Latest from Android Central

As much as we love the functionality that the best smartwatches offer, there's no denying that traditional, non-smart watches look way better more often than not. Thanks to the competitive market for hybrid watches, it's possible to get something that looks like a regular watch but still offers some of the best features of a smartwatch. If you think the hybrid life might be for you, here are the ones we recommend!A hybrid done rightFossil Men's Collider Hybrid HRStaff pickFossil is one of the most popular watch brands on the market and its hybrid models are no exception. The Fossil Men's Collider Hybrid HR provides over 2 weeks of battery life and has heart-rate monitoring, activity tracking, smartphone notifications, and music controls. The 42mm case comes in a variety of fashionable styles, too.$139 at Amazon$157 at Best Buy$186 at WalmartRose gold lifeFossil Carlie Hybrid SmartwatchIf you're looking for something a bit more feminine and classy, the Foss...

With the Mi 10i, Xiaomi is aiming to dethrone OnePlus in India's mid-range segment.Xiaomi makes some of the best cheap Android phones you can buy today, and while the Redmi Note lineup accounts for a bulk of its sales, Xiaomi also has a strong showing in the mid-range and flagship segments.In fact, Xiaomi redoubled its efforts in the flagship category last year with the introduction of the Mi 10 Pro, offering the same great 108MP camera as the Galaxy S20 Ultra and high-end hardware — with 50W wired and 30W wireless charging — for significantly less than Samsung.Xiaomi followed up the Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 with the Mi 10T series, and is now going down-market with its latest device in the Mi 10 series, the Mi 10i. The Mi 10i is a variation of the Mi 10T Lite, but it has significant tweaks that allows it to stand out in Xiaomi's portfolio. The key differentiator is the 108MP camera module at the back, and there's a gorgeous new color option as well as a 3.5mm jack.The i in the...

When it comes to solving problems, sometimes the best thing you can do is restart. Ideally, you shouldn't have to ever restart your Fitbit fitness tracker. Alas, we don't live in a perfect world. There are a few different restart methods depending on which model you have. Fortunately, the process only takes a few minutes. The following issues could potentially be fixed by restarting your Fitbit:Your tracker isn't syncingYour tracker won't respond to button presses, taps, or swipesYour tracker won't turn on even when it's fully chargedYour tracker isn't tracking your activityJump to:How to restart Fitbit Ace or AltaHow to restart Fitbit Ace 2, Inspire How to restart Fitbit Blaze, Ionic, Versa, or Sense How to restart Fitbit Charge Series How to restart Fitbit Flex 2How to restart Fitbit One How to restart Fitbit ZipHow to restart your FitbitThe great thing about restarting your Fitbit is it won't delete any of your tracked activity. You don't nee...

A galaxy far, far away is coming to your living room again very soon.The recent Star Wars resurgence (thanks to Disney's acquisition of the franchise) and the new sequel trilogy of movies has caused an explosion in the number of Star Wars fans around the galaxy. Many of these newer fans didn't grow up on the original Star Wars, but this generation of younglings can still experience them in other ways. When a dated movie just doesn't cut it, video games can step in to help. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is aiming to do just that.And let's be honest. Adults love the LEGO video game series too. I'm sure it will be on my personal list of the best PS4 games.Jump to:What is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga?Who is making it?Will it adapt other movies?What can I expect from gameplay?Will it let you fly spacecraft?Is it a remake?Is there anything else to expect?Pre-order bonusWhat's in the Deluxe Edition?When does it release?All nine filmsLEGO Star Wars: The ...

You can get $5 in eBook credit by earning badges for reading every month.What you need to knowAmazon has launched a Kindle Challenge program for users in the U.S.The invite-only program allows users to engage in Kindle Challenge quests and get $5 in eBook credit. The earned credit will be applied to your next eBook purchase. Amazon has launched a new program for Kindle users, with an aim to encourage reading. The new Kindle Challenge program lets users engage in quests and earn badges for completing them. Users who earn at least four diamond-shaped badges can get $5 in eBook credit, which be automatically applied to their next eBook purchase.Unfortunately, however, the Kindle Challenge program is currently available to users on an invite-only basis. As per the folks at GoodEReader, eligible participants would have already received an email invitation. In case you haven't received an email invitation from Amazon, you can check your eligibility by logging in to your Kindl...

