Latest from Android Central

The Trump administration tightens the screws on SMIC.What you need to knowThe Trump administration has added SMIC to a blacklist of entities with alleged ties to the Chinese military.The move is the latest in a series of restrictions placed on the manufacturer over the course of the year. At this point, it's unclear if the Biden administration will overturn these changes once the president-elect takes office next month. The Trump administration has added Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), China's largest chipmaker, to a blacklist of entities that have alleged ties to the Chinese military. The move is the latest in a series of restrictions that were put on the chip manufacturer over the course of the year.A few months ago, the U.S. government mandated that U.S. companies will need a license to do business with SMIC after stating that the company posed an "unacceptable risk of diversion to a military end use in the People's Republic of China."SM...

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

Google's Pixel smartphones are some of the best Android devices ever released, but if you're hoping to get your hands on one of these stellar devices at a discount, you should first take a look at the latest Google Pixel 4a models. After a series of delays over the course of the year, the Pixel 4a is finally available for purchase — and we're collecting all the best Google Pixel 4a deals right here. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package.Unlike previous Pixel devices, there is no XL model of the Google Pixel 4a. However, its 5.81-inch OLED display is more than suitable for browsing the web, watching videos, playing mobile games, and more. The Pixel 4a is also equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor, 6GB LPDDR4x RAM, 128GB non-expandable storage, and a 3140mAh battery. Plus, it's fitted with a 12.2MP dual-pixel rear camera and an 8MP front-facing camera featuring an 84-degree field-of-view. All in all, even t...

WhatsApp has a nifty new feature that lets you send disappearing messages. With the feature enabled, new messages in a chat will disappear after seven days. The feature is now available for both one-to-one and group chats, so here's what you need to know about disappearing messages in WhatsApp, and how you can set it up right now.How to send disappearing messages in WhatsAppFor individual chats, either user can set up disappearing messages. But for group chats, only the admins can enable the feature. Once disappearing messages are enabled, all new messages in the chat after that point will disappear after seven days.The existing messages in the chat will be unaffected, and it is only valid on new messages after the feature is enabled. So let's see how you can send disappearing messages in WhatsApp:Open WhatsApp from the home screen. Select the individual or group chat for which you're looking to set up disappearing messages. Tap the contact name or group name to access the...

Whether you are buying a PS5 or already have yourself a PlayStation 4, you are probably considering picking up a PlayStation Plus subscription. For those unaware, PlayStation Plus is Sony's online subscription service that allows you to play multiplayer games with friends, get discounts on games, and so much more. Normally, the service costs about $60 for the year, but you generally don't have to look too far in order to find a discount on it — especially with the holidays coming up.What's really great about shoppnig for PlayStation Plus subscriptions is the fact that they can be stacked, so even if your subscription isn't due right now you can still buy a discounted one and then add it to the end of your current subscription. This means that you can even buy two of the subscriptions on sale and potentially get two years of PS Plus for the same cost as a single year would normally cost if you weren't looking for a deal.PlayStation Plus has a LOT of great benefits beyond just th...

Samsung could begin rolling out the stable One UI 3.0 update to the Galaxy S20 FE before the year's end.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S20 FE could begin receiving the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update before the end of the year.Samsung is also expected to begin pushing Android 11 to the Galaxy Note 20 series phones later this month.The Galaxy S20 series began receiving the stable One UI 3.0 update earlier this week.Earlier this week, Samsung shared its One UI 3.0 update roadmap, confirming plans of updating over 40 Galaxy phones and tablets to the latest Android version.The Galaxy S20 FE, which is among the best Android phones the company has released in a long time, was conspicuously missing from the list. According to new information shared by tipster Max Weinbach, however, Galaxy S20 FE owners won't have to wait very long to get the stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update.12/1412/27Possible One UI 3 update release dates for Note20 and S20 FE— Max Weinbach (@Ma...

OnePlus 8TAll the latest tech$749 at AmazonProsGorgeous 120Hz AMOLED displaySnapdragon 865 with 5G connectivity65W fast chargingAndroid 11 out of the boxDecent camerasConsNo IP ratingNo wireless chargingThe OnePlus 8T is packed with the latest tech you'll find today. There's a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED screen backed by the Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G connectivity, 65W fast charging, and Android 11 out of the box. If you want one of the fastest phones in the market today, you should get your hands on the OnePlus 8T.iPhone 12Incredible cameraFrom $799 at AppleProsGorgeous OLED panelFastest internal hardware available todayOne of the nicest iPhone designs everFive years of guaranteed updatesExcellent camerasMagSafe has tons of potentialCons60Hz panel with wide cutoutNo charger in the boxStill uses LightningThe iPhone 12 combines a great new design with the fastest mobile chipset in the industry today. The screen is limited to 60Hz, bu...

