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The update includes a number of big fixes as well.What you need to knowOnePlus has rolled out a new stable OxygenOS 11 update for its latest OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro phones.The update brings the latest April 2021 security patch and a few camera performance improvements. Currently, the update is only rolling out to OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro users in India. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro are among the best Android phones that have been launched so far this year, offering solid hardware and a great software experience. Even though the phones went on sale just a few weeks back, OnePlus has already rolled out three software updates to make them even better. The company has now started rolling out another OxygenOS update for its latest flagship phones, bringing a bunch of camera improvements and the latest April 2021 Android security patch.According to the official changelog, OnePlus has improved the image processing on both phones and addressed the over-sharpening issue that some owners have be...

When you look at Motorola's latest G Play model, it's not difficult to understand why this is one of the best cheap Android phones. But just because it's "cheap" doesn't mean you shouldn't keep it protected with one of the best Moto G Play (2021) cases. Chances are, you've already picked up one of the best Moto G Play (2021) screen protectors, so why not complete the ensemble with a case? These are our favorite options for those looking to buy a case for their Moto G Play (2021).Familiar designDretal TPU CoverStaff PickIf you're looking to protect both the phone itself and the screen likely don't want to deal with making two separate purchases. That's where the Dretal Slim Fit Cover comes in, as you not only get a great TPU case with a sleek design, but there's also a tempered glass screen protector included.$7 at AmazonSlimmer than slimEasyAcc Slim CaseBig and bulky cases may work for some, but many like the low-profile offered by a slim case. Thanks to the...

If you're yet to add any Alexa devices to your home, Amazon is giving you the perfect opportunity with one of the very best Amazon Echo deals returning for a limited time.Right now, you can snag a 3rd gen Echo Dot for just $4.99 when you buy a month of Amazon Music Unlimited. That means for a total cost of $12.98 for Prime members, or $14.98 without Prime, you'll get the smart speaker worth $40 and a month of tunes to music streaming.The Echo Dot and Amazon Music Unlimited service are the perfect pairing. The voice-activated smart speaker allows you to simply ask Alexa to play the music you want to hear and it will be playing within seconds. There are no ads on the music service and there are over 70 million songs that you can play on-demand.If you like the service, you can keep paying for it at $7.99 per month for Prime members (or $9.99 without Prime), or cancel it towards the end of the month to avoid being charged. Since Amazon Music Unlimited works great on your Alexa spea...

The world may be on fire but at least the PS5 is finally here to distract you.Sony launched its most ambitious console to date on Nov. 12, 2020 with the PS5. The company dominated the last generation with the PS4 and silenced naysayers who said that console gaming was dead. After selling upwards of 112 million units over the last seven years, Sony hopes to replicate its success with the PlayStation 5, and if early demand is any indication, that shouldn't be a problem. According to the NPD Group, the PS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history for unit and dollar sales within its first five months on the market. Sony says that by February 2021 it had sold over 4.5 million units.Ever since I was a kid I've had an Xbox. I played every Xbox console right up until I had to buy a PS4 Pro for this job, actually. But now that I've used a PS5 for several months, I see it as my main console moving forward. The strength of the PS5, plus the revolutionary and welcome changes Sony made...

Once you start equipping your home with a bunch of smart devices, appliances and other gear that isn't smart begin to stand out even more. You don't have to spend a fortune replacing every item in your home with a smart version, though. In lieu of endless cash reserves, you could opt to include a few affordable smart plugs in your setup.If you're all-in on Alexa, the first-party Amazon Smart Plug is one of the best options for you and, right now, you can snag one (or more) at 40% off. Down to $14.99, you're saving $10 and getting the plug at its lowest price to date.Amazon's Smart Plug is already one of the best smart plugs on the market, but at this price it's well worth getting a few. It's exclusively designed to work with Alexa, so don't try and add one to your Google Assistant home or Apple HomeKit setup.However, being designed by Amazon to work with Alexa makes it super easy to get up and running which is what sets it apart from other options out there. You literally take ...

Which carrier delivers the best 5G experience?5G coverage is rapidly expanding across thousands of U.S. cities. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have each launched 5G networks with both high-capacity mmWave and long-range sub-6 bands. If you're ready to jump into a new 5G phone, make sure to keep up to date on which carrier has the best coverage for you. Notably, T-Mobile's 5G network is adding capacity to its network in over 1,000 cities already, thanks to the spectrum it got from Sprint. Once fully deployed, 5G service will provide faster speeds and reduced response times, allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available. However, for now, it's still very much a work in progress.5G is taking hold in the U.S., and it's no coincidence that many of the best cell phone plans now include 5G and most of the best Android phones work with 5G. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed, but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more ser...

