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The best Xiaomi phones offer incredible value on a budget and often set the standard for the category. The Chinese manufacturer now sells phones in the UK and other Western markets, making it easier for customers to get their hands on Xiaomi's products. From $100 entry-level phones to true flagships with innovative cameras, Xiaomi makes some of the best phones you can buy today.Budget winnerRedmi Note 9 ProStaff PickThe Redmi Note 9 Pro takes the best that Xiaomi has to offer in the budget segment and kicks things up a gear. You get a massive 6.67-inch panel, Snapdragon 720G chipset, 64MP camera at the back, 16MP front camera, and a 5020mAh battery with 30W fast charging. With two-day battery life between charges, the Redmi Note 9 Pro dominates its rivals.$267 at Amazon₹13,990 at FlipkartBattery beastPOCO M3The POCO M3 combines a gorgeous design with a massive 6000mAh battery that delivers well over two days of use between charges. The phone has decent internal...

An incredible tablet for a market that isn't quite there.Update, February 2021: Galaxy Tab S7+ review, six months laterThe Galaxy Tab S7+ is the latest and greatest in Samsung's continued effort to keep Android tablets alive — but Android tablets often get a bad rap for their lack of properly optimized apps that scale well to large screens. With such a diminutive market share, there simply hasn't been much incentive for developers to create separate tablet versions of their apps for anything but the iPad.While Samsung can't singlehandedly force developers to suddenly upend their entire business model, the company has done a tremendous job at mitigating the app support problem with clever software of its own, while at the same time offering incredible hardware that rivals any tablet to come out of Cupertino.In my time with the Galaxy Tab S7+, I've found myself both impressed by the relatively polished software experience and frustrated at the pervasive shortcomings of An...

The smartwatch is rumored to debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in the second half of the year.What you need to knowA new rumor claims Samsung will switch to Google's Wear OS for its next smartwatch.Samsung has been using Tizen OS for its wearables since 2014. You can expect the company's next smartwatch to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 sometime in the third quarter of the year.Samsung has been exclusively using Tizen OS for its smartwatches since almost seven years now. However, if popular tipster Ice Universe is to be believed, Samsung could finally switch to Google's Wear OS later this year.Samsung's new watch will use Android to replace Tizen.— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) February 19, 2021Samsung's next smartwatch, which could succeed the Galaxy Watch 3, will apparently be running Wear OS instead of Tizen. It is worth noting, however, this is not the first time that Samsung has been rumored to be moving away from Tizen. When Samsung shifted to the "...

Troubleshooting your new console? You're not alone.The PS5 is finally here, marking the start of the next-generation of consoles, along with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The PS5 brings a host of new features and improvements to its system performance, thanks to its new custom CPU and GPU, and its new ultra-high speed SSD that makes load times shorter than ever before. With games like Demon's Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales ready at launch, the PlayStation 5 is already a force to be reckoned with.But with the arrival of every new console generation comes a new generation of issues and bugs. Software and hardware bugs are not uncommon, but will definitely hinder the enjoyment of your new console. We've rounded up all of the known bugs and issues you may encounter, as well as any know workarounds that might help.PS5 GuidesHow to transfer games and save dataHow to attach the PS5 baseHow to set up parental controlsHow to connect to Wi-FiHow to increase download ...

While Google's services do a great job of keeping your content in the cloud, it gets a bit trickier when trying to back up certain types of local data — things like application data, game saves, and more. It's not hard to sign back into all of your apps when you get a new phone, but Samsung's Smart Switch app makes setting up a new phone a breeze. Simply download the application onto your computer or smartphone, connect to your Samsung Galaxy phone, and before too long, you'll have everything backed up in case you need to transfer your data to a new phone or restore your phone to an older state.What is Smart Switch?Smart Switch is a Samsung application that can be used to install software updates for your phone, configure email syncing with Microsoft Outlook (handy for corporate users) or the focus of today's article: back up and restore your content as you move between phones. The Smart Switch mobile application can also transfer contacts, photos, and messages from an iOS devi...

Your first look at the future of Android.Android 11 was an update that was greater than the sum of its parts. Smaller features like chat bubbles, conversation notifications, and a built-in screen recorder don't sound all that impressive on their own. Combined into one seamless package, however, Android 11 was a pretty great update for Google's mobile OS. Looking ahead at Android 12, we're expecting another year of greatness.Android 12 has officially arrived in the form of a developer preview, giving us a very early look at where Google is headed for the next generation of its mobile OS. And, as you'd expect, there's a lot to talk about.From the latest features, design changes, availability, and more, here's every single thing you need to know about Android 12!Android 12:Developer previewRelease date InterfacePrivacyNotificationsMiscellaneousRumored featuresAndroid 12 Developer previewGoogle released the first developer preview of Android 12 on February...

