Latest from Android Central

While it might not be the latest Fire tablet, the 8th-generation Fire HD 8 is available as low as $49.99 in brand new condition at Woot for a limited time. What's even better is that you can bundle it with Amazon's first-party Show Mode Charging Dock for just $1 more.Getting an 8-inch tablet and a dock from just $51 total is a steal, especially when you consider that a certified refurb Fire HD 8 tablet goes for $100 and the Show Mode dock is $20 right now.The 8th-generation Fire HD 8 tablet is the previous-gen model from 2018. It features a vibrant, durable 8-inch HD IPS display and is powered by a quad-core processor and 1.5GB of RAM.The model on sale today at Woot comes in black with 32GB of built-in storage. That being said, you can expand the storage by up to 400GB with a microSD card.In addition to working as a tablet for web browsing, email, and watching video, the tablet now has Show Mode. This gives your tablet some of the same features that the Echo Show has. You can...

Google's Pixel 4a is one of the best phones available in its price bracket, but that doesn't mean you can't make a holiday saving on it. Right now, B&H Photo is offering the unlocked Google Pixel 4a for just $319 which is the best direct price drop we've tracked for it so far. This one-day deal takes $30 off the phone's regular price at checkout and also bundles in a free clear case worth $20. This is one of the best cheap Android phone deals around right now so you definitely want to make the most of it while supplies last.Google didn't change much about the Pixel 4a over its predecessor, the Pixel 3a; it kept the plastic body, the austere design, and the no-nonsense approach to Android. But what it did change, it improved on a wide scale: it's faster, it has more RAM and memory, a nicer display, and three additional years of Android platform and security updates to soothe even the most critical of users.Unlike previous Pixel devices, there is no XL model of the Google Pixel...

Not sure if your phone will get Android 10? You've come to the right place.Android 10 has been out for more than a year now, and whether you're excited about its new permission settings for apps or the glorious dark mode, there are plenty of reasons to be eager for it to arrive on your phone. Android 11 has already been available for the Pixel lineup since day one, and while we are seeing the likes of Samsung and OnePlus devices seeing the latest update, there are many handsets that are still awaiting the update to Android 10.However, as with all Android updates, there's a difference between when Google launches the final build and when the new software actually arrives on your smartphone. We'll be taking a look at all of the major Android phone makers and breakdown when exactly you can expect an Android 10 update for your device. Let's dive a bit deeper and find out which of the best Android phones have been updated to Android 10.Google PixelSamsungLGHuaweiMotorolaNoki...

Smarter home security is more affordable today thanks to a one-day sale at Woot on the Ring Stick Up Cam HD security camera. Over there, you can snag the 2nd-gen camera in used condition for just $49.99 which is about $30 less than a certified refurb model would set you back.The Stick Up Cam can monitor all areas of your home, whether indoors or out, in 1080p video that you'll be able to view using an app on your smartphone or tablet. It features night vision, two-way audio so you can both hear and speak to anyone on the opposite end of the camera with the app, and a slim design that can mount just about anywhere.The wire-free model features a quick-release battery that's rechargeable so you can get the camera back to work quickly, while the wired model requires a few more installation steps but won't need to be tinkered with much afterwards.Check in on your home with Live View on-demand video from anywhere and get notifications on your mobile device when the camera detects mot...

It's launching ten new games, with more to come.What you need to knowGoogle this week launched a new Games Lobby for its Nest Hub and other smart displays.It's designed to serve as your one-stop hub for Assistant-powered games.The company is also launching 10 new games, with more to come soon.As Google pushes forward with its plans to make its lineup of smart displays more than just glorified YouTube screens, the company has increasingly focused on adding more interactivity. A large part of this is games, and the company this week rolled out a new Games Lobby features for its smart displays.As the name suggests, it's designed to be the one-stop hub for all your gaming needs, with a revamped UI and better discoverability for the best-ranked and most featured games. The change falls in line with a larger redesign of the Nest Hub UI earlier in the year, with an added emphasis on tabbed navigation.That's not all, though. Alongside the redesign, Google's made your Nest Hub M...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.Diablo Immortal was initially announced in late 2018 by Blizzard, and will be the first Diablo entry designed for play on mobile devices. While there are many mobile RPGs to play, Immortal will be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device, and thus carries a ton of excitement with it. Ever since it's announcement, we've gotten a slow trickle of information, including some gameplay.With the first Technical Alpha for Diablo Immortal officially out now, Blizzard has also released a ton of new information on the game, including news on how monetization works, gameplay, and much more.Here is everything we know about the game so far.Jump to:What is Diablo Immortal?What type of game is it?What's gameplay like?When does it release?Technical Alpha Paragon levelingWhat is gear like?What classes are there?Is it free-to-play?Is there a Battle Pass?Is...

