Latest from Android Central

Look out, Moto, we may just have a new sub-$300 champ.Okay, I have to be honest with you.I went into this Nokia 5.4 review without very high expectations. After all, how excited can you really get about an Android phone that is under $300 in this era where the best Android phones can cost well over $1,000, and even so-called "value" flagships are approaching $800? As it turns out, after using it for a little over a week so far, the Nokia 5.4 has excited me quite a bit.I like to picture myself as a champion of affordable tech, so long as it's good affordable tech. My personal daily carry is usually the $350 Google Pixel 4a rather than the more expensive $700 Google Pixel 5. I prefer to wear a minimalistic and affordable fitness tracker to a fancy expensive smartwatch, and I'd rather rock out with an Echo Dot or Nest Mini than a high-end Bose or Sonos system. What can I say? I'm basic; it's just how I roll.The Nokia 5.4 isn't a perfect phone, and if you must have the absolute c...

Update: CBS now has the whole interview live on its website. If you're outside of the U.S., you'll find that you won't be able to access the video, though using a U.S. server via ExpressVPN will successfully unblock this geo-restriction.After ending her iconic talk show back in 2011, Oprah is back for a new two-hour sit-down interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and we have all the details on how you can watch Oprah with Meghan and Harry on TV or online.Although Oprah attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in 2018, the couple first discussed their experiences with the media and public life with ITV in a documentary titled Harry and Meghan: An African Journey that aired in 2019. Just a year later though, the couple announced that they would be stepping down as working members of British royal family and moving to North American in order to become financially independent.In their first interview since stepping down from the royal family, Oprah will di...

Fling yourself up mountains and skyscrapers like you've got nothing to lose.When Crytek's original mountain climbing simulator came out in 2016, it and Richie's Plank Experience were talked up as tests for the acrophobic or basophobic among us to face our fears. I couldn't afford a VR-ready PC at the time, but I remember trying out The Climb on a friend's Rift CV1 and getting weak at the knees the first time I looked down.I'm still not keen on heights and am about the furthest thing from Alex Honnold, but The Climb 2 affected me very differently now that I'm more familiar with VR. Basically, it's hard to feel afraid of heights when the game gives you the ability to crawl or leap freely from one handhold to the next, with no need to worry about supporting your body weight or finding proper footholds. You're not quite Spider-Man, but you certainly will feel a little superhuman.So long as you're clear that The Climb 2 is more an arcade experience than a heart-racing simulator, the...

Nothing plans to differentiate its products from rivals with 'timeless' designs.What you need to knowCarl Pei's Nothing has teased the design of its upcoming audio product.Nothing says three major principles have guided its product design over the past several months: Weightlessness, Effortlessness, and Timelessness. The company plans to formally unveil its first products this summer. Nothing, the new forward-thinking consumer technology company announced by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei earlier this year, has finally given us the first glimpse of the design of its upcoming audio product.The "Concept 1" that you can see in the image above is the "expression of Nothing's design principles." It has been designed by Tom Howard, who is Nothing's head of design and also the vice head of design at the company's partner Teenage Engineering.Nothing says its product design is guided by three basic principles: Weightlessness, Effortlessness, and Timelessness. To make its designs "w...

After suffering defeat in the first-leg, Serie A giants Juventus will hope home advantage pays off as they host FC Porto in this UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie. Don't miss a moment with our Juventus vs Porto live stream guide.In their last meeting at Porto's Estádio do Dragão, the home side emerged 2-1 victors. An early goal from Mehdi Taremi put the Dragons ahead in the second minute of the game with Moussa Marega finding the back of the net at the beginning of the second half.Though Juventus were unable to make the most of their possession on the night, Federico Chiesa's away goal could prove crucial as the Bianconeri vie for a place in the quarter-finals.Juve are unbeaten since that meeting in Portugal with three wins and one draw in Serie A, though Andrea Pirlo's side are still well off the pace of league leaders Inter Milan in this season's title race.Portuguese titleholders Porto are also undefeated in three domestic league games since their last Champions Leag...

The Great Celebrity Bake Off returns tonight and features a bunch of A-list stars competitively baking for Stand Up to Cancer. The charity version of the popular Great British Bake Off (or Great British Baking Show, depending on where you live) will see all manner of celebs entering the tent including musicians, comedians, TV personalities, and even a sprinkling of Hollywood with actors like Daisy Ridley and James McAvoy taking part this year. Read on to find out how to watch The Great Celebrity Bake Off online for free.The bakers will each take on three baking challenges — signature, technical, and showstopper — with returning judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood deciding who will emerge as Star Baker.With a star-studded lineup of celebrity participants, this year's Celeb GBBO looks set to be one of the best yet. Better yet, you can watch all of the episodes online for free.The Great Celebrity Bake Off: Start date and timeThe Great Celebrity Bake Off kicks off on March 9...

