Latest from Android Central

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.Fast updatesGoogle Pixel 4a$350 at Amazon$350 at Best BuyGet Android 11 before anyone...

What is VoLTE, and should I even care about it?VoLTE, or Voice over LTE, is how our phones and carriers transmit our voices during a call, so there's good reason to know how to use it and why you should care. Most U.S. carriers have rolled out the red carpet for VoLTE on LTE, or what most of us call 4G. By now, VoLTE is most likely available in your area, and if you upgraded your phone in the last few years, you can probably use it. Once you have the right phone and carrier, setting VoLTE up on your phone is very easy and well worth it.Let's take a deeper look.Jump to:What is VoLTE?Which U.S. carriers support VoLTE?How can I use VoLTE?What else do I need to know about VoLTE?Do I need to upgrade my phone to use VoLTE?What is VoLTE?As the name suggests, Voice over LTE happens when your carrier allows you to place a phone call over your LTE connection instead of the older legacy voice networks. For example, Verizon Wireless traditionally used 1XRTT for all of you...

The Snapdragon 888 delivers huge performance and gaming gains as well as exciting 5G-focused innovations.Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 888, and we now have a detailed breakdown of the chipset's inner workings. The Snapdragon 888 is an important chipset for Qualcomm — with 5G set to go mainstream, Qualcomm is positioning its latest chipset as the go-to option for manufacturers rolling out flagship phones in 2021. In short, the Snapdragon 888 will power the best Android phones in 2021.The Snapdragon 888 also offers a massive increase in performance across the board. Qualcomm is touting a 25% uptick in CPU performance, a 35% uptick in GPU performance, and sizeable gains with the ISP, AI engine, and 5G connectivity. Simply put, this is the biggest year-on-year update we've seen for the Snapdragon 800 series for a long time.So let's take a look at what the Snapdragon 888 has to offer and why it makes 2021 flagships like the Galaxy S21 series that much more enticing.The ...

You'll need a device running Android 9 or higher to enjoy all the benefits of the new xHE-AAC codec.What you need to knowNetflix is bringing 'studio-quality' audio to Android devices with its latest update.The update adds support for the xHE-AAC (Extended HE-AAC with MPEG-D DRC) codec to compatible Android phones.Since the new format supports loudness management, all titles that you watch will play at a consistent volume. Netflix is rolling out an updated version of its Android app with support for the xHE-AAC format. The company claims the new audio codec will deliver "studio-quality" sound to Android viewers.One of the main advantages of the new codec is its ability to adapt to variable cellular connections. This means you can enjoy studio-quality audio when the network conditions are optimal, and minimized rebuffers when you have poor reception or the network is congested.The xHE-AAC codec also supports loudness management, making it possible for all titles to play a...

What you need to knowVisible is launching the new Blade X1 5G, the latest in the Blade smartphone lineup.The Blade X1 5G comes with a FHD+ display, quad-camera setup, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G.Visible customers can purchase the Blade X1 5G starting today for just $384.Visible is doing its best to make itself seen in the mobile industry for having one of the best prepaid plans for those on a budget. Our Joe Maring was actually quite impressed with the offerings and service in his Visible review. The carrier piggybacks on Verizon's nationwide 4G LTE network and recently began to support 5G for Android smartphones on its network, giving customers even faster data for the same $40 price. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Visible has launched its latest smartphone, the Blade X1 5G, built by ZTE with great specs and an affordable price.The newest addition to the Blade family comes with a more modern design to match the more modern network, featuring a large 6.5-inch FHD+...

Notifications are now more private when you're sharing your screen.What you need to knowGoogle addresses a big privacy issue on Chrome by "hiding" notifications when screen sharing.Notifications on Google Chrome's desktop app will still appear, but the content will no longer be visible when sharing your screen.The feature should begin rolling out to users beginning today.Have you ever have that awkward moment when you're sharing your screen and you start getting notifications that give out more information than you'd like? It's likely to become a bigger problem now that most people are working remotely and meetings usually involve screen sharing on some level. Google is finally fixing this potentially embarrassing problem by hiding the content within notifications while your screen is being shared. There has been a dramatic shift in how many of us work – now more than ever, we're relying on the use of Google Meet and other screen sharing solutions. We hope this featur...

With the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Buffalo Bills with ease, and the Tampa Bay Bucs knocking off the SB-favorite Green Bay Packers, the stage for Super Bowl 2021 (LV) has officially been set.Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV (55).The game is set for February 7, 2021, on CBS, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Yes, that means the Buccaneers will be the first team in history to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium. Is it just me, or does Tom Brady have some insane good luck? He's arguably the greatest of all time, aka "The GOAT" and this will be his 10th trip to the Super Bowl, more than any other QB.At the same time, this will be the second year in a row the Kansas City Chiefs are in the big game, as they defeated the 49ers last year in Super Bowl 54.For the record, we've seen these two quarterbacks a lot over the last three years. Mahomes and Tom Brady have each won one of the last two Super Bowls. Mahom...

