Latest from Android Central

Getting a tablet repaired quickly is easier than ever.What you need to knowAsurion now offers same-day tablet repairs in the U.S.You'll need to be on its Asurion Home+ plan.Same day repair is available as long as you drop it off at a uBreakiFix store before 2PM.You no longer have to wait for days to get a tablet screen fixed, at least, if you're in the U.S. Tech care company Asurion now offers same-day screen replacement for "most" tablets if you're a member of its Asurion Home+ plan. Presumably, most tablets include mainstream tablets such as iPads and select Samsung Galaxy tablets.The company announced the move this week, hailing itself as the first "tech protection product to commit to same-day cracked screen repairs nationwide."Mike Dolezal, Asurion's Vice President of Home Technology Innovation said: As home tech usage has increased, device damage has also risen. Our ability to provide same-day cracked screen tablet repairs is a huge step forward in our commitm...

Preorder the game now for an exclusive title and PSN avatar.What you need to knowTemtem enters early access on PS5 on December 8.Preorders for standard and deluxe versions of the MMO are available now.Crossplay is available between the console and PC versions.After launching on PC in January, Temtem, a Pokémon-inspired MMO from Crema and Humble Bundle, is hitting consoles for the first time this year. The game will launch in Early Access exclusively on PS5 on December 8.Players will explore the Airborne Archipelago taming Tems, customizing their home, fighting other players, or teaming up with friends for battles. Early Access will offer 30 hours of story and the chance to tame 100 Tems. The whole campaign can be played co-op with crossplay enabled with PC.Preorders opened today and Early Access players will receive a discount on the launch price of the game, a PlayStation Network avatar, and an exclusive in-game title. A deluxe version of the game also provides a ...

If you have an Alexa device, then you've probably wondered how to control your TV with your Amazon Echo speaker. As nice as it would be for every television to include a simple local network access function, most TVs still rely on good old-fashioned Infrared (IR) to receive commands. This isn't the best news for someone looking to convert their living room into Smart Home 2.0, but there are some tools available that make this a little easier to deal with than you'd think. If you have a newer, smart TV, you may be able to enable an Alexa Skill to help control your device. In contrast, if your TV is a bit older or doesn't support any Alexa Skills, there may be some hardware workarounds available. We'll show you three tricks we've found to give you power over your TV with an Amazon Echo.Products used in this guidePerfect harmony: Logitech Harmony Hub ($90 at Amazon)Master blaster: Fire TV Blaster ($35 at Amazon)Alexa's got skills: Vizio SmartCast (Free at Amazon)How to control...

Update, October 28 (03:45 pm ET): Google confirms that it will still sell Nest Tags and Nest Detects.I know you like to kill great products for no reason, Google, but what were you thinking?Nest has seemed stagnant for the last several years. After all, this month saw the release of the first new Nest Thermostat in over three years, and there haven't been any new Nest cameras announced since early 2018. That was back when the Nest Hello finally launched after being announced alongside the Nest Secure system.That same Nest Secure system was discontinued without warning this week, and no reason was given for the abrupt end of one of the few viable alternatives to Ring Alarm. Google has pledged that it will continue to support current users, but we have no clue how long that will last, especially given how hard Google has been pushing to migrate users from the Nest app to Google Home. Case in point: the new Nest Thermostat doesn't use the Nest app at all; you have to use the Googl...

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...What you need to knowDisney has released a handy rapid-fire recap of The Mandalorian Season One.Season 2 premieres on Friday, October 30 on Disney+.This upcoming season will follow The Mandalorian as he tries to bring The Child to the remnants of the Jedi Order.The Mandalorian Season 2 premieres October 30 at midnight PT on Disney+ — that's 3AM Eastern, in case you were debating staying up tomorrow night — and if you don't have 8 hours to binge the first season again, that's perfectly okay! The Star Wars YouTube channel has recapped the first season with a tight little 90-second video, complete with a reminder of what Season 2 is facing at the end. If the video itself doesn't clear up much, here's the Cliff Notes version:The Mandalorian is a bounty hunter who takes a job from some Empire remnant named The Client to hunt down a person, which turns out to be The Child. Adopted into the Mandalorian religion after being sa...