Roku TVs and Roku devices give you the ability to stream a variety of content from your favorite apps all in one place. Specifically, Roku provides users with access to more than 3,000 channels, which is more than nearly every competitor. With that in mind, we've created this guide covering everything you need to know about Roku Channels.Guide to Roku ChannelsBest Roku channelsFree Roku channelsPaid Roku channelsHow to watch Roku channelsStream it nowRoku Express$30 at Roku$30 at Amazon $29 at WalmartPlug in and streamThe Roku Express device makes it super easy to stream your favorite online media on your television right now. Simply connect your dongle and use the remote to explore channels and navigate apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.Roku Channels: What are the best channels?The number and variety of Roku Channels currently available can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we've rounded up a list of the best channels available right now on Roku d...

The Fire TV Cube is powered by a hexa-core chipset and comes with 16GB of built-in storage.What you need to knowThe second-generation Fire TV Cube has been launched in India.Amazon's most powerful Fire TV streaming device offers hands-free Alexa access and 4K HDR streaming.It is now available to purchase in the country for ₹12,999 ($173).Amazon today launched its second-generation Fire TV Cube in India. The Fire TV Cube is the company's most powerful Fire TV streaming device and happens to be the only one to offer hands-free Alexa access.The Fire TV Cube can stream up to 4K Ultra HD content with support for Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10, and HDR10+ standards. It also supports Dolby Atmos audio, just like the Fire TV Stick 4K.What sets the Fire TV Cube apart from other Fire TV streaming devices is support for hands-free Alexa. The device includes a built-in 1.6-inch speaker, which enables users to interact with the voice assistant even when their TV is off.Amazon's best F...

At this point, Bluetooth wireless headphones have become ubiquitous, coming in a variety of styles and feature sets to support great sound. There are many great options, and chief among them are the Sony WH-1000XM4 at the top of our best wireless headphones. Their sound quality is great. They have industry-leading active noise cancelation (ANC), long battery life, and fit comfortably for long-term use.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4There aren't many flaws to point out with the WH-1000XM4, which was in the same spot before. One of the biggest reasons why is the ANC performance, which gets an upgrade here courtesy of Sony's QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that do the work of blocking out the background. Commuting on a bus, train, or plane won't be a problem while wearing these. Sony's pedigree in this area shows itself with true wireless earbuds, too.Sony chose not to change anything about the sound signature, preserving the same bass-heavy balance that sometimes drowns out...

Chatting with the AC forums.With so many great options to choose from at so many price points, finding the best Android phone for you can be challenging. Whether you want to save some money and get a great cheap phone like the Google Pixel 4a, or you've got a little more to spend and want top-level features for a mid-range price like the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, it's hard to go wrong. Even if money is no option and you choose a premium flagship like a loaded Galaxy S21 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 2, you know you're getting a great device.The thing is, all of this choice can also lead to indecisiveness or "analysis paralysis." No matter how great the device you chose is, it's not uncommon for smartphone buyers to walk away from a purchase wondering if they should've chosen something else. That sparked a funny discussion over on the AC forums: runliftrepeat 04-19-2021 09:40 PM “ A week ago Saturday I bou...

PS Now is in need of a major overhaul if Sony wants it to be taken seriously.PlayStation Now began its life in 2014 primarily as a streaming service, a way to play a bunch of games without having to download them to your PS4. It has since morphed into a bit of a hybrid service that allows hundreds of games to be downloaded directly to your console. As far as subscription services go, it needs to offer a lot more if it wants to stay relevant because Microsoft is killing it with Xbox Game Pass.Sony's approach to PlayStation Now seems to be outright neglect, and it's in desperate need of an overhaul. PlayStation boss Jim Ryan says that the company wants to expand its existing ecosystem, but everything it's done in regards to PlayStation Now is antithetical to that.PlayStation Now review:Price and availabilityGames and softwareStreamingPlayStation Now hubShould you buy it? PlayStation Now ...

Samsung says SmartThings Find is one of the fastest-growing location services on the market right now.What you need to knowSamsung is adding new safety and convenience features to its SmartThings Find service.The new Unknown Tag Search feature will let you scan for SmartTags that don't belong to you but might be moving along with you.You can also now use Samsung's Bixby voice assistant for finding your belongings hands-free. Samsung's SmartThings Find service, which was launched in October last year, now has over 70 million helper devices. The company has also introduced two new features that are aimed at making the service even better with enhanced privacy and convenience.The new Unknown Tag Search feature scans for unknown SmartTags that may be moving along with you, ensuring nobody can secretly track your location. It works similarly to 'Item Safety Alerts' added to Apple's Find My service with iOS 14.5 beta last month. You will be able to access the feature from the S...

