Latest from Android Central

Google is rolling out app sharing on the Play Store.What you need to knowGoogle Play is rolling out the ability to share apps using Nearby Share.Sharing is limited to free and publicly available Play Store apps.Google first announced Play Store app sharing with Nearby Share late last year.Google launched Nearby Share in mid-2020 as a way to make sharing data and content easier on Android. It replaced the now-defunct Android Beam feature that required two phones to physically touch and pair via NFC and Bluetooth. We have a handy guide on how to use Nearby Share on your Android phone, but basically, it's an easy way for users to view nearby contacts and share files using WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, and a number of other protocols. It's a pretty handy feature that's getting even better with the latest Play Store update.First announced late last year, Google is finally allowing Android users to share apps from the Play Store using Nearby Share. It seems the feature is still rol...

Best answer: No. Sony's PS5 does not provide support for standard USB webcams. Instead, you'll have to either use the PS4's camera or Sony's latest HD Camera for the PS5 if you want to be seen.Can you use a USB webcam on PS5?One of the biggest problems with the PS4 was Sony's insistence on using so many of its own proprietary accessories. Unfortunately, things didn't change much when it came to its latest console. The PS5 still requires most of its streaming and displaying to be done with its own products.While it might rub some the wrong way, the good news is that the PS5 HD Camera does offer a ton of nice qualities that will benefit anyone looking to stream with it. The camera is able to output in 1080p quality, putting it up there with many of the higher-end streaming webcams on the market. Better yet, because it's in Sony's ecosystem of products, it's able to pair seamlessly with the PS5, including its picture-in-picture mode while streaming. At $60, it's not too bad of an ...

A sounder curveAukey EP-N7$65 at AmazonProsGood audio qualityANC and ambient supportSmaller and lighter buildImproved onboard controlsBetter call qualitySimilar priceConsOnly marginally better battery lifeStill no onboard volume controlNo wireless chargingNo more rugged than beforeAukey comes back with a newer look that shaves things down on the outside, while trying to spread things out on the inside. You get a smaller form factor that stands a better chance of fitting your ears, plus a more balanced soundstage to go with it.A rumbling takeAukey EP-N5$65 at AmazonProsThicker bassLouder sound performanceANC supportLightweight buildIPX5 water resistanceConsRandom audio cutoutsNo dedicated ambient modeLess effective touch controlsNo wireless chargingAukey came out with a suprise when it launched these earbuds because they sounded so good relative to their cost. And yet, they're now up against renewed competition from Aukey'...

Here's what Google has planned for YouTube in 2021.What you need to knowGoogle today announced its 2021 roadmap for YouTube.Included in these plans are redesigns for the YouTube and YouTube VR apps, a new 4K option for YouTube TV, and a more social YouTube Music service.Google is also rolling out Shorts, its TikTok competitor, to U.S.-based creators.YouTube is one of Google's biggest brands. It's a video streaming app, a music streaming service, a video-on-demand platform, and a TV platform all rolled into one. Today, Google shared a couple of updates for the brand at large, expected to be delivered over the course of the year.Google will continue to improve the user experience of the YouTube app on all platforms in 2021. It revamped commenting and rolled out chapters last year, and this year it says it plans to automatically add video chapters to select videos. It'll also be rolling out a new update to tablets and the VR app. For tablets, Google says this is a "modernizi...

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is pretty stunning, not only in looks but feature set, too. With a nicely sized 6.2-inch Infinity-O display and vibrant finish options, the smartphone becomes part of your overall look — it's an accessory, not just a phone. Chances are based on all of this, it'll be in your hand 24/7. That means getting an equally attractive protective Galaxy S21 case. Wallet and folio cases are not only convenient since they can hold other essentials, like credit cards, ID, and cash, but they also look sleek. We've rounded up the best wallet and folio cases for Galaxy S21.Full-fledged walletAKHVRS Handmade Premium Cowhide Leather Wallet CaseStaff pickWhen it comes to wallet cases, this one has everything but the kitchen sink. It's effectively a full-fledged wallet with a removable magnetic case so you can easily take the phone out when you need it. The wallet itself, which comes in brown, red, black, or blue, is made of leather and can hold up to 11 cards, plus has...

Image editing has come a long way, and you don't need to be a Photoshop expert to touch up your photos anymore. If you've taken a group photo with an unwanted photo bomber, or a cityscape shot that was almost perfect if it weren't for that one person in the shot, the Galaxy S21's new Object Eraser feature could be the solution you didn't know you needed. Thanks to AI-based image editing on the best Samsung phones, you can now remove subjects from an image with just a few taps.Products used in this guideThe best cameras: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra ($1,000 at Amazon)Pocket-friendly: Samsung Galaxy S21 ($700 at Amazon)How to enable Object EraserOpen the Gallery app.Select an image with an object you want to remove.Tap the pencil icon to open the image editor.Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the Gallery app, then tap Labs.Tap the switch next to Object Eraser to enable the feature.Because Object Eraser is still a beta feature, you'll need to enable it bef...

