Latest from Android Central

If you ever find yourself wishing you had more time to re-read your favorite books or check out some new ones, you owe it to yourself to try out Audible. It's the perfect option for avid readers as it allows you to start listening to books even when your hands are busy doing other things like driving, cooking, doing chores, and more.Now through February 12, Amazon has a special deal on Audible taking 33% off the first six months for new members. That brings the price down to just $9.95 per month from its regular cost of $14.95. Not all accounts are eligible for the deal, though it's worth checking just in case — even if you've used Audible in the past — as some users have had luck with previous promotions.With your Audible membership, you'll receive a credit each month which can be used towards any audiobook you want. Once you've used a credit to purchase an audiobook, it remains in your library to listen to forever — even when your subscription isn't active. You also have ...

Good performance for a better price will make the Spin 514 Acer's best Chromebook yet.Of the two Chromebooks that debuted at CES 2021, the one that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go was the Acer Chromebook Spin 514. While Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook 2 was downgraded but still overpriced, Acer was starting out under $500 and offering a wide variety of configuration options for those that need them.As a matter of fact, after over a month with the Acer Chromebook Spin 514, it's reminding me a lot of another 14-inch Chromebook that's held a place in Best Chromebooks for almost two years: the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434. The Spin 514 has a decent touchscreen that I wish was brighter, a very similar hinge design, and a great starting price that's only going to get better once the months wear on and the sales start rolling.At a glanceAcer Chromebook Spin 514 ...

The app won Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atma Nirbhar app challenge last year.What you need to knowAmid Twitter's standoff with the Indian government, many prominent leaders of India's ruling party have switched to Koo.The 'Made in India' micro-blogging platform was launched in March last year.Unlike Twitter, however, Koo requires users to have a valid phone number to sign up. Earlier this month, the Indian government sent a notice to Twitter, asking the social media giant to restrict accounts related to the ongoing farmer protests. Unsurprisingly, Twitter has announced in a blog post that it would not take any actions on accounts of journalists, activists, and politicians, as doing so would violate their fundamental right to free expression under the country's law.While Twitter says it will continue to" maintain dialogue with the Indian government," several organizations from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have set up accounts on Koo, a 'Made in...

This series is no longer on ice.BioWare warmed many hearts when it confirmed back in November 2020 that Mass Effect was coming back. A new game is being developed, with a teaser trailer released that features many classic callbacks and interesting hints as to just where this series could be going in the future.BioWare has a long pedigree, having developed some of the most acclaimed RPGs in all of gaming, meaning this could be one of the best PS5 games available when it eventually arrives. Here's everything you need to know about the next Mass Effect game.Jump to:What is it?Check out the trailersIs it set after Mass Effect: AndromedaIs Commander Shepard in it?When is the release date?What is the next Mass Effect?The next Mass Effect game is currently untitled but will be the next mainline entry in the Mass Effect franchise. While there were rumors and reports for years following the release of Mass Effect: Andromeda, BioWare officially confirmed that a new game...

Android 11 is here with exciting new features, and it is making its way to your phone.With Android 11, Google is making a few tweaks to refine the platform instead of making wholesale changes. Privacy is a big focus with Android 11, with Google introducing one-time permissions and granular control over what sort of data you share.There are new features to get excited about as well — the power button menu picked up a massive overhaul, the Conversations view does a great job highlighting your messages, and there are little tweaks throughout the interface that give it an added polish.Android 11 is ready to power the best Android phones of 2021, and alongside new devices, manufacturers are doing a better job rolling out the update to their 2020 phones. So here's everything you need to know about all the new features in Android 11 and when your phone is likely to receive the update.Jump to:Release dateCustom skinsReviewMessaging featuresPermissionsScreen recorderDis...

If you really care about your data's privacy and your personal communications, you have probably considered using the Signal messaging app. Signal is available across platforms, is one of the few truly end-to-end encrypted messaging services, and is often cited as the standard-bearer for digital privacy and security. In addition to its encryption tools, Signal gives users additional granularity to protect their communications, like the ability to make their messages self-destruct. This ability is not just limited to text-based communication, however. We'll show you how you can send disappearing images in the Signal app as well. Let's get started.How to send disappearing images or media in the Signal appOpen the Signal app on your phone.Tap on an existing message thread, or tap on the pencil icon to begin a new one.In the compose section, tap on the camera icon to take a photo or attach an existing image from your device.In the bottom left corner, tap on the infinity symbol....

