Latest from Android Central

When it comes to finding the best Garmin Forerunner 645 band, it's crucial to find one that blends seamlessly with your active lifestyle. Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual runner, a perfect fit makes all the difference. As you may know, the Garmin Forerunner 645. is compatible with 20mm quick release bands. You'll have more than enough options to choose from. We've gathered some of our favorites to get you started.Durability for daysRitche Silicone Watch BandStaff pickSilicone is always a top choice for fitness bands because it's both durable and flexible thanks to the elastomer waterproof material. You'll appreciate how durable yet lightweight these Ritche silicone watch bands are. The sturdy stainless steel buckle keeps it secure on your wrist all day long.$18 at AmazonLightweight but toughOlytop NATO BandFor those who prefer a lightweight band that's tougher than ever, this one comes with NATO straps, high-quality stainless steel Zulu rin...

Ever since Samsung announced the Galaxy S8 with its onboard assistant, Bixby, people have been asking for ways to disable it and forget the button ever existed in the first place. The button eventually disappeared with the Galaxy S20 lineup, but Bixby was then integrated into the power button, which made it even more frustrating to use. Now that we're in 2021 and the release of the Galaxy S21 series, a new generation of users is discovering Bixby, so we're back to show you how to disable it all over again.Here's how to get rid of as much of Bixby as possible.Why do you want to disable Bixby?On phones where there's a dedicated Bixby button, one of the biggest frustrations is its placement; the button is right under the volume keys and nearly directly opposite the power buttons. On larger phones like the Galaxy S10+ or Note 10+, this often leads to accidental presses and unintended Bixby launches, especially when double-pressing the power button to launch the camera.Starting ...

Microsoft offered a pointed rebuke of its competitor.What you need to knowMicrosoft today came out in support of Australia's proposed News Media Bargaining Code, a new measure aimed at making search engines pay news publishers.The company criticized Google for threatening to pull Search away from the country if the move was implemented.Google had previously criticized the Bargaining Code as "unworkable."Microsoft has risen up in support of an Australian law that requires search engines to pay publishers for news while issuing a sharp critique of Google.In a statement issued on Wednesday, Microsoft President Brad Smith highlighted the power imbalance between digital news platforms and Australian news businesses. Microsoft supported the proposed News Media Bargaining Code, arguing that it was a reasonable move that would help support Australian news businesses. The company isn't currently subject to the legislation, but Smith says that it would happily abide by those rules ...

Source: StackCommerceText-to-speech can be really useful for creating video voice-overs and audiobooks — but many apps use weird voices. Notevibes helps you produce something more natural, with 177 customizable voices for just $69.99.Not everyone is blessed with a radio-quality voice. Perhaps more importantly, you may not have the time to do a full voice-over for every project.With Notevibes, you can add high-quality narration in seconds. This web-based platform has 177 voices and over 1.2 million characters, covering 18 languages with high-fidelity speech synthesis.To get started, you simply paste your script into the web app. Notevibes gives you loads of options to choose from, and you can highlight specific sections for emphasis.The app also allows you to add pauses, change the speed of the speech, and adjust the volume and pitch.You can save the audio in MP3 format or WAV, or listen via your browser. The latter option is great for digesting written tutorials through...

From getting the best OnePlus 8T cases to finding the best screen protectors, accessorizing your device is everything. When it comes to a new smartphone as great as the OnePlus 8T, finding the right accessories can be a bit daunting. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options available for those trying to ensure the display of their phones continues to look great for years to come.From the sourceOnePlus 3D Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff pickOnePlus has taken to providing all of its own accessories the latest devices, including the OnePlus 8T. With the OnePlus 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector, you are getting one that is designed specifically for this phone, with the precision you would expect. Although there is no cutout for the selfie camera, every edge of the OnePlus 8T's gorgeous display will be protected.$30 at OnePlusLifetime warrantyMr. Shield Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-pack)Even when you find a screen protector that works for you, y...

Android TV users will finally get a taste of the new Google TV experience.What you need to knowGoogle is introducing a new update for Android TV that brings it closer to Google TV.The updated UI introduces a Discover tab and updated home screen.Google still hopes to update Android TV sets with the new Google TV experience in the future.While companies prepare to launch the first TV sets with Google TV preinstalled, the message around which Android TV devices will receive the update has been a mixed bag. TCL and Sony are currently the only TV manufacturers planning to introduce Google TV sets this year, but neither has exactly committed to bringing the new experience to older models. Google has decided to take matters into its own hands and is introducing an update for Android TV that can only be described as a half-step towards Google TV.The new update overhauls the home screen so that it more closely resembles Google TV. Gone is the large, sectioned-off side navigation...