To quote The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, "Are you familiar with the term 'Money. Making money.'?" That's what this deal is all about for you. You can actually walk away with more than you started with, and it starts with one of the best smart garage door openers around. Chamberlain has updated the model to include some smarter insides including Bluetooth, and now the newest MyQ is on sale for $26.98 at Amazon. This is a great price, and it's so low it's actually less than the older generation right now. It sells for a regular price of $40, so you're already saving money there.But then you can save even more if you choose to opt into the Amazon Key in-garage Delivery service. After you have bought and installed the MyQ, you'll eventually shop for something on Amazon again. When that happens, just choose the Key Delivery checkout option. Use the code KEY40 and Amazon will give you a $40 credit for making that choice. The credit will then be yours to do with as you please, which means an i...

Sonos could unveil its first truly portable speaker at the 'special event' on March 9.What you need to knowSonos will be announcing a new product on March 9.The invite for the launch event suggests the device could be a portable speaker. Sonos is also working on a pair of noise-canceling headphones.Sonos today sent out invites to a "special event" that will begin at 1 PM PT on March 9. While the company hasn't revealed any details about the product that will be launched at the event, the invite suggests it could be a new battery-powered portable speaker.An unannounced portable Sonos speaker was spotted at the FCC earlier this month, carrying the model number S27. The FCC documents revealed that the device uses lower power than the Sonos Move, which means the upcoming speaker will be a lot more compact. While the Sonos Move is among the best smart speakers on the market, it isn't truly portable. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the upcoming Sonos speaker will have ...

Samsung makes some of the very best Android phones money can buy, but as great as they are, they're all plagued by something kind of infuriating — pesky advertisements. If you've owned a Samsung Galaxy in recent years, chances are you've noticed ads in your notification tray and in certain Samsung apps. Today, we're showing you how to disable all of these once and for all.How to turn off ads on your Samsung phoneSamsung has been injecting advertisements into its smartphones for a couple of years now, but especially with the release of the Galaxy S21 family, they seem to be worse than ever before. The above screenshots were taken on my personal S21, featuring banner and full-screen takeover ads in Samsung Weather, Samsung Pay, and the Bixby app.These kinds of in-app advertisements are present in just about every first-party Samsung application, and, unfortunately, it isn't possible to 100% stop them from showing up. Thankfully, there are a couple of things you can do to try...

From time to time, it's good to restart your smartwatch to keep it running fresh, so knowing how to reboot or factory reset a Wear OS watch is helpful. The memory inside these devices can get a bit bogged down sometimes with temporary files, and a restart can help get it all back to running in tip-top shape. Now and then, even some of the best Android smartwatches need a reboot, maybe so far as a factory reset to fix an issue. Regardless of the reason, here is how to reboot or reset your Wear OS watch.How to reboot a Wear OS watchGet to your watch settings by swiping down from the top of your screen.Select the gear icon to access the settings menu. The other way to access your watch settings is by pressing the watch's side button and scrolling to settings in your apps list.Once you have opened the settings, scroll down to the bottom and tap on System.Here is where you will find the option to restart your Wear OS watch.The next screen will confirm that you wish to resta...

The new additions make Google Maps even more useful to commuters.What you need to knowGoogle Maps is gaining the ability to pay for street parking and public transportation.The new Pay for parking feature will begin rolling out today in over 400 cities across the U.S.Google says the ability to pay for transit will expand to 80 agencies around the world in the coming weeks.Google is adding new tools to Maps to make it even more useful when you're on the go. You can now pay for parking and public transportation right from Google Maps.Google has partnered with parking solutions providers Passport and ParkMobile to allow users in the U.S. to pay for street parking from driving navigation in Maps. All you'll have to do is tap on the 'Pay for Parking' button that will show up automatically as you get close to your destination. Next, enter your meter number, the amount of time you plan to park for, and tap 'Pay.'Google says the Pay for Parking feature will be rolling out to ...

The Chromecast with Google TV is a great little streaming box, but it only has one port on it: a single USB-C port through which the device is powered. If you want to add extra storage to the internal 8GB or you want to add Ethernet for faster speeds and fewer buffering issues, you'll need to get a USB-C hub that offers up a plethora of ports and pass-through charging to ensure your Chromecast with Google TV has the power it needs, too.Hook it all upAUKEY Link PD Pro USB-C HubStaff pickThis has been our favorite USB-C hub for Chromebooks for over a year, but it works perfectly well with the Chromecast with Google TV, allowing you to plug in Ethernet as well as three USB-A peripherals and a microSD card.$38 at AmazonUSB-C data inputAnker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Ethernet HubIf you have a big external drive that uses USB-C, there are very few hubs that support it. Anker's PowerExpand 6-in-1, however, offers both a PD pass-through port and a USB-C data input, so y...

