Latest from Android Central

The problem with a lot of the best Raspberry Pi kits is that while you'll find a lot of the essentials, you'll miss out on the best Raspberry Pi camera. Camera modules are available for the Raspberry Pi, or you could even grab a plug-and-play USB webcam to supe up your mini-PC adding even more versatility. But after you find a new camera, make sure you grab one of the best Raspberry Pi 4 SD cards, so you have enough storage for your footage.HD and simpleAUKEY PC-LM1 1080p WebcamStaff pickThis USB webcam from AUKEY is plug and play for the Raspberry Pi and can take record videos in 1080p at 30FPS. The "fold-and-go" design makes it easy to pack up and roll whenever you need to move the camera elsewhere. Plus, the PC-LM1 features fast autofocus, so the subject is never blurry, even it's close to the camera or moving around.$50 at Amazon$70 at WalmartFrom the sourceRaspberry Pi V2 Camera ModuleThe second-generation Raspberry Pi Camera Module works great with th...

It looks like the OnePlus 9 will be a significantly more impressive device than the OnePlus 8.What you need to knowA new leak has shed light on some of the key specs of the OnePlus 9.Unlike its predecessor, the OnePlus 9 will apparently support both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.It will also offer 65W wired fast charging speeds, just like the OnePlus 8T.The first live images of the upcoming OnePlus 9 5G surfaced online earlier this month, giving us our first look at the design of the OnePlus 8T successor. More live images of the successor to one of the best Android phones of 2020 have now leaked online, courtesy of the folks at 91Mobiles. The images reveal a flat display with a hole-punch cutout in the top-left corner. More importantly, however, the latest leak suggests the vanilla OnePlus 9 will have wireless charging support. Currently, the only OnePlus phone to support wireless charging is the OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 9 is tipped to support iden...

The phone is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2021.What you need to knowRealme is prepping the launch of its first flagship for next year.The phone will be powered by a Snapdragon 888 and boast up to 12GB of RAM.Codenamed Race, the phone may ultimately launch under the Koi moniker.Not to be outdone by the likes of Samsung and Xiaomi, Realme also plans on starting the new year with a bang. The company's Xi Qu this week took to Weibo to tease the launch of its Snapdragon 888-powered flagship next year. He also cleared up some confusion about the phone's name.While some reports had referred to the phone as the Realme Race and assumed it was supposed to be the continuation of Oppo's Ace series, Xi Qu clarified that 'Race' was just a codename for the device. He also noted that the phone will signify the launch of a whole new lineup of phones by the brand.The folks at GizmoChina, meanwhile, have discovered a new profile on the company's Weibo page for a Koi phone,...

The SanDisk Extreme 1TB external USB-C portable solid state drive has dropped to $124.99 at Best Buy today. You can also find this deal price at Amazon. This price is just $5 more than it was going for on Black Friday, which makes this the second best price we've ever seen. It is only good for the day as its part of Best Buy's daily deals that eventually expire. Costco has an older version of this same drive that's just $119.99, but you might need to be a Costco member to take advantage of that.The 2TB version is down to a decently low price at $229.99, too. While it has dropped as low as $200 in the past, it was also selling for more than $300 earlier this year. That's not too bad if you really need more space.The SanDisk Extreme is a very portable solid state drive. With 1TB of space you can keep all your music and other media real close by. Since it's an SSD, you don't have to worry about the same moving parts you'd find on a portable hard drive, so it's a lot more durable and...

The iRobot Root rt0 coding robot programmable STEM toy has dropped to $99.99 as part of Amazon's daily deals. That means the price expires tonight when those deals reset. This toy from iRobot is extremely new. It's part of an initiative at iRobot started just this year with the intent of creating a STEM outreach program.This is also a special version of the robot that iRobot is calling a Holiday Bundle because it includes the Brick Top. Normally the Brick Top accessory costs an extra $20, and the Root rt0 robot goes for $130 by itself. You can see it going for that price at other retailers like Best Buy as well. Today's price not only saves you $30 off that cost but gives you the Brick Top for free, so you're getting a lot of value.The Brick Top is a cool feature because it makes the robot compatible with a number of common building blocks, including Lego bricks. Transform your robot into a catapult or an even larger robot if you want. Do and build whatever your mind can think of...

The Mi 11 is shaping up to be a solid upgrade from its predecessor.What you need to knowXiaomi has posted a video on Weibo, showing off the impressive low-light video capabilities of the Mi 11.The company has also revealed that the phone will have improved LPDDR5 RAM support and Wi-Fi 6 support.Xiaomi will be taking the wraps off the Mi 11 series in China next week.Xiaomi announced earlier this week that it will be launching the world's first Snapdragon 888-powered phone in China on December 28. Ahead of big launch, the company has posted a video on Weibo, showing off the improved low-light performance of the Mi 11 series phones (via Android Authority).The teaser suggests the upcoming Mi 11 series phones will have a highly effective night mode feature for videos, allowing users to capture decent videos even in near total darkness. Another teaser posted on Weibo by the company suggests the phones will come with an improved night mode for photos as well, utilizing "computat...

