Latest from Android Central

Secure messaging requires even more security to send moneyWhat you need to knowSignal Payments introduced for those in the United Kingdom.The only payments currently accepted make use of the MobileCoin protocol.The feature could be expanded to more countries based on feedback.If privacy is the name of the game, then Signal Private Messenger is the way to go. Signal is already one of the best Android messaging apps, thanks to its vast array of security and privacy features, but the company is looking to expand a bit further.In a blog post, Signal's head of growth and communication, Jun Harada, detailed the company's new beta build for those who live in the UK. Instead of bringing messaging features to the platform, this new beta brings the ability to make secure mobile payments between users. But instead of relying on traditional means of linking your bank account or debit cards, Signal plans to make use of cryptocurrency.Signal has partnered with MobileCoin, which fea...

The Pixel Buds A may really be just around the corner.What you need to knowGoogle is said to be working on a cheaper version of the Pixel Buds, dubbed the Pixel Buds A.An email sent out to Nest owners this morning inadvertently confirmed the reports.Keen-eyed viewers spotted a 'Sage Green' looking Pixel Pixel Buds A included in marketing material.Google is said to be launching a new set of Pixel Buds, the Pixel Buds A. Much like the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G, these earbuds are expected to bring the best of Google's aural skillsets down to cheaper price points.While the Pixel Buds A have existed primarily in the realm of rumor, a promotional email spotted by 9to5Google shows the upcoming Pixel Buds A in a marketing render. This email was sent out to people who had signed up for reminders about Nest products and was aimed at educating those customers on the newest Nest Hub.Right at the bottom, however, a render used to showcase Google's slew of current products has the Pix...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they'll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21, you have options. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases you can buy today. The best part of all is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long-term!Colorful and well-texturedCasology Nano PopStaff pickThe Galaxy S21 is the first Android phone to get Caseology's Nano Pop Series, and it was 110% worth the wait. The texturing on this case is grippier than Casology's longtime favorite Parallax, and the color combos here are bold, beautiful, and absolutely pop around the camera cutout on the S21.From $16 at Amazon$20 at WalmartSlim grip and gritRingke Onyx SeriesIf you just want to add some grip to your slippery little Samsung, Ringke's Onyx series...

It's now been confirmed by a PlayStation representative.What you need to knowMLB The Show 21 is the latest entry in a franchise historically developed by Sony for PlayStation.This year, MLB The Show is heading to PlayStation and Xbox simultaneously, with full cross-play enabled.In a new report, a PlayStation representative confirmed that this decision was solely MLB's, and not Sony's.MLB The Show 21 is coming to PlayStation and Xbox later this month, a move that already does away with years of precedent set by Sony and their games exclusivity philosophy. Even more shocking was the announcement that MLB The Show 21 is launching day and date into Xbox Game Pass, making the title even more accessible for first-time Xbox players. Now, a new report from Inverse confirms what many of us feared, and ends many of the speculations circulating since the announcement: it was MLB that chose to bring MLB The Show 21 to Xbox, not Sony.MLB The Show 21 is the first Sony-developed title t...

LG will be shutting its mobile phone business, so these phones won't see the light of day.What you need to knowThe LG V70 and Rollable phone have leaked on the web.The leaks appear to be a mix of regulatory images and live prototype models. Neither phone will be released following the shuttering of LG's mobile phone business.LG's now-canceled Rollable phone has shown up on the web alongside the LG V70. These images come from Twitter user FrontTron, via XDA Developers. Both phones would have launched later this year had the company not opted to shutter their mobile phone business, continuing the company's strings of ambitious releases.Starting from the V70, codenamed Rainbow, it's visually similar to last year's LG Velvet. The company had opted to adopt a more modern design, one that would look less workmanlike than the previous G and V Series. To all accounts, it succeeded.Writing for Android Central, Alex Dobie praised the design, commenting: The Velvet is probab...

Chrome's latest experiments are actually pretty cool.What you need to knowGoogle has launched a collection of AR and VR experiments on Chrome.Sodar and Measure Up use AR to calculate distance and measure objects in your environment.Floom uses location data to let you peer through the Earth at a point on the other side.Experiments with Google always shores up interesting projects from coders using a variety of Google products. Several months ago, the company celebrated 1 billion views of Billie Eilish's Bad Guy and created an endless video loop which could be interwoven with thousands of fan videos from YouTube using AI. Researchers also created an accessibility app that allows persons with disabilities to "speak" using just their eyes and smartphone. The latest collection of experiments brings some AR fun to your smartphone using the power of WebXR in your Chrome browser. Augmented and virtual reality are opening up the possibilities of how we interact with the world an...