Google says it will continue to engage with the regulator to answer their questions.What you need to knowThe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has threatened to slap Google with a $400 million fine if it completes the Fitbit acquisition before the regulator completes its investigation.The regulator has rejected Google's offer to enter into a court-enforceable undertaking that would limit the way it would use data from Fitbit devices.While the EU has approved Google's Fitbit acquisition, the U.S. Justice Department is expected to rule on the deal sometime early next year. After a thorough antitrust investigation, the EU finally approved Google's Fitbit acquisition last week. However, the deal could soon face a new roadblock, as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has threatened to use legal powers to block the deal if Google takes over the wearable maker before it completes its investigation. In case it fails to block the deal, the regulator woul...

A small step forward for Fossil.What you need to knowFossil's next smartwatch will reportedly bring LTE support.It's unclear if the device will be powered by the Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset.FCC filings indicate a launch could be imminent.Fossil is known to be arguably one of the better, and possibly best Android smartwatch manufacturers, at least when it comes to Wear OS. While Google was seemingly twiddling its thumbs on the OS, Fossil was pumping out great hardware and even taking some responsibility for the software. While the launch of the Fossil Gen 5E was an unexpected half-step forward, new filings point to a fairly dramatic change coming to Fossil smartwatches.FCC filings of an unknown Fossil smartwatch with the model number C1NF1 have emerged and include a list of supported LTE bands. We can at least guess that Fossil's next batch of smartwatches, likely dubbed "Fossil Gen 6", will be the first Fossil-branded smartwatches to include LTE support.Fossil smartw...

Doesn't seem like many people would be affected by this change.What you need to knowT-Mobile is expected to begin informing subscribers that their devices will no longer be supported on its network.The devices in question are fairly old, with the latest model being from 2016.Support will apparently end on January 29th, 2021.T-Mobile is making a shocking move by ending support for nearly 20 devices early next year. Or, at least it would be shocking if the devices were any more recent than 2016. According to leaked internal documents obtained by Android Police, T-Mobile plans to inform subscribers of the change soon, as the following devices will be cut off from the network on January 29th:Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (AT&T model)Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Verizon model)Samsung Galaxy Note EdgeHTC Desire 10 LifestyleHTC Desire 650Google Nexus 9Huawei Mate 8Huawei P9Mikrotikls SIA_R11e-LTE6Netgear Arlo Security Camera SystemOnePlus OneQuanta Dragon IR7Samsung Galaxy S5...

The update is rolling out now!What you need to knowHBO Max is rolling out a new update that will enable 4K HDR streams from the app.4K HDR will only be available on select devices for now.Wonder Woman 1984 will be the first movie to be streamed on the app in 4K HDR.Hold on to your khakis, Kevin, because Wonder Woman 1984 is nearly here and HBO Max has finally updated its app to support 4K HDR streams. The inability to stream in 4K, let alone HDR, was a strange omission for a new streaming service in 2020. With the update, HBO Max brings support for even Dolby Atmos, which should help take things to the next level and put the service more at parity with other competing streaming services. We're bringing holiday cheer with this update. HBO Max will now support 4K UHD, HDR, and Dolby Atmos on select devices and titles. We'll be releasing even more 4K UHD titles throughout 2021—so stay tuned—we know you've been asking for this!The update is currently rolling out, but...

Jen, Carli, and Rebecca devote this episode to Cyberpunk 2077, starting with a look at the meta issues surrounding development and performance of the game. But then they dig into the gameplay itself and there's a whole lot to say. Keanu Reeves is glorious, and there sure are a lot of dildos just laying around. So unsanitary!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Cyberpunk 2077 PC review: Joining industry legend as a contender for best game ever made | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 for PS5 review: All set dressing, little substance | Android CentralCyberpunk 2077 releases 1.04 hotfix update, also brings bug fixes and improvements to Xbox Series X|S, Stadia | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 has 'large' updates slated for January and February | Windows CentralWith Cyberpunk 2077's review restrictions, CD PROJEKT RED played the system | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 ...

If you're looking for the best Oculus Quest case, you'll want to grab it soon. Now that the Quest has been discontinued in favor of the slightly smaller Quest 2, many original Quest cases are going out of stock, and Quest 2 cases may be an inch too small for your current headset. We've compiled the best case selections that will fit your budget and are still in stock, either for the Quest or the Quest 2.Official Quest CaseOculus Quest Travel CaseStaff PickThe official Oculus Quest Travel Case is the perfect fit to carry and store your Oculus Quest and accessories. Made specifically for the Quest, this case holds it perfectly in place, keeping everything snug. The controllers have a dedicated foam holder that ensures they do not move around or scratch your lenses.$40 at B&H $40 at Oculus StoreOfficial Quest 2 CaseOculus Quest 2 Carrying CaseIf you're here to find protection for the new Quest 2, look no further than the official Oculus Quest 2 Carrying Case....