There are a plethora of wireless security cameras on the market to choose from, and the task can be a bit daunting when you're looking for the best security camera for your home. Things get messier when you're trying to find a security camera with specific features, such as being wireless and including 2-way audio capabilities. Luckily, we've done the hard work and compiled a list of the best wireless security cameras with 2-way audio.Best of the bestArlo Pro 3Staff PickThe Arlo Pro 3 is arguably one of the best wireless security systems available today. Although the price may drive some away, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially with the ability to record 2K HDR video, along with an integrated spotlight and "color" night vision. Plus, the Pro 3 includes a free Arlo Smart trial, which adds even more abilities to this impressive security camera system.$300 at AmazonIndoor or outdoorLogitech Circle 2It's no secret that Logitech has its hands in just about ever...

The look and feel may change, but a look under the hood shows that Google has been busy.Android 12 is here. Sort of. The first developer preview has been released and we now can take a peek at what Google has been working on for the past year. While the first look can be disappointing based on a handful of leaks that show a whole new look, the important stuff is what you can't see. This goes for all phones from budget models to the very best Android phones.This sounds like a broken record because we hear it every year. Google does a thing, and we can't see it so it doesn't feel like a very big thing. Android 12 probably won't be very different in this regard. You can see the highlights of what's new in Android 12 here, but there is a lot more going on in there. You can see what's changed so far right here if you're the curious (and admittedly nerdy) type.In a nutshell, Android 12 looks like its biggest feature focus is on two things: privacy and staying connected with your peop...

Let's make the most of your new Android phone.Whether you're switching to Android from an iPhone or getting your very first smartphone, dipping your toes into Google's mobile operating system can be quite the adventure. There are tons of features to check out, endless settings to customize, and — most important of all — millions of apps for you to download on the Play Store.Even if you have one of the best Android phones, though, none of it matters if you don't have high-quality apps to use on it. Everyone knows about ones like Twitter, Spotify, Zoom, etc., but there's an entire world of high-quality applications out there you may have never heard of before.If you have a new Android phone and are looking to load it up with some of the best applications currently available, this is a list of what you should check out first. We have a lot to dig into, so without further ado, let's dive into it.Android phone starter pack:1PasswordBackdropsBe My EyesFiles by GoogleGo...

Mobile payments have become extremely common recently on phones, but using a smartwatch to pay can be easier, and knowing exactly how to use Google Pay on a Wear OS watch helps to save you time. Google Pay has got a refresh in the last year and has become a great central hub for all of your online purchases. If you're unsure if you can make payments with your smartwatch, here are all of the Wear OS watches that support Google Pay; if your device is on that list — let's get into how to pay using your smartwatch.How to use Google Pay on a Wear OS watchDepending on what Wear OS watch you have, there may be multiple ways to access Google Pay. If you're using a smartwatch like the TicWatch Pro 3, then you can map the bottom button to launch Google Pay when you press it. Regardless of which Wear OS watch you have, all of the devices that support Google Pay can access it through the following steps.Before you can use it on your watch, you'll need to set up Google Pay on your phone....

The phone is a solid upgrade over last year's Moto E6s in nearly every area.What you need to knowThe new Moto E7 Power is the latest addition to Motorola's E series line of entry-level phones.It comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, MediaTek's Helio G25 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery.The phone is set to go on sale in India starting February 26 for ₹7,499 ($104). Motorola unveiled its first truly affordable phone with a 90Hz display earlier this week. Just three days later, the Lenovo-owned company has now announced a new Moto E series phone called the Moto E7 Power.The Moto E7 Power has a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop notch at the top for the 5MP selfie camera. Powering the entry-level device is MediaTek's Helio G25 chipset, which has been paired with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.Around the back of the phone is a dual-camera setup featuring a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. The Moto E7 Power's biggest selling point, however, is its large 5000mAh b...

You may have to wait a few weeks to be able to use the new device indicator feature in Microsoft's Your Phone app.What you need to knowMicrosoft's Your Phone app will soon gain device indicators to help you control your phone's settings.The upcoming update will let you control features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Do Not Disturb.The new feature will be rolled out to users over the next few weeks. Microsoft's Your Phone Companion is a great app that lets you access nearly everything on your phone from your Windows 10 PC. The app will soon get even better, as Microsoft is finally starting to roll out the "Device Indicators" feature.According to Italian tech site Aggiornamenti Lumia, the latest Your Phone Companion update adds device indicators to the app, which lets users easily control the settings on their phones.As you can see in the GIF below, the Your Phone app will now show four new buttons under the photo of your phone. These new buttons will allow you to activate...