Haven't been able to secure a PS5? You may have better luck getting a PS4 if you don't already have one and want to play those Sony exclusives.While the PS5 came out a few months ago, Sony's PS4 is still going strong. The juggernaut has sold well over 100 million units since it was released in 2013, and the pandemic has given more people the time to stay at home and play video games. Because of this, however, it can be difficult finding a PS4 in stock, and when you do, you may see consoles priced way too high. We've compiled a list of every major retailer selling the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom so that you can hopefully grab one for yourself.If you absolutely don't care for a PS4 and are solely looking to pick up Sony's latest machine, you'll want to keep checking for PS5 restocks. Retailers get more availability occasionally, and although they sell out within minutes, you could get lucky.Jump to:PS4 stockBuy PS4 in the USBuy...

Google says the new features have been "developed to work for more people in real-world conditions."What you need to knowGoogle's Pixel phones can now use their cameras to measure your heart rate and respiratory rate.The features are expected to expand to more Android phones in the future.Google says the video streams used for measuring users' heart rate and respiratory rate will neither be uploaded to its servers nor stored on the device. Google announced new features for its Google Fit app last month, enabling users to measure their heart rate and respiratory rate using their phone's cameras. Just as promised, the feature is now rolling out to Google's Pixel phones.To measure your heart rate, you'll just have to hold your finger over the camera lens on the back of the phone with light pressure. Your phone will then detect the pulse in your fingertip to measure your heart rate.To use Google Fit to measure your respiratory rate, you will first have to prop up your p...

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services we've ever tested, but while the fact that users can only connect up to five devices at once is limiting, it provides apps and configurations for a range of different platforms.The ability to connect different types and makes of devices is important for a VPN service because most people own and use a multitude of gadgets, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, laptop, streaming box, or games console. And having a premium VPN has benefits for all these technologies, from being able to access content that isn't available in your region to adding an extra layer of privacy to your device.So, the short answer is that ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices. Like any premium VPN provider, ExpressVPN can be used on laptops, desktop computers, tablet PCs, smartphones, wireless routers, and streaming devices from a range of different manufacturers and operating systems.Best VPNExpressVPN$6.67 per month at ExpressVPNExpressVPN has...

Just as we expected, the OnePlus 9 won't leave you hanging.What you need to knowCEO Pete Lau confirmed that a charger would be included with the OnePlus 9.The device is expected to feature 65W wired charging and 45W wireless charging.OnePlus has set the launch for its new smartphones for March 23rd.One of the defining features of 2021 will likely be whether or not a smartphone comes equipped with a charger in the box. After Apple and Samsung decided to ditch the charging adapter over environmental reasons, it's been increasingly expected that more OEMs will follow this example. According to CEO Pete Lau, the OnePlus 9 won't deprive its owners.On a OnePlus community forum, Lau responded to what might be considered a criticism about new phones launching without chargers. His response confirmed the presence of a charger with the OnePlus 9 series: Don't worry about it. We have the charger inside the box.The news comes just as the company announced both the launch date ...

GSMA has laid out a comprehensive plan to keep everyone safe at MWC21.What you need to knowGSMA has announced extensive health protocols for MWC21.Venue has been outfitted with a new ventilation system, and redesigns allow for one-way traffic and better social distancing.Those attending must be tested before arriving and every 72-hours, with on-site testing available.MWC21 is still happening this year. After being canceled last year due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show where companies gather to announce some of the best Android phones each year is returning, but at a much later date. Plans for the event were seemingly up in the air, depending on the state of the pandemic, but MWC21 will go on as a hybrid event this summer, and GSMA announced today in a press release a set of protocols that should ensure a safe, in-person experience this summer. We've worked with partners, health authorities and medical professionals to create a plan that builds confidence...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds over 10Gbps by combining 2.4GHz and wider 5GHz bands to provide a better experience and much wider coverage in the home. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops and now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 comes with everything that people expect out of a Wi-Fi 6 router with great AX6600 speeds, tri-band, eight streams, and 160MHz support. QoS by application and a great control app make this the best-balanced Wi-Fi 6 router around.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which is for people who don't necessarily need a mesh solution right now but may want to expand their network in the future. Mesh router solutions pair multiple "nodes" together to increase signal quality and speeds throughout lar...

Best answer: Yes. You can use universal remotes with the PS5 as long as it's programmed to work with your TV. If you don't have a TV remote, the PS5 Media Remote is a solid choice.Take control of your PS5 universallyUniversal media remotes are, as the name suggests, remotes that can be programmed to control every piece of tech in your entertainment cabinet, from your TV to your DVD or Blu-ray player. This can include video game consoles, though they do not work for all of them — the Switch, for example, doesn't respond to remotes.The PlayStation 5 is one of the consoles that can be controlled with a remote. In fact, if you own a universal remote, then you might not even need to program it to work with your PS5. If your remote works with your TV, it'll most likely work with your PS5. This is thanks to the HDMI-CEC setting (Consumer Electronics Control) that allows users to control the PS5 with another device.Getting SignalsTo make sure this setting is enabled on your PS5, ...