Nothing can turn your great Android phone from state-of-the-art to overpriced paperweight faster than a dead battery. The best portable chargers and power banks can help recharge your tech when life plays keep-away with your power outlets. Portable chargers used to be big, bulky, and slow, but USB-C power banks and Power Delivery charging standards have made things much faster — fast enough to charge laptops, even — and have allowed power banks to get slimmer and better than ever. There are plenty of options in every shape or size, but our favorite is the affordably awesome RAVPower PD Pioneer Series 20,000mAh. Still, there are plenty of other choices that rank among the best portable battery packs. Here are our top recommendations that you can buy today.Best Overall: RAVPower PD Pioneer Series 20,000mAhWhen choosing a portable charger, it's all about balancing power with portability. After all, a power bank doesn't do you any good if it's so bulky that you forget it at hom...

Google's newest Pixels were held back performance wise. April's security update rectifies that.What you need to knowGoogle's Android April security updates includes a performance boost of as much as 50 percent to the flagship Pixel 5.The Pixel 5 now performs consistently in line with other Snapdragon 765 phones.The Pixel 4a 5G also received a similar boost.The Google Pixel 5 just got a bit faster with yesterday's April update. Yes, we noted in the article that Google did say it was including "performance optimizations for certain apps and games", but a Twitter thread shared by Der Standard's Andreas Proschofsky indicates that the performance boost is between 30 to 50 percent, based on his testing post-patch install.Turns out the Pixel 5 is now getting way better results in 3DMark. Like in 30-50 percent better compared to a P5 w March patch level. Even the results in general benchmarks like PCMark Work are a bit better (even though in this case really only just a bit). 2/...

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 $498Carrier 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 Moto G Power (2020) is a pretty impressive handset, and it continues to be a great option despite all of the recent phone launches, including the newer version, the Moto G Power (2021). So why not grab one and get one of the best Moto G Power cases for it? The handset sports a unique camera system on a budget, along with Motorola's near-stock Android software experience with some add-ons in the right places. In fact, it's one of the best cheap Android phones you can grab, so you don't want to miss out on this one.Slim and flexibleEasyACC Slim CaseStaff PickThe EasyACC Slim case, made from a matte TPU material, is made with protection in mind. On the back, you'll find perfect cutouts for the camera module and fingerprint scanner, along with a cross-hatching design to improve the overall grip. There's even a special design for the speaker at the bottom so that you can get the best sound possible when watching a video or listening to some tunes.$8 at AmazonScout'...

I don't know about you, but I can't count the number of times that I've wanted to fire off a text at an inopportune time, whether it be for the recipient or me. Often I'll think of something that I really want to say or share, but it's either too late in the evening or too early in the morning to be appropriate. Other times, I hold back because I know that the recipient is busy or in a meeting and will miss my message. Rather than send it anyway and risk it getting ignored, bothering the recipient, or holding onto the idea and forgetting about it later, I can just schedule that message to be sent when I know my friends are most likely to see it. I'll show you how you can schedule messages in Telegram, so your important reminder or clever quip gets delivered at just the right time.How to schedule messages in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Tap to open a chat thread.Compose your message and/or attach any media.Long press down on the send button.Select a date and time, and tap ...

More to loveFitbit Versa 3$230 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSImproved heart-rate technologyActive Zone Minutes featureGoogle Assistant & Alexa Built-inFitbit Pay includedConsMore expensiveOld bands won't workAll of the upgrades we've been holding out for are here. The new Fitbit Versa 3 offers built-in GPS and Active Zone Minutes, which was first released on the Charge 4. It also offers improved heart-rate monitoring technology, more voice assistant options, and a built-in mic/speaker so you can hear voice assistant responses and take calls.Still a classicFitbit Versa 2From $169 at AmazonProsActivity/health trackingHeart-rate monitoringSleep trackingAmazon Alexa built-inFitbit Pay includedConsLacks built-in GPSNo speakerNo Active Zone Minutes featureWhen you're seeking a wearable with a good blend of health/activity tracking and smartwatch features, look no further than the Fitbit Versa 2. It doesn't have built-in GPS or a spe...

It may have lived in the shadows of its siblings, but Final Fantasy VIII, the black sheep of the family, refuses to be forgotten.Final Fantasy VIII is often cited by casual and diehard fans alike as one of the worst installments in the series, a reputation that I can admit it deserves. Arriving on the heels of Final Fantasy VII with a new look and an angsty attitude, FFVIII took some pretty massive liberties with the standard JRPG formula that didn't all land as well as many players would have liked.FFVIII is wonderful because it has a grandiose, bananas story that puts some other JRPGs to shame. Graphically, it was a groundbreaker of its time, and the cutscenes still look pretty good even by today's standards. Combine that with the less polygonal, more human character models, and it's not hard to see how this game would have been mind-blowing in 1999. It also boasts one of the best soundtracks ever created by Nobuo Uematsu and a fascinating and immersive setting that will keep ...