Nothing sus about professional blacksmithing.What you need to knowAmong Us is one of the most popular games of 2020, despite having originally launched in 2018.YouTube channel That Works recreated the blade used by the Imposters in Among Us.Based out of Baltimore, the YouTube channel also features videos of other popular weapons from your favorite videogames and movies.Among Us is still one of the hottest games of 2020, and it's easy to see why. The simple whodunit gameplay and availability makes it easy for just about anyone to pick up and play. Popular YouTuber and Blacksmith That Works took things a step further, however, and decided to craft the Imposter Blade from Among Us themselves.That Works is a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the art of blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and metalworking to both beginner and experienced enthusiasts. In the video above, host Matt Stagmer and Ilya Alekseyev take turns working a simple piece of metal into the jagged knife used...

The app is rolling out later today with native PS Store integration and more.What you need to knowSony is launching an updated PlayStation app that's been redesigned to enhance your experiences on PS4 and PS5.It includes new features like voice chat and native PS Store integration.The app is rolling out on Android and iOS devices later today.The PlayStation app is about to get a lot better ahead of the launch of the PS5. The updated app, rolling out later today on Android and iOS was redesigned to "enhance your gaming experiences on PS4 and PS5," according to Sony.If you want the updated app on your phone, you'll need to be running iOS 12.2 or later or Android 6.0 or later. It can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play for free. You will need a PlayStation Network account to access the app.This is great news for anyone who was wondering when the aging app would be updated. With the PS5 release on the horizon, more people will be looking for ways to conveni...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds over 10Gbps by combining 2.4GHz and wider 5GHz bands to provide a better experience and much wider coverage in the home. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops and now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers:1. TP-Link Archer AX60002. Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh3. ASUS RT-AX86U4. ASUS RT-AX92U5. TP-Link Archer AX15006. Linksys Velop MX57. Netgear Nighthawk MK628. Netgear Nighthawk AX54009. ASUS ROG Rapture AX1100010. NETGEAR Orbi Mesh RBK752What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is the best Wi-Fi 6 router for most people, with fast speeds and plenty of features to keep your network fast for a long time, including the robust HomeCare software package.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which is for peo...

Get serious about fitnessGarmin Vivoactive 4$320 at AmazonProsClassic and sporty designRelatively affordable for the feature setOn-screen workouts with animation come in handyCan build your own workoutsBetter battery lifeConsThe more expensive option of the twoRound face not for everyoneNo cellular optionIf your primary focus is fitness when it comes to choosing a smartwatch, and you participate in some serious form of training, you can't go wrong with a device like the Garmin Vivoactive 4. It has a ton of sports-specific features, logs just about every stat under the sun, and provides detailed reporting so you can keep track of progress. Plus, it comes in at an (relatively for what you get) affordable price tag.Apple Watch on a budgetApple Watch SEFrom $270 at AmazonProsMost affordable Apple WatchSame design and display as Series 6 WatchTons of convenient and entertainment apps to integrateUseful hand washing and noise level reminders...

Apple spent time and money to integrate magnets into and around high-powered induction coils. Did the company that makes your phone do the same?By now you probably know that Apple's new MagSafe iPhone 12 chargers mostly seem to work on some Android phones, like the Pixel 5 or the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It also works with other iPhones that weren't designed to be used with the new accessory in the same way. You might be thinking to yourself that this is awesome news, but you should also know that right now you might not want to do it. Samsung needs to copy the idea, but in the meantime be smart and let someone else experiment.Yes, I'm the same person who said Samsung totally needs to steal the idea and that using magnets to hold a charger or cable in place isn't anything new. Why then am I not excited to try the new MagSafe charger on any of my phones, then? Because only the iPhone 12 was designed inside and out to be used with a Qi high-powered (high-power for wireless devices, an...