Google and ad companies could stop looking at individual browsing when it comes to ad data.What you need to knowGoogle's Privacy Sandbox is a number of proposals for moving away from internet-based cookies.One proposal suggests grouping users together based on interests, which effectively removes the individual from the equation.Google claims this approach has been found to be up to 95% as effective as internet-based cookies and hopes to test publicly soon.Google's privacy practices have been under major scrutiny lately, particularly when it comes to how it handles cookies and targeted ads on the web. The company maintains that it's on the side of the users, working to improve how it handles user browsing data. First announced last year, Google's Privacy Sandbox shows how the company is taking steps to not only address the privacy of users, but it's also working with others to make it happen.As mentioned in a blog post, Google's Privacy Sandbox is essentially a set of rul...

Spotify's first collection of audiobooks features several classics.What you need to knowSpotify is experimenting with audiobooks by launching its first collection, which it will use to test the user experience.Classic novels like Frankenstein and Great Expectations are narrated by celebrities like Forest Whitaker and Hilary Swank.A new Spotify series hosted by a Harvard professor offers an analytic deep-dive of the classic novels.Spotify isn't afraid to spread its wings and try new things. The company is constantly trying out different experimental features in an attempt to switch up its offerings beyond music. It's definitely nice to see one of the best streaming music services trying to keep things fresh and offer a plethora of audio services for its customers. The latest experiment sees the company finally breaking into audiobooks, and could end up giving Amazon a run for its money.Spotify has just released its first collection of audiobooks today, and while the books ...

The Galaxy Note 20 series are two of the best Android phones right now. If you're already a fan of the Note lineup, then you'll have a lot to be excited about with the new generation. If you aren't a fan, you should be. The phones have all the latest from Samsung, including a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, a triple camera setup, 5G connectivity, and a new and improved S Pen stylus.Being brand new, these phones are going to set you back a penny or two, but we're on top of that. We've got every place you can find the Note 20 (or the Note 20 Ultra) and every deal available right now.Best Note 20 Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $698Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more More Info: Price tracking, comparisons & more$10/month Note 20 at AT&TBuy the Note 20 on a 30-month installment plan, sign up for AT&T Unlimited, and trade-in an eligible smartphone to get a credit applied to your monthly bill which brings its price down to ju...

For large homes or even two-bedroom apartments, smart thermostats for multiple zones are key to saving energy without turning some rooms into ovens or freezers. Most of the best smart thermostats can detect the temperature in the room where it's installed, but bedrooms or other rooms with different insulation or windows are liable to differ significantly in temperature. That's why you don't want just any thermostat, but instead one like the Ecobee SmartThermostat, which can pair with room sensors for total home awareness. Below are all the multi-zone smart thermostats worth considering for your home.Best Overall: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice ControlThe Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is the best smart thermostat for multi-zone heating and cooling, and one of the best thermostats you can buy overall. It's compatible with all popular smart home platforms — Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, and even Microsoft Cortana — and...

Samsung's next Galaxy Watch will make a debut at the second Unpacked of 2021.What you need to knowSamsung's next smartwatch is said to come with a blood glucose monitorIt'll work with an optical sensor that allows the Galaxy Watch to track blood sugar levels without actually drawing blood.Samsung will put this against Apple's next Watch, rumored to also be shipping with a blood sugar tracker.Samsung's Galaxy Watch 3 was already heavily health-focused, but the Galaxy Watch 4 may be even more so. A report from the Korean ET News claims that the company's next smartwatch may ship with a blood glucose monitor, The upcoming smartwatch, either branded the Galaxy Watch 4 or the Galaxy Watch Active 3 will come with an optical sensor that can measure the blood glucose levels without needing to draw blood.Samsung has tested the technology in the past and has published research showing how it is possible, so it does make sense for the company to integrate this in a health-focused sm...

Speaking as a passionate mobile gamer, finding the best smartphone gaming accessories can save you from bad controls, a dying battery, tinny audio, and limited internal storage. With cloud-based streaming platforms on the rise and the best Android games adding controller support and more demanding graphics, having the right Android gaming accessories on hand can make or break a gaming session. We've rounded up the best controllers, battery packs, and headphones that you should consider if you want to step your game up.One size fits mostRazer KishiStaff PickBuilt to slot in almost any Android phone with a center USB-C port, the Kishi runs off your phone battery and supports passthrough charging. Unlike most Bluetooth controllers, you'll never have to charge it, it collapses into a convenient travel size, input lag is never a problem, and it's less conspicuous than a gaming-clip controller when playing on the go.$80 at Amazon$80 at Best BuyBuilt for phones, tablets and P...

