Latest from Android Central

This could be the start of something beautiful for Amazon Alexa and Windows PCs.What you need to knowAmazon Alexa's Show Mode will be available on select PCs from Lenovo.PC users will have access to many of the features found on Echo Show devices.Alexa Show Mode will roll out to select PCs starting in Q2 2021.Amazon Alexa has become a staple of many homes over the past several years. In addition to Amazon's great lineup of Echo speakers, there's also a number of Echo Show displays that are, frankly, among the best smart displays on the market. Amazon has even included an Alexa Show Mode for its Fire tablets, which lets them act as their own Echo Show devices. Now for the first time, Amazon is bringing Show Mode to PCs, thanks to Lenovo's Yoga and IdeaPad 5 laptops.With Show Mode for PC, your Lenovo PC will have full access to Alexa's many features by basically turning it into an Echo Show-like display complete with reminders, weather, updates, and even smart home controls...

The Lenovo Tab P11 takes things down a notch but still offers great value.What you need to knowThe Lenovo Tab P11 launches with an optional pen and detachable keyboard pack.The new tablet offers Google's new Kids Space to keep children entertained with curated apps.The Tab P11 will be available this month, starting at $229.99.Last year, Lenovo launched the Tab P11 Pro, which was a respectable competitor to some of the best Android tablets on the market. This year Lenovo is coming into CES 2021 with a non-pro version of the tablet, featuring lighter specs and a lighter price tag that could make this an ideal tablet for families and kids who are working or schooling from home.The Lenovo Tab P11 takes many design cues from its sibling from the sleek dual-tone finish to the aluminum-alloy chassis. It features a slightly smaller display at 11-inches, and while it keeps the same 2K resolution as the Pro variant, the standard P11 uses an LCD panel instead of OLED ― no doubt ...

With more reasonable specs — and a price tag to match — the Galaxy Chromebook 2 is ready to compete in 2021.What you need to knowSamsung is kicking off CES's Chromebook showcase with the Galaxy Chromebook 2.It swaps a 4K screen for 1080p and offers two distinct spec configurations, one with an Intel i3 and one with a Celeron.The Active Pen is no longer included or garaged in the chassis; you'll have to buy it separately if you want it.The Celeron/4GB/64GB model will cost $550 and the i3/8GB/128GB will run $700.The battery is a little smaller than the original Galaxy Chromebook, but with the lightly lower specs, it should last a full workday before needing a charger.CES may not officially start until Monday, but that isn't stopping Samsung from jumpstarting things with the announcement of a follow-up to last year's Galaxy Chromebook. The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook was bold and cutting-edge, but it was $1000, so while it turned heads at CES 2020 and earned a spot in Best...

It's never too soon to start saving. Sure, the Google Pixel 5 is still brand new, but thanks to carriers and stores competing for your business, it's usually not too difficult to find an early discount on a popular product such as this. Pixel 5 deals may be limited at first, but we expect we'll be seeing plenty of offers in no time with carrier discounts arriving first and deals on unlocked devices following.Best Pixel 5 Deals Available NowWhere to buy the Pixel 5Carrier Deals: Trade-in and port-inUnlocked deals: Up to $100 offThe Google Pixel 5 offers a number of solid improvements upon the Pixel 4. Though its predecessor received some flak for its bad battery life, the Pixel 5 includes a 4080mAh battery that's miles better than the 2800mAh battery found in the Pixel 4. The cameras are receiving an upgrade as well; the telephoto lens from the Pixel 4 has been replaced with a standard and ultra-wide camera, along with a new motion blur mode and an audio zoom feature....

The Moto G Fast is one of the best cheap Android phones that you can get, but you're still going to want to protect it. Finding the best Moto G Fast cases is much easier than when the phone was released. There are quite a few great options to choose from, helping to keep your G Fast protected through whatever comes your way.Simple and elegantStarhemei GreenLace TPU CaseStaff PickStarhemei is known for some great TPU cases, and that's no different with the GreenLace Case. There are more than ten different designs to choose from, but the GreenLance is one of our favorites. The case itself is clear, minus the design on the back, and all four corners are reinforced for added shock absorption.$6 at AmazonClassic protectionOtterbox Commuter LiteOtterbox has been making cases for just about every phone, so it makes sense to see one for the Moto G Fast. The Commuter Lite is thin and lightweight while sporting a polycarbonate and TPU design. This offers shock absorpt...

The WD Easystore 5TB external USB portable hard drive has dropped to $99.99 at Best Buy. That's about $30 off what it normally sells for and $80 off its MSRP. With today's deal it actually matches the same price as the 4TB price so you're getting a full terabyte for free. You won't find it going for this low anywhere else, either. It's currently up to $120 on Amazon.The Easystore is just that... easy. It's a simple portable hard drive that you can use to store and transfer data, whether that'd be music, movies, photos, or video games. The 5TB of space is all there for you to use, and it's in a convenient device that won't let you down. Since its portable, you can take it with you as well, so it can be a great storage companion for your laptop.Connect via USB 3.0 for an easy-to-use interface that is super compatible with a wide range of devices. It's also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 just in case you need to plug into an older port. You won't get quite the same transfer speed...