We've researched, tested, and reviewed dozens, if not hundreds of devices, and have come up with the following list of what we consider the best Alexa devices. If you don't already have an Echo smart speaker, we recommend you pick up the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) to get started. It sounds great and comes in at a reasonable starting price. Of course, if you already have an Echo and want to see what else is available, well, we've got you covered there too.Best Amazon Alexa Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)The original Amazon Echo that debuted in late 2014 gave us our first introduction to Alexa, and we've been hooked ever since. What started out as a stark, black tube has evolved over three generations to a softer, gentler looking Alexa vessel, and has spawned an entire line of other Echo devices.This "regular" Echo (4th Gen) is the best of the series yet. It boasts an improved sound architecture over the first three generations, one that it borrowed from the more expensive Echo...

Excitement around the Galaxy S7 receiving a security patch underscores the state of Android updates in 2020.Samsung has committed to delivering three platform updates to its flagships and select mid-range phones and tablets, but the caveat is that the Galaxy S10 series and later are eligible to receive three updates.So if you're using the Galaxy S9 or an older flagship, you will not get the update to Android 11. For its part, Samsung is still doing a good job delivering security updates to older devices, and it even rolled out a patch to the Galaxy S7, a phone that launched four and a half years ago. As spotted on Reddit, the update includes stability and bug fixes, and the September 2020 security patch. Samsung is doing a better job with updates, but it can do so much more.It is great to see Samsung delivering an update to a four-year-old phone, particularly when you consider the company's lackluster performance in this area in the past. But the news underscores a bigger ...

Retailers are already leaking and posting Black Friday deals. We've seen some deals go live already. Others will only be live in the days leading up to that oh-so-special Friday, and they'll only last for a limited time. The point is though, if you're looking to save some money now is the time to do it. And who wants to save money more than someone looking for a Chromebook? That's the whole point in the first place, right? All the functionality and portability of a laptop at a fraction of the price. Now you can get all of it and more for even less thanks to some awesome Black Friday deals.The big retailers like Walmart, Dell, and Best Buy have already leaked Best Buy ads. We know what's coming from a lot of them. However, it is worth pointing out that ads are not the end-all be-all for Black Friday deals. Even if the one you're looking for isn't on this list, the fact that there are several deals gives you something to look forward to. You might just find a new deal the deeper into N...

Sony has clarified the steps needed to take to redeem the adapter.We're just a couple of short weeks away from the launch of the PS5, and even though your current PSVR will be compatible, Sony confirmed previously that using a PSVR on PS5 would require a camera adapter. You can now redeem one directly from the company for free.How to redeem your free PSVR adapter on PS5Go to global.support.playstation.com/s/pscamera-adaptor.Click the I am not a Robot checkbox and select Next.Enter the PSVR serial number, found on the back of the Processor Unit and select Next.Continue to fill out the form with your first name, last name, email address, shipping address, and phone number.Should you still have any trouble, you'll be asked to contact PlayStation Support.Speaking with UploadVR, a Sony representative confirmed that the adapter will not be shipped with the console in the box and that people will have to place an order to receive one separately.Because the new upgraded ca...

This is Halloween! This is Halloween!Smartphones scream in the dead of night!This is Halloween, everybody pick a theme!Trick or treat till the app is gonna crash in fright!You've probably got a costume for Halloween, right? Well, do you have one for your phone? You don't want to leave your most important device out of the fun, do you? Especially when you can make your Android phone look like anything from an old iPhone to Deadpool and everything in between. Android themes are amazing, and there's no better time to try one of our many Android themes than Halloween! So dress up your phone! Who knows? Maybe you'll like it so much you keep these decorations up 'til Christmas.MrMobileIf you wanna go to a party as everyone's favorite YouTuber MrMobile, get some gel in your hair, a Star Trek communicator and this theme on your phone. It's made to perfectly match that unique style used in his videos and thanks to our new and improved theme engine, applying this theme takes less tha...

The quest for European glory continues tonight as matchday two of the Champions League group stage takes place including this Group H clash between Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris Saint-Germain. Don't miss a moment with our Istanbul Basaksehir vs PSG live stream guide.Both of today's sides are coming into today's game off the back of a defeat in their first UEFA Champions League group stage game making this match even more important.Turkish Süper Lig champions Istanbul Basaksehir lost 2-0 away from home at RB Leipzig. In the domestic league, it has been two wins on the trot including a 5-1 drubbing of Antalyaspor in their last outing. Those have been Okan Buruk and co.'s only league wins thus far, though, and the current title-holders sit in 11th place after six games.Last year's Champions League finalists PSG were defeated by Manchester United in their opening Group H game. A late Marcus Rashford goal secured a 2-1 win for the Red Devils in that game. In Ligue 1, the Parisians ...