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, you'll want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. These earbuds regularly sell for $169.99, though right now Woot has them on sale for $109.99 for just one day only.The deal forms a part of Woot's 'Gifts that Santa Forgot sale that features Christmas Eve savings on audio products, Amazon smart home devices, and 4K TV sets.The new Samsung Galaxy Buds Live 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 Bronze, Mystic Red, Mystic Blue, and Mystic White — all of which are on sale today.These earbuds can...

There's no good time to get caught short with a dead car battery, but winter is probably the worst time. Whatever the weather where you are, it's smart to be prepared for emergencies because being stranded is not fun. Thankfully, this one-day sale on Gooloo portable jump starters is coming in clutch with as much as 30% off this Christmas Eve so you can be ready for any eventuality.A portable jump starter is one of those things that every car should have. Today's sale features a couple of different options, though the cheaper 1200A jump starter should work for the majority of people. It's down to $45 from a regular price of nearer $70.This model is powerful enough to start cars, motorbikes, lawnmowers, and more (up to 7L gas or 5.5L diesel engines). It also features dual USB ports that can charge your phone using its 18,000mAh battery, which could be a lifesaver if your battery is dead, your tire's flat, and you're in the middle of nowhere.There are built-in safeguards to protec...

Being Christmas Eve, you might think that the deals on tech would have dried up but Woot is here to prove you wrong with its 'Gifts that Santa Forgot' sale. Sure, you've probably already bought and wrapped all of your gifts for friends and family this year but this sale offers a bunch of popular tech products as well as what is likely your last chance of the year to save on them.The sale features Echo and Fire TV devices, headphones and earbuds, phones, and even smart 4K TVs. While it's a bit late to think about gifting these items, it's well worth a look for some end of year tech upgrades for yourself.If you're new to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant or want to add smart speakers to yet more rooms in your home, this sale is for you. It features the original Echo, Echo Spot, and Echo Show, with prices from just $25. Though these devices aren't brand new, they are a super affordable way to kickstart a smart home or add Alexa's smarts to different places in the house.The sale also ...

These are going to be some impressive buds.What you need to knowLeaked slides provide just about all the information about the upcoming Galaxy Buds Pro.The upcoming earbuds will feature intelligent active noise canceling.They will reportedly be available for $199 at launch.If there's anything that's been leaked almost as much as the Samsung Galaxy S21 series smartphones, it's the upcoming Galaxy Buds Pro. So far a number of renders have surfaced showing the earbuds as well as the case in different colors and in full 360-degree animation. The latest look at the buds, courtesy of WalkingCat on Twitter, gives us pretty much all the information we need about them, including the price.The first image displays the ins and outs of the new Galaxy Buds Pro, showing off the 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter. The active noise cancellation will be adjustable and will include Ambient sound and a conversation mode. As far as sound features, Spacial Audio was seen in previous screenshots ...

That's not how ethics works, Google.What you need to knowGoogle began intervening in research papers by asking researchers to "strike a positive tone" when referring to the company's work.Former Ethical AI head, Timnit Gebru, was fired for her paper criticizing Google's language models.Gebru's paper has since been accepted by an outside scientific group.Amid Google's already troubling legal battles around how it handles Search and ads, Google still faces internal struggles on its handling of former Ethical AI co-head, Timnit Gebru's departure. After presenting her research paper on the concerns of largely unchecked AI language models, such as those used in Google's search tools and the best Android phones, the company dismissed her paper saying it didn't account for new efforts Google was making to address these concerns, and therefore dismissed Gebru. That's putting it plainly, as the situation has presented itself a bit more complicated, but some information from Reuters ...

Whether you're pulling your brilliant new Chromebook out of the box, were handed down a Chromebook from a parent or sibling, or you just power-washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you're somewhere with Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. Whether you're under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, here's how to set up your Chromebook.How to set up ChromebookBefore you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, if you want to plug your Chromebook in to charge before beginning your setup, that's probably a good idea.Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.Enter the email address of your Google account.Tap Next.Enter your Google account's password.Tap Next.If your Google account has a two-factor authentication, use your verifica...

The video-conferencing wave isn't expected to last through 2021, and Zoom is hoping to cash its chips in before it crashes.What you need to knowZoom is working on an email and calendar service to take on Gmail.The Information reports we may see an early version of this in 2021.Zoom is making this move to pre-empt a shift away from digital communications in 2021.Zoom and Google already compete in the video conferencing space. Zoom has, well, Zoom. Google has its own Meet service that it's built up over the year, but the competition may be about to get a lot more direct. No, Zoom is not building a search engine, but a web-mail and calendar service? That hits a lot closer to home for Google.According to a report from The Information(via Engadget). Zoom is preparing an email and calendar offering to complement its video-conferencing service. It'll be a full e-mail service, albeit a "next-gen" one that doesn't just attempt to duplicate Gmail or Outlook but one that brings some...