Chatting with the AC forums.WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps on Android, but starting next month, a big change to its privacy policy could push many people away.Beginning February 8, WhatsApp will require all of its users to share their data with parent company Facebook. If you don't agree to the policy, WhatsApp suggests deleting your account.Given all of the bad press we've seen around Facebook for the past few years, it's understandable why a change like this is being responding to so strongly. Taking a look through the AC forums, some of our members have already begun discussing the matter. Jockyspider 01-07-2021 02:56 AM “ Could'nt find anything that detailed. Thank you. Would you recommend accepting it as use it to communicate with my bosses and family. Its uk version btw Reply hallux 01-07-2021 08:00 AM ...

Best Oculus Quest 2 Deals Available NowOculus Quest 2: as low as $284Oculus accessories: starting at $39More on the Oculus Quest 2The next step in VR hardware has arrived, and now that the Oculus Quest 2 is available on store shelves, you can discover an immersive virtual reality of gaming starting as low as $299. Of course, if you know where to shop, you might even be able to score a discount on this new VR system.While deals don't come around every day on this new release just yet, it's not too soon to score a discount on the Oculus Quest 2. In fact, we could be seeing some major savings sooner than you'd think. If you have yet to decide whether this VR headset is the right one for your home, our Oculus Quest 2 review can help you learn more about the new model.Best Oculus Quest 2 DealsThe Oculus Quest 2 was only just released in mid October, so it will still be some time before we see any crazy discounts on the new model. However, we already know of a consistent wa...

Get serious about fitnessFitbit Premium$10/month or $80/year at FitbitProsGuided programsSeveral workout optionsHealth and fitness statsThree-month free trial with purchaseOptional upgrade to 1-on-1 coachingOn more devicesConsNo option to share with family membersFitbit Premium has been around a while now and it offers a more hands-on approach than Apple Fitness+ does. The most important difference is that you can pay more for 1-on-1 coaching, which will help you improve your fitness game if you're looking for extra motivation.A great place to startApple Fitness+$10/month or $80/year at AppleProsGuided programsSeveral workout optionsHealth and fitness statsThree-month free trial with purchaseOption to share with five family membersConsNo 1-on-1 coaching optionsApple devices onlyApple Fitness+ just launched in December, so it's a fairly new service. It certainly follows in Fitbit Premium's footsteps with a series of guided work...

Everyone wants to own one of the best Android phones, but not everyone can or should pay full price for one. Some people are happy to pay retail, but others are looking for a deal — and one of the ways to find discounts is to look for refurbished phones. As you'd expect, buying a refurbished phone isn't as simple as walking into a store and asking for one — it takes a bit more research and understanding. To help you navigate it, we have all of the information you need right here to make a good choice in buying a refurbished phone.What does "refurbished" mean?Even though we see the word "refurbished" get thrown around a lot, that doesn't mean it's necessarily a standardized term. You may often see it used interchangeably with "recertified," "reconditioned," or just "open box," or "pre-owned." No matter the exact word, it generally refers to a product that was manufactured to sell as new, but for whatever reason was returned to the manufacturer — either by a store, resell...

Keeping a clean house with kids, pets, and a gravel road is tough — the Roborock S6 Pure makes it so much easier.In preparing for my Roborock S6 Pure review, I had flashbacks to when I got my first robot vacuum five years ago. It was a base model Roomba, and I thought it was the greatest device ever. That was until I upgraded to the Roborock S5 after a few years of using the basic Roomba. That's when I saw what one of these fantastic cleaning machines was really capable of. My family loved that thing, as much as you can for a robot, I suppose. That is until that nightmare of a robovac going on its scheduled clean up in the middle of the night with an aging pup who was unable to hold it until morning — yup, gross.In my quest to find a replacement vacuum, it became quickly apparent how much my family relied on that robotic vacuum to help out around our home. See, there are two adults, two young kids, the previously mentioned aging dog, and two cats, living in a country home of...

Samsung's next big version update is now available.One UI 3.0 — Samsung's custom interface for Android 11 — is finally starting to arrive. Between official rollouts and public betas, Samsung's well underway with its update process for the new software. The stable release is now rolling out to the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 devices as well as older Samsung flagships.One UI 3.0 comes with exciting new features, subtle UI tweaks, and optimizations across the board. Here's what you need to know about the One UI 3.0 update, the list of eligible phones slated to receive the stable update, and when you'll get the stable OTA update on your Galaxy phone.The default choiceSamsung Galaxy S20+$950 at Amazon$950 at Best BuyA great all-round optionThe Galaxy S20+ is one of the best phones on the market today, with a gorgeous design coupled with enticing hardware. You get a stunning 120Hz AMOLED panel, global 5G connectivity, Snapdragon 865 chipset, outstanding cameras, and all-d...