When it comes to home renovation inspiration, there's no channel quite like HGTV. With a mix of informative and entertaining programming, HGTV is now the premier destination for shows revolving around home design, decorating, and remodeling ideas. From Fixer Upper and Property Brothers to House Hunters International and Flip or Flop, HGTV has cultivated a revered lineup of compelling shows that could have you suddenly gardening, painting, and re-arranging your furniture with the eye of a professional.How can I watch HGTV live?Watching HGTV live is easier than ever before — you don't even need cable anymore. All of the popular live TV streaming services include HGTV in their channel guides, from Sling TV and Philo to YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. However, these services also include many other channels and range in price from $20 to $65 per month for a subscription. If you're not sure which to try out first, we have a few suggestions just below.Then again, if you are curre...

Apparently, some Fossil Gen 5 users still have not received the update.What you need to knowFossil is pausing its rollout of Google's H MR2 update for Wear OS.The company addresses some issues with the update and has not specified when it will resume rolling out to devices.Google's H MR2 update was released last year to provide speed and battery improvements to the platform.Google surprised many when it rolled out an update for Wear OS, aiming to improve the performance of its smartwatch platform. The update, dubbed H MR2, brought some under-the-hood improvements to make Wear OS faster and more battery efficient. The Suunto 7 received the update first, followed by the Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch, but apparently, Fossil is having some issues and has paused the rollout.According to a Fossil representative on Reddit, the company is working out some issues with the update, which is why some users have yet to receive the update: We are indeed holding the system updates for Gen...

Good flash drives last for years and years and years. I still have working USB-A flash drives from high school kicking around in my drawers, but updating to one of the best USB-C thumb drives is highly recommended these days. USB-C, aside from being compact, also has the benefit of being compatible with everything from the best cheap Android phone to the expensive Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 without needing to pull out any OTG adapters. All you do is just plug it in and move photos or files to the drive with a file explorer app. With that in mind, here are the best USB-C thumb drives to get you started.Slide and saveSanDisk Ultra Dual DriveStaff PickThis compact flash drive uses a clever, locking slide mechanism that gives you the choice of using USB-C or USB-A to transfer your data. It utilizes USB 3.1 for transfer speeds up to 150 MB/s, which means you can get your info quickly from your devices that still use older USB-A ports over to your modernized USB-C Android phone in a...

Update: CBS now has the whole interview live on its website. If you're outside of the U.S., you'll find that you won't be able to access the video, though using a U.S. server via ExpressVPN will successfully unblock this geo-restriction.After ending her iconic talk show back in 2011, Oprah is back for a new two-hour sit-down interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and we have all the details on how you can watch Oprah with Meghan and Harry on TV or online.Although Oprah attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back in 2018, the couple first discussed their experiences with the media and public life with ITV in a documentary titled Harry and Meghan: An African Journey that aired in 2019. Just a year later though, the couple announced that they would be stepping down as working members of British royal family and moving to North American in order to become financially independent.In their first interview since stepping down from the royal family, Oprah will di...

Trying to go through your vast Google Photos library just got a little bit easier.What you need to knowGoogle is adding new "Explore" and "Favorites" sections in Photos on the web.This comes after the Photos Android tablet app received an overhaul earlier this year.The updated interface is not yet widely available.Even though Google Photos is arguably one of the best Android apps for organizing photos, Google is still making strides to improve the overall experience. The latest attempt, as reported by 9to5Google, to make it easier to navigate through your vast library of photos brings two new sections dubbed 'Explore' and 'Favorites'.The 'Explore' tab may sound familiar for Google Photos users, and that's because there's a dedicated section on the mobile version of the app. When browsing pictures on one of the best Android phones, this section organizes your library based on different types of media. This includes animations, created collages, screenshots, videos, and e...

Music is one of the most-used functions of Android phones, so use a music service that fits your music and your life.Music is the heartbeat of our lives. It amps us up before a big test or a cardio workout. It soothes us through grief and loss. It lulls us to sleep at night, and it wakes us back up in the morning. Music is fundamental, and it is still one of the core functions of our phones, our smart speakers like Google Home, and our computers. And because we expect our music to follow us from device to device, from home to car to work to cafe, having a music streaming service that fits your life and your lifestyle is important.We're here to help you make sure that the music service you give your money to is the best one for you.There are several music streaming services out there, but we're going to focus on the five music streaming services that are available to much of the world. Because YouTube Music has replaced Google Play Music, it has been included so that we can me...

