Latest from Android Central

The best cell phone plan in 2021 is T-Mobile Magenta, thanks to its 5G-focused design with a massive 100GB of premium data and full 5G access included for everyone with a compatible phone. This is a huge bonus, especially as most of the best Android phones ship with 5G support, and T-Mobile's network is comfortably in the lead for 5G coverage. If you're looking to save some money over the big postpaid carriers, there are more options than ever in prepaid from carriers like Visible and US Mobile whether you need one line or need service for the whole family.What are the best cell phone plans?Cell phone plans aren't just about getting as many minutes and texts as possible anymore. People are using their phones for more than ever before and have come to rely on their phone plan as an essential part of their daily lives. Getting the right plan comes down to getting enough data for your needs, using a network with coverage where you need it, and not wasting money on features you don't w...

Samsung's kicking off 2021 with a bang.There are some things in the mobile tech space that are constant every single year, one of which is that we get a new Samsung Galaxy S release pretty early on. That was no different for 2021, but Samsung gave us the Samsung Galaxy S21 back in last January rather than making us wait until March or April. This year's flagship series brings a mix of expected and drastic changes compared to last year's S20 family, including things like spec upgrades, a refreshed design, and all-new camera tech.Whether you're in the market for a price-conscious flagship or something that goes all-out, the S21 series has something for you, and we're here to help you find out everything you need to know before you buy one for yourself — or buy them for the whole family.Killer flagshipSamsung Galaxy S21From $800 at SamsungFrom $800 at AmazonFrom $800 at Best BuyMore phone, less moneyFor a lot of shoppers, the baseline Galaxy S21 will be the go-to c...

You may have to get a separate case to hold the S Pen.What you need to knowAccording to a new report, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 will not have a dedicated slot for storing the S Pen.Samsung has apparently decided against an S Pen slot due to space constraints and water resistance issues. Unlike the current Galaxy Z Fold 2, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is tipped to come with an official IP rating. Back in October last year, a rumor claimed that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would be Samsung's first foldable phone with S Pen support. Although Samsung hasn't explicitly confirmed the same yet, it did reveal earlier this year that it would bring S Pen support to more Galaxy devices in 2021. Unfortunately, it looks like the upcoming foldable flagship will not have a dedicated slot for the S Pen.According to a report from NaverNews, Samsung had initially planned to have an S Pen slot on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, similar to its Galaxy Note series devices. However, it has now decided against incl...

Screen rotation on smartphones is wonderful when it functions the way it's supposed to, but super annoying when it doesn't. Knowing how to enable and disable screen rotation on an Android phone can save you a lot of frustration. Some apps work better in portrait mode, like Instagram, whereas others like YouTube look better in landscape mode when watching videos. Whether you are using an expensive phone like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra or one of the best cheap Android phones, you'll be able to set your phone screen's orientation just how you want it no matter what task you are in the middle of.How to enable and disable screen rotation on an Android phoneAndroid has included an easy-to-use quick toggle within the Navigation Pane to turn off or on the screen rotation feature easily.Swipe down from the top of the screen on the notification bar.Depending on how you have your phone set up, you may need to pull down a second time to show more of your quick toggles.Find the auto-ro...

Chatting with the AC forums.Even though the company had its ups and downs when it came to smartphones, you can't say that LG didn't push the envelope forward with many exciting devices like the LG G5, LG G Flex series, and LG Wing. Even the company's more "boring" devices like the V60 and Velvet were pretty darn good phones, with great cameras and awesome audio output.But with last week's confirmation by LG that it will no longer be making smartphones, a hole has been left in the Android landscape. Naturally, this news has created a sense of uncertainty and unrest in the Android world, and that has been reflected over on the AC forums: jmssarno 04-13-2021 07:44 PM “ As a proud owner of past devices like the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, V20, V40, and currently the LG V60, where do we (the LG fans) go from here... Do I hold on to my V60 Dual Screen knowing there will never be a V70? Do I give up the headp...

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are the latest to top our list of the best true wireless earbuds and, today only, you can score them at a $35 discount at Woot. Down to $164.99 in your choice of black, silver, or violet, this is the lowest we've seen them go since their release earlier this year.Unlike a lot of Woot deals, these earbuds are offered brand new, though it's worth noting a 90-day Woot warranty is included rather than a manufacturer's warranty.Our Galaxy Buds Pro review said these earbuds "made almost every necessary improvement over the Buds Plus — better sound, more comfortable fit, improved design, sweat-resistant waterproofing and, best of all, active noise cancelation."Let's start with the active noise cancellation. You can activate it with just a tap of your finger. The system has both a high and low mode so you can choose just how much noise you want to cancel out. Plus you can download the Wearable app on your Android phone and get even more customization.The...