Less premium than the original Chromebook.What you need to knowAlleged specs of the upcoming Galaxy Chromebook 2 have appeared in a leaked slide.The slide mentions a switch from an OLED display to QLED.The Galaxy Chromebook 2 may also come with a cheaper price tag at $699.It seems like only yesterday that leaked renders appeared showing a familiar-looking design for the Galaxy Chromebook 2. Beyond some very slight changed to the positions of the ports, the follow-up to this year's Samsung Galaxy Chromebook is expected to look largely the same, which isn't a bad thing considering it was one of the best Chromebooks of the year. It seems we may have some leaked specs of the successor, and they paint an interesting picture for the direction Samsung is taking this line.p.s. how about 699? https://t.co/DDSdmTiDu3— WalkingCat (@_h0x0d_) December 23, 2020According to a leaked slide, Samsung seems to be taking a more cautious approach with the Galaxy Chromebook 2. For exampl...

Finding the best Galaxy Note 8 screen protectors can be tricky, thanks to its curved screen. We generally recommend a tempered glass option, but for the Note 8, many of our favorites use a flexible TPU film that's much more difficult to install but offers edge-to-edge protection and some self-repairing properties. These Note 8 screen protectors are your best options for both.All-around fitamFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Galaxy Note 8Staff PickFor those looking for edge to edge protection without a difficult installation, amFilm has a tempered glass solution that uses slightly curved slabs to achieve the perfect fit for the Note 8.$10 at AmazonFrom the forumsBodyGuardz Pure Arc Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorThis pick comes from the AC forums. It's backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee and is a great option if you're on the fence about tempered protectors.$9 at AmazonBest wet installSpigen NeoFlex Screen Protector for the Galaxy Note 8 (2-pack...

Better notification management and a nice visual overhaul.2020 has been full of surprises, and that apparently includes Android 11 making its way to some of the best Samsung phones about a month ahead of schedule. While Android 11 is mostly Google's doing, this update also features Samsung's new One UI 3.0 software overlay, which introduces new aesthetics and improved first-party apps.While we didn't expect the update to roll out to the Galaxy Note 20 line until some time in late January, my unlocked Note 20 has had it for a few days now, giving me the chance to go hands-on and explore all of the new changes. If you have a Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra, the update should already be available to you, as well, and owners of other Samsung devices can expect to see it in the coming months.Jump to:Android 11 at its coreMajor aesthetic overhaulMinor improvements to the cameraBottom linePowerfully affordableSamung Galaxy Note 20$800 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy$80...

So, you just got a new Pixel. Awesome! Google's Pixel devices are among the best Android phones money can buy. Now that you own one, you're probably eager to get it set up so you can start using it. Here's a step-by-step guide of what to expect during that initial set up process.How to set up your new Pixel phoneTap the blue Start button near the bottom right.Tap the Wi-Fi network you want to use (or use your mobile network instead).Enter your Wi-Fi password.Your Pixel will check for any available updates.If you want to copy apps & data, tap Next at the bottom right.For this guide, we're tapping the Don't copy option.Type in your Google account email and password.Tap the I agree button.Have Google Fi? You'll see a welcome screen for the service.Tap the Accept button to agree to the available Google services.Tap I accept to agree to Google's "additional legal terms."Tap Next to set up the fingerprint sensor with Pixel Imprint (If you have a Pixel 4, you'll ...

Only the Chalk variant is available at the moment.What you need to knowThe Google Home Max is briefly back from the dead.After it had seemingly sold all its remaining stock, Google is once again selling the speaker on its store.It's currently available for just $179, a $120 saving from its normal price.While it seemed like Google's Home Max had well and truly met its end early last week, it seems the gargantuan speaker has some life in it, after all. Though the company has stopped manufacturing the smart speaker and had seemingly run out of its last bits of stock earlier in the month, the Mountain View giant seems to have gotten its hands on a new supply of Home Max units, which are once again available for sale on its online store.Both the Charcoal and Chalk variants were apparently available earlier in the day, but at the time of this writing, only the Chalk Home Max remains, with the Charcoal grey speaker having run out again. If you're looking to get your hands on one...

