Latest from Android Central

Aside from a slightly more powerful chipset, the "new" LTE variant doesn't bring any other changes.What you need to knowSamsung could soon launch a Snapdragon 865-powered LTE variant of the Galaxy S20 FE.Until now, all LTE variants of the phone were powered by Samsung's in-house developed Exynos 990 chipset. The new variant will be available in Sweden first.Samsung is reportedly planning to introduce a new LTE variant of its popular Galaxy S20 FE, powered by the same Snapdragon 865 chipset as the 5G variant. As spotted by German tech publication WinFuture, the upcoming Galaxy S20 FE variant has been listed on Samsung's Swedish website with the model number SM-G780G.The Snapdragon 865-powered LTE variant is currently listed only with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but the Samsung website confirms it will be offered with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as well. Unfortunately, it isn't clear if Samsung plans to introduce the new LTE variant in all markets or if it will b...

Notifications are a big part of the Android experience, and Android 12 brings another big change.I'll bet the "thing" on your phone you look at the most is the notification shade. No matter if you have one of the best budget Android phones or something more pricey, you want to know what's going on, when it's happening, and most importantly, who is chatting with you or at you. After all, it's the real reason the smartphone was invented — email, messaging, and apps can come to the same little gadget that makes phone calls.Notifications have also always been Android's strong suit. With a little bit of what companies like BlackBerry used to deliver combined with the best of what Apple offers and a touch of Google's extra smart software magic thrown in for good measure, Android's notification system is pretty great. And it's about to get better with Android 12 and the Conversation Shortcut.We've seen the mockups and even where people have hacked away at the Android 12 developer ...

Phones are essential to people for all sorts of reasons, but even the best Android phone pretty much worthless if it has no juice. This is why having multiple ways to keep your phone going is helpful, and knowing how to charge your phone using solar power gives you even more freedom. A typical way to power these slabs of technology is by plugging them into a fast USB-C wall charger at your home or office, possibly with an excellent battery pack that was charged the same way. However, even this option fails if the power is out or you're away from an outlet.Putting the sun to workThere are alternative ways to get power to your phone cleanly and away from the electrical grid. One of those options is to use the power of the sun, and it couldn't be easier. There are ways of powering your entire home with solar, but it can be costly, and you may not own your home, which can make installing solar panels on it out of the question.So, instead of using solar for everything you own with a...

The ultimate hyper active speakerI've covered many of the best Bluetooth speakers here at Android Central, but most of my personal experience has been with smart speakers from the likes of Sonos, Amazon, and Google. I hadn't used an Ultimate Ears product in quite some time, so of course, I was hyped when I had the chance to do this Hyberboom review.I'm by no means an audiophile, but I know what sounds good and what doesn't (that had a Forrest Gump "I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is" ring to it). I know that the experts don't consider most Echo speakers to be amazing sounding, but I also know that high fidelity is not necessarily the most important quality for someone looking for a rugged, durable, and portable Bluetooth speaker. And yet, after spending some time with the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom, I think that this speaker could satisfy both the audiophile and the outdoor adventurist. It may be meant to take a beating, but it serves up some amazing beats itself.Ultim...

The BBC is famed for producing critically acclaimed television content loved by millions. And you can watch many of the British broadcaster's greatest TV shows, movies, and more on its official streaming platform: iPlayer.BBC iPlayer has content for pretty much everyone, from dramas to documentaries. Some of its best shows include Doctor Who, Fleabag, Rupaul's Drag Race UK, Our Girl, Eastenders, Line of Duty, Call the Midwife, Killing Eve, Gavin & Stacey, Louis Theroux, Merlin, and lots more.Best BBC iPlayer VPNs 20211. NordVPN (From $3.71/mo)2. ExpressVPN (From $6.67/mo)3. Surfshark VPN (From $2.49/mo)4. Hotspot Shield VPN (From $2.99/mo)5. VyprVPN (From $1.66/mo)6. CyberGhost VPN (From $2.25/mo)1. NordVPN: The best BBC iPlayer VPNFrom $3.71/mo at NordVPNNordVPN is one of the most common and biggest names in the VPN space, and it also happens to be one of the best — especially for BBC iPlayer with its variety of UK servers.2. ExpressVPN: A very...