Along with new features, the update also brings improved performance and the January 2021 security patch.What you need to knowThe stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update is now rolling out for the Galaxy A71 5G and A51 5G phones.It includes a bunch of new features, along with the January 2021 Android security patch.The 4G variant of the Galaxy A71 is also expected to receive the Android 11 update soon.Samsung began rolling out the stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update for the popular Galaxy A51 last week. Less than a week later, the company has now released the One UI 3.0 update for the Galaxy A71 5G and Galaxy A51 5G, which are currently two of its best Android phones in the mid-range segment (via XDA Developers).The update arrives as version A516VSQU1CUA3 for the Verizon Galaxy A51 5G and A716USQU2CUA7 for the Sprint Galaxy A71 5G. As you would expect, the Android 11 update brings a ton of new features, a refreshed UI, performance improvements, as well as stronger...

WhatsApp doesn't have password protection, but the service lets you secure your messages with biometric authentication instead. If you enable this feature, you'll have to unlock the app with your fingerprint to view your chats. Here's how to get started with fingerprint lock on WhatsApp for Android.How to protect your WhatsApp chats with fingerprint lock on AndroidOpen the WhatsApp app. Tap the action overflow menu (three vertical dots) on the top right corner. Hit Settings.Tap Account. Tap Privacy. Scroll down to see all the options.Tap Fingerprint lock. Toggle Unlock with fingerprint to On.Verify using your fingerprint to enable the feature.Once active, you'll be able to set a time for when WhatsApp automatically locks. There are three options in the Automatically lock settings: Immediately: Locks WhatsApp as soon as you exit the app. You'll need to use your fingerprint every time to view messages. After 1 minute: Locks WhatsApp one minute after you exit the...

Huawei is hoping that things work out better for it this time around.What you need to knowHuawei is challenging the former Trump administration's declaration that the company is a national security threat.The ruling is seen as "arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion and not supported by substantial evidence."Biden's Commerce secretary pick has previously stated that she sees no reason to remove Huawei from the Entity List.The latest development of the drawn-out saga between Huawei and the United States government sees the Chinese smartphone manufacturer filing a lawsuit, claiming that the FCC exceeded its mandate by designating it as a national security threat. According to Bloomberg, Huawei also feels that not only does the FCC lack "substantial evidence", but it also did not give the company a chance to defend itself. The order on review potentially impacts the financial interests of the telecommunications industry as a whole, including manufacturers, end-u...

The Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100 are being pitted against each other in this in-depth analysis.What you need to knowAnandTech performs an analysis of the Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100.The chips feature a similar configuration and are made by Samsung, but the node falls behind when compared to TSMC.Both chips offer sizeable gains over their predecessors, with the Qualcomm beating out the Exynos 2100 in both performance and efficiency.Now that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is available and in the hands of consumers, it gives us the opportunity to start testing the two flagship chips from Qualcomm and Samsung. Both their new chips offer notable performance gains over their predecessors, thanks to ARM's new Cortex-X1 and Samsung's 5nm process, but how do they differ, and what effect does that have on their performance when used in some of the best Android phones? Fortunately, we have AnandTech to dive into these chips and give us an idea using the Galaxy S21 Ultra.One point...

It's hard to believe, but there's more to talk about this week than all 114 glorious inches of Tall Vampire Lady! Google is shutting down their first party Stadia development studio to focus on third-party relationships. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is coming on May 14, and Apex Legends is set to arrive for Switch on March 9.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Introducing the new Jiggle Physics podcast Twitter! | Android CentralCapcom reveals just how tall the Tall Vampire Lady is: 9'6" | Android CentralStadia Games and Entertainment shutting down, changing focus to partnering with third-party teams | Android CentralIs Stadia shutting down? | Android CentralMass Effect: Legendary Edition release date set for May 14, 2021 | Windows CentralEmbracer Group announces $1.3 billion merger with Borderlands creator Gearbox Entertainment | Windows CentralApex Legen...

Spread a little love to your Android phones and tablets with these sweet Valentine's apps!Valentine's Day may just be a greeting card holiday at this point, but it's a great reminder to stop and think about the ones you love. If you're looking for extra little reminders throughout the day or are even looking for places to order gifts, check out the best Valentine's Day apps for Android.The top 3 apps1. 1-800-Flowers2. DoorDash3. EtsyMore optionsNetflixjustWink Greeting CardsAllrecipes Dinner SpinnerAmazonEdible ArrangementsThese are the best Valentine's Day apps for AndroidWhether your significant other loves roses or another type of flower, nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like a bouquet of flowers. If you can't make it to the store yourself or just want to plan ahead, then you'll want to make use of the 1-800-Flowers app to order those flowers right from your phone.For some, a nice home-cooked meal goes a long way for a wonderful night together. But ...