One UI 3.1 brings a host of features specific to the tablet experience on the Galaxy Tab S7.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 was the first device to be updated to One UI 3.1, which will be available on the Galaxy S21 at launch.The new update brings Android 11 features like Bubbles, as well as some features specific to the tablet experience on the Galaxy Tab S7.Second screen allows your Galaxy Tab to become a Windows 10 device with a shared experience across two displays.Samsung is still rolling out One UI 3.0 to its devices, albeit at a fairly quick rate considering the number of devices is has to update. Meanwhile, the company already took time at its Galaxy Unpacked event to announced the new One UI 3.1 experience, which will come pre-installed on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones. Last week, the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ became the first devices to be updated to the new software in some regions, and Samsung is detailing new features coming to the tabl...

Twitter's solution to misinformation lies in its sizable audience.What you need to knowTwitter today announced Birdwatch, a crowd-sourced moderation solution for its social media platform.Birdwatch relies on volunteers to apply notes on tweets that need additional content, whether due to being misleading or otherwise.Twitter says Birdwatch will remain separate from Twitter's main app for now.Twitter last year was said to be testing out a range of moderation features aimed at controlling questionable content on the site. The company had seen its eponymous social media service become a hotbed of misinformation, disinformation and was determined to do something about it. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and later the 2020 U.S. Presidential elections, it started with a labeling feature where it could direct users to pertinent information on controversial topics. If someone strove to misinform about the either of the topics, Twitter would stick a label under thei...

Samsung Galaxy smartwatches offer a range of watch styles that can suit many different situations, and having the best apps for the Galaxy Watch makes it even better. The ability to download apps to customize your watch further is one of the best reasons to get a smartwatch. Below are some of the best apps you can download from the Galaxy Store for your watch.Go customFacerStaff pickFacer is an app that has been around for years, offering nearly any style of watch face you can imagine. There are classic-looking options to futuristic ones and everything in between. The app is free, and so are some of the options within the app. However, some may have a cost, but great work is worth paying for.Free at Galaxy StoreGood tunesSpotifySpotify is one of the most popular music services around, and Samsung Galaxy watches have direct access, with an app made for your wrist. You can stream and control your full Spotify library, including playlists you've created. Now ...

Echo VR is finally getting some serious customization options and rewards for playing.What you need to knowEcho VR is getting huge new customization options for players to earn through play or via a premium tier.Echo Pass Season 1 will include 50 items to unlock and will launch in the coming months.This is not a pay-to-win scheme since all items are solely for customization.Echo VR is getting its first huge update since Echo VR on Oculus Quest launched in May 2020. Echo Pass represents the first season of epic rewards and loot for gamers looking to further customize their Echo chassis in the game and features content that can be unlocked with Tier Experience Points (TXP). Currently, Echo VR on Oculus Quest only features Echo Arena, while Echo Combat remains something players can experience for $9.99 on the Rift platform, or via an Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 with Oculus Link.Echo VR gamers have always been able to customize their Echo chassis, but Echo Pass takes that ...

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a godsend for those of us who want to stick with our trusted non-smart television and also want to access Netflix on it, while the Fire TVs have all the capabilities of Amazon's Fire TV Stick built into the TV itself. They're generally affordably priced, but the best time to purchase one is during a sale. Below are the best Fire TV deals we could find to help you locate the right device or TV set for your home.Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Available NowFire TV devices: from $20Fire TVs: as low as $150Device bundles: starting at $72Sometimes, Amazon offers deals which are only available to Prime members, so it helps to keep your membership active while you're on the hunt.Best Cheap Fire TV Device DealsIf you have yet to cut the cable company out of your life, the devices listed below are easily worth their full price so you can finally make it happen. You might not save huge on the Fire Stick, but not paying for cable each month will save you ev...

Clubhouse is an invite-only social media app that's iPhone-exclusive for now.What you need to knowClubhouse, an audio-only social network, is coming to Android soon.The highly sought after app has been iPhone exclusive since launch.Rival social media apps, Twitter and Telegram, have dabbled with Clubhouse's premier selling point as feature add-ons.Clubhouse, a hot new social network that blew up during the pandemic, is launching its own Android app, after months of being an iPhone-exclusive experience.For the unaware, Clubhouse is a social media network with a twist — it's audio-only. This means no stories, no fleets, no photos. It's more natural 'feeling' than a group-chat, and it's a lot more ephemeral and private due to its very nature.In a story run by the New York Times when the app just launched, users described the experience as a highly addictive and engaging experience that replicated a real-world environment. "It's like walking into a party where you kn...