Stephen King fans are in for a treat as CBS has adapted the horror author's critically acclaimed novel The Stand into a new miniseries and we have all the details on how you can watch it online.This isn't the first time The Stand has been adapted though as during the 1980s, Stephen King tried unsuccessfully to make the novel into a feature film with director George Romero. The film adaptation spent more than 10 years in development before ABC eventually made it into an eight-hour miniseries in 1994.For the past two years, CBS has been working on bringing The Stand back to TV once again in the form of a new miniseries. However, according to showrunner and executive producer Benjamin Cavell "none of us could have imagined that Stephen King's 40-year-old masterpiece about a global pandemic would come to be so eerily relevant".The nine episode miniseries features an all-star cast that includes Whoopi Goldberg, Alexander Skarsgård, James Marsden, Greg Kinnear, Amber Heard and more....

A perfect personal productivity powerhouse.From the moment it was announced at CES last year, I knew that I would like the Lenovo Chromebook Duet. I just didn't know how much I would come to love it.We at Android Central have had the Duet ranked high on our list of the best Chromebooks for months, and it is also prominently featured on best Chromebook for students. It is hands-down the best Chromebook tablet available, and in my opinion, it gives lower-cost iPads and the best Android tablets a run for their money. Others in the tech industry have also taken notice, including notable Chromebook advocate Kevin Tofel, who named it his Chromebook of the year.It's been a little over a month since I purchased this device on a Black Friday sale, and nearly two weeks that I've been using it on a daily basis (it was a Christmas gift — from me, to me). During that time, it has become my go-to device here at home, whether I'm on the couch, in bed, or at the breakfast table. I had hoped ...

The new Galaxy M02s is a solid upgrade over its predecessor in quite a few areas.What you need to knowSamsung has unveiled a new entry-level Galaxy M series phone.The new Galaxy M02s comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 450 chipset, and a 5000mAh battery.It will soon go on sale in India for a starting price of ₹8,999 ($123).Samsung today expanded its budget-friendly Galaxy M series of phones with the launch of the Galaxy M02s. The phone succeeds the Galaxy M01s, which was launched in July last year. It brings quite a few major upgrades to the table, including improved performance and better cameras.The Galaxy M02s sports a 6.5-inch Infinity-V HD+ display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 450 chipset, coupled with up to 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage. As you would expect from an entry-level Galaxy phone, the M02s does include a microSD card slot for further expansion up to 1TB.Around the back of the phone is a triple-came...

The next-gen tracker is expected to launch sometime later this year.What you need to knowTile is reportedly working on a new device that will take on Apple AirTags and Samsung's Galaxy Smart Tag.The next-gen tracker will utilize UWB (ultra-wideband) tech to allow users to find missing items.Along with the next-gen tracker, Tile is also working on an AR-enabled camera view to make it easier to find lost items.Earlier this week, a leak revealed that Samsung is going to launch its first Bluetooth tracker alongside the Galaxy S21 series and the Galaxy Buds Pro at the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 14. Now, a report from TechCrunch claims Tile is working on a next-gen tracker that will rely on ultra-wideband (UWB) tech, instead of Bluetooth.Similar to Bluetooth, UWB is a short-range, wireless communication protocol. Unlike Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, however, UWB operates at much higher frequencies, allowing it to capture spatial and directional data. Due to its spatial awareness c...

Lava says the MyZ can be customized in 66 unique ways.What you need to knowLava has launched a new lineup of 'Made in India' smartphones.The new MyZ is the world's first customizable phone.The core specs of the phone include a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core processor and a 6.5-inch HD+ display.Indian smartphone brand Lava has made a return to the country's smartphone market with the new MyZ and Zup series 'Made in India' phones. Lava's new MyZ is a 'Made-to-Order' device, which can be customized on Lava's online store.The Lava MyZ comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display, featuring a tall 20:9 aspect ratio and a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera. It is powered by MediaTek's Helio G35 octa-core processor, which you can configure with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage. In the camera department, Lava is offering two choices: a 13MP + 2MP dual-camera setup and a slightly more impressive 13MP + 5MP + 2MP triple-camera setup. For the front camera, you choose between an 8MP or a...

The Galaxy S20 FE and Note 20 Ultra are being updated to Android 11 in India.What you need to knowThe Exynos 990-powered Galaxy S20 FE and Note 20 Ultra are getting the One UI 3.0 update in India.The OTA update is now rolling out widely, and also includes the December security patch. Samsung is set to roll out One UI 3.0 to older devices in its portfolio in the coming weeks. Samsung kicked off the stable One UI 3.0 rollout over a month ago in the U.S., starting with the Galaxy S20 series. The manufacturer has then introduced the update to the Note 20 series, the S20 FE, and is now rolling out the same to other regions in the world.The latest phones to get the stable One UI 3.0 update based on Android 11 are the Exynos 990-powered Galaxy S20 FE and Note 20 Ultra in India. I got the OTA update on my phones today, and the build includes all the new features we've seen in One UI 3.0.So if you are using the S20 FE or the Note 20 Ultra in India, head on over to Settings -> S...