"Oooohh, my eyeeees"What you need to knowGoogle Photos and Nickelback team up to update "Photograph" for the digital age.The video highlights many of the features that Google Photos offers.It's... interesting.Absolutely no one expected this. Google Photos and Nickelback have come together to give us a new take on the song "Photograph", and it's actually quite perfect. The ad updates the lyrics while fittingly taking viewers through various features recently introduced to the app that make it stand out among even the best Google Photos alternatives. You can check out the ad below.Going through lead singer Chad Kroeger's own digital scrapbook brings up albums with dates and topics, such as concerts, desserts, and even Joey's head (we never do figure out what was on his head). Google recently improved the algorithm on Google Photos to group photos based on not only dates and places, but also some of your favorite things, which we later see include sunsets, cats, and hairstyl...

Finding decent Android tablet deals isn't going to be tough this holiday season, especially with all the tablet discounts popping up during last-minute holiday sales. Of course, there are always opportunities to save on tablets even when it's not one of the biggest shopping events of the year. We're gathering all the best Android tablet deals and listing them right here to make saving on your next tablet simple.Best Android tablet dealsGalaxy Tab A: down to $100Galaxy Tab S5e: now $340Galaxy Tab S7: up to $100 offWith all the various Android tablets to choose from, you might be wondering which tablet is actually worth buying. We've created a few guides that can help you figure out which are the best of the best, from the best Android tablets to best Samsung tablets, and best Android tablets for students, though there are plenty more to consider as well. We're routinely updating the list below with the best tablet deals for all price points so you can find one that fits yo...

Cameras in smartphones are getting better than ever, and that applies just as much to videography as it does to photography. Luckily, just about any high-end phone captures great-looking footage these days. Some have great specialized video features, while others are better suited for point and shoot videography. So what's the best Android camera for shooting video?Best overallSony Xperia 1 IIStaff PickThe Xperia 1 II combines three great cameras — wide, telephoto, and ultra-wide — with robust manual controls and a color-accurate 4K display that's capable of utilizing the Rec. 2020 color gamut. Sony's Cinema Pro app is based on the company's CineAlta Venice cinema camera and allows you to manually set ISO, focus, and shutter speed, as well as apply LUTs to achieve different film looks.$1,098 at Amazon$1,200 at Best Buy $1,098 at B&HHighest resolution videosSamsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraThe Galaxy Note 20 Ultra doesn't have quite as extensive manual video c...

The number of copies refunded was taken into account but not disclosed.What you need to knowAccording to CD Projekt S.A, Cyberpunk 2077 has sold 13 million copies.This number is adjusted to reflect all of the refunded copies so far.Cyberpunk 2077 released on December 10, 2020.Cyberpunk 2077 continues to be the subject of much critical and commercial scrutiny but in spite of the poor reception to the game's base console versions, sales still appear to be strong. CD Projekt Red parent company CD Projekt S.A. shared an investor report today confirming that Cyberpunk 2077 sold over 13 million copies so far.This report, which is based on "reports obtained from digital distribution platforms and data collected from physical distributors" is noted to account for any refunds requested so far, though the exact number of copies that have been refunded remains unknown.While the high-end PC version Cyberpunk 2077 was critically praised, the console versions, especially on Xbox One ...

Four new games coming to Pro, six games leaving, and three new launches.What you need to knowFour new games join Stadia Pro in January like Hotline Miami and F1 2020.Cthulhu Saves Christmas was just added today, free for Stadia Pro.Six games leave Pro if you haven't claimed them yet, like Celeste and Dead by Daylight.Three new games launched today on Stadia, including Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light.Happy Holidays to all Stadia users! Today, Google dropped a bunch of headline-worthy news bits in its final This Week on Stadia blog post of 2020. The two most exciting bits of information are details regarding what's coming in January for free to Stadia Pro, as well as the new free Stadia Pro game that just hit the store today.Starting on Jan, 1, 2021, all Stadia Pro users can claim and play four new games, all of which are already out on the platform currently to buy:F1 2020Hotline MiamiFigmentAry and the Secret SeasonsIt's, frankly, not the most appealing mon...

The Galaxy Note 9 comes with a hefty amount of storage with the base model at 128GB, but if you want to get more with the 512GB variant, you need to cough up another $250. Granted that version also comes with an extra 2GB of RAM, but that's still a lot more money on top of an already expensive phone. Thankfully, you don't have to splurge for more storage space. Instead, you can pick up a microSD card for a lot less money and still give yourself some more wiggle room. And we have put together a collection of the best Galaxy Note 9 microSD cards you can get.All-rounderSamsung EVO Select 128GBStaff PickFor not too much money, you can get Samsung's 128GB EVO Select microSD card and bring your total available storage up to an impressive 256GB. Read and write speeds are rated at 100MB/s and 90MB/s, respectively, and the card's rated to perform in temperatures ranging from -13 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.$15 at Amazon$74 at NeweggReliability you can count onSanDisk Extreme 12...

