Latest from Android Central

We're nearly on stable ground.The final Android 12 Developer Preview has arrived, and that means we're just a few short weeks away from the first public beta, the next major milestone towards stable Android 12. In this version, we're starting to see more of the visual changes and animations that we know are coming in the next version, giving us a closer look at what the final build might look like.I disregarded my own advice and installed the latest Developer Preview 3 build on my personal Pixel 5, as I've done with the previous builds, in order to break down some of the biggest user-facing changes in this new software release.As a reminder, you probably shouldn't install this or any other preview build on your personal phone — that especially goes for anyone on an older device like the Pixel 4, not because it's not one of the best Android phones around anymore, but because stability seems to be significantly worse on older models. For what it's worth, things have been mo...

These new settings are available now.What you need to knowYouTube now offers new streaming settings on the mobile app.The new settings include a high-quality setting, a data saver option, and an advanced option for defining your preferred resolution. It's widely available on Android via a server-side update.Google is rolling out an update to the YouTube mobile app that'll give you more control over the video quality (via Android Police). It's a bit of a step-up from what users had before on phones, but it basically lets you decide how the YouTube app uses your mobile data.Previously you could choose either "auto" or just choose the precise resolution you wanted, think 480p, 720p, or 1080p. Now, you have a more complex settings menu. This makes you able to choose auto, higher picture quality, data saver, or advanced. It's a bit of a change, but it does put more power in the hand of the users, albeit needlessly complicating what used to be a simple thing.Auto is the same...

Your OnePlus 8 Pro deserves a case as great as it is. After all, the OnePlus 8 Pro is big, beautiful, and boasts some great features, including IP water resistance and wireless charging. The back glass comes in funky colors like Glacial Green and Ultramarine Blue, but it's still a glass-backed phone, and that means you'll want to protect it so that you're not blowing hundreds of dollars repairing or replacing it. After extensive research, these are the best OnePlus 8 Pro cases you can buy.Let's kick itPoetic RevolutionStaff PickThe OnePlus 8 Pro can last a long time if you protect it, and heavy-duty cases like the Revolution offer that protection in spades. Not only does this case come with a screen protector, but it also has a kickstand on the back for propping it up on your desk or nightstand.From $19 at AmazonSo sleek and svelteX-Level GuardianThis case might not be textured like the Spigen Liquid Air, but it trades that texturing for a slimmer profile and more...

Oculus is finally catching up to Nintendo's Mii-level customization.What you need to knowOculus's new avatars are finally launching on April 23, 2021 for all Oculus platforms including Rift and Quest.These new avatars feature a "quintillion combinations" that can be used to truly customize your avatar to look like you.Three games are integrating these avatars today, with many more to follow.If you're an Oculus gamer — whether that's Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, or Oculus Quest 2 — you've undoubtedly been disappointed with the avatar that Oculus has you make upon account creation. To be frank, they've been terrible up until this point. Oculus acknowledged this a while back and has been teasing its new avatar system since last year. Starting today, April 23, you'll be able to create a brand new avatar and use it in a select few games and apps, while many of the best Quest 2 games may let you play as these avatars soon.If you've already made an Oculus avatar, you'll doubtl...

It's never been easier to watch live TV than it is with Sling. Featuring over 30 of cable's best channels in its base packages, you never have to miss a moment as this live TV streaming service gives you the ability to watch wherever you go and even includes 50 hours of free DVR storage. With the Sling app, you can watch on select streaming devices, video game consoles, some smart TVs, and your smartphone or tablet as well. Starting at just $35 per month, it's hard to find a more affordable and reliable way to stream live TV.How to sign up for Slingwith your web browserwith an Android devicewith Xbox or Windows 10with Amazon Fire TVwith RokuStart streaming todaySling TVFor as low as $35 per month, you'll be able to stream live TV channels on Android and iOS devices, your computer or smart TV, select Xbox game consoles, and more.Join today at SlingSigning up for a Sling subscription is really simple, too. Sling allows new members to start an account not only on...

The market for UWB item trackers is about to explode after the AirTag.What you need to knowOPPO has been spotted with its own Bluetooth tracker in the works.The OPPO Smart Tag will feature UWB similar to Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+ and Apple's AirTag.Smart Tag will also include a USB-C charging port instead of a replaceable battery.The tech industry can often be unusual in handling trends, and the latest release of the Apple AirTag is an example. The market for Bluetooth item trackers has been around for some time, but this year Samsung and Apple decided that it was time to get into the game with their own item trackers. Of course, part of that may have to do with the recent growth of technology like Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to boost the usefulness of these trackers, something that OPPO is gearing to take advantage of, according to the latest leak.Images of a Bluetooth item tracker from OPPO have been found online (via XDA-Developers), which will make use of Ultra-Wideband tec...