Google Search is getting a lot more comprehensive with Full Coverage.What you need to knowGoogle Search is gaining Google News's comprehensive Full Coverage feature.It's rolling out to people in the U.S. this month.Full Coverage allows people to see extended coverage of trending topics, including explainers, interviews, and more.Google is making the Search app more comprehensive with support from the Google News team. The company is including "Full Coverage" into its main Search app.It's not a new feature per se, it's just one that allowed you to tap on a news topic and get a lot more contextual information around that topic either on the Google News site or app, and now it's coming to Search directly.Google's Itamar Snir, Product Manager, Google News explained in a post: When you're searching for information on a timely topic, you see a carousel of articles at the top of your Search results highlighting relevant news. Now for big, developing news stories, you can t...

App icons are different shapes, sizes, and color schemes and follow different design guidelines. Samsung's icons look different than Google's icons, look different from Microsoft's icons, look different from every other developer's icons. Thankfully, icon packs are here to pick up the slack and make your theming adventure a smooth one. Icon packs are plentiful, colorful, and they come in every style under the sun.BYOP: Build your own packIcon Pack StudioStaff pickWe're about to cover a lot of great icon packs, but I love Icon Pack Studio the best because it lets me make custom icon packs perfectly color-matched to my wallpaper or theme. Change the shapes, add textures, and then export and enjoy.Free at w/ IAP Google PlayColor on the linesOutline IconsOutline goes beyond the monotone of simple white to bring bright, bold colors to its neon-reminiscent icons. Being a technicolor pack, this pack is a gem that shines against dark wallpapers, but can get lost in vibr...

The Raspberry Pi 400 is a great little light-duty desktop PC on its own and makes a great DIY Chromebox thanks to the developers of FydeOS. While it might not have the same processing power as the best Chromebox out there, most of us will find it's more than adequate for running Chrome OS — or ChromiumOS, in this case. Best of all, since everything lives on an SD card you're not losing any functionality — swap cards and boot back into a standard Linux distribution any time.Products used in this guideAll-in-one keyboard PC: Raspberry Pi 400 Kit ($160 at Amazon)Your storage: SanDisk 128GB Ultra MicroSDXC card ($20 at Amazon)An SD to USB adapter: Anker USB 3 SD card reader ($14 at Amazon)You'll also need access to a "regular" PC to download the image and flash it to your SD card using a program called Etcher.Install the softwareVisit the Chromium on Raspberry Pi Github page and download the prebuilt system image.Insert the SD card into the computer you plan on using ...

The all-new PlayStation 5 is officially available for purchase, but finding a retailer that actually has stock of the new console available to buy isn't such an easy task just yet. With that being said, there are still plenty of opportunities to pick up the new PlayStation 5 or the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition if you give it just a bit of time and know where to keep looking.As of March 2021, we're noticing that the PlayStation 5 generally goes out of stock on the same day as it becomes available for purchase at most major online retailers. While that outlook may seem grim, the bright side is that retailers are consistently receiving stock of the console and you generally don't have to wait too long before they return in stock somewhere.TargetTarget is where you should purchase the PlayStation 5 when given the chance, since there's a way you can actually save $25 on its purchase there when you check out using the RedCard. There's a free debit version with no fees that every T...

The UFC is back in Las Vegas for its latest pay-per-view event and we'll show you how to watch all three title fights at UFC 259 on TV or online so you don't miss a second of the action in the octagon.At the top of UFC 259's main card, Poland's Jan Blachowicz will take on New Zealand's Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya in a light heavyweight title Bout. Blachowicz is going into tonight's match with a four fight win streak after defeating Corey Anderson by TKO at a UFC Fight Night last year and Dominick Reyes once again by TKO at UFC 253. Meanwhile Adesanya is currently undefeated and has a 20 fight win streak after defeating Paulo Costa at UFC 253.In the next title fight at UFC 259, Amanda Nunes will go up against Megan Anderson in a women's featherweight title bout. However, Nunes will likely have the upper hand as she's going into the match with an 11 win fight streak after defeating Felicia Spencer by decision at UFC 250 while Anderson has a two fight win streak under her...

Weber Connect Smart Grilling HubSuperior Grilling Assistant$129 at AmazonProsCompatible with any grill Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled USB rechargeable batteryLED displayStep-by-step grilling assistance ConsPriceyMixed reviewsPoor app The Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub is compatible with any grill and makes the grilling experience smarter and more convenient. Thanks to its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll get flip and serve notifications on your phone as well as useful step-by-step grilling assistance through the Weber Connect app — though it could use some fine-tuning and more recipes.Weber iGrill 3Affordable and connected$75 at AmazonProsAffordable priceBluetooth-enabled (150-foot range)Resourceful Weber iGrill appUseful doneness notificationsConsOnly compatible with Genesis II or Spirit II gas grillNo Wi-Fi connectivityBatteries aren't rechargeable The Weber iGrill 3 is an affordable app-connected thermometer that ...