Amazon's annual exclusive sale is coming back for an even bigger event in 2021. Prime Day is the sale every Amazon Prime member should be looking forward to. With hundreds of ways to save and hundreds of dollars off popular products, shopping during Prime Day is even a smart way to earn back the cost of Amazon Prime's membership fee.During past Prime Day sales, Amazon hasn't skimped on its offerings in the slightest. We've seen products in just about every category go on sale, from home and kitchen appliances to clothing, furniture, toys, electronics, computers, and of course, just about every Amazon device there is. You name it, there's probably been a Prime Day sale on it. And if the sales of previous years are to be any indication, Prime Day 2021 is already slated to be one of the best shopping events of the year.Best Prime Day deals & sales in 2021As it stands, Amazon has not announced any official early Prime Day deals, but won't stop other companies from offering up e...

Here's what you need to know about the 2021 mid-range Galaxy A series.The Galaxy A series has taken on an increased significance over the last two years as Samsung's flagships have crossed the $1,000 figure. Customers that don't want to spend that much on a phone have inevitably turned to options like the Galaxy A50 or the A51, and Samsung did a great job porting over features from its flagships to its more affordable phones.For 2021, Samsung rolled out exciting changes to the Galaxy A series. The Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 come with an fresh new design that makes them stand out a lot more from their predecessors, and there's also a 5G-enabled model of the A52 called the A52 5G that allows you to switch to 5G on a budget.So if you're in the market for a new phone in 2021 and want to know the differences between the Galaxy A52, A52 5G, and the A72, here's what you need to know.Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. A52 vs. A72: Three great optionsSamsung has also streamlined a lot of th...

A smarter way of managing your space may be on the way.What you need to knowAndroid 12 could come with an app hibernation feature.It'll help users conserve space and resources by clearing data from unused apps.The feature was discovered in a hidden Android 12 build. Smartphone users often download a lot of apps, far too many to be used by any one user. And research indicates that we don't really use that many. Indeed, there are one-off apps for events, apps for local stores that only get used in stores, banking apps that get used when discrete management is needed, apps that only need running on a case-to-case basis (no one chooses to Zoom on their phone I promise you), and so on. Statista even notes that 25% of apps are only ever opened once. Yet these apps can remain installed on our phones, having access to our data when not necessary, and even taking up space with cached files and so on. For Android 12, Google is working on this with a new feature that'll automatically...

For those with limited broadband options, this is an excellent internet source with a lot of 'ifs'.After spending over a decade living in rural Kansas with little to no decent internet, I was ecstatic to try and, after four months, give a T-Mobile Home Internet review. As I discussed in my look towards 5G in 2021 to help rural internet, one of the most considerable sacrifices that people who want to live the country life face is a complete lack of legitimate broadband access.It's been a couple of years since T-Mobile announced its Home Internet service, and when the slow rollout made it to me, I jumped on it. The mobile carrier has been my cell provider for about seven years and has been pretty good. Admittedly, where my home is, no carrier is great — no matter what the coverage maps say.Did I believe that T-Mobile's Home Internet offering could be the fast and reliable internet savior I was looking for — no. However, the carrier's been making speedy upgrades to the towers ...

Wear OS on the TicWatch Pro 3 is about to get a huge performance boost.What you need to knowMobvoi has started rolling out the H-MR2 update for the TicWatch Pro 3 GPS.The update includes plenty of improvements, including optimization for the Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset.H-MR2 should continue rolling out to the TicWatch Pro 3 throughout the week.More than six months after Google announced its H-MR2 update for Wear OS, it's finally arriving on the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 GPS. Oddly enough, the update was announced on the Official Mobvoi Ticwatch group on Facebook, with a changelog attached to it.The update brings with it several new features, improvements, and bug fixes, all of which you can find on Reddit if you're not already part of the Facebook group. One of the biggest enhancements is the improved performance, but the update also brings enhanced support for the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset, which means the TicWatch Pro 3 should see a huge jump in performance and...

Google will introduce improvements to Chrome and WebView to prevent this from happening again.What you need to knowGoogle explains why the WebView crashes happened, which was due to a bug.The company laid out ways in which it plans to improve Chrome and WebView from now on.A WebView "Safe Mode" would revert back to a stable version in case of future error.Remember last month when all your apps started crashing for no reason? The problem was caused by a bug that was introduced within WebView and Chrome that affected many of the best Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21. Fortunately, there were ways to get around this by uninstalling updates to WebView and Chrome, but it left a lot of people scratching their heads. The Google Workspace team has now addressed the issue while also laying out ways it will improve things from now on to prevent things like this from happening again. A bug within Chrome & WebView's experiment & configuration technology caused inst...

One of Sony's biggest franchises will indeed be making a full return on PS5. Here's what we know so far.Gran Turismo has been one of Sony's biggest franchises since the days of the very first PlayStation. The tagline, "the real driving simulator," has always cut straight to the core of what Gran Turismo is all about, and generally speaking, has received much praise over the years.Jump to:When does it release?Resolution and frame rateWill it support PSVR?Fan favorite circuit returnsWhat cars will it include?What are its features?Will it be on PS4?Gran Turismo esports and Getty Images But it's also hard to believe that the PS4 has gone by entirely without a new, full Gran Turismo game. Gran Turismo 6 launched on the PS3, and while PS4 owners have at least had GT Sport, it's fair to say the reaction has been mixed at times, and it's not quite the same as a full sequel.Which is what we seem to be getting on the PS5. There's still a lot of questions that need answer...