If you're running an Android phone or tablet and want the anonymity, security, and geo-restriction freedom that a VPN can offer, you've come to the right place to find the best free Android VPN app for you.A virtual private network will allow you to keep your digital life more secure meaning your personal details are kept just that, private. This is great if you use open Wi-Fi like at coffee shops, airports, or hotels where you're potentially open to threats. It's also ideal for watching geo-restricted shows on Netflix when abroad.We recommend ProtonVPN for those looking at free VPN options, but you may also want to consider stepping up to a paid option like ExpressVPN. We've highlighted all the best VPN for Android options previously, but ExpressVPN gives you reliable service, fast speeds, and removes all the compromises you may have to make for a free option.Is a free Android VPN app right for me?A free VPN is appealing because it means that you have to pay nothing to use the...

Don't miss out on the opportunity to catch DJ SNOOPADELIC on your Oculus Quest 2!What you need to knowSnoop Dogg is performing his DJ set on Oculus Venues.The set is part of a Black History Month collection celebrating Black creatives.The set will be live on February 19th at 6 pm PST and will last for approximately one hour.Snoop Dogg and Tidal are teaming up with Oculus to on a live concert featuring a DJ set from the famous rapper. DJ Snoopdelic, as he's known, will perform a one-hour set on the Oculus Venues app. Oculus Venues is a neat experience for Facebook's VR platform that lets you watch live events like concerts and basketball games, using devices like the Oculus Quest 2.DJ SNOOPADELIC (@SnoopDogg) live set on TIDAL and @oculus. February 19th. Be there: https://t.co/FAZK2l9hcQ pic.twitter.com/krf3hZyZDF— TIDAL (@TIDAL) February 10, 2021Virtual concerts like this are becoming commonplace in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic since large gatherings are no lo...

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

WhatsApp is still moving forward with its policy change.What you need to knowWhatsApp's latest blog post reinforces its plans to move ahead with its policy change.The company points to its end-to-end encryption as a reminder of its commitment to privacy and security.WhatsApp users will receive banners within the app, providing more information on the policy changes.WhatsApp has definitely seen better days. After the app saw a large number of users flee the service following the announcement of a policy shift, it put that new policy on hold. Meanwhile, WhatsApp has been stuck doing damage control as it attempts to allay any fears and clarify that user privacy is still protected. The latest attempt comes in the form of a blog post that was published on Thursday, more or less reiterating its plans and addressing how it's going to approach keeping its users informed. In the coming weeks, we'll display a banner in WhatsApp providing more information that people can read at t...

Google just sidelined another Ethical AI lead with this new appointment.What you need to knowGoogle has appointed a new overseer of its Ethical AI team and other AI researchers.The move comes under scrutiny after Google's questionable treatment of its former Ethical AI lead, Timnit Gebru.Margarate Mitchell, the founder of the Ethical AI team, remains locked out of her corporate account amid the restructuring.Google has just restructured its AI teams and appointed a new Lead for the Responsible AI Research and Engineering Center of Expertise. The move is meant to unify Google's AI teams under one person but could have the opposite effect given the tension that still lingers amongst Google's researchers. Apparently, Margaret Mitchell, the founder and lead of Google's Ethical AI team, was unaware of the move until it was reported by Bloomberg....And this is how I find out. I'm so glad for all the trust they've rebuilt. It seems I've been completely erased and my team taken.h...

ASUS is set to launch the ROG Phone 5 on March 9th.What you need to knowASUS launches a splash page for the upcoming ROG Phone 5.The countdown indicates the date of the launch event for the smartphone, which you can add to your calendar from the website.The ROG Phone 5 is expected to feature a large battery and rear display.There have been a few leaks and rumors about the upcoming ASUS ROG Phone 5, from the phone's internal hardware to the interesting external hardware that's expected to appear on the device. Several leaks have hinted at a powerful gaming smartphone with the latest Qualcomm flagship chipset, a large battery with 65W fast-charging, and a 144hz AMOLED display. It seems we don't have long to wait for the next smartphone gaming monster, according to a new splash page for the ROG Phone 5.The event page featured on the ASUS ROG website features a large countdown to the ROG Phone 5 launch event. You could try to do the math or navigate to the bottom of the page ...

The Google Pixel 4a is one of the most compelling phones of 2020, offering excellent performance and cameras for less than half the price of its flagship. While it might not cost thousands of dollars, that doesn't mean it's any less worthy of protection. Whether you need to spice up the Just Black of the Pixel 4a or need to keep it safe from the chaos outside your door, these are the best Pixel 4a cases you can buy right now.Pretty protectionCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThis hybrid case comes in three dazzling color combinations — a deep navy blue, a lighter purple, and a darling coral/gold two-tone — and offers drop protection and grip in a compact profile.$15 at Amazon$19 at WalmartGuard the front and backPoetic RevolutionThis heavy-duty case comes with a screen protector built into the front frame, offering 360 degrees of protection for your new Pixel 4a. I also like the robust kickstand on the back that can be used in portrait or landscape.From $17 at Am...