Recently, one of the Google apps you probably didn't realize you rely on all the time got a nice little update, and you might have missed it. The Google Contacts app finally gained the ability to let you change your profile picture directly from that app and not have to go through several hoops in your Google Account settings to accomplish the same thing. It's crazy to think that this feature hasn't been built into the app all along, but we're sure glad that it's here now. Now let's look at how easy it is to change your Google profile photo from the Google Contacts app.How to change your Google profile photo from the Contacts mobile appOpen the Google Contacts app.Tap on your profile photo or avatar in the top right corner.Tap on your profile photo or avatar again in the pop-up window.Tap Change.Select where you want to pull the new profile photo from (Google Photos, on-device storage, or from the camera).Select your photo.Crop and rotate the photo to your liking.Tap Sa...

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

In this episode, Hayato, Daniel, Ara, and Jerry check out the final Developer Preview of Android 12. They also talk about Sony's Xperia 1 III, the TCL Fold 'n Roll concept phone, and the Fitbit Luxe.Apple had their Spring Loaded event this week, so the gang takes some time to view their announcements through the lens of Android users.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Android 12's final Developer Preview lands with new app launch animations, better camera support for third-party apps, and improved haptics | Android CentralThe Sony Xperia 1 III is one of the last flagship phones for hardware fanatics | Android CentralI can't get my hands on TCL's wild Fold 'n Roll concept phone soon enough | Android CentralThe $150 Fitbit Luxe is a fitness tracker with high-end sensors and plenty of style | Android CentralApple's Spring Loaded event debuts impressive Mini LED iPad Pro, AirTags, pr...

After more than two years of being available in Japan, Disgaea RPG brings the over-the-top charm of its series to western mobile audiences at long last.Disgaea RPG has finally arrived in the west after first debuting in Japan over two years ago. A mobile gacha spinoff of the core Disgaea series, Disgaea RPG features its own story while still remaining true to the style and vibe the main games are known for. Characters that long-time players will already know and love account for a big chunk of the character lists, bringing their patented charm and humor to Disgaea RPG (we'll call it DRPG for short from here on out). It's our Android Game of the Week, and may turn out to be among the Best Android Games.For the uninitiated, Disgaea is traditionally a tactical turn-based RPG dating all the way back to 2003. Developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Disgaea makes itself unforgettable in the RPG-scene by way of its Netherworld setting, it's main characters being maniacal, villainous anti...

Chrome OS comes on two types of devices: laptops called Chromebooks and desktop machines called Chromeboxes. While the best Chromebooks are more widely known and more diverse in their options, Chromeboxes are a relatively small market where you have one option from each of the major manufacturers that gets updated every few years. 2021 is a good year to be a Chromebox user, as we're getting updates to the three most popular Chromeboxes on the market. They're still trickling out right now, but of the three upcoming models, the ASUS Chromebox 4 is the one you'll want to buy for the extra ports and the extra power.Best Overall: ASUS Chromebox 4ASUS makes some of the best Chromebooks for work, and it's never afraid to squeeze in every little feature and port it can to try and stand out in an increasingly competitive Chrome Enterprise space. This means that whether you're buying the business version or consumer-grade, we all benefit from ASUS's dedication to being the most powerful ...

Twitter's new monetization features could be on the horizon.What you need to knowTwitter is working on a "Tip Jar" and "Super Follows" to help influencers monetize their tweets.We finally get a look at what Twitter's method for tipping could look like.There are currently two iterations of a "Super Follow" button being tested.Twitter announced several new features in February that it is currently developing for mobile devices, including the best Android phones, mainly aimed at providing influencers with monetization options and ways to bolster revenue for the platform. The new features include a new "Super Follow" that lets users monetize certain content on their accounts, as well as a tipping feature that's largely self-explanatory. The company didn't exactly provide an ETA for these features, but a recent look at them indicates that they might arrive sooner rather than later.Leaker Jane Manchun Wong has provided a look at some of the features that Twitter is currently de...

New and improvedOculus Quest 2From $299 at AmazonProsRuns on new Snapdragon XR2 processorHas a 90Hz displayHas 6GB of RAMLighter than original Oculus QuestCheaper than original Oculus QuestOption for up to 256GB of storageSupports all Oculus Quest gamesConsOnly has one headphone jackDoesn't work with some old accessoriesLacks "true blacks" due to LCDThe Oculus Quest 2 is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. With the Snapdragon XR2 processor, a new 90Hz display, and 6GB of RAM, the Oculus Quest 2 is the best way to experience the Oculus platform.An aging headsetOculus QuestFrom $529 at AmazonProsPlays growing library of Oculus Quest gamesHas two headphones jacks, allowing more optionsShows "true blacks" with OLED displayConsHeavier than Oculus Quest 2Has processor that's several years oldMore expensive than Oculus Quest 2Only has 4GB of RAMMax option of 128GB of storageRunning out of stockThe original Oculus Que...