Source: StackCommerceIt's pretty hard to experience live music right now. But with the HyperSonic DX Noise-Cancelling Earbuds, you can enjoy 3D audio wherever you go. These true wireless earbuds are now 33% off at $39.99.Most earbuds do a reasonable job of delivering the studio sound. It's very clean, but a little flat — you don't get the thumping bass or piercing vocals of live music.In contrast, the HyperSonic DX earbuds inject excitement into every track. Powered by the "3D Hyper Definition Sound Engine", they offer impressive clarity and dynamic range.They also feature passive noise cancellation to keep distractions at bay, while Bluetooth 5 provides strong wireless connections. You get up to 20 hours of playtime with the supplied charging case.Rated at 4.1 stars on Amazon, the DX earbuds are perfect for everyday listening and workouts. They are IPX6 water-resistant, with a directional mic for hands-free calls and speaking to Google or Alexa.They are normally priced at $...

Defining the best gaming monitor for your PC gaming setup varies upon your budget, the type of games you play, and your level of competitiveness. You can find a large 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for over a grand, but most gamers have to choose between either high refresh rates for online gaming or high resolution for maximum graphical performance. Thankfully, a solid QHD monitor like the Razer Raptor 27 hits the sweet spot between the two, but we have several alternatives below for more specialized needs.Best Overall: Razer Raptor 27While discussing the Razer Raptor 27, we'll introduce all of the terms and features to look out for in a gaming monitor, as it basically has everything you can ask for. Its 144Hz refresh rate means the Raptor can refresh itself 144 times per second, making the gameplay smoother and ensuring your high FPS performance translates to the monitor. With a 1ms response time, your mouse movements will immediately translate onto the screen with no di...

It's never too soon to start saving. Sure, the Google Pixel 5 is still brand new, but thanks to carriers and stores competing for your business, it's usually not too difficult to find an early discount on a popular product such as this. Pixel 5 deals may be limited at first, but we expect we'll be seeing plenty of offers in no time with carrier discounts arriving first and deals on unlocked devices following.Best Pixel 5 Deals Available NowWhere to buy the Pixel 5Carrier Deals: Trade-in and port-inUnlocked deals: Up to $150 offThe Google Pixel 5 offers a number of solid improvements upon the Pixel 4. Though its predecessor received some flak for its bad battery life, the Pixel 5 includes a 4080mAh battery that's miles better than the 2800mAh battery found in the Pixel 4. The cameras are receiving an upgrade as well; the telephoto lens from the Pixel 4 has been replaced with a standard and ultra-wide camera, along with a new motion blur mode and an audio zoom feature....

This time the companies are facing antitrust allegations together.What you need to knowFacebook and Google are both facing their own separate antitrust allegations.Documents uncovered a pact between the companies referencing a deal to giving Facebook exclusive access and advantages in Google's advertising tools.Terms of the deal seem to indicate that the companies were aware that their actions would lead to antitrust allegations, and that they would help each other if it did.Both Facebook and Google are already busy enough with their own antitrust allegations that the last thing they both need is something else to add to the mix. Alas, the latest development in the of the two giants comes in the form of uncovered documents that refer to a pact between the two companies to provide each other with ad-related advantages and to aid each other if and when any antitrust claims are targeted at the deal.The ongoing antitrust allegations against Google claim the company has held a...

Regardless of what phone you're using — whether it's one of the best Android phones you can buy today or an older phone — there are several reasons why you might need to factory reset your phone. Maybe your phone is overloaded with apps and running slow, you've downloaded a recent update and it's causing problems, or you just want to reset your phone before selling it. Here's how to reset your Android phone through the phone settings or via the recovery mode.Jump to:How to reset most Android phonesHow to reset your Samsung phoneHow to use the recovery menu How to factory reset your phone from the settings menuBefore we get started, know that a factory reset will erase all the data on your phone. If you haven't backed up your contacts, pictures, videos, documents, and anything else (preferably in the cloud), you should do so now. Not sure where to back up your data before a factory reset? Read our guide on how to do that first.Given the variety of phones availa...

Another installment of Google's seemingly endless courthouse woes is about to start.In the past couple of days, we've seen two new cases brought against Google and its alleged anti-competitive business practices. One lawsuit (brought by Texas AG Ken Paxton and the attorneys general of South Dakota, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas) concerns Google abusing its monopoly power over the technology the delivers its ads, as well as some highly questionable allegations of collusion with Facebook.The second lawsuit comes from a bipartisan group of over 30 state attorneys general and is filed in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia. The prosecutors have asked that the case be combined with the filing by the Justice Department in October because both cover the same scope: directly accusing Google of arranging search results to favor itself over rivals.Cas...