Minor visual tweaks and under-the-hood improvements.The first developer preview of Android 12 has arrived, and with it, a myriad of minor visual tweaks and development tools. As is always the case with developer previews, this build is mostly intended to give software developers a base platform on which to prep their apps and services, ensuring a smooth transition when Google eventually rolls out the official public-facing build.This build isn't intended for daily use, and you absolutely should not install it on your primary phone, but if you have a spare device sitting around, the good news is that you don't need one of the best Android phones to run it — this initial developer preview is available for the Pixel 3 series and all subsequent models. With that in mind, I flashed the build onto my Pixel 5 to see how it differs from Android 11.Jump to:Under the hoodRedesigned notification shadeScreenshot UI4x5 grid on the home screenSafety & emergencyShare Wi-Fi wit...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today, there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and ability to still hit an affordable price point. Here is a list of some of the best Fire tablets out on the market right now.Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those t...

The newest version of Android is finally here.The first Android 12 Developer Preview is here, and it's the culmination of a year's-long process of making Android more secure, more private, and easier to use.Because it's a Developer Preview and not a public beta, Google is limiting the ways you can install it. You'll need to be adept with the Android SDK and your computer's command line tools if you want to pull off this magic trick, but we're here to walk you through the process.Which phones can download the Android 12 Beta?There are nine phones from Google that support the Android 12 Developer Preview:Pixel 3Pixel 3 XLPixel 3aPixel 3a XLPixel 4Pixel 4 XLPixel 4aPixel 4a 5GPixel 5Installing Android 12 using the Android Flash ToolNew this year is the ability to use the Android Flash Tool, a web-based version of the ADB developer tool, to install the Android 12 preview onto your phone.Head to the Android Flash Tool site.Allow the site to access ADB in ...

Joe, Jerry, Ara, and Daniel discuss the last bits of Android 12 rumors, leaks, and speculation just prior to the official announcement. Pretty much everything they say holds true to the legit info, so we hope you enjoy the conversation.They also chat about Nothing scraping up the remainders of Essential. Plus, there's news regarding Xiaomi, LastPass, Sonos, and more.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Android 12 | Android CentralCarl Pei's Nothing now owns Andy Rubin's Essential | Android Central3 things we want to see from Nothing's purchase of Essential | Android CentralThe Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra camera display is the latest example of a spec masquerading as a feature | Android CentralLastPass free plan will become a lot more restrictive in March | Android CentralChromecast with Google TV review, 4 months later: A love-hate relationship | Android Ce...

We love just how flexible the Chrome browser and Chrome OS feature sets are. From myriad extensions and web apps to how useful it makes devices like Android phones and Chromebooks, Chrome OS is feature-packed. One of the most valuable tools that Chrome has to offer is the Chrome Remote Desktop, which allows you to access your computer (Mac, PC, Linux) from anywhere in the world using your Android or iOS phone, or another computer or tablet running Chrome and the Remote Desktop app. We'll show you how to set up Chrome Remote Desktop on Chromebook and other machines so that you can access your own files from far away, provide remote tech support, or receive remote tech support.How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop on a Mac, PC, or Linux computerIf you're planning to access another computer from your Chromebook, you'll need to set up Chrome Remote Desktop on that computer.Open the Chrome browser on the computer you wish to access remotely.Type in remotedesktop.google.com/access.F...

Apple TV on Google TV is a great move for both platforms.What you need to knowGoogle TV is finally bringing the Apple TV app to the platform.Chromecast with Google TV will receive the app first, followed by Sony and TCL TVs when they release.Google states that more Android TV sets will receive the Apple TV app at a later date.Google continues to focus on improving its TV platform; implementing bug fixes and updating its Android TV layout to bring more uniformity across the platform. Many of the best streaming services are available on Google TV, but a big one has been noticeably absent, at least until now. After announcing its eventual arrival late last year, Google has finally brought the Apple TV app to its Android TV platform, starting with Chromecast with Google TV devices..@AppleTV pic.twitter.com/5t3Cd2H9ey— Made By Google (@madebygoogle) February 17, 2021Google TV will allow users to view all their favorite shows and movies that are available on Apple TV chan...