The ZTE Axon 30 Ultra does away with the tricks.What you need to knowZTE launches the Axon 30 Ultra with three 64MP cameras and a 5x optical telephoto.The Axon 30 Ultra features a traditional 16MP front-facing camera.The display has an adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a 300Hz touch sampling rate.Last year's ZTE Axon 20 5G made heads turn when introducing the first commercially available in-display selfie camera in an attempt to give the phone an uninterrupted viewing experience. Unfortunately, the camera didn't perform as well as hoped, and the fanfare died as quickly as it came. This time around, ZTE decided to go a more traditional route with its latest flagship, the Axon 30 Ultra 5G, in an attempt to better compete with the best Android phones of 2021.Of course, the most notable change to the Axon 30 Ultra is the presence of a 16MP hole-punch selfie camera. After seeing work that ZTE did on an improved in-display selfie camera, it was expected to show up on t...

A first impression is rather hard to unmake.Chromebooks have just crossed a big milestone, reaching more users than macOS in the last year. As more and more Chromebooks saturate the market, there's a consensus that this growth is fueled by cheap, inexpensive Chromebooks rather than more premium devices. With the pandemic dragging on and remote work continuing for a few more months, Chrome OS's market share should continue to grow even further. Android has yet to fully shake off its "cheap" reputation.A critique that Chromebooks thrive only in internet-rich places is batted away if everyone has to work from Wi-Fi after all, and grabbing a cheap Chromebook that does most of what you want is better than nothing if you have to have something right now. If cheap Chromebooks primarily carry this growth without a corresponding rise in more expensive, premium devices, this can be a very bad thing for Google. Here are a few reasons why this may be.The first reason should be somewha...

Chrome is just more user-friendly on iOS.As a site focused on the best Android phones, Chromebooks, and Google software and services, we don't often consider what life is like on the other side of the OS spectrum. You know who I'm talking about here... the fruit company you love, or hate, or love to hate — Apple. Say what you will about its hardware and software (go on, I know you want to), the simple fact is that, at least in North America, Apple and iOS is a strong competitor to Android. Even though we still see many converts switching from iOS to Android, at least half of our friends and family are likely using iPhones. When we reviewed the iPhone 12 last year, we even called it "the ideal Google phone." Heck, I'll admit it: I frequently use an iPhone myself!Since I have a lot of recent first-hand experience with iOS, I thought it might be interesting to take a look at the Google apps that I use on both platforms to see which experiences are better on the iPhone. With Apple...

There's really not enough time in the day for everything that needs to get done anymore. Luckily, finding time to kick your feet up and relax becomes a bit easier with a robot vacuum as capable as the Proscenic M6 PRO. This smart robot vacuum maps your house's layout and then gets to work cleaning your carpets, hard floors, and will even mop up after itself! Controlling it is easy too, as you can use an app on your smartphone or voice control it using Alexa.Though this smart vacuum regularly sells for $329, a sale at Amazon has dropped it to the best price in its history! Today you can snag one on sale for $229.99, saving you close to $100 off its usual cost.Despite its affordable price tag, the Proscenic M6 PRO is a feature-packed robot vacuum. It works as both a vacuum and a mop based on your needs with strong 2600Pa suction power and a 180ml electric water tank.Unlike a lot of robot vacuums, it can smartly navigate your home with built-in mapping and LiDAR sensors to help it...

Granada will hope they can replicate Man United's away performance in order to overturn an aggregate deficit as they travel to Old Trafford today. Don't miss this Europa League quarter-final second leg clash with our Man United vs Granada live stream guide.The La Liga side are facing elimination from their very first European competition as they come into today's game 2-0 down following a first-leg home defeat.Though the Nazaríes saw off stiff competition from Napoli and Molde in order to reach the quarter-finals at the first time of asking, they need a spirited comeback in order to make it any further in the competition.Away goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes in the first leg put Man United firmly in the driving seat going into the second leg, though bookings for Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, and Harry Maguire in the last match leave the team short-staffed due to suspensions.Since their last meeting, both sides have played one game in their domestic leagues.Unit...

Chrome will now default to HTTPS for improved privacy and faster loading speed.What you need to knowChrome 90 is now rolling out to the stable channel on desktop and Android.The latest release brings the AV1 encoder to the desktop version, which promises better compression efficiency for video conferencing. Additionally, Chrome now defaults to HTTPS for more secure browsing. Google has started rolling out Chrome 90 to the stable channel for desktops and Android devices. While the latest update doesn't bring a long list of new features, there are two important user-facing changes that make one of the best browsers even better (via BleepingComputer).First, Chrome 90 for desktop ships with the AV1 encoder, which is "specifically optimized for video conferencing with WebRTC integration." Since AV1 offers higher compression efficiency compared to other types of video encoding, your next video call will be slightly smoother. Additionally, AV1 enables video for users on low band...

After six seasons on TV Land, the final season of Darren Star's Younger is coming to Paramount Plus and we have all the details on how you can watch it online.Based on the novel of the same name by Pamela Redmond Satran, the show follows a divorced 40-year-old woman named Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) who wants to re-enter the competitive publishing industry in New York City. However, the ageist industry isn't too welcoming to women her age.During a night out at a bar though, a 26-year-old tattoo artist mistakenly thinks that he and Liza are the same age. It's then that she comes up with a plan to pass herself off as 26 and try to get a job at a publishing house called Empirical. Liza aces her interview, gets the job, and at Empirical she meets star editor Kelsey (Hillary Duff) and her new boss Diana (Miriam Shor).In season 6 of the show, Liza finally had her cover blown by the ex-wife of Charles, the man she's dating. At this point in the series, she's also moved on from Empiric...