Stay home and get dinner delivered to you.There are just some days where you don't feel like making anything for lunch or dinner or can't go anywhere. That's where these various food delivery services come into play, and there are more options than ever. You can get some of your favorite restaurants delivered right to your door. Plus, with being able to see everything that you're ordering, it makes using the best food tracking apps for Android that much easier.When it comes to finding the best Android apps, some of the best options are the ones that help you out. And what's even better is that the best food delivery apps are constantly being updated with availability in more areas.The top 3 apps1. DoorDash2. GrubHub3. Uber EatsMore optionsPostmatesInstacartZomatoOrder directDomino's PizzaChick-Fil-AChipotlePopeyesPanera BreadThese are the best food delivery appsIf you want the best of the best food delivery apps, then look no further than DoorDas...

Android TV gets another social media app.What you need to knowTikTok is now available on the Android TV platform.The app was released this week according to its Google Play Store listing.It may not work for everyone, with some users reporting incompatibility with the Nvidia Shield. The social media app, TikTok, is now available for download on Android TV. The app was discovered courtesy of Android Police shortly after it debuted earlier this week.Once installed, TikTok offers a lot of the same benefits you'll get on your mobile phone or tablet. You can scroll through videos, like, save, and even log in to your account via the company's clever use of QR codes.It's not available to everyone yet. Android Police notes that while the app even works with the Chromecast with Google TV, it does not work with the Nvidia Shield TV, nor is it available in Lebanon at the moment. It's likely the rollout will continue over the coming weeks, at which point Google or TikTok may make an...

Curious about what the best and most loved Super Bowl commercials have been over the last 20 years? You're in luck because CBS will be airing the Super Bowl Greatest Commercials 2021 on Wednesday as the festivities ramp up to Super Bowl LV which is happening on Sunday, February 7.CBS has already highlighted some of the commercials it will be showing, but the 20-year special will also feature voting from viewers and so there should be some surprises in what the people's choice is. There should be plenty of commercials showing Budweiser, Doritos, Best Buy, and Nike as those companies and products have become a staple year in and year out.While it can seem a little silly to tune in to a show all about commercials and advertisements that companies want you to see, but it's also a unique form of entertainment. In fact, there should be a fair bit of nostalgia as you see commercials that may have come throughout the past two decades.Super Bowl Greatest Commercials: when and whereThe...

Best answer: Yes. If you live in a congested area or have a lot of connected devices, tri-band can improve signal quality and speed even on Wi-Fi 6. However, you'll have to pay more for the privilege.Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 with 2.5G Ethernet: TP-Link Archer AX90 ($330 at Best Buy)A fast tri-band AX6600 Nighthawk: Netgear Nighthawk RAX70 ($342 at Amazon)Do you need another band?A dual-band router uses a 2.4GHz channel paired with a 5.2GHz channel. A tri-band router, on the other hand, can help by making use of an additional 5GHz channel to add capacity on another channel. A tri-band router adds in a 5.8 GHz band that typically has less traffic. This combination of the three different bands allows for much greater flexibility in connecting your devices but it's only one part of your connection.If you've got speed or coverage issues with your home Wi-Fi connection, there are a few things you need to check first. The first thing you should do is a speed test with a Wi-Fi device clos...

It is powered by the same Snapdragon 215 chipset as last year's Nokia 1.3.What you need to knowHMD Global has announced a new Android Go smartphone, called the Nokia 1.4.The phone features a 6.51-inch HD+ display, dual rear cameras, and a 4000mAh battery.Disappointingly, the phone will ship with Android 10 Go Edition out of the box.Finnish smartphone brand HMD Global today announced the Nokia 1.4, a follow-up to last year's Nokia 1.3. While it isn't a massive step-up from the Nokia 1.3, it does come with a few upgrades that make it HMD Global's best Android Go phone yet.The new Nokia 1.4 sports a 6.51-inch HD+ screen with a waterdrop notch, housing a 5MP selfie camera. While the display is now much larger, the phone runs on the same 28nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 quad-core chipset as the Nokia 1.3. HMD Global has paired the chip with up to 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.In the camera department, the entry-level phone offers a dual-camera setup on the back with an 8MP ...

Best overallSamsung Galaxy S21$800 at Samsung$800 at Amazon$800 at Best BuyProsGaming-optimized Snapdragon 888Aggressive trade-in dealsSmaller, trimmer designNewer One UI 3.1 softwareConsNo microSD slotNo charger in the boxThe Galaxy S21 is a compact, affordable flagship with three great cameras and the latest One UI 3.1 software. The display is better than ever, and with Samsung's current trade-in offers, you can grab the S21 for an unbeatable price.Even better valueSamsung Galaxy S20 FE$700 at Amazon$700 at Best Buy$700 at B&HProsExpandable microSD storageOptical 3x telephoto cameraRetails for $100 lessLarger batteryConsOlder specs and softwareLess generous trade-in The S20 FE is a terrific phone at a great price, with many of the same features as the newer S21. It's the most affordable option in the Galaxy S series, with a larger display and plenty of great colors to choose from.When the Galaxy S20 FE launch...