You add a Chromecast with Google TV to every TV in the house for the price of one Apple TV 4K.Even before the pandemic, I spent an unhealthy amount of time with my TV. Between using it for music streaming while I cook, bingeing the latest anime after work, and just re-watching old favorites as I mull over which accessories to add to a collection, my TV is on the majority of the day, and it serves up all my content via Chromecast with Google TV.There's plenty of competition in the best streaming devices space these days: even before Google made its splash with the Chromecast with Google TV back in October, Amazon's Fire TV sticks and Roku had been fiercely battling to be the TV platform of choice in households around the country (and around the world). In contrast, the last new Apple TV before today was released all the way back in 2017 with the first Apple TV 4K, and the Apple TV HD is from 2015.Chromecast with Google TV isn't a perfect device — I've written about its bugs an...

While we're just two months away from Apple's WWDC event, Cupertino held a special Spring showcase to feature new products and upgrades. The aptly-named Spring Loaded event saw the launch of products that have long been rumored, as well as some updated hardware featuring Apple's powerful M1 chip.We may like to focus on the best Android phones here, but these events are always fun to watch for tech enthusiasts, and it's a good chance to see what the other side is up to. So here's a roundup of the things that Apple announced at its Spring Loaded event.Apple TVOne of the best streaming devices is getting even better thanks to Apple's A12 Bionic chip. With the upgraded chip, the new Apple TV 4K can now display 4K HDR content at high frame rates, which can boost not only movies and shows but also gaming with Apple Arcade. The device also features a cool trick that uses the camera, proximity sensor, and light sensor to adjust the TV's color balance.There's also a newly designed r...

You'll just need to make sure you're on Quest 2 firmware v28 first.What you need to knowVirtual Desktop version 1.20.4.0 now supports the new 120Hz refresh rate option on Quest 2.You'll need to download the latest beta Virtual Desktop app from the Oculus store for the Quest 2, and the beta desktop streamer for your PC.120Hz translates to 120FPS — an extremely difficult-to-achieve performance metric that even good gaming PCs will struggle with.If you've been using Virtual Desktop to play PC VR games on your Oculus Quest 2, you're in for a real treat. If you're Oculus Quest 2 has already received the April v28 firmware update, you can download the latest Virtual Desktop beta — that's version 1.20.4.0 as of this writing — and begin playing PC VR games at the new buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. A new low-quality option has also been added for PCs that couldn't quite handle VR streaming in the past, as well.In order to move over to the beta channel, you'll need to ope...

It's rolling out now to all Google Workspace customers.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out improved Maps integration with Google Workspace.This new update will add Google Maps to the Workspace side panel.You'll be able to use Maps while in other Workspace apps like Calendar without needing to switch. Google's Workspace side panel is adding support for Google Maps, the company announced this week. The panel already hosts relevant apps like Tasks and Keep, but Google Maps comes in as an idiosyncratic addition to what was a focused part of the Workspace interface.The way Google explains it, the addition does make a lot of sense. With the newfound Google Maps integration, you can now more easily find information about a location and see precise details without needing to switch apps. It's aimed at smoothening the workflow of frequent Calendar power-users. If you're entering a meeting or an appointment into the Calendar web app, opening Google Maps to see the opening ti...

We expect that the new Samsung Galaxy A52 will take home the crown for best cheap Android phone of the year. This is the successor to the ultra-popular Galaxy A51 from last year that was actually Samsung's best-selling phone over the course of the year. And why wouldn't you want to keep one of the best Samsung phones protected with the best Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A52 5G cases?Our favorite caseCaseology Nano PopStaff PickAre you looking for a case that "pops" with your new Galaxy A52? Caseology's new Nano Pop case fits the bill quite nicely, with its two-tone color scheme providing enough contrast to help your phone stand out. The case is compatible with most screen protectors and only adds 0.14-inches of thickness, keeping your A52 slim and lightweight.From $16 at AmazonThe next bestSpigen Liquid CrystalClear cases are some of the most fun options because they allow you to show off how sleek your new Galaxy A52 is without sacrificing protection. And what bett...

The JP crew are all about Resident Evil this week as they check out Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4 VR. They also the need for Sony to overhaul PlayStation Now, Nintendo Switch Production and the latest Indie World Showcase.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Resident Evil Village demo announced for PS5 & PS4, new trailer showcases gruesome threats | Android CentralResident Evil 4 VR Remake coming to Oculus Quest 2 | Android CentralSony desperately needs to overhaul PlayStation Now | Android CentralNintendo unsure whether Nintendo Switch production will meet future demands | iMorePS5 is the fastest-selling console in U.S. history for unit and dollar sales | Android CentralIndie World Showcase: Everything announced during the April 14 event | iMore...