As technology advances and matures, it's only natural for some features to disappear as part of the evolution process. When it comes to Android phones, one thing that used to be an iconic staple that has since become a thing of the past is a removable battery. Few phones are released these days with a battery that can be replaced by the end-user, but if you know where to look, there are still a few options left that are worth checking out.The ideal choiceSamsung Galaxy XCover ProStaff PickThe Galaxy XCover Pro is a rugged phone that ticks all the right boxes. It has IP68 water resistance, a 6.3-inch Full HD screen, Exynos 9611 chipset — same as the Galaxy A51 — 25MP camera at the back, and a removable 4050mAh battery. The rugged design makes it ideal for outdoor use, and the best part is that the phone is available officially in the U.S.$425 at AmazonBest for mostMoto E6 SmartphoneOut of all the phones out there with a removable battery, we think the Moto E6 i...

This is your budget Pixel for 2021.While it may have taken longer to be released than we initially hoped, last year's Pixel 4a proved to be one of 2020's best Android phones. Between its OLED display, reliable performance, amazing cameras, and $349 asking price, it's a phone that still remains a killer value here in 2021.As good as the Pixel 4a continues to be, though, it's time to start looking ahead to what's next — specifically, the Google Pixel 5a. Whether you're interested in the latest spec rumors, want to see design leaks, or anything else, here's everything you need to know about Google's upcoming Pixel!Tiny but mightyGoogle Pixel 4a$349 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy$349 at B&HThe best camera under $400Simply put, the Pixel 4a is one of the best values the smartphone market has to offer today. The camera is better than ever, performance is plenty fast, the battery is reliable, and there's even a headphone jack. Assuming you're a fan of smaller phones a...

Qualcomm's CEO-elect answers questions about 5G and more.What you need to knowQualcomm President and CEO-elect Cristiano Amon went on Reddit for an AMA session.Amon answered questions about Qualcomm, its role in 5G, and the effects of the global chip shortage.These are some of the highlights from questions that he answered.Qualcomm recently opened the Snapdragon Insiders program as a way to reach out to technology enthusiasts and fans of the company's products. The program is meant to give members access to perks like contests, event invites, Ask Me Anythings (AMAs), and first dibs on information about new products. Today, the newly appointed Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon, took to Reddit for an AMA discussing Qualcomm's current and future products.As expected, many of the questions were focused on 5G, which is understandable now that it's becoming more commonplace with many of this year's best Android phones to launch thus far. One question posed was about the role of 5G o...

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra just got some new powers.What you need to knowT-Mobile has pushed the March security update to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.The update also adds official eSIM/Dual SIM Dual Standby capabilities.Google Pixel phones were previously the only Android phones to support eSIM in the U.S.The Note line may be on haitus this year, but Sone of the best Samsung phones of 2020 just became more relevant thanks to the latest update that's being pushed out. T-Mobile customers in the U.S. are receiving a new update to the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra that brings the March security update along with the unexpected addition of eSIM support.Additionally, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra also gets Dual SIM Dual Standby support, which allows the device to have two active phone numbers working simultaneously. Not only is this the first Samsung in the U.S. to support eSIM functionality, but it's also the first Android smartphone in the U.S. besides the Pixel smartphones like the Goo...

Since many of us are working from home these days anyway, why not utilize the devices and services we have lying around to get the job done? Thanks to a partnership between Google and Zoom, you can now start, join, and receive Zoom calls on your Nest Hub Max smart speaker. To get started, you need to connect your accounts to the Google Home app. We'll walk you through how to do just that in the steps below.How to use Zoom on the Nest Hub MaxOpen the Google Home app on your smartphone.Tap on your profile icon/avatar in the top right corner.Scroll down to Services, and tap on Voice and video calls.Tap on Video & Voice Apps.Tap on Zoom to create or link your account.Tap Link Account.Tap to Authorize linking of your accounts.Now, simply ask your Google Assistant on your Nest Hub Max to "start a Zoom call."The Google Assistant will give you the option to start a new meeting, join with a meeting ID, or join a meeting that is already scheduled on your calendar. Th...

Some of our favorite smart speakers and smart devices use the power of the Google Assistant to make our lives more entertaining and generally easier. Having the Assistant recognize you and know what information that you want (even in advance) is powerful, but there are times when you might not want such a personal connection to your devices. Perhaps you want to ask a query that you don't want to resurface later in your search results, or maybe you're having a (post-pandemic) party and know that a bunch of people may be interacting with your device. For those times, there is Guest Mode for Google Assistant, and we'll show you how easy it is to enable on your smart speakers.How to use guest mode on a Google Assistant speakerAt a reasonable distance from your Google Assistant speaker, say "hey Google, enter Guest Mode."When you are ready to exit Guest Mode, simply say, "hey Google, exit Guest Mode."That's all there is to it! There are no toggles that you have to tap or mana...