Now you can watch The Queen's Gambit while you do the dishes.What you need to knowAmazon adds Netflix support for the Echo Show smart displays.Users can access the Netflix app using just their voice.Netflix is one of the few supported streaming apps.Amazon Echo Show smart displays have been on the market for more than three years, and are among the best smart displays available today. And while Amazon's smart displays, like the upcoming Echo Show 10, would make a great addition to anyone's home, until now they've only had limited support for many streaming services outside of Prime Video, Hulu, and few others. If you wanted to watch a YouTube video, for example, you would have to do so through the on-device browser. But while Google may not bring official YouTube support to the Echo Show, Amazon finally managed to nab one of the largest streaming services available.Amazon has announced that official Netflix support has made its way to the Echo Show devices. Owners of thes...

A Raspberry Pi is a delicate electronic instrument and that means you'll definitely need to pair it with the best Raspberry Pi power supply. Usually, you'll find a power supply in the best Raspberry Pi kits, but sometimes you might want to pick up a spare. These power supplies will give your Pi the right amount of clean wholesome electrons so that you can do something really cool with them. Note that each Pi model has different power requirements, so check to make sure you're buying the right thing!Basic and perfect (v.4)Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Official PSUStaff PickThe company behind all of your Pi-goodness has released its very-own Power Supply, rated for 5.1V 3.0A of power. You can snag this in either white or black, and there are four different models to pick from, depending on what country you live in.$12 at Amazon$15 at NeweggMighty Mini (v. 4)Smraza Raspberri Pi 4 Power SupplyThis power supply from Smraza provides the regulated power your Raspberry Pi...

Unfortunately, Disney no longer offers any type of free trial for its Disney Plus (Disney+) streaming service. The company previously offered a 7-day trial, but has since discontinued it. You can sign up for a monthly subscription with no long-term commitment though and cancel at any time.Sign up for Disney+ nowIt's been a little over a year since Disney released its own Disney Plus streaming service, and while many aspects of it have improved over time, there is one part that got arguably worse. When it was first released, there was a Disney+ free trial, but unfortunately Disney made the decision to remove that a few months later, and at the current time there is still no free trial for Disney+ available.The original free trial was available to all new subscribers and would give you access to the full catalog of movies, shows, and short films availalbe on Disney+. It was a great way to try out the service and see if the content was right for you, but after maturing a bit as a ...

Going back to horror roots but with somewhat broader appeal.What you need to knowBokeh Game Studio is a new studio of veterans who have worked on games like Silent Hill, Siren and Gravity Rush.In an interview with IGN, some of the developers explained that the studio is working on a multiplatform horror game.The studio is aiming to release its game in 2023.Earlier in December, we reported that Bokeh Game Studio was a new team founded by Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama with veterans who have worked on games like The Last Guardian and Gravity Rush. Now, speaking with IGN, Toyama explained that Bokeh Game Studio is making a multiplatform horror game with a "fairly large" team."If anything, this will be more of a horror-oriented game. But we will focus on making this a broader entertainment experience, rather than a hardcore horror game," Toyama said, adding that "We are developing with PC as the lead platform, but we hope to release the game on as many console platforms...

Source: StackCommerceWhether you want to start your own business or work for someone else, digital marketing skills are very valuable. The 2021 Ultimate Digital Marketing Super Bundle helps you become an expert, with 22 hours of training for just $34.99 — that is over $2,000 off the full price!With everyone stuck at home, online sales are booming right now. To secure a slice of the pie, you need to know how to attract customers.This collection of 11 courses shows you how, providing a complete education in digital marketing. Through concise video tutorials, you learn how to run ads, build an audience, optimize your website for search, and measure your growth.This includes individual courses on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, podcasting, and email. You also discover how to work with Google Trends and make an impression via Zoom.Your instructor is Benjamin Wilson, an Australian entrepreneur who helps other people to follow in his footsteps. He is rat...

The Pixel 4a is one of the best cheap Android phones of the year, so why not show it off with the best Pixel 4a clear cases. These cases add all of the protection you'll need, while still being able to show off your latest Pixel device. Plus, you won't have to worry about covering up that sleek design with a boring TPU case just to keep your investment protected.Get a spareSPARIN Clear Case (2-pack)Staff PickIt's all fine and dandy to have a clear case for your Pixel 4a, but you don't want to be left waiting in the winds if something happens to your main case. Throw caution to the wind with this two-pack of cases from SPARIN. Show off your Pixel 4a in style while keeping it protected from the elements.$8 at AmazonAdd some flairSalawat Gradient Slim CoverAlthough the Pixel 4a is a sleek device, it can be a bit boring to just get a case that's 100% clear. The Salawat Slim Cover adds a bit of pizzazz to your phone with its gradient bumper going from blue to pin...