Australia will be looking to get back on track in Sydney this week as they face India in the 3rd Test, with the hosts still smarting after an eight wicket defeat in their last encounter - watch every ball with our live stream guide below.India levelled the series in Melbourne with a stunning bowling display that saw them dispatch their hosts for just 195 and 200.The Wallabies will likely be a different proposition this time out, with talismanic batsmen David Warner set to return from a groin injury.There nevertheless remains question marks about how ready Warner is for this clash, after admitting he is still struggling to lunge.Twenty-two-year-old Will Pucovski could make his debut at the top of the order for the Aussies alongside Warner after notching up two double hundreds in domestic cricket for Victoria.India will likely come into the clash in great confidence, knowing that they pulled off their victory in Melbourne without the services of skipper Virat Kohli.Rohit S...

Social media companies take unprecedented actions to unprecedented events.What you need to knowFacebook today announced new updates to its content moderation policies in response to violence at the U.S. Capitol this afternoon.The company also said it would be updating the warning label applied to posts about the election to note Joe Biden's confirmation as the victor.It also confirmed that all moderation policies introduced in the lead-up to the election would remain active.Facebook tonight announced an update to its content moderation policies following a violent insurrection in the U.S. Capitol tonight.The company said that it had been removing content which either praised the incident, called for armed support, or aimed to incite a repeat either tomorrow or in the coming days. It also acknowledged its removal of Trump's video posted following the event, noting that it "contribute[d] to, rather than diminish[ed], the risk of ongoing violence."Facebook will also be upd...

Purely from a hardware standpoint, the Huawei P40 Pro is one of the most beautiful devices to hit the smartphone market in some time. Even without the luxury of the Google Play Store, the P40 Pro checks a lot of the boxes one could want in a flagship smartphone experience. It's also one of the best Huawei phones available. So if you've decided to pick one of these up, we've found the best Huawei P40 Pro cases to keep it protected.Tried and trueSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickWhenever Spigen releases the Rugged Armor for a new phone, the excitement level goes to 10. With the Rugged Armor for the P40 Pro, you'll get a carbon fiber design with a spider web pattern on the interior for added protection. With Spigen's Air Cushion technology, you can rest easy with some of the best shock absorption.$12 at AmazonAdded functionalityKalibri Leather Wallet CaseKalibri's Wallet Case is not only made from genuine leather but also brings some convenient functionality. There'...

The Pixel 3 XL is a great-looking phone, but you don't want your shiny new phone to be broken if it takes a bad fall. Fortunately, you can have a screen protector on from day one to keep everything looking beautiful. These are the best Pixel 3 XL screen protectors! To really keep your phone protected, you should also check out the best Pixel 3XL cases.Simply the bestWhitestone Dome GlassStaff pickThe Whitestone Dome Glass tempered glass kit includes a UV light to cure the screen protector to your phone and is backed by a lifetime warranty.$60 at AmazonCan't go wrongIQShield Case Friendly Screen ProtectorIQShield offers two film screen protectors along with everything you need for a perfect fit using the wet install method, all for very good price.$8 at AmazonGreat valueLK Screen ProtectorsLK's unique adhesive process means this three-pack of film screen protectors can be washed and reused. Once applied, they offer a case friendly fit.$6 at AmazonBra...

That's a beautiful display you've got on your Google Pixel 3. It'd be a shame if something were to… happen to it. That's why a screen protector is not just a good idea but a necessary investment. Protect your Pixel 3's display from harm with one of the best Pixel 3 screen protectors. Oh, and don't forget to pick up one of the best Pixel 3 Cases as well.Trusted brandamFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff pickamFilm's three-pack of screen protectors are made of durable tempered glass and are designed to facilitate perfect touch feedback.$9 at Amazon$9 at WalmartFull coverageSupershieldz Full Screen Tempered Glass Protector (2-Pack)Supershieldz offers a two-pack of protectors that cover the entire screen of the Pixel 3, touting almost complete clarity and rounded corners.$12 at Amazon$8 at WalmartGo all outDome Glass Whitestone Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorOne of the most advanced screen protectors is the Whitestone protector from Dome G...

Facebook is rolling out a more modern Pages experience.What you need to knowFacebook today announced a new Pages experience.It's rolling out over the coming months.The company highlights a new News Feed experience and a new focus on followers over likes.Facebook is revamping the Pages experience, the company said. The announcement was made today, enhancing the experience for public figures and creators in a way that modernizes the Pages experience to more closely match what Gen Z and younger viewers would be used to on other platforms.Here's what's new: Redesigned layout that's simpler and more intuitive Dedicated News Feed to discover and join conversations, follow trends, interact with peers and engage with fans Easy navigation between personal profile and Pages Updated task-based admin controls giving trusted Page admins full control or partial access Actionable insights and more relevant notifications Safety and integrity features to detect spammy con...