Realme 8 5G is the first phone to launch in India with MediaTek's 7nm Dimensity 700 chipset.What you need to knowRealme has announced a 5G-enabled variant of the Realme 8.The phone is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 700 5G chipset and features a 90Hz display. It will go on sale in India from April. Realme today expanded its Realme 8 family of budget phones with a 5G version of the vanilla Realme 8. Even though the name of the phone suggests otherwise, the Realme 8 5G doesn't have a lot in common with the 4G-only Realme 8.The Realme 8 5G sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate and Dragontrail glass protection. Powering the device is MediaTek's Dimensity 700 5G chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.In the camera department, the Realme 8 5G isn't quite as impressive as the Realme 8. It has a triple-camera setup on the back with a 48MP Samsung GM1 sensor, a monochrome portrait lens, and a macro lens with a 4cm focus distance. For sel...

Google's smartphone lineup is getting a little confusing.What you need to knowThe upcoming Pixel 5a 5G will reportedly feature one of last year's most popular chipsets.Given the leaked design, there will be little to differentiate this phone from its predecessor.The Pixel 5a 5G is expected to launch later this year, possibly along with the Pixel 6.The Google Pixel 5a 5G may be pushed off for a limited release later this year, but that doesn't mean the leaks will stop coming in. Surprisingly, not too much is known about the device besides the fact that it'll look eerily similar to the most recent Pixel smartphones. The most recent tidbit finally gives us an idea of what chipset we might expect in the upcoming mid-range smartphone, and it's left us scratching our heads.According to a report from 9to5Google, code within the latest Android 12 Developer Preview references "Barbet," the codename for the Pixel 5a 5G, along with "sm7250," which points to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7...

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Huawei Mate X2 bring similar designs for different audiences.What you need to knowMrMobile spent some time with the Huawei Mate X2 and gave his impressions on the foldable phone.Fueling his impressions of the Mate X2 is how it compares to the Galaxy Z Fold 2.You can watch Mr. Mobile's video below on his thoughts on both Samsung and Huawei's second-gen foldables.One of the fears of buying an expensive, foldable smartphone is not only the practicality of certain form factors (which may still be for debate) but also the fragility of the devices. That's something MrMobile had to learn the hard way once before with the Moto Razr 5G, and something he's once again experiencing with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. This is what made him really consider what the Huawei Mate X2 is trying to accomplish and why it just might work.Despite possibly being the best foldable phone in a market with so few, Galaxy Z Fold 2 owners have apparently reported cracking along t...

These are the games you've been looking for.Like many companies in the industry, Facebook is eschewing the big gaming tradeshows of yesteryear and, in its stead, used the first-ever Oculus Gaming Showcase to announce some of the best Oculus Quest games coming this year. Oculus Gaming Showcase 2021 kicked off last week with the massive surprise announcement of the Resident Evil 4 VR remake, the very first Oculus Quest 2-exclusive title. Without further ado, here's everything that was shown off at the Oculus Gaming Showcase 2021!Resident Evil 4 VR RemakeDoes Resident Evil 4 even need an intro? As one of the most lauded games of all time and one of the most successful reimaginings of an already successful series, Resident Evil 4 set the bar for action-horror games for years to come. This port of the classic Gamecube title is seeing a complete reimagining for the Quest 2 with combat and puzzle mechanics sporting a full VR overhaul. It's also the first Quest 2-exclusive game, wh...