Apple's AirPods have been exceedingly popular since they first hit the market, but they've also been exceedingly expensive. And if you want premium features, like wireless charging, you've got to pay even more beyond the price of the base AirPods. Or, you could go with the UGREEN HiTune T2 Low Latency True Wireless earbuds.With UGREENs's HiTune T2 earbuds, you get versatility. Since these are true wireless earbuds, you aren't stuck with a wire running between them, and you can opt to just use either earbud on its own if you'd prefer to be able to hear your surroundings. Thanks to the low 60 milliseconds of latency with these earbuds, you also can reliably use them for movies and games, in addition to music and podcasts, since the low latency will help ensure your audio is perfectly in sync with your video.UGREEN also has a special feature for gamers with Gaming Mode in addition to its music mode, offering a 3D sound profile and targeted optimization towards footsteps and gunsh...

The upcoming foldable might arrive with a 5.4-inch cover display.What you need to knowA new leak suggests the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 may come with a smaller cover display than its predecessor.The phone is tipped to feature a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover display.Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2 has a 6.2-inch cover display.Samsung's next flagship foldable phone may feature a surprisingly small cover display, if a new leak is to be believed. According to leaker @chunvn8888, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will come equipped with a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover display.Except the Z Fold3 outer screen size which I haven't heard just yet, rest are match perfectly with what I heard and leaked (refering to the Z phones, and I haven't heard anything about OPPO/vivo foldable phones) pic.twitter.com/na9lbbtzs8— CEO of Chun Corp (Tet forever) (@chunvn8888) April 6, 2021While the cover display's size will be smaller than the one on the Galaxy Z Fold 2, it is tipped ...

This beta will be open for all players on console and PC.Resident Evil is getting a proper multiplayer game with Resident Evil Re:Verse, matching up four to six players to test their survival horror franchise skills together. In 5-minute Deathmatches, players can control iconic characters from the series and utilize powerful bioweapons to take down their enemies. What makes it even more interesting is that when you're taken out, your body turns into a bioweapon that can be used against others.The Resident Evil Re:Verse beta begins April 8 at 2am ET and lasts through April 11 at 2am ET. That's three full days for anyone wishing to participate (barring any server maintenance), and it's open to all players on Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Because it's a multiplayer title, you will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play it.Anyone who purchases Resident Evil Village on PS5 will get Resident Evil Re:Verse on PS4, but you can still download it on PS5 through backward compatibil...

The best cheap standing desks are those that are flexible enough to work well in your existing workspace or just about anywhere around your home. If you are physically able to, standing while working — even in short spurts — is one of the best things you can do for your health. The trouble with standing desks is that they are often expensive and replace otherwise perfect office furniture, but thankfully there are several affordable and portable alternatives. Our favorite overall is the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 because it sits on top of an existing desk or tabletop, and it is incredibly spacious, sturdy, and adjustable.Best Overall Cheap Standing Desk: VariDesk Pro Plus 36"VariDesk is one of the most well-known manufacturers of standing desks. In addition to the stand-alone electronic and manual desks, it also makes several desktop units that you can place on existing workspaces. Out of these, my favorite is hands-down the Pro Plus 36. The unit consists of two levels — an uppe...

While OnePlus phone in previous years had to wait weeks for viable name-brand cases to arrive, the OnePlus 9 Pro has ample selection right out of the gate, with major brands like Caseology, Otterbox, and Ringke all offering up great cases at a variety of price points. So if you're grabbing a OnePlus 9 Pro, we've rounded up the best cases available — because really, your shiny new flagship deserves nothing but the best.Clearly ruggedRingke Fusion-XStaff pickJust as Ringke made its most popular case for previous generations of OnePlus phones, the OnePlus 9 Pro is getting the Fusion-X, a durable clear case with robust air cushions inside the bumper and a hard plastic back that allows you to show off that Pine Green or Morning Mist silver.$14 at AmazonSleek texturingCaseology ParallaxThe Midnight Blue version of the Parallax could make for some striking contrast with the colors on the OnePlus 9 Pro via the camera module. The rest of the phone is then covered by a tw...

The Facebook-owned messaging app is also expected to introduce the ability to sync chat history across different platforms this year.What you need to knowWhatsApp is testing a new chat history migration feature that will allow users to transfer chats between Android and iOS devices.Users will be required to update to the latest version of the app before using the feature. It is expected to be rolled out in a future update for the iOS and Android versions of the popular messaging app.WhatsApp is working on a useful new feature that will allow you to easily transfer your chats between Android and iOS devices. As reported by WABetaInfo, the "Chat History Migration" feature is currently under development and is expected to be released in a future update for both the Android and iOS versions of Facebook's best Android messaging app.As you can see in the screenshot below, users will have to update to the latest version of WhatsApp before they can start transferring their chat h...