OxygenOS 11 brings a new visual layout and dozens of features.OnePlus has delivered the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 stable update to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. The devices received the update just a month after the stable Android 11 build was released by Google, and are the first outside of Pixels to make the switch to the latest version of Android.With OxygenOS 11, OnePlus is making visual changes to its skin for the first time in a few generations, and we finally get Always-on Display. Although OnePlus phones have used AMOLED panels from the beginning, the company didn't offer an AOD mode; that's changing now. There's also a simplified settings page that's akin to Samsung's One UI 3.0, new system font with better readability, more customization options, new themes for Zen Mode, and a whole lot more.The OxygenOS 11 stable update will be making its way to the OnePlus Nord, 7 and 7T series in the coming weeks, as well as the older OnePlus 6 and 6T. Here's what you need to kno...

Best Fitbit tracker yetFitbit Charge 4$100 at AmazonProsOnboard GPS, HRM, NFCActive Zone MinutesAdvanced sleep trackingFemale health trackingSpotify music controlsConsSlightly largerThe new Fitbit Charge 4 has all of the activity and health tracking essentials you could need plus some premium perks such as contactless payments, built-in GPS, Spotify music controls, and more.A timeless classicFitbit Charge 3$125 at AmazonProsActivity & sleep trackingFemale health trackingGreat battery lifeHeart rate monitoringMore affordable ConsLacks onboard GPSFitbit Pay on Special Edition onlyIf you're a beginner, the Fitbit Charge 3 is still an excellent choice for those seeking a tracker that covers the basics, like activity/sleep tracking, female health tracking, connected GPS, and heart-rate monitoring.Fitbit Charge 4 vs. Fitbit Charge 3 What's the difference?When you're looking for a new fitness tracker, there's no shortage o...

There was understandably some confusion about the two phones.What you need to knowNew leaks suggest the Moto G Power and Moto G Pro plan to differentiate themselves.The two leaked devices were both thought to be the Moto G Stylus.The devices will feature similar specs with slightly different designs and regional availability.There seems to have been some confusion about two of Motorola's upcoming stylus-wielding smartphones. Initial leaks of the Moto G Stylus (2021) came in the form of detailed specs from Evan Blass, suggesting an underwhelming upgrade (you'd probably be better off with some of these other cheap Android phones). Soon after, an Amazon listing showed off what was believed to be the very device, with only a slight design change from its predecessor. Recently, images of the same device were leaked by Nils Ahrensmeier, in what appear to be both renders and live images of the Moto G Stylus, codename Minsk. Around the same time, Steve Hemmerstoffer showed of...

Everyone who works for Google deserves to have a voice.Everyone who works for or at an Alphabet-owned property now has a union they can join. Dubbed the Alphabet Workers Union, it's open to full-time staff, part-time and seasonal staff, and contractors like the folks who provide security or work in the cafeteria. It's not a union in the traditional sense — there won't be a committee that bargains for vacation hours or benefit packages, but is instead a group that has a singular goal in mind: make sure every single worker at Google has a voice.Parul Koul and Chewy Shaw, executive chair and vice executive chair of the newly-formed AWU make things very clear in a New York Times opinion article: We are the workers who built Alphabet. We write code, clean offices, serve food, drive buses, test self-driving cars and do everything needed to keep this behemoth running. We joined Alphabet because we wanted to build technology that improves the world. Yet time and again, company lead...

Google Assistant works best when everyone in the home gets personalized results, and all you need to do is set up Google Assistant Voice Match in your Home app settings to get there. With Voice Match set up, you can set personal reminders about Google Calendar updates and get Assistant to pull up your favorite playlists from Spotify without worrying about bumping someone else off their account. Best of all, it's a feature that's super easy to set up for anyone with a Google account.Products used in this guideGoogle Assistant with a display: Nest Hub Max ($230 at Best Buy)Google Assistant audio experience: Nest Audio ($100 at Best Buy)How to set up Voice Match with Google AssistantOpen the Google Home app and tap on your avatar/icon in the top right corner.Tap on Assistant settings.Tap on Voice Match.Make sure the Hey Google feature is toggled on to access the Google Assistant, hands-free. Tap Next to enable hands-free Google Assistant access. Tap I Agree to enable ...

Google expands the availability of a very useful productivity feature.What you need to knowGoogle today announced changes to the comment interface of its Google Docs app.Now, Smart compose and autocorrect suggestions are enabled when working with others.Google launched smart compose and autocorrect in other parts of the Google Docs app in 2020, noting that the tool had saved over 3 billion keystrokes for Gmail users.Google's AI and ML smarts permeate most of its products, from productivity to entertainment. Most relevantly on the former side, the company has been dabbling with smart creation tools like Smart Compose and autocorrect. There, Google uses all the data its AI has learned to help users create work faster and more accurately, helping them "cut back on repetitive writing, reduce the chance of spelling and grammatical errors, and even suggest relevant contextual phrases."Today, this is being expanded to the comments section of the app. Google says that these chang...

