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Current CEO Steve Mollenkopf has served with the company for 26 years in various roles.What you need to knowQualcomm's CEO Steve Mollenkopf is set to retire after 26 years with the company.He had led the company as its CEO through the smartphone boom of the mid-2010s.Cristiano Amon is the new CEO.Qualcomm today announced the retirement of its current CEO as the board unanimously appointed a new one.Steve Mollenkopf, the outgoing CEO of the company, had served the giant for over 26 years in various roles. Most prominently, he led the company as CEO from 2014, driving the adoption of its chips during the smartphone boom of the mid-2010s and overseeing its expansion to the IoT and Automotive sectors.Cristiano Amon, the current President of Qualcomm Incorporated, will be replacing him as CEO. Amon has served in this role since 2018, and has helped drive the company's 5G strategy.Reacting to his new role, Amon said: I am honored to be named the next CEO of Qualcomm and...

The Logitech G305 wireless gaming mouse has dropped to $39.99 at a couple of retailers including Amazon and Best Buy. This price matches one we saw over Black Friday and a couple of other times. The mouse has never gone lower than this so the price is as good as it gets. It also doesn't usually stay at this price very long even during the big deal events. Unfortunately only the black version is on sale today as the other colors are going for prices as high as $60 or are just sold out completely as is the case at Best Buy.The wireless G305 uses Logitech's LightSpeed technology for instant response performance. Thanks to the use of Logitech's wireless USB receiver and that LightSpeed, you can get responsiveness out of your mouse that's less than 1 milliseconds. You won't even notice that it's wireless because it will just work that well.It also has a 12,000 DPI sensor. This is adjustable and you can find the DPI that works best for you based on what you're doing. Whether you're pla...

Keep movie night going, even when you're apart!With current situations forcing people around the globe to practice social distancing and stay at home more, we're all beginning to yearn for a visit from our close friends and relatives. As birthday parties, happy hours, game nights and movie nights transition to digital, long-distance events, you've probably found yourself wondering how to have a Netflix party without trying to manually sync up playback across some convoluted video call. Look no further, here's how it's done!Teleparty (formerly called Netflix Party) is a Chrome extension that allows you to still enjoy movie nights with your friends and family using Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or Hulu even while you're miles apart, and it's free to use. The Chrome extension synchronizes video playback of the movie or show you've selected so that you and your friends can all watch in real-time and discuss what's going on in the chatroom on the right side of the screen. Everyone joins ...

OnePlus is bringing its budget N10 5G and N100 to North America.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Nord N10 5G and N100 will launch in the United States and Canada on January 15th.In the U.S., both devices will be exclusive to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.The Nord N10 5G and N100 launched in Europe in October as budget alternatives to OnePlus' flagship series.The OnePlus Nord N series smartphones are set to be launched in the U.S. and Canada on January 15th, a few months after their European launch. The Nord N10 and N100 both offer great features for a lower price point, particularly the N10 5G which gives owners access to the best available network for much less than many of best 5G phones on the market today, as highlighted by OnePlus co-founder Pete Lau: OnePlus' mission to share better technology with the world means that we strive to make cutting-edge technology more accessible to a wider range of users. The OnePlus Nord N Series represents the next step in our str...

Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $1,000Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $1,000 off via trade-in at SamsungTrade-in any eligible device and get up to $1,000 off the cost of the new Fold 2. You can choose to grab the phone unlocked or choose your carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or Sprint.Shop at SamsungThe folding phone is still pretty new, and becau...

If you're switching from iPhone to Android, there's a good chance you have an iCloud email account and will want to bring it over to your new Android device. Android requires you to have a Google account (Gmail), but it is possible to also bring over your iCloud address. Ready to learn how to set up your iCloud email on Android? Let's get to it!How to add an iCloud email address to AndroidSince Apple enables two-factor authentication (2FA) by default on your iCloud account, the easiest way to set up your iCloud email on your Android device is to first create an app-specific password for your iCloud email address.How to create an app-specific password for your iCloud accountLaunch your web browser on your computer.Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in using your Apple ID.Click Generate Password... under the Security section.Type a name for the password. I used "Android Email."Click Create.Take note of the password that has been generated. You'll need it to set up your iClo...

The OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones are also expected to get their first OxygenOS 11 beta update this month.What you need to knowThe first Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 Open Beta update is now available for the OnePlus Nord.It brings a revamped UI design, new clock styles, a new shelf interface, and more.The stable OxygenOS 11 update is likely to begin rolling out to the OnePlus Nord before the end of the quarter. Just as promised, OnePlus today announced the rollout of the first Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 beta update for the OnePlus Nord. The first Open Beta build is now available for users in India and will soon be available for the European version as well.In addition to all the usual Android 11 features such as one-time permissions and Chat bubbles, the update also includes several new OxygenOS 11 features. The update brings a new UI design, new Ambient Display clock styles with the Canvas feature, a shortcut key to enable Dark Mode, new shelf interface design, and a ...

The Razer Opus active noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones have dropped to $149.99 on Amazon. These are new headphones that released less than a year ago and have not had a lot of opportunities to go on sale. This price today matches a low we saw on Black Friday and during the Christmas shopping season. The Opus normally sell for $200. We have seen them drop as low as $80 if you have a Sam's Club membership, but you have to login just to even see that deal. The headphones go for $200 at most other retailers including Walmart.These are great headphones built to work with all of your mobile devices and especially your Razer gear. The headphones are THX Cerified for high-fidelity sound. That means real life experts optimized the audio for great immersion and a balanced sound stage that will give you the best cinematic experience no matter what media you're listening to.The active noise-cancellation technology works great and lasts a long time. Watch your favorite movies or binge so...

Chatting with the AC forums.If you're a Pixel owner, yesterday proved to be a fairly exciting day. To kick off the first full week of the new year, Google began rolling out the January 2021 security patch with a few Pixel-specific bug fixes in tow.Pixel 4a 5G owners get a fix for a pesky bug with the front-facing speaker, the Pixel 5 gets improved system sounds, and all Pixels released in 2020 benefit from improved auto-brightness.Taking a look through the AC forums, a lot of our members are already rocking this latest bit of software. Eric The Duke 01-04-2021 01:32 PM “ Downloading it now on Verizon. Reply eric002 01-04-2021 02:46 PM “ Just downloaded the January update as well. Running smoothly as always! Reply mustang7757 01-0...

A quick and easy way to open up storage.Google Photos isn't just an incredible backup service; it's one of the best ways to get photos off your Android without fussing around with a cable. It backs up all of your photos and videos you've ever taken, completely free of charge — at least, so long as you're okay with slightly compressed versions of your shots. For full-resolution uploads, you'll need to dip into your limited cloud storage space, which means paying for more when you run out.Of course, even if you pay for extra cloud storage, you could still run into local storage issues if you're not deleting your photos from your phone after you back them up. Luckily, Google Photos makes that an easy task.Delete local copies of your mediaGoogle Photos backs up your photos and videos automatically when you're connected to Wi-Fi and a charger (you can also set it to upload more frequently), without even needing to be running in the foreground. That means that when you wake up in...

If you're still lamenting the death of the Amazon Dash button, you'll be pleased to know that just a few months ago Amazon got back into the automatic re-ordering business with the Dash Smart Shelf. And, right now, you can snag one in a size that suits at a 40% discount.Where the Dash buttons were each dedicated to re-ordering one particular product like Tide pods, kitchen towels, razors, or even Pop Tarts, with garish branding to match, the Dash Smart Shelf can be programmed (and re-programmed) to order all manner of different products and features a look that blends in much more seamlessly in most kitchens or pantries. The Smart Shelf comes in three different sizes, all of which are down to $11.99 from a regular price of $20.The Smart Shelf works by keeping tabs on the weight of everyday items placed on it. When it senses you're running low, it can either place a reorder for you or send a notification to let you know so you can stay stocked up on daily essentials. Even if you h...

PlayStation VR is becoming a much larger VR platform, and with that comes a lot more games. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games that we're most excited about that are releasing soon.★ Featured Favorite - Early 2021After the FallFrom the creative minds behind Arizona Sunshine, this multiplayer FPS is set 20 years after the apocalypse in the ice-covered ruins of Los Angeles. The game pits four players against a hostile world, so play with friends or strangers.Check out the trailer here2021HumanityStaff PickExplore the nature of humankind. This game offers a unique perspective on humans and how they work together. Does it help or hinder each level? How do they function together?Check out the trailer hereJanuary 20, 2021Hitman 3Slip into a world of infiltration and assassinations as Agent 47. Hitman 3 will bring us the dramatic conclu...

Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowFastestVPN: $16 lifetime membershipExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) Surfshark: $2.21 per month (83% off)PIA VPN: $2.19 per month (82% off)NordVPN: $3.61 per month (68% off)IPVanish: $2.92 per month (76% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PureVPN: $1.32 per month (88% off)More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreToday's best VPN deals include 49% off ExpressVPN, access to Surfshark VPN for less than $3 per month, and a $17 lifetime license for FastestVPN. See below for all the details....