Things aren't looking good for Google or Apple, and it's likely that some things will change.Application developers have levied some serious accusations against Google and Apple in the latest Senate hearings about how the two tech giants abuse their market position and power.Testimony from names like Spotify, Tile, and Tinder tells how the two companies are stifling competition and any potential rivals and details how the rules surrounding in-app payments and even application updates allow it to happen. Even worse, claims of threatened retaliation if the line isn't toed are being tossed out, too. While Apple is having a tougher time, serious allegations have been levied against Google.Things look much worse for Apple, which is under tight antitrust scrutiny and in another legal battle with Epic Games. This is because of Apple's closed ecosystem where Apple calls all the shots, and no alternative ways to install applications or updates exist. Even one of Apple's anticipated...

LG hasn't had the easiest year. Back at the beginning of April, the company announced that it will no longer be making new smartphones, marking the end of an era in the mobile space. Still, the company pledged to provide software support for its existing lineup that includes some of the best LG phones, meaning now could be as good a time as ever to pick one up. So which ones should you be looking at? We've got you covered.Best overallLG V60 ThinQ 128GBStaff PickIf you want LG's most powerful flagship, look no further than the V60 ThinQ. You get a massive screen and battery that follow industry trends, plus a solid spec sheet, 5G networking, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack — all for a competitive price. Depending on where you buy it from, you could also get the accompanying Dual Screen case, which adds screen space for multitasking.$424 at Amazon $650 at T-Mobile $900 at AT&TDual screen for lessLG G8X ThinQ 128GBThe LG G8X is an interesting option that's a bi...

The feature is expected to roll out to all users in a future update.What you need to knowThe latest WhatsApp beta for Android adds support for different playback speeds for voice messages.When you play a voice message, you will now see a playback speed button. You can choose from three playback speeds by tapping on the new button: 1x, 1.5x, and 2x. WhatsApp has released a new beta version of its Android app through the Google Play beta program. The latest WhatsApp beta v2.21.9.4 brings a useful new feature that lets users listen to voice messages at different playback speeds.The feature has been under development for some time now and was first spotted by the folks at WABetaInfo last month. If you have the latest WhatsApp beta installed on your phone, you can access the feature by playing any voice message and tapping on the new playback speed button. The feature currently supports three playback speeds: 1x, 1.5x and 2x.The WABetaInfo report notes that the feature is ...

Best answer: Yes, you can mirror Chrome Browser tabs or your entire Chromebook screen to a TV via a Chromecast, Android TV, or a TV with Chromecast built-in. If you're willing to snake an HDMI cable from your TV to your Chromebook, you can also make it an extended display.Chromebooks and Chromecast, a match made in Google heavenIn 2013, Google unveiled the first Google Chromecast, a device that could be used to push content from your phone or computer to a nearby TV that was on the same Wi-Fi network, using the Google Cast protocol. This proprietary protocol allows you to wirelessly connect things like your Android phone or your Chromebook to mirror content from their screens to the big screen or to direct content from cloud streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+, allowing these devices to serve as the remote for a Chromecast that sold without any direct interface.Chromecasts have evolved since then, and the Chromecast with Google TV now comes with a remote and...

With 65W fast charging and a 120Hz display, the OnePlus 8T has the upgrades you're looking for.OnePlus has to thread the needle every year with its mid-cycle T refresh. It needs to add enough new features that customers find a compelling enough reason to pick up the new phone, but not too many that it risks overshadowing its numbered flagship series.OnePlus, therefore, has to strike the ideal balance when it comes to new features. With the OnePlus 8T, it has managed to do just that. The phone has internal hardware that's similar to the OnePlus 8 series, but it picks up 65W fast charging and a new design for the rear camera housing that makes it stand out. There's also a 120Hz display, and the screen itself is flat, unlike the OnePlus 8 series.OnePlus is facing increased competition in this category with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the regular Galaxy S21, which at $800 is one of the best Android phones right now. The Pixel 5 also makes a strong claim wi...

Best Oculus Quest 2 Deals Available NowOculus Quest 2: as low as $285Oculus accessories: starting at $38More on the Oculus Quest 2The next step in VR hardware has arrived, and now that the Oculus Quest 2 is available on store shelves, you can discover an immersive virtual reality of gaming starting as low as $299. Of course, if you know where to shop, you might even be able to score a discount on this new VR system.While deals don't come around every day on this new release just yet, it's not too soon to score a discount on the Oculus Quest 2. In fact, we could be seeing some major savings sooner than you'd think. If you have yet to decide whether this VR headset is the right one for your home, our Oculus Quest 2 review can help you learn more about the new model.Best Oculus Quest 2 DealsThe Oculus Quest 2 was only just released in mid October, so it will still be some time before we see any crazy discounts on the new model. However, we already know of a consistent wa...