Unlimited for lessVisible$40/mo. at VisibleProsUnlimited talk, text, and high-speed dataUnlimited hotspot (5Mbps)Verizon LTE and Nationwide 5GLower unlimited priceConsNo international serviceFewer available phonesNo roaming or 3G serviceVisible offers a great unlimited option for smartphone users that are covered by the Verizon LTE and 5G network, which is most people. With a simple flat rate, this is a great option for heavy and light data users alike.Even more optionsVerizon PrepaidFrom $30/mo. at VerizonProsVerizon Nationwide 5G, LTE, 3G, and roamingLoyalty discount rewards consistent paymentsMexico and Canada calling availableUnlimited talk and textConsUnlimited plan hotspot costs extraExpensive for large data plansAutopay required for lower pricesVerizon Prepaid has some excellent options for a wide range of people whether they just need talk and text or want data for streaming. Plus, a loyalty discount for three and nine...

Source: StackCommerceFrom sales to sport, data science skills are becoming increasingly valuable in many careers. The Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Certification Training Bundle helps you improve your knowledge, with 55 hours of beginner-friendly tutorials for just $44.99.Knowing how to crunch the numbers is really useful when you are analyzing sales, estimating costs, and looking for opportunities. That is why recruiters rate data skills so highly.Even if you are a complete Excel novice, this bundle can turn you into a data whizz. Through 13 courses, you discover how to build spreadsheets, use formulas and functions, and craft perfect charts in Excel.The training also looks at analysis with Pivot Tables and automating actions with VBA.Of course, data doesn't start and end with Excel. Hence, the bundle teaches you the fundamentals of machine learning and how to code useful scripts in Python.The training comes from Mammoth Interactive, an e-learning publisher rated at ...

The Victure SC30 1080p USB webcam drops to $14.99 when you use the code 4ZPZ7KYL during checkout and stack it with the 15% off on-page coupon. Those two discounts combine to give you this webcam at its lowest price ever. Direct price drops on this webcam have never gone less than $23, and the only way you'd usually save on it in the past is through coupon codes like this. These codes disappear as quick as they show up, so grab it while you can.With this webcam, you can generate video at a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution at 30 frames per second. It has a widescreen fixed lens that can easily capture everything in front of it and provide a clear, smooth image. It's even equipped with low light correction that will allow the webcam to pick up your face and details in dimly lit environments.You don't have to worry about getting a separate mic or anything like that either. The webcam has two stereo microphones. Having more than one mic means it can filter out some of that background nois...

Not an April Fool's joke.What you need to knowOutriders is a co-op role-playing game (RPG) being developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix.Outriders is delayed to April 1, 2021 after being slated to release on February 2.A demo coming on February 25 will allow players to try the first few hours and carry progress forward.Originally set to release sometime in Holiday 2020, Outriders, a co-op RPG from People Can Fly and Square Enix, was delayed to February 2, 2021. Now, Outriders has been delayed again, this time to April 1, 2021. This delay will allow the developers to spend "extra time fine tuning the game and focusing on delivering a fanastic play experience at launch."While the full game is no longer releasing in February, players will still get the chance to try it out, as People Can Fly announced a demo that is coming on February 25. This demo will allow players to try out the first few hours of game with all four classes, in singleplayer and co-op, as ...

The Klipsch T5 II Sport true wireless earbuds have dropped to $179 on Amazon. These earbuds, the sporty followup to Klipsch's successful T5 earbuds, just released earlier this year. They haven't ever really gone on sale, either. Today's discount is easily the best price we've ever seen for the T5 II, and it's a safe bet the discount won't last long. Best Buy has also matched this price on all three colors.You can actually find the regular Klipsch T5 II earbuds for as low as $159 in some colors, so what's the difference between those and the Sport version? Well, the main difference is the fit. The Sport earbuds are designed with custom ear tips, and they come in six different sizes. You want to find the perfect seal and most comfortable position with your earbuds if you want to take these to the gym or on a run. There's nothing worse than losing one of your earbuds while you're in a hurry or on the move.The other major improvement in the Sport earbuds is the battery life of the in...

Samsung wants to be your personal trainer.What you need to knowSamsung Health on Samsung's latest QLED TVs is getting a new Smart Trainer.Users will be able to get personalized workouts while simultaneously monitoring their own performance.Samsung's Galaxy smartphones and watches will be able to sync the data to keep track of metrics in real-time.Samsung is no stranger to fitness, as its bands and watches are among the best fitness smartwatches on the market. That is partly due to Samsung's capable Health app, which is available on just about all its devices, including its TVs. Last year, Samsung partnered with a number of fitness trainers and programs to provide training and classes for owners of Samsung TVs, a handy feature as many were stuck home due to the pandemic. This year, Samsung is expanding on its fitness offerings by offering a Smart Trainer.The new feature displays an AI trainer on one side of the screen, which will display different workouts for you, and ove...

Samsung is taking steps to ensure its products and packaging are sustainable.What you need to knowSamsung is highlighting its new Eco Remote that includes solar cells and is made using recycled materials.Samsung's new QLED TVs offer creative ways to reuse the packaging as storage or home decor.Dezeen Magazine has partnered with Samsung on creative ways to reuse packaging.While the bulk of the focus during CES is on the big, colorful displays, companies like Samsung continue to do their part by offering more sustainable ways to not only produce their products but also to reuse materials and packaging, as well as reduce the number of harmful materials they use that could end up creating more waste.Samsung is highlighting its new Eco Remote Control (above), which was developed with sustainability in mind and comes included with each of Samsung's 4K and 8K TVs. Not only has Samsung implemented an energy-efficient circuit design within the remote, but it also included solar-po...