Chromebooks are getting some beneficial tools with this latest release.What you need to knowGoogle is releasing a new update to Chromebooks that adds a few new features.Chromebooks will soon gain a diagnostics tool and Live Captions.Users will be able to send scanned documents straight to their Chromebooks.Google is rolling out a new update today for the best Chromebooks to add several new features to the machines. One of the most significant additions to the update is Live Caption, which has already rolled out on the Chrome browser for other desktop OSes. The feature will now roll out to "most Chrome OS devices" soon and be available through the accessibility settings. For now, if you own machines with any other OS, we can show you how to enable Live Caption in Google Chrome for desktop.More immediate features coming to Chromebooks include the updated Launcher, which now has a more useful Everything Button. Users can type in any type of queries such as weather, stocks, o...

What you need to knowThe latest Diablo Immortal closed alpha will only be available in Australia.The newest alpha includes a brand new class, new dungeon, and the introduction of the game's PvP features. Players can check out the closed alpha now. After running a closed alpha for technical testing late last year, Blizzard is ready to give players another chance to return to the world of Diablo Immortal. The company announced on Wednesday that another closed alpha for the game has begun today in Australia and will last for months, while also introducing a lot more for returning players.After limiting players to a lower level cap in its initial test, Blizzard has raised the level cap of this alpha to 55, and will also offer testers an early look at some of the endgame systems, new zones, and a new dungeon that was previously not in the initial alpha. Best of all, players will now get the chance to try out a brand new class in a game that's already ranking among one of the bes...

The power delivery standard has paved the way for a new wave of USB-C battery packs that are both powerful and portable. While there are some massive power banks aimed more at charging laptops or powering devices through long camping trips, I rank the lighter and cheaper models as the most reliable option when considering the best USB-C charger. Because of their lightweight, less expensive chargers tend to quickly power a phone while you're sitting down for lunch or store easily in your pocket during long days out and about. Whether you prefer your power banks, big or small, these are the best ones around!Colorful chargersAnker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh PDStaff PickAnker's top-quality, durable and dependable phone-sized power bank now comes in five colors, and I, for one, am thrilled. The Terracotta Rose might not be for everyone, but the Deep-Sea Indigo and Dark Olive are universal and understated.From $24 at Amazon From $30 at WalmartNot too big, not too smallAUKEY 1...

Twitter is rolling this out to a limited number of people.Update, Apr 21 (4 pm ET): 4K image support is rolling out for everyoneWhat you need to knowTwitter is testing two photo-related tweaks on mobile apps.It'll let users see how their photos will appear on the timeline as part of a change to the tweet composer.The company will also enable higher quality uploads, allowing for the sharing of 4K pictures.Twitter is testing out an improvement to how its mobile app handles photos on Android. In a limited test the company announced today, there'll be changes made to both the tweet composer and image upload quality.The composer will now display a more representative view of an image you plan to share pre-upload. That is to say, you'll now see how it would appear in the timeline before you upload it.The second is a small tweak that'll let you see and view 4K pictures on Android and iOS. It's a step up from the compressed images that users can share now, and it'll presumabl...

Stadia on your TVChromecast Ultra$100 at Google StoreProsEnables Google Stadia on TV4K HDR supportIncludes ethernet adapterFaster startup and streamingConsNo Google TVOnly available in Stadia Premiere Edition bundleExpensiveThe Chromecast Ultra remains the only device that lets you stream Stadia games on your television. It can also cast any content in 4K HDR and Dolby Vision. Unfortunately, this device doesn't support the new Google TV platform and is also no longer sold on Google's website, making the Stadia Premiere Edition the only way to get ahold of one.Cheap 1080p castingChromecast (3rd gen)$30 at Amazon$30 at Best Buy$30 at WalmartProsSolid 1080p pictureCan be powered by your TV USB portThe cheapest Chromecast availableConsNo 4K or HDR supportNo Ethernet portNo Stadia supportNo Google TV supportThe standard third-generation Chromecast is effectively the same device as the Chromecast Ultra, but it loses 4K streaming c...