If you're using some outdoor lighting, or there's something else you keep plugged in that's outside, then you should use a smart plug so you can control it without having to actually go outside yourself. Because who wants to be outside when you can be inside instead? Woot has two TP-Link Kasa KP400 outdoor smart plugs on sale for $29.99 total today. These smart plugs often sell for as high as $25 individually, and they are currently $20 by themselves on Amazon right now. You're saving as much as $20 with Woot's deal. Even when the outdoor plugs go on sale, they've only gone as low as $17 individually, which still isn't as good as today's deal for two.Remember that with Woot, you will get charged a standard flat shipping fee. Use your Amazon Prime membership to negate that fee and get free shipping, which is the best way to save.So the main thing you need from an outdoor plug is weather resistance. You want something you can put out there that won't get harmed by precipitation or ...

The test will expand to more countries later this year.What you need to knowFacebook has started testing ads on Instagram Reels.The test is currently limited to Brazil, Germany, Australia, and India. Ads on Reels can be up to 30 seconds long. Facebook has announced that it will begin testing ads in Reels, its TikTok rival. The tests will initially be limited to India, Brazil, Germany, and Australia. In the coming months, however, Facebook plans to expand the test to more countries. As revealed last month, the social networking giant is also testing a feature to allow creators in India to share their Reels on their Facebook accounts.The ads in Reels will be full-screen and can be up to 30 seconds long. Similar to other content on Reels, users will be able to like, comment, view, save, share, and skip Reels ads. Facebook says It will learn from how users and businesses engage with Reels ads to "bring the best possible experience to the community."Introduced in August la...

With the right support, PlayStation Now could be a force to be reckoned with.PlayStation Now has an identity problem. Dubbed a "Netflix for games" type of service, it doesn't offer its own original content (Sony exclusives do not release into PS Now the day they launch at retail) and you can't actually stream it to a whole lot of devices. Streaming older titles to PS5, PS4, and PC is fine, but what it could really use is mobile streaming functionality. Make it a proper competitor to Xbox Game Pass for Android, Microsoft's cloud streaming service that started its life as xCloud. Make PS Now a competitor to Xbox Game Pass on Android.Sony seems to have a renewed interest in mobile gaming as of late, if a job listing is any indication. The company appears to be hiring for a Head of Mobile role within PlayStation Studios, tasked with bringing its largest blockbuster franchises to mobile devices. This would be the perfect opportunity to expand Remote Play to PS Now. Could you imag...

Have a Sonos One, Sonos Roam, Sonos Move, Sonos Beam, or Sonos Arc? Here's how to add Alexa to any of those speakers to control smart home devices, ask about the weather, stream music, and more with just your voice.How to set up Alexa on a Sonos systemOpen the Sonos S2 app on your phone.Tap the Settings gear icon on the bottom navigation bar.Tap Services & Voice.Tap Add a Voice Assistant (if you don't see Alexa).Tap Amazon Alexa.Tap Add Amazon Alexa.Tap Sign in to Amazon.Enter your Amazon email address and password.Tap Sign in.Tap Allow.Tap Continue on the next couple of pages.Tap on Turn chime on if you want to hear a sound when Alexa wakes.Tap Continue to set default music service for Alexa.Tap I've downloaded the Alexa app. (If you still need it, tap Download Alexa app).Tap Go to Alexa app.Select your music service of choice in the Alexa app.Go back to the Sonos app and tap Done at the top right of your screen.Going through all those steps, ...

Thankfully Razer didn't put RGB lighting on these smart glasses.Since Google Glass launched and then quietly went into hiding, the concept of "smart glasses" has always seemed a bit off-putting to me. Of course, these days, plenty of smart glasses aren't actually AR glasses and offer built-in audio and work by connecting to your phone or computer. They're smart with an asterisk.When the Razer Anzu smart glasses were announced in March, I was actually pretty excited. I had been putting off getting new glasses for some time, but I knew these cool-looking frames would finally get me to renew my prescription. Since a lot of us are working from home now, the Razer Anzu are appropriately targeted towards anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a computer monitor (me), does a lot of video conferencing (also me), and maybe wants to look good while doing it (me me me). But there were some glaring issues that I was worried about before I got my hands on them, which I'll get to later in...

Motorola is still launching new budget-friendly devices that rank amongst the best cheap Android phones, and that includes the Moto G Stylus (2021). Now that it's been available for some time, you've likely already picked up one of the best screen protectors, and now you're looking to pair that with the best Moto G Stylus (2021) cases. There are a lot of great options to choose from, and we've rounded up the best cases for you to consider.Slim, colorful, and protectiveWeycolor Slim TPU CaseStaff PickThe Weycolor Slim TPU Case doesn't really offer anything that you won't find elsewhere, except for the fact that it's available in six different colors. The case is made from a liquid silicone material with an anti-slip matte finish and nice tactile buttons. Weycolor also includes two tempered glass screen protectors so you can keep your phone and screen looking good.$11 at AmazonOld reliableSpigen Rugged ArmorSpigen's back again with its Rugged Armor case, and t...