Secure your home and save some money with discounted Blink security camera kits at Amazon. There are various deals on offer there including price drops on the already affordable Blink Mini, premium Blink Outdoor camera kits, and the all-new Blink Indoor cams.These are the biggest price drops we have seen to date outside of holiday sales and the first major price drop on the Indoor cams since their release.At up to 28% off, the Blink Outdoor cameras are designed to be used outside your home without a worry. They are completely wireless, which makes them easy to setup and easy to place wherever you need an extra set of eyes. Because they are battery-powered, they are designed to be as efficient as possible with said battery and can make it last for up to two years.You also won't have to worry about the weather or extreme temperatures with these cameras. They are weather-resistant can survive rain, snow, or sun. With infrared night vision, they can work in the day or night, too, s...

New stuff, new graphics, and new ways to play!What you need to knowIn Death: Unchained is switching to a new seasonal content format with the launch of Season 2, which is already live.Season 2 is a free update that improves the graphics on Oculus Quest 2 and adds new levels, achievements, and additional content.Players can earn Legend Points to unlock weapon and shield skins, which are only available during this season.In Death: Unchained players have a whole new reason to pick up the game and show off their archery skills with the launch of In Death: Unchained Season 2. This free update is available for Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2, providing a brand new set of levels in which beginners and veterans, alike, can compete for high scores and elusive Badges — a brand new reward that unlocks when a player reaches a high rank during the course of the season.Season 2 resets the leaderboards in an effort to give new players a path to becoming the greatest archer in all of H...

Chromebooks accounted for 10.8% of total PC shipments last year.What you need to knowAs per latest data from IDC, Chromebooks outsold Macs in worldwide sales for the first time in 2020.Chrome OS' worldwide market share reached 10.8% in 2020, up from 6.4% in 2019.While macOS witnessed a marginal 0.8% rise in its market share, Windows' share fell 4.9% YoY. Chromebooks outsold Macs worldwide for the first time in 2020, according to data released by IDC (via Geekwire).While Chrome OS was marginally behind macOS in Q1 2020, it received a big boost in Q2 due to the pandemic, allowing it to capture 10% of the worldwide market. Chrome OS' market share increased further to 11.5% in Q3 2020 and reached 14.4% in Q4. macOS, on the other hand, started at 5.8% in Q1 and hit 7.7% in Q4.The full-year numbers from IDC reveal Chrome OS' market share went up from 6.4% in 2019 to 10.8% in 2020. Apple's macOS, on the other hand, saw its worldwide market share increase from 6.7% in 2019 to...

A veteran team and a strange new world.First revealed during the June 2020 "The Future of Gaming" PS5 showcase, Project Athia is a new IP from Square Enix. Despite the early state it was first shown off in, it's gathered a huge amount of interest as players are curious just what it could be.Project Athia appears to be a fantasy role-playing title of some sort and could possibly end up as one of the best PS5 games available, depending on how it pans out. Here's everything you need to know about Project Athia on PS5.Jump to:What is it?Check out some trailersGameplay and featuresIs it coming to Xbox?When does it release?What is Project Athia?Project Athia is a new IP being developed by Luminous Productions, a studio under Square Enix. Luminous Productions is primarily made up of developers who worked on Final Fantasy 15, with the studio itself founded in 2018. Final Fantasy 16 is instead being developed by a team who previously worked on the Final Fantasy 14 MMO....

If you spend hours at a time playing the best PS5 games or even split your time working at your computer and gaming, you're going to want a seat that's comfortable and good for your neck and back. A gaming chair checks all those boxes but the price tag and array of features can make trying to pick out the best one intimidating. We're making the decision easier with a guide to the best gaming chairs based on your budget and needs.Best Overall: AndaSeat Dark DemonIf you're looking for a mix of functionality and comfort that you wouldn't be embarrassed to sit in if you were in a Zoom meeting with a non-gamer, the AndaSeat Dark Demon checks all the boxes. It's pretty simple to assemble solo, with easy-to-follow instructions for linking up the seat and wheels, and the highly mobile armrests already come preinstalled. The detachable head and lumbar support pillows also snap on easily with elastic cords so you can customize, whether you're looking to be more alert at your desk or rela...

