Latest from Android Central

Rise up to the challenge in the first of many seasons planned for Population: One.What you need to knowPopulation: One is getting its first content season in the form of a 10-week event called Uprising, beginning this month.Uprising will introduce new weapons, map updates, and a ton of additional to-be-announced content.Seeker Credits can be gifted to other players to help unlock content.Players will finally be able to create private servers later in the season.Population: One is set to begin its first season, called Uprising, this month. The 10-week-long special event dwarfs other Population: One events, which often lasted just 10-days at a time. As is normal for other events, Population: One Season One "Uprising" delivers new items for players to battle it out, beginning with the close-quarters melee knife, undoubtedly brought on by the "special guest" that was unleashed in the previous event, Darkest Days for Population: One.As the name of the season suggests, Uprisin...

Old school gaming on new school technology.Playing games that were made more than 30 years ago on smartphones more powerful than the computers that sent men to the Moon is simply incredible. That's exactly what's possible with the help of the best emulators for Android, as you can fire up those classics you played as a child without the need for the old consoles.Take advantage of the big and gorgeous displays with the best hardware and fastest software while experiencing the good ol' rush of nostalgia for a few hours at a time. Even if you don't have the latest and greatest smartphones, these emulators will still perform admirably, as the games being emulated are not exactly the most graphic-intensive ever.The top 3 apps1. ClassicBoy2. GBA.emu3. John NESSMore optionsEmuBoxMy Boy!Dolphin EmulatorDraStic DS EmulatorePSXe for AndroidPizza Boy GBCRetroArchWhere to find emulators?Archive.orgUse your catridgesFind the right controllerRazer Kishi8Bitdo...

These are the channels you can watch live with Hulu + Live TVHulu + Live TV offers subscribers full access to the platform's entire ad-supported streaming library, in addition to 65-plus channels featuring live sports, breaking news, and current shows, among other things. At just $65 a month, the top tier Hulu plan also allows users to personalize individual profiles, create custom TV lineups and record up to 50 hours of live TV without extra fees. Here's a roundup of all the channels you can watch live on Hulu.Guide to Hulu + Live ChannelsChannels on Hulu + Live TVBig Four on Hulu + Live TVSports on Hulu + Live TVReality-based series on Hulu + Live TVIs Hulu + Live TV worth the hype?All the channels you can watch live on Hulu + Live TVHulu offers more than 65 live channels as part of its top tier subscription plan, which offers content spanning breaking news and sports to reality television and drama. The exact lineup of channels varies slightly, depending on w...

What you need to knowVisible is launching 5G with a 200Mbps speed cap.Calling to Canada, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico is now included with Visible's plan.eSIM support has been added so users can now activate from their devices starting with iPhone.Party Pay has been expanded to an unlimited number of people alongside the launch of a community platform to help people join meet up and join a party. A new referral program can bring your next bill down to just $5.Prepaid phone service Visible launched several new features for its service starting with 5G. Visible operates using Verizon's network and has started adding support for this new network with the iPhone 12, Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, and ZTE Blade X1 5G. 5G is included with your Visible plan with support for up to 200Mbps without increasing the price of your plan.Visible has also expanded its calling to include calls to Canada, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Like the rest of Vi...

Everyone's favorite marsupial is coming to next-gen (current-gen?) consoles really soon.What you need to knowCrash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is coming to next-gen consoles.It is set to release on PS5 on March 12, 2021, coinciding with the series' 25th anniversary.Crash 4 sees Crash and pals travel across dimensions as they work to stop Doctor Nefarious Tropy from destroying the multiverse.Activision has announced that Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is coming to PS5 on March 12, 2021 along with releases on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch. This year coincides with the franchise's 25th anniversary, so it's a fitting celebration for the character.Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time released on PS4 and Xbox One in October 2020, the first mainline entry in the series in over twenty years since Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped released in 1998. It's About Time follows Crash, Coco, Tawna, Dingodile, and Neo Cortex jumping between dimensions to collect the Quantum...

For when you're hungry for more.As we said in our Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners review, if you're planning to buy an Oculus Quest 2 or already have one, you absolutely need to own this game. It's a triumph of VR game design and shows the true potential that a quality, experience-driven survival horror can deliver. The Trial, a free DLC, is the first DLC created for the game and adds a substantial new mode of the same name.In this new mode, players can choose to enter one of three arenas that take place in some of the game's more unique spaces. One sees players housed in a foggy mausoleum, while the other two take place in the streets of New Orleans. This horde mode separates itself from other similar-style games by encouraging players to scavenge and explore — a key component of the story mode — as well as to perform creative kills, earn coins, and craft items to get through as many waves of zombies as they can.The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: The Trial DLC pickin...