A digital Pro Bowl.What you need to knowEA and the NFL have announced a special Pro Bowl event taking place online ahead of the Super Bowl.The event will see celebrities, NFL legends, and current Pro Bowlers playing against one another.The event is taking place on Sunday, January 31, 2021.With the NFL Pro Bowl not occurring this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Electronic Arts and the NFL announced today that various celebrities, NFL legends, and current players will be taking part in a special online version of the event, with competitors playing each against one another in Madden NFL 21.Dubbed The Pro Bowl: The Madden NFL 21 Edition Presented by Verizon, the event will be streamed live on the NFL's YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pages, as well as on EA Madden NFL's Twitch channel on Sunday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m. EST.When the games kick off, fans will see Snoop Dogg partner up with NFL superstars Deshaun Watson and Derrick Henry, as well as NFL legend Keyshawn Jo...

The PS5 introduced a new UI with lots of new features for PlayStation users. One of many features players might not know about is the ability to use voice dictation, so rather than typing messages to your friends, you can easily speak them. It's a touch hidden away but will save your fingers from having to type out long sentences one letter at a time. Here's how to use voice dictation in PS5 messages.Products used in this guideA solid headset: Razer Kraken headset ($40 at Amazon)Spare controller: PS5 DualSense controller ($70 at Amazon)How to use voice dictation in PS5 messagesPress the PS button on your DualSense controller.Select a friend's profile in your list of friends via the Game Base.Now select Messages.Alternatively, you can select the card for an existing PS5 Party.Once you start typing a message, look for and select the small microphone icon in the digital keypad.If this is your first time using Voice Dictation, you'll have to agree to Sony's terms of se...

A new leak of the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 suggests some new must-have features for the wearable.What you need to knowAn upcoming Xiaomi wearable is said to feature built-in GPS, an Sp02 sensor, and Amazon Alexa support.The new wearable will be able to track as many as 19 different physical activities.The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 could feature a larger display and come in two different variants.The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is a fairly impressive wearable and is easily one of the best fitness trackers on the market. For around $40 you get an impressive set of features with long battery life to boot. The device launched last Summer in China, with a slightly different variant for global markets that hit later in the year. Now we are getting our first tidbits (via XDA-Developers) of Xiaomi's expected successor, with some welcome improvements that should make OnePlus Band envious.While digging into the code of a wearable companion app, references to the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 were discovered along with som...

Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are everywhere, but it's a bit more difficult to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. There are plenty of current OnePlus models to choose from, and whether you want a OnePlus 8, or a OnePlus 7 Pro, or one of the more affordable OnePlus Nord devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus Nord devices: get one for freeOnePlus 8 devices: up to $750 offOnePlus 7 devices: starting at $350Which to buy?OnePlus 8 Pro | $799.99 at AmazonAmazon is offering $200 off the cost of the OnePlus 8 Pro today, though only the Onyx Black model is still available at this low price. These phones have Amazon Alexa built-in and feature 12GB RAM as well as 256GB storage.$917.99 at AmazonAll of the deals below vary in nature, so while some allow you to buy the unlocked phone with a single purchase today, others require a monthly payment plan; these plans are attache...

Source: StackCommerceDiagrams are really useful for visualizing information, but they can be tricky to create. MyDraw makes the process quicker and simpler, with loads of tools in a user-friendly interface. Right now, it's 50% off at $33.99.While you can use Illustrator to make mind maps and floor plans, Adobe's app is really not made for the job. In contrast, MyDraw offers a range of specialized diagramming tools.Available on Windows and Mac, the software offers a selection of templates for flowcharts, flyers, certificates, scorecards, and many other diagram types.If you prefer to create your graphics from scratch, you can easily add lines, curves, rectangles, ellipses, polygons, and many other shapes. MyDraw also offers control point editing, automatic layouts, and rich text editing.Being a vector editor, MyDraw allows you to export your work at print resolution in a number of formats. This means you can quite easily produce business cards and brochures using MyDraw. In fac...

While there are thousands of games that can be played on PS5 through PS5 backward compatibility, a lot less are specifically designed for Sony's newest powerhouse. We've rounded up the very best games you can play on PS5 today and split them up by genre so that you can easily browse what interests you most. From RPGs to multiplayer games and free-to-play, we've got you covered.For the purposes of this list, we've tried to stick with newly released games with PS5 versions or games that have been updated to take advantage of its extra power. Rest assured, it's not an exhaustive list of everything available on the system right now. For that, you'll want to check out the best PS4 games. As more games are released in the coming months, we'll branch out and add more categories.Jump to:RPGsAction/adventure ShooterMultiplayerFamily-friendlyFree-to-playBest PS5 RPGsRole-playing games have stood the test of time and are continually some of the most popular on the market. T...