With its accurate body tracking, Guardian protection, and light wireless headset, the Oculus Quest 2 may be the best VR headset for fast-paced gameplay. Plenty of the best Oculus Quest 2 games will give you some form of exercise simply by making you stand up and flail your arms around for an hour, but there are a few truly heart-pumping apps for aerobic exercise that'll get you sweating and your muscles burning. Here is a list of the best Oculus Quest 2 workout games that will give you a killer workout in VR —except you'll be too busy having fun to notice.★ Featured FavoriteFitXROriginally called BoxVR, this exercise app later added an entire dance workout system at no additional cost. FitXR received a stamp of approval from our resident group fitness instructor as an effective way for both beginners and experts to lose weight. You choose a class ranging from 3 to 25 minutes of various intensity, where you'll either punch, jab, uppercut, and squat your way through sha...

PlayStation At Home begins with the perfect way to prepare you for Rift Apart in June.PlayStation At Home has kicked off, promising four months of free content for PlayStation fans. Insomniac's Ratchet and Clank from 2016 is the first game being offered to everyone on PS4 and PS5 for free, no PlayStation Plus subscription required. It's a clear — and smart — marketing tactic when you consider that a sequel, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, is set to launch in June, but an upcoming game doesn't necessarily mean its predecessor is worth your time. It just so happens that this time it is. Now's the perfect opportunity to jump into the classic series before Rift Apart's dimension-hopping shenanigans ensue. Now's the perfect opportunity to jump into the classic series.While Ratchet and Clank (2016) served as a reimagining of the original game and isn't a direct prequel to Rift Apart (that honor goes to Into the Nexus from 2013), it's probably the best way to introduce yourself...

Google is simply doing what it does best — keeping its extras to itself.I've seen something being shared around that looks like terrible news for anyone who loves the way Chrome can render a web page but hates the extra bloat that's baked into Google's browser. According to It's FOSS — a web site dedicated to all things open-source and a site I read regularly — third-party browsers that use Chromium are being locked out of certain features because Google is worried about market share.That would be a devastating loss to you, me, and the internet as a whole if it were the case, but I don't think it has anything to do with the market share of Chrome or that Google really cares about the particular features in play here. It's just Google making sure that only you and it have access to sensitive information stored in your Google account.What is going on here?Starting on March 15, 2021, developers writing Chromium-based browsers like Brave or Microsoft Edge can no longer ha...

Bundesliga leaders and defending champs Bayern Munich host bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund in this season's second installment of Der Klassiker. Follow along with all of the action wherever you are with our Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund live stream guide.Today's hosts Bayern Munich are chasing a record ninth consecutive Bundesliga title and currently sit at the top of the table.Die Roten have, however, seen form slip somewhat in recent weeks with a shock 3-3 draw at Bundesliga strugglers Arminia and a defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, one of only three losses this campaign.Hans-Dieter Flick's side appeared unshaken by those results, though, getting back to winning ways against FC Köln in the league and trouncing Lazio of Serie A in the Champions League.Dortmund are seemingly out of this season's title race already, currently sitting in fifth place and 15 points behind Der Klassiker rivals Bayern. Despite finishing as runners-up last term, Die Schwarzgelben have failed...

What's the deal with Paramount+?Paramount+ launched on March 4 as the rebranded version of the streaming platform previously known as CBS All Access. In addition to being the exclusive home of your favorite CBS All Access content, Paramount+ is the place to go for a rotating lineup of both classic and new films from Paramount and MGM.If you're wondering what sets this streaming service apart from all the others, you need not go any further. Here's everything you need to know about Paramount+.Paramount+CBS faves and moreFrom $6/mo. at Paramount+All the content you wantParamount+ is the hub for all the content you don't want to miss from networks including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.Paramount Plus Streaming ServiceWhat is Paramount+?How much does Paramount+ cost?Where is Paramount+ available?What devices support Paramount+?What's streaming on Paramount+?Movies on Paramount+Sports on Paramount+Account limits and profilesTry Pa...

Fast becoming one of the most popular events on the UCI World Tour cycling calendar, this weekend sees the 15th Strade Bianche race take place in Tuscany. Read on for your full guide to watching a live stream from anywhere online.The one-day event's route covers a 184 km circuit through demanding, dusty gravel roads bookended by the picturesque setting of Siena.Highlighting its growing stature within the cycling world, this year's event will once again welcome the sport's biggest talents to Central Italy.Last year's Men's winner Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) is back to defend his crown and will face off challenges from fellow big names Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix).The Women's race is an equally star-studded affair, with Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx) and Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar) leading a full complement of big-name racers set to be in contention.Who will cross the line first at the iconic Piazza del Campo finish? ...