Samsung's Galaxy Note series has become well known for churning out big phones with big screens, and the Galaxy Note 20 is no exception to that rule. Touting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels all around, the Note 20 has a great canvas for watching movies, playing games, taking notes, or whatever else you want to do. If you want to be sure it stays in tip-top shape for years to come, pick up one of these screen protectors.It's all hereLK Film Screen Protector (2-Pack)Staff PickKicking off our list, we have some film screen protectors from LK — one of the most trusted brands in the screen protector world. These protectors are fully compatible with the Note 20's in-screen fingerprint sensor, are easy to install, have self-healing tech for light scratches, and you get two at a great price. Not to mention, LK even includes two protectors for the rear camera bump!$13 at AmazonAwesome valueHATOSHI Film Screen Protector (3-Pack)If you're looking for somet...

Free games are always welcome in my book.PlayStation Plus already offers a host of benefits to its subscribers, from exclusive discounts to online multiplayer access, and members are about to get even more when the PS5 launches. Sony announced the PlayStation Plus Collection, granting subscribers access to a library of select PS4 titles for free on the PS5. Here's everything you need to know about it.SubscribePlayStation Plus 12-month$60 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$60 at WalmartYour ticket to multiplayer, free games, and morePlayStation Plus offers exclusive discounts on games, two free games every month, access to online multiplayer, more cloud storage, and a whole lot more. It's absolutely something every PS4, and soon PS5, owner should have.Jump to:What is the PlayStation Plus Collection on PS5?Is the PlayStation Plus Collection on PS4?Which games are in the PS Plus Collection?Is it different from Xbox Game Pass?Is it part of PlayStation Now?What i...

The launch of the PS5 just keeps getting better and better as it approaches.What you need to knowBugsnax will be the first game available for free for PlayStation Plus members on PS5.The PS4 version of Bugsnax will not be available for free through PS Plus.Sony announced that Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Hollow Knight can be downloaded for free next month on PS4 for any PS Plus subscribers.The company also revealed a list of 20 games available at launch through the PlayStation Plus Collection.Ahead of its release in a couple of weeks, Sony announced that the first free game available with PS Plus on PS5 is none other than Bugsnax. Those looking to pick up Bugsnax on PS4 may be disappointed, however, because it will not be free on the older console. PlayStation Plus members have until Monday, January 4, 2021 ro redeem Bugsnax on PS5.Additionally, Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Hollow Knight will ne next month's free games for PS Plus members on PS4. Both games can be ...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and its ability to still hit an affordable price point.Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those two data points alone justify the Fire HD 8 as a great choice, but let's ex...

Google resumed the update today, presumably after fixing what was wrong.What you need to knowGoogle announced Chrome OS 86 recently, an update meant to make the company's desktop operating system more accessible.Instead, users report it has left some devices bricked and unresponsive leading to it being pulled from servers.Google restarted the rollout this morning after presumably fixing the underlying issue.Google announced Chrome OS 86 earlier this month, but the company has had to pull off its servers due to a variety of bugs (via Android Police.) Now, the rollout has resumed after the it has tackled the root cause presumably.It's not clear precisely what was wrong with the update. Some Pixelbook owners on r/ChromeOS reported their devices being bricked, while other Chromebook owners reported general instability. Some like myself suffered from nothing at all, but we can imagine that an issue like devices being bricked would lead to the update being pulled — even if on...