Best answer: Yes, Stadia supports cross-platform play. However, Google has not specified which outside services or devices cross-platform will work with in the future.Stream to your TV pack: Stadia Premeire Pack ($75 at Google)Portability: Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 ($385 at Amazon)Google's own: Pixel 5 ($700 at Amazon)What is cross-platform play?As more services and platforms begin to offer the ability to play games with someone regardless of what system is used, it raises the question: Does Stadia support cross-platform play? For example, when your friend is using the new PlayStation 5, can you play along together using Stadia? Most games on consoles today only allow people to play against others using the same console, but cross-platform play between devices opens up a whole new world for players across the board.Which devices will support cross-platform play with Stadia?It's unknown if Stadia will support cross-play between consoles such as Xbox One X, PlayStation 5, ...

One of the best email clients for Android gets even better with a new update.What you need to knowEdison today launched Edison Mail+, a subscription service for its email app.It'll cost you $14.99 for the monthly option, with $99.99 to pay annually.The subscription is launching with two anti-phishing features, but Edison says more will be coming later.As we move into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more of our communications remain virtual. There's also a lot of emailing going on for people looking for new jobs, looking for grants, or even seeking government assistance, and scammers can take advantage of that to target people who are vulnerable. One of the best Android apps, Edison Mail, today is getting a new tool, Edison Mail+. It's a subscription-based service that you can get via the app store for $14.99 a month, or $99.99 a year. A very steep price if you don't email that much, but one that some may consider being worth it.Its primary safety featur...

Troubleshooting your new console? You're not alone.The PS5 is finally here, marking the start of the next-generation of consoles, along with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The PS5 brings a host of new features and improvements to its system performance, thanks to its new custom CPU and GPU, and its new ultra-high speed SSD that makes load times shorter than ever before. With games like Demon's Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales ready at launch, the PlayStation 5 is already a force to be reckoned with.But with the arrival of every new console generation comes a new generation of issues and bugs. Software and hardware bugs are not uncommon, but will definitely hinder the enjoyment of your new console. We've rounded up all of the known bugs and issues you may encounter, as well as any know workarounds that might help.PS5 GuidesHow to transfer games and save dataHow to attach the PS5 baseHow to set up parental controlsHow to connect to Wi-FiHow to increase download ...

If you've invested in a new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, you'll need to grab a protective case for it, stat, to ensure that you protect that gorgeous and sizable 6.8-inch screen from accidental drops, bumps, scuffs, and scratches. While there are some wonderful cases out there for the S21, including heavy-duty ones, you might be looking specifically for an ultra-thin case that will allow you to show off the ultra-sleek phone. And these are the best thin cases for Galaxy S21 Ultra.Tried and trustedSpigen Neo Hybrid CrystalStaff pickYou can never go wrong with a Spigen case, which is often my go-to when I'm looking to protect a new smartphone or tablet. This one is slim and form fitting, and includes a PC back with TPU edges and a polycarbonate frame. Finished in black, it has a raised lip, precise cut-outs, and offers military-grade protection despite its thin design.$17 at AmazonNo yellowingTORRAS Crystal ClearGet crystal-clear protection while also showing off the f...

The functionality is expected to become available to the public sometime in the near future.What you need to knowThe Google Home app could soon let users restrict access to smart home controls.Similar to the Nest app, the Google Home app is expected to allow managers to decide the level of shared access with other people.The functionality is expected to roll out to users sometime later this year.Back in September last year, the folks at 9to5Google discovered some strings in the Google Home that suggested it could soon offer the same "access levels" feature as the Nest app. While the feature is yet to go live, the folks at Android Police have now spotted a few UI tweaks that confirm Google is indeed working on allowing managers to restrict access to smart home controls.In the latest version of the Google Home app, you can view the access level everyone in your household has and which devices they can control by heading over to the Google Home settings > Household and ta...

The newest Spider-Man is selling strong.What you need to knowMarvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a PS5 launch title.Sony confirmed in its financial results that Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales has sold 4.1 million copies.These sales include both the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game.Sony shared its financial results for Q3 2020 fiscal year, ending December 31, 2020. While the highlight was how the PS5 sold over 4.5 million units so far, we did get sales figures for one PS5 launch title. Sony confirmed that Insomniac Games' Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales has sold 4.1 million copies so far.Sony did not give an exact comment on the sales other PS5 launch titles like Demon's Souls or Sackboy: A Big Adventure, only stating that in general the launch games have "sold well." Demon's Souls is only available on the PS5, while Sackboy: A Big Adventure is on PS4 and PS5.Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is available on PS4 and PS5, with a free next-generation upgrade ava...