The Hulu + Live TV plan is the most costly subscription on the platform, but it's also the most flexible plan. In addition to giving subscribers the option to pair either the ad-supported or No Ads tier with its live channel collection, Hulu + Live TV can be expanded with eight different add-ons, which vary in both perks and price. Here's a roundup of all of the Hulu add-ons, so you can decide if any of them are worth adding to your plan.Streaming+HuluFrom $9/month at HuluMake it premiumHulu allows you to take your Hulu + Live TV subscription to the next level by adding premium networks to your account. Is HBO ($15/month), Showtime ($11/month), Cinemax ($10/month) or STARZ ($9/month) the right add-on for you?Premium network add-onsHulu + Live TV subscribers can take their plan to the next level by selecting one of four premium network add-ons offered by the streaming service. Fees range from $9-15 a month added to your bill, depending on which network you select...

Transforming nearly any TV into a smart TV is affordable and easy with a Roku streaming stick. These tiny devices plug into your TV's HDMI port to unlock access to a world of streaming services, live TV channels, and other apps that will never leave you without entertainment. While prices are rather comparable to its main competition, the Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku's devices have a few interesting features you won't find on a Fire stick.Once you've plugged in your new Roku streaming device, you can download the Roku app and use it as a remote or even plug headphones into your phone and listen to what's on TV privately. You'll also gain access to The Roku Channel which offers thousands of free TV shows and movies to watch at your leisure. Roku devices let you stream from all the latest and most popular streaming services, from Netflix and Hulu to HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, Peacock, and more. If you don't subscribe to any just yet, this guide to streaming service free trials should...

Streaming services have grown in popularity over the past few years, and there are now more options than there ever has been before. Back in the day, every single one of them offered a free trial to get you to use the service for a set length of time in hopes that you'd sign up after, but that seems to have slowly become less of a norm. Odds are that you are signed up for at least one of them, but thanks to some new offers which have popped up, there are a number of new opportunities to try out new streaming services, and they won't cost you a cent.Streaming Free Trial OffersSling TV: 3 days freeHulu: First month freeDisney Plus: Trial unavailableAmazon Kids+: 30 days freeAmazon Prime Video: 30-day trialHBO Max: Trial unavailableAmazon Music Unlimited: One month freeNetflix: Trial UnavailableAmazon Music HD: 30 days freeApple Music: 3 months freeSpotify: Two months freeTidal: 30 days freefuboTV: One week freeAmazon Kindle Unlimited: Two months freeCBS All Access: 7...

A new add-on could be coming in the near future.What you need to knowSony released a Back Button attachment for the DualShock 4 in 2020.A patent filing indicates Sony is working on something similar for the PS5 DualSense controller.This would add two remappable buttons to the back of the DualSense.Sony released the DualShock 4 Back Button attachment last year, giving players the easy ability to expand their DualShock 4 controllers with some comfortable paddle-like buttons for a very low price. Now, it looks like that option could soon come to the DualSense controller.A patent filing first spotted by IGN indicates Sony is looking into providing a similar Back Button attachment for the DualSense. The patent was filed back on February 4, so it's quite recent. You can see the diagram provided in the patent below:The diagram clearly matches the shape and ports of the DualSense controller. The description of the patent confirms that the device would allow players to remap d...

Self-care is as important now as it ever has been. Whether you kicked off the new year with a new fitness regime and are feeling the after-effects this February, or the world has just been weighing heavy on you recently, a handheld massager is a good way to ease some aches and pains without paying for spa treatments.You don't have to spend a fortune to get one, either, with this Amazon deal taking 20% off the SKG F5 massage gun. It regularly goes for $136 there, but you can get it for just $108.80 right now. All you have to do is enter the coupon code SKGF520OFF during checkout for the saving.Handheld massagers have revolutionized how we deal with pain. We no longer have to spend money for others to massage small aches and pains; we can do it ourselves.SKG's F5 massager features a stylish, streamlined design with a non-slip handle that makes it easy to use. It's also lightweight at just 0.66 pounds so your arm won't ache after using it (since that would kind of defeat the point...

Need some indoor security cameras to keep an eye on your pets or just for general security reasons? Newegg has a 4-pack of Eufy 2K resolution indoor cameras going for just $115.99 when you use the code 29SWEETDL245 during checkout. That's a super low price that brings the Eufy cameras down to less than $30 apiece, which would put this package at one of the best deals we've ever seen even on smaller bundles. A 2-pack is $70 on Amazon, for example, which is about $6 more per camera than Newegg's deal.For how inexpensive these cameras are, they are packed with the sort of standard features you'd expect from a security camera. And unlike other Eufy cameras, like this 2-camera kit that's a lot more expensive, these security cameras don't require a HomeBase to function. These are relatively simple cameras to operate. Just plug them in so you don't have a battery to worry about and communicate with them through your mobile device or smart home.The camera feeds can be viewed in resolutio...