The delayed Prime Day event is now behind us but retailers are not taking any breaks when it comes to rolling out Black Friday deals. We saw a few great smartwatch deals earlier this month and we expect many more as the weeks roll on this fall.When it comes to Android watches, there are a variety of brands and models to choose from, and just as many different retailers to shop at. Because of that, it can be hard to know where to get the best deal. Instead of searching every different retailer's Black Friday ad, just scroll down and take a look at the best deals we've rounded up for you. As Black Friday gets nearer, we'll update this list with more options.When it comes to shopping Black Friday Android watch deals, be wary of older models or the cheap-end offerings that, despite being cheap, may not offer great value for money. During big sales like Black Friday, retailers want to shift a ton of products and often use these super-low price offerings as impulse purchases. For our r...

The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) and Shield TV Pro may have radical new tube designs, but you're probably wondering what are the best NVIDIA Shield TV Pro compatible controllers are. Thanks to the fact that not only is it the best Android TV box, it's also a capable gaming console that can access games from the Google Play Store or from NVIDA's GeForce NOW game streaming device. For all of that, you'll need a controller. Luckily, NVIDIA offers solid support for Bluetooth controllers, which means that you've got a slew of options to choose from.Specially designed by NVIDIANVIDIA Shield ControllerStaff PickThe NVIDIA Shield controller is designed to take full advantage of all that the NVIDIA Shield can do, with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and headphone jack, along with dedicated volume and Android system controls. Unlike other controller options, it connects via Wi-Fi, so there are no latency issues to contend with.$60 at Best Buy$60 at B&H PhotoRetro gamin...

Best NAS for Home:1. Synology DiskStation DS220+ ($300)2. Synology DiskStation DS220j ($170)3. WD 4TB My Cloud ($160)4. Synology DiskStation DS120j ($100)5. QNAP TS-451+ ($363)6. Synology DiskStation DS920+ ($550)7. Buffalo LinkStation 210 4TB ($154)8. Asustor AS5202T ($300)The best network-attached storage (NAS) for home is one that lets you stream your media collection and back up all the devices on your network seamlessly. A NAS essentially lets you create your private Netflix or Spotify, and most models on this list let you access your media over the internet. If you're looking to build your own media server or need a solution for backing up data, these are the best NAS enclosures for your home in 2020, although if you were to start somewhere, we'd recommend the Synology DiskStation DS220+.1. Synology DiskStation DS220+ $300 at AmazonBest OverallBottom line: The DiskStation DS220+ ticks all the right boxes: it has robust internals, making it ideal for Ple...

More powerJabra Elite 85t$230 at Amazon $230 at Best BuyProsHybrid ANC Great sound qualityBetter call quality than Elite 75tComfortable fitResponsive controlsWireless charging caseConsLarger frameMore proprietary ear tipsTaller and heavier caseJabra had a tough act to follow with the excellent Elite 75t, but the Elite 85t take things to another level by adding on previously missing features. They also sport improvements in some key areas that make them easy contenders for the best true wireless earbuds. You're looking at a capable pair of earbuds that can do just about everything.Hanging inJabra Elite 75t$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy From $150 at WalmartProsGreat sound qualitySmaller frame, comfortable fitANC support through firmwareSmaller charging caseMaintains great app supportLess expensiveConsFewer charges from case compared to Elite 85tNo wireless chargingCall quality not quite as goodThe Elite 75t now have a succe...

Oh the places you'll go and the things you'll see.What you need to knowSony has unveiled the launch ad for the arrival of the PS5.It doesn't focus on any games but instead showcases the theme of human exploration.It's also narrated by Travis Scott, a strategic creative partner at PlayStation.The PS5 is just a couple of weeks away and now, Sony is sharing the global launch ad for the PS5. The ad eschews any particular games and is instead focused oni themes of overcoming peril and human exploration. It's narrated by Travis Scott, PlayStation's newest strategic creative partner.It's pretty in line with past PS5 ads, which have all been about immersion and excitement coming with the new console.The PS5 is set to release on November 12 in the U.S, UK, Japan and a few other countries, with a global launch on November 19. Some of the different launch games include Demon's Souls PS5 remake and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.The remakeDemon's Souls$70 at Amazon...