The OnePlus Watch might finally be getting good.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Watch is being updated soon with several fixes and enhancements.The update will bring enhanced notification support and better system stability.OnePlus also plans to bring Always-On Display and a remote camera function.The OnePlus Watch has not been received too well, and a lot of that has to do with the software experience. Many reviewers have even suggested that you'd be better off with any of the best Wear OS watches. Fortunately, OnePlus has apparently heard the criticisms and is rolling out an update soon that should hopefully help with the smartwatch's software woes.Hopefully, the update should improve notification support on the watch, which is something that many users have complained about. Notifications would either not sync properly, or many apps weren't supported, so that should improve with the update, although it's not clear to what extent. OnePlus states that notification app i...

Filling in the blanksGalaxy Watch Active 2$200 at AmazonProsOptional LTEDigital rotating bezelImproved sensorsBuilt-in GPSRunning Analysis & VO2 MaxConsBattery drains faster with LTE modelMore expensive, especially with LTESometimes upgrades miss the mark. Fortunately, that's not the case with the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It improves existing sensors with faster and more accurate readings. It also adds some other new perks that fill in the blanks left by its predecessor.OG fitness smartwatchGalaxy Watch Active$149 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSGreat fitness trackingMore affordable optionNow has a digital rotating bezelConsOnly one size optionNo LTE connectivityThe Galaxy Watch Active is still a mighty impressive smartwatch. It's got all the features you'd expect, like built-in GPS, activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, Samsung Pay, smartphone notifications, and more. It's also less expensive.Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs. Gal...

Google Meet makes it easier to see more people.What you need to knowGoogle Meet is rolling out with an updated design and new features.Participants will have the ability to pin presentations or speaker tiles with more room to show everyone on the call.Google is also rolling out low-light mode for the web application, a new data saver, and the ability to hide your own video from your view.Google Meet has been a big focus since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic since many people transitioned to work-from-home lifestyles. Google has continuously rolled out updates to the video conferencing application, making it easier to manage while working from home. For instance, now you can use Google Meet's virtual green room to check yourself before a call. The latest update adds some useful tools thanks to the power of AI and more efficient design tools to keep users engaged with everyone on the call.In May, Google plans to update Meet's layout to make sure more people are in view...

If you are looking for an affordable, mid-range smartphone, we think the Google Pixel 4a is the best Android phone you can get under $400. That's because it offers the same core experience as the higher-end Pixel 4 that preceded it. You get the same software and features and the same camera experience. The only shortcomings come in the hardware and a couple of the specs — a fine trade-off to save hundreds of dollars.Best Overall Android Phone Under $400: Google Pixel 4aThe Pixel 3a from 2019 stood out as one of the best Android values for well over a year, and to fill its impressive shoes, we now have the Pixel 4a. Google took what worked about the 3a, kept it in place, and added a few improvements to make the Pixel 4a as fully-featured as possible — all while selling the Pixel 4a for less than what the 3a cost.As with any Pixel phone, the best thing about the Pixel 4a is its camera. The 12.2MP single rear camera certainly isn't impressive on paper, but it's outstanding i...

Google's done with the table setting.What you need to knowGoogle today released the last Android 12 Developer Preview.The company highlighted improved haptics, new splash screens, and enhanced app linking support.Google's also added broader support for high-res camera sensors.Android 12 is around the corner, and this last developer preview is the last hurdle Google's going to leap before the consumer beta. Available to all Pixels from the Pixel 3 onwards, this new update doesn't have much in the way of user-facing features, but it does provide new tools for developers to build those user-facing experiences down the line.Google emphasizes haptics for instance, but you won't be seeing any changes to haptics work on your phone immediately. Instead, it's a change mostly aimed at gaming, Android 12 will allow developers to "emphasize key events and actions in their UI", and developers will be able to build more console-like experiences when it comes to making use of your phone...