Best answer: As of now, the Fossil Gen 5 LTE is exclusive to Verizon. Considering that the main reason to buy this watch is for the LTE connectivity, it's going to work best if you're an existing Verizon customer or if you're willing to switch.A great LTE smartwatch for Verizon customersIf you've been toying with the idea of buying an Android smartwatch that comes with LTE connectivity, you'll quickly realize just how many options are available to you, which includes the new Fossil Gen 5 LTE. While you're probably familiar with the main players that have been around for a while, like Apple and Samsung, this is the first LTE smartwatch from Fossil Group.It's worth noting that this isn't the only Wear OS watch with LTE connectivity. Over a year ago, Mobvoi released the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE. As the name suggests, this smartwatch catered to individuals who were seeking a fully connected smartwatch, but it was only available on Verizon. One trend that continued is with the Fossil Gen...

Take your Synology NAS to the next level with these tips and tricks.Synology makes the best NAS for Plex streaming and general home use, and it also has plenty of productivity-focused systems that are tailored for businesses. While NAS enclosures from all manufacturers tend to have similar hardware, Synology's differentiator is the software. With DiskStation Manager (DSM), it has created the best operating system you'll find for NAS enclosures.I've been using Synology NAS enclosures for nearly a decade now; I rely on my DiskStation DS1520+ for Plex streaming and backing up data from all the phones and Windows machines in my home, and I also run a VPN server directly on the NAS. If you're just getting started with a Synology NAS or are looking to learn more about all the things you can do with DSM, here are the best Synology tips and tricks to get the most out of your NAS enclosure.A truly fantastic NASSynology DiskStation DS220+$300 at Amazon$300 at Newegg$300 at B&amp...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even after Sony and its competitors have unveiled a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $280PlayStation 4 Pro: from $370PlayStation VR: save over $15More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best prices, the best deals, and all the best bundles and combo deals around. Now we'...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra is Samsung's first phone capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second from all five of its cameras, front and back. This isn't just great for slow-mo but it also means you don't have to worry about mixing and matching clips at different frame rates, making the S21 Ultra one of the best Android video cameras around. Here's how to enable that buttery smooth footage.How to shoot 4K60 video on all five lensesOpen the Camera app.Tap Video to switch to video capture mode.Alternatively, you can tap More and choose Pro Video mode to gain access to additional controls such as manual focus, white balance, and audio channel monitoring.Tap the second button from the right at the top of the screen. By default, it may say "UHD 30" or "FHD Auto."Choose the UHD 60 option.That's it! With UHD (otherwise known as Ultra HD or 4K) 60 enabled, you'll be able to shoot extra-sharp 4K video, no matter your preferred lens. Just make sure to disable the Super Stead...

Samsung is launching its new experimental service in SmartThings.What you need to knowSamsung launches SmartThings Labs for trying out and testing features before they release.The features are developed in-house by the SmartThings team, and users can provide direct feedback.The first features available on SmartThings Labs includes a universal remote and an on-device Bluetooth keyboard for your TV.Samsung has been working hard on ways to expand its SmartThings service, which is more or less the company's answer to Google Home. Since CES, Samsung has announced a number of new ways that SmartThings is becoming more useful, the biggest being newly added integration with Google Nest and Android Auto. Today, the company is introducing a new service within the SmartThings app called SmartThings Labs.This is a new service that allows users on the best Samsung phones to try out various features before they're released and ready for the world. According to Corporate Vice President,...

Google Messages has a messaging problem.Google Messages is one of Google's most important Android apps. It's well designed, of course, as just about all Google apps are. It has a wealth of features that appeal to the early-mid 20s demographic. It's even available on every Android phone — well, all of the best Android phones anyway. It should be almost as ubiquitous as Gmail or iMessage. Yet, it's all but irrelevant in the messaging world, and for such an excellent service, that's a shame.The reasons for Messages' failure to launch are manifold. When we talk about Google Messages and its features, it's easy for most readers of tech sites to understand why the app is the way that it is and why that is a very good thing. After all, following the development of RCS and Google's messaging journey over the years has been a narrative-driven adventure. The underdog that was Google was trying to break into the market with messaging app after messaging app, and it finally latched on a s...

Chatting with the AC forums.Following the abysmal battery life of the Pixel 4, one of our greatest concerns going into the Pixel 5 is that it would be faced with a similar fate. Thankfully, the exact opposite has been true.With a 4,080 mAh battery capacity and excellent optimizations throughout, the Pixel 5 is a phone you can easily use for a full day of heavy use without worrying about how much gas if left in the tank. This is something we immediately noticed in our Pixel 5 review, and taking a look through the AC forums, it's something others have also been enjoying.About four months since the Pixel 5's debut, here's what some of those members are saying about the phone's endurance: beantownsouth 02-07-2021 11:44 AM “ Yes, no doubt, this thing has a monster of a battery in it. Granted I'd be considered a light user, but still, this is nuts. My usage on a typical day is between 15-25 phone ca...