It's a bit of good news for Huawei, but its troubles are far from over.What you need to knowHuawei's CFO, Meng Wanzhou, could enter talks as soon as Friday that may lead to charges against her being dropped.Wanzhou, who is being held in Canada, has been adamant that she hasn't done any wrongdoing, a stance that could stall her return to China.The negotiations would not affect the ongoing cases against Huawei regarding a conspiracy against U.S. tech companies.If you're wondering how things went wrong with Huawei's relationship with the US went wrong, Meng Wanzhou, the company's CFO, might be able to tell you. That is if she decides she wants to talk. Reuters reports that Wanzhou, who has been the subject of an ongoing criminal case with the United States, could enter talks this Friday that would see her charges deferred and eventually dropped. The problem up to this point is that she denies any wrongdoing, making it difficult for negotiations to come to blows.It's hard to ...

Australia will be looking to build on their 2-1 ODI series win earlier this week, as India's tour of Down Under continues with this three-match T20I series - watch every ball with our live stream guide below.Providing perfect early prep ahead of next year's World Cup, this trio of matches kicks off at the high-scoring Manuka Oval.While the home side will come into the series brimming with confidence, they're set to be somewhat below strength for these three matches.David Warner is ruled out for the Wallabies after picking up a groin injury and Pat Cummins is set to be rested, while the hosts could also be without Ashton Agar and Mitchell Starc.India will draw encouragement after averting a whitewash in the final match of the ODI series, with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja both impressing.Both players could be complimented in this short form series by fellow all-rounder Washinton Sundar, adding some extra bite to an Indian side looking to improve upon their initial showing...

A growing list that's starting off small at launch with only a few titles.Xbox Game Pass for Android is here, and though the service supports over 150 games, only a handful of those support touch controls. A controller may be the preferred method to play these games, but you have the choice to go the old school mobile gaming route and just use the screen of your phone or tablet if you want to.Every game with touch controls on Xbox Game Pass (xCloud) for AndroidBloodstained: Ritual of the NightCelesteDead CellsGolf With Your FriendsGears 5 (in testing)Guacamelee! 2Hellblade: Senua's SacrificeHotshot RacingHyperDotInkfellIndivisibleKiller Instinct: Definitive EditionMinecraft DungeonsNew Super Lucky's TaleScourgeBringerSlay The SpireStreets of Rage 4Tell Me Why (Chapters 1-3)The TourystUnderMineVambrace: Cold SoulThat's it, unfortunately. Microsoft is working with developers to add touch controls to more titles after launch, but as of right now, the list i...

The PlayStation Network is back up again after suffering an outage.Update, December 4 (11:45 pm ET): PlayStation Network services have been restored, with the network down for just under an hour.What you need to knowUsers are facing issues signing into PSN and connecting to services.The network is in maintenance mode, and showing an error WS-37398-0. The PSN dashboard shows that all services are running as normal. Sony's PlayStation Network is seeing an outage right now, with users unable to sign in to their accounts or connect to Sony's servers. The issue seems to affect all consoles, including the PlayStation 5, and users are seeing a WS-37398-0 error when trying to sign into their accounts.According to Downdetector, the issue is predominantly affecting PSN users in the U.S., but Twitter also has several instances of users from Japan facing issues signing into their accounts.The PSN service dashboard shows that all services are running, so this could just be a routi...

In a surprising turn of events, ASUS Zenfone 7 Pro has proved its unique flip cameras are more than a gimmick.What you need to knowThe ASUS Zenfone 7 Pro won a blind camera comparison, at times only narrowly besting some of its competition.According to Marques Brownlee, the Zenfone 7 Pro performed most consistently throughout the comparisons.The final round put the Zenfphone against the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra, which beat out the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra before the final round.It's about that time when all the Best Ofs emerge to collect all the products released throughout the year to face off against each other. In a blind camera test performed by Marques Brownlee, 16 smartphones were put in the ringer to determine the camera king of 2020. Voters decided between pairs of photos, taken by unknown smartphones in a series of rounds. Voting took place on both Twitter and Instagram, and the results were a mix of surprising and not so much.In the first round, featuring all ...

Razer's audio lineup continues to deliver in big ways, now with a genuinely great True Wireless offering.The true wireless earbud market right is all about compromise right now. There are no headphones in the center of the battery life, audio quality, and feature-rich Venn diagram; you need to choose which is most important to you and buy accordingly. This year, Razer's focus on its audio products couldn't be more clear. As its audience grows up, their tastes have evolved as well. Audio quality is the priority, and Razer's new True Wireless Pro earbuds do a great job keeping what was good about the originals and improving in several critical areas.But like all true Wireless earbuds, there are some compromises.Razer Hammerhead Pro review:What I likeWhat I don't likeThe competitionShould you buy?Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro ...

