Latest from Android Central

The backpack can accomodate up to 16-inch notebooks.What you need to knowOnePlus has announced a new backpack, called the Urban Traveler.It will be going on sale starting January 8.OnePlus is giving away the Urban Traveler to a lucky few fans as part of its User Festival.In 2017, OnePlus launched its first backpack alongside the OnePlus 5. A year later, it introduced the OnePlus Explorer backpack, which we found to be pretty great in our review. The company has now unveiled a new backpack called the Urban Traveler (via Android Police).As you can see in the images below, the backpack looks pretty slick and comes in two colorways: fully black and black/white. OnePlus says the white color has been treated to ensure it doesn't catch stains easily. The Urban Traveler as a 20L capacity and includes a total of nine pockets. You get a large main compartment with a partition and a zippered back, while the other compartment can hold up to 16-inch notebooks and includes a secret com...

Trump administration delivers another blow to China's biggest chipmaker.What you need to knowA new report claims the U.S. is set to add as many as 80 Chinese firms to its entity list.SMIC, which is China's largest chipmaker, is among the companies that are set to be added to the trade blacklist.The entity list already includes over 275 firms based in China. The U.S. government is set to add as many as 80 Chinese companies to its trade blacklist, according to a new report from Reuters. SMIC, which is China's top chipmaker, is said to be among the companies that are expected to be added to the "entity list." The move comes just weeks before President-elect Joe Biden assumes office.According to sources familiar with the matter, some of the companies and their affiliates have ties to the Chinese military and are helping it militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea. Some of them are also said to be involved in alleged human rights violations. The U.S. Commerce Depar...

Yet another casualty at Google's hands.What you need to knowGoogle plans on shuttering its struggling Android Things platform.Android Things was a stripped-down version of Android designed to work on Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.Existing developers will have up to January 2022 to keep running their existing deployments before Google's console stop working and all data is deleted.When it launched back in 2018, Google's Android Things platform seemed like an up-and-coming, low-cost alternative for IoT manufacturers and enthusiasts that could potentially bring some degree of standardization to the IoT world. We were certainly quite optimistic about its future.Well, time certainly hasn't been kind to the fledgling IoT platform. After a strategic pivot to smart displays and speakers last year, Google has officially decided to kill off the platform entirely — for the most part. A recently updated FAQ page, spotted by Ars Technica, notes that, The Android Things consol...

Let's look back at all of OnePlus' achievements and misses over its seven-year journey.This week marks the seventh anniversary of OnePlus. The company was set up on December 17, 2013 by Pete Lau and Carl Pei, who met during their time at OPPO. From the very beginning, OnePlus had a clear directive: make the best Android phones, and sell it for significantly less than the competition.The strategy allowed OnePlus to gain a foothold with the enthusiast community, and it built on that initial momentum to become one of the leading phone manufacturers in the world today. The OnePlus 8 Pro is a refined flagship that takes on the best that Samsung and Google have to offer, and the OnePlus Nord chats a bold new direction for the company in the mid-range segment.For all that OnePlus delivered on the hardware side of things, there have been several failures along the way. So let's take a look at the key milestones along OnePlus' seven-year journey, and some of its failings. If you're more...

The stable OxygenOS 11 update could hit the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones sometime early next year.What you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed that the Android 11 update for the OnePlus 7 and 7T phones has been delayed.The delay has been caused due to a software issue with decrypting data on Android 11.OnePlus is working with Qualcomm to come up with a solution.OnePlus had revealed in October that the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones would be updated to Android 11 in December. Unfortunately, however, it now looks like owners of the 7 and 7T series phones will have to wait until early next year for the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 update. OnePlus has confirmed in a post on its Chinese forum that the Android 11 update for the 2019 flagships will be delayed (via Android Police).As per the post, there appears to be a software issue with decrypting data on the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones running Android 11. OnePlus says it is working with Qualcomm to fix the issue and expects...

The update is currently rolling out in India, Sri Lanka, and South Korea.What you need to knowSamsung has begun expanding its rollout of the One UI 2.5 update to both the Galaxy A50 and the Galaxy A90 5G.Alongside better performance, the update brings with it an improved Samsung Keyboard, enhanced camera features, and more.The A50 update is currently rolling out in India and Sri Lanka, while the A91 5G update is available to South Korean users.More than four months after its debut alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series, Samsung's One UI 2.5 update is finally rolling out to more of its mid-range lineup. Galaxy A50 owners in Sri Lanka and India and Galaxy A90 5G users in South Korea should have started receiving the update on their phones this week, reports SamMobile.The update brings with it a plethora of new features, including Wireless DeX support, an improved Samsung Keyboard with a split layout and YouTube search functionality, Bitmoji stickers for the Always On Display, ...