The Google Photos app looks a lot more like the web app now.What you need to knowGoogle has updated the Photos app on Android to be more large-screen friendly.It now looks a lot more like the Photos web app and less like a stretched out phone app.With this update, the Photos app now works a lot better on Chromebooks as well.While Google makes powerful and well-designed apps for its Android platform, this only applies to phones for the most part. The majority of Google's apps on tablets and Chromebooks have been poorly designed when it comes to taking advantage of their larger screen real-estate. Google's started taking steps to fix that. Over the weekend, it's rolled out an update Photos app, reworking the interface so it makes a lot more sense on large screens.Upon installing this update, you'll notice the new design heavily pulls from the Photos web app. There's now an omnipresent search bar for finding your pictures, just like on the web. Now gone are the bottom tab ...

Best answer: No. Once an EeroOS update is available, the update will be rolled out to every Eero in your mesh. While the entire Eero update process can take 15-20 minutes, you can continue to use your network until the device restart that takes about 90 seconds.Simple setup and design: Eero ($79 at Amazon)The ultimate Eero upgrade: Eero 6 ($129 at Amazon)Eero is designed for simplicityThere are few reasons you may want to prevent your software from auto-updating, starting with the fear that an update might break something or cause a device you expect to stay connected to drop. This is an understandable fear since many of us rely on our internet connections for security equipment and even our jobs.The goal of a software update is to not only add new features, but to make sure any security issues are solved before they become a problem. You might feel that updates and other software changes might open up your network to a new set of problems but more often than not, these ...

Perfect for all your boulder-punching occasions.What you need to knowA special version of Resident Evil Village comes with Chris Redfield's jacket and is available only in Japan.It costs $1800 and also includes some 1/6 scale miniatures, as well as the regular Collector's Edition items.Resident Evil Village is scheduled to arrive on May 7, 2021.Resident Evil Village is available for preorder right now, with a long list of different editions you can grab. For the utmost absolute hardcore however, there's a Japan-only Collector's Edition that includes the items in the regular collector's edition, as well as some 1/6 scale miniatures and most importantly, Chris Redfield's jacket.The only catch is that in addition to being limited to Japan, this special version of the game runs for a mind-boggling 192,500 Yen, or a little over $1800.Resident Evil Village is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, again placing players in the shoes of Ethan Winters. After a terrible...

At this point, Bluetooth wireless headphones have become ubiquitous, coming in a variety of styles and feature sets to support great sound. There are a lot of 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 well for long-term use.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4There aren't many flaws to point out with the WH-1000XM4, and its place at the top of this list isn't surprising since its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3, 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 any...

Android's seamless updates feature was introduced five years back.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S21 series phones do not support Android's seamless updates feature.Seamless updates allow updates to be installed in the background, allowing you to continue using your phone without any interruption. Google had planned to make the feature mandatory on all phones with Android 11, but walked it back for some reason.In July last year, a commit to AOSP Gerrit had suggested that Google was finally preparing to make Android's seamless updates feature mandatory on all phones with Android 11. Unfortunately, however, it appears Samsung's best Android phones of 2021 do not support the useful feature (via 9to5Google).Max Weinbach from Android Police noted on Twitter that he couldn't find "ro.virtual_ab" anywhere in the system image from a Galaxy S21. Third-party apps Treble Info and Treble Check also suggest the Galaxy S21 devices lack support for seamless updates.Yeah I'm not findi...

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum mechanical gaming keyboard is one of the most advanced mechanical keyboards around, and right now it's down to just $109.99 at Best Buy. That's a match for one of its best prices ever. The black version of the same keyboard is $160 on Amazon, Neither retailer has sold the K95 for less than today's price before, and you can still find it going for as much as $200 at other retailers like Adorama.This sale is part of Best Buy's deals of the day, so the price won't last long. The sale actually includes another piece of Corsair gear, just in case you're looking to round out your battle station's equipment. The Corsair HS60 Pro wired gaming headset is down to $44.99 from $70 through the end of the day.The Corsair K95 mechanical keyboard is built to last you forever and comes with an aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame that's super durable. If you use your computer a lot or game heavily, you want a keyboard that isn't going to give under the press...

Galaxy S21Everything you need$800 at AmazonProsVibrant 120Hz AMOLED panelSnapdragon 888 with 5G connectivityThree years of guaranteed updates15W wireless chargingReliable camerasConsNo microSD slotPlastic backNo charger in the boxThe Galaxy S21 is missing a few features from its predecessor, but you still get a great overall phone that starts off at an even lower price point. There is a stunning FHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh, the latest internal hardware on Android with 5G, all-day battery life, Android 11 with three years of updates, and cameras that take stellar photos.iPhone 12The right balanceFrom $799 at AppleProsSublime OLED panelPremium designClass-leading hardwareFive years of software updatesInteresting MagSafe charging techGreat camerasCons60Hz refresh rate onlyFace ID notch is distractingStill uses Lightning portNo charger in the boxThe iPhone 12 introduces a new design aesthetic and considerable performance up...