Google will give you greater control over an app's access to the notification listener service.What you need to knowAndroid 12 will give users granular control over apps that can get notification access.The revamped Device & app notifications page on Android 12 Developer Preview 3 separates them into four groups: real-time, conversations, default, and silent. There is still no guarantee that the feature will be present in the final Android 12 release. When Google released the first Android 12 developer preview in February, it revealed that it is working on refreshing notification designs to make them more functional and even easier to use. As reported by the folks at Android Police, however, Google is also making some big changes to Android's notification listener service.Currently, users can only toggle notification access on or off for helper apps such as Android Wear, Fitbit, or Android Auto. This means they can either access all your notification data, or none a...

With laptop-grade hardware and mobile-grade software, tablets seem to have evolved in the wrong direction.There are a lot of people who really love to use a tablet. You might not be one of them — I'll admit I'm not really a tablet guy — or you may turn to your tablet first when it comes to work or play and always want to have one of the best Android tablets you can buy on hand. Tablets have traditionally had a pretty clear purpose; filling the void between using the small and less powerful phone and the bulkier and more powerful laptop. But today, those lines are blurred more than ever before. Putting a laptop chip in a mobile device doesn't make things better by default.All it takes is one look at Apple's Spring Loaded event, which featured the big changes to the iPad Pro to see this in action. While these issues affect every premium tablet to some extent, the new iPad Pro is a clear example of the hardware being hamstrung by the software capabilities — or lack thereo...

Chatting with the AC forums.There are so many reasons to love Android. Whether it's the variety of hardware among the best Android phones, the customization and theming options with the software, or just the ability to "be together, not the same." With over 70% market share worldwide, Android is obviously doing something right!But in all fairness, Apple's iOS is a very strong, secure, and stable operating system with a lot of great user features. Its iPhones are undisputedly some of the best-made devices around, with great cameras and good displays. As tech lovers, it's only natural to be tempted by what's on the other side of the fence. That happened to one of our AC forums members, with a not-so-surprising conclusion... SwitchBoardDj 04-21-2021 05:27 PM “ I originally bought a S21 Ultra at release…the silver model or whatever it’s called. I liked the phone but didn’t really care too much...

America's Next Drag Superstar will be crowned during the final episode of RuPaul's Drag Race this week and we have all the details on how you can watch this season's Grand Finale on TV or online.Now in its 13th season, RuPaul's Drag Race is the most awarded reality competition show in history. During this season of the show, 13 queens from all across the U.S. came together to compete for a chance to win a cash prize of $100,000 and the honor of being crowned America's Next Drag Superstar.During last week's episode titled "Gettin' Lucky!", the four remaining queens had to write verse, record, and perform RuPaul's song Lucky. However, unlike in past seasons of the show, no one was eliminated and all four queens will have a chance to compete for the crown one last time during season 13's finale.The four remaining queens competing in the finale are Gottmik and Symone from Los Angeles and Rosé and Kandy Muse from New York. Gottmik made history earlier this year as the first transge...

It's been over 25 years since fans of the 90s fighting game series got to see Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Raiden, Sub-Zero, and all of their favorite characters on the big screen but now they'll get to once again as Warner Bros. has rebooted the franchise and we have all the details on how you can watch the new Mortal Kombat film online.When Mortal Kombat first made its theatrical debut in 1995, the film was a big hit and a trilogy was planned. However, following the release of its sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, the third film was cancelled and fans of the series were left in the dark as to whether or not they would ever see another Mortal Kombat film again.Featuring a story by Oren Uziel and Greg Russo, the Mortal Kombat reboot is the feature directorial debut of Australian filmmaker Simon McQuoid. The film will release in theaters and on HBO Max beginning on Friday, April 23 in the U.S. However, it's worth noting that it will only be available to watch on HBO's streaming se...

The same great performance and software you'd expect, now available at an irresistible price.OnePlus 8 reviewPrice and availabilityHardware, screen and specsSoftware, battery life and performanceCamerasShould you buy it?Review changelog, April 2021OnePlus 8 ProOnePlus 8 Pro reviewOnePlus had a rather confusing 2019, launching five different phones in various pairings around the world, in a staggered release that was tough to keep up with. The first half of 2020 smoothed things out considerably, with the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro launching simultaneously.But these phones launched at a higher base price than ever before, with the entry level OnePlus 8 running $70 more than the highest-spec model of the OnePlus 6T from 18 months prior, begging the question: are OnePlus phones still worth the money, as prices have continued to rise?Thankfully, now that its successor has arrived, the OnePlus 8 is available with steep discounts that make it practically an impulse b...

There's no shortage of great VPN providers out there and NordVPN happens to be among the best. Normally when something is at the top of its class that means it costs more, but that doesn't have to be the case here. You can actually get some pretty great coupons, deals, and discounts on NordVPNs service without trying too hard.With nearly 5,500 servers spread across 59 different countries, there's a lot to like about NordVPN. It's one of the best options out there for unblocking Netflix in various regions and has great security features.Today's best NordVPN coupons and dealsWhen looking at VPNs, security is always at the front of our focus as we test them. We have a full NordVPN review that breaks down all of the key parts but, as a whole, the service offers fast speeds, reliable connections, and works on almost every device out there.The best NordVPN deal available todayWith NordVPN, the longer you prepay for the service, the better the deal becomes. Right now, the smartest...