The latest iteration of the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 makes a great headset even better.Few gaming brands are as synonymous with "great gaming headsets" as Turtle Beach. The company has been at it for years and excels at what it does, and the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is the latest example of that quality. This is a wireless headset with a USB dongle connector and Bluetooth compatibility, which offers well-rounded sound for a variety of devices.I've owned headsets by most of the major brands, so I can say with confidence that Turtle Beach has, over the years, been the most consistently reliable. It has a wide selection at all types of price points, and for all platforms, so you can be confident that, if you're in the market for a new gaming headset, Turtle Beach makes one that's just right for you.The Stealth 700 Gen 2 isn't its cheapest offering, but it's also not its most expensive. Instead, you get what feels and sounds like a high-end headset for a mid-range price with ...

Samsung's other 2020 flagships are also expected to start receiving the latest security patch soon.What you need to knowSamsung has started rolling out the January 2021 Android security patch to the Galaxy S20 series phones.In addition to unlocked models, some Sprint and T-Mobile Galaxy S20 series phones have also started receiving the latest security update.Samsung is soon expected to push the January security update to more devices in its lineup.Earlier this week, Samsung began pushing the latest January 2021 Android security patch to its Galaxy phones. Surprisingly, however, the first phones to get the update were the Galaxy S9 and S9+. According to a report from SamMobile, the latest security update is now being rolled out to unlocked and carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra phones in the U.S.The update arrives as version G98xU1UES1CTL5 and brings the newest Android security patch dated January 1, 2021 to three of Samsung's best...

Welcome back to Jurassic Park.Jurassic World Aftermath was only just announced at Facebook Connect in September, but the game seems to have released as quickly as a velociraptor can jump. As an exclusive for the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2, developer Coatsink had many expectations to fill with a property as big as Jurassic World and a lot of fears to assuage when it came to developing a Quest-only VR title. Let me say this now: they've absolutely done what was needed to create the Jurassic game I've always wanted to play.Forget the hokey Jurassic World movies for a moment and think back to the mid-90s when the original Jurassic Park came out. As an 8-year-old who was already deeply fascinated with dinosaurs, it was an incredible experience that will forever live in my memory. Powerful emotions elicit potent memories, and the sense of awe and wonder I felt was only eclipsed by the fear that quickly replaced it. Dinosaurs are absolutely terrifying, and I'll never forget what it...

If you ever find yourself wishing you had more time to re-read your favorite books or check out some new ones, you owe it to yourself to try out Audible. It's the perfect option for avid readers as it allows you to start listening to books even when your hands are busy doing other things like driving, cooking, doing chores, and more.Now through January 8, Amazon has a special deal on Audible taking 40% off the first four months for new members. That brings the price down to just $8.95 per month from its regular cost of $14.95. It seems not all accounts are eligible for the promotion, though we've heard some previous Audible members have been able to take advantage of this deal so your mileage may vary.With your Audible membership, you'll receive a credit each month which can be used towards any audiobook you want. Once you've used a credit to purchase an audiobook, it remains in your library to listen to forever — even when your subscription isn't active. You also have the opti...

The device will likely succeed the original Nest Hub, which was released over two years back.What you need to knowGoogle may soon unveil a new Nest Hub smart display with Soli.The device has passed through the FCC with the model number GUIK2. Aside from the Soli hardware, the FCC filing doesn't reveal any other information about the upcoming device.A new 'Made by Google' device with model number GUIK2 has passed through the FCC, hinting at the arrival of a new Nest Hub Smart Display. As spotted by the folks over at 9to5Google, the FCC filing for the device lists it as an "Interactive Device."As per the FCC documents, the device has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, as well as Zigbee, which is a communication protocol for smart home devices. Additionally, they reveal the device uses an FCC e-label, which confirms it includes a display. Just like the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max, the regulatory information and certification on the new device can be accessed by heading over to System setting...

Time to find out just how much water those 45-minute showers actually use.The original Flume ranks among the best smart water monitoring systems, and the second-generation Flume 2 promises the same easy setup with more powerful monitoring options. Despite having the same $200 price as the original, the Flume 2 improves over the original in several ways, including better battery life, a stronger Wi-Fi connection, a more durable design, and more powerful monitoring hardware that'll soon even be able to detect which specific appliance or fixture is using water.The price makes plenty of sense, too, since Flume 2 features more advanced water monitoring than the budget options on the market but doesn't feature a water shut-off valve that more expensive models have. It's also got the same easy installation that requires no cutting of pipes and no need to pay a plumber to get it hooked up since it straps right onto your water meter. The entire experience is wireless and battery-powered, ...