Thanks to the events of 2020 that have continued throughout 2021, video calling is something we're doing a lot more. Whether it be for school, work, or virtual family gatherings, chances are you're more familiar with Zoom and Google Meet than you ever thought possible. In light of this, one of the newest additions to the best Samsung phones is a system-wide feature that can apply background effects to all of your video chat apps — including a blur effect, colors, and pictures. Eager to learn how to use it? Let's go!How to use video call effects on your Samsung Galaxy phoneOpen the Settings app on your Samsung phone.Scroll down.Tap Advanced features.Scroll down to the bottom of the page.Tap Video call effects.Make sure effects on toggled on.Select the background effect you want to use.With those steps out of the way, you can now use video call effects when you hop into your next video chat. As of right now, the feature works for Google Duo, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a...

Stickers are one of the most fun ways to express yourself in messaging apps like Telegram. They're larger and more customizable than emoji and do the same jobs of depicting emotions, reacting to other messages, or just adding a whimsical flair to your conversations. Luckily, stickers are incredibly easy to use (and abuse) in Telegram. Here's how to add and use stickers in the Telegram app so that you can make your chats even more expressive.Product used in this guideCompact and friendly: Google Pixel 5 ($700 at Amazon)How to add stickers in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Open an existing conversation, or start a new one by tapping the pencil icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.Tap the sticker icon in the bottom left corner, just beside the message composition box.From here, you'll be able to see your recently used stickers and navigate saved sticker packs from the bar below the composition box. Of course, if you haven't used any stickers before, you can brows...

Steeped in tradition and sporting romance, the FA Cup remains the footballing world's most famous domestic knockout tournament. Read on to find out how to get an FA Cup live stream and watch matches from this season's tournament online from anywhere.While it may have lost its top-tier tournament status and priority with managers in England in recent years to the Premier League, the "magic of the cup" remains for fans and players alike.Much of what makes it special comes from the fact that any team from the top 10 tiers of English soccer are eligible to take part, offering the dream of a trip to Wembley for the showpiece final for lower league opposition.While the chances of FA Cup glory are now somewhat remote for smaller clubs (you'd have to go all the way back to 1980 and West Ham's shock win over Arsenal for the last time a team outside of the top division lifted the tournament's famous jug-like trophy), the tournament does nevertheless continue to throw up giant-killing r...

The Snapdragon X65 modem will debut in consumer devices later this year.What you need to knowThe Snapdragon X65 is the first 5G modem to achieve 10 Gigabit speeds.The modem has new mmWave antenna module that delivers better coverage, and uses AI to boost connectivity. The Snapdragon X65 will make its way to Android flagships launching in the latter half of 2021, and 2022 iPhones. Qualcomm also announced a more affordable version of the Snapdragon X65, dubbed X62. This year's best Android phones are powered by the Snapdragon 888, which uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 modem. Qualcomm is now offering a first look at what's next for 5G connectivity with its latest flagship modem, the Snapdragon X65.The marquee feature on the Snapdragon X65 is that it achieves 10 Gigabit 5G speeds, with the X60 going up to only 7.6Gbps. Qualcomm is touting several improvements here: the X65 features a fourth-gen Qualcomm 545 mmWave antenna module with increased coverage and better energy effic...

Best answer: No. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite doesn't emit a significant amount of blue light as its LEDs direct the light toward the page rather than your eyes. However, there are ways to adjust the lighting to suit your preferences and comfort, including a simple stick-on filter or pair of specialty glasses.Do I need a blue light filter for my Kindle Paperwhite?Many have long touted the benefits of covering up the blue light emitted from electronic devices, though there is some skepticism on the issue as well.Thankfully, the Kindle Paperwhite (which we've called the best Amazon Kindle) uses an array of five LEDs that direct the light toward the content on the page, rather than a backlight that shines at your face. This presents you with a more natural, reflective lighting scenario that is generally gentler on your eyes. Still, some users will find that reading either in the dark or just before bed can cause irritation and sleep disruptions. Thankfully, there are many affordab...

Stylish and somewhat smart-ish.Choosing the best Android smartwatch looks a bit different for each person. We all have unique preferences and tastes, after all. The Garmin Lily is designed for women who want their smartwatch to look good and feel good while still being functional. It succeeds in several key areas, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, smartphone notifications, and many more. Although, the intense focus on fashion inevitably results in some sacrifices.If you're familiar with the company at all, it's easy to see that the Lily is not your typical Garmin smartwatch. While there are various models geared toward fashionable folks, like the Garmin Vivomove models or the Garmin Venu models, this is the first wearable that is designed for women, by women.Speaking of which, the Garmin Lily may just become one of the best smartwatches for women. Those who want the appearance of a traditional watch while still being privy to some useful smartwatch featu...