The OnePlus 9 is shaping up to be one of the best Android phones of 2021, and while the 9 Pro steals the spotlight with that 50W wireless charging and its extra fanciness, the OnePlus 9 is no slouch, inside or out. While the Arctic Mist and Winter Mist colors are so pretty to show off, your new phone deserves the best OnePlus 9 case you can find — and we've got the best you can buy today right here for you.Mesmerizing gripCaseology ParallaxCaseology's hybrid case may be a hair slippier on the sides, but the cubist texture across the back adds grip as well as style. There's only Ash Gray and Midnight Blue options this generation, but they'll play well with the OnePlus 9's colorways.$15 at AmazonFirst-party feelOnePlus Sandstone CoverFor OnePlus fans, there are few cases as beloved as the Sandstone Cover, adding grip to the slippery back of your OnePlus 9 while harkening back to OnePlus' early days. In previous years, it got fun colors like Purple and Aquamarine to ...

Unlike most streaming services, Peacock has a free tier that allows you to stream shows and movies on-demand without ever paying a cent! However, if you do sign up for a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus paid subscription, you can unlock even more content including original series and films starting at just $4.99 per month.Stream Peacock for free todayNBC's streaming service Peacock offers one of the best values on the market. After all, how many streaming platforms do you know of which have a free streaming tier? Unlike Netflix, Disney+, and other popular services which don't even offer free trials currently, you don't need to pay a cent to start streaming Peacock.The free tier at Peacock gives you the ability to watch full-length films, beloved NBC TV series, content from WWE Network, and even select episodes of Peacock originals. With a paid subscription, you'll unlock everything there is to watch on Peacock with no restrictions starting at just $4.99 monthly.Is Peacock TV r...

If you're like me, sometimes you get a great idea or have a thought that you want to share with friends or family, but the timing just isn't right. Maybe it's 2 a.m. and you want to make sure your mom remembers to take her medicine in the morning, but you don't want to wake her up. Or maybe you know your partner is in a meeting and you don't want to disturb them. That's what scheduled messaging is for! I'll show you how to schedule texts from the Google Messages app so you can type and send away without worrying about bothering others. Ready to get started? Here's what you need to know.Open the Google Messages app.Tap on a contact to message.Type your message.Press down and hold the send message arrow.Decide when you want to send the message or pick your own date and time.Tap Save.You will see the scheduled time in blue above the message. Tap the send message arrow.That's it! Now you know how to schedule messages in Telegram. Scheduled messages will appear italicized ...

The best shows streaming on HBO Max todayHBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films being released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxHBO Max originalsPopular on HBO MaxAction on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO Max$15 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsHBO Max original seriesHBO Max launched in 2020 with a handful of original series exclusive ...

The mobile payment service could debut in India sometime later this year.What you need to knowA trademark filing suggests OnePlus Pay could be launched in India very soon.The payment service was launched in China in March last year.In addition to NFC-based payments, OnePlus Pay is also expected to feature a mobile wallet.OnePlus could soon launch its mobile payment service in India, according to a screenshot of trademark filing shared by a tipster on Twitter. The screenshot shows the trademark for OnePlus Pay filed by OnePlus has been accepted by the Registrar of Trademarks in India.OnePlus files the trademark for OnePlus Pay in India.#OnePlus #OnePlusPay pic.twitter.com/nzU1U9ipAH— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) April 5, 2021OnePlus had announced its mobile payment service alongside the OnePlus 7T series phones in 2019. It finally went live for users in China in March last year, and is currently exclusive to OnePlus' home market. Similar to Google Pay, OnePlus Pay i...

Chatting with the AC forums.Whether you're rocking one of the best Android phones or still holding on to an oldie but goodie, you are going to want your device to look its best. You can dress it the look of your phone with icon packs or themes, but one of the easiest and best ways to change up your look is with a good wallpaper.I have long been a fan of Google's Wallpapers app and Backdrops, but recently I've become quite taken with SwirlWalls. I noticed a new wallpaper themed conversation bubbling up from the background on the AC forums, so naturally, I wanted to see what our community experts were using. ledvedder 04-05-2021 01:24 PM “ I miss the Shot on OnePlus app from my 7 Pro, which changed both the lockscreen and homepage wallpaper every day. Are there any other apps out there that provide this functionality? Reply B. Diddy ...