PS Now subscribers get a nice batch of games to start the new year.What you need to knowThe Crew 2 is coming to PlayStation Now and will be available until July 5, 2021.Surviving Mars and Frostpunk: Console Edition are also being added.These latter two games do not have a date they are leaving the service.Several new games are coming to Sony's PlayStation Now (PS Now) subscription service. For January 2021, PS Now subscribers will start being able to enjoy The Crew 2, Surviving Mars and Frostpunk: Console Edition, as detailed on PlayStation Blog.The Crew 2 will be available until July 5 later this year. Frostpunk: Console Edition and Surviving Mars do not have stated dates for leaving the service, so you don't have to worry about those games not being available anytime soon.Back in December 2020, titles like Horizon Zero Dawn were added, so if you haven't browsed through in a while, there's plenty to check out. If you haven't tried out PS Now yet and you're looking to g...

Of the many upgrades Facebook made from one generation to the next, the Oculus Quest 2's 90Hz display is probably one of the best. The refresh rate provides a 25% improvement over the original Oculus Quest, delivering a smoother, much more realistic VR experience. The Oculus Quest 2 can now automatically run supported games at 90Hz, but if you're connecting to a PC with Oculus Link you may still need to adjust some settings to get the best experience.Products used in this guideThe best in VR: Oculus Quest 2 (From $299 at Amazon)A longer cable means more room to move: OQLink Oculus Link USB cable ($35 at Amazon)Quest games with 90Hz supportIn November, Facebook updated the Oculus Quest 2 to automatically switch the display to 90Hz mode when a game supports it. That means players won't have to modify their Quest 2 in order to play their Oculus Quest games at 90Hz. The caveat is that developers need to update their games in order to support 90Hz on the Quest 2, otherwise they...

Every kid wants a tablet, but deciding to invest in an Android tablet for kids is a big step. There are several features to consider: price, parental controls, and perhaps most importantly, durability. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is a top pick not only for offering tons of great content for kids but also for its included protective bumper case and parental controls. You can manage what your kids do and not worry that they might be accessing questionable websites or web content.Best Overall: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids EditionThe Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is packed with some of the best hardware and software features you could ask for as a parent. Amazon took its top-of-the-line tablet, loaded it with parental controls, kid-specific content, and wrapped it up in a durable and functional case. While the screen size might be difficult for smaller toddlers to hold, the provided case does include a fold-out kickstand to prop up the tablet.At 1080p, the full-HD display provi...

Whether you're just beginning your weight loss journey or you're deep into a workout regimen and want to start tracking your progress, a smart scale is an awesome way to keep your fitness goals in check. The best smart scales connect to a corresponding app on your phone or tablet and show you detailed data that you wouldn't get from an ordinary bathroom scale. Our favorite is the Eufy Smart Scale P1, which is easy to use, tracks 14 metrics, and can accommodate multiple users. No matter what features you desire, there's a smart scale on this list for you.Best Overall: Eufy Smart Scale P1If you're looking for the best combination of features, an attractive design, and a user-friendly app, you'll love the Eufy Smart Scale P1. It can track up to 14 insightful metrics including body fat, BMI, muscle mass, and more. Got multiple users? No problem. This smart scale allows for up to 16 different users.It's compatible with popular apps, including Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit. ...

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the latest Google Pixel 4a models. After a series of delays over the course of the year, the Pixel 4a is finally available for purchase — and we're collecting all the best Google Pixel 4a deals right here. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package.Unlike previous Pixel devices, there is no XL model of the Google Pixel 4a. However, its 5.81-inch OLED display is more than suitable for browsing the web, watching videos, playing mobile games, and more. The Pixel 4a is also equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor, 6GB LPDDR4x RAM, 128GB non-expandable storage, and a 3140mAh battery. Plus, it's fitted with a 12.2MP dual-pixel rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera featuring an 84-degree field-of-view. All in all, even t...

Source: StackCommerceForget drones — the hottest toy of this year is the Robosen T9 Programmable Robot. This AI-powered transformer is packed with amazing technology, and you can control it with code or even your voice. In a special Android Central deal, it's now 19% off MSRP at $399.99.As kids, many of us played with robot action figures and RC cars. It was pretty fun at the time. But if someone had come along with the Robosen T9, the other toys would have been quickly discarded.Perfect for kids and adults alike, this remarkable machine has two different modes: race car and bipedal walker. It has 22 servo motors bolted onto an aluminum alloy frame, with artificial joints for smooth movements.You can control the robot directly from the companion app or use voice commands. Once you have mastered the pre-programmed movements, you can fire up one of three programming platforms to create your own actions.You can see why The Verge called the T9: "One of the coolest robot toys e...