Samsung is turning your television into the ultimate entertainment hub.What you need to knowSamsung is announcing new Google Duo integration with its new 2021 TVs.Users can use screen mirroring to video chat with up to 12 people on a call.An optional camera can be used to stream video straight from your TV.Companies are gearing up to present some of the latest tech innovations for CES. The conference isn't known to bring many big announcements as far as smartphones go, as that honor is usually put on MWC in February, but that doesn't mean companies aren't making announcements related to mobile. As Samsung makes some of the best Android phones on the market, it's not surprising that the company is introducing ways that they can help you stay connected with friends and family with new Google Duo integration on its QLED TVs.Users can now participate in a video chat on Google Duo using Samsung's latest smart TVs. By connecting an optional camera and screen sharing from your p...

We love Samsung Galaxy smartphones for a lot of reasons. They are well-designed, well-made, and look beautiful. They run the fastest chipsets, have tons of features, and can go toe-to-toe with any device on the market. But one of the things we like best about Galaxy phones are the cameras. Samsung packs in a ton of features and customizations into its camera app, but sometimes it can be a bit confusing or overwhelming to get it set up just the way you want it. We'll show you how to change and edit the camera app settings and modes on your Samsung Galaxy S or Note phone in the steps below.How to change and edit camera modes on your Samsung Galaxy S or Note phoneGeneral settingsOpen the default camera app on your Galaxy phone.Tap on the gear icon in the top left corner to access the camera app's main settings.Scroll through the various customization options, and toggle on/off the ones you want to enable/disable.The one setting out of all of these that I like to enable i...

With stellar performance backed by robust software, the DS1621+is a terrific NAS enclosure for small businesses.If you're looking for the best NAS for home use, Synology has plenty of great options that start off as low as $100. The NAS manufacturer also has a strong portfolio of high-end options aimed at small businesses and enthusiast users, and we're taking a look at the most recent entrant in this series, the DiskStation DS1621+.The DiskStation DS1621+ is a six-bay behemoth that is one of the most interesting NAS launches from Synology yet. The standout here is that the NAS is powered by an AMD Ryzen CPU, a first for Synology. The CPU delivers noticeably improved performance from the Intel-powered enclosures that we've seen over the years in this category, and it makes the DS1621+ immediately stand out.So let's take a look at what Synology's first Ryzen-powered NAS brings to the table, and why it is a great option if you're in the market for a new NAS enclosure in 2021....

Google's smart home product line will see new updates in 2021.What you need to knowGoogle this week shared plans for an upcoming slate of Nest security cameras in 2021.New Nest camera hardware has yet to arrive since the Nest Cam IQ was announced in 2017.Google is also preparing to launch a Nest Hub with Soli support sometime in the year.Google is (sometimes unfairly), known for killing off or rebranding product lines that don't perform as well as the company would like. With the winding down of the Nest Secure system the EOL of the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, it was an easy assumption to make that the Nest Cam line was next on the chopping board — especially since Google hadn't launched any new hardware since 2017.Fortunately, Google says that's not the case, noting it's planning to keep making new Cams in the future, specifically, in 2021.The firm confirmed this to 9to5Google, the outlet reported: Google today also revealed that "Nest will keep investing in new innov...

Local rivals Man United and Man City come face to face again tonight in a repeat of last year's Carabao Cup semi-final, with both teams riding high in the league and hopeful of making it to Wembley.Don't miss a moment of this tantalizing derby clash by following our Man United vs Man City Carabao Cup semi-final live stream guide, and watch the match online no matter where in the world you are.While both managers will be keen to stress that their Premier League campaigns are their main focus, tonight's match offers both teams the chance to edge closer to securing the first silverware of the season, while also providing local bragging rights over their neighbors.Both sides come into tonight's semi-final having delivered arguably their best performances of the season so far. United's steely 2-1 win over Aston Villa saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side move level on points with Liverpool with a game in hand, making their claim to be genuine title contenders this term undeniable.City ...

Samsung says Challenge participants take 22% more steps a day than the average Samsung Health user.What you need to knowThe Samsung Health app has gained a useful new feature.The new Group Challenge feature lets users open a 10-people health competition You can create a challenge by heading over to the Together section of the app.Samsung has added a new feature to the Samsung Health app, which it claims will help users achieve their fitness goals more easily. The new Group Challenge feature lets you open a friendly health competition to a group of 10 people. You can add people even if they aren't Samsung Health users and create multiple Group Challenges if you want to compete with your friends, family members, and co-workers simultaneously.You'll be able to create a challenge from the 'Together' section of the Samsung Health app, starting January 12. In addition to Samsung's best Android phones, the Group Challenge feature will also be available on older Galaxy phones and...