Paramount Plus is the latest streaming service on the block. But is it worth subscribing to?ViacomCBS launched Paramount Plus on March 4 as a new and improved version of the previous CBS All Access, with the intent of competing with more robust streaming alternatives like Peacock, Disney Plus, and HBO Max.Paramount+ came out swinging with more than 30,000 episodes of TV series and a rotating lineup of 2,500 movies. And while the newest streamer on the block has some kinks to work out, it's already setting itself apart by providing access to series you probably haven't been able to find online for the last decade.While the temptation of something being shiny and new may be enough, it's fair to wonder how the new service really compares to other streaming platforms. With that in mind, here's our Paramount+ review.Paramount+ review:Price and availabilityDesign and user experienceFeatures on Paramount+Content on Paramount+How does Paramount+ compare?Should you subscribe...

You'll soon find numerous new third-party navigation, parking, and charging apps for Android Auto on the Play Store.What you need to knowDevelopers can now publish their Android Auto apps on the Play Store.The move was first announced by Google in August last year.Until now, third-party developers could only release messaging and media apps for the platform.Back in August, Google announced that it was working with third-party developers to build apps in new categories for Android Auto. Nearly eight months later, developers can now finally release their navigation, parking, and charging apps for Android Auto on the Play Store.While there is no doubt that Google Maps is one of the best Android apps out there for navigation, Android Auto users will soon be able to download many popular alternatives from the Play Store. Until now, Waze was the only alternative navigation app available for Android Auto.Now that developers can publish their apps to the Play Store, Android A...

Widgets on Android have languished for years, and that includes Google's widgets.Android 12 may be bringing many under-the-hood improvements on privacy and permissions fronts, but it's also shaping up to be the biggest UI update to Android since the Material Design refresh back in 2013. Part of those changes hinge on the rumored theming system, but the ones that have me most excited are the alleged updated widget guidelines.Google needs to give widgets a shot in the arm after getting absolutely schooled on how to do widgets properly by Apple last year in iOS 14. As with many features, Google did something first, Apple did it better, and now Google is playing catch-up, which is exactly why Apple's widgets were the best thing to happen to Android widgets. If you want the best widgets for your awesome Android phones, right now, you'll have to get down and dirty with DIY widget makers like KWGT, and that's no good for users or Google.Of course, Android visual changes don't always t...

The UEFA Champions League returns today as La Liga titleholders Real Madrid host last season's Premier League winners in this quarter-final clash. Don't miss a moment with our Real Madrid vs Liverpool live stream guide.After defeating Atalanta in the round of 16, Real Madrid will be hoping to get an advantage in this quarter-final first-leg tie ahead of the return leg on April 14.Los Blancos will be confident after seeing off La Dea comfortably with a 4-1 aggregate win. Real also come into today's game off the back of a nine-game unbeaten streak in the league.Zinedine Zidane's side sit in second place in La Liga as things stand, just three points behind local rivals Atlético Madrid. In between this Champions League game and the second-leg meeting with Liverpool next week, Real have the small matter of an El Clásico clash with rivals Barcelona that may serve as an unwelcome distraction for Zidane's men.Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with...

These are the best shows NBC's Peacock streaming service right nowNBC's Peacock streaming service is the digital hub for new and old NBC series, Peacock originals, and a variety of content from other networks. And with both a free tier and two premium plan options, there's lots of content to choose from. With that in mind, we've rounded up the best Peacock shows available right now.PeacockFind your NBC favorites and moreFrom $5/month at PeacockAll the shows, movies, and sports you wantNBC's Peacock streaming service is the exclusive home for iconic NBC series like The Office, as well as series from a collection of other networks. You also find a rotating lineup of free and premium movies.Best Peacock showsOriginal series on PeacockCurrent series on PeacockWWE on PeacockComedy series on PeacockDrama series on PeacockReality series on PeacockPeacock OriginalsIn addition to featuring a variety of classic series and shows that are currently airing new...

Even free cell service can't save the terrible app experience with this watch.If you were to do an online search for kids smartwatches, you would find a lot of options. However, only the best kids smartwatches offer some form of connectivity and parental safety controls, and that's why I was interested in doing an Omate O6L Pro review. This watch has one big selling point to it, and that's it has three years of cellular service included with it via what Omate calls a virtual SIM, or vSIM.Smartwatches aren't cheap for kids or adults, and when you factor in the cost for a data plan, it gets even more expensive. So the prospect of a device for my child that allows us to stay in contact if needed, set up safe zones, and let him track activity, all without the additional cost of cell service, interested me a lot. However, there's more to these kinds of devices than just connectivity and safety features. Everything has to mesh together into a good experience — which the Omate O6L Pro...