Head over to B&H and grab the Amazfit Band 5 fitness tracker while it's down to just $27.99 thanks to a 30% off on-page coupon. The coupon is part of a B&H DealZone sale, which means it'll probably expire tomorrow. Without the coupon, the Amazfit is going for $40. That's the same price it's going for at Best Buy and Amazon. Today's deal at B&H is the lowest price we've seen and better than the competition for now.A fitness tracker should be just that: a fitness tracker. Don't come at me with any of these fancy half-watch half-fitness tracker half-snow plow contraptions. When your device is trying to do everything, it can't do anything. The Amazfit Band 5 focuses on being the fitness tracker you need to keep an eye on your health and achieve your goals.The band covers 11 different sports and activities. If you decide to go for a run or a walk, it will automatically start tracking you. Other things it automatically tracks includes your daily steps, calories burned, dist...

Racking up numbers for the newest generation.What you need to knowSony has shared its Q3 2020 fiscal year financial results.Sony confirms that 4.5 million PS5 consoles have been sold so far and the company is working to meet demand.PlayStation Plus now has 47.4 million subcribers.Sony shared its Q3 2020 fiscal year financial results, with a massive quarter for the PlayStation brand in its Game & Network Services segment. We've known for a while that the PS5 was selling well, with Sony previously confirming that the PS5 launch was Sony's biggest console launch ever. Now, Sony has confirmed that 4.5 million PS5 consoles were sold through December 31, 2020.Overall sales during the quarter increased 40% year-over-year to 883.2 billion yen, or about $8.4 billion. With the challenges of meeting consumer demand, Sony noted that "We continue to do everything in our power to ship as many units as possible to customers who are waiting for a PS5." Restocks of the PS5 at various ...

To properly protect your Oculus Quest when traveling or even at home, you'll need one of the best Oculus Quest cases. The Quest lenses must be shielded from sunlight at all times. Beyond that, something can easily fall into the headset and scratch the lens if you're not careful — and the Quest has a lot of small accessories that are hard to keep track of unless stored in the same place. Whether you just want a compact travel case for your Quest and controllers, or a larger storage case with space for all your VR peripherals, one of these choices below should do the trick. Or, if you need the best Oculus Quest 2 cases, follow that link.Perfect fitOculus Quest travel caseStaff PickThis is the official travel case for the Oculus Quest. It's a softshell case with enough room for your headset, Touch Controllers, charging cable, and adapter. The foam compartment of the case that holds the Touch Controllers keeps them separate from the headset, which helps protect the lenses....

Today at Woot you can participate in a sale that includes two different Amazon Kindle models refurbished and down to low prices. The 2019 Amazon Kindle is just $39.99 with this deal, and the Kindle Voyage is only $10 more at $49.99. Both are super low prices for these models, and both come with a 90-day Woot warranty in case the refurb doesn't live up to Woot's standards. Of course you can always get free shipping on Woot products if you use your Amazon Prime membership. Otherwise, you'll have to pay a few extra bucks in a flat fee.With the Kindle you get a screen built for reading with a 167 ppi glare-free display. That means you'll still be able to read even in direct sunlight, although based on the weather where I am we're still several months away from seeing the sun again. Adjust the brightness so you can read comfortably whether you're indoors or outdoors or reading at night or during the day. You'll get 4GB of storage that can handle thousands of titles, and you can do other...

Affordable doesn't have to mean cheap. It doesn't have to mean limiting your options or settling for lower quality of service. These are two of the core pillars on which Tello Mobile was founded.For years, they've provided clients with feature-rich and flexible phone plans at a near-unbeatable price. And those plans just got a whole lot better. Starting this month, Tello is migrating its entire mobile service from a CDMA network to a GSM network.What this means in plain English is that Tello customers will be able to enjoy improved 4G LTE coverage, faster data speeds, and better overall network stability. New customers will be enrolled directly into the new network, while current customers will be migrated in batches starting with the first quarter of 2021.What does this migration mean for new customers?First things first, if you're considering signing up for Tello, we'd recommend checking their coverage to make sure they're active where you live. Provided you're within a Tel...

An excellent experience doesn't have to be expensive.The mobile virtual network operator company Tello has recently transitioned from a CDMA network to a GSM one, resulting in improved 4G LTE connectivity, faster data speeds for better web browsing and media streaming, and increased stability so that you never have to worry about troublesome connection hiccups.If you're looking to take advantage of this new network but don't have a big budget for mobile tech, don't worry; there are plenty of affordable devices out there that offer surprisingly great performance and are fully compatible with Tello's new network. Something important to note is that for a device to be compatible with Tello's GSM network, it needs to be unlocked, GSM-compatible, VoLTE-compatible, and capable of supporting LTE 2, 4, and 12 bands.Here are 3 of our favorite Tello GSM-compatible phones that cost $150 or less.Moto G FastThe Moto G Fast is arguably the best available smartphone at this price point....