Step up to the plate.When MLB The Show 20 launched last year, it marked the last time the game would release solely on previous generation consoles. Now, just in time for the start of the 2021 MLB season, San Diego Studio is back once again with the latest entry in the MLB The Show franchise. MLB The Show 21 will not only make the leap to next-gen but will be a multi-platform title for the first time ever.Like many games making the jump to the PS5, MLB The Show 21 features a handful of huge changes that make the game much more exciting. While MLB The Show 20 had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortened MLB season when releasing content, San Diego Studio has made an impressive return to the field. MLB The Show 21 features a ton of improvements and new details that make it one of the best sports games on the market.MLB The Show 21 review:What you'll likeWhat you won't likeShould you play?MLB The Show 21 ...

HTC could usher in a new era of standalone fitness-focused VR headsets.What you need to knowHTC Vive Air looks to be the company's first major consumer-focused standalone headset in a long time.The Vive Air is made of lightweight, breathable materials that are all removable and washable.The iF WORLD DESIGN award that revealed the headset says it's due for release in 2021 in North America, Europe, and Asia.It's been a long time coming, but HTC might finally have a viable competitor to the Oculus Quest 2 if these leaks for an upcoming headset called the "HTC Vive Air" are anything to go by. Per Engadget, an *iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE award appears to have been published ahead of an official announcement from HTC, making this a bit more official than many other types of leaks.Per the design award, the HTC Vive Air is specifically designed for virtual fitness in mind. That means the headset is made of lightweight, breathable materials, and it looks like everything but the computi...

PS5 stock is selling out fast so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking buy a PS5? Well, so do millions of other people and the stock levels that we've seen so far are tight. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is maybe 15 - 20 minutes (usually just a few minutes, though), and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a difficult task. Sony has warned that it will be hard to find stock throughout the year, but retailers are promising more is coming.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. After spending a few months with it now, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, and you'll want to experience it for yourself whenever you get the chance.Jump to:When are retailers releasing new stock?Buy PS5 in the U.S. Buy PS5 in CanadaBuy PS5 in the UKWhere to buy PS5 accessoriesTips for buyi...

The days of sacrificing great service in search of affordability are officially over. Powered by Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks, Visible puts you on the nation's best network with its singular plan that offers unlimited data, talk, and text for $40 per month all-in — taxes and fees included. There's no annual contract and a variety of excellent deals available for new members or those looking to purchase a new phone.Best Visible DealsBest Visible Android dealsBest Visible iPhone dealsBest Visible plan dealsMore about VisibleVisible: Three months for $20/monthVisible lets you use Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks without paying the high cost of being a Verizon customer. Visible's latest deal drops the cost of the first 3 months for new subscribers to just $20/month with promo code 20FOR3 through April 30.Join today at VisibleWith Visible's Party Pay feature, you can drop the monthly cost of service to as low as $25 per month by getting your friends or famil...

The Samsung Galaxy A52 is one of the best budget phones of the year, and before you go out and buy one, there's one final decision you need to make. Well, there are technically two questions — are you getting 5G and what Galaxy A52 color is best — but the first answer might also answer the second, depending on the market you're buying in. Both the LTE/4G and the 5G versions of the Galaxy A52 come in four Awesome colors, but which one is the most awesome? Let's take a look.Like a summer skyAwesome Blue A52Staff PickI'll confess, I'm partial to blue phones in general, but the Awesome Blue on the A52 is just darling, like the morning sky on a clear summer day — or the powder blue paneling on a vintage car. It's nostalgic, youthful, and energetic, ready to tackle whatever today brings.$375 at Amazon (4G) £399 at Amazon UK (5G)Lilac lovelinessAwesome Purple A52This purple isn't quite as deep or radiant as the Phantom Violet on this year's Galaxy S21, but it's st...

It's available on all Android phones running Nougat and above.What you need to knowGoogle has now added some of the most popular Japanese pop culture characters to AR search.You'll now find icons like Pac-Man, Ultraman, and Hello Kitty present via AR search in the Google Search app or any Android browser.It also works in iOS on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 and above. Google's AR character search already includes cute farm animals, Marvel superheroes, and even those terrible lizards from the Jurassic past. Now, the company is adding several new characters to AR search, including popular characters from Japanese pop culture. The company says that it has seen a rise in anime interest, reaching a crescendo over the last month, even ranking higher than video games.You'll now find anime characters from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gundam, as well as Hello Kitty, Ultraman, Pac-Man, and more. Some of these characters even make sounds, as Google shared in its Japanese blog pos...