Sarvikas will oversee Qualcomm's North America business.What you need to knowFormer HMD Global executive Juho Sarvikas is joining Qualcomm.Sarvikas will serve as VP and President of Qualcomm's North America business. Before joining HMD Global, Sarvikas led Nokia's feature phone business under Microsoft. Juho Sarvikas, who served as HMD Global's Chief Product Officer for five years, announced his departure from the Finnish company last month. Jim Cathey, SVP and President of Qualcomm's global operations, has now announced that Sarvikas is joining the company.Welcome & congratulations @sarvikas VP & President, North America @Qualcomm we are incredibly glad that you chose to join our team. Here’s to an exciting next chapter with #teamqualcomm— Jim Cathey (@jimcathey) April 5, 2021Sarvikas will now serve as the VP and President of Qualcomm's North America business. Replying to Cathey's tweet welcoming him to the company, Sarvikas wrote: Thank you Jim. Hono...

The X3 Pro sets a new standard for performance in the budget segment.POCO burst onto the scene three years ago with the POCO F1, with that phone offering a value package that is yet to be matched. The F1 wasn't a perfect phone by any measure — it had display and build quality issues, and it had plenty of software buds — but the fact that you could get flagship-tier performance from a phone that retailed for under $300 immediately endeared the enthusiast community to the F1.POCO is now trying to recreate that with the X3 Pro. The phone is a turbocharged version of the POCO X3 that debuted at the end of last year, and the key highlight is that it is powered by a Snapdragon 860 — a higher-clocked version of the 2019 flagship Snapdragon 855+ chipset.The flagship chipset immediately makes the X3 Pro stand out. The phone is available in India for just ₹18,999 ($260) and is set to go on sale globally for under $300, and there aren't any other phones in this category that come ...

The Echo Scho 10 (3rd Gen) is the second Amazon display to support Zoom.What you need to knowAmazon has added support for Zoom and Chime on the new Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen).Owners can now make a Zoom call and have the device track you when you move.The update is rolling out now on Echo Show 10 devices.The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is one of the best smart displays on the market, thanks to its impressive swivel design and tracking features. Unfortunately, it was slightly hindered at launch by the lack of support for video calling services outside of Skype and its own Alexa calling service. That changes now that Amazon has added support for Zoom and Chime.Chime is Amazon's own video conferencing service, so its omission from the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) launch is a bit curious. And then there's Zoom, one of the most used video conferencing applications since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and definitely a welcome addition. With more people working from home, Zoom more ...

Make sure your Facebook information is safe.What you need to knowFacebook has just suffered a massive data breach, exposing more than 500 million accounts.The breach includes user names, phone numbers, email addresses, and more.There are a few ways to check and see if your information was affected by the breach.Facebook is no stranger to large data breaches, and there seems to be a new one every year. Unfortunately, a past breach is catching up to the company, with data leaked online containing millions of users' personal information. According to Insider, the information was posted publicly and for free on a low-level hacking forum and included more than 500 million accounts in 106 countries. The exposed data includes the personal information of over 533 million Facebook users from 106 countries, including over 32 million records on users in the US, 11 million on users in the UK, and 6 million on users in India. It includes their phone numbers, Facebook IDs, full names...

Future Pixel Buds could become serious contenders in the audio space.What you need to knowGoogle has acquired the 3D audio startup, Dysonics.Employees from Dysonics are reportedly developing "audio hardware" for Google, which could refer to several types of products.New audio hardware could be related to the Pixel Buds or Nest audio devices.Google has been slowly stepping up its audio offerings with products like its Nest Audio and even its Google Pixel Buds (2020). Sure, there might be room for improvement if Google wants to really compete with the best wireless earbuds on the market, and that's where its latest acquisition of Dysonics may come into play.According to Protocol, Google has acquired the 3D audio startup, and the transition has apparently been underway for months. The employees coming in are apparently working on "audio hardware" and "audio algorithms for a variety of Google's hardware products." In the context of Google, it's easy to narrow down the possibi...

TP-Link has been making networking equipment for ages, and it's quite good at it. Not only that, TP-Link routers, more often than not, offer competitive specifications at great prices. Most of us want to buy a router that will last a few years and provide more than enough speed. The Archer AX21 is the best overall balance of speed with Wi-Fi 6 and OneMesh support for a low price. Still, there are plenty of excellent choices on the market, and with our list, you'll be able to find the best TP-Link router system to suit your needs.Best Overall: Archer AX21The TP-Link Archer AX21 isn't the fastest router you can get by any stretch, but it's fast enough for most homes and comes in at a fantastic price. For the money, you get AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 speeds, four open Ethernet ports, and OneMesh support. The speed breaks down to 1201Mbps at 5GHz and 574Mbps at 2.4GHz. Four Ethernet ports make it easy to connect all of your wired devices at full gigabit speed.OneMesh support is included with...