Having a chat with the AC forums.One of the biggest selling points of the Galaxy S21 series is the camera experience. The S21 and S21+ offer subtle improvements over the same camera package we got on the S20 last year, and with the S21 Ultra, Samsung's gone all-out and delivered one of the best mobile photography solutions we've ever seen.If you take one look at our Galaxy S21 review and Galaxy S21 Ultra review, you'll see just how good the end results really are. From sharp detail, ample shooting modes, and a ton more, there's plenty to like.A few of our AC forum members have also been sharing their thoughts on the S21's camera capabilities, saying: azdmelani 01-27-2021 02:22 PM “ Wanted to show a camera comparison between the same meal taken on my S20 ultra vs S21 ultra. Totally night and day with the auto focus. Will have to play with the settings a bit but love the camera Reply ...

A microSD card for your Android phone lets you easily move your files, photos, and music from device to device without having to rely on steady Wi-Fi or costly data. An Android microSD card also lets you load your phone up with apps, music, and movies, which is especially useful if your device doesn't come with a lot of internal storage. But which ones are the best? Here's a good selection from which to choose.Best blendSamsung EVO SelectStaff PickThis is our preferred card because it's reliable, fast, and goes on sale frequently.$33 at AmazonUltra affordableSanDisk UltraSanDisk has more powerful cards, but for most, the Ultra is the right answer, offering up to 100MB/s read speeds.From $7 at Amazon From $7 at Newegg From $9 at B&H PhotoGo proPNY PRO EliteThis card is an excellent choice for power-users who intend to use the card for storing app data and recording 4K video.From $14 at Amazon $100 at Best Buy $100 at B&H PhotoFor constant use...

C-band frequencies will enable much faster 5G speeds for Verizon and AT&T customers in the U.S.What you need to knowThe Google Pixel 5 and LG Wing have been cleared by the FCC to access faster C-band 5G frequencies.Currently, the only other phones that support C-band 5G frequencies are Samsung's latest Galaxy S21 series and Apple's iPhone 12 lineup.C-band 5G is expected to offer significantly higher speeds than the current "nationwide" 5G from Verizon and AT&T.The Google Pixel 5 and LG Wing have been cleared to access C-band 5G frequencies by the Federal Communications Commission, according to a report from PCMag. LG and Google can now push a software update to enable C-band access on the two phones. Until now, Samsung's Galaxy S21 and Apple's iPhone 12 lineup were the only phones with C-band support in the U.S.C-band networks are expected to deliver much faster speeds than "nationwide" 5G from AT&T and Verizon, along with a better range than Verizon's impress...

One of Amazon's daily deals includes the DJI Osmo Pocket, a handheld gimbal, on sale for $199. That price is an all-new low on a device we've seen drop a couple times in the past. It just has never dropped this low. The Osmo Pocket normally sells for around $300 or more with prices above $365 at some points. This price is even $50 better than some other retailers featuring it on sale right now like B&H.The Osmo Pocket is a small, lightweight, portable camera you can hold in your hand. You use it to get amazingly stable shots, which means crystal clear image quality when taking photos or video that looks like it was professionally shot. The camera has a 3-inch sensor, an 80-degree field of view, and a f/2.0 aperture. You can shoot in 4K video at 60fps and get 12MP photos. While you might be able to find a better camera, you definitely won't find one better in this form factor.You can actually connect the Osmo Pocket to your phone, too. Use the DJI Mimo App to customzie and con...

New number, same messages.One of the great things about the Telegram messaging app is that you can use it across multiple devices simultaneously. I use and review several devices at a time, from Android phones to Chromebooks to Macs to iPhones, and I love that I can log in to Telegram on each and pick up right where I left off. But what if the phone number associated with your Telegram account changes? No worries! I'll show you how to change your phone number in Telegram and keep your existing chat history, contacts, messages, and media. Let's get started.How to change your Telegram phone numberOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Tap on the menu icon (hamburger menu) in the top left corner.Tap on Settings.Tap on your phone number to change it.Tap Change Number.Tap Change.Type in the new number.Tap the check mark in the top right corner to save.Confirm the new number in your SMS app from the notification that Telegram will send you.Repeat this process on any othe...

The first round of Studio Ghibli films made their way to Netflix back in February 2020, with more hitting every month after. In total there are 21 films that are now available on Netflix, with the most recent batch of them hitting on April 1, 2020. The films will be made available globally through a distribution partner Wild Bunch International, though this rollout will exclude some big markets where people will want to watch them.For those not familiar, Studio Ghibli was founded back in 1985 by the directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with the producer Toshio Suzuki. It is a Japanese animation film studio that has produced feature films, shorts, TV commercials, and even worked with video game studios on visual elements for games. Six of the studio's films are among the 10 highest-grossing anime films from Japan, and the company has many other accolades. It's most successful title was Spirited Away, which made over $360 million worldwide and was voted the fourth-best fil...