Qualcomm, which owns the aptX Bluetooth codec, describes aptX Low Latency as "audio that keeps up." The implication is that sound will be in sync with whatever you're watching on a screen, which is critical if you're watching a show, movie, or playing a game with wireless headphones. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 stands out as the best aptX LL headphones because they offer excellent all-around sound quality, fantastic comfort, and superb battery life.Best Overall: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 (3rd Gen)Bang & Olufsen first launched the Beoplay H9 in 2017, and the headphones have now entered their third generation. They have a number of features you would expect for the price, including a premium build and comfortable fit, though are probably a little overpriced when considering competitors offer the same for less. However, many of those competitors don't support aptX Low Latency, putting these in unique territory for viewing content without sync issues.It reduces the ...

Getting a second-hand phone doesn't have to be overly complicated or stressful.Over the last few years, the cost of smartphones has skyrocketed. It's no longer uncommon to see phones being sold for $1,000 or more, making the decision to buy a new handset quite the investment. Thanks to the ever-growing used smartphone market, though, it's rather easy to take the sting out of those increasing prices. The used phone marketplace is a great way to save some cash on your next phone purchase, especially if you know where to buy used phones. If you have old devices lying around that you aren't using anymore, selling them allows others to use them while simultaneously putting extra money in your pocket — making it that much easier to get your hands on one of the best Android phones for yourself.Things to consider before you buy a used phoneWe've already talked about how to sell or trade-in your Android phone to get the most money, and you can keep all of those tips in mind a...

New 5G specifications are here and the X65 has a huge head start on supporting all things 5G.The Snapdragon X65 modem wasn't designed just to make the best 5G phone even better.So far, 5G hasn't had much of an impact on most consumers. Sure, plenty of us have a 5G icon in our status bar — and if you're in the right place at the right time, you get a taste of insanely fast speed test results — but for the day-to-day use of our phones, things haven't changed too much.You probably also haven't noticed that the 5G situation actually gets better every day as carriers make the changes needed and add equipment that's required to have a nationwide 5G network that lives up to our expectations. But all this is only part of what 5G and mmWave is all about, and believe it or not it's not the important part.A wider information superhighwayThe whole reason we need 5G is because of bandwidth, not speeds. Using the old but still true metaphor of an information superhighway, 5G adds ...

Real-time lyrics have already been available in more than 25 global markets.What you need to knowSpotify has confirmed it's testing live lyrics in the U.S.The feature has already been available in 27 countries, including Korea which only just received Spotify.Only a small group of U.S. Spotify users will have access to the feature while it's being tested.Sing-alongs are always fun, but it helps if you know the words to the song. Some apps like Shazam already offer real-time lyrics, which can be helpful for songs you are just discovering and may not be too familiar with. Finally, after launching its own real-time lyrics in more than two dozen countries last Summer, Spotify has stated that it's finally testing the feature in the United States, according to a statement made to Engadget: We can confirm we're currently testing our lyrics feature to a select number of users in the US. At Spotify, we routinely conduct a number of tests in an effort to improve our user experien...

The Galaxy A71 is a fantastic offering from Samsung that is neatly nestled in the mid-range market. But you wouldn't be able to tell that it's just a mid-ranger by looking at it, as the beautiful display and camera system look like a part of the S20 family. The worst thing that can happen is for you to be using the A71 only to have it fall out and get damaged, so here are the best Galaxy A71 cases you can find.Slim and grippySpigen Liquid Air ArmorStaff PickSpigen's Liquid Air Armor is lightweight and form-fitting, giving tactile feedback for all of the buttons on your Galaxy A71. With the unique pattern on the back designed for better grip, it'll be tough to accidentally let your phone slip out of your hands. There's even added protection around the display and camera bump thanks to the raised edges.$11 at AmazonLeather versatilityKeledes Leather Wallet CaseHaving a case that's as versatile as your phone is pretty important, and the Keledes Leather Wallet d...

So you've already picked up the best Raspberry Pi kit, but you want to be able to actually see things, so you'll need to find the best Raspberry Pi screen. Of course, you'll need to find a display to use, regardless of whether you grabbed the Raspberry Pi 4, or even the Raspberry Pi 400. So we've rounded up the best options to give your mini computer a display worth using.Super Low PowerGeeekPi 7 Inch 1024x600 Capacitive Touch Screen HDMI MonitorStaff PickThis 7-inch capacitive display has a 1024x600 resolution and connects via HDMI. It also only requires 500mA of power for its backlight. There are two additional USB ports for you to take advantage of and expand and extend.$60 at AmazonGo Big or Go HomeASUS ZenScreen TouchYou get 15.6 inches and 1080p, which means you'll love what you see on this display. The ZenScreen Touch from ASUS isn't just for those wanting a touchscreen display for their laptops. This monitor features USB-C and micro-HDMI, along with ...