Tomorrow Never Dies when every day is the same.What you need to knowMost of the James Bond films are available to watch for free on YouTube, but they'll come with ads.The only films not available in the lineup are those featuring Daniel Craig as Bond.Craig's final Bond film, No Time To Die, is slated for release in April 2021.I don't know about you, but over the course of this pandemic, I feel like I've watched all that the internet has to offer. That is until MGM decided to pull a fast one on us and make most of the James Bond films free-to-watch on YouTube. That's right, You can now watch 20 of the 24 Bond films for free, albeit with ads. I'd call that a steal for a franchise worth over $7 billion.One caveat here is that none of the Daniel Craig films are available, meaning if you want to include Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre in your binge, you'll have to find them elsewhere on other streaming services or just rent them from YouTube.The mo...

PlayStation VR is becoming a much larger VR platform, and with that comes a lot more games. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's hard not to be overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games that we're most excited about that are releasing soon.★ Featured Favorite - TBAAfter the FallFrom the creative minds behind Arizona Sunshine, this multiplayer FPS is set 20 years after the apocalypse in the ice-covered ruins of L.A. The game pits four players against a hostile world, so play with friends or strangers.Check out the trailer hereTBAHumanityStaff PickExplore the nature of humankind. This game offers a unique perspective on humans and how they work together. Does it help or hinder each level? How do they function together?Check out the trailer hereJanuary 21, 2021Hitman 3Slip into a world of infiltration and assassinations as Agent 47. Hitman 3 will bring us the dramatic conclusion to the Worl...

The developers behind SteamWorld are partnering with Stadia for a brand new exclusive game.What you need to knowThunderful Games is partnering with Google for a brand new Stadia-exclusive game.This is a new studio founded by merging Image & Form with Zoink.Developers on this team created the SteamWorld series, Stick it to the Man, Ghost Giant, Fe, and more.Google Stadia continues to shore up its stable of developers and publishing partners. Today, it was announced that Thunderful Games is partnering with Stadia to create a new "available only on Stadia" title for the cloud-based gaming platform is exciting news. Thunderful is a recently-created studio that was founded out of the merger of Image & Form with Zoink, bringing together multiple talented teams.Thunderful's new project won't be revealed until early 2021, but it should be a great addition to the ever-growing list of games on Stadia.In the blog post, Klaus Lyngeled, Head of Development at Thunderful Game...

Purchasing a new TV can be pretty expensive, but if you know where to look, you have the opportunity to save hundreds on brand new models. Dell is well-known for its computers and its online store is full of them, but there's also a wide selection of TVs available. Dell routinely offers some of the best TV deals and best smart TV deals online, and often you'll even score a free gift card with the purchase! With the holidays right around the corner, there's no doubt we'll be seeing Dell offer some stellar discounts to compete with the retail giants this month.Dell's TV selection ranges in price by quite a lot, which means there are TVs for buyers at any price point. However, the best deals tend to be on the higher-priced models; the more you spend, the greater the opportunity is to save big. Dell even offers monthly financing with no interest on select 4K TVs if you pay off the balance within 12 months. It also pays to sign up for a free Dell Rewards membership. You'll receive up to...

Gone are the days of needing to plug your phone into your computer, transferring pictures, and then printing them from the computer. Many printers offer the ability to print directly from your Android device, and with the help of services like Google Cloud Printing, more manufacturers are jumping on board. We have found the best photo printers for you to pair with your Android phone, no matter what your budget is.Sophistication at its finestCanon PIXMA iP110 Wireless Mobile PrinterStaff PickThis Canon printer not only prints in amazing quality, thanks to its 9600x2400 dpi, but it also allows you to print them straight from your phone with no hassle. Plus, this is ultra-lightweight so that you can take it with you if you need to leave your home but want to print some pictures.$530 at AmazonWireless printingEpson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Photo PrinterGet a 4-by-6-inch photo print in just 36 seconds, printing wirelessly as well as from USB or memory card slots. Th...

The GM of BioWare and executive producer of Dragon Age depart.What you need to knowCasey Hudson and Mark Darrah both have a long history at BioWare.Having formerly left BioWare before returning and becoming studio head, Hudson is now leaving. Darrah, executive producer on the Dragon Age franchise, is also leaving.Electronic Arts is now looking for a new head of studio for BioWare, while a new Dragon Age producer has already been chosen.Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah, GM of BioWare and executive producer of Dragon Age games, respectively, are leaving BioWare. This news comes from a new blog post that also confirms the studio's existing projects are continuing, including the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition remaster, Dragon Age 4 and a new Mass Effect game.Samantha Ryan will be overseeing BioWare for now until a new studio head is selected, while Christian Dailey, formerly of Blizzard Entertainment, is taking the role of executive producer on the next Dragon Age game currently...