Though it may not be the most well-known live TV streaming service on the market, Fubo TV is actually one of the best available. Priced similarly to YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV, though packed with dozens of additional sports and entertainment channels, it's impossible to find a better place to stream the wide selection of live TV channels you can find on Fubo.Featuring access to over 100 live channels, Fubo TV's monthly subscription plans have no hidden fees and don't make you sign a contract like a traditional cable company would. Fubo uses your location to include local channels with your monthly subscription as well where available, such as ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Univision, Telemundo, and The CW. If you find you're no longer using the service, you're able to end your subscription at any time with no penalty.How much does Fubo TV cost?The base Fubo plan costs $64.99 per month and includes more than 100 live channels you can watch at your leisure, while the Elite plan costs ...

The UAE Tour gets underway on Sunday, February 21 and will run through February 27. Not only has the race been a staple in the cycling world the last few years, but it hopes to be the start of a more steady and regular racing schedule that is now getting underway again after a rocky past year.Fans and riders are ready to get back to a certain normalcy in the sport again and the UAE Tour looks to be the beginning of that. In 2020, the race came just as the COVID-19 outbreak was spreading around the world. Past winners and superstars alike are ready to compete in this premier Middle East cycling race.Be sure to follow along as riders hit the five stages and journey through mountains and other desert terrain. It should prove to be exciting.2021 UAE Tour: when and whereThe 2021 UAE Tour starts on February 21 and goes through February 27. There are a few streaming options to tune in live, but you'll want to check below for the right choice for your location.Watch the 2021 UAE To...

Today's phones and tablets are more powerful than ever, and despite more power-efficient processors, it's not uncommon to find yourself needing to charge up at times when you aren't near a wall outlet. Battery packs that are 20,000 mAh and higher are ideal for people that need a lot of juice while on-the-go, and while they may not fit into your pocket, they're necessary for keeping your devices topped up. Our top pick is the RAVPower 90W Power Delivery Portable Charger. Here's why it's the best high-capacity power bank, along with other great alternatives if you need something even bigger.Best Overall: RAVPower 90W Power Delivery Portable ChargerRAVPower has some of the best prices for power banks on the market, especially considering the high build quality and the 30,000mAh capacity of this model — and that's before you factor in sales, which happen at least once a month. And that's while including a 5Amp-capable cable in the box so that you get top speeds instead of whateve...

Looking to save even more money on Mint Mobile? Here are the current deals and promo codes to help!Finding a Mint Mobile deal or Mint Mobile coupon has never really been a hard task. The MVNO carrier loves to have some fun with promotions, and we like to keep track of them. There are quite a few options when it comes to carriers for your smartphone, and odds are you're shopping around for the best deal. Postpaid plans are a good option for some, but prepaid plans get you the lowest price, as long as you're willing to put your money down first.Mint Mobile is an alternative carrier that uses T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network to bring you great coverage at an even more affordable price. In the past, going prepaid with an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) often meant that you sacrificed a lot when it came to your plan, but that isn't the case anymore. With Mint Mobile you can pick data allotments of 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or even go unlimited depending on your usage habits, and all of ...

If you've got your finger on the smartwatch pulse, you know that blood oxygen tracking is a common feature these days. It's useful during sleep monitoring or when you're at high altitudes. It will also alert you to potential issues such as sleep apnea or other breathing conditions. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a superior running watch on its own, but it also has a built-in SpO2 sensor, which makes it even more appealing. We've rounded up the best smartwatches with blood oxygen monitoring.Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 245Whether you prefer to run, bike, or swim, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is an excellent choice. It has the wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor for monitoring blood oxygen saturation levels, which can help gauge how your body is absorbing oxygen. It also comes with built-in GPS, heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, 5 ATM water resistance, and seven days of battery life.We'd be remiss not to mention that this watch also has the company's exclusive Body Battery feature, ...

Facebook pulls the plug on news in Australia.What you need to knowFacebook will no longer show news content in Australia following a clash over the company's News Media Bargaining Code.Google adopted the same position at first but relented and signed a deal with News Corp.Australian PM Scott Morrison called Facebook's move arrogant and hailed Google's.Facebook this week took a drastic step against the Australian government, restricting the sharing of news and viewing of news content in the country. The move comes after a debate over Australia's Media Bargaining Code, a law that would compel social media companies to pay news publishers for links shared on their platform drew fierce criticism from Facebook and Google.William Easton, Managing Director, Facebook Australia & New Zealand said; We were prepared to launch Facebook News in Australia and significantly increase our investments with local publishers, however, we were only prepared to do this with the right r...

The Android 12 Developer Preview is finally underway, with the beta to come in a few months.What you need to knowThe first Developer Preview for Android 12 is released by Google today.Notifications are receiving improvements, new image encoders are getting support, Google Play system updates are being expanded, and much more.The Android 12 Developer Preview system image is available on select Google Pixel smartphones.Google is releasing the first Android 12 Developer Preview today, giving users an initial taste of what the upcoming OS update will bring. While many features have been speculated for Android 12, don't expect to see all of them here since the first preview normally gets a lot of the background API stuff out of the way. Still, some interesting things are coming out of this initial version, and you can be sure we're going to dive into them.Notifications are getting some work done, which is no surprise. Android 11 brought more organization to the notification sh...