With Black Friday and the holidays way behind us, you might be forgiven for assuming that there would be zero headphone deals around right now, especially not on the best wireless headphones on the market. But you would have been wrong with the Sony WH-1000XM4 ANC headphones falling back down to their best-ever price over at Amazon today.Down to just $278, not only are you scoring Sony's newest Bluetooth cans at a $72 discount but you're also snagging them for the exact same price we saw during limited-time Black Friday sales. The deal applies to all three color options, though we don't know exactly how long this deal will last for.We consider the Sony XM4 headphones to be the best noise-cancelling headphones around, and the previous best were Sony's XM3 headphones. So no one does it better. If you want a set that lets you hear exactly what you want to hear while still giving you great battery life, excellent audio quality even over wireless, and more, then this is the deal for y...

One of Best Buy's deals of the day includes the Neato Robotics Botvac D4 connected robot vacuum cleaner on sale for $249.99. You can also find this robot vacuum deal price matched at Amazon. In both places, the D4 normally goes for $300 or more. Sometimes it sells as high as $430. Today's price matches an all-time low and one we've seen it hit a few times since Black Friday. Grab it now if you've missed out on it before as it'll be jumping up in price tomorrow.The convenient part about this robot vacuum is that it connects to an app on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to control its actions or schedule a cleaning from anywhere in the world. With the app, you can even set up "no-go lines" to keep the vacuum out of certain areas of the home. That's pretty important when you just want the robot vacuum to focus on your kitchen or living room without moving all around the house.The D4 uses LaserSmart technology that helps it to scan and map your entire home so it can clean in a...

Sony hasn't released a new Xperia Compact phone since 2018.What you need to knowSony is apparently going to resurrect its Xperia Compact line sometime later this year.The upcoming Xperia Compact phone will have a 5.5-inch screen and a dual-camera setup on the back. Sony's last "Compact" Xperia phone was announced in February 2018.Last year, Apple introduced the iPhone 12 Mini – offering some of the best features of its more expensive models in a much smaller form factor. While there is no true alternative to the iPhone 12 Mini in the Android world, that could change soon. Reliable leaker @OnLeaks has posted the first renders of Sony's upcoming "Compact" Xperia phone, which will be released sometime later this year.As you can see in the renders below, the upcoming Xperia Compact phone will have a waterdrop notch at the top and a huge chin at the bottom. The phone is tipped to feature a 5.5-inch display, slightly larger than the iPhone 12 mini's 5.4-inch panel. While it w...

The Hisense 43H5500G 43-inch 1080p Android TV is down to $199.99 through Amazon's deals of the day. This TV was selling for as much as $250 most recently and more often settles around $230. The drop to $200 is a match for its lowest ever and one we haven't seen since the Black Friday shopping weekend. Although the 40-inch version is sold out right now, it normally goes for around $240 itself, so the 43-inch version on sale today is even cheaper than its little brother usually sells for.While the size and resolution denote a TV that probably won't become the centerpiece of your living room, the price suggests it'd be a great set for a side room, a kid's room, or even your bedroom. It might not be the best TV you have, but it'll definitely be one of the most convenient. Similar to Roku TV at the onset of smart TVs, Android TV has become one of the more reliable smart platforms around. It gives you easy access all of your favorite apps. You can stream from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and ...

The 4-1-1 on NBC's new Peacock streaming serviceNBC recently entered the streaming service game with its Peacock streaming platform.Officially launched in July 2020, Peacock offers thousands of hours of entertainment programming, consisting of classic movies and television series, curated channels, live sports coverage, and next-day access to current series for free, with limited ads. You can also upgrade to a monthly plan for even more exclusive content.Whether you're interested in trying Peacock or just want to know how it compares to other platforms, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about Peacock.PeacockWant it. See it. Like it. Stream it.From $5/month at PeacockFind shows, movies, and live sportsNBC's new Peacock streaming service gives users access to new and classic NBC series, as well as late-night talk shows, sports, and more. Try the free tier now, or sign up for one of the premium plansPeacock Streaming ServiceWhat is Peac...

Chatting with the AC forums.It's no secret that Samsung is one of the most prominent brands in the Android space. Whether it be its mainstream Galaxy S flagships, bleeding-edge folding phones, or anything else in between, the entire market pays attention whenever Samsung makes a move.Samsung continues to make incredible smartphones, but if you take a look around certain parts of the internet, you'll find that not everyone is thrilled with the direction the company is headed.With the most recent Galaxy S21 losing features like expandable storage and MST — along with there being rumors that the Galaxy Note brand is dying this year — some fans are concerned about the company's future. Here's what a few of them had to say in our forums: subguy812 01-24-2021 09:00 AM “ I see many Note 20U users saying they are unhappy with Samsung's decisions, not just with the S21, but actually the unrest ha...