The countdown to Google I/O has started.What you need to knowThe Google I/O website now features a countdown to the big day.Clicking on any of the colored orbs to start a game of Breakout.Collecting the letters to solve the puzzle will present registered users with a badge.Google I/O is about a month away, which seems like forever in the tech world. To help you pass the time while you wait, Google has provided a new puzzle game on the conference homepage. Navigating to the site, you'll be met with a new countdown page with several colored orbs spread across the page. Clicking on one of these will open up a game of Breakout.Click to start the game and move your mouse around to get rid of the rows of colors orbs. There are some letters hidden in these orbs, and you'll want to catch those to spell out the hidden word. Once you figure it out, you can enter the term in the Chrome Dev Tools console (Shift+Ctrl+J for Windows/Linux), where you'll be awarded a badge. It's easy eno...

Even high-end Chromebooks struggle because of a weak GPU. News from GTC points to a change.NVIDIA is putting on its yearly GTC event, and an announcement snuck its way through that could mean big things when it comes to the graphic adapter on Chromebooks. In a press release and accompanying blog post about NVIDIA's commitment to ARM chips, there's mention of something really juicy for Chromebook lovers — the company is partnering with MediaTek to build a reference laptop with NVIDIA RTX GPU. And it's not created just for Windows as the operating system. The notebooks will use Arm cores and NVIDIA graphics to give consumers energy-efficient portables with no-compromise media capabilities based on a reference platform that supports Chromium, Linux, and NVIDIA SDKs.Chromium, Linux, and the NVIDIA SDK. Notice that there is no mention of Microsoft Windows, which may seem a little odd. Chances are that NVIDIA and MediaTek would be working with Microsoft, too, to build a great AR...

Liverpool will hope they can use home-field advantage to overturn an aggregate deficit as they welcome Real Madrid to Anfield today. Don't miss this Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with our Real Madrid vs Liverpool live stream guide.The odds are in Real Madrid's favor today with the team going into the second leg 3-1 to the good. The UEFA Champions League's most successful team and current La Liga titleholders are firmly in control of this quarter-final tie, though an away goal in the first leg will give hope to a Liverpool side that is no stranger to spectacular comebacks.A Vinicius Júnior brace bookended the first leg victory with Marco Asensio making the most of a defensive error from Trent Alexander-Arnold for his goal. Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the Reds in the 51st minute which could prove crucial in this tie.Since their last meeting, both sides have played one game in their domestic leagues.Los Blancos kept the pressure on city rivals Atlético ...

Remember the days when you had to either memorize your contact's phone numbers, or you had them written down in some sort of, you know, phone book? Maybe you're too young for that, but I was absolutely thrilled when I could start storing contact information on my phone so that all I ever had to do was search for a name to call or message someone. However, the ease at which we can do this will change slightly due to some new FCC regulations, and it will affect millions of people and their corresponding contact information. We'll talk about what is going on, when it's happening, and how you can edit your contact's phone numbers to accommodate these new FCC area code regulations.What is happening to my contacts, and why?In mid-July 2020, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission adopted the 988 prefix as a universal code that anyone in the United States could dial to automatically reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. However, for this shortcut to work for everyone in the...

Apparently, people really want the OnePlus Watch.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Watch reportedly sold out within a minute after going live.Reviews of the smartwatch haven't been kind, criticizing the software experience.The watch retails for $159, but a $20 voucher is still available.Reviews of OnePlus' first smartwatch are in, and boy, are they harsh. Reviewers have largely ripped apart the device, criticizing its seeming lack of software polish while praising some of its hardware. Our own Harish Jonnalagadda complains in his OnePlus Watch review that the device offers limited support for notifications, no third-party app support, and no always-on display, the latter of which is kind of the point of having a watch. Yet, despite the bad reviews, it seems the watch is still coveted by many, as it apparently sold out within a minute of going on sale.If you take a look on the OnePlus website, you'll see that the watch is currently out of stock. Whether that's due to low in...

While the original Samsung Galaxy Watch is a few years old now, it's still an incredible smartwatch that's full of useful features. A time may come when you need to replenish your charging accessories. Fortunately, there some great options out there. We've rounded up some of the best replacement Samsung Galaxy Watch charger cables and docks for you to choose from.The charging cable you needDisscool Samsung Galaxy Watch Replacement USB Charging CableStaff PickIn some cases, all you'll need is the charging cable. Whether you've lost track of your original cable or you want a second one for your car or travel bag, this is a good option. No matter where you're headed, you can plug this USB charging cable into a wall adapter or computer, and your Samsung Galaxy Watch will be juiced up again in no time.$13 at AmazonStraight from the sourceSamsung Galaxy Watch Wireless Charging DockIf you don't like the idea of third-party accessories when it comes to charging your...