The race for next-gen wireless techAll major U.S. carriers are hard at work on their 5G strategy. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have launched 5G networks and are aggressively expanding those networks in 2020 and into next year. If you're looking to upgrade to 5G any time soon, you should keep an eye on your carrier's 5G coverage map. Notably, T-Mobile's 5G network is adding capacity to its network thanks to the spectrum it got from Sprint. Once fully deployed, 5G service will provide faster speeds and reduced response times, allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available.5G is taking hold in the U.S., and it's no coincidence that many of the best 5G phones are also some of the best Android phones in general. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed, but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more services that rely on instant connectivity should become possible.Before you upgrade your phone or switch carriers, check to se...

The best Chromebook docking stations can turn your laptop from on-the-go ready to comfortably cozy by plugging in a single USB-C cable. When you're home and want to use a clicky mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or add a secondary display, docking stations are here to keep things tidy and organized. While you could maybe get by with some tiny USB-C hub, the cables are usually too short and leave your desk cluttered, while docking stations help keep things connected while staying out of your way. If you need to get your Chromebook connected, these are the best docking stations.Keep it tidyPluggable USB Mini Docking StationStaff PickThis compact docking station won't take up much desk space, but it still has enough space for four USB-A peripherals, an HDMI monitor, Ethernet, and an audio jack for some speakers. It can also charge your Chromebook at full speed.$129 at Amazon$129 at WalmartTall or flat, your choiceBaseus 16-in-1 USB-C DockSome folks prefer a...

This was a decision that unfortunately had to be made.It happened. Sony pulled Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store entirely. Let me repeat that. You cannot purchase Cyberpunk 2077 digitally for PS4 right now. This is an unprecedented decision on Sony's part, and comes shortly after CD Projekt RED seemingly threw retailers and platforms under the bus by saying that fans could request refunds, before walking back on those claims and stating that the studio did not have any agreements in place with Sony regarding refunds.Sony announced the following Thursday night: SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store. SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice. Once we have confirmed that you purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store, we will begin processing your refund. Please note that complet...

This game presents a real opportunity for Stadia to appeal to a lot more players.Despite a lot of reported problems with certain versions of Cyberpunk 2077, Stadia's version is looking pretty good. CD Projekt RED's latest RPG epic released to mostly positive reviews this week and seems to be a success, already capping off a big week of new releases for Stadia.Even though Cyberpunk 2077 isn't officially out on PS5 and Xbox Series X just yet, when gamers play the PS4 or Xbox One version on the respective next-generation console, they're able to enjoy a high-quality experience for the most part that is comparable to the PC version. However, if you're playing on an actual original PS4 or Xbox One, of which there are millions of consumers out there that still use those consoles, the results are downright messy.When you combine this with the high recommended specs for Cyberpunk 2077 on PC, as well as the impossibility of getting a new PS5 or Xbox Series X right now, options are limit...

Galaxy S21 leaks continue to flow.Update, December 17 (8 pm ET): New high-resolution photos of the S21 with no watermarks have surfaced, courtesy of tipster Evan Blass.What you need to knowOfficial renders of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ have leaked online.Both phones are expected to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S21 Ultra on January 14. The upcoming flagship phones will feature flat displays with a centered hole-punch cutout and a redesigned camera bump on the back.Yesterday, tipster Evan Blass posted the very first press render of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21. More press renders showing the successors to two of Samsung's best Android phones have now surfaced, courtesy of German tech site WinFuture.de. The renders show the vanilla Galaxy S21 in four different color options and the Galaxy S21+ in Phantom Black.As revealed by previous leaks, the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ will have a largely similar design with a flat Infinity-O display and triple rear cameras hou...

PlayStation is notoriously bad at customer support when it comes to refund requests, so you'll need to be patient.Cyberpunk 2077 runs like garbage on PS4 and Xbox One. There's just no other way to say it. Our own Cyberpunk 2077 review mentions the persistent bugs that still plague the game on PS5 through backward compatibility.While CD Projekt RED had previously acknowledged the problems and stated that everyone can request a refund on PS4, PlayStation Support hasn't always been helpful to customers in the past, so refunds weren't guaranateed. After a few days of inconsistent refunds, Sony officially said it would be offering refunds and delisting the game from the PlayStation Store until further notice. All you have to confirm you bought the game via the PlayStation store and the company will bein processing the refund. There is a form available, or you can follow the steps below.How to request a refund on Cyberpunk 2077 for PS4 and PS5Go to playstation.com/en-us/support/st...