The "superphone" will be sold in a single storage configuration in India.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced 'new' Mi 11X series phones in India.The vanilla Mi 11X is based on the Chinese Redmi K40, while the Mi 11X Pro is based on the Redmi K40 Pro+. Xiaomi has also launched its flagship Mi 11 Ultra in the country at ₹69,999 ($935).Back in February, Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand launched three K40 series value flagships in China, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 series processors. The vanilla Redmi K40 and Redmi K40 Pro+ have now made their way to India, but with different names. Along with the "new" Mi 11X series, Xiaomi has also launched the Mi 11 Ultra in India to compete with the best Android phones from Samsung and OnePlus.Redmi's vanilla K40 has been rebranded as the Mi 11X for the Indian market. It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 870 chipset. On the back of the phone is a triple-camera set...

Snapchat experienced a resurgence on Android.What you need to knowSnapchat presented its first-quarter results with some interesting revelations.The company reported more active users on Android than iOS.Snapchat was rebuilt in 2019 for Android after users started leaving the platform for its sub-par app.How the tides have turned. Android users once heavily criticized Snapchat for the poor performance of the app. The experience didn't quite have the same quality as the iOS app, which caused owners of the best Android phones to leave the platform in swaths. Things changed when the company launched the rebuilt app in 2019, and Snap's latest financial results show just how popular the app has become for Android users.According to Snap, the first quarter of 2021 saw more daily active users accessing the app from Android than on iOS. Not only that, but the number of total daily active users increased 22% year-over-year to 280 million, which Snap and CEO Evan Spiegel contribute...

Your copied text will be easier to access on Gboard.What you need to knowGoogle is testing a new way to access the clipboard in Gboard.Copied text may be accessed through a side-scrolling list above the keyboard.The update may be rolling out via a server-side update.Gboard is easily one of the best keyboards for Android, thanks to its smart predictions, customizable layout, and easy to use emojis, especially with the Emoji Kitchen. That said, there are always ways that Google can improve the app, and the company is always making subtle changes to the app. One of the latest improvements just introduced an easier way to access items in your clipboard without needing to open the menu.Spotted by Android Police, Google seems to be rolling out with a new update to Gboard with a new side-scrolling clipboard. This is different from the previous iteration that usually just suggests a recently copied clipboard item to be pasted into a text field. With this new implementation, the c...

Samsung lowers the bar, in a good way.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G, an upcoming phone from the South Korean company said to launch in June.New renders show off a very familiar design.While no pricing was shared, it is said to be positioned as Samsung's cheapest 5G phone.Samsung is preparing to launch yet another cheap phone, the Galaxy A22 5G. Set between the A21s and the A32, it's rumored to be Samsung's cheapest phone with 5G, so far. New renders from OnLeaks today give us a very good view of what could be one of the best cheap Android phones this year.When it comes to looks, the design language will seem very familiar. It'll have the same bezel-less Infinity V display that we've seen on the front of so many Samsung phones. On the rear, there's a square camera bump housing what looks like three cameras. Samsung will slap a 3.5mm jack on the bottom and throw in a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for authentication, but that's a...

Best answer: No. Sony has not stated which internal SSDs will be compatible just yet, and the PS5 does not support expanded internal storage at the moment. Only buy an external SSD if you're looking to store PS5 games or store and play your backward-compatible PS4 games.What's the difference between an SSD and HDD?To make it as simple as possible: SSDs are much faster, usually smaller, and cost more than HDDs. SSDs use flash storage to read and write information, while HDDs have mechanical parts that physically read and write information.If you look at the PS5 vs. PS4 Pro, which uses an HDD, the PS5 is lightning fast in comparison.Should I buy an internal or external SSD?When Sony approves expanded storage for PS5, you should definitely buy an internal SSD. There's a dedicated slot for one next to its fan and across from the disc drive after you take off the white plate. The problem is that Sony has not confirmed what will be compatible with it yet. As of right now, you can...

Google Maps can help you be greener, too.What you need to knowGoogle Maps will now let businesses list the items that they recycle.Google also highlights the list feature in Maps so that users can keep track of eco-friendly places.Users can also make edit suggestions for businesses to let others know about their eco-friendly practices.Earth Day is upon us, and Google is pointing out ways that Maps can help everyone stay. Google Maps on Android Auto already helps eco-friendly drivers of select EVs to efficiently map their routes with charging stations along the way. Today, Google highlights more ways that Google Maps can help everyone keep clean and go green by recycling and reusing items.Google Maps is rolling out a new feature that allows businesses to add additional eco-conscious information to their profiles using their Google My Business accounts. This means that from now on, it'll be easier to find out where you can go to recycle materials like clothing, electronics,...