You've moved your contacts and apps from your old phone, but now it's time to really unpack your new phone!Setting up a new Android phone is like setting up a new apartment: there's a lot to do and it can be easy to forget a few things along the way. Here at Android Central, we set up a lot of new phones during our device reviews — and, of course, as we play live-in tech support to our families and friends — and so we're here to help remind you of some of the smaller tasks to do after your get all your apps downloaded and your Google account logged in on the new device. These are the top things to do with your new Android phone, but that doesn't mean you have to do them all at once.A new device is a chance for a new start, which makes it the best time for you to get into some better habits concerning your apps and Android use. Grab a nice soothing beverage, sit down in a comfy chair, and let's unpack your Android experience.Check your Do Not Disturb rulesSet your defaul...

Wireless headphones are useful for more than just listening to your favorite songs. Maybe it's just me, but I've always despised holding my phone to my ear to have a conversation. Now, thanks to true wireless headphones like the Anker Soundcore Life P2 true wireless earbuds, you can take calls and talk to your friends hands-free without paying a ton of money in the process.These earbuds regularly sell for $49.99, though right now they're down to only $35.99 right now via Newegg. That's a match for the lowest we have ever seen them go there or at Amazon.The Soundcore Life P2 true wireless headphones are a perfect pick if you're someone who's worried about call quality when it comes to Bluetooth headphones, as Anker has integrated two microphones into each earbud to help your voice be clearly heard on the other end of the call. They even feature beamforming noise reduction and cVc 8.0 noise-cancelling technology to help enhance your voice and reduce the amount of background noise o...

The Mi 10i uses Samsung's 108MP ISOCELL Bright HM2 sensor with 0.7μm-sized pixels.What you need to knowXiaomi Mi 10i is now official in India.Just as expected, the Mi 10i is a rebranded variant of the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G.The phone has been priced at ₹20,999 ($287) in the country. In November last year, Redmi introduced two new 5G-enabled Redmi Note 9 series phones in China: Redmi Note 9 5G and Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G. Just as expected, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G has now been launched in India as the Mi 10i. The phone will go up against Motorola's Moto G 5G and is also likely to steal buyers from the highly popular OnePlus Nord.The Xiaomi Mi Note 10i sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ IPS display with an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the phone is Qualcomm's 8nm Snapdragon 750G chipset, which has been coupled with up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 256GB UFS 2.2 storage.Around the back of the phone is a quad-camera setup that includes a 108MP MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle...

This is the biggest change for Nova Launcher in years.Nova Launcher remains one of the most popular and prevalent Android Launchers around, and while it's certainly feature-packed, that also means the launcher was getting kinda big and bloated, which is when its time to make a drastic change and trim things up. What's driving that change this time is Nova rewriting itself around Launcher3 rather than the deprecated Launcher2, a change that has been needed for a couple of years now.This is a big update and it's not quite ready for the whole world yet — that's why it's starting with a beta test through the Nova Launcher Discord channel — but it's in pretty good shape so far from my experience with the beta. Most Nova features are staying the same or improving with the switchover from the Launcher2 base to Launcher3, but there are a few features that are going away when this update pushes out to the stable channel. There's no ETA on when that might be, but I'd wager it's at leas...

Venmo wants to make it easier to cash your stimulus check.What you need to knowVenmo launched a new check-cashing feature within its app.The feature works by taking a photo of both sides of the check.Fees are waived for users cashing their stimulus checks.Many today are relying on the assistance of the U.S. government to get by, and just as the long-awaited stimulus payment finally makes its way to citizens, Venmo is launching a feature that should make it easier to get your funds. The new feature, aptly named Cash a Check, allows users to do just that.To use the feature, you have to visit the "manage balance" link in the app menu, which will bring up the option to cash a check. To get started, you'll have to first confirm your personal information, after which you'll be able to enter the amount on the check. You'll then be required to take a photo of the front and back of the check, in order to submit your transaction.It should take up to a few seconds to be reviewed a...