If you have your eyes on OPPO's new flagship smartphone, the OPPO Find X3 Pro, chances are you have been lured in by its impressive feature set, which includes the 50MP camera that provides true color reproduction (seriously, it was used to film an entire sci-fi movie!), sizable 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G mobile process. Even though it isn't officially available in the U.S., you might find clever ways to get your hands on one. If you do, like with any phone, you should instantly protect it with a case. But with features like an integrated fingerprint reader and Smart Sidebar, you'll need to make sure the case you choose can accommodate the phone's unique design without impeding on functionality. These are the best OPPO Find X3 Pro cases you can get so far.Luxury leatherPUROOM Luxury Carbon Fiber PU Leather CaseStaff PickThere's just something about the OPPO Find X3 Pro that screams elegance, so this case seems perfectly fitting. Not only is it av...

Got a green thumb? Don't but kinda wish you did? Grab the AeroGarden Sage Harvest indoor garden that makes growing your own herbs and vegetables super easy. Today it's on sale for just $89.99 at Amazon. The Sage Harvest normally sells for around $130. This is the first time it has ever dropped this low and the first time it has even gone on sale since January. This deal only applies to the Sage Harvest as the White and Black versions are going for around $130.It really doesn't matter whether you're a brand new gardener or someone with some experience who wants to flex a bit, the AeroGarden Harvest makes it super easy either way. Really, it does most of the work. This is a hydroponic garden, which means the plants grow from the water, the nutrients provided, and strong LED lights. There's no need for soil at all, which is often a huge part of gardening and a huge mess you don't have to worry about here.The indoor garden uses high-performance full spectrum 20-watt LED lights to hel...

The cloud-native network will help Dish achieve cost-effective operations.What you need to knowDish Network has struck a deal with Amazon Web Services to build its cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) in the U.S.The company plans to roll out 5G services in Las Vegas later this year.Dish's 5G network is expected to reach around 20% of the U.S. population by June next year. Dish Network has joined hands with Amazon to build its cloud-based 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) on Amazon Web Services' platform to rival the best 5G networks. The Open RAN architecture significantly reduces the need for physical equipment, as pretty much all the key network functions can run from the cloud.Charlie Ergen, Dish co-founder and chairman, said in a statement: Through this collaboration with AWS, we will operate not just as a communications services provider, but as a digital services provider harnessing the combined power of 5G connectivity and the cloud. Together, we...

Don't be out on the road without a way to charge absolutely everything you've brought with you. Bestek's 300W power inverter makes that possible by adding two AC outlets and two USB ports through your car charger port. Right now you can get the power inverter on sale for $26.39 at Amazon. That's a good price considering the power inverter regularly sells for around $30, has been spiking for around $36, and hasn't dropped this low in more than a year. It's not the lowest price we've ever seen, but it is really good considering how long it has been since we've seen a deal at all.So here's what a power inverter does: it inverts power. Nailed it. The Bestek device inverts the DC power in your car to AC so you can have two AC outlets and two USB ports. All you have to do is plug in the inverter to your car and plug in your devices to the inverter. Use the USB ports for smaller devices like smartphones and other mobile devices. Use the outlets for larger and more powerful appliances, inc...

The iRobot Roomba i3 lineup was introduced late last year and has some of iRobot's latest and greatest tech inside of it. The Roomba i4 is essentually the same robot vacuum but is sold at warehouses like Costco, and if you happen to be a Costco member you can get the i4 for just $279.99 today.That's a huge discount considering it normally goes for $350 there. Plus this price is even $20 better than a sale going on for the i3 making this one of the best Roomba deals out there right now.The main differences between the i4 and i3 are that the i4 comes with two extra filters, which can be handy in a home with pets and people who suffer from allergies and really need all that dust gone, and the i4 lets you set up virtual walls.This is a super cost efficient robot vacuum that has a ton of smart features for what it costs. The smart navigation can map your home and then navigate efficiently and form neat rows while it works. The floor tracking sensors can adapt to any situation, and y...