It's no secret that Android tablets are a lot less popular today than they were a few years ago. Despite that, Samsung continues to be one of the few companies that still releases new tablet options regularly. That's a good thing for you and me because Samsung knows what it takes to create a killer tablet. Whether you get our top overall pick — the Galaxy Tab S7 — or anything else mentioned in this roundup, here are the best Samsung tablets you can buy in 2020.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S7You have a large number of Galaxy Tabs to choose from, but above everything that's on offer, the Galaxy Tab S7 stands out as our go-to recommendation. It's one of the newest tablets in Samsung's lineup, and for most folks, it'll be the best one you can buy.The most important aspect of any tablet is its display, and in these regards, the Tab S7 has a lot going for it. You're treated to an 11-inch LCD panel with a 2560x1600 resolution and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether ...

When it comes to protecting your home or your small business, finding the right security camera can be a real challenge. You want cameras that are easy to set up and use, all for a great price. SpotCam has the solution with its latest line of security cameras.Trust SpotCam with your security camera needsFounded by experts with years of experience in CCTV industry, SpotCam's team saw something sorely lacking in the industry's current offerings. To truly meet the needs of consumers, this team brings together experts in video streaming, cloud server storage, and web apps with the goal of shattering traditional ideas of CCTV products.Whether using your Android phone or tablet, your laptop, or PC, you always view your current feed, stored footage, and saved videos. SpotCam makes creating, sharing, and even streaming videos from your footage incredibly easy, while also utilizing bank-level encryption technology and SSL security to assure that no one else can see your footage.What...

Stadia is kicking off the last month of 2020 with a bang.What you need to knowOutcasters and Submerged: Hidden Depths are both out now for $20 each or free for Pro subscribers.ESO is free for Stadia Pro subscribers from today until 7 a.m. PT on Dec. 9.Six new games hit Stadia Pro this week, including Hitman 2 and Into the Breach.Valkyria Chronicles 4: Complete Edition launching on Dec. 8.Google Stadia just passed the one-year anniversary mark last month and over the past year, it's grown considerably. Looking at the list of every game on Stadia the consistent quality of its Pro subscription offering is becoming apparent.Google is kicking off the last month of 2020 with a bang as well by launching two brand new Stadia-exclusives today that are being added into the Pro subscription, as well as six new games for Pro earlier this week.The two new exclusives titles releasing today are Outcasters, a quirky twin-stick shooter with cute blob-like characters, and Submerged: Hid...

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

Big Red may charge an arm and a leg for its service, but the best Verizon phones don't all have to be unattainably expensive. Whether you're after the top-of-the-line Galaxy Note 20 Ultra or you'd rather save some money and pick up something like the Moto G Power, there are plenty of great options for one of the nation's top-rated carriers.Best overallSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5GStaff PickThe Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is Samsung's ultimate mobile experience, cramming powerful specs and a 6.9-inch 120Hz display into a modern design. It also has an enormously capable camera system that features a 108MP main sensor and up to 50X zoom with the periscope-style telephoto camera. You also get a massive 4500mAh battery and 5G support, along with the multifunctional S Pen stylus.$54.16/mo at VerizonBest compact phoneGoogle Pixel 5If you value clean software and timely updates above all else, there's no better choice than a Pixel. Of course, the Pixel 4a also takes incr...

Cyberpunk 2077 is truly just around the corner now.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 is the hotly anticipated sci-fi RPG from CD Projekt RED, the creators of the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.The game releases officially on December 10, 2020, after several delays and months of waiting from players.CD Projekt RED has revealed the exact release information for Cyberpunk 2077 on Stadia, PC and console, as well as pre-load information.PC will release simultaneously across the globe, consoles will release at midnight local time, and pre-loading is live for Xbox now.After months of hype and repeated delays, Cyberpunk 2077 is officially just around the corner, launching all around the world on December 10, 2020, for Xbox, Playstation, PC, and Stadia. On Twitter, CD Projekt RED revealed the exact release times for the game, as well as all the pre-load information you need to know, so you can jump into the game the moment it launches. You can see the tweet below, but we've also compiled a...

Best answer: Google Stadia launched nearly a year ago as a way for players to get access to the games they love without needing a console or dedicated gaming PC to play them on, and the Google Stadia game list has grown ever since. When it initially launched last November, Stadia boasted a modest amount of playable games, but things have changed pretty quickly, with a ton of games being made available in the months that have come, and many more on the horizon.Get a jumpstart on things: Stadia Premiere Edition ($70 at the Google Store)If you want to buy separately: Chromecast with Google TV ($50 at the Google Store)Control with assistant: Stadia controller ($52 at the Google Store)Full Google Stadia game listAssassin's Creed OdysseyAssassin's Creed ValhallaAttack on Titan 2: Final BattleAry and the Secret of SeasonsBaldur's Gate III: The Black Hound (early access)Borderlands 3Cake BashCelesteCraytaCris TalesDOOMDarksiders GenesisDead by DaylightDestiny 2Doom 6...