The OnePlus 9 Pro can charge wirelessly faster than most phones can charge when plugged in!What you need to knowThe OnePlus 9 Pro could end up supporting 45W wireless charging.Reverse wireless charging could also be supported, although with limited speeds.The regular OnePlus 9 may also support wireless charging, but likely not at the same 45W speed.OnePlus seemed almost adamant about not including wireless charging on its smartphones, at least until last year's OnePlus 8 Pro which was launched with the impressive Warp Charge 30 Wireless. Already OnePlus came out of the gate with a wireless charging solution that was better than many wired solutions and stuck it one of the best OnePlus phones on the market. Just a year later, it seems as though OnePlus is ready to raise the bar yet again according to new information from OnePlus tipster, Max Jambor.According to Jambor, the OnePlus 9 Pro is expected to feature 45W wireless charging, which is quite impressive and faster than...

The Galaxy S21 and S21+ will have the same camera setup, while the S21 Ultra gets all the flashy tech.What you need to knowInfographics detail some of the specs of Samsung's Galaxy S21 series.The Galaxy S21 Ultra will come equipped with both a standard telephoto and periscopic lens.Laser autofocus will only be present on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.The Galaxy S21 series is less than two weeks from launch, so naturally, every detail about the phones should be leaked by then. The specs for the upcoming smartphones have been all but confirmed through various sources, and a new leak from Evan Blass corroborates what we can expect from the cameras.The leaked infographics are in Italian, but it's not too hard to discern what they're saying. The Galaxy S21 and S21+ will feature the same triple camera setup with a 12MP f/1.8 main sensor, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle, and a 64MP f/2.0 telephoto sensor. As far as we can tell, this is largely the same setup from the S20 series, which isn'...

Samsung has big shoes to fill in 2021.2020 saw the release of some truly impressive Android phones, one of the best Android phones being the Galaxy S20 from Samsung. The S20 set out to deliver on every front that it could, and for the most part, it succeeded with flying colors.It's now been almost a year since the S20 came out, though, which means it's time to start looking ahead. The smartphone industry moves at a rapid pace, and in just a few days, it'll be time for the Galaxy S21.Whether you're interested in specs, design renders, pricing info, or anything else, here's everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy S21!UnmatchedSamsung Galaxy S20$800 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy$990 at WalmartOne of the best Android phones you can buy in 2020We're just as excited about the Galaxy S21 as you are, but if you need a phone right now, don't feel like you have to wait months for it. The Galaxy S20 that's currently available is excellent in just about every regar...

Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are everywhere, but it's a bit more difficult to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. There are plenty of current OnePlus models to choose from, and whether you want a OnePlus 8, or a OnePlus 7 Pro, or one of the more affordable OnePlus 7T devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus 8 devices: get one for freeOnePlus 7 devices: starting at $350Which to buy?OnePlus 8 Pro | $799 at AmazonAmazon is offering $200 off the cost of the OnePlus 8 Pro today, though only the Ultramarine Blue model is still available at this low price. These phones have Amazon Alexa built-in and feature 12GB RAM as well as 256GB storage.$799 at AmazonAll of the deals below vary in nature, so while some allow you to buy the unlocked phone with a single purchase today, others require a monthly payment plan; these plans are attached to carriers which usually require you...

The Bachelor is entering its 25th season on ABC this year with its first Black bachelor, Matt James. Faced with a cast of over 30 potential love interests from all walks of life, will Matt find the love of his life?Watching The Bachelor without cable isn't so difficult anymore with all the streaming services out there, though you might have a bit more trouble if you're located somewhere other than in the United States. Luckily, there are ways you can watch The Bachelor live no matter where you live.The Bachelor: When and where?The 25th season of The Bachelor airs live on Monday nights beginning January 4 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT only on ABC. Since ABC is available on broadcast TV, you can actually watch live without cable using an antenna in most areas of the U.S.; we recommend this 200-mile range 4K antenna on sale for $25 at Amazon if you want to go that route.Then again, streaming ABC live is easier than ever. You can find it available on live TV streaming services like Hulu w...

The messaging platform records its first outage of the year on the first week of the year.Update, January 4 (12:50 pm ET): Slack service starts improving for some.Update, January 4 (3:20 pm ET): Slack service should be back for all.What you need to knowSlack has gone down for many worldwide.The company this morning confirmed connectivity issues preventing customers from sending messages or connecting to Slack as a whole.Slack says it's investigating the issue and plans to have a fix soon.They say start the year as you mean to go on, but perhaps Slack shouldn't take that too literally. The communications platform is now experiencing slowed down service, preventing some people from sending or receiving messages.The company acknowledged this outage at around 10 AM ET, sharing the following update on its status page: Customers may have trouble loading channels or connecting to Slack at this time. Our team is investigating and we will follow up with more information as...