It's not been two weeks and the Galaxy S21 series is already on sale.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S21 series is available at a discount at several retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and more.Buyers can grab a Galaxy S21 smartphone for as much as $250 off, depending on the model.Samsung is still offering trade-in deals for the Galaxy S21 on its website.The Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones have been out for less than two weeks, and are already some of the best Android smartphones we've seen. There were some pretty gnarly pre-order deals for some U.S. carriers, some of which are still available now. But if you're not particularly tied to a carrier or just don't wanna deal with the hassle of carrier bloat, there's some good news because the unlocked version of the Galaxy S21 is already on sale at several different online retailers, so you should grab one fast before these deals disappear!Amazon and B&H seem to be offering the Galaxy S21 series at a discount of up to ...

As a supplement to last week's show all about the current state of 5G, Daniel and Jerry got to talk to Qualcomm's Ignacio Contreras about the new Snapdragon X65 modem RF system and the FUTURE of 5G. It's actually pretty exciting.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Snapdragon X65 modem will deliver insane 10 Gigabit 5G speeds to Android flagships | Android Central...

It's a simple fact that your smartwatch will need to be recharged at some point or another, which can be frustrating at times, and knowing how to extend battery life on Wear OS watches can help. Even the best Android smartwatches will eventually run out of power and need to be charged back up. Different steps can be taken to help make your watch last longer. By using one or more of these options, you'll have a Wear OS smartwatch that keeps a more enduring battery percentage between trips to the charging dock.How to extend battery life on Wear OS by reducing screen brightnessSome Wear OS smartwatches have ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the screen brightness based on the environment, which is the easiest way to manage your screen brightness, but not all have this feature. Here's how to manually change your watch screen brightness.As with most actions for making changes on your Wear OS watch, there are multiple ways to access screen brightness. The easiest is to sw...

Massive year-over-year improvements and a noteworthy new addition.The Galaxy S series has been a staple of the Android ecosystem for over a decade now, but the Ultra line has only been around for a year. Last year's S20 Ultra was poised as the best Samsung phone money could buy, with a gargantuan screen and the company's most versatile camera system ever — all at a record-high price of $1,400.This year's sequel brings the price back down to Earth while improving Samsung's Space Zoom tech, and serves as a launching point for Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 888 platform in the U.S. It's a phone for enthusiasts and power users alike, correcting some of the shortcomings of its predecessor and bringing a lot of great new features to the mix — including one that may signal the end of another premium division of Samsung's lineup.Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra reviewPrice and availabiilityHardware and designDisplay and S Pen supportSoftware and performanceBattery lifeCamerasComp...

Everything you need, without the luxuries you don't.It's easy to get drawn in by the allure of über-premium devices like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, but if there's anything Samsung learned from last fall's shockingly performant Galaxy S20 FE, it's that for many users, the best Android phone isn't necessarily the one with the highest price tag. That's especially true now, as thousands across the U.S. are struggling to make ends meet amidst a global pandemic; for those people, dropping four figures on a smartphone is hardly a top priority.The Galaxy S21 feels like the right phone arriving at the right time. It's $200 cheaper than last year's S20 at launch, and with aggressive trade-in offers, it can be had for much less. While it makes a few concessions in order to reach that lower price, the S21 still offers a fully-fledged flagship experience that I think most people will be perfectly happy with — but make no mistake, this isn't just a smaller S21 Ultra by any means. And that's ...

After a couple of years, Google Fi VPN is finally out of beta for Android smartphones.What you need to knowGoogle Fi's VPN service is now out of beta for Android devices and should offer faster connections.iPhone users will have access to Fi VPN service this Spring.Google is launching a privacy and security hub for Fi users.Google is probably the last company you'd expect to help you browse the internet privately, but that's exactly what it's allowing you do to with its Fi VPN service. After being in beta for the past couple of years, Google is officially taking its virtual private network out of beta as part of Safer Internet Day and "after listening to your feedback and making performance improvements." With the Fi VPN, you're able to stream, browse and download on an encrypted, private connection -- meaning that websites can't use your IP address to track your location and you're shielded against hackers, even while you're using unsecure networks.Not unlike many o...

Source: StackCommerceYou may have heard about bone conduction headphones. They work by vibrating against your head to send sound into your inner ear. The Blade bone conduction speaker uses the same technology — but this razor-thin device can turn any hollow object into a powerful speaker. You can get it today for $28.95, saving 40% on the MSRP.One advantage of using conduction technology is that small devices can create impressive volume. In the case of Blade, you can enjoy music and podcasts at 115dB with little distortion.To use the speaker, you simply need to identify a suitable surface. You can place it on a cardboard box, on your acoustic guitar, or even on a picture frame. The tone varies depending on the object you choose.Apart from that, Blade works like a standard portable speaker. You connect your phone via Bluetooth, and the device offers four hours of listening on a full charge.Billed as the world's thinnest bone conduction speaker, Blade came to life through a s...