Here's what we know so far about OnePlus' 2021 flagship.OnePlus recently released the OnePlus 8T, but the company is already looking ahead to what's next. The OnePlus 9 will continue the Chinese manufacturer's push in the high-end segment, and while the company did not fare well in this category for 2020 — with the OnePlus 8 series series not meeting its sales goal — that will only push OnePlus to do better with the OnePlus 9.We've had a few nuggets of information on the OnePlus 9, including an earlier-than-usual release window that will see the phone launching in March 2021. Here's what you need to know about the OnePlus 9 release date, specs, pricing, and availability.Setting a high barOnePlus 8T$750 at AmazonThe new standardWith a new design backed by a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display and insane 65W fast charging, the OnePlus 8T is a performance monster. The phone runs Android 11 out of the box, and has a ton of exciting software features along with a bold new v...

One of our favorite features on the latest Fitbit smartwatches is the contactless payment system known as Fitbit Pay. Fitbit Pay allows you to use your compatible Fitbit smartwatch or tracker to pay for things on the go, without worrying about having to bring along your wallet, credit or debit cards, or smartphone. We'll show you how to add a credit or debit card to your Fitbit Pay wallet so that you can experience the convenience of contactless payments.Products used in this guideFitbit Pay pal: Fitbit Versa 3 ($230 at Amazon)How to add a credit or debit card to Fitbit PayOpen the Fitbit app and tap your avatar icon in the top left corner.Tap on your compatible Fitbit Pay device (for me, it is a Versa 3).Tap on the Wallet tile.Authenticate via your passcode or biometrics on your smartphone.Tap on the + sign in the top right corner to add a new card to your Fitbit Pay Wallet.Tap on the Credit/Debit tile.Enter your card number and tap Next.Enter your card informa...

The new OS will include Samsung's answers to Apple's Continuity feature.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed some of the new features that will be included in the Galaxy S21 series' One UI 3.1.These include the ability to transfer app state from one device to another, background videos for incoming calls, and more.Samsung will launch One UI 3.1 alongside the Galaxy S21 series on January 14.It's not a Samsung flagship release if literally every new feature hasn't already been leaked weeks in advance. With that in mind, the barrage of Galaxy S21 leaks continues. While we already have a good idea of what the phones' design, specs, and cameras bring to the table, the new software features Samsung has been baking into One UI 3.1 have largely flown under the radar thus far. Well, thanks to YouTuber Jimmy is Promo, that is no longer the case.In a recently uploaded video, the YouTuber goes over many of the new features that'll launch alongside what will likely be the best...

The Oculus Quest 2 is here, and it's lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the original.The Oculus Quest 2 brings the latest and greatest virtual reality experience available. Without any cables tethering you, it allows you to immerse yourself in a wide range of virtual reality titles. The new headset features improvements across the board, making it lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the original Oculus Quest. The Oculus Quest 2 has a powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor, 6GB of RAM, and a screen with 50 percent more pixels than its predecessor. It can also be used as a headset for PCVR through Oculus Link, making it one of today's best all-around VR devices.Order nowOculus Quest 2From $299 at AmazonFrom $299 at Best BuyFrom $403 at WalmartGrab one while it's hot!The Oculus Quest 2 is selling just as quickly as its predecessor, so don't delay in picking yours up! Facebook has improved just about everything with the second-generation Oculus Quest, making this ...

Android 11 is here for the Pixels and select OnePlus phones, and coming to other phones shortly.The stable version of Android 11 was released a few months ago, and while it isn't the most revolutionary update we've ever seen, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about it. Whether you're looking forward to the new conversation notifications, chat bubbles for messaging apps, or the upgraded permission handling, it may be a while before you can actually start messing around with all of these software goodies.The update is now live for the Pixels and select OnePlus phones, while the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 lineups have started receiving their One UI 3.0 update, which is based on Android 11. Meanwhile, other devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 are still being tested through a beta. We've rounded up all of the current info to help give you a better idea of when Android 11 will arrive on your device.The timelines change based on manufacturer and region, but the list below should giv...

Cases are practically a necessity nowadays, and that remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. The Galaxy S20 FE might be a great way for Samsung to own the mid-range phone market, as it has all the specs you could want with a sleek design and more color options than you can shake a stick at. Once you find the right case and one of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors, you'll be right as rain and ready to do everything.3D effectsCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax is one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on the back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures this case can be used with many of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors while maintaining support for wireless charging.$16 at Amazon$19 at WalmartThe classicSpigen Rugged ArmorFor years, Spigen has reigned supreme as one of the best case makers, t...

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 as Sony and its competitors gear up for 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. If you haven't invested in the console yet, there has never been a better time.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $300PlayStation 4 Pro: UnavailablePlayStation VR: from $350More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect, especially with the holidays right around the corner. 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...