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

2021 is going to be full of powerful smartphones thanks to the Snapdragon 775.What you need to knowA leaked document allegedly contains specs for the rumored Snapdragon 775 chipset.The new chip will reportedly be built using a 5nm process for improved efficiency over the Snapdragon 765.The Snapdragon 775 will likely be aimed at premium mid-range smartphones as well as some flagship models.The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 was one of the most popular chipsets in 2020, powering many of the best cheap Android phones and even some of the best Android phones to hit the market last year. Its popularity was fueled by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing OEMs to offer lower-cost smartphones with flagship-level features. It's been widely expected that Qualcomm would launch a follow-up this year, and we may have just gotten a first look at what to expect from this rumored Snapdragon 775.A document was spotted on a Telegram channel (via XDA-Developers) with what appears to be a li...

WhatsApp has a location-sharing feature that makes it as easy as possible to share your current location with your friends or family. There are two options available — you can share your current location, or broadcast your location with select contacts for a set amount of time. Here's how to get started with sharing your location in WhatsApp.How to share your location in WhatsAppSelect the contact you'd like to share your location with. In the conversation window, hit the attach button. It's the paperclip icon next to the message field. Tap Location.Hit Continue to give WhatsApp access to your location. If you're using a phone with Android 11, you can use the Only this time setting to give the service one-time access. Select Send your current location to easily share your location with your friends. You can also share your location in real-time with your friends and family. Select Share live location to broadcast your location info.Read the details in the text box an...

Evolve your preorder to fit your needs.The long-awaited Biomutant from Experiment 101 is finally set to arrive later in 2021 and anyone looking forward to this truly unusual action role-playing game has a variety of options to pick and choose from. It's published by THQ Nordic, meaning there's some truly wild (and expensive) collector's editions for anyone willing. To help clear up what comes with what, we've put together a preorder guide for Biomutant, detailing each edition of the game available.Biomutant all editions available for preorderThere's three different versions of Biomutant that you can choose from when preordering. The first is the standard edition. It's $60 and comes with the game, so it's pretty simple. After that, things get interesting.If you want a special edition of the game, you could go for the Collector's Edition. At $120, you get the game and a variety of neat bonus items:Official SoundtrackA1 Fabric ArtworkFigurine of the main characterPremium B...

A global release could be imminent.What you need to knowThe new Google Pay app is no longer listed as "early access" in the Play Store.Google is set to strip the old version of most of its features next month.This could mean Google is preparing to roll out the new app to more countries outside the U.S.The old version of the Google Pay app was recently and unsurprisingly given an expiration date as Google focuses on the new app experience. On April 5th, exactly a month from the time of writing, Google will strip the old app of most features that make it useful. As the new app had been available in the U.S. for months, the move was expected, bringing a new interface and focus on P2P transactions. Oddly, the new app was still listed as "early access," despite being widely available, and even appeared in the beta tab of the Play Store... until now.The new Google Pay app has apparently shed its early access status and is a full-fledged app. It also no longer shows up in the ...

Time to get seriousFitbit Charge 4$135 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSActive Zone MinutesAltimeterSpotify music controlsFitbit PayConsSlightly more expensiveShorter battery lifeThere's plenty to love about the Fitbit Charge 4. It has all of the health and fitness tracking features you need in a compact, lightweight device. Not to mention, it has some nice extras like mobile payment and Spotify music controls.Keep it casualFitbit Inspire 2From $84 at AmazonProsActivity/sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoringActive Zone MinutesFemale health-trackingOver 20 exercise modesConsLacks built-in GPS and altimeterNo Spotify or Fitbit PayThe Fitbit Inspire 2 is one of the company's latest trackers. It's been improved to offer the new Active Zone Minutes feature, 10 days of battery life, additional exercise modes, and an enhanced design that's both slim and stylish.Fitbit Inspire 2 vs. Fitbit Charge 4: It's the little things that countWhen ...

Whether you're working from home, or are just in the market to replace your old monitor, there are a lot of great options for those looking at the best cheap monitors. For under $500, you can get a monitor that provides about 90% of the same features found in monitors that are priced much, much higher. Some of these are amongst the best external monitors for Chromebooks, while others provide more of a focus on being the best gaming monitors. Regardless of what use case you are looking for, these are the best cheap monitors to consider.Best Cheap Monitor Overall: LG 27UD58-B 4K UHDThere are a few things to take into consideration when you're trying to find the best monitor. The first of which is what you'll be using the monitor with, whether it's one of the best Chromebooks, or the best gaming desktop PC's. The LG 27UD58-B has many of the features one could want from a monitor that won't break the bank.You'll get a gorgeous picture thanks to the 4K UHD resolution, and there ar...