Uh...wow. Well then.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 has received mixed reception, with numerous crashes and technical issues on the console versions.Sony announced today that it is pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store.Additionally, refunds are being offered.Cyberpunk 2077 released a week ago and since then, it's been the subject of mixed reception, especially on consoles. Today, Sony announced that players on PS4 and PS5 can request a refund for the game if they choose. Additionally, Sony Interactive Entertainment is pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store until further notice.You can read the full announcement below: SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store. SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice. Once we have confirmed that you purchased Cyberpunk 2077 ...

For the first time ever, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is performing for a virtual livestream event that you can watch from anywhere in the world. This iconic rock band has been selling out arenas since 1999 which makes this one of the easiest years to actually see the show no matter where you live.This year, the band will be peforming a 90-minute stage adaptation of its debut album "Christmas Eve and Other Stories". This is the full production of the show as you'd see if you went to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert in person. This livestream is a ticketed event, though you'll no doubt be getting a much better view of the show this year than you would by paying more for seats in the nosebleed sections. The ticket costs $30 and also includes access to a pre-show with behind-the-scenes footage and classic interview segments.Trans-Siberian Orchestra livestream: When and whereThe Trans-Siberian Orchestra livestream event happens live this Friday, December 18 at 8PM EST. If you c...

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

Google is making it easier for more Indians to use its core apps and services.What you need to knowGoogle is expanding Indian language support for Maps, Search, and Lens.9 Indian languages being added, including Gujarati, Marathi, and Tamil.This and other announcements were recently made at Google's L10n India event.Google continues to expand the languages it supports across its various services around the world, and now it has added support for nine Indian languages across three key apps — Maps, Search, and Lens. This announcement was made by Google at its L10n India event, according to a post on Android Police.India has 22 official languages and many unofficial languages and dialects, so it makes sense that Google wants to be able to support as many as possible in the fastest growing country in the world. Among the nine languages that Google added are Gujarati, Marathi, and Tamil. Maps, Search, and Lens are natural apps and services to bring additional language suppo...

What is lurking in this prison?What you need to knowThe Callisto Protocol is a next-generation horror game being developed and published by Striking Distance Studios and Krafton.The development team is led by Glen Schofield, co-creator of the Dead Space franchise.There's a new Red Band trailer that is gorier and more detailed than the debut trailer.During the Game Awards 2020, one of the most exciting announcements for horror fans was The Callisto Protocol, a single-player, third-person horror game being developed by Striking Distance Studios. Now, there's an extended Red Band trailer and as that would imply, it's a lot more graphic, with results that wouldn't be out of place in The Thing.The Red Band trailer is only slightly extended but it gives us a horrifying idea of just how the monstrous creature is infecting others.Led by Glen Schofield, co-creator of Dead Space, a 150-developer team is working on this game. Set in the year 2320, players are trying to escape ...

Whether you are buying a PS5 or already have yourself a PlayStation 4, you are probably considering picking up a PlayStation Plus subscription. For those unaware, PlayStation Plus is Sony's online subscription service that allows you to play multiplayer games with friends, get discounts on games, and so much more. Normally, the service costs about $60 for the year, but you generally don't have to look too far in order to find a discount on it — especially with the holidays coming up.What's really great about shoppnig for PlayStation Plus subscriptions is the fact that they can be stacked, so even if your subscription isn't due right now you can still buy a discounted one and then add it to the end of your current subscription. This means that you can even buy two of the subscriptions on sale and potentially get two years of PS Plus for the same cost as a single year would normally cost if you weren't looking for a deal.PlayStation Plus has a LOT of great benefits beyond just th...

When you live in a home with pets, it's not uncommon to find fur balls collecting in different areas of the house. Cats and dogs never seem to stop shedding, which makes cleaning up a bit of a hassle. The best way to keep your home clean is with a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba i7+ that takes care of the furry mess every day. We've done our research and gathered a list of the best robot vacuums for pets, which varies from our picks for best robot vacuums overall. See which one fits your needs.Best Overall: iRobot Roomba i7+This is most definitely an expensive choice for your home, but it's also one of the only robot vacuums on the market that can dump its dustbin load and continue working. When you spring for the i7+, you get the vacuum and the Clean Base where dustbin loads are stored. You can also purchase a less expensive i7 vacuum on its own, but it won't be compatible with the Clean Base. iRobot designed the Clean Base's bags to hold up to 30 bins worth of de...

