview the attendees.Tap Join this space to automatically enter a space and begin listening to the ongoing conversation.Speakers will be displayed at the top of the list. You can request to become a speaker by tapping the Request button in the bottom-left corner of the screen.Once accepted ...