Chatting with the AC forums.Being a fan of Android is a pretty exciting thing. There are constantly new phones coming out, fresh OS upgrades to look forward to, and all sorts of crazy innovations happening all the time. However, when it comes time to actually buy a handset for yourself, that's where things can get tricky.Deciding what to buy is no easy task, especially when there are so many contenders for the best Android phones. You have to decide what features are important to you, how much you're willing to spend, etc.One of our AC forum members recently opened up this conversation — specifically, asking other members how often they go out and upgrade their current phone. Here's what they had to say: Morty2264 02-10-2021 10:00 PM “ I usually upgrade my phone every 16-18 months. I usually upgrade due to the fact that the battery on my current phone is showing some age; and/or lags and oth...

It just got easier to be green.If you know me or read my work here at AC, you know that I feel strongly about a few things when it comes to smartphones and consumer tech, and those things are not necessarily what some of my colleagues or others in the tech-sphere care about. You can have your 10x optical zoom cameras, folding phones, and 50W wireless charging devices all day, but I'm more interested in affordable to mid-range devices that last longer than you'd expect and which are at least trying to do environmental and social good. Sounds great, but it seems that it's harder to find this combination of features in a phone than the ultra-premium specced-out devices we typically talk about here on this website.That's why I was excited when I had the chance to write this Teracube 2e review. Teracube is a relatively new smartphone OEM based out of Redmond, WA, and founder Sharad Mittal's stated goal is to change the "disposable nature of the consumer electronics industry by designi...

Xiaomi says the upcoming phones will have an "all-new design."What you need to knowXiaomi has revealed a few key features of its upcoming Redmi Note 10 series phones.Both phones will pack big batteries and come with an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance.The Redmi Note 10 series is set to make its global debut in India on March 4.Yesterday, Xiaomi confirmed that its upcoming Redmi Note 10 series phones will make their global debut in India on March 4. The company has now revealed some more details about the upcoming phones on a landing page for the global launch.The teasers posted by Xiaomi suggest at least one of the upcoming Redmi Note 10 series devices will feature a Snapdragon chipset. If rumors are to be believed, the 5G variant of the Redmi Note 10 Pro will feature Qualcomm's 8nm Snapdragon 732G chipset. Aside from a Snapdragon processor, the Redmi Note 10 series will also offer an "all-new design" with Corning Gorilla Glass protection on the front ...

Aukey looks for a budget-friendly encore.Aukey may not be a brand you associate with good earbuds, but its presence in the market is emblematic of a whole range of upstarts trying to undercut more established brands. The EP-N7 take a familiar form factor and apply a slightly different look to it for improved fit and comfort.As with any pair of earbuds, sound matters, and that's what makes this budget pair interesting to consider. Aukey tries to prove that you can, in fact, get more for less.At a glanceAukey EP-N7 True Wireless Earbuds Bottom line: Aukey tries to cast a wider net by making the EP-N7 easier to wear, and more leisurely to listen to because of a more balanced soundstage. You give up a few things to get all that, but when they fit just right, it's hard not to like what Aukey is offering here.The GoodGood ...

After filming was delayed back in March, the Garden State's most over the top housewives are back for a brand new season and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of The Real Housewives of New Jersey on TV or online.The Real Housewives of New Jersey or simply RHONJ first premiered on Bravo back in 2009 and the show is the fourth installment of The Real Housewives franchise and the third spin-off after the success of the first series which was set in New York.While some members of the original cast have since left the show, season 11 of RHONJ will see Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Dolores Catania, Jackie Goldschneider and Jennifer Aydin all return for what looks to be a "very emotional" new season.For starters, Teresa and her daughters will be starting a new chapter in their lives after her marriage of 20 years ended last season when she decided to break things off with her husband Joe. After serving time in prison for tax fraud, Joe was ev...

Those hoping to snag an affordable VPN deal this month will want to check out the current promotion running at VyprVPN. For a limited time, you can score a free year of service when you go for the already-discounted 2-year plan.At just $60 upfront, you're effectively paying just $1.66 per month over the course of the subscription making this one of the cheapest VPNs available right now.It's wild how much of our lives are online in this day and age, and even wilder just how much personal data we share and how much we're tracked across the web. That's probably why VPNs, or virtual private networks, have gotten so popular in recent years as we strive to claw back a little bit of online privacy. Thankfully, you don't have to spend a fortune to subscribe to one with a variety of inexpensive VPN services out there.VyprVPN may be one of the cheapest options available right now at under $2 a month, but it's not short on features. The service has strong encryption and fast speeds for yo...

The Oculus Quest 2 is here, and it's lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the original.The Oculus Quest 2 is the easiest and best way to experience virtual reality today. With its powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor and 6GB of RAM, it lets you enjoy untethered, immersive VR without needing a powerful PC to run games — though you can play PC VR games with the Quest 2 through Oculus Link. Whether you're new to VR, considering upgrading from the original Oculus Quest, choosing between this and the Oculus Rift S, or buying this as a gift, we have all the information you need on which headset, games, and accessories you should buy.The future of VROculus Quest 2$299 at Amazon$299 at Best Buy$299 at OculusThe best VR headset without a PCA significant upgrade on the original Oculus Quest, it offers more pixels per eye and graphical power than any other wireless VR headset. Aside from a smaller SSD, the 64GB model has the exact same features as the 256GB, making it the b...