Best answer: No, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is a downgrade in every way and isn't worth giving up the premium ultrabook you already spent $800-$1000 on, so please keep what you have and enjoy that lovely 4K screen that I'm still 100% jealous of even a year after launch.The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is not an upgradeI'd normally get into the finer points of why the next generation has some benefits even if it's not as powerful as its predecessor (from the processor to the screen to the internal storage being eMMC instead of faster SSD storage), but I digress. Still, when investing in one of the best Chromebooks on the market, it's important to take a hard look at some core specs and let them speak for themselves: Category Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 Processor 10th Gen Intel Core i5 Intel Celeron 5205U Intel Core i3-10110U Memory 8GB 4-8GB Storage 256GB SSD 64-128GB eMMC Display 13.3" AMOLED 3840x2160px (4K) 13.3" QLED 1...

Your first look at the future of Android.Android 11 was an update that was greater than the sum of its parts. Smaller features like chat bubbles, conversation notifications, and a built-in screen recorder don't sound all that impressive on their own. Combined into one seamless package, however, Android 11 was a pretty great update for Google's mobile OS. Looking ahead at Android 12, we're expecting another year of greatness.Android 12 has officially arrived in the form of a developer preview, giving us a very early look at where Google is headed for the next generation of its mobile OS. And, as you'd expect, there's a lot to talk about.From the latest features, design changes, availability, and more, here's every single thing you need to know about Android 12!Android 12:Developer previewRelease date PrivacyNotificationsMiscellaneousRumored featuresInterfaceAndroid 12 Developer previewGoogle released the first developer preview of Android 12 on February 18,...

Brilliant began working with Google to add support for new Nest connections late last year.What you need to knowBrilliant is teaming up with Google to enhance smart homes.The two companies have finally added support for new Nest connections to Brilliant smart home controllers. Now that Google and Brilliant are playing nicely together again, you'll be able to easily combine Nest with the rest of your smart home.After nearly two years, Nest integration is finally coming back to Brilliant's platform. If you have a Brilliant smart home control in your house, you will now be able to combine Google Nest with the rest of your smart home devices.The company says the move "brings consumer's homes and all of their devices closer to being a truly united smart home and signals a major step forward for the smart home industry." Brilliant had lost Nest integration in 2019 after Google decided to kill the Works with Nest API, breaking IFTTT integration.Brilliant's in-wall smart home...

Best answer: No. The Galaxy S9 is a fine a phone and can hold its own in 2021 thanks to its solid specs, great screen, and updated software that gets you to Android 10. If you already own one, it should be fine this year, but just barely. It's getting old, and Samsung's budget flagship from 2020, Samsung Galaxy s20 FE, blows it out of the water.Should you buy a Galaxy S9 in 2021?Every year, Samsung refreshes its lineup of premium phones, and 2021 is no different. The Samsung Galaxy S21 series of phones is amazing in so many ways — definitely among the best Android phones available today — but those phones start with the Galaxy S21 at $800 and go up from there. So you start looking for alternatives and you find out that the Samsung Galaxy S9 is still available from Samsung.Since being released in March 2018, discounts have brought the Galaxy S9 down to about $500. That's a whole lot less than the newest phones, so it's pretty tempting. But that's where the Samsung Galaxy S20...

Apps are one of the things that make Google's wearable platform on the list for the best Android smartwatches out there, so knowing how to install and delete apps on Wear OS is essential. With watches like the TicWatch Pro 3 packing so much performance into the package, it can handle apps of all types with ease. When Google made the Play Store a standalone feature for Wear OS along with its redesign, adding apps to your smartwatch became very easy. That ease also means you will want to know how to uninstall to save space or remove those apps you don't use anymore.How to install apps on Wear OSTo install an app, your smartwatch will need to have internet access. This can be via standalone Wi-Fi, LTE if available on your watch, or by the shared connection through Bluetooth to your phone. So, if you have a data connection for your Wear OS watch, let's get started.On your smartwatch, press the side button.Scroll through the app list and select Play Store.With the Play Store open...