The beta is rolling out in India and Korea first.What you need to knowSamsung is finally starting to test Android 11 on its mid-range lineup.The company this week launched a new One UI 3.0 beta program for both the Galaxy A51 and the Galaxy M31.Most of Samsung's flagship lineup, meanwhile, has already started receiving stable builds of the One UI 3.0 update.With the updates for its flagship and foldable phones out of the way, Samsung is finally turning its attention to the mid-range and budget phones in its lineup. The company this week launched a beta for the Android 11-powered One UI 3.0 update for Galaxy A51 and Galaxy M31 owners in South Korea and India, with more Galaxy A and Galaxy M series likely to follow soon.To sign up for the One UI 3.0 beta, which also includes Android 11, all you need to do is head over to the Samsung Members app, where you should see a notice about the update in the top banner. Simply click on it and follow the instructions. Though, you shou...

Sick of finding that great spot on the couch, the sweet area that just feels great when you're cuddled up with a blanket and surfing the internet on your phone just to find out that the Wi-Fi is so weak it cuts out all the time? Fix that with the Eero Pro mesh WiFi system bundle, which is down to $319 at Amazon today.So this bundle comes with three devices. One is the Eero Pro, which is the main bulk of what you're buying. The other two items are the Eero Beacons. These are simpler devices that act as Wi-Fi extenders for the Pro and are in fact full-fledged Wi-Fi access points. You plug them into standard outlets and they pick up the signal from the Pro and cast it out just a bit farther. They're more reliable than a regular Wi-Fi booster and allow your devices to establish a more secure connection with less interuptions.The Eero Pro system can replace your traditional Wi-Fi router and of course any boosters you have. It covers two to four bedroom homes in fast and reliable inter...

The best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers take whole-home wireless speeds to the next level. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has allowed mesh systems to deliver full gigabit speeds with ease throughout a large house by getting even more performance out of the available spectrum. Wi-Fi 6 lets compact routers hit gigabit speeds on their own and over 500Mbps while deployed as a mesh. With more phones than ever, including Wi-Fi 6 support, and families asking more of their internet connections than ever, it's a good time to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6.What are the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh routers?The Linksys MX10 Velop is the best Wi-Fi 6 router for people looking to take advantage of a fast connection all over their home. Alexa support and great parental control options, this is a great mesh system for families.The second best option is the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 which is designed for people that want a compact mesh system with enough speed for most people. A compact router and satellite design allow you to blanket your hom...

Nest makes some of the best smart thermostats, security cameras, and self-installed home security systems out there, but it comes at a price. Some of the equipment can be on the expensive side, which means that you may not be able to have as much of it in your home as you'd like, but we are here to help make it easier to afford more. At times, you can find some pretty sweet deals on a variety of Nest's most popular items.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $123Nest Wi-Fi: as low as $149Nest Cameras: from $234Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $25Google Nest Mini | $24.99 at Best BuySave $25 on the Google Nest Mini today at Best Buy. This deal is valid on all colorways of the speaker, though you'll want to shop soon as the 50% discount won't be available forever!$24.99 at Best BuyWhether it's a direct price drop, coupon code, or bundle deal, we've scoured the internet to find all of the best deals around Nest's hardware that are ...

2020 gave us a lot of great smartphone values, but among everything, the Google Pixel 4a stands out as the best of the best. It's a phone we're happy to recommend at its full retail price of $349, but for a very limited time, you can pick it up at the lowest price we've ever seen.If you buy the Pixel 4a from B&H on December 23, you'll get an instant $30 coupon that brings the phone down to $319. That's a killer offer on its own, but B&H goes the extra mile by also including a free TPU clear case that normally retails for $20.Factor in free standard shipping, and it's a deal you simply can't miss for one of the best Android phones of 2020.Can't miss thisGoogle Pixel 4a | $30 off at B&H$319 at B&HThe best deal we've seen yetThe Pixel 4a is one of the best smartphone values we've seen all year, and for a limited time at B&H, you can pick it up for the lowest price yet. A $30 instant discount brings the 4a down to just $319, and on top of that, you a...

The black Marshall Action II multi-room Bluetooth speaker is down to $149.99 at Best Buy. That price is $100 off what the speaker normally goes for, and the only other place you can find it going this low is at B&H where it's currently back-ordered. Get this speaker in white as well if that better matches your decor.The Action II is a fantastic Bluetooth speaker that has a design that makes it look great no matter where you put it. It also has a pretty compact size despite all it can do, so you can fit it on a bookshelf or your nightstand if you want. Heck, since it's Bluetooth you can take it out and about as well.The speaker has a power output of 60W so you get powerful, rich sound. It uses a two-way system so you get audio that sounds like it's coming from one source instead of several separate sources. Plus, it is built with dual tweeters and a subwoofer for enhanced sound quality. The bass reflex enclosure also helps promote optimal performance by directing the bass with...