Spotify has been leaning hard into the podcasts game.What you need to knowAlexa can now play Spotify podcasts in 11 new countries as the two companies expand their integration.These include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, India, Austria, and Ireland.Spotify originally launched this feature in the U.S. back in 2019.Spotify this week announced an expansion of its integration with Alexa, as far as podcasts go that is. Currently, in the U.S., customers can verbally request that Alexa play podcasts in the same way they can do for songs or other supported content. Now, the company is expanding the availability of this functionality to other countries. These include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, India, Austria, and Ireland.You'll need to have linked Spotify to your Alexa app and set it up as the default podcasting service first. Once this is done, you'll be able to say: "Alexa, play [podcast...

Equipped with a 13-inch screen and measuring 11.83x9.25x0.6 inches in size, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is a versatile computer that flips a full 360-degrees so you can use it as a tablet as well. And while it is built with military-grade durability, you still want to protect it when out and about. While a good sleeve does help, the best sleeves for the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 make it easy to slide your laptop in and out, feature a smooth gliding zipper, and offer protection against the elements.Everything you needLandici Laptop Case SleeveStaff PickWith internal dimensions of 13.7x10.2x1.18 inches, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 will fit nicely inside this sleeve, with a bit of room to spare. Available in seven colors, the sleeve is made from water-resistant polyester Oxford fabric and has foam padding along with a fleece fabric lining, offering three layers of protection. A front accessory compartment can hold other essentials, and the easy-glide zipper is on the side for...

A nice way to ring in the new year.What you need to knowThe new Google Pay app is offering upgraded rewards for referrals and purchases at select retailers.Users can refer up to three people to use the app, with $21 rewards per person.The redesigned Google Pay app was launched in late November with new features and banking options.There's no denying 2020 was quite the year, particularly for Google which is in the midst of a legal onslaught. The company obviously can't wait to put 2020, as well as these lawsuits, behind it, so as a treat to customers, Google Pay is now offering upgraded rewards of $21 in cashback for select purchases and referrals.Users who open the Google Pay app should immediately see the banner at the top for the new offer. In the U.S., spending $50 or more at Target with Google Pay will reward you with $21 cashback within the app. It's a one-time-only offer that you must activate within the app by December 31st. Following activation, you then have 45 d...

Catching up on the latest holiday shows and movies is becoming easier than ever. Of course, if you don't have cable, you can't just turn on the TV to watch them airing live. However, Disney+ gives you the power to watch whenever is convenient for you and the rest of the family; there's no shortage of holiday content on Disney's streaming service either.Whether you're in the mood to stream a new Christmas movie or maybe a holiday special, Disney+ is the first place you should look. We've already gathered up lists of our favorite holiday episodes and the best holiday movies you can find on Disney+, but if you're looking for what's exclusive to the service, you've come to the right place. Disney+ has several new original movies and shows to watch this holiday season as well as a few from last year if you missed them then.Give Disney+ as a gift subscriptionDisney+ has a new way you can share the service with another friend or family member. This holiday season, you can buy a gift ...

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we've rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power. For an extremely competitive price, you get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.Best Overall Android Phone under $300: Moto G PowerMotorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power. This is a phone that nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagships need to b...

Still trying to get one? Here's another chance.What you need to knowThe PS5 is extremely difficult to find in stock right now.A new batch of consoles are set to be available through Walmart at 3:00 p.m. ET.If you want to grab one, you'll need to act extremely quickly.Scalpers and online bots are making it difficult to grab a console for the holidays. While there isn't a real solution to this problem just yet, you'll fortunately have another shot at grabbing a PS5 from Walmart today. As of 3:00 p.m. ET, additional PS5 units are set to be in stock. You'll have to move fast with your information ready, because as we've seen since preorders were announced, the new consoles sell out extremely quicklyNext-genPlayStation 5$499 at Walmart$399 at Walmart (Digital Edition)Get it fast while it's in-stockWalmart will have more in-stock at 3:00 p.m ET. Have your wallet information ready because as we've seen before, these can sell out within seconds (assuming the site doe...

More than 40 state attorneys are now involved in a legal battle with Google over claims of illegal monopoly.Update, December 17 (14:30 pm ET): A third lawsuit is being filed by eight U.S. states over similar allegations of unfair competitive practices.What you need to knowGoogle is being sued by several state attorneys for its ad practices.Accusations point to Google maintaining an illegal monopoly on online ads in search results.This is not the only lawsuit that Google is facing for similar allegations.State attorneys on Wednesday announced that they plan to launch an antitrust lawsuit against Google, claiming that the tech giant holds an illegal monopoly over online ads. The suit is being led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, which he announced on Twitter stating that it "isn't fair that Google effectively eliminated its competition and crowned itself the head of online advertising."#BREAKING: Texas takes the lead once more! Today, we're filing a lawsuit against #...