Blizzard actually pulled this one off.The Diablo Immortal Technical Alpha has come and gone, and while we've already spoken about just how fun it was, it's important to look back on the experience and see if there's anything that we can take from the brief look at the game as we wait for another chance to play. With that in mind, we'll be looking at some of the key takeaways from the alpha, and why things are looking good for the future of Diablo Immortal.Jump to:Classic Diablo feelCombatSomething to play forRepetive, but funMonetization The classic Diablo feelOne of the biggest fears many players had going into Diablo Immortal was whether or not the game could accurately capture the feel of a Diablo title. More often than not, franchisees that get ported over to the mobile world are usually done so poorly and can drive fans away by not playing or reminding them of the initial property. Thankfully, it seems like Blizzard has avoided this so far.While those inv...

Google launched Stadia a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without having to own a console or gaming PC. While Stadia can be used as a free service, Google does offer a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, as well as one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active, but are only available to be claimed for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library. Some of the best Stadia games have been offered on Pro in the past so make sure you claim each game...

Rumors suggest the phone will be a significant upgrade over last year's Mate XS in nearly every area.What you need to knowHuawei's third foldable smartphone will be unveiled on February 22.The phone will be called the Mate X2 and come with an inward-folding design.Rumors suggest the foldable will be powered by a Kirin 9000 chipset and feature a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor.Huawei will soon take the wraps off its third foldable smartphone. The company has revealed in a post on Weibo that its next foldable will be called the Mate X2 and will debut at an event in China on February 22.The official launch poster suggests the upcoming device will have an inward-folding design – just like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2. The original Mate X, as well as last year's Mate XS, featured outward-folding displays.As per recent leaks, the Mate X2 will have a large 8.01-inch main display and a 6.45-inch secondary display on the front. Under the hood, it is expected to featur...

Sensible, savvy, and just a tiny bit sexy, Lenovo offers up one of the best Chromebooks of the year.Once upon a time, the first Chromebook that I called mine was a Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga Chromebook, one of the 11e models. It wasn't the newest or the sexiest Chromebook, but it had a battery to last all day and then some, it booted up quickly and let me get on with my work, and it was kid-proof so I could just throw it in my bag and go. I've used a lot of Chromebooks since then, but the ThinkPad was my first and it set the bar.Over the last week, I've been using the latest Chromebook to bear the ThinkPad name — the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook — and it's lived up to all my hopes and then some. This is a premium Chromebook that's durable, enduring, and with some of the most sensible upgrades a laptop can have today.It's not as affordable as the 11e of the last decade, but it's futureproofed and ready to keep you working from now through 2029, so long as you can handle its...

Here's what we know so far about OnePlus' 2021 flagship.OnePlus had a lackluster 2020 in the flagship category, and it is looking to bounce back this year with the OnePlus 9 series. The OnePlus 9 series will continue the Chinese manufacturer's push as the maker of the best Android phones, and we're likely to see a slew of exciting additions that should make the phones stand out from their 2020 counterparts.We've had a few nuggets of information on the OnePlus 9; there will be three models in the series — OnePlus 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Lite — and they will debut at an earlier-than-usual release window in March 2021. Here's what you need to know about the OnePlus 9 release date, specs, pricing, and availability.Setting a high barOnePlus 8TFrom $727 at AmazonThe new standardWith a new design backed by a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display and insane 65W fast charging, the OnePlus 8T is a performance monster. The phone runs Android 11 out of the box, and has a ton of exciting sof...

If you're on the hunt for true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation that don't cost as much as the Apple AirPods Pro or the new Galaxy Buds Pro, you'll want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. These earbuds retail for $169.99, though right now Best Buy has them on sale for $59.99 for just one day only.The earbuds are offered in Geek Squad certified refurbished condition and come with a 90-day warranty so take that into account when considering the price versus going brand new.The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live make for some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. They are equipped with 12mm speakers with sound by AKG. They sit softly inside the ear and feature active noise cancellation that lets you block out disturbances around you so you can truly focus on whatever's playing. There's even a setting that will let voices and announcements through so you can hear them even with the noise cancellation on.They're available in five colors — Mystic Black, Mystic Bro...

Get the lowdown on Mint Mobile's coverage, pricing, phones, and more.The wireless carrier space is a never-ending battle between T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. However, underneath the three big dogs, is a collection of smaller brands tapping into their networks to deliver excellent wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.One such company is Mint Mobile (formally known as Mint SIM), and if you've been searching for a new way to buy phone service that can help you save a heap of money, it may be worth a look.Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/month at Mint MobileA unique take on affordable wireless serviceUse T-Mobile's massive data network while saving money thanks to Mint Mobile's great data plans and multi-month savings.Jump to:Mint Mobile reviewMint Mobile pricingMint Mobile UnliMINTedMint Mobile coverageMint Mobile 5G?Mint Mobile hotspot accessMint Mobile vs. the competitionMint Mobile phonesMint Mobile dealsMint Mobile Check out our full...