Telegram's making voice messages more natural.What you need to knowTelegram today announced Voice Chats, described as a "persistent conference call" for groups.It's the same concept as Twitter's Audio Spaces or Clubhouse.Founder Pavel Durov also shared plans to monetize the app going forward.Telegram today rolled out a powerful new update, improving an underrated part of messaging app experiences — voice chats. Previously, you could send voice notes, just like alternate messenger apps offer. That's still there, but it's getting turned up to 11 in groups. From today, Telegram is adding a new feature to group chats known as Voice Chats. Described as a "persistent conference [call] that members can join and leave as they please", it's one of the biggest updates to the messaging app all year.Telegram groups get a new dimension with Voice Chats – persistent conference calls that run in parallel to existing text chats. Voice Chats add a live layer of ephemeral talk to the g...

You can now recharge your Touch Controllers.What you need to knowAnker is one of the biggest sellers of charging technology.The brand has launched a new charging dock for Oculus Quest 2.The device will be shipping in January.A new Oculus Quest 2 charging dock from leading charging accessory maker Anker is available to purchase now and will be released on January 22.The device charges both the VR headset and its Touch Controllers in two and a half hours via magnetic USB-C connectors. While the controllers don't come with reusable batteries, the Anker kit features 1800mAH rechargeable batteries you can swap in. Those batteries can be recharged up to 500 times. The swap will save you time and hassle from replacing batteries and cut down on waste.LED lights will let you know if your devices are charging or ready to go. The dock features overcharge protection and will automatically turn off when the Quest 2 is fully charged. The officially licensed dock also snuggly fits the...

OnePlus will expand its numbered flagship series with a new Lite model.What you need to knowThe OnePlus 9 series will have three models at launch: OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9 Lite.The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 888 chipset, but the 9 Lite will get the Snapdragon 865. All three devices will be unveiled in Q1 2021. OnePlus makes some of the best Android phones money can buy today, and the Chinese manufacturer is set to launch its 2021 flagship phones in the coming months. We already got a good look at the design of the OnePlus 9 thanks to leaked photos of the device, and we can now reveal additional details around the internal hardware.OnePlus 9 series: OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, OnePlus 9 LiteAccording to my insider source, the OnePlus 9 series will offer three models at launch: the OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro, and OnePlus 9 Lite. The OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro will feature Qualcomm's latest 5nm chipset, the Snapdragon 888, but t...

The Galaxy S20 FE is one of the best Android phones of the year, but for some added versatility, you'll likely want to get the best Galaxy S20 FE wallet cases. Being able to get rid of that old "Costanza" wallet is extremely convenient, as you can just carry the bare essentials when you head out to the store. Some of these even rival the best Galaxy S20 FE cases, thanks to a great combination of protection and usefulness.Folio flipLBYZCASE Folio Flip CoverStaff PickWith the Folio Flip Cover from LBYZCASE, there are five different colors to choose from, along with an included lanyard for those who want to keep their phone on their wrist. The case itself houses the Galaxy S20 FE in a TPU case, while the wallet itself has a section capable of housing up to six cards, along with a zipper pocket for any loose change.$17 at AmazonSlim with leatherKowauri PU Leather Wallet CaseIf you want a traditional case with a leather back and the ability to hold a few cards, t...

The Aukey Minima 18W USB-C fast charger is down to a uniquely low price of just $8.28 at Amazon right now. This deal starts with a drop from its regular price between $13 and $15 down to $11. Then clip the 25% off on-page coupon to take off a few more bucks to get it down to one of the best deals we've ever seen for this charger. The white version is still going for $14.Aukey's Minima charger is basically just a great companion for any mobile device that uses USB-C. When it comes to mobile devices, you want something you can carry with you and something you don't have to worry about too much. That's why the Minima works so great because it's already so much smaller than your standard chargers. In addition to the compact design, it also includes a foldable plug. If you've got the charger stashed in your backpack or purse, it won't get caught on the other stuff in there with it. It's just a little pocket cube you keep when you need it, and when you plug it in it's small enough that i...

Both smartwatches promise up to nine days of battery life on a single charge.What you need to knowAmazfit has launched two Bip series smartwatches in the U.S.The Amazfit Bip U comes features a 1.43-inch display, SpO2 tracking, and over 60 sports modes.Amazfit's Bip U Pro offers similar specs as the Bip U, but adds built-in GPS and Alexa support.Amazfit today announced the launch of two affordable Bip series smartwatches in the U.S to take on the best Android smartwatches under $100. While the Amazfit Bip U made its global debut in India in October, the Amazfit Bip Pro is a rebranded Pop Pro.The Amazfit Bip U sports a 1.43-inch display with 320 x 302 resolution and a choice of over 50 watch faces. It offers over 60 professional sports modes – including running, cycling, skating, kickboxing, and more. The smartwatch also supports blood-oxygen level measurement, heart rate monitoring, as well as sleep quality and stress level tracking.Amazfit Bip U Pro is nearly identica...