Rise up to the challenge in the first of many seasons planned for Population: One.What you need to knowPopulation: One is getting its first content season in the form of a 10-week event called Uprising, beginning this month.Uprising will introduce new weapons, map updates, and a ton of additional to-be-announced content.Seeker Credits can be gifted to other players to help unlock content.Players will finally be able to create private servers later in the season.Population: One is set to begin its first season, called Uprising, this month. The 10-week-long special event dwarfs other Population: One events, which often lasted just 10-days at a time. As is normal for other events, Population: One Season One "Uprising" delivers new items for players to battle it out, beginning with the close-quarters melee knife, undoubtedly brought on by the "special guest" that was unleashed in the previous event, Darkest Days for Population: One.As the name of the season suggests, Uprisin...

Old school gaming on new school technology.Playing games that were made more than 30 years ago on smartphones more powerful than the computers that sent men to the Moon is simply incredible. That's exactly what's possible with the help of the best emulators for Android, as you can fire up those classics you played as a child without the need for the old consoles.Take advantage of the big and gorgeous displays with the best hardware and fastest software while experiencing the good ol' rush of nostalgia for a few hours at a time. Even if you don't have the latest and greatest smartphones, these emulators will still perform admirably, as the games being emulated are not exactly the most graphic-intensive ever.The top 3 apps1. ClassicBoy2. GBA.emu3. John NESSMore optionsEmuBoxMy Boy!Dolphin EmulatorDraStic DS EmulatorePSXe for AndroidPizza Boy GBCRetroArchWhere to find emulators?Archive.orgUse your catridgesFind the right controllerRazer Kishi8Bitdo...

These are the channels you can watch live with Hulu + Live TVHulu + Live TV offers subscribers full access to the platform's entire ad-supported streaming library, in addition to 65-plus channels featuring live sports, breaking news, and current shows, among other things. At just $65 a month, the top tier Hulu plan also allows users to personalize individual profiles, create custom TV lineups and record up to 50 hours of live TV without extra fees. Here's a roundup of all the channels you can watch live on Hulu.Guide to Hulu + Live ChannelsChannels on Hulu + Live TVBig Four on Hulu + Live TVSports on Hulu + Live TVReality-based series on Hulu + Live TVIs Hulu + Live TV worth the hype?All the channels you can watch live on Hulu + Live TVHulu offers more than 65 live channels as part of its top tier subscription plan, which offers content spanning breaking news and sports to reality television and drama. The exact lineup of channels varies slightly, depending on w...

What you need to knowVisible is launching 5G with a 200Mbps speed cap.Calling to Canada, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico is now included with Visible's plan.eSIM support has been added so users can now activate from their devices starting with iPhone.Party Pay has been expanded to an unlimited number of people alongside the launch of a community platform to help people join meet up and join a party. A new referral program can bring your next bill down to just $5.Prepaid phone service Visible launched several new features for its service starting with 5G. Visible operates using Verizon's network and has started adding support for this new network with the iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, and ZTE Blade X1 5G. 5G is included with your Visible plan with support for up to 200Mbps without increasing the price of your plan.Visible has also expanded its calling to include calls to Canada, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Like the rest of Vi...

Everyone's favorite marsupial is coming to next-gen (current-gen?) consoles really soon.What you need to knowCrash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is coming to next-gen consoles.It is set to release on PS5 on March 12, 2021, coinciding with the series' 25th anniversary.Crash 4 sees Crash and pals travel across dimensions as they work to stop Doctor Nefarious Tropy from destroying the multiverse.Activision has announced that Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is coming to PS5 on March 12, 2021 along with releases on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch. This year coincides with the franchise's 25th anniversary, so it's a fitting celebration for the character.Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time released on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2020, the first mainline entry in the series in over twenty years since Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped released in 1998. It's About Time follows Crash, Coco, Tawna, Dingodile, and Neo Cortex jumping between dimensions to collect the Quantum...

For when you're hungry for more.As we said in our Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners review, if you're planning to buy an Oculus Quest 2 or already have one, you absolutely need to own this game. It's a triumph of VR game design and shows the true potential that a quality, experience-driven survival horror can deliver. The Trial, a free DLC, is the first DLC created for the game and adds a substantial new mode of the same name.In this new mode, players can choose to enter one of three arenas that take place in some of the game's more unique spaces. One sees players housed in a foggy mausoleum, while the other two take place in the streets of New Orleans. This horde mode separates itself from other similar-style games by encouraging players to scavenge and explore — a key component of the story mode — as well as to perform creative kills, earn coins, and craft items to get through as many waves of zombies as they can.The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: The Trial DLC pickin...