It's Juventus' turn to play host in the Derby d'Italia as the Turin side welcomes rivals Internazionale in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final. Don't miss a moment with our Juventus vs Inter Milan live stream guide.In the first leg clash between these two teams, it was Juventus who emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in Milan. Inter's Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for the home side in the ninth minute but two goals from Juve star Cristiano Ronaldo overturned that lead to tip the tie in the Bianconeri's favor going into this second leg.Antonio Conte's men need to win today's game by two clear goals or score at least three goals in order to counter Juventus' away-goals advantage.It's going to be a tough task for the Nerazzurri with Juventus coming into today's game on the back of six consecutive wins in all competitions. That being said, Juve's only defeat in 2021 came at the hands of Inter Milan back in mid-January.Though Andrea Pirlo's side had a less than impre...

Those controllers can get disgusting, but they aren't too hard to clean.There's almost no way to avoid it, your PS5 DualSense controller is going to get dirty. It doesn't matter how often you wash your hands; it will get dirty (much less dirty than if you don't, which— gross, but still). The DualSense is white, and the back is textured in a way that just leaves it attracting grime and other grossness. And when it comes to cleaning it, some methods are definitely more effective than others.Cleaning the PS5 DualSense gripsWhile you can use a number of different cleaning solutions to wipe away the grime on your controller, from water to rubbing alcohol, I've found Goo Gone does a fantastic job. It's what we would use to clean used controllers when I worked at GameStop several years ago, and it works magic on all kinds of stains — even permanent marker!Dip a microfiber cloth in some Goo Gone and get to work and rubbing the grips of your DualSense. Rubbing in small circles h...

Nothing has raised $22 million to date and will launch its first products in the coming months.What you need to knowCarl Pei's London-based startup Nothing has raised $15 million in series A funding, with the round led by Alphabet's GV.Nothing says it will use the funds to scale operations and invest in R&D.Nothing's first product will include wireless headphones that will debut in the summer, with other smart products launching later in the year. Carl Pei left OnePlus back in October to start his own venture. We got more information on what he's planning a few weeks ago when he announced the name for the startup: it's called Nothing. Today, the startup announced that it is raising $15 million in series A funding, with the round led by GV, Alphabet's venture capital wing.Nothing says that it will use the funds to "expand its team and operations, further invest in R&D, as well as launch its community and first products in the coming months." According to Bloomberg,...

The feature has been in testing since December.What you need to knowTwitter Spaces is now available to some users in India.The experiment allows Twitter users to create audio chat rooms, much like Clubhouse.The company says it's expanding its test to gain more feedback.Twitter Spaces is now going live for some users in India. It's an expansion of a limited experiment that Twitter has been conducting since December.Spaces aims to create a 'conversational space' that 'focuses on the intimacy of the human voice.' At least, that's what the marketing materials say. In practice, it's simply an extension to the main Twitter app that allows for group audio conferencing, with some added curation by the space's host, so people aren't talking over one another. Think live podcasts, but inside Twitter.If that reminds you of another app that's been in the news recently, you wouldn't be wrong. The feature is likely heavily inspired by Clubhouse, the audio chat app that's become the so...

Stadia isn't dead yet, but Google's recent history suggests Stadia users should prepare for the worst.Google has a well-deserved reputation for killing any product or brand that hasn't become the leader in its field, mashing the leftover bits into a Frankenstein's monster with other projects, and rebranding the results with a snazzy new name. Google News and Google Reader combined into Google News, Inbox's best features were smushed into Gmail, Google Play Music became YouTube Music, and so on. Case in point, Google killed or renamed nine services in 2020.Android Central's own Jerry Hildenbrand convincingly explained why Google kills so many of its projects. It's usually to give new life to underperforming software or apps while adding some innovative new features along the way. To paraphrase Luke Skywalker, none of them are ever really gone. They're just reborn, hopefully to a wider audience.I can't argue with Google's approach to software. In terms of some of its recent produ...

Ready for a new messaging app? You've come to the right place.Messaging apps are a dime-a-dozen these days, but when it comes to the big leagues, three options stand out above the rest. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have all seen varying levels of success over the years. Following the news of WhatsApp's impending policy changes, a lot of users are wondering if they should jump ship to something else.WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are all seen as some of the best Android messaging apps currently available, but depending on where your needs lie, one is likely a better fit over the rest. Today, we're going to help you sift through everything and make the best decision possible.Whether you're an existing WhatsApp user looking for a new home or are just getting started in the world of third-party messaging services, here's everything you need to know about Telegram vs. Signal vs. WhatsApp.Jump to:AvailabilityEncryptionPrivacyInterfaceCustomizationFeaturesGroup messagin...

More speed and capacity than LTE with room to grow.Carriers like to cover their ads with phrases that you may have never heard unless you've been following 5G coverage closely. 5G technology uses wireless resources in a more sophisticated and efficient way than LTE ever did. It also brings in many new technical phrases to describe its coverage and speed. We feel it's important for us to explain these various 5G phrases and terms so that you can better understand how it is going to work on every carrier, especially with even some of the best 5G plans treating types of 5G differently.5G NR5G New Radio is the name of the standard being used to build out 5G coverage. When it comes down to it, all 5G equipment needs to work together consistently for years to come. Anything you see today called 5G is going to be using this standard, except for one major outlier.5GEThe major outlier when it comes to 5G is 5GE, which isn't 5G NR. It actually isn't 5G at all. 5G Evolution is the nam...