Cyberpunk 2077 plays so good on Google Stadia you'll totally forget you're streaming the game.When Cyberpunk 2077 was first announced back in 2012, Stadia was hardly a glimmer in Google's eye. Now, at the end of 2020, after over a year of new games on Stadia, the burgeoning cloud gaming scene is starting to gain steam, and CD Projekt Red's latest open-world RPG epic might be the kick in the pants Google needed.Amidst hard-to-find PC upgrades, lack of availability for the new generation of game consoles, and a demanding game that brings last generation hardware to its knees, Stadia is a beacon of light at the end of a buggy, unstable tunnel for many players.Despite the odds, Stadia is arguably the best place to play Cyberpunk 2077. In this review, I'll recap what I like and dislike about Cyberpunk 2077 as a whole before diving into the Stadia-specific analysis, but if you're interested in a more high-level discussion of the game as a whole regardless of the platform used, please...

There are a lot of great cases available, but some folks need the best Galaxy S20 FE heavy-duty cases. These offer the most protection possible, keeping the best Android phone of the year from having any damage accidentally inflicted. Some of these can even be considered as one of the best Galaxy S20 FE cases overall.Aluminum shellFoluu Aluminum Hard CaseStaff PickIf having a rugged case is the name of the game, you won't be disappointed by the Foluu Aluminum Hard Case. The bumper is made from an aluminum alloy, while featuring enough protection to handle just about everything. There's even an included tempered glass screen protector to keep your display looking in tip-top shape.$27 at AmazonGet a ringMilomdoi Military-Grade CaseThis kit from Milomdoi includes two different cases, including a basic clear case, along with a more-durable case with a 360-degree rotating ring on the back. The company also includes two tempered glass screen protectors so you'll h...

Best Oculus Quest 2 Deals Available NowOculus Quest 2: as low as $299Oculus accessories: starting at $39More on the Oculus Quest 2The next step in VR hardware has arrived, and now that the Oculus Quest 2 is available on store shelves, you can discover an immersive virtual reality of gaming starting as low as $299. Of course, if you know where to shop, you might even be able to score a discount on this new VR system.While deals don't come around every day on this new release just yet, it's not too soon to score a discount on the Oculus Quest 2. In fact, with the holidays right around the corner, we could be seeing some major savings sooner than you'd think. If you have yet to decide whether this VR headset is the right one for your home, our Oculus Quest 2 review can help you learn more about the new model.Best Oculus Quest 2 DealsThe Oculus Quest 2 was only just released in mid October, so it will still be some time before we see any crazy discounts on the new model. ...

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

Wireless earbuds and headphones that connect to your phone with a single inch of cable to be seen are all the rage right now, but getting a quality pair can be expensive. Huawei has a winning series with the new FreeBuds Pro, FreeBuds 3i, and FreeBuds Studio, and it's sharing the holiday spirit by making them that much easier to get your hands on with discounts from £20 to £70 off right now.Huawei FreeBuds Pro£139 at HuaweiYou can score a pair of the Huawei FreeBuds Pro with quality sound and active noise-cancelling technology at a £30 discount for the holidays.The Huawei FreeeBuds Pro start from exactly the point you'd expect: compact earbuds that will fit snuggly into your ears with silicon tips that help them create a complete seal, cutting down outside noise.Many earbuds cut out outside noise, but the FreeBuds Pro take it further with active noise-cancellation technology. Using the Huawei AI Life app, youc an customize the ANC levels, letting you tune it to your...

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 has a confusing name, but what isn't confusing is that this is a tough little Chromebook. ASUS built-in scratch resistance, spill resistance, and MIL-STD 810G durability. In short, the Chromebook Flip C214 is built to last. But sometimes, you want to add a little style to your Chromebook or just keep it that much safer. These are the best Asus Chromebook Flip C214 sleeves that we could find.Va-va-va-Voova!Voova 11.6-inch Laptop SleeveStaff PickOur favorite case comes from Voova. If you're going to use a laptop sleeve, why not make it fun to say too? "Voova!" This slick-looking case has a handle making it easier to carry your computer. There are also two zipper pockets on the front for carrying accessories. The exterior fabric is waterproof, keeping your laptop nice and safe.$15 at Amazon$29 at NewEggElegantly giant?Egiant 11.6-inch Laptop SleeveThis elegant little number comes in five colors and ranges in size from 11.6 inches...

The companies have warned that granting immunity to NSO would increase the chance of surveillance tools falling into the wrong hands.What you need to knowGoogle and Microsoft have joined Facebook's legal battle against Israeli hacking company NSO.Facebook had filed a lawsuit against NSO Group last year after it exploited a bug in WhatsApp to surveil over 1,400 people around the world.An amicus brief filed by the companies in support of Facebook warns that NSO's tools are both powerful and dangerous.Google, Microsoft, Cisco, GitHub, LinkedIn, VMWare, Dell, and the Internet Association have filed an amicus brief supporting Facebook's legal action against Israeli spyware maker NSO Group. Facebook had filed a lawsuit against the company in October last year, after it found that NSO Group had exploited an undisclosed vulnerability in WhatsApp to surveil over 1,400 individuals – including journalists and human rights activists.As reported by Reuters, NSO Group has argued that...