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided that there was no infringement by Google on Oracle's IP in a landmark case.The Supreme Court has put an end to the years-long fight between Google and Oracle over the use of Java in Android. We've seen both sides get the win with appellate courts taking it away, and Google's last loss in court had the company take this to the highest court in the land; the entire saga surely cost the company more than the $5 billion fine would have when you factor in time with the money. In the end, this was all about the Benjamins.In the end, the lawsuit wasn't about Google using Java without a license, though Google did try and procure a license from Sun before Java was sold to Oracle. This case was about trying to force Google to license all of Java because it used some of the APIs to make things easier for developers. That is a horrible idea, and thankfully the majority of the Supreme Court agrees. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, an...

Spotify's weird Car Thing is still kind of weird.What you need to knowA new look at Spotify's Car Thing show a large display and large knob.An earlier look at the device shows a much smaller, circular display.It's not entirely clear how Spotify plans to differentiate the device from other car infotainment systems.Spotify is not a hardware company, nor does it seem to want to be. The company does well enough as one of the best music players on Android and is dedicated to offering a complete listening experience for its subscribers. As it turns out, hardware might actually be one of the ways the company can do this, and while the company has teased a hardware device in the past, a new look at the "Car Thing" shows that the company has been busy tweaking its design.Some images of the device have cropped up, apparently appearing within Spotify's iOS app. The Car Thing resembles a car infotainment system with a large knob and a small button on its face and several buttons on t...

If there's one thing you can confidently say about Google's Pixel phones over their five-year existence it's that they do more with less. Even as the company added new features to its year-over-year upgrades, Google assiduously avoided the trappings of specs, culminating in the divisive but ultimately successful lineup of the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 5 we saw in 2020.Now the expectation turns to the company's 2021 products and how the hardware team can build on the objective success of those phones while continuing to differentiate itself from the competition so it can actually, you know, sell the damn things. Google can buy as many Super Bowl ads as it wants, but it won't sell more devices until it can unseat those at the top, Samsung and Apple, in meaningful ways (and even then, it may be too difficult).With 'Whitechapel,' Google's first SoC for consumer devices that is expected to debut in the Pixel 6 later this year, the company gets to assert even more control in the...

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. 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 the best Android phones for at least 30...

Addressing some issues from the December Pixel feature drop.What you need to knowThe April security patch has begun rolling out for Pixel smartphones.The update brings several bug fixes, including some that were introduced during the December feature drop.Manu Samsung smartphones have already begun receiving the April patch.It's that time of the month again; time for Google to release the April security patch to its Pixel smartphones. As usual, the update addresses vulnerabilities within Android, but Google also includes bug fixes specific to its Pixels. This time around, the update also comes with some welcome improvements that owners of the Google Pixel 4a 5G and Google Pixel 5 are sure to appreciate.As far as bug fixes go, the update addresses an issue that caused some devices to appear offline when connected through a VPN. This affected devices all the way down to the Google Pixel 3, so the update covers the full scope of Google's supported smartphones. Another bug fi...

Nest Hub (2nd Gen)Google-y goodness$100 at Best BuyProsSleep-tracking with SoliImproved speaker performance over the previous generationYouTube supportLower starting MSRP than the previous generationAwesome integration with Google PhotosGoogle AssistantConsNo camera for video chattingNo Alexa compatibilityMotion controls are still kind of a gimmickSleep tracking soon to be a subscription serviceGoogle didn't change a lot from the first generation, but it didn't have to. What is new and improved is Soli-based sleep tracking, a better-sounding speaker, and a lower starting price point. The motion tracking is still gimmicky, but the entire package is enough once again to be our top mid-sized smart screen speaker pick.Echo Show 8Just right$75 at AmazonProsPhysical camera shutter and mute switchPerfect for video calls with family and friendsCan help monitor elderly relatives or serve as a security stationSimilar specs to its bigger sibling...

The battle between Google and Android affects more than just Android.What you need to knowThe Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Google in its long-time battle against Oracle.Oracle sued Google for using its Java code in earlier versions of Android.Google has maintained that it was "fair use" and that APIs aren't subject to standard copyright protections.Google has just secured a major win for Android. The company has been locked in a decade-long battle with Oracle over its use of Java code in earlier Android versions. Oracle sued Google after purchasing Sun Microsystems, which developed the Java platform. Oracle claimed that Google stole its property when it copied code based on Java APIs to develop Android and attract developers, seeking almost $9 billion in damages.Meanwhile, Google has maintained that the use of nearly 12,000 Java code lines was fair use and that software APIs aren't subject to the standard copyright protection. Google's SVP of Global Affairs, Kent W...