Validated disks are aimed at enterprise RackStation models and not DiskStation enclosures.Synology makes the best NAS for Plex and home use, and while its enclosures are popular with consumers, it does a lot of business in the enterprise segment. The company recently made its entry into the NAS HDD market by introducing its own series of hard drives labeled under the HAT5300 series, which are available in 8TB, 12TB, and 16TB storage sizes.Synology says the drives are "high-performance enterprise hard drives specially engineered for Synology deployments," and while the drives are built by Toshiba, they feature custom firmware and are touted to deliver 23% better sustained sequential read performance versus other NAS-focused HDDs.Because Synology now has its own range of hard drives, it is mandating that these drives be the default option for its enterprise-focused NAS models going forward. The company launched three RackStation NAS enclosures alongside the HAT5300 series — the...

Android 12 is going to look much prettier.What you need to knowScreenshots of Android 12 have emerged, showing what could be our first look at the new system-wide theming.We also get a look at the updated look for widgets, which could be in response to Apple's neatly designed widget system.The first developer preview of Android 12 is expected to arrive as soon as this month.Android smartphones are still in the process of receiving the Android 11 update, but the tech world waits for no one, and Android 12 is already being prepared for its first developer preview soon. There have been tidbits of information here and there on what to expect for the update, and while Android in its current form seems pretty full-featured at this point, there's always something that can be improved or implemented. It seems we're getting our first look at some of these improvements thanks to screenshots recovered by XDA-Developers. The screenshots show a bright, cream-colored UI that cou...

Barcode Scanner amassed over 10 million downloads on the Play Store.What you need to knowA popular barcode scanning app was taken off the Play Store after it was found to contain malware.Barcode Scanner reportedly did not include the malware until a recent update on December 4th, 2020.The app was apparently available through Google Play Pass and had over 10 million installs.Google has gotten pretty good at spotting malware on its app store, which features a built-in security suite called Play Protect that can notify you of suspicious or unknown apps. Even on the Chrome Web Store, Google was able to take down a popular extension due to malware that was injected into the code following an update. Unfortunately, this sort of thing can happen more than we realize, and some apps can slip through the cracks, leading to the recent takedown of a popular Play Store app for this very reason.Barcode Scanner, which was developed by app publisher LavaBird LTD, was a simple Play Stor...

Working from home can be great, assuming you approach it the right way. Whether your job is 100% remote or your company is shifting to remote work temporarily, having a good office desk and other office equipment is essential to staying productive and having an enjoyable workday. If you're shopping for the best cheap home office desk there are lots of excellent choices that are not only affordable, but kind to your back and posture. Here are our top picks when it comes to office comfort!Our favoriteFURINNO Econ Multipurpose Home Office Computer Writing DeskStaff PickWe're happy to recommend any of the desks on this list, but if we were to pick one as the best overall, it'd have to be the FURINNO Econ Multipurpose Desk. We'll mention FURINNO a few times today, but the Econ desk stands out for a few reasons. It's offered in a ton of different finishes, there's a slide-out drawer for your keyboard, and the various platforms/surfaces give you ample ways to organize your gear....

A sous vide machine, also known as an immersion circulator, is a powerful kitchen tool that slowly cooks vacuum-sealed food in a temperature-controlled water bath. By circulating water, food is evenly cooked to a precise degree, flavor and moisture are locked in, and you'll end up with restaurant-quality food at home. This strange yet fascinating cooking technique is actually much easier than it sounds, though having the best smart sous vide machine at your side can make the long cooking process easier. The Joule Sous Vide is a small but mighty favorite and one of our best smart kitchen products for a reason. But there are a few other excellent smart sous vide machines worth considering.Best Overall: Joule Sous VideThe Joule Sous Vide has everything you're looking for in a smart sous vide machine. It's the smallest and most compact sous vide on this list and reliable, accurate, and incredibly powerful for its size. Boasting 1100 watts of power, it heats water quickly, quietly, ...

Users are reporting better support for 4K60 streaming.Update, Feb 8 (4:30 pm ET): Google releases the changelog for the Chromecast with Google TV UpdateWhat you need to knowGoogle has released the December 2020 patch for Google TV.Users on Reddit are reporting better support for 4K60, which was reportedly spotty.This comes days after Android TV was updated with a new UI to more closely resemble Google TV.Chromecast with Google TV owners are being treated to an update today, which includes the December patch after one of the best streaming devices skipped out on October and November updates. It comes in at just over 78MB and no changelog was provided, so there doesn't seem to be much more included than a security patch. Additionally, the remote is also being updated, which you can find by navigating to Settings and Remotes & Accessories.Interestingly, users on Reddit are reporting that since updating, they're now gaining support for 4K60 on their TV sets. Chromecast ...