Be the life of the party with the JBL Pulse 4 portable Bluetooth speaker on sale for $179.95 at Amazon. This speaker sells for around $150 at its peak, but it has been selling mostly for around $200 since Black Friday. Today's drop beats whatever it dropped to over the major holiday sales events, even if we have seen it go lower in the past. This is a great deal and its second lowest price in its history. Only the black version is on sale as the white version of the Pulse 4 is still $250.The Pulse 4 is a very unique sort of speaker. Not only do you get 360-degree sound thanks to its omnidirectional array, you also get 360 degrees of lights. Turn a backyard barbecue into a rave with this high-resolution 360-degree LED light show. The pulse of the lights syncs with your music so you can jam for hours.The IPX7 rating means this speaker is highly resistant to water. You can even take it into a 3-foot deep pool and it would still be safe. With that sort of resistance you can use the P...

Zoom cocktail hours aren't the only virtual hangouts that have gained traction in the last year. Following Netflix's rollout of Teleparty — formerly Netflix Party — earlier this year, Disney recently launched GroupWatch, its own version of the digital watch party on Disney Plus. Are you planning on spending the night on your couch, streaming a new movie or series with friends? Here's the full rundown on how to host a group watch party on Disney Plus.Products used in this guideWhere to stream: Disney+ (From $7/month at Disney)How to host a virtual GroupWatch party on Disney PlusThe GroupWatch feature allows Disney Plus users to watch any title on the streaming service with friends and family virtually. GroupWatch will sync streams so that you can easily watch together, even when you're in different locations. This can be done by accessing the app via your computer or on your mobile device. We'll start with a step-by-step guide on how to use the GroupWatch feature when ac...

Chatting with the AC forums.If you have a Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra, yesterday ended up being pretty exciting. As of December 21, 2020, Samsung is now rolling out the Android 11/One UI 3.0 update to unlocked variants of the Galaxy Note 20 family!As we've said a few times before, One UI 3.0 has a lot to offer. In addition to things like chat bubbles and improved notifications offered by Google, Samsung's thrown in its own tweaks and features to help make the user experience as good as can be.Taking a look through the AC forums, the update seems to be gradually making its way to handsets. Gab79 12-21-2020 10:56 AM “ This morning I have the notification. Reply GrooveRite 12-21-2020 11:52 AM “ Yup, it's there!! Happy DLing folks!! Reply frede...

The Chromebook will be offered in the same Fiesta Red and Mercury Gray color options as its predecessor.What you need to knowThe first images of Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook 2 have surfaced.Unfortunately, the specs of the device are a complete mystery at this point.The Galaxy Chromebook 2 is likely to be unveiled early next year. Samsung's Galaxy Chromebook was one of the best Chromebooks launched this year, featuring a gorgeous 4K AMOLED screen and high-end specs. Samsung is soon expected to unveil a successor to the Galaxy Chromebook, possibly at CES 2021 next month. The design of the upcoming Samsung Chromebook has now been leaked, courtesy of reliable leaker Evan Blass.Unsurprisingly, the Galaxy Chromebook 2 will look fairly similar to its predecessor, except for a few minor differences. As can be seen in the render above, the sides of the Galaxy Chromebook 2 will have the same color as the rest of the chassis. Samsung has also made slight changes to the position of th...

When you start shopping for the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 band, you'll be met with many different options. Depending on whether you purchased the 45 or 41mm model, your new Galaxy Watch 3 will require either a 22 or 20mm band, respectively. There are plenty of bands out there, so be sure to choose one that's going to match your style while also providing maximum comfort. Check out some of our favorites!Extreme comfortBarton Elite Silicone Watch BandStaff PickA band made of silicone material is a great choice for active individuals, like this option from Barton. It comes in both 20 and 22mm band sizes. You'll enjoy over 15 different color choices as well. The premium textured top, 316L stainless steel buckle has a proprietary locking feature that ensures your band remains in place all day long.$20 at AmazonBest of both worldsBEAFIRY Canvas Nylon Watch BandAnother option to consider is this BEAFIRY canvas nylon watchband. It's affordable while still being ma...

Different year, same result. You waited until the very end of the year to start your shopping. It's okay, we've all been there. Whether you have zero items and haven't even thought about it or just need to round out whomever is left with a few good trinkets, Best Buy not only has a great selection of items but these items are also on sale. The Last Second Savings Event features a dozen different electronics including laptops, 4K TVs, action cameras, and more. The tech is all on sale, too, so you can still save hundreds of dollars. If you're worried about getting your order on time, Best Buy has same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and even curbside pickup. The sale ends Thursday!The Lenovo Legion 5 laptop is one of the items discounted in this sale, and you can get it for just $799.99, which is $300 off its regular price. It's a gaming laptop with a 15-inch screen. It has an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card...