It's basically a Google Meet Lite on demand.What you need to knowGoogle today rolled out a Google Meet update to its Android and iOS mobile apps.The new update includes power and data saving measures to keep Meet light on your phone.An earlier update this week saw the company redesign the web app to be more spacious.Google today rolled out an update to Meet on Android phones and iOS devices that's aimed at reducing data usage and power consumption when mobile. The company hinted at that upcoming update yesterday in a blog post alongside other broader improvements to Meet on the desktop including new video backgrounds, enhanced support for AI, and a more space conscious layout. While most of those updates will come over the coming months, the mobile release is available today.Once this feature is engaged by flicking the new "Limit Data Usage" toggle, it'll reduce data usage — probably by limiting resolution input and output. It'll also free up your device's CPU and RAM, ...

Watching TV the old fashioned way is great until you're stuck away from home and miss tonight's game or a new episode of your favorite show. With FuboTV, you can watch live TV channels and live sports anywhere — even away from home — using a device like your smartphone or tablet.Figuring out how to activate FuboTV on your TV, smartphone, or some other device is quick and easy. Though of course, you'll need to have an active FuboTV membership first. FuboTV's Starter Plan costs $64.99 per month and provides support for up to three simultaneous streams at once, while the Elite Plan costs $79.99 per month and allows for up to ten streams at the same time.FuboTVSign up at fubo TV todayFuboTV plans start at $65 monthly and include access to stream over 100 live TV channels with your subscription! There's also a tier with only Spanish-language channels available for only $33 monthly. Start your free trial now to check out the service before paying a cent.With your FuboTV s...

T-Mobile has a good lineup of phones at a variety of price points, ranging from the top of the line all the way down to affordable entry-level phones that you might not even need to finance monthly. Samsung makes some of the best T-Mobile phones, but it's far from your only option.Best overallSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 128GBStaff PickThe Galaxy S21 Ultra pretty much does it all. It has the latest and greatest specs, 5G support, an industry-leading curved display, amazing rear cameras that let you get a closer or wider shot at the touch of a button, and up to 100x zoom. Best of all, it even supports Samsung's S Pen for precise, pressure-sensitive input.$1,200 at T-MobileAffordable alternativeSamsung Galaxy S20 FE 128GBEven though Samsung now offers a cheaper S21 model, the Galaxy S20 FE is still a great option for people who value features like microSD expandability. With regular sales, you can pick up the S20 FE for half the price of the S21 Ultra and get a largely ...

Get rewards for using the new Google Pay app.Update, Apr 22 (2:45 pm ET): Spring Challenge has been extendedWhat you need to knowGoogle Pay is offering $30 cashback rewards for using the new app.Users will gather stamps by performing various tasks within the new Google Pay app.The challenge is available to Google Pay users in the United States.When the new Google Pay launched late last year, Google was really hyping up its social features and one-stop-shop design for all your payment needs. Now that the app's old version has been stripped of most features, Google is introducing ways to make the new app more appealing, and that brings us to the new Spring Challenge.Beginning April 12, the Google Pay Spring Challenge will offer cashback rewards for completing various actions within the new app. When performing tasks like completing transactions, sending payments, and even answering fun quizzes, users will collect cute animal stamps within the app. Once five stamps are col...

Google Fi's new plan may be for you if you can forego some features.What you need to knowGoogle Fi has introduced a new Simply Unlimited data plan.Subscribers on the new plan will still experience "unlimited" data without a few notable features.The plan is available now for new and existing Google Fi subscribers.Google Fi is one of the best MVNO carriers in the U.S., particularly when it comes to traveling outside of the U.S. That's thanks to its lower cost and dependence on the T-Mobile 5G network and its ability to switch between cellular and WiFi on the fly. To celebrate the 6th anniversary of Google Fi, the carrier is introducing a new "unlimited" plan that forgoes some of its popular perks.Google Fi's new Simply Unlimited plan is available for users that want the perks of unlimited data but without some of the extras. That means no tethering or international roaming. Until now, Google Fi has offered two plans for customers, the Flexible plan for WiFi users that charg...

Best answer: PlayStation Plus is a premium subscription service that grants access to online multiplayer, 100GB of cloud storage, free games, and offers exclusive discounts. PlayStation Now is similar to Netflix in that it delivers access to over 800 games that can be streamed or downloaded on-demand.What Does PlayStation Plus offer?PlayStation Plus is essentially the equivalent of Xbox Live Gold. It offers access to online multiplayer in all games that have it, though free-to-play games don't require PlayStation Plus for their multiplayer portions. PlayStation Plus also dishes out a few free games each month to subscribers along with exclusive discounts on games, 100GB of cloud storage, Game Help, Share Play, and the PlayStation Plus Collection.This is the best way to enhance your PlayStation experience on PS4 and PS5. Should you decide to cancel your subscription for whatever reason, you lose access to the above benefits.What does PlayStation Now offer?PlayStation Now is ...