It's now easier to return those unwanted Amazon gifts.What you need to knowAmazon is expanding its return window for items purchased as early as October.Returns can be brought to Whole Foods stores and many other locations, and don't require a label in most cases.Many items can be returned without a box, and customers have until January 31st to return items purchased within the specified window.Christmas is coming and the time for gift-giving is upon us. It also means the time for gift returns is coming soon thereafter. This year due to ongoing social distancing protocols, it's more important than ever to make sure that there are safe ways for consumers to return unwanted items. Many companies, such as Walmart with its Walmart Plus service, are trying to make it easier for customers to shop this holiday season and Amazon is now making it easier. The company has announced today that it's not only making returns more convenient but it's also expanding the window that customer...

Get those spicy questions ready!It's hard to believe, but 2020 is finally coming to a close. This year sure has been something else, so why not end it on a high note? The final Android Central Podcast of 2020 is coming soon, and rather than doing a normal show to send off the year, we wanted to do something a bit more fun.As such, the next episode of the Android Central Podcast will be a Q&A! Whether you want to get our hot takes on our favorite phones of the year, finally want us to settle which Android interface is best, or just need to know what we think about pineapple on pizza (it's delicious, by the way), this is your opportunity to ask.Whatever your question may be, all you have to do is leave it in the comments below. We'll sift through everything that comes in, pick our favorites, and try to answer as many as possible. You all get to decide what we'll be talking about, so get creative and have fun!We'll be recording the next Android Central Podcast on Thursday, D...

Source: StackCommerceStuffing a bunch of keys into the same pocket as your iPhone is always a dangerous game. Even if your device has a screen protector, it can easily come out with serious damage. KeySmart Rugged offers a neat solution. This compact gadget keeps all your keys neatly stored. It's now 28% off for iMore readers at just $24.99.Quite apart from damage to your phone, a large bunch of keys isn't easy to squeeze into jeans pockets. If you prefer not to stab yourself in the leg, this key organizer is a must-have accessory.Described by CNET as "neat, tidy, and noiseless," this tiny organizer stores your keys like the tools in a Swiss Army knife. The keys lie flat in storage, and they swing outwards when you arrive at your front door. This means no more fumbling in the dark.The whole thing is sleek and strong, thanks to an aluminum frame. It comes with a pocket clip and a bottle opener for refreshments on-the-go.It's usually priced at $34, but you can get the KeySma...

The ever-evolving ecosystem of Amazon Echo accessories (or Echosystem) has helped turn average homes into modern smart homes. We love how convenient Alexa makes it to control devices, listen to music, check the news, find shows, and do so many other things. Enhance your Echo experience further with one of the many useful accessories available for the different Alexa units. Some items on our list are accessories that work with multiple Echo devices, while others are particular to a specific Echo model. Let's get to it.Wirelessly charge (4th Gen)Mission Cables Portable Battery BaseStaff PickBring your Amazon Echo (4th Gen) from room to room without constantly plugging it in, thanks to this portable battery pack. It will supply consistent power to your device for up to five hours. Though it's only compatible with the latest Echo, the white-on-white setup looks surprisingly like Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Walt Disney World!$40 at AmazonEcho everywhere (3rd Gen)Mission Ca...

You'll be able to keep an eye on unwanted guests from the inside.What you need to knowSelect Fire TV devices can now view security camera feeds while watching shows with a new picture-in-picture view.These include the Fire TV Cube (2nd gen), 2020 4K Toshiba Fire TV Edition, and 2020 4K Insignia Fire TV Edition. It'll be able to show video feeds from compatible Ring doorbells as well as offerings from Nest, Wyze, and Logitech.Amazon has updated select Fire TV devices, including the Fire TV Cube (2nd gen), 2020 4K Toshiba Fire TV Edition, and 2020 4K Insignia Fire TV Edition to include a new security feature — picture-in-picture support for security camera feeds.You'll be able to pull up video feeds from compatible Ring doorbells while watching your TV shows without missing a beat once you've gotten this update enabled.Amazon explained this change, saying: For example, if you're watching a show and a visitor presses your Ring doorbell, you will receive a picture vid...

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great Bluetooth speaker, so we've rounded up what we believe are some of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 to help save you money. Whether you're looking to pick up a speaker to listen to music or play your favorite podcasts at the pool, or need one for streaming music from your phone, there are plenty of great affordable options available. Our pick would be the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 for its versatility and excellent sound quality.Best Overall Bluetooth Speaker Under $100: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2The Wonderboom 2 delivers everything you're looking for in an affordable Bluetooth speaker. It has IP67 water resistance, astonishingly great sound quality, and 13-hour battery life. The speaker also has multi-directional sound, and you can even pair two speakers together to create a stereo effect (although you can only pair it with other Wonderboom speakers).The versatility on offer here makes the Wonderboom 2 stand out fro...