Here's how to find and share your most popular posts of the year!Towards the end of each year, it becomes quite common to see your Instagram feed filled with people's top nine most popular posts of the year. It's a fun way to look back at your biggest highlights, and thankfully, making your own Top 9 is a lot easier than you were probably thinking.First thing's first, we need to download an app that'll scan your Instagram account and make the collage of your popular photos for you. The app Top 9 is what's used the most, and while that's the app we previously recommended, we couldn't get it to work this year (FWIW, a quick look at Play Store reviews shows a lot of people are having trouble with it). You can try using Top 9 if you want, but for this example, we'll be using an app called Best Grid that effectively does the same thing.Open the Google Play Store.Search Top 9.Tap on the app called Best Grid from developer BeakerApps.Tap Install.Enter your Instagram name.Tap C...

Its days are numbered, but the Pixel 3 still has some fight left in it.October 2018 marked the arrival of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, two phones we firmly considered among the best in the Android space. Now, over two years later, the newer Pixel phones' features and specs have mostly left them in the dust. While you can still find new and unlocked Pixel 3 phones today, their updated expiration date is approaching fast.Despite all that, the Pixel 3 remains a reliable phone with a great camera and AMOLED screen and has some features that the bargain Pixel Xa phones lack. Pixel 3 owners will want to get the most out of their phones before they're forced to upgrade, so we have the information you need to do just that.From the latest Pixel news, our best accessory recommendations, and much more, here's everything you need to know about the Pixel 3!A worthy upgradeGoogle Pixel 5$700 at Amazon$700 at Best Buy$699 at B&HThe newest Pixel flagship nails all the fun...

Google and Microsoft join other large tech companies with an investment in VerSe.What you need to knowMicrosoft and Google were part of an investment round of over $100 million for VerSe.VerSe makes Dailyhunt, a news aggregator, and Josh, a TikTok rival based in India.The recent investment in VerSe is led by AlphaWave.Microsoft and Google were part of an investment round that raised over $100 million for VerSe Innovation (via Bloomberg). VerSe makes Dailyhunt, a news aggregator, and Josh, a short video app and TikTok rival based in India, among several other brands. VerSe is now valued at more than $1 billion.The latest wave of investment is led by AlphaWave. Previous investors Sofina Group and Lupa Systems also joined in the investment. Goldman Sachs and Sequoia Capital India are also investors in VerSe.The new investment will help VerSe bolster Josh, which is a quickly growing short video app. VerSe plans to create AI and machine learning to grow Josh's audience. Josh...

Finding some predictability in this wildly unpredictable year.It feels like March was just a few weeks ago, but believe it or not, we're already coming up on the start of a new year — and hopefully, along with it, at least a shimmer of hope. 2020 hasn't exactly been anyone's best year, and I'm sure everyone's looking forward to putting the whole thing behind us and never looking back. Still, before we do, we wanted to take a moment to revisit our 2020 predictions in the world of mobile tech and see what we got right — and just as importantly, what we got wrong.After all, what good is it to make these predictions if we never go back and verify our bold claims?Value flagships came into their ownWeird phones are backThis was the year of the ChromebookSamsung rediscovered the joy of flat displaysSmall phones are fun again5G tried and failed to impressSnapdragon 765 proved we don't need pricey phonesHigh refresh rate displays wowed us Plastic phones are the bestClo...

The update also brings the December security patch to the most affordable Galaxy S10 series phone.What you need to knowThe Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update has started rolling out to the Galaxy S10 Lite.Currently, the update is only available in India and Spain.It is likely to expand to a few other markets before the end of the year.Just yesterday, Samsung began rolling out the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update to its foldable lineup, starting with the Galaxy Z Flip. The South Korean tech giant has now started rolling out the One UI 3.0 update to its Galaxy S10 family of phones. Surprisingly, however, it is the Galaxy S10 Lite that is getting updated to Android 11 before its more expensive siblings.As per the folks at SamMobile, the update arrives as version G770FXXU3DTL1 and brings the December 2020 Android security patch along with all the new Android 11 features. The update is currently rolling out to users in India and Spain, but it is likely to become available in...

You can use Google Fi with any phone now — it's time to see what the hype is all about.Bringing your own phone to Google Fi is easy, but there are a few things you should know before jumping in. Google Fi still markets and sells its own small set of smartphones that are "designed for Fi," but has also opened its doors, officially, to pretty much any of the best Android phones that want to be on its network. For many, this is the final barrier to drop for trying out Google Fi, as it was quite a bit of extra hassle to change phones just to try out a new network for a little while.But unfortunately, there are still barriers to be found further down the road. Unlocked phones on Google Fi don't get all of the same features as its own certified phones, and what you do get depends on the specific phone you bring. Let's break down the differences to help you decide whether bringing your own phone to Google Fi is worth it.Network Switching and 5GGoogle FiFrom $20/mo. at Google...