A worthy upgradeGarmin fēnix 6$450 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSTwo-week battery life & battery saving modes10 ATM water resistanceNew PacePro feature, Pulse Ox sensorGarmin PayConsExpensiveIf you want to take your tracking up a notch, you'll love the Garmin fēnix 6. It's relatively similar to its predecessor with some notable improvements. You'll now have a Pulse Ox sensor for monitoring blood oxygen saturation, battery saving modes, and the new PacePro feature that helps you keep your pacing strategy right on track.Beloved classicGarmin fēnix 5$325 at AmazonProsOnboard GPS2-week battery life10 ATM water resistanceIn-depth activity trackingMultiple sport modesConsLacks Pulse Ox sensorNo battery saving modesIf you're not concerned about having the latest and greatest wearable, you might be content with the Garmin fēnix 5. It has the essentials, like onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, in-depth activity tracking, and multiple...

The titanium black Jabra Elite 75t true wireless earbuds have dropped to $119.99 at Amazon. These earbuds have been selling for around $150 since August and were going for $180 before that. They only dropped to $120 for the first time in early December, so this is a great price if you never noticed the first drop. You can also find this deal at Best Buy. The same low price is available in Gold Biege and full Black.Read our review of the Elite 75t earbuds from last year. Daniel Bader gave them 4.5 stars out of 5 and a "The Best" badge. He said, "The Jabra Elite 75t are excellent true wireless earbuds that do everything really well. They're small, comfortable, and sound great, and have fantastic and useful features like auto play/pause. Battery life has been bumped over the Elite 65t, too, despite getting smaller, and Jabra's app is just as useful as ever."When first released back in 2019, the Elite 75t did not have active noise-cancelation technology, and reviews suffered because ...

Chatting with the AC forums.I think it's safe to say that Google had a pretty strong year for its Pixel series. The Pixel 4a stands out as one of the very best deals the market has to offer, the 4a 5G is a great budget option for under $500, and the Pixel 5 is one of our top picks for the best Android phone of 2020.All three phones deliver a ton of value for their respective price points, but when it comes to the lowest-end Pixel 4a and most expensive Pixel 5, how do the two compare? There are some obvious compromises the 4a had to make in order to hit its $349 retail price, but does the Pixel 5 offer enough upgrades to justify costing twice as much?Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about the phones, saying: ElronTheElder 12-18-2020 04:55 PM “ Have two pixel's 5 and 4a. 5 has more ram and 5g bands....next gen chipset 4a SOC handles it's hardware better. 5 has the SOC ...

The Exynos chips are finally able to match up to their Qualcomm-made competition.What you need to knowSamsung's semiconductor business may finally be able to redeem itself with the launch of the new Exynos 2100 SoC.The Korean giant's in-house chip is reportedly even able to beat Qualcomm's next-gen Snapdragon 888.The chip can apparently achieve a 3,963 score for multi-core performance on Geekbench, compared to the 3,794 Qualcomm says the Snapdragon 888 is capable of.It's been a tough few years for Samsung's chip-making business. After years of producing in-house designs for SoCs that simply could not keep up with its Qualcomm-made competition, Samsung's LSI division reached a new low this year when the smartphone division snubbed its Exynos 990 chip in favor of Qualcomm's wares even in the South Korean versions of the Galaxy S20.The division reportedly 'felt humiliated' as a result of the debacle, not to mention the public backlash from consumers asking Samsung to get rid...

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...

It can be both fun and useful to order around the Google Assistant with simple commands like "Hey Google, turn on the lights" and see your words transformed into actions. Did you know, however, that you can do much more than simple one-off commands? By setting up and utilizing the Routines feature of Google Home and Google Assistant, you can trigger complex processes and activities with a simple action or phrase. I'll show you how how to set up Google Assistant Routines in the steps below.Products used in this guideMaximum utility: Nest Hub Max ($230 at Best Buy)Assistant in your pocket: Google Pixel 4a ($349 at Amazon)How to set up and manage a preset routineGoogle has created several preset routines, including options like Good morning, Bedtime, and Commuting to work.Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.Tap on the purple Routines iconScroll through the list of available pre-set routines and tap on Start Your Routines on to select which device you want to cont...

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...

Asurion's Home+ plan protects past and future purchases for $25 per month.What you need to knowAsurion's smart home protection and support plans can now be purchased through Amazon.Asurion Home+ plan protects all your home entertainment, home office and smart devices, as well as wearables for a monthly fee of $24.99.If you enroll in Asurion Home+ on Amazon, you'll be able to manage your subscription through your existing Amazon account.Global tech care company Asurion has announced that its Asurion Home+ smart home protection and support plans are now available through Amazon in the U.S.Rob DiRocco, Asurion Senior Vice President of Client Services and Sales, said in a statement: Customers are buying home tech on Amazon.com, so inn addition to our device protection coverage, having a comprehensive Asurion Home+ plan available is a great add-on for them to easily protect all their favorite devices and tap into our network of ten thousand Experts to get quickly set up an...