Don't accept less for your aging phone.Upgrading to the best Android phone is often an expensive endeavor, especially if you're buying the latest and greatest flagship that's just come out. Phone prices seem to go up every single year, meaning that the decision to go out and actually get that hot new phone doesn't come lightly.There are some ways you can make a big purchase like this easier to approach, particularly if you sell your current phone so you have extra money for a new device.Samsung makes some of the most popular smartphones on the planet, and today, we're going to assume you have one and are looking to upgrade it to a newer model. There are a couple of key ways to go about this, resulting in you making more money than you would with others.Without further ado, here are a few tips on how to sell your Samsung Galaxy phone and get the best price for it!How to trade-in your Galaxy phone with SamsungRight off the bat, we want to talk about Samsung's trade-in pro...

Google Assistant is getting smarter by the day — let's break down the latest developments and upgrades.In May 2016, we got our very first taste of the Google Assistant with the debut of Allo. The Assistant was a big draw to Allo at the time, with Google marketing it as a helpful bot that could make restaurant reservations, search the web, and more within your conversations.Since then, the Assistant has gained heaps of new features and expanded to smartphones, speakers, smart displays, and more. Now an integral part of your Android and Google Home experience, Google Assistant is here to stay.Whether you're totally unfamiliar with Google Assistant and how it compares to other smart assistants, or want to know the latest updates and improvements to it, here's everything you need to know about the Google Assistant.The best Google Assistant speakerNest Audio$100 at Best Buy$100 at Walmart$100 at B&HReady for answers and routinesWith improved volume, dynamic ran...

Current CEO Steve Mollenkopf has served with the company for 26 years in various roles.What you need to knowQualcomm's CEO Steve Mollenkopf is set to retire after 26 years with the company.He had led the company as its CEO through the smartphone boom of the mid-2010s.Cristiano Amon is the new CEO.Qualcomm today announced the retirement of its current CEO as the board unanimously appointed a new one.Steve Mollenkopf, the outgoing CEO of the company, had served the giant for over 26 years in various roles. Most prominently, he led the company as CEO from 2014, driving the adoption of its chips during the smartphone boom of the mid-2010s and overseeing its expansion to the IoT and Automotive sectors.Cristiano Amon, the current President of Qualcomm Incorporated, will be replacing him as CEO. Amon has served in this role since 2018, and has helped drive the company's 5G strategy.Reacting to his new role, Amon said: I am honored to be named the next CEO of Qualcomm and...

The Logitech G305 wireless gaming mouse has dropped to $39.99 at a couple of retailers including Amazon and Best Buy. This price matches one we saw over Black Friday and a couple of other times. The mouse has never gone lower than this so the price is as good as it gets. It also doesn't usually stay at this price very long even during the big deal events. Unfortunately only the black version is on sale today as the other colors are going for prices as high as $60 or are just sold out completely as is the case at Best Buy.The wireless G305 uses Logitech's LightSpeed technology for instant response performance. Thanks to the use of Logitech's wireless USB receiver and that LightSpeed, you can get responsiveness out of your mouse that's less than 1 milliseconds. You won't even notice that it's wireless because it will just work that well.It also has a 12,000 DPI sensor. This is adjustable and you can find the DPI that works best for you based on what you're doing. Whether you're pla...

Keep movie night going, even when you're apart!With current situations forcing people around the globe to practice social distancing and stay at home more, we're all beginning to yearn for a visit from our close friends and relatives. As birthday parties, happy hours, game nights and movie nights transition to digital, long-distance events, you've probably found yourself wondering how to have a Netflix party without trying to manually sync up playback across some convoluted video call. Look no further, here's how it's done!Teleparty (formerly called Netflix Party) is a Chrome extension that allows you to still enjoy movie nights with your friends and family using Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or Hulu even while you're miles apart, and it's free to use. The Chrome extension synchronizes video playback of the movie or show you've selected so that you and your friends can all watch in real-time and discuss what's going on in the chatroom on the right side of the screen. Everyone joins ...

OnePlus is bringing its budget N10 5G and N100 to North America.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Nord N10 5G and N100 will launch in the United States and Canada on January 15th.In the U.S., both devices will be exclusive to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.The Nord N10 5G and N100 launched in Europe in October as budget alternatives to OnePlus' flagship series.The OnePlus Nord N series smartphones are set to be launched in the U.S. and Canada on January 15th, a few months after their European launch. The Nord N10 and N100 both offer great features for a lower price point, particularly the N10 5G which gives owners access to the best available network for much less than many of best 5G phones on the market today, as highlighted by OnePlus co-founder Pete Lau: OnePlus' mission to share better technology with the world means that we strive to make cutting-edge technology more accessible to a wider range of users. The OnePlus Nord N Series represents the next step in our str...

Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $1,000Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,000 off via trade-in at SamsungTrade-in any eligible device and get up to $1,000 off the cost of the new Fold 2. You can choose to grab the phone unlocked or choose your carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint.Shop at SamsungThe folding phone is still pretty new, and becau...

If you're switching from iPhone to Android, there's a good chance you have an iCloud email account and will want to bring it over to your new Android device. Android requires you to have a Google account (Gmail), but it is possible to also bring over your iCloud address. Ready to learn how to set up your iCloud email on Android? Let's get to it!How to add an iCloud email address to AndroidSince Apple enables two-factor authentication (2FA) by default on your iCloud account, the easiest way to set up your iCloud email on your Android device is to first create an app-specific password for your iCloud email address.How to create an app-specific password for your iCloud accountLaunch your web browser on your computer.Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in using your Apple ID.Click Generate Password... under the Security section.Type a name for the password. I used "Android Email."Click Create.Take note of the password that has been generated. You'll need it to set up your iClo...

The OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones are also expected to get their first OxygenOS 11 beta update this month.What you need to knowThe first Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 Open Beta update is now available for the OnePlus Nord.It brings a revamped UI design, new clock styles, a new shelf interface, and more.The stable OxygenOS 11 update is likely to begin rolling out to the OnePlus Nord before the end of the quarter. Just as promised, OnePlus today announced the rollout of the first Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 beta update for the OnePlus Nord. The first Open Beta build is now available for users in India and will soon be available for the European version as well.In addition to all the usual Android 11 features such as one-time permissions and Chat bubbles, the update also includes several new OxygenOS 11 features. The update brings a new UI design, new Ambient Display clock styles with the Canvas feature, a shortcut key to enable Dark Mode, new shelf interface design, and a ...

The Razer Opus active noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones have dropped to $149.99 on Amazon. These are new headphones that released less than a year ago and have not had a lot of opportunities to go on sale. This price today matches a low we saw on Black Friday and during the Christmas shopping season. The Opus normally sell for $200. We have seen them drop as low as $80 if you have a Sam's Club membership, but you have to login just to even see that deal. The headphones go for $200 at most other retailers including Walmart.These are great headphones built to work with all of your mobile devices and especially your Razer gear. The headphones are THX Cerified for high-fidelity sound. That means real life experts optimized the audio for great immersion and a balanced sound stage that will give you the best cinematic experience no matter what media you're listening to.The active noise-cancellation technology works great and lasts a long time. Watch your favorite movies or binge so...

Chatting with the AC forums.If you're a Pixel owner, yesterday proved to be a fairly exciting day. To kick off the first full week of the new year, Google began rolling out the January 2021 security patch with a few Pixel-specific bug fixes in tow.Pixel 4a 5G owners get a fix for a pesky bug with the front-facing speaker, the Pixel 5 gets improved system sounds, and all Pixels released in 2020 benefit from improved auto-brightness.Taking a look through the AC forums, a lot of our members are already rocking this latest bit of software. Eric The Duke 01-04-2021 01:32 PM “ Downloading it now on Verizon. Reply eric002 01-04-2021 02:46 PM “ Just downloaded the January update as well. Running smoothly as always! Reply mustang7757 01-0...

A quick and easy way to open up storage.Google Photos isn't just an incredible backup service; it's one of the best ways to get photos off your Android without fussing around with a cable. It backs up all of your photos and videos you've ever taken, completely free of charge — at least, so long as you're okay with slightly compressed versions of your shots. For full-resolution uploads, you'll need to dip into your limited cloud storage space, which means paying for more when you run out.Of course, even if you pay for extra cloud storage, you could still run into local storage issues if you're not deleting your photos from your phone after you back them up. Luckily, Google Photos makes that an easy task.Delete local copies of your mediaGoogle Photos backs up your photos and videos automatically when you're connected to Wi-Fi and a charger (you can also set it to upload more frequently), without even needing to be running in the foreground. That means that when you wake up in...

If you're still lamenting the death of the Amazon Dash button, you'll be pleased to know that just a few months ago Amazon got back into the automatic re-ordering business with the Dash Smart Shelf. And, right now, you can snag one in a size that suits at a 40% discount.Where the Dash buttons were each dedicated to re-ordering one particular product like Tide pods, kitchen towels, razors, or even Pop Tarts, with garish branding to match, the Dash Smart Shelf can be programmed (and re-programmed) to order all manner of different products and features a look that blends in much more seamlessly in most kitchens or pantries. The Smart Shelf comes in three different sizes, all of which are down to $11.99 from a regular price of $20.The Smart Shelf works by keeping tabs on the weight of everyday items placed on it. When it senses you're running low, it can either place a reorder for you or send a notification to let you know so you can stay stocked up on daily essentials. Even if you h...