The phone is expected to be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G for the Indian market.What you need to knowThe Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will debut in India on January 5.Rumors suggest the phone is likely to be launched as the Mi 10i in the country. The phone features a 108MP camera and a 120Hz display.Xiaomi India today announced that it will be launching a new phone with a 108MP main camera on January 5. Even though the company hasn't revealed all the details yet, it looks like the upcoming phone will be the global version of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G launched in China last month.The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G was unveiled alongside the Redmi Note 9 4G, which made its debut in India as the Redmi 9 Power earlier this month. According to XDA Developers, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G is likely to arrive in India as the Mi 10i.A perfect start to the new year. #ThePerfect10Guess what's coming and 1⃣0⃣ lucky winners stand a chance to win #Mi goodies perfect for all you enthusiast...

The Mi 11 series is likely to make its global debut sometime early next year.What you need to knowXiaomi will take the wraps off the Mi 11 series flagship phones on December 28.The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 processor.They are also rumored to bring faster charging speeds and a few significant camera upgrades.Earlier this month, Xiaomi announced that its Mi 11 will be the first phone to feature Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 888 chipset. The Chinese smartphone maker has now confirmed a launch date for the Mi 11, which will succeed the Mi 10, one of its best Android phones of 2020.Xiaomi has revealed in a post on Weibo that the Mi 11 will launch in China at an event on December 28. Along with the vanilla Mi 11, we also expect the Mi 11 Pro to be unveiled at the same event. While there's no word on the global launch date for the Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro, we can expect it to take place sometime in January.The Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro are rumored to fe...

Samsung is on an update spree with One UI 3.0 (Android 11).What you need to knowSamsung has begun rolling out the One UI 3.0 Android 11 update to the Galaxy Z Fold 5G.The update is currently rolling out to users in Switzerland but should reach more people in the coming weeks.The update comes with Android 11 enhancements as well as improved camera quality.The world's largest Android manufacturer is clearly on a roll with its One UI 3.0 Android 11 update, as it has been updating an increasing number of devices over the past couple of weeks. Starting with the Galaxy S20 series, the update has trickled to the S20 FE and Note 20 series as well, rounding off many of the best Samsung phones. The latest device to get the update appears to be the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, becoming the first of Samsung's foldable devices to receive One UI 3.0.According to SamMobile, Galaxy Z Flip 5G owners in Switzerland have reported receiving the update. It appears to be isolated to those users so far, b...

Google Search is bringing car shopping to you. Test drives not included.What you need to knowGoogle Search now includes interactive 3D models of over 200 vehicles.The feature uses AR to put the vehicle in your space.Users can change the color and even check out the interiors of some of their favorite cars.Are you in the market for a new car, but don't wanna head over to the dealership just yet? Or maybe you're just a car aficionado and wanna check out some of your favorite rides without needing to leave the house. Google Search is making it easier to get detailed looks at a number of cars with its interactive 3D models.The feature was announced back in October at Google's SearchOn event, and it seems the feature is being widely rolled out, including a variety of supported vehicles to join the already long list of Google 3D animals.On Android, we launched our first cloud streamed 3D content in Search, enabling users to see cars in high fidelity and with a set of cinemati...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even as Sony and its competitors gear up for a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else. If you haven't invested in the console yet, there has never been a better time.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $280PlayStation 4 Pro: down to $370PlayStation VR: from $350More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect, especially with the holidays right around the corner. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStatio...

When you get a new Raspberry Pi 4, you're going to want to make sure you get one of the best Raspberry Pi 4 cases. This will help keep debris out and away from the keyboard as well as provide protection against static shock. Even if you have a case with one of the best Raspberry Pi 4 kits, there's nothing wrong with grabbing something else that fits your needs.Package dealMiuzei Raspberry Pi 4 CaseStaff PickA wonderful acrylic enclosure, a cooling fan, heat sinks, and a 3A power supply make this case deal a steal. You'll have access to all the ports and pins so this one works with any project, too. If you're not sure what to buy, buy this.$17 at AmazonSupercoolingVilros Raspberry Pi 4 Clear CaseThis acrylic case from Vilros is easy to assemble, has a mount for a camera, and cut out channels underneath for maximum airflow. These case channels, combined with the pre-installed fan, will keep your Pi nice and cool no matter what you're trying to do with it.$10...

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 $18Fire TVs: as low as $130Device bundles: starting at $48Sometimes, 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 DealsHoliday savings are here, and that means there are some great Fire TV deals to be had. If 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 migh...