Ring's video doorbells let you add convenience and security to your front door and, thanks to this limited-time sale at Amazon, you can save when you bundle one of Ring's newest models with an Amazon Echo Dot. The sale features a few different Ring doorbell models all paired with Amazon's newest 4th-gen Echo Dot for just $10 extra. Considering the smart speaker was only recently released and has a $50 retail price, it's a solid saving.The 2020 Ring Video Doorbell featured in the sale is the second iteration of the product, stealing lots of features from the Ring Video Doorbell 3. That includes 1080p video for crispy viewing of whoever happens to be at your front door, improved audio quality, better motion detection, improved privacy, and new security features.Now with the Ring Video Doorbell, you can use Privacy Zones to block out bits of the video you don't want to be recorded. It also has Near Zones to stop false notifications from things like traffic driving past your house or...

The Asus C434 is an ultra-compact, ultra-slim Chromebook that is great for getting work done on the go. But that means having a convenient way to bring the computer with you. The best sleeves for Asus Chromebook C434 are slim, nicely fitted, and offer sufficient protection, taking into account its generous screen-to-body ratio and a 360-degree hinge.Carry it alliKammo Laptop Sleeve Case BagStaff PickJust about everything fits, literally, with this sleeve, including the color options, high-quality material, extra pockets, and price, making it the top pick. It comes in five colors of waterproof canvas fabric and is slim enough to easily slot into another bag. The spacious extra pocket can hold everything from a mouse to earphones, pens, a smartphone, notepads, and more. Shockproof, it has a soft lining inside to prevent scratches and a side handle for carrying it on its own.$15 at AmazonSoft and simpleRAINYEAR Laptop Sleeve Protective CaseWith an outer Neoprene laye...

Wireless headphones are useful for more than just listening to your favorite songs. Maybe it's just me, but I've always despised holding my phone to my ear to have a conversation. Now, thanks to true wireless headphones like the Anker Soundcore Life P2 true wireless earbuds, you can take calls and talk to your friends hands-free without paying a ton of money in the process. These earbuds regularly sell for $49.99, though right now they're down to only $39.99 right now via Newegg with coupon code MKTCPJU.The Soundcore Life P2 true wireless headphones are a perfect pick if you're someone who's worried about call quality when it comes to Bluetooth headphones, as Anker has integrated two microphones into each earbud to help your voice be clearly heard on the other end of the call. They even feature beamforming noise reduction and cVc 8.0 noise-cancelling technology to help enhance your voice and reduce the amount of background noise on your end.With Anker's BassUp technology, these h...

Google acquired Fitbit all the way back in 2019, but an EU probe had held up finalization.What you need to knowThe EU has approved Google's Fitbit acquisition after an antitrust investigation.Google had made commitments to silo data collected from Fitbit devices away from its ads business.The company has also pledged to allow third-party wearable manufacturers equal access to the Android platform.Google's $2.1 billion Fitbit acquisition can finally go ahead as the EU has approved it after previously launching an investigation into the deal over antitrust concerns.The body had sought to ascertain whether Google's merger with Fitbit's would stifle competition in the smartwatch space by given Google outsized control over user data compared to its competitors. The investigation also wanted to determine whether Google could degrade the smartwatch experience of non-Fitbit rivals on Android. After a months-long investigation, these concerns have been satisfied.In a press relea...

Zoom makes a move to attract customers this holiday season.What you need to knowZoom is lifting its limits on free calls for the winter holiday period.The company will now let users make unlimited free calls during Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Day.The move has been praised by some professors, with some advocating other similarly situated companies echo it.Christmas 2020 is bound to be a very different Christmas for most people. Unless you're living in New Zealand, you'll likely be discouraged from meeting up with your local government as the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world.Zoom, a video calling solution which rose to prominence as a result of increased reliance on social networking has now offered to temporarily lift its calling limits for the holiday season. Typically, free users have a 40-minute cap, but that'll be going away for a limited period.The company will be removing these restrictions at the following dates and times in apprec...

The Wyze Smart Home Starter Bundle is just $49.99 at Home Depot. That's a crazy low price. Consider that the Wyze cam included in this bundle sells for around $26 on its own normally, that's half the cost in just one product. The bundle is going for $90 or more at other retailers, and it's currently as high as $98 on Amazon. Today's price drop is $30 better than previous deals we've shared.If you're still holding out on getting into a smart home ecosystem either because you're not sure what to get or just don't want to pay for how much the expensive stuff costs, this starter bundle is perfect. It has everything you need to kick off your smart home the right way. And the system is compatible with a wide range of other platforms, so you can keep expanding after starting here.The bundle includes the 1080p HD indoor Wyze Cam. It's mountable and stackable and fits just about anywhere. The camera on its own costs around $26, so it's definitely the star of this show. It comes with night...