Best answer: Fitbit Premium is a paid subscription that gives you access to guided programs, detailed health insights, advanced sleep tracking, and dynamic workouts for a more feature-rich Fitbit app. For people that want to get the most out of their Fitbit tracker and can stomach the monthly or yearly fee, it's definitely worth a look.More features: Fitbit Premium ($80/year at Fitbit)Free year: Fitbit Inspire 2 ($80 at Amazon)The big draw to Fitbit Premium is the Guided ProgramsThere are a lot of different aspects to Fitbit Premium, but the feature we think most people will be drawn to is the collection of Guided Programs.Guided Programs can be found on the Discover page of the Fitbit app, and you'll find ones that aim to help you with a variety of things, including being more active, learning healthy habits, getting more sleep, eating less sugar, and more. The length of the programs depends on the topic, and after joining one, it'll be present on the main Today page of t...

What you need to knowNew lineup launches on January 20.The special edition celebrates the iconic Mickey Mouse Club.It features accessories for Apple and Samsung devices.Celebrate the Mouseketeers on your mobile devices, beginning January 20.Casetify and Disney have joined forces for a new collection of tech accessories for Apple and Samsung devices. The "Mickey Mouse Club 2021" collection launches on Wednesday, January 20.Officially called the Disney x Casetify series, the new lineup offers a modern-day spin on all-things Mouseketeers. It consists of special edition cases featuring Mickey Mouse designs, unique colorways and icons, puffy silhouettes, and more, starting at $35. For the series, buyers can also choose customizable elements, including monograms and personalized text. There's also a special-edition Mickey Mouse Club Member's Badge Case, available for purchase on launch day, retailing for $70.The lineup's full range of products includes accessories for iPhon...

New year, new bug patches.What you need to knowThe January 2021 security patch is now rolling out.Along with the usual updates, there are a few Pixel-specific bug fixes.The Pixel 5's volume issues have been fixed.A pesky speaker bug that was plaguing the Pixel 4a 5G is finally being addressed.We're just a few short days into 2021, but already, Google is making sure it starts the year on a good note. As of right now, the January 2021 security patch is rolling out. You can look forward to the usual assortment of vulnerability fixes that we expect with any security patch, but this time around, Pixel owners have a few specific upgrades they'll be treated to.If you have a Pixel 4a 5G, there's a fix for unwanted speaker noises in "certain scenarios." This is an issue that folks have been complaining about basically since the phone was released back in November, with people reporting that the speaker would emit a crackling noise during media playback. It's been an ongoing nuisa...

Battery optimization is a "service" that Samsung provides, which automatically shuts down apps in the background. This helps your phone run more smoothly and saves battery, but there are better ways to improve Samsung Galaxy S20 battery life. Plus, it's annoying when you have an app running, you go to open it again, and it's just not there. Fortunately, you can take control of your apps and stop Samsung from closing them on you. Don't worry about your battery; we have Galaxy S20 chargers that can help. We'll show you how how to disable battery optimization for your apps.How to turn off battery optimization in OneUI 3.0We've included instructions for OneUI versions 2.0/2.5 (they're the same) and 3.0. To check what version you have, you can go to Settings - About Phone - Software information. Let's start with version 3.0.Open Settings.Tap Battery and device care.Tap Battery.Tap Background usage limits.Tap Never Sleeping Apps.Tap +.Scroll through the list and tap the cir...

Let's chat with the AC forums.Cheap/budget phones have always been a fun talking point in the Android space, but especially in a year like 2020, they became more important than ever before. Money is tight, people are keeping a close eye on their spending, and this allows more affordable devices to really shine.Handsets like the Pixel 4a, Moto G Power, and others stand out strong as some of the best cheap Android phones available right now, and looking ahead at the coming year, even more are on the horizon.A few of our AC forum members recently got to talking about the whole budget phone segment, saying: J Dubbs 01-03-2021 07:09 AM “ I think they're great as long as you buy one with the right expectations like you did ;) My wife loves her Moto phones that I can pick up new directly from Moto for $150-$200 on clearance. She's not concerned about security or os updates (which are overrated and Mo...

The biggest NFL game of the year, Super Bowl 2021, is set to take place in February 7, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. Whether you are attending a party, planning to stay home, or will be traveling, one thing you may be wondering is how to watch the Super Bowl live stream. Well, there are a lot of different ways, and a lot to know about the ways to watch rhe Super Bowl live stream online.Whether you care about football or not, there is a whole lot to enjoy about the Super Bowl. From the epic Super Bowl half-time performances to the amazing commercials that will debut, you are going to want to find a way to stream it live. Luckily, it doesn't matter very much where in the world you are located, it's pretty easy to find a way to tune in and watch the Super Bowl online for free.How to watch Super Bowl 2021 live stream online with a VPNA Virtual Private Network, or VPN, can be used for a number of things these days. Sure, one of the key advantages to using one is that it keeps your browsin...

One UI 3.0 beta testers may have to wait slightly longer to receive the stable update.What you need to knowSamsung has released the stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update for its Galaxy S10 series phones.The update is currently limited to Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S10 5G users in Switzerland. It could take a few weeks for the update to become widely available across the globe.Last week, Samsung started pushing the stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update to its Galaxy Note 10 series phones in Europe. Just a week later, the company has now released the One UI 3.0 update for the Galaxy S10 series. According to a report from SamMobile, the update is now rolling out to the Galaxy S10e and the Galaxy S10 5G phones in Switzerland.While the rollout is currently limited to just a single market, we expect the One UI 3.0 update to become available in a few more countries within the next week or so. However, it could take a few weeks for the update to become widely available everyw...