Google is celebrating Black creators this Black History Month with a Chrome browser project.What you need to knowGoogle launched new Chrome themes as part of an effort with Black creators to celebrate Black History Month.The company reached out to six Black creators on social media platforms to get the ball rolling. 24 new themes are available as a result of this collaboration.Google Chrome is quite a customizable browser, with Google offering a mixture of its own themes and allowing third parties to upload their own. In a move that's a combination of both approaches, Google this month tapped Black creators to help build new themes for the browser. The designers worked with the Chrome team to help build designs that would work with the overall Chrome aesthetic and avoid the pitfalls you'll find on some third-party themesWriting on the Google Blog, RK Popkin, Group Product Manager, Google Chrome, said; We commissioned six contemporary artists and invited them to turn C...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $280PlayStation 4 Pro: from $390PlayStation VR: save over $15More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now we'...

Why would you need a game controller for your Samsung Galaxy phone? Samsung hasn't explicitly jumped into the world of gaming-specific smartphones, but since you're provided with some of the best specs to go along with amazing displays, Samsung smartphones, like the Samsung Galaxy S21, make for a perfect gaming experience. To make the most out of Xbox Cloud Gaming and other games on your phone, you'll need a great game controller to pair with it. Here are the best Galaxy s10 gamepads to get you started.Versatility at its finestRazer KishiStaff PickRazer's Kishi controller is quite impressive. It not only fits just about every smartphone, but the USB-C port ensures low-latency gaming. When not in use, the two sides slide together, making for easy portability or storage.$66 at Amazon $80 at Best Buy $80 at WalmartNot just for AndroidSteelSeries Stratus DuoThe Stratus Duo is the latest great Android gaming controller from SteelSeries. Once again, the company has desi...

If you want to have the best experience playing online multiplayer on PS5, you may want to consider forgoing the Wi-Fi setup. Staying wired with one of the best Ethernet cables will ensure that your PS5 has the strongest, fastest internet connection possible. We've rounded up the best options for selecting an Ethernet cable that'll keep your online gaming uninterrupted.Only the bestCat-8 Ethernet Cable from VaboguStaff pickFor the absolute best connection, you'll want the absolute best cable. Cat-8 is the fastest, most shielded cable available, used when you have an incredibly quick internet connection and don't want anything lost or interrupted over Wi-Fi.$19 at AmazonQuality choiceCat-7 Ethernet Cable from DanYeeFor a slight reduction in cable quality that won't affect most people, you can get a cheaper Cat-7 Ethernet cable that's braided to ensure it doesn't bend, kink, or tear. If you need a much longer cable depending on your setup, you'll also be far l...

There are a plethora of wireless security cameras on the market to choose from, and the task can be a bit daunting when you're looking for the best security camera for your home. Things get messier when you're trying to find a security camera with specific features, such as being wireless and including 2-way audio capabilities. Luckily, we've done the hard work and compiled a list of the best wireless security cameras with 2-way audio.Best of the bestArlo Pro 3Staff PickThe Arlo Pro 3 is arguably one of the best wireless security systems available today. Although the price may drive some away, the pros far outweigh the cons, especially with the ability to record 2K HDR video, along with an integrated spotlight and "color" night vision. Plus, the Pro 3 includes a free Arlo Smart trial, which adds even more abilities to this impressive security camera system.$300 at AmazonIndoor or outdoorLogitech Circle 2It's no secret that Logitech has its hands in just about ever...

It may be hard to pick the best Google Pixel 5 case because there will be so many options. Whether you want a ruggedly handsome heavy-duty case, a super slim and stylish case, or something in between like the perfectly balanced Caseology Parallax, these are the best Google Pixel 5 cases to be found right now.Safe and stylishCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThis mesmerizing case has protected my last two Pixels with grace, and the colorways for the Pixel 5 are quite fetching. The Aqua Green will fit the green Pixel 5 perfectly while Burgundy and Navy Blue jazz up the black Pixel 5.From $14 at Amazon $19 at WalmartLong-term protectionTudia Dualshield Merge SeriesIf you want a heavy-duty case without a heavy-duty price, Tudia has been the go-to for years. The Merge Series gives you the impact protection and grip of a flexible TPU sleeve with the sturdiness of a polycarbonate back.$12 at AmazonMachine washableGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric cases are luxurious ...

Oculus has given indie developers a new pathway to putting their games on the Oculus Quest 2 through App Lab without having to meet Facebook's demanding quality standards. Now, gamers can buy or download demos, early access betas, or full experiences and access them directly from their Oculus Library, without using sideloading. These games aren't visible on the Oculus Store without a direct link, so we've collected a full list of Quest 2 App Lab games approved thus far so you don't have to go searching for them.List of paid App Lab games for Oculus Quest 2At-home arcade shooterCrisis VRigade 2Staff PickWhile the original had cartoonish action, this sequel SWAT shooter uses a more realistic engine and adds new weapons and difficulty modes. Dodge bullets and duck in and out of cover in this popular VR shooter, now finally freed from wires.$20 at Oculus StoreHelp humanity evolveDeisimIn this roomscale sandbox simulator, you'll watch human society evolve as it...