Going camping? Taking a hike? Heading outdoors somewhere for some reason and not sure if your smartphone will survive the trip? Then you need a device like the Jackery Explorer 500 portable power station. Right now the Explorer 500 is down to $419.99 when you clip the $80 off on-page coupon at Amazon. That's a huge drop in price considering it rarely ever drops from its $500 street price directly. In fact, it has been almost a year since we last saw it get discounted. The same power station is still going for $500 at other retailers like B&H.The Explorer 500 is a power station with a massive 518 watt hours capacity. It uses a lithium-ion battery you can recharge in a number of different ways, including a solar panel. Get free power from the sun and keep your devices running even when you're outside for an extended period of time. Of course you can always plug it into a wall or use your car to charge it as well. The solar panel, the Jackery SolarSaga 100W, is sold separately and...

If you're like me, you've probably been using some of the more common social media apps less and less these days. However, just because you aren't crazy about following the craziness on Facebook or Reddit doesn't mean that you don't still crave that human connection and community, right? Well, the good news is that one of our favorite messaging platforms — Telegram — has just the kind of social component you're looking for in the form of its channels. We'll show you how to find and join the Telegram channels that match your interests.How to find and join Telegram channelsOpen the Telegram app.Tap on the magnifying glass/search icon in the top right corner.Type a word, phrase, topic, or media outlet you're interested in.When you find something of interest, tap on the channel.At the bottom of the message thread, tap Join.If you wish to mute the channel or leave it altogether, tap on the three line menu in the top right corner, and then tap on the option you prefer....

We know all about the best Ecobee products including the best deals on Ecobee accessories, which have recently branched to everything from extra sensors for your smart thermostat to cameras and now smart light switches. The Ecobee Switch+ smart light switch normally sells for $80, and today it's on sale for $39.99 at Best Buy. That's a huge drop and one of the best prices we've ever seen for the smart switch, outside of a rare deal also at Best Buy that gave it away for free with the purchase of an Ecobee SmartThermostat.You don't need an Ecobee SmartThermostat to make the smart switch work, but it is one of our favorite smart thermostats and the two devices work really well together. The 5th-generation thermostat features a whole new design with a glass finish, a vivid touch display, a quad-core processor, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and far-field voice recognition that can pick up your commands from across the room.See, the smart thermostat is designed to work with voice assist...

Millions of users had their data exposed in a Facebook data leak earlier this year.What you need to knowFacebook is facing an investigation in Ireland over a recently publicized data leak.The Irish DPC believes that Facebook has broken one or more provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations.Facebook has confirmed it has spoken to investigators regarding the issues raised. Facebook recently suffered a large data leak where a cache of data, initially breached five years ago, was now made publicly available. This cache included "phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, bios, and, in some cases, email addresses." Facebook came under fire for declining to notify affected customers about the breach, and now Ireland's Data Protection Commission, or DPC, is stepping in to investigate Faceook over potential GDPR breaches.The DPC shared the following statement this afternoon, saying: The Data Protection Commission (DPC) today launched an own-vol...

Google Assistant is becoming more useful thanks to Duplex.What you need to knowGoogle is announcing several new features for Google Assistant.Google Duplex will automatically fill out your payment info when ordering online from select restaurants.Nest also brings Find My Phone to the iPhone and adds a few updates to Routines.Google I/O 2021 is just around the corner, and updates to Google Assistant are among the things we can expect from the annual developer conference. Today, Google decided to take the wraps off several new features that it's bringing to Assistant and the best Android phones, including one powered by Google Duplex.First, Google has announced that it's expanding its Find My Phone feature on Nest devices to now include iPhones. All it requires is for iPhone owners to opt-in to receive alerts from the Google Home app that will help locate their device by giving it a ring.Google is also announcing the global launch of Sunrise and Sunset Routines. Based o...

If you're one of many people who decided to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 when it came out, you've probably been busy enjoying all the perks it has to offer. Don't forget to make sure it's protected! One type of protection you might not have thought about is for the bezel. We've gathered some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 bezel covers and protectors for you to choose from.Triple the funGoton 3-in-1 Accessories for Samsung Galaxy Watch 3Staff PickAccidents happen, but with this 3-in-1 combo from Goton, you'll be protected from unwanted damage. This kit comes with a soft TPU armor bumper case, 2 tempered glass screen protectors, and a stylish bezel ring. Not only will your watch body be protected against scratches, dust, and bumps, but the sleek matte finish makes it even more attractive.$13 at Amazon (45mm) $13 at Amazon (41mm)Elevate your styleYPSNH Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Bezel Ring Protection CoverIf you want a high-quality stainless steel opti...

OnePlus continues slowly bringing Android updates to its flagships.What you need to knowT-Mobile has started rolling out the OxygenOS 11 update to the OnePlus 7T and 7 Pro.These updates bring Android 11 as well as OnePlus's own small tweaks to the older flagships.According to T-Mobile, these updates started rolling out around the 9th of April.T-Mobile has started rolling out the OxygenOS 11 update to the OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T this month (via 9to5Google). Users of OnePlus's phones will now get the company's latest stable software package. This will take the operating system to Android 11, joining the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 9-series.Other than Android 11, OxygenOS 11 brings refinement to the interface, enhancements to dark mode, HEVC recording support, a revamped camera UI, a selection of new Ambient Display clock styles, and more. Like with the global rollout, this only includes the February security update, a pitfall that stops OnePlus from being one of the very best Andro...