It's time to catch-up with Samsung's 2018 flagship.It seems like just yesterday the Samsung Galaxy S9 was the hottest and most popular Android smartphone on the market. However, with 2021 on the horizon, it's nearly three years old already. That's not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, but in smartphone years it's moving from middle age into its retirement years.The Galaxy S9 stands out as one of the most refined and complete phones Samsung's ever released, even if it wasn't the most exciting or intriguing. Even though Samsung will begin to scale back S9 updates in 2021, we suspect many S9 owners will stick with their phones for some time before updating to a new phone like the S21.So whether you need a refresher on the latest Galaxy S9 bugs or fixes, want to know the best S9 accessories, or are searching for tips on how to use it to its fullest potential, you've come to the right place.The latestSamsung Galaxy S20$800 at Amazon$750 at Best BuySamsung's 2...

If you tend to shop a lot at Walmart, you need to know about Walmart Plus (Walmart+). This is Walmart's answer to Amazon Prime, a service with so many perks there has been little to compete against it for so long. Walmart does still have a few advantages over Amazon, though, and plans to push those leads through this new program. In particular, not only does Walmart+ include a similar free two-day delivery program, but you'll be able to get unlimited free delivery on more than 160,000 items from tech to groceries. And you'll pay in-store pricing. That's just one of the perks.Rumors had Walmart+ originally launching in the spring, but the spread of COVID-19 led to a delay. Of course, everyone staying at home and shopping at home led to a spike in Walmart's sales, so it makes sense the company would want to capitalize off that momentum. Unfortunately even after the delay, it was expected to launch sometime in the summer and July and August passed without an announcement. However, the...

Now that your Echo is out of the box, we're here to help you set it up properly.It's that most wonderful time of the year! Families are getting together (even if only virtually), meals are being shared, and presents are being exchanged. If you were one of the millions of fortunate folks who happened to be gifted an Amazon Echo Show or one of the best Alexa speakers, then congratulations! You're surely excited to set it up, put it through its paces, and see just what Alexa can do for you.Since I play with smart speakers and Echo devices all the time, I've come up with a list of the top things to do after unwrapping your new Amazon Echo.Step 1: Register your Echo deviceIt's possible that if one of your more tech-savvy friends or family members bought your Echo online from Amazon that they might have been able to register it for you, but that's probably not the case. Thankfully, the Amazon Echo speakers are some of the simplest tech devices to set up.First, plug in and power ...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today, there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and its ability to still hit an affordable price point. Here is a list of some of the best Fire tablets out on the market right now.Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Tho...

Having a chat with the AC forums.The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 stands out as one of the most innovative smartphones of 2020, and as we head into 2021, expectations are high for what Samsung will be able to achieve with the expected Z Fold 3.The Z Fold 2 was a massive improvement over the original Galaxy Fold, offering improvements like a larger cover display, a more durable design, a 120Hz inner display, and more. Rumors around the Z Fold 3 are few and far between at the moment, but one can only hope that Samsung will find a way to make its folding flagship even better.A few of our AC forum members recently got to talking about the Z Fold 3, saying: Evilguppy 12-10-2020 11:54 AM “ https://www.tomsguide.com/amp/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-3-leak-just-revealed-true-galaxy-note-successor#aoh=16076190032772&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s I'll preface this by a...

Don't let thieves ruin your holidays.You've probably heard of the phenomenon of "porch pirates" over the past few years, and maybe you've even been unfortunately affected by such a package theft yourself. If you haven't already taken precautionary measures to safeguard your deliveries for the holiday season, we've compiled some tips for how to keep your holiday deliveries safe and your packages from getting into the wrong hands. While there is a bit of overlap, we've broken our suggestions down into three categories:Jump to:Technology solutionsLogistical solutionsPeople solutionsHow to keep your deliveries safe technology solutionsOne of the quickest and easiest solutions to the problem of package theft is to install some sort of security device to monitor your front porch. A video doorbell from Ring or Nest, or a dedicated porch security camera from Blink are ideal because they allow you to monitor your home on a whim, and they will send you notifications when t...