PlayStation VR is becoming a much larger VR platform, and with that comes a lot more games. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games that we're most excited about that are releasing soon.★ Featured Favorite - Early 2021After the FallFrom the creative minds behind Arizona Sunshine, this multiplayer FPS is set 20 years after the apocalypse in the ice-covered ruins of Los Angeles. The game pits four players against a hostile world, so play with friends or strangers.Check out the trailer here2021HumanityStaff PickExplore the nature of humankind. This game offers a unique perspective on humans and how they work together. Does it help or hinder each level? How do they function together?Check out the trailer hereJanuary 20, 2021Hitman 3Slip into a world of infiltration and assassinations as Agent 47. Hitman 3 will bring us the dramatic conclu...

Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowFastestVPN: $16 lifetime membershipExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) Surfshark: $2.21 per month (83% off)PIA VPN: $2.19 per month (82% off)NordVPN: $3.61 per month (68% off)IPVanish: $2.92 per month (76% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PureVPN: $1.32 per month (88% off)More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreToday's best VPN deals include 49% off ExpressVPN, access to Surfshark VPN for less than $3 per month, and a $17 lifetime license for FastestVPN. See below for all the details....

The latest iteration of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 makes a great headset even better.Few gaming brands are as synonymous with "great gaming headsets" as Turtle Beach. The company has been at it for years and excels at what it does, and the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is the latest example of that quality. This is a wireless headset with a USB dongle connector and Bluetooth compatibility, which offers well-rounded sound for a variety of devices.I've owned headsets by most of the major brands, so I can say with confidence that Turtle Beach has, over the years, been the most consistently reliable. It has a wide selection at all types of price points, and for all platforms, so you can be confident that, if you're in the market for a new gaming headset, Turtle Beach makes one that's just right for you.The Stealth 700 Gen 2 isn't its cheapest offering, but it's also not its most expensive. Instead, you get what feels and sounds like a high-end headset for a mid-range price with ...

Samsung's other 2020 flagships are also expected to start receiving the latest security patch soon.What you need to knowSamsung has started rolling out the January 2021 Android security patch to the Galaxy S20 series phones.In addition to unlocked models, some Sprint and T-Mobile Galaxy S20 series phones have also started receiving the latest security update.Samsung is soon expected to push the January security update to more devices in its lineup.Earlier this week, Samsung began pushing the latest January 2021 Android security patch to its Galaxy phones. Surprisingly, however, the first phones to get the update were the Galaxy S9 and S9+. According to a report from SamMobile, the latest security update is now being rolled out to unlocked and carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra phones in the U.S.The update arrives as version G98xU1UES1CTL5 and brings the newest Android security patch dated January 1, 2021 to three of Samsung's best...

Welcome back to Jurassic Park.Jurassic World Aftermath was only just announced at Facebook Connect in September, but the game seems to have released as quickly as a velociraptor can jump. As an exclusive for the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2, developer Coatsink had many expectations to fill with a property as big as Jurassic World and a lot of fears to assuage when it came to developing a Quest-only VR title. Let me say this now: they've absolutely done what was needed to create the Jurassic game I've always wanted to play.Forget the hokey Jurassic World movies for a moment and think back to the mid-90s when the original Jurassic Park came out. As an 8-year-old who was already deeply fascinated with dinosaurs, it was an incredible experience that will forever live in my memory. Powerful emotions elicit potent memories, and the sense of awe and wonder I felt was only eclipsed by the fear that quickly replaced it. Dinosaurs are absolutely terrifying, and I'll never forget what it...

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 January 8, Amazon has a special deal on Audible taking 40% off the first four months for new members. That brings the price down to just $8.95 per month from its regular cost of $14.95. It seems not all accounts are eligible for the promotion, though we've heard some previous Audible members have been able to take advantage of this deal so your mileage may vary.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 the opti...

The device will likely succeed the original Nest Hub, which was released over two years back.What you need to knowGoogle may soon unveil a new Nest Hub smart display with Soli.The device has passed through the FCC with the model number GUIK2. Aside from the Soli hardware, the FCC filing doesn't reveal any other information about the upcoming device.A new 'Made by Google' device with model number GUIK2 has passed through the FCC, hinting at the arrival of a new Nest Hub Smart Display. As spotted by the folks over at 9to5Google, the FCC filing for the device lists it as an "Interactive Device."As per the FCC documents, the device has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, as well as Zigbee, which is a communication protocol for smart home devices. Additionally, they reveal the device uses an FCC e-label, which confirms it includes a display. Just like the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max, the regulatory information and certification on the new device can be accessed by heading over to System setting...