Google steadily improves on the new Google TV experience.What you need to knowGoogle is improving how its recommendations work on Google TV as it begins taking user preference into account.It's only available on TVs and not the Google TV app on mobile.You'll be able to try it when it finishes rolling out across the U.S. this week.If there's one thing Google is good at, it's recommending you stuff. Whether it's stuff to watch on YouTube, stuff to listen to with YouTube Music, improvements to your photos, etc., the company is good at its shtick.For owners of the Chromecast with Google TV, the company is expanding how its recommendations systems work to the new device with a new feature coming this week.The Google TV team announced via blog post: Starting this week, you can help train Google TV on the big screen to give you better recommendations by sharing your preferences. In Settings, click "Content Preferences" and quickly rate a series of movies and shows to insta...

Source: StackCommerceLearning something new is always a positive, but not everyone has time to sit down and watch video lectures. Knowable offers a neat alternative, packaging expert instruction in audio courses. Right now, you can get lifetime access for $59.99 — that is 75% off.Many of us enjoy listening to podcasts on the way to work or while doing chores. Knowable takes this idea and makes it educational.Rated at 4.7 stars on the App Store, this app gives you access to tutorials from over 200 leading experts in a wide range of fields. It's basically the audio version of MasterClass.Just by putting on your headphones, you can improve your understanding of business, career growth, entrepreneurship, sales, and marketing. The library also covers creativity, personal finance, health and fitness, food and drink, and self-improvement.Named one of Google Play's "New Apps We Love", Knowable is the ultimate learning resource for busy people.Lifetime access is worth $249, but you...

As our connected lifestyles and smart homes continue to merge, we are finding new ways to secure our houses and belongings, like choosing from among the best security cameras with local storage. In light of recent data breaches and privacy scandals, many are looking for options that feature on-device storage solutions (a.k.a. don't use the cloud), so we've put together a list of some of the best options for your reference. My favorite out of the bunch is the eufy Cam 2. It has all of the features I want, with none of the added expenses (subscriptions).Best Overall Security Camera with Local Storage: eufy Cam 2Eufy makes a line of quality smart home products like this Indoor/Outdoor camera, but one of the things we like best about its products is the one-time fee model they espouse. You don't have to purchase an ongoing cloud storage subscription to access or store your videos, and this device even comes with 16GB EMMC digital storage, which is enough to store up to a year's wor...

Google is also rolling out a new Go Tab in Google Maps and adding over 14,000 new unique emoji combinations to Emoji Kitchen on Gboard.What you need to knowGoogle is making Android 11's Voice Access feature available to older Android versions.The updated version will be available in Beta for devices running Android 6.0 and above.Google has also announced five other new features that will soon be coming to Android.Google introduced several useful new features with Android 11 this year, including a built-in screen recorder and Chat bubbles. The latest Android version also brought a huge update to Google's Voice Access accessibility feature, making it much easier for users to interact with their Android device using just their voice. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Google has announced an updated version of Voice Access that is now available globally to devices running Android 6.0 and above in Beta. Aside from Voice Access, Google is bringing five other new ...

Mixing the quirky charm of Fall Guys with an inventive twin-stick shooting format.Slowly but surely, Google is building out a library of quality Stadia games. With recent examples such as Destiny 2 and Super Bomberman R Online both going free-to-play for anyone and everyone, the ecosystem should be thriving with new users. That's why it could be the perfect time to launch an addictive and fun new competitive game like Outcasters.The premise here is pretty simple: You dress up your little squishy blob character in different outfits, shoot fireballs at each other, and unlock new customization options along the way. It controls like a twin-stick shooter and has just enough quirky charm to feel like its own beast, but it's still lacking enough depth and variety to get a wholesale recommendation.At a glanceOutcasters Bottom li...

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is getting on in years, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still pick up one of the best Galaxy S8 cases. Whether you bought your phone on Day One or decided to buy the Galaxy S8 in 2020, you want this phone to last you as long as it can, so buy it a case that will protect it in style!Pretty and protectivei-Blason AresStaff PickWhile most multi-layer cases hide all of your phone's delicate features from view and harm, the Ares lets the beauty of your S8's glass back shine through the clear polycarbonate back, aided and complemented by bold accents like creamy pink or vivid green.From $16 at AmazonFrom $18 at WalmartThe glass standardSpigen Liquid CrystalIf you want a case that will cover your glass against scuffs and scrapes while still not hiding a single inch of its beauty, Spigen's Liquid Crystal is simply the best around. I'm partial to the Liquid Crystal Glitter variant, but the regular clear case is great on its own.$11 at AmazonL...