The Hulu + Live TV plan is the most costly subscription on the platform, but it's also the most flexible plan. In addition to giving subscribers the option to pair either the ad-supported or No Ads tier with its live channel collection, Hulu + Live TV can be expanded with eight different add-ons, which vary in both perks and price. Here's a roundup of all of the Hulu add-ons, so you can decide if any of them are worth adding to your plan.Streaming+HuluFrom $9/month at HuluMake it premiumHulu allows you to take your Hulu + Live TV subscription to the next level by adding premium networks to your account. Is HBO ($15/month), Showtime ($11/month), Cinemax ($10/month) or STARZ ($9/month) the right add-on for you?Premium network add-onsHulu + Live TV subscribers can take their plan to the next level by selecting one of four premium network add-ons offered by the streaming service. Fees range from $9-15 a month added to your bill, depending on which network you select...

Transforming nearly any TV into a smart TV is affordable and easy with a Roku streaming stick. These tiny devices plug into your TV's HDMI port to unlock access to a world of streaming services, live TV channels, and other apps that will never leave you without entertainment. While prices are rather comparable to its main competition, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku's devices have a few interesting features you won't find on a Fire stick.Once you've plugged in your new Roku streaming device, you can download the Roku app and use it as a remote or even plug headphones into your phone and listen to what's on TV privately. You'll also gain access to The Roku Channel which offers thousands of free TV shows and movies to watch at your leisure. Roku devices let you stream from all the latest and most popular streaming services, from Netflix and Hulu to HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, Peacock, and more. If you don't subscribe to any just yet, this guide to streaming service free trials should...

Streaming services have grown in popularity over the past few years, and there are now more options than there ever has been before. Back in the day, every single one of them offered a free trial to get you to use the service for a set length of time in hopes that you'd sign up after, but that seems to have slowly become less of a norm. Odds are that you are signed up for at least one of them, but thanks to some new offers which have popped up, there are a number of new opportunities to try out new streaming services, and they won't cost you a cent.Streaming Free Trial OffersSling TV: 3 days freeHulu: First month freeDisney Plus: Trial unavailableAmazon Kids+: 30 days freeAmazon Prime Video: 30-day trialHBO Max: Trial unavailableAmazon Music Unlimited: One month freeNetflix: Trial UnavailableAmazon Music HD: 30 days freeApple Music: 3 months freeSpotify: Two months freeTidal: 30 days freefuboTV: One week freeAmazon Kindle Unlimited: Two months freeCBS All Access: 7...

A new add-on could be coming in the near future.What you need to knowSony released a Back Button attachment for the DualShock 4 in 2020.A patent filing indicates Sony is working on something similar for the PS5 DualSense controller.This would add two remappable buttons to the back of the DualSense.Sony released the DualShock 4 Back Button attachment last year, giving players the easy ability to expand their DualShock 4 controllers with some comfortable paddle-like buttons for a very low price. Now, it looks like that option could soon come to the DualSense controller.A patent filing first spotted by IGN indicates Sony is looking into providing a similar Back Button attachment for the DualSense. The patent was filed back on February 4, so it's quite recent. You can see the diagram provided in the patent below:The diagram clearly matches the shape and ports of the DualSense controller. The description of the patent confirms that the device would allow players to remap d...

Self-care is as important now as it ever has been. Whether you kicked off the new year with a new fitness regime and are feeling the after-effects this February, or the world has just been weighing heavy on you recently, a handheld massager is a good way to ease some aches and pains without paying for spa treatments.You don't have to spend a fortune to get one, either, with this Amazon deal taking 20% off the SKG F5 massage gun. It regularly goes for $136 there, but you can get it for just $108.80 right now. All you have to do is enter the coupon code SKGF520OFF during checkout for the saving.Handheld massagers have revolutionized how we deal with pain. We no longer have to spend money for others to massage small aches and pains; we can do it ourselves.SKG's F5 massager features a stylish, streamlined design with a non-slip handle that makes it easy to use. It's also lightweight at just 0.66 pounds so your arm won't ache after using it (since that would kind of defeat the point...

Need some indoor security cameras to keep an eye on your pets or just for general security reasons? Newegg has a 4-pack of Eufy 2K resolution indoor cameras going for just $115.99 when you use the code 29SWEETDL245 during checkout. That's a super low price that brings the Eufy cameras down to less than $30 apiece, which would put this package at one of the best deals we've ever seen even on smaller bundles. A 2-pack is $70 on Amazon, for example, which is about $6 more per camera than Newegg's deal.For how inexpensive these cameras are, they are packed with the sort of standard features you'd expect from a security camera. And unlike other Eufy cameras, like this 2-camera kit that's a lot more expensive, these security cameras don't require a HomeBase to function. These are relatively simple cameras to operate. Just plug them in so you don't have a battery to worry about and communicate with them through your mobile device or smart home.The camera feeds can be viewed in resolutio...