Don't throw away your old Galaxy phone just yet.What you need to knowSamsung has launched the beta of its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program.The program will be available via the Samsung SmartThings app.Users will be able to turn their old Galaxy smartphones into IoT devices.Earth Day is here, and to celebrate its appreciation of our planet, Samsung has announced the beta of its Galaxy Upcycling at Home program in the U.S., UK, and Korea. First announced back at CES 2021, Galaxy Upcycling at Home allows anyone with an older Galaxy smartphone to repurpose their device using the SmartThings app instead of just tossing it. According to Jaeyeon Jung, VP & Head of the SmartThings team, this program can open up a world of possibilities for transforming one's home into a smart home: The program transforms Galaxy devices into SmartThings devices and demonstrates the power of our intelligent IoT platform to broaden the possibilities of what users can do with their old phones. ...

It turns out those fears of the dark weren't unfounded.Imagine waking up one day only to find out you're dead. You're not exactly sure how it happened, where it happened, if someone killed you, or you just died naturally. Either way, you're trapped in a space somewhere between Earth and some other ethereal realm. It looks a lot like the last place you recall visiting, Barclay Mansion, but everyone here is... gone? Vanished? A ghost? Maybe they're just a memory. A figment of your imagination.Regardless of what they are, you appear to be trapped here, wandering the halls in search of some answers — any clue to what's going on and why. Memories echo like footsteps in the halls, people you've met before take on a haunting new look, and everything seems to be connected to one single event that happened in the last few days of your mortal life. Will you survive long enough to capture the truth about your life, or will you be cast into Oblivion for all eternity? That is the quest in W...

Trying to find the best cheap headphones is already a tough task with the number of options out there, and it gets more difficult when trying to find the best earbuds under $20. A headset — earphones or earbuds (or even a single earbud) with a microphone and controls — is a different beast than a set of earbuds or headphones without a mic. For starters, not every set will work with Android when you need to answer calls and adjust the volume. Plus, when products are cheap, there are thousands of choices to wade through. So we chose the best ones.Foam fitKLIM Fusion EarbudsStaff PickThey handle calls just fine, fit better than average, and aren't terrible to wear. Best of all, they sound awesome. The Fusion Earbuds also include memory foam ear-tips so that you'll get the best fit possible, without having to worry about ear fatigue. Plus, KLIM offers a 5-year warranty if anything goes awry with your amazing earbuds.$20 at AmazonFor the gymLETSCOM U8I Bluetooth Earbu...

Give your old phone or tablet a new lease on life by repurposing it.We're using our phones longer than ever before; hardware is at a point where even budget phones like the Pixel 4a can easily last three years or more. But when you do upgrade to a new device, what do you do with your old phone? Sure, you can always sell them and make some money, but there's also the option to repurpose your old gadgets and make them useful again. This is particularly useful for cheap Android phones that are running outdated versions of Android.There are plenty of things you can do with old Android phones, and even though they may be outdated as phones, they still have powerful chipsets, decent cameras, and GPS connectivity that you can leverage to turn them into useful gadgets around the house. Here's just a few ways to get the most out of your old Android phone or tablet.Use your old phone as a universal remoteOne of the easiest things you can do with an old phone or tablet is to turn it i...

When your pockets are too small — or you don't have any at all — neckband earbuds are a convenient alternative to wearing larger over-ear or on-ear headphones. They lay around your neck and take away the weight from the earbuds for a more comfortable fit. If you're looking for a dependable pair, the JBL Live 220BT Wireless are a good place to start for the best neckband headphones under $100, owing to their exceptional sound, battery life, and comfort.Best Overall: JBL Live 220BT WirelessJBL made the Live 220BT good enough to stay at the top of our list, mainly because of its superb sound quality. You get a pretty balanced soundstage out of the box that stands out for the right reasons. Bass is present without it being too heavy, while the highs and lows complement each other well.Finding the right fit will largely depend on which of the ear tips you feel offer the best seal. This part is critical to ensuring they fit right and getting the most out of the audio quality. ...

The changes will help make web linking a lot more seamless.What you need to knowOne of the key highlights of the latest Android 12 Developer Preview is improved web linking.Verified links will now open directly in the associated app.You'll no longer see the "open with" dialog for verified links. Yesterday, Google released the final Android 12 developer preview, bringing a ton of new user-facing changes. One of the most significant changes is the improved web linking, which gets rid of the "open with" dialog for verified links.Instead of asking you to choose an app to open a verified link with, each app will now have a list of verified links that they will be able to open automatically. You'll be able to view the list of verified links that an app can open by heading over to its app info page. In case you don't want an app to open verified links automatically, you can disable the behavior with the help of the new "open supported links" toggle in the "Open by default" sec...