Introduced in December 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A12 is a solid Android 10 device featuring a 6.5-inch screen, 48 MP camera, and 5,000mAh battery with fast charging. At just 8.9mm thin, it's an entry-level phone that won't rival some of Samsung's more premium models, like the Samsung Galaxy S20, but it's a great phone for those who don't need all the bells and whistles. It's a reliable smartphone for a teenager, an elderly family member, or even as a secondary phone. Regardless of who it's for, protect your smartphone with a case. These are the best Samsung Galaxy A12 cases you can get.Everything you needMilomdoi CaseStaff PickIt's everything you need in one package for an affordable price, including a military-grade protective case with a 360-degree ring holder kickstand on the back along with a 2-pack of tempered glass screen protectors. The case is made of soft TPU silicone and offers heavy-duty protection with Air Cushion technology.$11 at AmazonBuilt-in screen prote...

Smartphone shipments reached 340 million units in Q1 2021, up from 275 million units during the same period last year.What you need to knowGlobal smartphone shipments increased 24% YoY in the first quarter of 2021.Samsung was the biggest smartphone vendor globally in Q1 2021, with a market share of 23%. Huawei, which held the number two spot during the same period last year, slipped out of the top five. The global smartphone market grew 24% YoY in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. While nearly all major smartphone makers saw strong growth during the January to March period, Huawei dropped out of the top five.Huawei had surpassed Samsung as the top smartphone maker in the second quarter of 2020, thanks to strong performance in its home market. Since then, however, the company has been losing market share in pretty much all markets — including China.Linda Sui, Senior Director at Strategy Analytics, said in a state...

What you need to knowVerizon Ultra Wideband 5G is coming to four new cities and 5G Home Internet is coming to three more cities.Verizon will pay up to $500 early termination fees for customers to switch to 5G Home Internet beginning April 29.Verizon is giving new customers that switch a free Samsung Chromebook 4.Verizon announced that it's bringing its Ultra Wideband (UWB) 5G coverage to four new cities bringing the total to 71. On April 22, Ultra Wideband service will come to New Orleans, LA; Fresno, CA; Riverside, CA; and San Antonio, TX. The best cell phone plans now come with 5G including Verizon's Ultra Wideband service which is available with its Play More, Do More, and Get More unlimited plans. All Verizon plans now include Nationwide 5G which makes up most of Verizon's 5G coverage.Verizon's 5G Home Internet is expanding to three new cities starting with Riverside, CA on April 22. Memphis and San Antonio will follow on May 6 bringing the total number of covered citie...

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: now $385PlayStation 4 Pro: refurb from $390PlayStation VR: starting at $150More 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...

Are you an active individual looking for the best Android smartwatch? Whether you're focused on powerful fitness and health-tracking tools or an eye-catching design, there are plenty of options. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the best fitness smartwatches with built-in GPS, music storage, full waterproofing, and even NFC for Garmin Pay. It's as fully featured of a smartwatch and fitness tracker that you'll find, so it might be just what you're looking for.Best Overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4Announced late last year, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is one of the company's newest smartwatches to hit the market. It's got some significant improvements when compared to its predecessor, like new on-screen workouts, two size options, and music storage is now standard. Admittedly, these are some significant upgrades, but they come at a cost. If you can get past the hefty price tag, it's a phenomenal fitness smartwatch that will track your every move.Previously, the Vivoactive was only availa...

The feature is making its way to users as part of a server-side rollout.What you need to knowGoogle Photos is finally rolling out the ability to add new files to albums even when you're offline.The functionality appears to be live in the latest version of the Google Photos app for Android for some users. Any new photos or videos you add to an album offline will be synced as soon as you are connected to the internet. The Google Photos app gained a new Documents tab earlier this week, making it a lot easier for users to find their documents. Google has now quietly added another new feature to the app, allowing users to add new photos and videos to albums even when they're offline, without having to back up files.As reported by Android Police, the highly anticipated feature is now live for some users in the latest version of the Google Photos app on Android. If you're among the lucky users who have received the feature, you can now add photos and videos to existing and new...

Facebook recently introduced Oculus Quest 2 keyboard and mouse support to its most popular VR device, but hooking up your favorite pair might not be as obvious as you would have thought. That's because Oculus Quest 2 keyboard and mouse support is still technically an experimental feature, although you shouldn't expect any substantial problems or bugs when using it. Whether you're looking to enhance your work from home experience with apps like Spatial or just browse the web more easily, the best keyboards and best mice will all get the job done with amazing efficiency.How to pair a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse with Oculus Quest 2Pairing your keyboard or mouse with your Oculus Quest 2 is pretty simple, but finding the option isn't as obvious as you might hope. Let's begin with pairing your keyboard.Put the Oculus Quest 2 on your head and press the Oculus button on the right Oculus Touch controller.Select the settings button, located on the Universal Home menu's right side.Sele...