Your photos, videos, reels, and IGTV videos will remain in the new "Recently Deleted" folder for up to 30 days.What you need to knowInstagram is rolling out a new "recently deleted" feature.The new feature allows you to review and restore your deleted posts.Users will be required to verify that they are the rightful account holders when permanently deleting posts from Recently Deleted.Instagram is rolling out a new feature that it claims will prevent hackers from deleting posts from users' accounts. Called "Recently Deleted," the feature lets users easily get their photos and videos back even if a hacker gains access to their account. The feature works similarly to "Trash" in the Google Photos app and "Recycle Bin" in the Samsung Gallery app.When you delete photos and videos from your Instagram account, they will now be moved to the new Recently Deleted folder. Your deleted Instagram stories will remain in the folder for up to 24 hours, while everything else will be autom...

To be the best VPN service doesn't mean you can't also be the cheapest VPN service. There are a lot of VPN providers out there offering plans at a variety of different price points, some of which even have free VPN plans. Normally, when it comes to services and subscriptions the best ones are on the more expensive side, but when it comes to VPNs that isn't the case.You don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN, some of the best VPNs are actually pretty cheap, seriously.6 best cheap VPN services in 2021 rankedSurfshark: Lots of features, fast speeds, and cheapest option | More infoIPVanish: Easy to use and includes 250GB cloud storage | More infoNordVPN: Well known, reliable, and offers clients for all devices | More infoHotspot Shield VPN: Tweeting earns you more free bandwidth | More infoCyberGhost VPN: Easiest server matching for unblocking content | More infoPIA VPN: One-click easy connections to servers | More infoBonus Pick: Exp...

Google makes it easier to check yourself before you go on camera.What you need to knowGoogle Meet is introducing a new feature to preview yourself before a meeting.The feature will help you troubleshoot any issues that might be present.Users should begin to see the feature roll out starting today.You ever try to get started on a Google Meet video call and realize that nothing works how you want it? Whether it's your mic or maybe the connection is bad and causing the video to freeze? Or maybe something funny is happening with the audio because you didn't spring for one of the best wireless headphones with great microphones? Google is hoping that this latest feature rolling out to those who frequent Google Meet will help you enter a meeting more confident that your technology will work just how you want it.Now before you enter a call, Google Meet will allow you to preview yourself beforehand. Sure, it already does that now, but Google is taking it a step forward with a ne...

Alphabet hits impressive numbers across the board as Google Cloud continues to weigh it down.What you need to knowAlphabet's quarterly revenues grew 23% YoY, fueled by Google Services and YouTube ads.YouTube grew about 46% in Q4 thanks to brand ads and driven by the election.Google's cloud business has lost over $5 billion throughout 2020.Google's parent company, Alphabet, just released its fourth-quarter earnings, which shows strong growth across much of the business. Total revenue grew more by more than $10 billion YoY to $56.90 billion, while net income grew to $15.23 billion. One of the driving factors for Google's growth was due largely to Search and YouTube revenue, particularly from brand ads. Google Cloud continued to lose money, with more than $1.2 billion lost in the fourth quarter, but the company expects it to improve going into 2021.Google attributed much of its growth to the continuous digital shift that occurred within the past year due to the pandemic. Whi...

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park. Everyone has their perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.The best launchersBest Overall Smart Launcher 5Resurging Legacy Nova LauncherSwiss Army Launcher Action LauncherBest Productivity Microsoft LauncherQuick and Simple Niagara LauncherHonorable Mention Lawnchair 2Best Overall: Smart Launcher 5 AC Score 5 ...

No longer building any teams from the ground up.Updated Feb. 2 6:10 p.m. ET: Jade Raymond released a statement about her departure.What you need to knowStadia Games and Entertainment is Google's first-party wing of development teams for Stadia.Stadia Games and Entertainment is being shut down, with head Jade Raymond leaving the company.The focus is now on Google partnering with third-party developers for Stadia content.Stadia Games and Entertainment is Google's first-party development studios for Stadia. Led by Ubisoft veteran Jade Raymond, the organization consisted of two internally built studios, one of which is led by Shannon Studstill, formerly head of Sony Santa Monica studio. Google also acquired Typhoon Games, creators of Journey to the Savage Planet, for further first-party growth. Now it's all shutting down.Google announced today that Stadia Games and Entertainment is being shuttered, with head Jade Raymond exiting the company. According to a report from Kotak...