Time to find out just how much water those 45-minute showers actually use.The original Flume ranks among the best smart water monitoring systems, and the second-generation Flume 2 promises the same easy setup with more powerful monitoring options. Despite having the same $200 price as the original, the Flume 2 improves over the original in several ways, including better battery life, a stronger Wi-Fi connection, a more durable design, and more powerful monitoring hardware that'll soon even be able to detect which specific appliance or fixture is using water.The price makes plenty of sense, too, since Flume 2 features more advanced water monitoring than the budget options on the market but doesn't feature a water shut-off valve that more expensive models have. It's also got the same easy installation that requires no cutting of pipes and no need to pay a plumber to get it hooked up since it straps right onto your water meter. The entire experience is wireless and battery-powered, ...

You've moved your contacts and apps from your old phone, but now it's time to really unpack your new phone!Setting up a new Android phone is like setting up a new apartment: there's a lot to do and it can be easy to forget a few things along the way. Here at Android Central, we set up a lot of new phones during our device reviews — and, of course, as we play live-in tech support to our families and friends — and so we're here to help remind you of some of the smaller tasks to do after your get all your apps downloaded and your Google account logged in on the new device. These are the top things to do with your new Android phone, but that doesn't mean you have to do them all at once.A new device is a chance for a new start, which makes it the best time for you to get into some better habits concerning your apps and Android use. Grab a nice soothing beverage, sit down in a comfy chair, and let's unpack your Android experience.Check your Do Not Disturb rulesSet your defaul...

Wireless headphones are useful for more than just listening to your favorite songs. Maybe it's just me, but I've always despised holding my phone to my ear to have a conversation. Now, thanks to true wireless headphones like the Anker Soundcore Life P2 true wireless earbuds, you can take calls and talk to your friends hands-free without paying a ton of money in the process.These earbuds regularly sell for $49.99, though right now they're down to only $35.99 right now via Newegg. That's a match for the lowest we have ever seen them go there or at Amazon.The Soundcore Life P2 true wireless headphones are a perfect pick if you're someone who's worried about call quality when it comes to Bluetooth headphones, as Anker has integrated two microphones into each earbud to help your voice be clearly heard on the other end of the call. They even feature beamforming noise reduction and cVc 8.0 noise-cancelling technology to help enhance your voice and reduce the amount of background noise o...

The Mi 10i uses Samsung's 108MP ISOCELL Bright HM2 sensor with 0.7μm-sized pixels.What you need to knowXiaomi Mi 10i is now official in India.Just as expected, the Mi 10i is a rebranded variant of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.The phone has been priced at ₹20,999 ($287) in the country. In November last year, Redmi introduced two new 5G-enabled Redmi Note 9 series phones in China: Redmi Note 9 5G and Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. Just as expected, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G has now been launched in India as the Mi 10i. The phone will go up against Motorola's Moto G 5G and is also likely to steal buyers from the highly popular OnePlus Nord.The Xiaomi Mi Note 10i sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the phone is Qualcomm's 8nm Snapdragon 750G chipset, which has been coupled with up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage.Around the back of the phone is a quad-camera setup that includes a 108MP MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle...

This is the biggest change for Nova Launcher in years.Nova Launcher remains one of the most popular and prevalent Android Launchers around, and while it's certainly feature-packed, that also means the launcher was getting kinda big and bloated, which is when its time to make a drastic change and trim things up. What's driving that change this time is Nova rewriting itself around Launcher3 rather than the deprecated Launcher2, a change that has been needed for a couple of years now.This is a big update and it's not quite ready for the whole world yet — that's why it's starting with a beta test through the Nova Launcher Discord channel — but it's in pretty good shape so far from my experience with the beta. Most Nova features are staying the same or improving with the switchover from the Launcher2 base to Launcher3, but there are a few features that are going away when this update pushes out to the stable channel. There's no ETA on when that might be, but I'd wager it's at leas...

Venmo wants to make it easier to cash your stimulus check.What you need to knowVenmo launched a new check-cashing feature within its app.The feature works by taking a photo of both sides of the check.Fees are waived for users cashing their stimulus checks.Many today are relying on the assistance of the U.S. government to get by, and just as the long-awaited stimulus payment finally makes its way to citizens, Venmo is launching a feature that should make it easier to get your funds. The new feature, aptly named Cash a Check, allows users to do just that.To use the feature, you have to visit the "manage balance" link in the app menu, which will bring up the option to cash a check. To get started, you'll have to first confirm your personal information, after which you'll be able to enter the amount on the check. You'll then be required to take a photo of the front and back of the check, in order to submit your transaction.It should take up to a few seconds to be reviewed a...