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over but there are still some stellar Cyber Week deals that are available only for the next few days. For those who could use some extra help around the house, this sale on iRobot Roomba Robotic Vacuums at Amazon has prices starting as low as $179 — matching the price we saw during Black Friday for a limited time. If you don't want to miss these deals, be sure to shop soon!The most affordable model on sale today is the Roomba 675, now down to $179. Today's deal saves you $101 off its regular cost of $280 and brings this robotic vacuum within $5 of its lowest price in history. This model works both on hard floors and carpets, and is also suitable for cleaning up pet hair. Just like the other models in the sale, you can use an app on your phone to schedule when this robotic vacuum cleans your home. It even returns to its charger when the battery gets low so that it can power up again all by itself.Then again, if you're looking for the biggest sav...

Samsung's next big version update is now available.One UI 3.0 — Samsung's custom interface for Android 11 — is finally starting to arrive. Between official rollouts and public betas, Samsung's well underway with its update process for the new software.Here's what you need to know about the One UI 3.0 update/beta, the list of eligible phones slated to receive the stable update, and when you'll get the stable OTA update on your Galaxy phone.The default choiceSamsung Galaxy S20+$950 at Amazon$950 at Best BuyA great all-round optionThe Galaxy S20+ is one of the best phones on the market today, with a gorgeous design coupled with enticing hardware. You get a stunning 120Hz AMOLED panel, global 5G connectivity, Snapdragon 865 chipset, outstanding cameras, and all-day battery life with wireless charging.Samsung One UI 3.0:When will my phone get the update?Public beta How to enrollAvailabilityNew features When will my Samsung phone get the One UI 3.0 up...

IPVanish Why choose IPVanish VPNA deeply customizable VPN that's great for streaming, torrenting and use on lots of devices at once.Works withMacWindowsAndroidiPhone & iPadLinuxRoutersBest VPN forNetflix, Hulu, and streamingGamingTorrenting and downloadingSecurity and privacySee at IPVanishProsNetflix unblockingFast live chat supportUnlimited connectionsOwned serversConsShort trialOdd issue with usabilityNo Bitcoin supportIPVanish is a VPN that's U.S. based. For some that might be a red flag for security but in this case the provider owns and runs its own servers, meaning it can offer privacy and anonymity. It also means, if you're U.S. based, you can get some great speeds on closer servers with over 1,700 dotted about more than 75 locations worldwide.It's not only the local server...

Samsung phones now go up to 11.What you need to knowSamsung today announced the rollout of Android 11 and One UI 3.0.It's coming this week to the Galaxy S20 line.In the coming weeks, it'll hit other flagships including te the Note 20, S10, and even the A-series. Samsung may have skipped the S11 this year, but Android 11 is rolling out right on schedule. The company today announced the release of Android 11 and One UI 3.0 to its flagship phones following a short beta testing period.Today, it'll come to the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra in Europe, the U.S., and Korea. We've already seen it rolling out on Verizon devices this week, so that checks out.In the coming weeks, users of the Galaxy Note 20, Z Fold 2, Z Flip, Note 10, Fold, and S10 families will get the update as well, while Galaxy A-series phones should have it before July 2021.Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics said: The launch of One UI 3 is just the...

Surfshark VPN Why choose Surfshark VPNFor high-speed performance and plenty of features, without the high price, this could be the best VPN for you.Works withMacWindowsAndroidiPhone & iPadLinuxRoutersBest VPN forNetflix, Hulu, Disney+ and streamingGamingTorrenting and downloadingSecurity and privacySee at SurfsharkProsSuper affordableGreat connection speedsNetflix unblockingSuperb securityConsToo basic for someA full featured and high-speed VPN doesn't have to be expensive. Surfshark proves that point perfectly by offering one of the best services out there for nearly half the price of the competition.Surfshark VPN is a relatively new service compared to some other options out there, but what it lacks in age it makes up for in features. From tight security and privacy to feature-rich...

It may be hard to pick the best Pixel 5 case because there will be so many options. Whether you want a ruggedly handsome heavy duty case, a super slim and stylish case, or something in between like the perfectly balanced Caseology Parallax, these are the best Google Pixel 5 cases to be found right now.Safe and stylishCaseology ParallaxStaff pickThis mesmerizing case has protected my last two Pixels with grace, and the colorways for the Pixel 5 are quite fetching. The Aqua Green will fit the green Pixel 5 perfectly while Burgundy and Navy Blue jazz up the black Pixel 5.From $15 at AmazonLong-term protectionTudia Dualshield Merge SeriesIf you want a heavy-duty case without a heavy-duty price, Tudia has been the go-to for years. The Merge Series gives you the impact protection and grip of a flexible TPU sleeve with the sturdiness of a polycarbonate back.$11 at AmazonMachine washableGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric cases are luxurious and eco-friendly, craf...