EA is making a push into mobile gaming.What you need to knowEA has announced today that it's acquiring Glu Mobile, a major player in mobile gaming.The $2.1 billion deal will combine Glu Mobile's expertise with EA's franchises and brands.This is part of a significant push from EA to expand into the lucrative mobile gaming market.EA is one of the largest game developers and publishers, responsible for huge franchises and video games like Madden NFL 21, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, FIFA 21, and much more. EA has also been involved in mobile gaming for a long time now and seeks to expand its reach. Today, EA announced that it's acquiring Glu Mobile, a major player in mobile gaming responsible for several popular mobile games.The $2.1 billion deal will bring Glu Mobile's teams together with EA's existing mobile teams and help EA push further into the ever-expanding mobile gaming business with new titles. From EA's announcement: Bringing together the best-in-class mobile d...

YouTube Shorts is only broadly available in India.What you need to knowGoogle is testing out a new design in YouTube that includes a prominent 'Create' button.The company is aiming to drive more user attention to YouTube Shorts by smoothening out the video creation process.Shorts remains available in India only at this time.Google continues to build out its TikTok competitor, YouTube Shorts. The company has the short form video service as part of its main-line YouTube app, and it's currently aimed solely at the Indian market, though Google still has plans to expand to global markets.A new feature for Shorts, spotted by the folks over at Android Police, will now make it easier to leapfrog off playing a music video on you like on YouTube into creating a 'Short' inspired by that very music video. The company will now be including a new 'Create' button in the list of actions that appear under a YouTube video, sitting alongside the like, share, and download buttons. It only ...

Twitter is looking into various ways to increase its revenue stream.What you need to knowReports indicate Twitter is looking into various ways to make more revenue.Ideas in consideration include "tipping", charging for more features, making users pay for TweetDeck, and more.Twitter is not making the decision lightly and is putting a "high bar" on whatever it decides to do.Rumors of Twitter mulling a subscription model have been around for years, and even though it hasn't had the same level of user or revenue growth as its closest rival, Facebook, we have yet to see the company implement and such a model. Still, that doesn't mean Twitter has given up on trying to figure out ways to increase its revenue stream, and according to a report from Bloomberg, Twitter has several different ideas in consideration.A subscription-based model is the most obvious way to go, although there are several different kinds of implementations being considered. Twitter could charge members for e...

The Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 ship with one disposable AA battery each, but once those run out of juice, you should invest in the best Oculus Quest 2 replacement batteries to fill in for them. While the Touch Controllers last longer than the headset's limited battery, they still use enough energy that you'll need to invest in some rechargeable batteries or a stack of disposable batteries to stop your VR sessions from getting disrupted. Here are the batteries and chargers we recommend for your Oculus Touch controllers.Best rechargable batteries + chargerPanasonic K-KJ55MCA4BA 3 Hour Quick Charger with 4 AA eneloop Rechargeable BatteriesStaff pickThese rechargeable batteries store up to 2,000 mAh of power and can be recharged up to 2,100 times. They can be charged completely from dead or partially charged without damaging the energy storage memory. We recommend buying them with the quick charger accessory, which will get your AAs recharged in no time, but you...

If you have small ears, chances are you find it difficult to get a pair of headphones that fit well. There are virtually endless choices out there for audio gadgets in 2020, but finding ones that work properly in smaller-sized ears can still prove to be a pain in the butt. That's why we've done our homework and created a list of our favorite headphones and earbuds that are worth spending money on, even if your ears are smaller than the average Joe.Diamond-enhanced soundAnker Soundcore Liberty Air 2Staff PickSticking with true wireless buds, another great choice comes from Anker with the Soundcore Liberty Air 2. Soundcore's "diamond-enhanced sound" touts 15% better frequency bandwidth and double the bass for all-around better audio. Tie that together with Bluetooth 5.0, 28 hours of total battery life, and customizable EQ settings, and you get one heck of a package.$80 at Amazon $100 at Best Buy $80 at WalmartSurprise hitBack Bay Duet 50True wireless earbuds a...

"Not another streaming service" is starting to become a common refrain amongst cordcutters with new options popping up every few months. Paramount Plus, however, isn't exactly a new service but a rebranded and majorly updated one.CBS All Access was previously known as the home of Big Brother live feeds, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, while slowly accumulating shows and other content from networks like BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and even the Smithsonian Channel. The amount of content on the service would actually surprise anyone who believes it solely includes CBS shows, which is why it's no surprise that the name is being changed to Paramount Plus in early 2021.Along with the name change, Paramount Plus is expected to include all of the content found on CBS All Access as well as a bevy of new shows and movies for subscribers to enjoy. Current CBS All Access originals like Star Trek: Picard and The Good Fight will continue airing on Pa...