Serie A giants Juventus travel to Portugal for this UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against FC Porto. Don't miss a moment with our Porto vs Juventus live stream guide.Today's visitors Juventus topped their Champions League group with five wins, including a 3-0 away win at FC Barcelona, earning them a spot in the round of 16.Last season, Juve exited the Champions League at this round of 16 stage, losing out to Lyon on away goals. Andrea Pirlo's men will be desperate to avoid the same fate in this matchup so expect the Bianconeri to try and notch some away goals of their own today in Porto.FC Porto ended the group stage in second place with four wins from six. Porto did not compete in the Champions League last season after failing to make it through the qualifying rounds, though the Dragons did make it to the quarter-finals in the 2018-19 iteration of the tournament.Despite winning their respective leagues last season, both of today's sides are off the pace wh...

A gaming headset that doesn't scream gamer.Scuf is best known for making excellent controllers like the Scuf Impact and Scuf Vantage 2 for PS4, but last year the company decided to get into the headset game with the launch of the Scuf H1. Corsair, which has a long history of making gaming headsets, bough Scuf in 2019 and the design of the H1 is based on the Corsair Virtuoso.The wired headset comes in a wide variety of styles meant to perfectly compliment the brand's controllers, but it can be plugged into any 3.5mm jack whether on your PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC. Regardless of what you're playing, the Scuf H1 wired headset is an impressive first entry into the category, providing a solid mix of style, comfort, and excellent audio quality. It's also easy to customize with a few add-ons.Scuf H1 Wired Gaming Headset review:What I likeWhat I don't likeThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceScuf H1 Wired Gaming Headset ...

Today's phones and tablets are more powerful than ever, and despite more power-efficient processors, it's not uncommon to find yourself needing to charge up at times when you aren't near a wall outlet. Battery packs that are 20,000 mAh and higher are ideal for people that need a lot of juice while on-the-go, and while they may not fit into your pocket, they're necessary for keeping your devices topped up. Our top pick is the RAVPower 90W Power Delivery Portable Charger. Here's why it's the best high capacity power bank, along with other great alternatives if you need something even bigger.Best Overall: RAVPower 90W Power Delivery Portable ChargerRAVPower has some of the best prices for power banks on the market, especially considering the high build quality and the 30,000mAh capacity of this model — and that's before you factor in sales, which happen at least once a month not counting lightning deals. And that's while including a 5Amp-capable cable in the box so that you get ...

Choosing the best Android phone with a great camera is only part of the equation. The best Android apps that you use with it — and after the fact — are equally important. But once you've taken the photo, how do you make it better? With the magic of the Google Play Store, there are some really great options if you're looking for the best photo apps for Android.The top 3 apps1. Snapseed2. Google Photos3. InstagramMore optionsVSCO Photo & Video EditorAdobe LightroomFotor Photo EditorGlitch LabPixlrTouchRetouchAdobe Photoshop ExpressThese are the best photo apps for AndroidNot only is Snapseed one of the best photo apps for Android due to the fact that it's owned by Google, but the app has so many different tools and filters that are built-in that you can turn a basic picture into a piece of art.Google Photos is already the best photo manager on Android, but Google has been adding some pretty impressive editing tools to the app. And you won't have t...

You back up your photos, your music, and your documents, so why not your home screen?We've all been there. You get a shiny new Android phone and want it to feel familiar, like the one you just replaced. But all your icons look different, everything's in a different place and your widgets are all gone. If you use a third-party launcher, it's possible to quickly get right back to where you were before — just back up your launcher and restore it!There are thousands of different launchers out there as part of Android awesome theming ecosystem, and most of the good ones have a way to back up and restore them across devices. Most follow the same general steps, so we'll include the steps for each of the Best Android Launchers.Back up your launcher:Why to do itSmart Launcher 5Nova LaunncherAction LauncherMicrosoft LauncherNiagara LauncherLawnchairWhy you should back up your launcher and a quick word about widgetsThere are a few reasons to regularly back up your la...

Same company(ish), very different phones.The January launch of the Samsung Galaxy S21 series saw Android flagship season kick off a little early this year. But as spring approaches, we're about to see a lot more of the year's best Android phones breaking cover.Two of these will be coming fromOnePlus and Oppo, both owned by China's BBK Electronics. Flagship launches for both brands are rumored to be taking place in March, and in recent months the two combined their smartphone research and development teams, seemingly doing away with the long-running charade that they're not basically the same company.These developments will surely have a huge impact on future phones from both brands, and make total sense given that the two already share a huge amount of technology and manufacturing facilities. OnePlus is going mainstream, while Oppo attempts to gobble up Huawei's market share in Europe.But if you look at the two upcoming flagships for these brands, the OnePlus 9 Pro and F...