OnePlus is celebrating all things OnePlus with a huge sales event called OnePlus Day. You're going to find a ton of great deals available while this is all going on. Get a great price whether you're interested in a new OnePlus smartphone, which you can get for hundreds of dollars off today, or just want something to complement the phone you already have (like 50% off a protective case or some Bluetooth headphones at a discount).For example, one of the best deals available in the sale is on the OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z Bluetooth headphones. They are discounted to $29.95 during this event, which is a $20 discount off the website's regular price and $30 off what they're going for at other retailers like Amazon. Not only that, but if you add two pairs of headphones to you cart you'll get the second pair completely free. That's $100 worth of headphones discounted to just $30 total. Huge savings.Sure, the Bullets Wireless Z headphones use an older wireless design, but that doesn't me...

In addition to Amazon's Alexa, the all-new Echo Buds work with Google Assistant and Siri as well.What you need to knowAmazon has announced its second-generation Echo Buds.The new earbuds bring improved active noise cancellation and a more comfortable design. They are now available for pre-order and will begin shipping in the U.S. next month.Amazon today announced its second-generation Echo Buds, which it claims are better than their predecessors in nearly every area.The new earbuds are claimed to be 20% smaller than the first-generation Echo Buds, which makes them a lot more comfortable for extended use. Amazon is also using a shortened nozzle to improve comfort, along with built-in vents that help reduce ear pressure during use. Just like the best wireless earbuds, the all-new Echo Buds are IPX4-rated, which means they are capable of withstanding some splashes and light rain.When it comes to the audio experience, the new Echo Buds feature enhanced Active Noise Cancel...

Cubism looks to be the first title to receive an update with the new higher framerate cap.What you need to knowOculus has begun rolling out update version 28, which upgrades the Quest 2's display to 120Hz.Cubism, a popular puzzle game with hand tracking support, is receiving an update for 120Hz sometime today.Other developers of games like Superhot have expressed interest in updating to 120Hz, as well.It hasn't even been 24 hours since Facebook announced the April Quest 2 v28 update and developers are already beginning to patch their Oculus Quest 2 games to support the new 120Hz refresh rate. On Twitter, developers of Superhot VR and Cubism, two of the best Quest 2 games, have posted about the Quest 2's new ability to render games at 120Hz; a 30% faster refresh rate which results in smoother gaming and a more realistic-feeling VR experience.While the Superhot VR developers seem to just be contemplating the move to 120Hz in the future, Cubism developer Thomas Van Bouwel sa...

Beautiful hardware and camera improvements based on user feedback.What you need to knowTCL is releasing three new devices today, including the TCL 20L, 20L+, and 20 Pro 5G.The 20 Pro 5G is the company's most premium device yet, featuring curved glass, improved cameras and display tech, and wireless charging.In addition to the three main phones, TCL has teased a new 3-in-1 expandable device that uses both folding and rolling display tech.TCL has made a name for itself in the mobile space over the last year with a broad selection of some of the best cheap Android phones around with premium designs, snappy software, and a penchant for display tech. Today, the company is expanding its 20 Series, originally launched at CES 2021, with three new models: the TCL 20L, 20L+, and TCL's most powerful phone yet, the 20 Pro 5G.Each of these devices feature TCL's mainstay NXTVISION display tech, which boasts true-to-life colors and blue light filtering, along with AI-driven visual enhan...

Before the Switch was cool, it was all about the 3DSUntil recently, the Nintendo 3DS was the fourth best-selling handheld console of all time. Now that the Nintendo Switch has been around for a few years, it's taken over the 3DS, but there's no denying that the 3DS isn't still a great console.But for those that no longer have their 3DS and want to play some of those classics, you'll need one of the best Nintendo 3DS emulators for Android. Unlike Game Boy or NES/SNES emulators, there just aren't as many good Nintendo 3DS emulators available. Nevertheless, we've rounded up the best of the best.The top 3 apps1. Citra Emulator2. DraStic DS Emulator3. RetroArchMore optionsLemuroidmelonDS EmulatorThese are the best Nintendo 3DS emulators for AndroidAlthough Citra Emulator has been around for PC and Mac users for years, it's still a relative newcomer to the Android emulation space. The app was officially released in 2020, and has been seeing regular updates to bri...

It is expected to be unveiled alongside Motorola's first budget phone with a 108MP camera.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed the full specs of Motorola's upcoming Moto G20.The phone will apparently come with a 90Hz HD+ display, quad rear cameras with a 48MP main sensor, and a large 5,000mAh battery. It is tipped to be priced around the ₹10,000 ($133) mark in India. Earlier this month, we got our first look at Motorola's upcoming Moto G20. More official renders of the entry-level device have now surfaced, along with nearly all its key tech specs.According to a report from 91Mobiles, the Moto G20 will arrive with a 6.5-inch HD+ display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone will apparently be powered by a 12nm Unisoc T700 octa-core processor, which uses two ARM Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and six efficiency-focused ARM Cortex-A55 cores. As can be seen in the renders above, the phone will have a quad-camera setup on the back. The setup is said to...