The phone will have a dedicated button to activate "Game Mode."What you need to knowRedmi's first gaming phone will debut in China on April 27.It will be part of the brand's Redmi K40 family. The phone is rumored to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 chipset, 67W fast charging, and a 144Hz display.Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand recently teased the launch of its first-ever gaming phone. The brand has now revealed that the phone will make its debut at a virtual event on April 27.The company's post on Weibo confirms the upcoming gaming phone will be part of the Redmi K40 series and is going to be called the Redmi K40 "Gaming Edition." As you can see in the official teaser below, the phone will come with shoulder buttons similar to ones seen on Black Shark devices. We can also see a triple-camera array on the back of the phone, with an LED ring around the sensors. The ring will light up when the phone's Game Mode is activated.Rumors suggest the phone will be powered by MediaTek'...

Mobvoi's TicWatch Pro S has an outdated processor and only offers a few minor upgrades.Depending on your perspective, you may or may not consider the new TicWatch Pro S to be one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. While it certainly offers some nice improvements, it's a lot the same stuff we experienced on the TicWatch Pro 2020. If you're going to spend this much on a smartwatch, you might as well stretch your budget a bit further and get yourself the Ticwatch Pro 3 instead.So, what does the TicWatch Pro S bring to the table that's new and different? The main selling point is a handful of new and upgraded apps from Mobvoi. You'll now have TicExercise 3.0 and TicSleep 2.0, for example. The company also added new apps, including TicBreathe and TicHearing. You can now measure VO2 max during runs as well.If you were anticipating an updated processor with better performance, you'll be disappointed. The TicWatch Pro S is still running the severely outdated Snapdragon Wear ...

The SanDisk Extreme 1TB portable USB-C NVMe solid state drive has dropped to $149.99 at Best Buy as part of Best Buy's deals of the day. Amazon has also price matched this deal, so you'll be able to get it there as long as it lasts at Best Buy. This is a limited time sale that will be gone by tomorrow. The drive normally sells for as much as $240 at Best Buy and can be found going for around $170 or more at other retailers.This is a newer version of a SanDisk Extreme portable SSD we have recommended before. The older version has gone much lower than today's deal before, but right now it's going for $140. That means you can get the newer, faster version for just $10 more.The portable SSD uses a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface. That's an upgrade from 3.1 on the previous generation and ensures a wide compatibility with USB-C connectors including on both computers and smartphones. Because of that USB-C connection and the NVMe technology built into the solid state drive, you can get some re...

The best OnePlus Nord cases are durable, affordable, and dependable, just like the Nord. The phone, which was introduced in the summer of 2020, is a wonderful return to form, a mid-range phone that offers a premium experience at a reasonable price tag. The back of this phone may be covered in impact-resistant Gorilla Glass 5, but that doesn't mean that you can let your Nord go around naked. Scratches, slips, and sweat are still a smartphone's enemy. So, while you might be considering grabbing the rumored OnePlus Nord 2 once it comes out if you still own a Nord, it's worth adding some grip and glamour so the phone can stay safe and solid for years to come.Clear protectionSpigen Ultra HybridStaff PickSpigen is one of the most trusted case brands on the market, and I'm happy to see this robust, clear case available for Nord. The clear back lets that lovely Blue shine through while the black bumper adds grip and contrast.$14 at AmazonClassic protectionTudia DualShield...

Headphone jack, expandable storage, 4K HDR OLED display, and more!Sony's smartphones don't get a lot of love these days, but if you ask me, they're incredibly underrated — in fact, the recently announced Xperia 1 III might end up being one of the best Android phones of 2021. Aesthetically, this phone looks like any of its predecessors, with roughly the same squared-off design and extra-tall aspect ratio. However, under the hood, this looks to be one of the few remaining high-end phones that cater to fans of both new and old features.The Xperia 1 III has an impressive spec sheet, helmed by the latest and greatest Snapdragon 888 processor, along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS storage. That storage is expandable via microSD, something that's become increasingly difficult to find in high-end phones over the last year, and as a bonus, you even get a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones. With LG out of the mobile space, it's more important than ever to have worthwhile com...

The three new Earth-themed wallpapers are the latest additions to Google's "Curated Culture" collection.What you need to knowGoogle has released a bunch of new Earth Day-themed wallpapers for its Pixel phones.You can find the new wallpapers in the "Curated Culture" collection in your styles & wallpapers settings.They are only available for Pixel 3 and newer phones.Back in February, Google introduced a new "Curated Culture" wallpaper collection for its Pixel phones. Last month, the company added three new wallpapers to the collection ahead of International Women's Day. Google is now expanding the "Curated Culture" collection again with new wallpapers for Earth Day, which have been drawn by artist Jeremyville. If you have a Pixel phone, you can access these exclusive wallpapers from the Styles and Wallpapers menu. However, they are only available on the Pixel 3 and newer phones. It is also worth noting that the wallpapers aren't optimized for the hole-punch display...