Purchasing a new TV can be pretty expensive, but if you know where to look, you have the opportunity to save hundreds on brand new models. Dell is well-known for its computers and its online store is full of them, but there's also a wide selection of TVs available. Dell routinely offers some of the best TV deals and best smart TV deals online, and often you'll even score a free gift card with the purchase!Dell's TV selection ranges in price by quite a lot, which means there are TVs for buyers at any price point. However, the best deals tend to be on the higher-priced models; the more you spend, the greater the opportunity is to save big. Dell even offers monthly financing with no interest on select 4K TVs if you pay off the balance within 12 months. It also pays to sign up for a free Dell Rewards membership. You'll receive up to 6% back in Rewards with each purchase as a member.Many of Dell's deals will include a promotional gift card. These are delivered digitally to your email ...

Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Pixel devices.These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code. That means Google, and they've detailed the things they have improved for this month.Updated factory images for Pixel devices that are supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually, and here are some handy instructions to get you started.How to manually update your Pixel The company that made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.These changes have been released to the people making Andr...

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.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 nuisance, so it's great to see Google finally addr...

Samsung is making microSD card support exclusive to the Galaxy S21 Ultra.What you need to knowReports suggest that the Galaxy S21 and S21+ will not support expandable storage.The Galaxy S21 Ultra will reportedly be the only model with a microSD card slot.Each Galaxy model will come with a starting base storage of 128GB, while the S21 Ultra will feature as much as 512GB of storage.Samsung seems to be throwing all its eggs into the Ultra basket, betting on its premium Galaxy S21 model to make waves by giving it exclusive features over the other two flagship models. It's already been highly rumored that the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra will be the first and only S21 model to support the S-Pen, a feature that was previously exclusive to the Galaxy Note series. Another rumor suggests that the Ultra will receive yet another exclusive feature, but this time it's one that Samsung is removing from its other models. According to a tweet by Roland Quandt from WinFuture, Samsung is withhol...

The Galaxy Note 20 series are two of the best Android phones right now. If you're already a fan of the Note lineup, then you'll have a lot to be excited about with the new generation. If you aren't a fan, you should be. The phones have all the latest from Samsung, including a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, a triple camera setup, 5G connectivity, and a new and improved S Pen stylus.Being brand new, these phones are going to set you back a penny or two, but we're on top of that. We've got every place you can find the Note 20 (or the Note 20 Ultra) and every deal available right now.Best Note 20 Deals Available NowWhere to find the Note 20Unlocked Deals: Save up to $550Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more More Info: Price tracking, comparisons & more$10/month Note 20 at AT&TBuy the Note 20 on a 30-month installment plan, sign up for AT&T Unlimited, and trade-in an eligible smartphone to get a credit applied to your monthly bill which b...

Quibi collapsed late last year after failing to take off.What you need to knowQuibi is set to strike deal with Roku, transferring the rights to its content to the larger company.The exact terms of the deal have yet to be shared, and it may still fall apart.Quibi announced that it would be shutting down last October after failing to take off.Quibi may have shut down, but its content may find new life if the company manages to strike a deal with Roku. According to the Wall Street Journal, it's on the cusp of doing exactly that.The Journal reports that Roku plans on acquiring rights to Quibi's library, though how much money would change hands hasn't been disclosed. It's not a done deal yet either and could fall apart even at this stage as the Journal notes.Quibi as a concept was one that had lots of potential, but also a product which was built on questionable strategy. It didn't allow for easy sharing, preventing it from taking off like TikTok, and the content was less sp...

Source: StackCommerceThere are literally hundreds of portable speakers to choose from nowadays. While the big brands tempt us with bright colors, others try to sell genuine quality. Enter the TREBLAB HD7, a compact Bluetooth speaker with rich 360° sound, 25 hours of battery life, and IPX6 water resistance. In a special iMore deal, it's now only $49.99.Rated at 4.5 stars on Amazon, this tiny boombox only measures 6.2 inches long and 2.5 inches deep. However, the HD7 pumps out impressive sound in all directions.You get 12W to play with, while the cylindrical shape ensures you can hear the music from both sides. The TREBLAB speaker also offers true wireless stereo with a hint of surround sound.The HD7 connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and offers up to 25 hours of playback on a full charge. The shockproof IPX6 case can handle outdoor adventures, while built-in controls help you skip and pause at will.It normally retails for $79, but you can get the TREBLAB HD7 today for onl...