The co-op game has finally launched, but not without some bumps in the road.Square Enix and People Can Fly's sci-fi shooter Outriders has released for PS4 and PS5, with a demo still available to download (a pretty lengthy demo, at that). If you've hopped into the newest title — which also happens to be free through Xbox Game Pass — you may have ran into some issues already. While no game is without its faults — especially one that relies on servers — they should be noted all the same so that the developers can get to work on fixing them.We've compiled a list of major issues that people are experiencing, including any workarounds that people have found so far. One major issue you'll probably see a ton of: server disconnects and inventory wipes.Outriders Known bugs and how to fix themInventory wipesThis may be the worst one of all. It's unclear why it happens, but you may randomly lose all of your hard-earned items and accolades, wiping dozens of hours of progress in ...

It's not a serious Xbox Game Pass competitor... yet.If you've read some of my articles lately — particularly the one where I say PlayStation keeps shooting itself in the foot — you'd probably think my outlook on PlayStation is all doom and gloom. Honestly, it isn't. PlayStation is in no danger of going under or anything like that; I just think it's losing some of the magic it had during the PS4 era. That said, I only bring up its problems because I want it to be better — and I know it can be better. One area that it desperately needs to be better in is PlayStation Now. What PlayStation Now offers right now is fine, but it could be so much better.What PlayStation Now offers right now is fine. You get access to over 800 games, most of which can be downloaded instead of streamed, and it only costs $60/year, half the cost of Microsoft's Game Pass Ultimate. But considering most of the games are older releases and you can't stream these games through Remote Play to your phon...

The best 4K Android TVs are abundant these days, but not all of them come with the same interface, and that can be a determining factor when looking for something that does UHD. Android TVs have emerged as a solid way to access popular streaming services and other apps that enhance the TV viewing experience. The Sony A8H Bravia OLED is a beautiful screen that brings out the best in both visual splendor and convenient connectivity.Best Overall: Sony A8H Bravia OLEDSony does special things with OLED panels, and the A8H Bravia is an example of that. There are 55 and 65-inch panels available, and Sony's X1 Ultimate processor offers plenty of ways to calibrate and improve the screen's output. With Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and even a Netflix calibration mode, this is a gorgeous display that can adapt to almost anything you want to watch and make it look great.Thin bezels and an adjustable stand make this fit right into your decor. Bright or dark rooms don't matter, either, cour...

Whether you're looking for more ways for you and your family to stay entertained indoors or want to be able to take more books with you wherever you go, you ought to check out Amazon's Kindle e-readers.Right now, Amazon is offering a stellar Kindle deal to help snag a couple of e-readers with a significant discount. Simply buy two Kindle devices together and you'll save 20% on the total price. That means you could snag two entry-level Kindle e-readers for just $72 apiece or save as much as $120 on two top-tier Kindle Oasis devices.The Kindle Oasis e-reader is made for absorbing as many books, newspapers, magazines, and audiobooks as you possibly can. It has a 7-inch 300 ppi display that's specifically designed to be flush on the front for a sleek design. There's also an adjustable warm light that lets you shift the screen from white to amber. That can be helpful based on changing lighting conditions, and it can be a little more relaxing on your eyes.In addition to the flush dis...

For big phones, this one is a must-have feature.If you are a lover of big beautiful phones, you probably have seen a one-handed mode in the settings or have even used it — unless you have something like the Pixel 4a 5G or the Pixel 4 XL. That's because Google hasn't developed a one-handed mode as part of Android. Until we see Android 12, that is. Google needs a one size fits all solution for every phone.Manufacturers like Samsung built a one-handed mode for its Ultra sized phones, and most companies that make the other best Android phones have done the same. These companies know that it's a feature we'll use because most people can't reach the whole way across a ginormous display to tap something.The only issue with this is that each and every phone maker does it a little differently. That's because it's up to Google to build a proper one-handed mode as part of Android so it can work on every phone. That's a big ask; think about all the different models of phone and all ...

The best Chromebooks have keyboards with great tactile feedback, but if you're going to be typing on a Chromebook at a desk for hours and hours on end, consider swapping to a mechanical keyboard. Not only will using a separate keyboard help you avoid neck strain by letting you move your Chromebook up to a higher position, but mechanical keyboards are longer-lasting and offer better feedback for your fingers to ensure that you're hitting the right key every time. These are the best mechanical keyboards to use with your Chromebook today, tomorrow, and for years to come.Tiny, but mightyDIERYA DK61E 60%Staff PickThis compact keyboard won't take up much desk space, but it still gives you all the comforts and choices, with four switch types available, USB-C rather than USB-A, and a spill-resistant circuit board.$51 at AmazonBest for the officeDas Keyboard Model S ProfessionalDas's keyboards have been highly regarded for years, and the Model S is a no-nonsense full-size ...