The experiment failed to encourage people to add their own thoughts to the conversation.What you need to knowTwitter's quote tweet experiment is finally coming to an end.It will no longer prompt quote tweets and is re-enabling the usual retweet behavior.Twitter had rolled out an update to prompt quote tweets instead of retweets to fight misinformation before the U.S. elections. Back in October, Twitter rolled out an update that encouraged users to quote tweets, instead of retweeting them. The change was aimed at fighting misinformation on its platform during the 2020 U.S. presidential elections. Twitter has now announced in a blog post that it is ending its quote tweets experiment and re-enabling the standard retweet behavior. You will no longer see the quote tweet prompt when you try to retweet something.Twitter says the experiment failed to achieve its goal of encouraging more thoughtful sharing. Even though the use of quote tweets saw a 26% increase since it made the c...

Grey's Anatomy returned to television back in November for its 17th season on the air after the longest hiatus in the show's 15 year history. Dr. Meredith Grey and the other doctors, nurses and residents at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital will continue their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in this week's episode titled "No Time for Despair" and we have all the details on how you can watch it online or on TV.Instead of picking up where last season left off, season 17 of Grey's Anatomy began about a month and a half into the pandemic and Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital has already been struggling with the new protocols and changes needed to deal with Covid-19.While Dr. Grey contracted the virus earlier this season and had visions of her dead husband while laid up in a hospital bed, she'll likely survive being as she's the show's main character. However, in episode four Dr. Koracick was also infected with Covid-19 and began going stir crazy while quarantining at home.A surge of Covi...

Your dog isn't just your trusty companion. He's a full-fledged member of your family. So innocent and so sweet, we truly don't deserve dogs. Isn't it about time you stepped up your game and found new ways to challenge and spoil your four-legged friend? From video cameras to treat tossers to grooming essentials, these are the best dog gadgets of the year.The treat spyFurbo Dog CameraStaff FavoriteThe Furbo dispenses treats on command via an app, plus it has two-way audio that alerts you when your best friend is barking. With a built-in HD camera and mic, you can see and hear what's going on even when you're away from home. Even better, the Furbo works in tandem with Alexa.$134 at Amazon$134 at Chewy$134 at FurboWonder glovesHandsOn Grooming GlovesStiff bristled brushes are hard on your dog's skin and your wrists. These grooming gloves are a hands-on, loving way to pet your buddy and do away with excess fur. Use them dry or in the bath, and give your dog a m...

One of Amazon's daily deals includes this huge sale on storage. You can save up to 30% on microSD cards, external hard drives, portable SSDs, and more from some hugely popular brands including SanDisk, Crucial, PNY, and others. There are a bunch of different devices on sale and the storage capacities range from as small to 128GB to as large as 12TB. However much space you need, or whatever reason you need these devices for, you're going save big by getting one today instead of waiting until tomorrow.Playing with a Nintendo Switch? Have some home security cameras or maybe a drone that could use some more room for video storage? Grab a new microSD card. The SanDisk Ultra 256GB microSD card is down to $26.59 in this sale. It's normally $33 and outside of sales like this it has never dropped this low. Several versions of the Ultra are in this sale, too, including the 512GB card for $20 off and the 200GB card for just $24.If you need a way to carry a lot more media with you wherever y...

It was a big year for Google.As you'd expect in any year ending with a number, there are more than a few services Google killed in 2020. The company is notorious for killing features and apps that don't do well or feed into its overall product strategy. Android Central's Jerry Hildenbrand has an excellent piece on why Google kills many of its products when these actions are seen as drastic by their most vocal users. That being said, Google did kill off many apps this year. A few services were killed off completely, while a few more were replaced with competent alternatives.While it's useful to keep a chronicle of which apps Google kills or sunsets, it's also useful to remember that it's not often as simple as "killing." In many cases, there is a clear pathway forward with limited service interruption for most users, and that context is often left out.Four services Google replaced in 2020:Google Play MusicGoogle Password Checker ExtensionGoogle HangoutsTrusted Contacts...

This is a great way to make a buggy game nearly unplayable, but it does have a handful of use cases.Cyberpunk 2077 is a massive and incredibly dense open-world RPG that's filled to the brim with things to do. And thanks to the cloud-based streaming functionality of Google Stadia, that means you can explore Night City literally anywhere you have access to a good Wi-Fi connection or a strong mobile data signal. In fact, given the caveats and issues with other platforms right now, Stadia is arguably the best place to play Cyberpunk 2077. Going one step further, this also means you can technically play Cyberpunk 2077 with touchscreen controls.To be clear: Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is technically playable via mobile touchscreen controls on Google Stadia. Even though it can be played this way I'd be surprised if anyone could actually complete the game even on the easiest difficulty. I gave it a solid hour or so of my time playing this way on my Pixel 4 XL and let's just say those are minutes...