Ultimate trackingFitbit Sense$279 at AmazonProsPacked with tracking featuresGives a holistic picture of your healthOn-screen workouts with animation come in handyRobust app, online communityConsNeed Premium subscription to realize all benefitsExpensiveNo cellular optionNo built-in music storageFor those looking to get an accurate picture of just about every health and wellness stat under the sun, the Fitbit Sense is like the Holy Grail of smartwatch options. It can track everything you'd expect with a premium device, plus it has sensors to measure stress, skin temperature, and more. Sure, you need a Fitbit Premium subscription to get the most out of the features, but it comes with six months free. Even without Premium, this is a solid smartwatch for both fitness buffs and those just interested in keeping track of their wellness.Built for iPhone usersApple Watch SEFrom $270 at AmazonProsMost affordable Apple WatchSame design and display as...

Before you leave for your next extended break or vacation, do your colleagues, coworkers, and contacts a favor and set up an automated out of office response for your email. Not only is it the respectful thing to do so that they aren't left wondering why you haven't responded to that urgent email, but it can also go a long way towards removing some of the inevitable anxiety and pressure you might be feeling while away from the office.You won't have to feel like you're a bad employee when you ignore your email for days on end, and you can truly enjoy your time off. We'll show you how easy it is to set an out of office reply in Gmail so you can get back to the business of self-care.How to set out of office replies in Gmail on the webOpen up your Gmail account in a web browser.Click on the three-dot menu to the top right of your inbox.Click on Manage Inbox settings in the pop-up box.Click on the General tab in the Inbox settings.Scroll to the bottom of the page until yo...

There are a bunch of Fitbit devices on the market these days and choosing between them can be difficult. One key factor for many buyers, presumably including you reading this article, is price. Fitbit's smartwatches and fitness trackers span a wide range of price points and pretty much all of them can be found at a discount if you know where to look.Best Fitbit Deals Available NowFitbit Smartwatch Deals: Save up to $50Fitbit Fitness Tracker Deals: Up to $31 offFitbit Smart Scale Deals: From $49More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreFitbit Sense | $278.95 at AmazonThe Sense is Fitbit's newest and most premium smart health watch, and it's also the company's most expensive wearable. It has sensors to measure your electrodermal skin activity, temperature, and stress levels, and it can also take an ECG reading to determine if you have atrial fibrillation. All of this in a stylish new package with all of the comprehensive fitness tracking you've come to expec...

Only a handful of Google's own Wear OS apps offer tiles currently.What you need to knowThird-party Android developers will soon be able to create custom Tiles for their Wear OS apps.A new "Tiles API" commit has been posted to the Android Open Source Project. Currently, Tiles are limited to Google's own Wear OS apps.In May 2019, Google finally added widget-like "Tiles" to Wear OS. Unfortunately, however, Google still hasn't added support for custom third-party Tiles to its wearable platform. Thankfully, it now looks like this could finally change later this year.The folks over at 9to5Google have spotted a code change that was recently posted to the Android Open Source Project, which confirms Google is working on a "Wear Tiles API." As the name clearly implies, the "Wear Tiles API" will make it possible for Wear OS developers to create custom Tiles for their apps.The code contains several references to "androidx," which suggests Google plans to add the ability to create ...

SteelSeries proves why it's one of the best in the business with the Arctis 7P for PS5.I didn't think I could be any more impressed with a headset than I was in my Razer BlackShark V2 Pro review, but I am with the SteelSeries Arctis 7P. I have several headsets I'm currently testing out at home, and the Arctis 7P is used more often than any of them right now. It's a good thing it boasts 24 hours of battery life.I've heard nothing but good things about the SteelSeries Arctis line of headsets for several months now, so I was eager to try one out for myself. I put it through the wringer when I went to platinum Dishonored on PS5 over my vacation, which took four playthroughs. Since that's an older game, I also decided to test it out on newer titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, too. It's safe to say it exceeded all of my expectations.At a glanceSteelSeries Arctis 7P ...

Alipay was downloaded 207,000 times from Apple and Google's U.S. app stores in 2020.What you need to knowA new executive order signed by President Donald Trump bars U.S. transactions with Alipay and seven other Chinese apps.The move comes just two weeks before President-elect Joe Biden is set to assume office.The apps have been banned to curb the "threat they pose to Americans." U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new executive order on Tuesday, banning transactions with Ant Group's Alipay mobile payment app and seven other Chinese apps. As per Reuters, the move aims to "curb the threat to Americans posed by Chinese software applications, which have larger user bases and access to sensitive data."This isn't the first time that President Trump has signed an executive order targeting Chinese apps. In August last year, Trump directed the Commerce Department to block some transactions with WeChat and ByteDance-owned TikTok. However, the restrictions were blocked by courts on...