The POCO M3 Pro 5G may be an even more impressive device than last year's POCO M3.What you need to knowThe next POCO phone could be a rebadged version of the Redmi Note 10 5G.A regulatory listing suggests the phone will debut as the POCO M3 Pro 5G.The Redmi Note 10 5G features a 6.5-inch FHD+ 90Hz display, MediaTek's Dimensity 700 chipset, and a 48MP camera.Xiaomi's popular POCO sub-brand launched a new value flagship called the POCO F3 last month, alongside the spiritual successor to the POCO F1. The POCO F3 is actually a rebadged version of the Redmi K40, which made its debut in China in February. An FCC listing has now revealed that POCO will soon launch yet another "new" device based on an existing Redmi phone.New @POCOGlobal phone, #POCOM3Pro5G, which is the same phone as #RedmiNote105G, just with different branding.CC @MishaalRahman @aamirXDA @stufflistings pic.twitter.com/N0MpXJd89o— Kacper Skrzypek (@kacskrz) April 13, 2021The listing all but confirms that t...

Extra ports and included mounts help the Chromebox 4 give you that all-in-one feeling — with a better monitor.While Chromebooks tend to grab the limelight and Chrome OS tablets like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet are seen as the future, there are still Chrome OS devices for the desktop crowd, and 2021 is the best year to buy one for the next couple of years. See, the last time we had a generational change in Chromeboxes was 2018, and since then, users have had to pay 2020 prices for 2017 hardware in order to get the best Chromeboxes.Last fall, ASUS announced the Chromebox 4 and it's finally on sale. I've been wanting to review this Chromebox for months because not only did this model have the most ports, but ASUS has absolutely nailed the Chromebook experience with hits like the Chromebook Flip C434, and I wanted to see if they've reached that same level with the Chromebox, too. The good news is they have, and if you're in the market for a new family desktop that your kids won't br...

Chatting with the AC forums.Depending on which cellular carrier you use and the infrastructure in your area, LTE and 5G mobile broadband speeds can vary wildly across the United States. As consumers, there is not much we can do about it, save for complaining to the mobile companies and our elected officials. However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is interested in getting a better picture of mobile broadband coverage in the U.S. and is asking people to use its speed test app to help us, and them, learn more about the different speeds available across the country. The idea is that the information collected will help push to improve coverage for all citizens.This isn't the first speed test app ever released, but it does aim to serve a greater purpose than just letting you know if you can download that game or stream that movie. The app has been a popular discussion topic on the AC forums recently: belodion 04-12-2021 07:...

We tested several of the best antivirus apps on Android cellphones and tablets to learn which offer excellent malware protection without causing too much drag on your device. Bitdefender Mobile Security is the overall best. In fact, it's my top pick for Windows and Mac antivirus, too. Bitdefender ranks high for malware protection, doesn't use too many resources, and includes a few extra tools. It's also an overall good value.Bitdefender Mobile SecurityBest overall antivirus for AndroidBitdefender seems to do just about everything you'd need. It stops malware attacks and has web protection that warns of dangerous websites before you visit them. This app uses power management to use little of your phone's battery to avoid slowdown.With this app, you can also remotely access your phone to wipe data, lock it down, or send a message to the device. You can also locate it with this feature, and connects it to your Android smartwatch to help remind you to grab your phone or locate ...

Move over Galaxy S20 FE — we have a new all-around Android champion.With Ultra, Pro, and foldable phones pushing up the high-end of the Android spectrum and sub-$400 budget phones getting better and better, an interesting category has emerged over the past year or so — the value flagship segment. Once an area dominated, if not solely occupied, by OnePlus, this category has seen an influx of challengers from the likes of Samsung, Google, and Apple over the last 18 months with phones like the Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 5, and iPhone 12 garnering all of the attention and praise. But with the launch of the 9 series, OnePlus just may have clawed its way back to claim its crown.As you'll see here and in our OnePlus 9 Pro review, the company has created a series of phones that are more than good enough to turn OnePlus into a household name. The phones continue to have excellent styling, screens, and software, and they've finally made the leap with their camera capabilities. After usin...

The smaller, the better.While many folks looking for a new phone will immediately race to the biggest and fanciest new flagship around, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is just too much in size, price, and problems. While the Galaxy S20+ is a more reasonable phone, as a busy woman with small hands, it's too big to use one-handed, too big for my pockets, and too big my shoulder holster.Thankfully, the "baby" Galaxy S20 is just a few hairs bigger than the Galaxy S10, and between the generous battery, a Lindt Chocolate-smooth 120Hz screen, and the most significant camera upgrade in Galaxy history, the Galaxy S20 is without a doubt one of the best Android phones of 2020 for non-Pixel-purists — and especially for women and small phone enthusiasts.I've had my Galaxy S20 for a year now, and while I have some very, very tiny hang-ups with the phone, none take away from the great experience I've had with it.Galaxy S20 reviewPrice & availabilityHardware and designDisplayBattery life...