The first Motorola phone with the Snapdragon 888 is something we didn't expect.What you need to knowQualcomm announced the Snapdragon 888 this week, its most powerful SoC ever.Motorola says the Moto G next year will ship with an 888. The Moto G line has traditionally shipped with lower-end processors in the 6xx and 7xx series. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 is set to make a debut with powerful phones like the Xiaomi Mi 11, the OnePlus 9, and other Android flagships. For Motorola, it's coming in next year's Moto G, an odd choice for the smartphone OEM.Announcing the move, Motorola shared that next year would be the 10th generation of the Moto G series, and the Snapdragon 888 is a perfect fit for a celebration of the line.As far as choices go, this seems to be an odd one. On the one hand, Motorola has often shipped the Moto G with low-end components, making up for it with an otherwise delightful experience. We'd expect the 888 to make a debut in something like the Motorola Edg...

After one of the strangest years in modern history, it's finally December... somehow. The end of the year crept up on us quickly, and the holidays are nearly here. Unless you want to be caught empty-handed when the moment comes to give out gifts, it's time to start buying anything you plan on giving away later this month.Fathers are some of the most notoriously difficult people to shop for, but ESPN is making your decision much easier this holiday season. ESPN's streaming service, ESPN+, has a yearly subscription that you can gift to others at its regular price of $49.99. That means your giftee will get a year's worth of access to the service completely free, and you also don't have to worry about the subscription renewing and charging you again; the gift subscription asks your recipient to enter their payment details after one year has passed if they want to continue their membership.With a subscription to ESPN+, members gain access to stream thousands of live events, exclusive ...

The Orbit B-hyve 8-zone smart indoor sprinkler controller is down to $63.50 on Amazon. This 8-zone controller was selling for as high as $80 in September and was selling for around $75 for most of October. This is only the second time all year we have seen the controller drop this low. Today's deal seems to be a remnant of the Black Friday shopping weekend so it may not last long at all. If you're looking to do your sprinklers in a smarter way, you might want to act fast and save some money.Smart sprinkler controllers can change how you water your yard. This is an 8-zone controller, which gives you a lot more options compared to the 4-zone version. And today it's only $4 more for twice the zone control. That's significant.The B-hyve is Wi-Fi capable. That alone opens up a ton of options for you. For one thing, it's fully functional with multiple platforms. Connect to Android smartphones, iOS mobile devices, or even Orbit's own free app. Use it when you need it because those contr...

The ultimate robot-fighting series BattleBots is returning for an all new season and we have all the details on how you can watch BattleBots 2020 online or on TV.After production was halted back in March due to the pandemic, filming resumed for the new season in October without a live audience. Instead, the spectators were the teams themselves and they were able to watch all of the action from specially constructed "opera boxes" placed around the show's giant BattleBox arena.The new season of BattleBots will see 60 teams from across the globe compete in the hardest tournament in combat robotics. This year unproven rookies, up-and-coming stars and returning legends will throw their fighting machines into the BattleBox for a chance to walk away with the preeminent prize in robotic sport, The Giant Nut.In the 2020 season premiere, former world champion Ray Billings and his lethal bot Tombstone will face off against New Zealand native Jack Barker's End Game in an epic Main Event cl...

The OnePlus Nord N10 is now making its way into the hands of the masses, and that means you're going to want to get the best OnePlus Nord N10 screen protectors. The Nord N10 has instantly become a contender for one of the best cheap Android phones, and if you got one, you likely already grabbed one of the best Nord N10 cases. So be sure to finish the ensemble to keep the Nord N10 running for as long as you can.Best ValueLK Tempered Glass (6-pack)Staff PickInstalling a new screen protector on your smartphone can be a frustrating proposition, and LK aims to help alleviate those frustrations. Along with including three screen protectors for the front display and three for the rear camera module, there's an instructional video that shows you exactly how to install them with ease.$11 at AmazonLifetime warrantyMr. Shield Tempered Glass (3-pack)With some tempered glass screen protectors, you'll have to worry about the "rainbow effect," which can make it frustrating...

Upgrading your monitor can be a super expensive prospect. The greater the specs, the higher the price. If you're building a PC on a budget or just looking for a new screen and don't want to break the bank, you need something with good value. In that case, this deal on the Lenovo Q27q-10 is right up your alley. You get a whole lot of value from one screen, especially since Best Buy has the Lenovo Q27q-10 27-inch LED monitor black on sale for $199.99 right now. This is one of the best prices we've ever seen on this monitor, which normally sells for around $240 and definitely sells as high as $300 in some places like Office Depot.When I call this a bang-for-your-buck monitor I mean that for the amount of money you're spending, you're getting a lot in return. For one thing, the specifications are great. The monitor has 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. That's a higher-than-average refresh rate and faster-than-normal response time, especially fo...