Best answer: As of now, the Fossil Gen 5 LTE is exclusive to Verizon. Considering that the main reason to buy this watch is for the LTE connectivity, it's going to work best if you're an existing Verizon customer or if you're willing to switch.A great LTE smartwatch for Verizon customersIf you've been toying with the idea of buying an Android smartwatch that comes with LTE connectivity, you'll quickly realize just how many options are available to you, which includes the new Fossil Gen 5 LTE. While you're probably familiar with the main players that have been around for a while, like Apple and Samsung, this is the first LTE smartwatch from Fossil Group.It's worth noting that this isn't the only Wear OS watch with LTE connectivity. Over a year ago, Mobvoi released the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE. As the name suggests, this smartwatch catered to individuals who were seeking a fully connected smartwatch, but it was only available on Verizon. One trend that continued is with the Fossil Gen...

Take your Synology NAS to the next level with these tips and tricks.Synology makes the best NAS for Plex streaming and general home use, and it also has plenty of productivity-focused systems that are tailored for businesses. While NAS enclosures from all manufacturers tend to have similar hardware, Synology's differentiator is the software. With DiskStation Manager (DSM), it has created the best operating system you'll find for NAS enclosures.I've been using Synology NAS enclosures for nearly a decade now; I rely on my DiskStation DS1520+ for Plex streaming and backing up data from all the phones and Windows machines in my home, and I also run a VPN server directly on the NAS. If you're just getting started with a Synology NAS or are looking to learn more about all the things you can do with DSM, here are the best Synology tips and tricks to get the most out of your NAS enclosure.A truly fantastic NASSynology DiskStation DS220+$300 at Amazon$300 at Newegg$300 at B&amp...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $280PlayStation 4 Pro: from $370PlayStation VR: save over $15More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now we'...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is Samsung's first phone capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second from all five of its cameras, front and back. This isn't just great for slow-mo but it also means you don't have to worry about mixing and matching clips at different frame rates, making the S21 Ultra one of the best Android video cameras around. Here's how to enable that buttery smooth footage.How to shoot 4K60 video on all five lensesOpen the Camera app.Tap Video to switch to video capture mode.Alternatively, you can tap More and choose Pro Video mode to gain access to additional controls such as manual focus, white balance, and audio channel monitoring.Tap the second button from the right at the top of the screen. By default, it may say "UHD 30" or "FHD Auto."Choose the UHD 60 option.That's it! With UHD (otherwise known as Ultra HD or 4K) 60 enabled, you'll be able to shoot extra-sharp 4K video, no matter your preferred lens. Just make sure to disable the Super Stead...

Samsung is launching its new experimental service in SmartThings.What you need to knowSamsung launches SmartThings Labs for trying out and testing features before they release.The features are developed in-house by the SmartThings team, and users can provide direct feedback.The first features available on SmartThings Labs includes a universal remote and an on-device Bluetooth keyboard for your TV.Samsung has been working hard on ways to expand its SmartThings service, which is more or less the company's answer to Google Home. Since CES, Samsung has announced a number of new ways that SmartThings is becoming more useful, the biggest being newly added integration with Google Nest and Android Auto. Today, the company is introducing a new service within the SmartThings app called SmartThings Labs.This is a new service that allows users on the best Samsung phones to try out various features before they're released and ready for the world. According to Corporate Vice President,...

Google Messages has a messaging problem.Google Messages is one of Google's most important Android apps. It's well designed, of course, as just about all Google apps are. It has a wealth of features that appeal to the early-mid 20s demographic. It's even available on every Android phone — well, all of the best Android phones anyway. It should be almost as ubiquitous as Gmail or iMessage. Yet, it's all but irrelevant in the messaging world, and for such an excellent service, that's a shame.The reasons for Messages' failure to launch are manifold. When we talk about Google Messages and its features, it's easy for most readers of tech sites to understand why the app is the way that it is and why that is a very good thing. After all, following the development of RCS and Google's messaging journey over the years has been a narrative-driven adventure. The underdog that was Google was trying to break into the market with messaging app after messaging app, and it finally latched on a s...

Chatting with the AC forums.Following the abysmal battery life of the Pixel 4, one of our greatest concerns going into the Pixel 5 is that it would be faced with a similar fate. Thankfully, the exact opposite has been true.With a 4,080 mAh battery capacity and excellent optimizations throughout, the Pixel 5 is a phone you can easily use for a full day of heavy use without worrying about how much gas if left in the tank. This is something we immediately noticed in our Pixel 5 review, and taking a look through the AC forums, it's something others have also been enjoying.About four months since the Pixel 5's debut, here's what some of those members are saying about the phone's endurance: beantownsouth 02-07-2021 11:44 AM “ Yes, no doubt, this thing has a monster of a battery in it. Granted I'd be considered a light user, but still, this is nuts. My usage on a typical day is between 15-25 phone ca...