With the v25 Quest 2 update, Oculus added App Lab, a new way for developers to sell beta experiences through the Oculus Store so users can access these apps without sideloading or developer access. Lowering the hurdles for the Quest Store allows smaller studios or indie devs to launch demos, pre-releases, or full paid experiences without meeting Facebook's rigorous quality standards. Quest 2 App Lab games aren't visibly listed on the Oculus Store, so we'll explain all the different ways you can find and install them on your computer, through the app, or while wearing your headset.Quest 2 App Lab Where to find gamesBefore the App Lab launched, you had to know how to sideload apps on the Oculus Quest. This guide is still pretty useful, as there are hundreds upon hundreds of SideQuest games compared to just a dozen or so games on App Lab thus far. Among the best SideQuest games for the Oculus Quest 2, many of them will probably never make it onto the App Lab due to legal restriction...

Shred the paper password managerIn an age where passwords are everywhere and you absolutely cannot remember them all, password managers are a necessary evil. The one you pick needs to balance price, features, design, and UI — and of course, it needs to be secure.If your passwords get compromised in a server penetration or an encryption error, then you have to change your passwords for everything. These managers are the best of the bunch, with each having unique strengths and feature flavorings in their desire to stand out and deliver the most secure, satisfactory experience you can have.The top 3 apps1. 1Password2. Dashlane3. LastPassMore optionsEnpassMicrosoft Authenticator Google PasswordsRememBearNordPassBitwardenThese are the best Android password managers1Password has taken a long, winding road to get to Android prominence, but the once Apple-only app is now intuitive and at feature-parity with its iOS counterpart.If you're looking for a beau...

You'll need to use a workaround to make sure your apps can work properly in the background.What you need to knowSamsung is now the top Android manufacturer on the DontKilllMyApp chart.DontKillMyApp is a website that ranks Android manufacturers based on how aggressively they kill background apps on their phones.Before it released the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update, Samsung was placed third on the list.Samsung has done a phenomenal job with its Android 11-based One UI 3.0 rollout so far. Nearly all of its 2019 flagships have already been updated to Android 11, and the update is now heading to the company's budget and mid-range devices. While the latest iteration of Samsung's One UI brings several new features and improvements, it appears the company has started killing background apps even more aggressively with Android 11.DontKillMyApp, which is a website that ranks Android OEMs based on how aggressively they kill background apps, now ranks Samsung at the top (via Andr...

Having a chat with the AC forums.As difficult as it is to believe, it's now been a little over six months since the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra hit the scene. That means six months of people using the phones as their daily drivers, learning all the ins and outs, and getting to really know the devices as much as possible.That's not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, but when it comes to owning a smartphone, it's quite a milestone. After six months with a single device, you have a much better understanding of everything it can (and can't) do compared to that initial honeymoon phase.Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what a few of our AC forum members have to say about the Note 20 series here in early 2021. o4liberty 02-11-2021 07:17 PM “ Going on 6 months with my note 20 and it's going strong no issues at all. My first device I intend to keep for the long run it works so ...

Learn all about Google's vision for TV streaming.Video/music streaming is the main way a lot of us consume content in 2021. From Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, and countless others, these services provide instant access to virtually limitless media wherever and whenever.When you're at home and want to catch your shows on the big screen, a lot of people flock to the likes of Roku or Amazon Fire TV boxes/dongles. Among those options, we also have Google's Chromecast. The Chromecast made its grand debut all the way back in 2013, and today, the platform is still going strong as one of the best ways to bring all of your streaming entertainment to the living room — even if things are looking a bit different these days.From pricing info, getting help on which model to buy, and so much more, here's everything you need to know about Chromecast in 2021!Latest and greatestChromecast with Google TV$50 at Best Buy$50 at Walmart$50 at B&HThe next generation of ...

Microsoft Office is still incredibly popular, and if you're using a Chromebook you can use it too.Chromebooks are seamlessly integrated into Google's ecosystem, and that includes the Office suite of apps connected to Google Drive. They're good, all of them, but they're not Microsoft Office, especially if you have access to a Microsoft 365 subscription.Chromebooks are also increasingly popular in education and enterprise, and with a lot more remote work and schooling happening today than ever before, being able to use Microsoft Office on a Chromebook is a must for some. Fortunately, you can do just that.Microsoft Office Android apps on a ChromebookAndroid tablets are, to this day, still disappointing compared to the iPad, but there are still some very good apps that have been optimized for the larger form factor. The Microsoft Office apps are one of the best examples of this, and thanks to Google's support of Android apps in Chrome OS, you can use them on a Chromebook, too....