Huawei may be preparing to exit the smartphone market after U.S. ban.What you need to knowHuawei was banned from doing business with U.S. entities including Google and Qualcomm back in 2019.The company has been unable to ship new Android phones with the Google Play Store since then.With sales declining, Huawei is considering selling its flagship smartphone brands.Huawei may be about to make some tough choices regarding its smartphone division. Similar to LG, the company is reportedly considering selling off parts of its smartphone division. Specifically, it might be selling off its flagship Mate and P-series brands to a consortium led by Shanghai government-backed investment firms after months of declining sales. If the sale is successful, it will see Huawei exit the high-end smartphone market. Once again, just like LG, Huawei has issued a strongly worded denial.Reuters reported on Monday: However, Huawei has yet to make a final decision on the sale and the talks migh...

Best answer: Not yet. While Wi-Fi 6E will offer a solid upgrade to those living in dense areas, the increase in speed isn't significant enough to justify the current high prices.Plenty of Wi-Fi 6 speed for most: Eero Pro 6 ($229 at Amazon)What is Wi-Fi 6E and how is it different from Wi-Fi 6?For years, Wi-Fi has used channels at 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz, with 5.8 GHz adding a bit more capacity a while later. If you don't have a lot of close neighbors, these channels probably offer more than enough speed even when your connection is pushed beyond gigabit speed. For those of us that live in a dense area, we're starting to hit the limits.If you check out all of the connections in your area, you start to get an idea of the congestion your router needs to navigate. A Wi-Fi analyzer app can help you see overlapping Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 has been able to do more with this space thanks to tech like a more advanced QAM setup, but it still has to share the same chunks of spectrum.Wi-Fi 6E co...

The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro may not bring any major upgrades over their predecessors in the display department.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed the display specs of OnePlus' upcoming flagship phones.The OnePlus 9 is tipped to feature a flat FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the OnePlus 9 Pro will have a 6.78-inch curved panel with QHD+ resolution.Both phones will have a hole-punch cutout at the top-left corner, just like their predecessors.Last month, a massive leak revealed quite a few details about OnePlus' upcoming flagship phones, including their battery size and charging speeds. More key specs of the OnePlus 9 series phones have now surfaced, courtesy of Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station (via Android Authority).According to the tipster, the vanilla OnePlus 9 will feature a 6.55-inch flat display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, is said to come with a 6.78-inch curved display with QHD+ resoluti...

Best answer: UWB is short for ultra-wideband, a wireless technology that relies on radio waves to accurately gauge distance between objects. The S21+ and S21 Ultra have UWB and can be used as a virtual car key for select BMW models, and the tech is set to debut in Samsung's upcoming Tile-rivaling SmartTag+.The flagship to beat: Galaxy S21 Ultra ($1,200 at Samsung)The power you need: Galaxy S21+ ($1,000 at Samsung)What is UWB in the Galaxy S21 series?Think of ultra-wideband (UWB) as a turbocharged verison of Bluetooth. The Bluetooth LE (low energy) standard isn't ideal for location sensing because of the latency — which is usually over 3ms — but with UWB, that is brought down to under 1ms. UWB also has over three times the range of Bluetooth, and can transmit over 20 times the amount of data. UWB is more accurate and can transmit much more data than Bluetooth.UWB has significant advantages over Bluetooth because it works at a higher frequency — the pulse-based te...

At its recent Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled the all-new Galaxy S21 models. If you want to get your hands on one as soon as possible and make a saving, we're here to let you know the best place to pick one up.Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Deals Available NowSamsung Galaxy S21 Deals: Get one for FREESamsung Galaxy S21+ Deals: Buy one, get oneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Deals: Save up to $1,000We've been used to Samsung releasing three S series phones a year for a little while now. Back in 2019, we saw the release of the Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+, with 2020 giving us the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. The 2021 lineup follows that trend with Samsung unveiling the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra phones.Though the Samsung Galaxy S21 devices were only just announced, there are a whole bunch of deals already available at the pre-order stage so you can save money while also pocketing the latest flagship device on the market.Best Cheap Samsung Galaxy S21 DealsThe Samsung Galax...

With 2020 behind us, it's time to move forward, look ahead, and talk about the 2021 Super Bowl. For those keeping track, Super Bowl 55 (LV) is on February 7th this year down in sunny Tampa, Florida. Here are a few more details for fans that can't get enough.The 2021 NFL Super Bowl takes place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Kickoff is set for 6:30pm ET / 3:30pm PT on CBS.This is the home stadium for the Tampa Bay Bucs, which is convenient if they make it to the big game. Raymond James Stadium typically has a capacity of nearly 66,000 people, but due to a global pandemic, it won't have that many fans in the stands.Florida is hosting back-to-back Super Bowls after the Chiefs defeated the 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens last year. Interestingly enough, this year was originally scheduled to play in Los Angeles. However, in 2017 the NFL awarded Super Bowl 55 to Tampa, Florida, after moving L.A. to the year 2022. Here's a look at the next few years.2022: Super B...