Rooting isn't as popular as it used to be, but there's still a vibrant community of modders involved in launching new ROMs. If you're just getting started or are looking to delve back into the world of modding, the OnePlus 8T is our favorite pick. We've included other top-notch options as well, so you have the best phones for rooting and modding to choose from.Tinker awayOnePlus 8T Android SmartphoneStaff PickThe OnePlus 8T is a solid choice in 2021. You get excellent hardware, a flat 120Hz AMOLED display, 65W fast-charging, and reliable cameras. The phone is the ideal canvas for rooting and modding, and OnePlus makes it as straightforward as possible to unlock the bootloader and install custom ROMs.$590 at Amazon $600 at OnePlusThe 5G optionOnePlus 9 Android SmartphoneIf you're looking for a more recent option, the OnePlus 9 is a great choice as well. The phone has outstanding cameras thanks to the new Hasselblad partnership, and you get the latest internal...

These days, just about everyone has heard of or has purchased some smart streaming TV box or stick to consume Netflix, Prime Video, or HBO Max. But I would argue that streaming media's most valuable is actually one of the best Fire TV Edition TVs. Right now, we think the best Fire TV Edition set is the Insignia NS-65DF710NA21 Smart 4K UHD because it's one of the biggest and most attractive options available. However, there are several great choices on the market, so let's take a look at what's out right now.Best Overall Fire TV Edition: Insignia NS-65DF710NA21 Smart 4K UHDInsignia has really stepped up as the premiere high-end manufacturer of the best Fire TV Edition TVs, and this series is a gleaming example of these efforts. This set earns our top spot not only because it's packed with smarts and looks great, but it is the largest Fire TV Edition TV that you can currently buy.This line of 4K UHD Fire TV Edition sets is available in 43, 50, and 55-inch variants, and this big...

The feature is only available in English currently.What you need to knowThe Google Assistant's Driving Mode is now rolling out to users outside the U.S.It was rolled out to users in the U.S. late last year.Google announced the feature at I/O 2019. At its I/O 2019 event, Google introduced a new Assistant Driving Mode, allowing users to get things done while navigating with Google Maps. The feature began rolling out to users in the U.S. in October 2020, more than a year after its announcement. As per the folks at Android Police, the feature has finally started expanding to users outside the U.S.While the official support page for the feature previously stated that it was only available in English in the U.S., it now notes that "some features aren't available in all languages or countries." Unfortunately, the support page doesn't include a list of countries where the Google Assistant Driving Mode is now available. The Android Police report, however, confirms that the fea...

Some heavy hitters arrive on PlayStation Now.What you need to knowPlayStation Now's April update includes Marvel's Avengers, Borderlands 3, and The Long Dark.All three games are available to play starting April 6.Marvel's Avengers will leave the service on July 5, and Borderlands 3 will leave on Sept. 29.Announced on the PlayStation Blog, PlayStation Now has added Marvel's Avengers, Borderlands 3, and the Long Dark to its library, all available to play starting on April 6.If multiplayer is your primary interest, then this month's update should be on your radar, as it features two of the biggest cooperative multiplayer games on PlayStation right now. Borderlands 3 is the latest in the famous looter shooter series and features tons of abilities, customization options, and insane enemies meant to be shot to pieces in online co-op or split-screen co-op.While Marvel's Avengers didn't exactly set the world on fire as the Avengers movies did, it's still an epic third-person ac...

WWE Network is now available on Peacock! With a Peacock Premium subscription, you can stream every WWE pay-per-view event live at no additional cost, plus binge-watch the massive collection of on-demand content like every episode of Raw and Smackdown. Premium plans at Peacock start at just $4.99 per month.Sign up at Peacock nowEven though the WWE Network streaming service is officially closed, wrestling fans haven't been left without a way to watch the latest WWE pay-per-view events and all the excellent content found within the WWE archives. In fact, it's even more affordable to watch now that WWE Network has merged onto NBC's Peacock streaming service. As of March 18, 2021, Peacock subscribers have access to watch every upcoming pay-per-view event live, as well as a huge collection of WWE content to watch on demand at any time.You can stream all of WWE Network's content, including live pay-per-view events like Wrestlemania and SummerSlam, with a Peacock Premium membership for...

HMD Global could be looking to differentiate its phones with a custom skin.What you need to knowHMD Global may soon start working on its own custom Android skin.The company is hiring a "User Experience Designer."Nearly all Nokia-branded phones from HMD Global run stock Android UI currently and are part of the Android One program.HMD Global is among the few smartphone makers that still offers devices that are part of Google's Android One program. According to a new report from XDA Developers, however, that may soon change.HMD Global is hiring a "User Experience Designer," which suggests the company may be looking to create a custom skin to differentiate its phones from other Android OEMs. Currently, all of the company's phones offer a stock Android UI. Its best Android phones also happen to be part of the Android One program, which guarantees two major OS upgrades and security updates for up to three years.The job description on LinkedIn doesn't reveal a lot of informati...