Looking to save even more money on Mint Mobile? Here are the current deals and promo codes to help!Finding a Mint Mobile deal or Mint Mobile coupon has never really been a hard task. The MVNO carrier loves to have some fun with promotions, and we like to keep track of them. There are quite a few options when it comes to carriers for your smartphone, and odds are you're shopping around for the best deal. Postpaid plans are a good option for some, but prepaid plans get you the lowest price, as long as you're willing to put your money down first.Mint Mobile is an alternative carrier that uses T-Mobile's 4G LTE network to bring you great coverage at an even more affordable price. In the past, going prepaid with an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) often meant that you sacrificed a lot when it came to your plan, but that isn't the case anymore. With Mint Mobile you can pick data allotments of 2GB, 5GB, or even 10GB, depending on your usage habits, and all of the plans come with u...

Insiders can now delete their phone's photos through their PC with the Your Phone app.What you need to knowThe Your Phone app now allows Insiders to delete images from their smartphone.The feature is limited to Insiders at this time but should roll out to more people in the future.The Your Phone app already allows you to view images from your smartphone on your PC.Microsoft's Your Phone app allows you to view your smartphone's recent photos directly on your PC. A recent update for Insiders adds the ability to delete photos as well. The feature makes it easier to leave your smartphone in your pocket, as you can now do one more thing on your phone without having to have it in your hand.At this time, the feature appears to be rolling out to Windows Insiders. We spotted the feature on a device registered in the Release Preview Ring. The update that adds the ability to delete photos brings the app to version 1.20111.125.0.The Your Phone app already allows you to send text ...

Fans of The Voice are in for a treat this week as the show will air a one-hour holiday special and we have all the details on how you can watch The Voice Holiday Celebration on TV or online.To help spread some holiday cheer, the show's season 19 coaches Blake, Kelly, John and Gwen will share some of their favorite holiday traditions and memories in The Voice's holiday special that will premiere on NBC this Thursday. There will also be performances of holiday classics and popular modern favorites from past coaches, superstars and artists from the "Voice" family.According to a promo that aired during Tuesday night's episode of The Voice, NBC gave fans a preview of what they can expect during The Voice Holiday Celebration. The teaser showed past Christmas performances from Gwen Stefani, Michael Buble, Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Pharell Williams and Jennifer Hudson. At this time though, it's still unclear as to whether or not this year's holiday special will be a montage of clips a...

With the PS5 officially out and players getting the chance to experience some next-gen titles, sports games like Madden NFL 21 are about to release their own next-gen upgrades to give players the opportunity to experience their favorite sports in next-gen. The Madden NFL 21 next-gen upgrade is set to release on Dec. 4, and luckily for those who own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, figuring out how to upgrade Madden 21 to the PS5 version is fairly easy.How to upgrade your version of Madden NFL 21Thanks to EA's Dual Entitlement feature, players will be able to download the next-gen version of Madden NFL 21 for no extra cost. If you've already purchased Madden NFL 21, you can head straight to the PlayStation or Microsoft Store on your console and download the next-gen version.This process works the same whether you've purchased a physical or digital copy of Madden NFL 21, although if you've purchased a physical copy of Madden NFL 21 but are upgrading to a discless PS5 or Xbox S...

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a godsend for those of us who want to stick with our trusted non-smart television and also want to access Netflix on it, while the Fire TVs have all the capabilities of Amazon's Fire TV Stick built into the TV itself. They're generally affordably priced, but the best time to purchase one is during a sale. Below are the best Fire TV deals we could find to help you locate the right device or TV set for your home.Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Available NowFire TV devices: from $18Fire TVs: as low as $100Device bundles: starting at $48Sometimes, Amazon offers deals which are only available to Prime members, so it helps to keep your membership active while you're on the hunt.Best Cheap Fire TV Device DealsCyber Monday are nearly here, and that means there are some great Fire TV deals to be had. If you have yet to cut the cable company out of your life, the devices listed below are easily worth their full price so you can finally make it happen. You ...

Chatting with the AC forums.In the world of budget Android phones, we often praise Motorola's Moto G series as being one of the best out there for quality handsets at low prices. In 2020, we saw the release of the Moto G Stylus, Moto G Power, and Moto G Fast (along with plenty more outside of the U.S.).Moto G phones certainly have their problems, but if you're looking to spend no more than $200 - $300 on your next Android, they continually stand out as market leaders.A few of our AC forum members recently started talking about their Moto G ownership, saying: kbz1960 12-01-2020 01:45 PM “ Looks like a quiet forum, which should be good. Just got one and like it so far. Reply frederickdawg 12-01-2020 07:00 PM “ Same here bought one yesterday, made a few tweaks as I couldn't handle the gesture ...