The best dual-SIM Android phones let you seamlessly use two SIM cards at the same time. Dual-SIM phones have always been popular in Asian countries, and they're now starting to gain momentum in Western markets. With a dual-SIM phone, you can still use your primary SIM and pick up a local SIM to use on the same device while traveling, negating the need to carry two phones.The power you needOnePlus 8TStaff pickThe OnePlus 8T is one of the fastest phones you can buy today. It features the Snapdragon 865 chipset and a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display, and there's 65W fast charging, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage out of the box. Oh, and you get Dual SIM Dual Standby, allowing you to use two SIM cards at the same time.$695 at AmazonThe affordable choiceNokia 3.4The Nokia 3.4 combines decent hardware that's reliable in day-to-day use with a large 6.39-inch 720p screen and 4,000mAh battery. You're buying this for the convenience; the Nokia 3.4 works on all carriers i...

As per Counterpoint, OnePlus was the only smartphone brand to see positive growth in the U.S. last year.What you need to knowOnePlus' budget-friendly Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 phones are reportedly a big success at Metro by T-Mobile.The two phones have boosted OnePlus' market share at the carrier to nearly 15%.According to Wave7 Research, OnePlus could sell over 2 million Nord phones this year at Metro alone.OnePlus entered the budget smartphone segment in the U.S. earlier this year with its Nord N100 and Nord N10 5G phones. While they aren't the best cheap Android phones on the market, Wave7 Research claims they are selling quite well at Metro by T-Mobile (via PCMag).Thanks to the popularity of the two Nord phones, OnePlus' market share at Metro by T-Mobile has reportedly jumped to nearly 15%. Since the carrier sells around 16 million devices per year, Wave7 expects OnePlus to sell more than 2 million Nord phones at Metro alone in 2021.Wave7 Principal Jeff Moore told t...

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: $17 lifetime membershipExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off) Surfshark: $2.49 per month (81% off)PIA VPN: $2.69 per month (77% off)NordVPN: $3.71 per month (68% off)IPVanish: $2.62 per month (65% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PureVPN: $0.99 trialMore 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.FastestVPN$1...

Shred the paper password managerIn an age where passwords are everywhere and you absolutely cannot remember them all, password managers are a necessary evil. The one you pick needs to balance price, features, design, and UI — and of course, it needs to be secure.If your passwords get compromised in a server penetration or an encryption error, then you have to change your passwords for everything. These managers are the best of the bunch, with each having unique strengths and feature flavorings in their desire to stand out and deliver the most secure, satisfactory experience you can have.!--sectionbreak:article-nav-menu narrow no-amazon mobile-always-->The top 3 apps1. 1Password2. Dashlane3. LastPassMore optionsEnpassMicrosoft Authenticator Google PasswordsRememBearNordPassKeeper Password ManagerThese are the best Android password managers1Password has taken a long, winding road to get to Android prominence, but the once Apple-only app is now intu...

Google TV dongles are being plagued with more bugs.What you need to knowUsers are reporting audio problems with using the group audio feature on supported Google products.Reports suggest the problem stems from the Chromecast with Google TV units interfering with the audio somehow.The issue has been reported as far back as October with no fix in sight.Creating audio groups with the best Google Assistant speakers is one of the many perks of being part of the Google ecosystem. It can turn one singular speaker into a surround-sound experience, and can greatly enhance one's music experience. But according to Android Police, users have been reporting issues with the feature since October, claiming that audio will start out fine for a bit before eventually failing to play and being stuck in a buffer. If you're one of many users experiencing this, you're not alone, and the problem seems to come from Chromecast with Google TV units.Casting audio to just the Chromecast unit doesn't...

Roku has the reach, but will it have the right strategy?What you need to knowRoku is reportedly hiring to start production on its own content.The company could produce both movies and TV shows to feature on its platform.It's not yet clear how what sort of service Roku plans for its content, or if the newly acquired Quibi has anything to do with it.Roku is hiring. The company famous for its TV platform and popular digital media players is apparently tired of just playing other people's content and wants to start making its own. According to a report from Protocol, Roku is already scouting out a production team for its own original content according to a recently spotted job opening.The opening for a Lead Production Attorney was posted four weeks ago, although the job has apparently already been filled. Among the responsibilities for the role is to negotiate, draft agreements, and provide legal guidance "for Roku's original episodic and feature-length productions."Exact p...