The Google Pixel 4a is one of the most compelling phones of 2020, offering excellent performance and cameras for less than half the price of its flagship. While it might not cost thousands of dollars, that doesn't mean it's any less worthy of protection. Whether you need to spice up the Just Black of the Pixel 4a or need to keep it safe from the chaos outside your door, these are the best Pixel 4a cases you can buy right now.Pretty protectionCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThis hybrid case comes in three dazzling color combinations — a deep navy blue, a lighter purple, and a darling coral/gold two-tone — and offers drop protection and grip in a compact profile.From $15 at Amazon $19 at WalmartGuard the front and backPoetic RevolutionThis heavy-duty case comes with a screen protector built into the front frame, offering 360 degrees of protection for your new Pixel 4a. I also like the robust kickstand on the back that can be used in portrait or landscape.From $19 ...

Google Assistant is a fantastic bit of technology that is baked into Android phones, and knowing how to use Google Assistant without unlocking your phone makes it even better. This means that even if your phone is in your pocket, so long as the microphone can hear you speaking to it, you'll be able to set reminders, turn on smart lights, and so much more, without even touching your phone. A few settings have to be updated first before you can enable this, but we've got your back.How to use Google Assistant without unlocking your phoneBefore getting to the process of enabling you to use your Google Assistant while your phone is locked, you'll need to set up Voice Match. Follow that guide — or ignore it If you already have this done — then move onto the rest of the steps.On your phone, open the Google app or activate Google Assistant by saying "OK, Google or by swiping in from the lower right or left corner.Now, tap on Snapshot, the icon that looks like a box with three lin...

OPPO is becoming the new Huawei, in a good way.What you need to knowOPPO has overtaken its competitors in China, making it the largest OEM in the region.The new development comes amid ongoing drama between the U.S. and Huawei, which was undoubtedly a catalyst.OPPO is expected to launch the Find X3 Pro next week, which will undoubtedly boost the company's position.As of January 2021, OPPO has risen to become the leading smartphone manufacturer in China, beating out its closest "competitor" Vivo and giants like Apple and Huawei. It's an impressive feat given how large China's market is, which was not too long ago dominated by Huawei. OPPO has taken the helm thanks to Huawei's ongoing U.S. sanctions, giving the company just the room it needed to propel ahead.A look at OPPO's market share from Counterpoint Research (via 9to5Google) shows the recent trends in the company's growth relative to Huawei's decline. OPPO's 5G offerings saw a sharp rise around the same time Huawei beg...

Pitting the most versatile cameras against each other.Photography is a huge part of the mobile experience these days, and that's especially true with Samsung's Ultra line of premium devices. These are the best Samsung phones you can buy, featuring some of the best Android cameras along with super-powerful specs and large, beautiful displays.Jump to:Scene 1: Wide-angleScene 1: Ultra-wideScene 2: Wide-angleScene 2: Ultra-wideScene 3: Wide-angleScene 3: Ultra-wideScene 3: TelephotoScene 4: Wide-angleScene 4: TelephotoScene 5: TelephotoScene 6: TelephotoSamsung debuted the Ultra series with the Galaxy S20 Ultra last year, which featured a 108MP primary sensor and up to 100X telephoto zoom — what we now know as Space Zoom. But that phone initially suffered from a handful of autofocus issues, and while software updates have thankfully remedied the problem to some extent, Samsung added a laser autofocus system to the followup Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and S21 Ultra to e...

The best Chromebooks are designed from the ground up to work "with the cloud" and they do a fine job at it, but knowing how to manage downloads and files on your Chromebook is important to properly maintain the onboard storage. Even if you regularly work from the cloud, you might want to keep a local copy of a document you're working on in case you get stuck somewhere away from Wi-Fi. Your Chromebook doesn't really care where you store your files, but because most devices have 64GB internal storage or less, you'll want to take a bit of care about how and where you put the important stuff.What to know about storing files on ChromebooksRegardless of whether you are using an older Chromebook or something newer like the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook is a lot like your Android phone when it comes to downloading and storing files. You have a dedicated Downloads folder within the Files app, or you can choose another spot in the user-accessible portion of your storage drive to place a file wh...

All of the essentials in one efficient wearable.Garmin has a knack for offering wearables that are rich with essential features, and the Vivoactive 4 follows in those footsteps. If you're looking for a model that's not super advanced but does a wonderful job at tracking key health and fitness metrics, this is probably the best Android smartwatch for you. Some of the main features include activity and sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, onboard GPS, blood oxygen tracking, and more.This wearable is ideal for those who want more than a basic activity tracker without having to buy a premium watch that's loaded with features they won't use. The Vivoactive 4 is a perfect mid-range option, which happens to be pretty affordable compared to the other top Garmin smartwatches.You won't have to worry about an overly bulky design that puts a damper on your sense of style. The Vivoactive 4 is available in two sizes and a few different colors. Best of all, it has a shiny stainless steel be...