Getting a new phone in your hands doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. There are always deals out there on Android phones but they tend to come and go rather quickly with other discounts appearing in their place. However, if you're hoping to buy one of the latest devices on the market, finding a proper deal is easier than ever these days.Best Android Phone DealsUnlocked dealsCarrier dealsWhen it comes to buying a new smartphone, there are two main types of deals to consider. You could buy your new phone unlocked so that you own it and can bring it to any carrier where it's compatible, or you can purchase devices through carrier deals at a retailer such as Verizon or T-Mobile.Carrier deals generally make you pay for the device in monthly installments and require that you add a line of service, which means you'll be locked into paying for the device (and your service contract) for a few years. Deals like these can be excellent if you're willing or need to ...

It's going live in the U.S. on all your favorite streaming services.What you need to knowDiscovery Plus is now available on Amazon's Fire TV, Google TV, and other streaming servicesThe service is also expanding in Europe as part of a deal with Vodafone.It'll now be available in the UK, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, and Iceland.Discovery Plus is the latest streaming service to be coming to Google TV, Amazon's Fire TV platform, Roku, and more.Discovery boasts that the service has "the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service", including content from networks including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, The HISTORY Channel, and Lifetime. It also highlights original content across genres from romance, to cooking, to true crime including 90 Day Journey, Amy Schumer Learns to Cook: Uncensored, American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda, and more.Alongside the launch, Discovery noted that it would also b...

There are many reasons to use a VPN in 2021, and one common use case is for streaming media via an Amazon Fire TV Stick or other Fire TV device. Out of the plethora of VPN options, it can be hard to know which to use and you could spend hours trying to decide for yourself which is the best VPN for you. Using a VPN for streaming comes with its own set of considerations, so whether you're looking for a free VPN, cheap VPN, or just the outright best VPN for Fire TV Stick, use this guide to help you figure out which one to go for.1. ExpressVPN: The absolute best VPN option for most peopleThis is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.From $6.67/mo at ExpressVPN2. NordVPN: The most well-known VPN for securityFrom $3.49/mo at NordVPNNordVPN offers an insane amount of server locations that yo...

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 + Smart Plug bundle | $29.99 at Lowe'sBundle the Google Nest Mini with a smart plug for only $30 at Lowe's. This exclusive bundle can't be found anywhere else and is currently discounted by $35 through the middle of January!$29.99 at Lowe'sWhether 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...

This bundle on Amazon includes the GoPro Hero9 Black action camera and the Adventure Kit for a total of $399. That's $50 off since the Hero9 has been selling for around $399 since October and the Adventure Kit goes for $50 on its own, essentially giving you all those accessories for free.The GoPro Hero9 Black is the newest generation of GoPro, which just released back in September. This action camera has some amazing technology built into its tiny form, and it makes huge improvements over the previous generations. The Hero9 uses a brand new 23.6MP sensor. You'll be able to take pictures that are lifelike, sharp, and fluid. You can shoot video in resolutions up to 5K, which is the highest ever for a GoPro. Even if you don't go that high, you can shoot in 4K at up to 60fps for absolutely stunning videos.You'll also get plenty of help to make sure you record the best video or take the best photos. For example, there is in-camera horizon leveling so your pictures always look straight...

OnePlus 6/6T owners will likely have to wait until the second half of the year for OxygenOS 11.What you need to knowOnePlus has announced that it will soon release the first OxygenOS 11 Open Beta build for the OnePlus Nord.The OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones are also expected to receive their first OxygenOS 11 Open Beta build later this month.OnePlus has also confirmed that it is working on OxygenOS 11 for the OnePlus 6/6T and Nord N10 5G/N100 phones.OnePlus was among the first Android OEMs to roll out the stable Android 11 update to its flagship phones last year. The OnePlus 8T, which was one of the best Android phones launched last year, was among the first phones to ship with Android 11 right out of the box. Unfortunately, however, its older flagships are still stuck on Android 10. The company has finally shared more information regarding the OxygenOS update for the OnePlus Nord, OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7T, and OnePlus 6/6T series phones.As per a notice posted on the OnePlus...

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...

Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro are revealed in full before January 14 launch.What you need to knowSamsung is said to be launching the Galaxy Buds Pro alongside the S21 next week.Someone managed to grab a pair before launch and has posted a hands-on video, sharing eveything about the device.The Buds Pro are the successor to 2020's Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds Live.Samsung is unveiling a new slate of devices next week, including the Galaxy S21, the Galaxy Buds Pro, and possibly a Galaxy Smart Tag tracker. A YouTuber has pre-empted the launch of the upcoming device, unpacking the earbuds in a video showcasing everything before the Unpacked event.YouTuber Digital Slang purchased the device via a Facebook seller, spending over 24-hours with it and sharing his first impressions.From the video,Digital Slang found the sound, the ANC, and the battery life of the earbuds impressive. He also enjoyed the touch controls, noting that they were sensitive and easy to use. He also praise...

The Snapdragon 480 further lowers the barrier to entry for 5G.What you need to knowThe Snapdragon 480 is Qualcomm's first 5G-enabled chip in the 400 series.The chipset has a built-in X51 5G modem that delivers both Sub-6 and mmWave 5G connectivity. Qualcomm is touting a 100% performance improvement for both the CPU and GPU. Nokia, OPPO, and Vivo will launch the first wave of phones powered by the Snapdragon 480. A few months ago, Qualcomm teased the launch of a 5G-enabled Snapdragon 400 series chipset that will make its debut in 2021. The chip vendor is formally announcing the chipset today: the Snapdragon 480 5G will be making its way to sub-$250 phones later this year.Qualcomm has steadily lowered the barrier to entry for 5G with the introduction of the Snapdragon 765G, 690, 750G, and now the 480. Basically, you can look forward to the best Android phones under $300 now offering 5G connectivity in 2021.The Snapdragon 480 features an integrated X51 5G modem that inclu...

Samsung is preparing to launch its first Bluetooth tracker.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly launching its own Bluetooth trackers this month.They're branded the Galaxy Smart Tags, and are said to launch alongside the S21 and Galaxy Buds Pro next week.Reports place the pricing of these upcoming tags as just under $20.On January 14, Samsung will debut the Galaxy S21 at its first Unpacked event for 2021. It is also predicted to launch a new pair of earbuds, dubbed the Galaxy Buds Pro. However, new leaks indicate that it may launch an extra accessory accompanying both devices, the Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag.The Galaxy Smart Tag will be a Tile tracker competitor, allowing you to keep track of your property so long as you've tagged it. Images and details have come out via the folks over at 91Mobiles, and we can see what the upcoming device would look like.The Smart Tag looks like a small rounded object, somewhat reminiscent of a key-ring. Users will be able to clip ...

Get one of Razer's most iconic pieces of gear, the Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboard, on sale for $69.99. This is an all-new low price for a keyboard that was selling as high as $120 in September and has been going for closer to $95 since. Previous deals only saw this keyboard drop as low as $80, even on Black Friday. The deal only applies to the Green mechanical switches. Other switches like Razer Orange have not dropped nearly as low in price. And previous deals we've shared, like on the BlackWidow Elite, are no longer active so this is your best chance to save today.First off, as a mechanical keyboard the BlackWidow uses Razer's proprietary mechanical switches. In this case, the Green mechanical switches. These switches provide a satisfying click of a sound with every key press, and they only require 50G of actuation force so you can tap them to get a response. That makes the switches ideal for gamers and typers and anyone else who needs really high accuracy without a ...

The formation of the union could further increase tensions between the company's engineers and the management.What you need to knowA group of over 200 Google and Alphabet workers have formed a union.The new "Alphabet Workers Union" is the first union at a major tech company "by and for all tech workers.' It aims to give structure and longevity to activism at Google.A group of over 225 Google and Alphabet workers have announced that they have formed a union, aiming to make Alphabet a better place for all workers. The union, called the Alphabet Workers Union, has been formed with help from the Communications Workers of America's Campaign to Organize Digital Employees.Dylan Baker, a software engineer at Google, said in a statement: This is historic—the first union at a major tech company by and for all tech workers. We will elect representatives, we will make decisions democratically, we will pay dues, and we will hire skilled organizers to ensure all workers at Google...

Chatting with the AC forums.As time goes on, our smartphone wants/needs tend to change. Technology improves, certain features get better, and this can result in previously necessary things becoming nothing more than an optional luxury.Take expandable storage, for example. When phones shipped with much less internal storage and unlimited data plans didn't exist, being able to pop in a MicroSD card for extra space was often a necessity. Today, however, that's rarely the case.A few of our AC forum members recently got to talking about their current stance on expandable storage, saying: sweetypie31 12-31-2020 11:19 AM “ No SD slot doesn't bother me. As long as the actual phone comes with at least 256 gb I'd be good. Reply sbhnet 12-31-2020 11:39 AM “ I'd need a terabyte to drop the SD as that's ...