Rebecca starts a fake orphanage and buys 30 McDonald's Happy Meals just for the Pokémon cards. The gang also commemorate this highly auspicious episode with some of the most notable boom-boom time in video games, plus their favorite real (and imaginary) dating sims. Nice!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:The Pokémon Company is releasing limited edition Pokémon cards in McDonald's Happy Meals | iMoreI bought 30 Pokémon 25th Anniversary Happy Meals from McDonalds in order to catch 'em all! | iMore...

You'll soon be able to save shows to watch on-the-go.What you need to knowThe YouTube TV app is preparing to allow users to save shows for offline viewing.The functionality was discovered in the most recent version of the mobile app that's currently being rolled out.Offline streaming is currently available on YouTube's other apps.The ability to "download" videos and music is quite useful when you want to save something to watch later without worrying about running down your battery with a constant data stream. Both YouTube and YT Music have this feature, which saves content to the device to be viewed within the app itself. When it comes to YouTube TV, however, content is handled through the app's cloud DVR that still requires a connection. Fortunately, it appears that offline viewing is finally making its way to YouTube TV subscribers soon, based on code found in the latest app update.In version 5.06.2 of the YouTube TV app, the system notification "Looking for incomplete...

The upcoming Pokémon MOBA was announced over the summer and does not have a release date.What you need to knowPokémon Unite is getting its first open beta in March.The open beta is only available to residents in Canada on Android devices.Once the beta is complete all in-game progress will reset, so it does not carry over into the final version.There is currently no full release date for Pokémon Unite and it is coming to Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.Players in Canada will get a chance to try out Pokémon Unite in an upcoming open beta set to take place on Android in March. The company announced that many changes have been made to the game since people last saw it, including the addition of new Pokémon and visual enhancements.Per the announcement, the eligibility details are as follows:The Pokémon Unite regional beta test is open only to residents of Canada.Players must be at least 16 years old to participate.In-game progress will be reset upon the beta's c...

Nothing's mission is to remove barriers and remnants of the Essential brand could help.Carl Pei's independent venture Nothing Technologies LTD is supposedly a company that wants to shake up the consumer tech market in a big way. Andy Rubin may have left a terrible legacy, but his Essential brand created a few interesting products and had big plans. Now the two are one and I'm pretty curious about what we can expect — or if we can expect anything at all — from Nothing.We don't really know a lot about Nothing's plans. Various interviews with Carl Pei have been full of big ideas and little details, but we know one or two important things — Nothing plans to make its money from hardware, not software, and Nothing probably isn't going to be a smartphone maker. At least not right now. Here's what I want to see from Nothing.Audio hardwareOne of the strangest (or best, depending on your point of view) things about the Essential phone was its magnetic accessory adapter. The com...

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 NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $698Carrier 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 brings its price down to ju...

The best MVNO carrier manages to offer a great value with solid coverage by leveraging the network of one of the major carriers. This setup can lead to a wider range of plans and can keep you out of a contract if you don't want to be tied to any one carrier. It can also be a good way to try out a new network without spending too much money or time moving numbers over. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overall MVNO offering great data options and plenty of ways to save money with multiple lines.Best Overall: Metro by T-MobileMetro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses the T-Mobile LTE network. Years ago, this would have been a reason to pass on the carrier but in recent times, T-Mobile's network has become one of the strongest networks in populated areas. The network has continued to gain ground in rural areas as well thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum for LTE and 5G. Even with all of the improvements, you should check the coverage map to be sure you're covered. 5G support is here on...

LastPass's free plan will soon get a whole less lot appealing.What you need to knowA LastPass change coming next month will force free users to pick what kind of device they want to use the service with.You'll also need to use LastPass's paid plan to access email support.The change to device types takes effect in March, while the support changes will start in May.LastPass is rolling out a change to its free plans that will affect users drastically. Specifically, it'll limit the kind of devices users can run the app on from March 16th, 2021. Users will have to select their device type by logging into their account. Depending on which device you choose, you'll automatically be opted into the mobile or computer type. and they'll be offered three chances to switch before needing to choose or trade up to the premium plan.To clarify, you could use two types of devices on the previous plan, now you can use an unlimited number of devices, albeit limited to one type in pre-defined...

The OnePlus Watch looks a bit more conventional than the last sketches we got.What you need to knowThe OnePlus Watch was spotted in new patent sketches.The watch features a traditional round watch design, unlike the watch from OPPO which OnePlus has a close relationship.The watch could launch alongside the OnePlus 9 smartphones in March.OnePlus has been stepping up its hardware game, as noted by last year's OnePlus 8 smartphones as well as the current leaks of the upcoming OnePlus 9 trio. Last year the company teased that it was releasing a watch in early 2021, which has been technically true after the launch of the OnePlus Band. Fans are still expecting a more traditional smartwatch which appears to also be in the works according to a new patent.A German site spotted some patent sketches (via GSMArena) of a smartwatch device submitted by OnePlus to the German office for patents and registered brand names. The images show several different angles of what could be two diff...