"Hey, Google, what's wrong with you?"What you need to knowA Google Assistant outage is causing some Google Home devices to give errors that they are "not yet set up".The issue is impacting smart home controls through Google Assistant, but not through the Google Home app.If you're getting this error on one of your devices, you can still give feedback through Assistant so Google knows your device is impacted.The issue seems mostly confined to Google Nest and Google Home devices, though Assistant isn't working on some Android phones, too.I love being able to just call out "OK Google" wherever I am in my apartment — the bedroom, the kitchen, even the bathroom — and be able to have Google Assistant change the lights, tell me the weather, or put on some music. This also makes for a single point of failure, and right now it is in partial failure. Hundreds of users are reporting that they can't use Google Assistant on their Google Nest and Google Home devices like the Nest Hub...

While the Oculus Quest 2 has speakers built into its straps, you'll need some of the best Oculus Quest 2 headphones to make the audio as expansive and enveloping as the VR visuals. You can't use any old headphones you bought for the original Oculus Quest: the Quest 2 has just a single audio jack on its left side, compared to the two jacks of its predecessor. Technically any headphones with a 3.5mm jack will suffice, but for the best fit you'll need some that are specifically designed for the Quest 2. Here are the best wired headphones that fit that description.In ear for the next genLogitech G333 VR gaming earphonesStaff PickLogitech worked with Facebook to build these headphones specifically for the Oculus Quest 2. They have custom 3.5mm cables with different lengths that you velcro into place on the head strap, so nothing is left dangling that could distract from your Quest experience. It also has dedicated audio drivers for highs, mids, and bass, plus low latency to de...

60 Oculus Quest titles have now surpassed the $1 million revenue mark.What you need to knowDouble the number of apps and games have achieved $1 million in revenue since the launch of the Oculus Quest 2 four months ago.Six titles have now amassed more than $10 million in revenue each, marking a new developer success milestone.Some huge success stories include studios like Dante Buckley, who went from a one-man team to a million-dollar development studio.When it comes to success stories in the gaming industry, it's less common to hear about indie developers making their way big with a new platform. Sure, it's happened in the past with development houses like Rovio, who turned a $2 game into a billion-dollar franchise, and the Oculus Quest looks to be paving the way for more stories like this. Oculus' VP of Content, Mike Verdu, wrote a post on the Oculus Blog detailing the many success stories of Quest developers, particularly since the Oculus Quest 2 launched.Developer succ...

When you're playing games online on your PS5, almost nothing is worse than running into someone saying or doing something inappropriate. Whether it's in a party chat or display in their profile, there are some actions you can take to keep unnecessary comments out of your view and notify PlayStation to take action. Here's how to block and report players on PS5.Products used in this guidePlay online: PlayStation Plus 3-month subscription ($25 at Amazon)Try some different games: PlayStation Now 3-month subscription ($25 at Amazon)How to block and report players on PS5To block a player on PS5, first select their profile.You may need to select their name from a game menu.Alternatively, you can check the PS5 Game Base.Once you've selected their profile, scroll to the left and select more.Select Block.Or, select Report.If you selected Report, you'll need to select the reason for the report.If you're reported something said in party chat, you'll be able to select an audio...

Mint Mobile is giving its customers more data at no extra cost.What you need to knowMint Mobile is raising its data limits in each of its tiers, at no extra cost to customers.The data increase is available for existing and new Mint Mobile subscribers.Ryan Reynolds reportedly got beat up by AT&T and Verizon because of its data increase... just kidding.Mint Mobile subscribers will be happy to learn that one of the best 5G carriers is raising its data limits for each of its tiered data plans. The best part is that there's no extra cost for this increase, and subscribers can get more out of their data plan for the same. We've got some hot news. The data limit on every Mint plan is increased…for free. We'll repeat. We're giving you more data, but keeping plan prices right where they are. Why? Because we're all about you. If you're already a Mint customer, keep an eye on your Mint account to watch that free* data go up. If you're not, well, it seems like we just g...

The billionaire CEO is moving to a new role in the company.What you need to knowAmazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos is stepping down from his current role.He'll be replaced by Andy Jassy, current CEO of Amazon Web Services.Bezos will move to a new role as the Executive Chair of the Amazon Board.Today, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos announced that he would be stepping away from his current position. Bezos had led the company since its inception in 1994 and overseen its growth to the online retail giant it currently is.Bezos will be replaced by Andy Jassy, the current CEO of Amazon Web Services. Bezos himself will not be fading into obscurity, he will instead become Executive Chair of the Amazon Board and shift his focus to "new products and early initiatives." These will include the Washington Post, the Day 1 Fund, the Bezos Earth Fund, Blue origin, and other unnamed projects. In an email to employees shared online, Bezos reiterated that he was not retiring, simply re-fo...

The Jiggle Physics team try to make some sense of the whole GameStop stock thing. They're also joined by Sara Gitkos for a detailed look at The Legend of Zelda as the game franchise turns 35.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Sara Gitkos (@Sera_BelleG6) / TwitterThis GameStop stock fiasco is getting out of hand | Windows CentralThe Legend of Zelda 35th anniversary retrospective: A windy adventure | iMore...