Thanks to the events of 2020 that have continued throughout 2021, video calling is something we're doing a lot more. Whether it be for school, work, or virtual family gatherings, chances are you're more familiar with Zoom and Google Meet than you ever thought possible. In light of this, one of the newest additions to the best Samsung phones is a system-wide feature that can apply background effects to all of your video chat apps — including a blur effect, colors, and pictures. Eager to learn how to use it? Let's go!How to use video call effects on your Samsung Galaxy phoneOpen the Settings app on your Samsung phone.Scroll down.Tap Advanced features.Scroll down to the bottom of the page.Tap Video call effects.Make sure effects on toggled on.Select the background effect you want to use.With those steps out of the way, you can now use video call effects when you hop into your next video chat. As of right now, the feature works for Google Duo, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a...

Stickers are one of the most fun ways to express yourself in messaging apps like Telegram. They're larger and more customizable than emoji and do the same jobs of depicting emotions, reacting to other messages, or just adding a whimsical flair to your conversations. Luckily, stickers are incredibly easy to use (and abuse) in Telegram. Here's how to add and use stickers in the Telegram app so that you can make your chats even more expressive.Product used in this guideCompact and friendly: Google Pixel 5 ($700 at Amazon)How to add stickers in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Open an existing conversation, or start a new one by tapping the pencil icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.Tap the sticker icon in the bottom left corner, just beside the message composition box.From here, you'll be able to see your recently used stickers and navigate saved sticker packs from the bar below the composition box. Of course, if you haven't used any stickers before, you can brows...

Steeped in tradition and sporting romance, the FA Cup remains the footballing world's most famous domestic knockout tournament. Read on to find out how to get an FA Cup live stream and watch matches from this season's tournament online from anywhere.While it may have lost its top-tier tournament status and priority with managers in England in recent years to the Premier League, the "magic of the cup" remains for fans and players alike.Much of what makes it special comes from the fact that any team from the top 10 tiers of English soccer are eligible to take part, offering the dream of a trip to Wembley for the showpiece final for lower league opposition.While the chances of FA Cup glory are now somewhat remote for smaller clubs (you'd have to go all the way back to 1980 and West Ham's shock win over Arsenal for the last time a team outside of the top division lifted the tournament's famous jug-like trophy), the tournament does nevertheless continue to throw up giant-killing r...

The Snapdragon X65 modem will debut in consumer devices later this year.What you need to knowThe Snapdragon X65 is the first 5G modem to achieve 10 Gigabit speeds.The modem has new mmWave antenna module that delivers better coverage, and uses AI to boost connectivity. The Snapdragon X65 will make its way to Android flagships launching in the latter half of 2021, and 2022 iPhones. Qualcomm also announced a more affordable version of the Snapdragon X65, dubbed X62. This year's best Android phones are powered by the Snapdragon 888, which uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 modem. Qualcomm is now offering a first look at what's next for 5G connectivity with its latest flagship modem, the Snapdragon X65.The marquee feature on the Snapdragon X65 is that it achieves 10 Gigabit 5G speeds, with the X60 going up to only 7.6Gbps. Qualcomm is touting several improvements here: the X65 features a fourth-gen Qualcomm 545 mmWave antenna module with increased coverage and better energy effic...

Best answer: No. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite doesn't emit a significant amount of blue light as its LEDs direct the light toward the page rather than your eyes. However, there are ways to adjust the lighting to suit your preferences and comfort, including a simple stick-on filter or pair of specialty glasses.Do I need a blue light filter for my Kindle Paperwhite?Many have long touted the benefits of covering up the blue light emitted from electronic devices, though there is some skepticism on the issue as well.Thankfully, the Kindle Paperwhite (which we've called the best Amazon Kindle) uses an array of five LEDs that direct the light toward the content on the page, rather than a backlight that shines at your face. This presents you with a more natural, reflective lighting scenario that is generally gentler on your eyes. Still, some users will find that reading either in the dark or just before bed can cause irritation and sleep disruptions. Thankfully, there are many affordab...

Stylish and somewhat smart-ish.Choosing the best Android smartwatch looks a bit different for each person. We all have unique preferences and tastes, after all. The Garmin Lily is designed for women who want their smartwatch to look good and feel good while still being functional. It succeeds in several key areas, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, smartphone notifications, and many more. Although, the intense focus on fashion inevitably results in some sacrifices.If you're familiar with the company at all, it's easy to see that the Lily is not your typical Garmin smartwatch. While there are various models geared toward fashionable folks, like the Garmin Vivomove models or the Garmin Venu models, this is the first wearable that is designed for women, by women.Speaking of which, the Garmin Lily may just become one of the best smartwatches for women. Those who want the appearance of a traditional watch while still being privy to some useful smartwatch featu...