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 Nord devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus Nord devices: free case or screen protectorOnePlus 8 devices: up to $800 offOnePlus 7 devices: starting at $350Which to buy?OnePlus 8 with $200 prepaid Mastercard and Beats headphones at VisibleVisible is offering a free $200 prepaid Mastercard Virtual Account when you switch to Visible, port-in your current number, and buy the OnePlus 8. You'll also score a free pair of Beats Solo Pro wireless headphones. Though the phone has higher monthly payments here than at other retailers, Visible's $40 all-in monthly plan for unlimited talk, text, and data helps to make th...

Samsung has taken more than a few cracks at different product categories, and smartwatches have been no exception. With several attempts at getting it right already in the books through new smartwatches and fitness trackers every year. We take a look at some of the best available, including the newest of the bunch with the Galaxy Watch 3 and its stylish take on telling more than just time.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3After focusing on its more fitness-focused smartwatches in 2019, Samsung pivots back to its more refined design philosophy with the Galaxy Watch 3. The watch isn't radical in sporting any sort of redesign, and it will look familiar to anyone who knows Samsung's smartwatches. But it is smaller, lighter and thinner, which could make it more appealing to a greater subset of wearers. The genuine leather band is casual and elegant all at once, and the standard lugs mean you can always strap on another one.It's also feature-laden, though a couple of key ones wil...

The Power Delivery standard has paved the way for a new wave of the best USB-C battery packs that are both powerful and portable. While there are some massive power banks aimed more at charging laptops or powering devices through long camping trips, I much prefer the lighter and cheaper chargers that can quickly charge a phone while sitting down for lunch or in my pocket during long days out and about. Whether you prefer your power banks big or small, these are the best ones around!Colorful chargersAnker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh PDStaff pickAnker's top-quality, durable and dependable phone-sized power bank now comes in five colors and I, for one, am thrilled. The Terracotta Rose might not be for everyone, but the Deep-Sea Indigo and Dark Olive are universal and understated.From $26 at AmazonFrom $30 at WalmartNot too big, not too smallAUKEY 15,000mAh USB-C Power BankNeed to charge multiple phones over the course of your busy day or need a power bank that could la...

He's finally showing up — alongside performance updates for owners of the newest consoles.What you need to knowHawkeye is being added to Marvel's Avengers on March 18 in a free update.Hawkeye's storyline is called Operation: Future Imperfect and delves into a new area called the Wasteland.The next-generation patch will also be released for free on March 18. Marvel's Avengers launched back in September 2020, with ambitious post-launch plans for DLC including a wide range of new characters. Today, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics shared that the iconic sharpshooter Hawkeye is coming to the game on March 18. Hawkeye will be accompanied by the next-generation patch for PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, which is a free update for anyone who has already bought the game.This upgrade was originally planned to release in 2020 but was pushed back due to the developers targeting bug fixes and other quality of life improvements for players. You can check out the trailer below f...

Bring Android to your desktop.When searching for the best Android emulators, you likely already know what you want the emulator to do for you. However, the truth is these emulators are capable of so much, bringing the Android experience to your desktop or laptop.Maybe you're a developer looking for a way to test out your apps, or just want to be able to play games like PUBG and COD Mobile on a bigger screen than your phone. Whatever the reason is, there are plenty of Android emulators to choose from, so there's really no "wrong" answer here. However, there are some key differences between the best options which could help to make or break your decision for choosing one emulator over the other.The top 3 apps1. BlueStacks2. NoxPlayer3. Android StudioMore optionsGameLoopMEmuLD PlayerBliss OSGenymotionThese are the best Android Emulators for PC and MacWhether you're using a Mac or PC, BlueStacks is the perfect emulator for anyone wanting to download and use ...

If you're a gamer who's into Xbox, PlayStation, or both, and are even planning to get your hands on the new PS5 or Xbox Series X, chances are you want to get the best experience possible. This requires loading up on some great PS5 accessories, including the best HDMI 2.1 compatible cables you can find to support higher resolution, more bandwidth (up to 48Gbps), faster refresh rates, and even dynamic HDR.Best for flexibilityANNNWZZD 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable – 10-FootStaff pickThis 10-foot cable (other sizes available) has been bend-tested up to 10,000 times without seeing any reduction in flexibility. It's finished in bright red, making it easy to see behind the TV, and has a high-purity copper conductor and triple-shielded layer with nylon braided jacket for extra durability.$15 at AmazonBrand name cloutMonster Ultra High-Speed 8K HDMI Cable – 4-FootMonster was known for manufacturing audio/video cables long before the company made headphones, speakers, and other dev...