Rival TSMC is expected to build a $12 billion chip plant in Arizona by 2024.What you need to knowA new report from Bloomberg claims Samsung could invest more than $10 billion to build a new chipmaking plant in Austin.The proposed facility will be capable of producing chips as advanced as 3nm. Samsung is hoping to catch up with TSMC and win more American clients with the new plant.Samsung is planning to invest over $10 billion to build its most advanced logic chipmaking plant in Austin, according to a report from Bloomberg. The South Korean tech giant is hoping that the investment will help it win more American clients and also catch up with rival chipmaker TSMC. According to research by Citibank, Samsung's existing facility in Texas is "too small" to meet the increasing orders from companies like Qualcomm, Intel, and Tesla.As per people familiar with the matter, the plans are currently in preliminary stages and subject to change. The proposed chipmaking plant in Austin, ...

The FCC has a new Acting Chairperson, Jessica Rosenworcel, and reviews are in for Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra. As well, Hayato, Jerry, Ara, and Daniel share some Chromebook news and discuss the disparate landscape of messaging apps.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: Fixed focus | Android CentralSamsung confirms it will 'gradually' remove the charger from future Galaxy phones | Android CentralActing Chairwoman Rosenworcel on Designation to Lead FCC | Federal Communications CommissionGoogle threatens to withdraw search engine from Australia - BBC NewsGoogle Play is unsportsmanlike, U.S. states likely to argue in potential lawsuit | ReutersHP's new Chromebooks for schools are built to get disinfected daily | Android CentralNew Acer Chromebooks for students bring 4G LTE and 20-hour battery life | Android CentralWeChat ...

Best answer: No. Sony has not stated which internal SSDs will be compatible just yet and the PS5 does not support expanded internal storage at the moment. Only buy an external SSD if you're looking to store and play your backward-compatible PS4 games.For backward compatibility: Samsung T7 Portable SSD ($80 at Amazon)What's the difference between an SSD and HDD?To make it as simple as possible: SSDs are much faster, usually smaller, and cost more than HDDs. This is because SSDs use flash storage to read and write information while HDDs have mechanical parts that physically read and write information.If you look at the PS5 vs PS4 Pro, which uses an HDD, the PS5 is lightning fast in comparison.Should I buy an internal or external SSD?When Sony approves expanded storage for PS5, you should definitely buy an internal SSD. There's a dedicated slot for one next to its fan and across from the disc drive after you take off the white plate. The problem is that Sony has not confir...

The best soundbars have come a long way in the last few years. While full-sized speakers will still sound better — sound needs space, after all — soundbars are great for their size. That size also requires a smaller footprint in your living room, so it's great for people who want to save space. With something like the Sonos Beam, you'll get great sound without a head-scratching installation process, and more. Plus, if it's paired up with one of the best Android TVs, then this creates the ultimate home theater setup so you can grab some popcorn and enjoy your favorite movies. There are other great soundbars available, and we have detailed some of the best soundbar options for your home.Best Soundbar Overall: Sonos Beam Smart TV Sound BarWith the Sonos Beam, you get the best soundbar with some basic smarts. The Sonos Beam connects to your TV with HDMI-ARC or with the included HDMI-to-Optical adapter. A recent update has brought the ability for integration between Sonos produc...

There are a lot of cheap tablets out there, but only a few are worthy of being called the best cheap Android tablets. The Android tablet market, on the whole, is a bit of a mess once you look outside of Amazon or Samsung, but there are some solid and viable options if you want to spend less than $300. We've rounded up some of our favorites, and while they vary in features and uses, all of the best cheap Android tablets are worthy of claiming the title of being your next couch tablet.Best Cheap Android Tablet Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7It's no surprise that Samsung offers the best cheap Android tablet, as the company provides options for every corner of the Android market. Even with newer tablets like the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, the Galaxy Tab A7 is no slouch and includes many features you will want.Starting off with the design, this is a slim aluminum slab with glass on the front, which makes for quite a gorgeous form factor. With the Galaxy Tab A7, Samsung made the decisio...

Source: StackCommerceTo be successful in business, you need at least a basic grasp of finance, management, sales, and other topics. The Ultimate All-Access Business Bundle helps you acquire this knowledge, with 150 hours of top-rated training for just $34.99.Some people pick up business skills through trial and error. By doing a little studying upfront, you can seriously improve your hit rate.This bundle brings together 12 courses from award-winning MBA professor, Chris Haroun. He is also a successful VC, the author of a best-selling business, and an online instructor who has helped over 848,000 students.The training starts with Haroun's top-rated "MBA in 1" course, which helps you get that business school education. Rated at 4.4 stars, this track provides seven hours of essential learning for entrepreneurs.After that, separate courses focus on management, delegation, interviewing, finance, productivity, presentation, marketing, business plan development, and more.The full bu...