All you need to know about Hulu and Hulu with Live TVSince launching in October 2007, Hulu has established itself as one of the most versatile and affordable streaming services. Now owned by Disney, the platform has expanded to offer a variety of subscription plans and live channels, among other perks.Whether you're interested in trying Hulu or Hulu with Live TV or want to justify your current streaming commitments, we've got all the details. Here's everything you need to know about Hulu and Hulu with Live TV.Hulu and Hulu + Live TVStream on-demand and liveFrom $5/month at HuluAll the shows, movies, and sports you wantHulu and Hulu + Live TV give you access to the best movie and television content, both on-demand and live streaming. Pick a plan and add-on that works for your family.Hulu and Hulu + Live TVWhat is Hulu?How much does Hulu cost?Where is Hulu available?What devices support Hulu?What's streaming on Hulu?Hulu on-demandHulu + Live TVHulu + Liv...

Budget friendlyOculus Quest 2 64GB$299 at AmazonProsCheaperHas enough storage for most usersSupports all the same features and games as 256GB modelConsNot enough storage for hardcore gamersDeleting games deletes save dataNo microSD slot for expandable storageThe 64GB variant of the Oculus Quest 2 supports all the same features and games as the version with larger storage. It has enough space for many users but will fill up if you're a hardcore gamer. Its lack of a microSD slot makes storage limitations a more significant issue.Extra roomOculus Quest 2 256GB$399 at AmazonProsLots of room for gamesMore affordable than the competitionConsSignificantly more expensive No microSD slotThis version of the Oculus Quest 2 sports 256GB of storage, which would likely take close to 100 Quest 2 games to fill up. You'll have plenty of space for downloading personal files and videos to the headset as well, though it still doesn't have a microSD s...

Oculus sells a ton of accessories for its newest VR headset, but your first purchase should be one of the best Oculus Quest 2 cases, without question. A case will shield your lenses from sunlight damage and make sure all your VR accessories are kept in one place. Original Quest owners can try using their old cases, but the Quest 2 is about an inch smaller so there may be a bit too much wiggle room if you use it as a travel case. We've rounded up the Quest 2 storage and travel cases that we trust to keep your headsets properly protected from falls, lens scratches, or controller stick drift.Official Quest 2 CaseOculus Quest 2 Carrying CaseStaff PickUnlike many of the Quest 2 cases made by third parties that were originally Quest 1 cases, the official Quest 2 Carrying Case is specifically tailored to its new dimensions. It can squeeze inside the headset, controllers, charging cable, power adapter, and Elite Strap with Battery, keeping them static so nothing moves around. The...

We are all surrounded by online services, mobile apps, and our internet service providers, all of which can have deep access to our personal data. In a market landscape where personal data privacy can be hard to find, there are some options you can take to help keep your digital life a bit more private.You've probably heard what has now become something of an internet maxim about free services: you're not the customer, you're the product. It's been said so many times and so many ways since as early as the '70s, per Quote Investigator, and it applies just as much to the internet landscape today as it did to TV when it was first uttered.Many of us have free email services, free messaging apps, free office suites, and a half-dozen free social media accounts. And, in many cases, our data on those services can be used in ways we might not like. Some of it may be used to lump us into categories for targeted advertising. Some of it might end up in the hands of the next Cambridge Analytica...

There are plenty of wearables out there, but even some of the best Android smartwatches can be missing one of the most essential features you could ask for — a heart rate sensor. Luckily, we've put all of the Wear OS devices with a heart rate monitor in one place. Not only are heart rate sensors great for accurately tracking how hard you're going during a workout, but they're also helpful for keeping track of your ticker to make sure everything's working as it should. If you want a Wear OS watch with a heart rate sensor, these are the ones to get!Best of the bestTicWatch Pro 3Staff PickThe TicWatch Pro 3 takes much of the design and features from the previous generations of the TicWatch Pro line then improves on all of it. It's slimmer, with a new SpO2 sensor to improve heart rate tracking and a reworked the secondary display. It's also the first watch to run the powerful Snapdragon 4100, which is quite a big deal.$300 at Amazon$297 at Walmart $300 at B&HA...

What you need to knowFitbit is expanding its health-tracking features, including blood glucose monitoring.Fitbit Sense users outside the U.S. and Europe will now have access to the ECG app.SpO2 readings will soon be available for free on the Fitbit Charge 4.Fitbit has one of the most complete feature sets of any health wearable company, making its devices like the Fitbit Versa 2 among the best fitness trackers on the market. Fitbit's lineup of trackers and smartwatches included features like stress management, skin temperature, blood oxygen measurements, and plenty more. Today the company is expanding several of its features to users in new regions and adding a new helpful measuring tool to its health app.One of the more essential features coming to Fitbit's app is the ability to easily monitor and log your blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes. High or low blood glucose can lead to a number of different health complications such as hyperg...