If you're reading this, you're here because you just want to save the absolute most you can on your new TV. And who can blame you? TVs are expensive, and the price can grow exponentially the more you want out of it. Well, you've come to the right place. Find the best possible TV to fit your budget, but more than that this roundup will feature TVs that still manage to pack in loads of features. A cheap TV doesn't have to mean bad TV either. You'd be surprised what all you can get even when you don't want to splurge on the more advanced sets. Did you know there are even a bunch of great Android TVs to check out?In general, the larger the TV the more expensive it gets so we've separated this roundup into different sizes to help you navigate the best cheap options around.Best Budget TV Deals Available NowBest Cheap TV Deals under 50": Prices as low as $110Best Cheap TV Deals over 50": Prices down to $488More Info: What to look forTCL 43S435 43-inch 4K Roku TVGreat pri...

Looks like a new benefit for PS Plus members.What you need to knowA logo for something called "PlayStation Plus Video Pass" popped up on Sony's official Polish website.The description read that it's a trial service available from April 21, 2021 through April 21, 2022.The description also notes that it's available to PS Plus members in Poland, but it's unclear if there is a global rollout of some kind.VGC discovered a logo for something called the PlayStation Plus Video Pass was published on Sony's official Polish website. Though it has since been removed, the premature reveal indicates that some type of video service could be making its way into the subscription for members.Before being removed, a description read: "A new benefit available for a limited time on PlayStation Plus… PS Plus Video Pass is a trial service active 22.04.21 – 22.04.22. The subscription benefit is available to PS Plus users in Poland."It's unclear if it specifies Poland because it was initial...

There's nothing wrong with the tried and true slab form factor we've all grown deeply familiar with over the last decade and some change. Nearly all of the best Android phones these days are some variation of a glass and metal sandwich with a tall, narrow aspect ratio that's both comfortable to hold and spacious enough for today's widescreen videos.That form factor isn't going away any time soon, but while I love the Pixel 5 that I use every day, I also love more experimental phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and even the LG Wing (pouring one out for you, LG). Phones that push the boundaries not just of how powerful a phone can be, but what a phone should be.Foldables and other types of shapeshifting devices aren't for everyone, at least not yet, but for the right user, they offer incredibly powerful features and tools that simply can't happen on more traditional devices, no matter what processor or camera tech you throw at them. There's power — not to mention style — in foldi...

You can help return a lost AirTag with your Android phone.What you need to knowApple's new AirTag can interact with Android devices when its "Lost Mode" feature is activated.When the "Lost Mode" is activated, the AirTag will show a message with the owner's contact information. The message can be viewed on any NFC-capable smartphone. Apple finally introduced the long-rumored AirTags at its Spring Loaded event yesterday. The item tracker uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for "precision tracking," similar to Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+. While it cannot be paired with an Android phone, a support document on Apple's website reveals Android users can actually help return a lost AirTag to its owner (via Apple Insider).Although the AirTag primarily relies on ultra-wideband radio for communication, it includes NFC support as well. When a user places the item tracker in "Lost Mode," it will display a message with details such as the serial number and owner's phone number. The mes...

Roku is getting into the original content business.What you need to knowRoku today announced Roku Originals.Quibi content will be the first set of shows to debut under the brand.The company will make a fuller, more fleshed-out announcement later in May. Roku purchased Quiibi for "significantly less than $100 million" earlier this year, and now the company is integrating this content into its platform. Like other streaming services before it, Roku is adopting the "eponymous originals" label and calling these the Roku Originals. They'll be made available on The Roku Channel today, and join its slate of over 25, 000 TV shows and movies. That's not all the Roku Originals brand will be used for, however. The company has also signaled that it plans to make more original content of its own in the coming weeks. This matches earlier reports that Roku had been scouting for an original content team.Quibi content didn't quite take off when Quibi was a thing due to the platform's aver...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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