For that person who has everything and you have no idea what to buy them this year, consider a Google Play gift card. They can use it to select from a variety of digital content to access on their mobile device, from apps and in-app purchases, games, subscriptions, and more.There's plenty of great content to choose from in the Google Play Store, including apps, games, and movies like these ones, which were deemed the best of 2020.Where to buy Google Play gift cards by countryWhere to buy a Google Play card will depend on the country you're in, as well as whether you want to buy in-store or online to send your gift electronically. Here, we'll break down how you can buy Google Play cards both electronically and in-person in three main locations, the U.S., Canada, and the UK, to help make your shopping a bit easier.Jump to:USACanadaUKWhere to buy Google Play gift cards in the U.S.To buy a Google Play gift card online in the U.S, you can order it through PayPal Digi...

Save money and time with Amazon's Gold Box deal today. This sale takes up to 32% off Kyvol Cybovac robot vacuum cleaners and drops each model in the sale down to a previously unseen low price. With prices from just $115 and plenty of smart features, you won't have to break the bank to get one that suits your needs.The least expensive Kyvol Cybovac E20 robot vacuum cleaner is going for $115 today. That's $54 off its regular price and the lowest we have ever seen. This is actually the first time we've seen it go below $145. This is a great "daily clean" robot vacuum with 2000Pa suction power for getting up those crumbs and dust and dirt that accumulate from the normal wear and tear of moving about your day.It's easy to schedule and has support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants which is rare for robot vacuums in this price range. It will run for 150 minutes before returning itself to its charging base to power back up.The most advanced robot vacuum available i...

The Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 Low Profile mechanical keyboard has dropped to $84.99 at Best Buy. This is part of Best Buy's deals of the day, and the price won't last for very long. While this keyboard seems to be low on stock at most places, it usually sells for around $115 or even as high as $130 at other retailers. This is one of the best prices we've seen, even beating out previous deals we've shared.Corsair's K70 Mk.2 keyboard uses a low profile design that means the keys don't travel as far, and the Cherry MX Speed switches are designed for a smooth, linear experience with only a 1.2mm actuation. The slim design is lets you fit this keyboard in just about any desktop setup.Like other K70 keyboards, this one is made with aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum. It's a very durable construction designed to last you forever. The design also includes a USB pass-through port that you can use to hook up additional USB devices like a mouse or a headset. That's super helpful, especiall...

What a year this has been.I like to think that we here at Android Central have some of the coolest jobs there are to be had. Each of us gets to write about our own niche of tech, getting first-hand looks and inside perspectives at the gadgets and technologies we're passionate about. Even amidst a global pandemic, we've all been able to do our jobs from the comfort and safety of our homes, a privilege that I try to never take for granted.For as rough as many of the other aspects of 2020 have been, it's been a pretty great year for many of the fields we cover, from the best Android phones and tablets to game consoles, drones, and countless other platforms. We've written on all of it, and for both our own indulgement and to help you discover new content (mostly the latter, I promise), I thought it'd be fun to ask the team to round up some of this year's articles we're most proud of.Jump to:Alex DobieAndrew MyrickAra WagonerChris WedelHarish JonnalagaddaHayato HusemanNick ...

Whether it's for a birthday, the winter holidays, or some other special occasion, chances are you've received a gift or two that you're not wild about. Even though the gift was undoubtedly well-intentioned, it just wasn't the right fit — figuratively or literally. We'll show you how to return a gift to Amazon so that you can exchange it for something even better (or just get the money back).How to return a gift to Amazon starting from the websiteIf you purchased a "gift" for yourself that you wish to return, or if you purchased a gift for a friend or family member who lives with you or close by, it might just be easier on you if you return it to Amazon yourself. Here's how to do it.Go to Amazon.com and click on Returns & Orders at the top right of the website.Scroll through your orders to find the one you wish to return, or search in the box at the top of the section.Click on the Return or replace items button.Select the reason for the return from the drop-down li...

Performance has come to the forefront of consoles and it's here to stay.Value flagships came into their ownWeird phones are backThis was the year of the ChromebookSamsung rediscovered the joy of flat displaysSmall phones are fun again5G tried and failed to impressSnapdragon 765 proved we don't need pricey phonesHigh refresh rate displays wowed us Plastic phones are the bestCloud gaming went mainstreamStar Wars games saved usCheap phones got good againConsole players have had a very hit-or-miss relationship with playing games at 60 FPS over the last several years. The PS4 and Xbox One didn't leverage strong CPUs even by the standards of 2013 — in 2020, the Jaguar cores were straining and struggling with the majority of games. This was further exasperated by the release of the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, consoles that featured far stronger GPUs but minimal CPU improvements.Titles like the annual Call of Duty juggernaut stuck to 60 FPS and a handful of games allow...