Everyone loves to play games as it allows you to immerse yourself in another world just like reading a good book. But to play those games, you'll need a console, and almost as importantly, you'll need one of the best gaming TVs to get the full experience. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration, depending upon what you're using for games and what you want to do with the TV when it's time to step away from the controller. Here are our top picks for the best gaming TVs with budget, resolution, and size in mind.The best Gaming TVs at a glanceLG CX OLED — Best gaming TV overall: Simply the best gaming TV for everyone.Hisense H9 Quantum — Best gaming TV on a budget: Save a few bucks and get a great TV.Samsung QN800A — Best 8K gaming TV: Live in the future with the Samsung QN800A.TCL SS535 — Cheapest gaming TV: Play your games and get some smarts with this TV.Samsung Neo QN85A — Best 4K Samsung gaming TV: Samsung's best 4K OLED TV gets even better.Sony X900H...

The Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is the most advanced and innovative smart speaker from Amazon to date. In addition to a vastly improved camera and speaker setup, the device also features a state-of-the-art AZ1 Neural Chip and a silent motor that help track your movements and keep the screen within your view. This is excellent for video calls or following a recipe when moving around the kitchen, but there may be times when you don't need or want that feature enabled. We'll show you how you can disable the automatic motion tracking on your Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) and customize the tracking settings to your preferences.How to disable automatic motion tracking on the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)Swipe down from the top of your Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) device's screen.Tap on the Motion icon.You should see a line through the Motion icon, indicating that automatic motion tracking has been disabled.Tap on the Settings icon.Tap on Motion.Toggle the first setting off if you don't want yo...

Whether you're wanting to snag a set of noise-cancelling headphones for your commute or to block out distractions while working, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are widely regarded as some of the best – if not the best – on the market.Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones + Mophie Power Bank | $348 at AdoramaSony's latest XM4 headphones only came out in August. These are truly Sony's best noise-cancelling headphones yet and well worth their full price. There aren't many price drops around right now but this deal at Adorama bundles in a Mophie power bank at no extra cost.$348 at AdoramaSony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones | $300.49 at AmazonIf you don't mind going for a refurbished set of XM4s, you can save around $50 on an Amazon Renewed pair today. They have been tested, inspected, and cleaned to ensure they look and work like new and come backed by a 90-day warranty.$316.99 at AmazonBeing the best out there, the WH-1000XM4 obviously ...

Best of both worldsLenovo Chromebook Duet$249 at Best Buy (128GB)$249 at Walmart (64GB)$250 at Lenovo (64GB)ProsTablet with detachable keyboardBetter screenMore storage8 years of updatesConsLess stable for lap-typingQuiet speakersLenovo finally did what Google could not: They gave us a worthwhile Chrome OS tablet experience that came with everything in the box and actually works well. So long as you don't absolutely need the mil-spec durability of the C214, the Duet is better in literally every way.Built tough for kidsASUS Chromebook Flip C214From $366 at Amazon (Non-Stylus) $471 at Amazon (Stylus)ProsRuggedized bodyDrop-tested and spill-resistant2-in-1 laptop formatConsTwo years oldShorter support lifeMore expensiveIt may be getting long in the tooth, but the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is still the best Chromebook for Students because it's durable enough to take a hit and keep on trucking. It's only got five years of suppor...

Chatting with the AC forums.Ever since the Galaxy S21 Ultra was released with S Pen support, there have been all kinds of rumors and speculation as to whether or not Samsung will continue the Note line that has produced many of the best Android phones of the last decade. Some think that Samsung will keep the series alive, at least with an Ultra model, while others think it will be phased out to bring S Pen support to more models like the S and Flip/Fold series.That got some of our AC forum members wondering if they should hold out hope for a Note 21 or Note 21 Ultra. Here's what some of them had to say: bigsmoke79 03-03-2021 05:42 PM “ I know we don't know if this handset will even be released this year, but with the S21 out the door and with what 5 months off the usual Note Release time of August should we not be seeing leaks, renders etc about now? I'm beginning to think the rumours are true ...

Is your DualSense drifting? You're not alone. Here's why it happens, what Sony is doing about it, and more.DualSense drift is becoming an increasingly ugly problem for PlayStation. After Nintendo already found itself in hot water for Joy-Con drift on the Nintendo Switch, people have discovered that the PS5 controller isn't immune to the same issue. Whether it affects you right now or not, it's a serious problem that could potentially cause your controller to be unusable. We'll explain everything you need to know about DualSense drift, including what it is, why it happens, if there's a fix for it, and more.Currently, Sony is facing a lawsuit in the United States due to DualSense drift. We'll keep track of how this case pans out and explain the case's ramifications for the company and customers.Jump to:What is DualSense drift?How to fix DualSense driftWhat is Sony doing about DualSense drift?DualSense drift lawsuitsDualSense featuresPS5 accessoriesDualSense drift e...