Chatting with the AC forums.While previous Pixel phones were metal and glass sandwiches in the truest sense, the Google Pixel 5 saw a dramatic change in material design for the brand. Instead of a Gorilla Glass back, we got an aluminum rear panel coated in a protective resin, which could even allow for wireless charging. At first glance, it looked, and felt, like one of the most durable of the best Android phones.But has that proven to be true? Is the Google Pixel 5 really that durable? That's the question raised by a recent AC community forums post. ianhanson85 04-18-2021 08:18 PM “ Hi, Unfortunately my 2+year old Pixel 3XL is nearing its end. The back is randomly separating near the power and volume rocker and going all the way down the phone. Not sure if it's just adhesive or battery expanding. I was not thrilled with Google's solution so even though I had planned on not upgrading unt...

Landscape and selfies are fine, but at less than four feet, the Galaxy S21 goes downhill fast.I stunned all of my coworkers in a morning meeting a few days ago. We were talking about smartphone cameras and the Pixel 5a, and I brought up that I had to double back to the Pixel 4a from my Galaxy S21 for taking my Chromebox 4 review photos and it was far from the first time. "Wait, you take your review photos with a phone?" "I take all my article photos with a phone."Cue the shock and awe.I've been using my cell phone cameras for my article photos — yes, including my reviews — for as long as I've had two phones. While that was harder back in the earlier days when I was using my HTC 10 or Galaxy S6, ever since the original Google Pixel, I've had zero issues getting good photos of any phone, Chromebook, or accessory I've been writing about. Well, zero issues until I got the Galaxy S21 because I don't know what is up with the camera here, but it seems determined to not photograph ...

In recent months, Google has made a bit of news and shaken up the browser space by announcing that it's moving away from the traditional tracking technology of web cookies and moving toward a new option called FLoC. FLoC stands for Federated Learning of Cohorts, and it purports to anonymously aggregate people into interest groups to serve them ads based on the groups they fall into, rather than on their unique, individual ad identifiers. This sounds great in theory, and our own Jerry Hildenbrand has talked on the AC podcast about why he thinks it's a good move for Google and users. However, many competing web browsers using Chromium aren't so thrilled, and neither are many users. Google has begun testing this new method recently, but it's not clear who all is involved in the testing phase. If you don't want to be caught up in this testing, here's how you can block Google's new FLoC web tracking — at least, for now.How to block Google's new FLoC web tracking on desktopOpen the...

The Oculus Quest 2 is lighter, more comfortable, and more powerful than the original Oculus Quest. Facebook refined its design to be more comfortable on your head and in your hands, but that doesn't mean you can't improve it even further with some of the best Oculus Quest accessories. From headphones built specifically for the Quest 2 to a device to let you cast your Quest 2 to a TV, these are the best Oculus Quest 2 accessories. You can order the Oculus Quest 2 now.Strap it upQuest 2 Elite StrapStaff PickThe Quest 2 Elite Strap replaces the standard strap that ships with the headset. The Elite Strap is more ergonomic and has a fit wheel that lets you twist the headset to a nice, snug fit.$49 at Amazon $49 at Best Buy $49 at WalmartIn-ear for the next genLogitech G333 VR gaming earphonesLogitech and Facebook worked together to create these in-ear headphones. The cables are just the right length to work with the headset, and they have dedicated audio drivers for hi...

Google is set to introduce phones with custom silicon — just like Apple and Samsung.Google makes some of the best Android phones money can buy, and a large part of what makes its phones stand out is the cameras. Although Google hasn't changed the hardware sensor itself in over three years, it was able to leverage its software prowess to deliver truly outstanding photos from Pixel phones — including the $350 Pixel 4a.While Google likes to focus on software as a differentiator for its phones, it looks like the company is now turning to custom silicon to give Pixels an added edge. The custom chipsets could end up eventually powering its phones and even its Chromebooks, and the first such chipset, the GS101, is set to show up in the Pixel 6 later this year.Here's everything you need to know about Google's custom silicon, including the hardware rundown, security features, camera upgrades, and why this is a big deal for Google's hardware ambitions.Jump to:HardwareSecurity...

Motorola is taking Xiaomi's Redmi Note 10 Pro Max head-on with the new Moto G60.What you need to knowThe Moto G60 and Moto G40 Fusion are the latest additions to Motorola's budget smartphone lineup.Both phones are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G processor and feature 120Hz displays.The Moto G60 is the company's first budget Android phone with a 108MP camera. After launching its first 'flagship' Moto G last month, Motorola today unveiled two new Moto G phones to challenge the best cheap Android phones on the market.The new Moto G60 and Moto G40 Fusion are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G processor, which also powers the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro Max. Both phones sport a large 6.8-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a centered hole-punch cutout.In the camera department, the Moto G60 has a triple-camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. Moto G40 Fusion, on the other hand, comes with a 64MP pri...