Walmart is going big this Black Friday. Super big. What's bigger than big? Humongous? Walmart is launching three Black Friday events over the course of the next month, and that doesn't even include whatever is happening for Cyber Monday after that. The first major event starts on November 4, and it includes deals on electronics. Plus, all of Walmart's deals will be available online.That's fine, of course, but you're not here to talk about toys and kitchen appliances. You want a big ole honkin' 4K TV to cover up that unsightly blank wall in your living room. I understand, and so does Walmart. There are going to be a ton of 4K TVs on sale during Walmart's Black Friday events including deals from major brands like TCL, JVC, and Sceptre. The regular deals will start around $199.99, but Walmart also plans to have some TV-related online doorbusters bringing some great sets as low as $148.We've got all of Walmart's best TV deals right here, but keep in mind plenty of retailers will be fea...

While already a fantastic phone, your experience can be even better when you add some of the best OnePlus 8T accessories alongside it. Things like a battery pack, wireless headphones, a case, or other great options can really complete the package. These are some of the best for the OnePlus 8T.Get a gripOnePlus 8T Sandstone Bumper CaseStaff PickThe sandstone cases from OnePlus have always been fantastic — both as thin protection options and texture. This year it comes in a unique cyan color that looks as great as it feels.$25 at OnePlusPower for allAmazonBasics 5-Port Wall ChargerA charger that can quickly charge not only your phone but other devices is a great thing to have around. This option gets you a Power Delivery USB-C port along with four USB-A ports, so there's no waiting around to plug in your other electronics.$34 at AmazonStay in tuneOnePlus BudsFor a reliable pair of true wireless earbuds that work wonderfully with the 8T, you can...

It might take a few days for the update to become available in North America.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 has started receiving a new software update.The update brings the Galaxy Watch 3's voice guidance feature to the smartwatch. While the update is currently available only in South Korea, it is expected to expand to other countries soon.Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 received a major update last month, with some of Galaxy Watch 3's best features. The company has now started rolling out a new software update to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 with another Galaxy Watch 3 feature. This time, Samsung is bringing voice guidance support to one of its best Android smartwatches.As per TizenHelp, the latest software update for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 arrives as version R820XXU1CTJ5. Once you install the update on your smartwatch, you will be able to use voice guidance during exercises, as long as you have a pair of wireless earbuds connected.In a...

Online security is a hot issue for an important reason — who wants to be tracked while they're browsing online? It's reassuring to know that your online activity is protected and kept private for several different reasons, and a proxy server can help here. Similar to VPNs, but with some key differences, using a proxy is a useful way to reroute where you appear to be browsing from but cannot encrypt your data like a VPN can. Keen to know about the best proxies? Read on, and we'll tell you how actually the best proxy is a VPN with some minor caveats.That's because a proxy server offers less privacy than a VPN. It works as a gateway between you and the internet so that the details of the websites you visit are saved to the proxy server rather than to your computer. While the proxy owner can see your real IP, the websites you're browsing can't. It's a simple way of dodging advertiser tracking while browsing, as well as other privacy intrusions that mean you feel like big companies are ...

The holiday of candy, costumes, crazily scaring people — and best of all, PUMPKINS!!! is upon us — and you should be celebrating! Not all of us get to dress up to the nines and go beg for candy anymore, but that doesn't mean your phone can't get a cute costume, too! There are lots of ways to theme dress up a phone without getting tacky cases, and that's why we're bringing you a variety of sweet and simple wallpapers that remind us that not only is Halloween here, but it's for more than just horror shows. Here are the sweetest and spookiest Halloween wallpapers for your Android phone to dress up with!Go retroTrick or Treat by Adam GrasonStaff PickThis brighter, more nostalgic take on the Halloween black cat comes from the outrageously talented Adam Grason, who has done beautiful work for companies like Google and Disney. This festive piece features a black and white cat posing inside a jack-o-lantern carved with an adorable cartoon face. We've taken this wallpaper and am...

The last update of a generation.What you need to knowSony's Q2 2020 financial results have been shared.Over 113.8 million PS4s have been shipped.Additionally, digital software ratio reached 59%.Sony has shared its Q2 2020 fiscal results for the three months ending September 30, 2020. The Game and Network Services Segment saw an 11% increase to $4.8 billion (506.6 billion yen), with all categories increasing except for sales of PS4 hardware, which is explained with the upcoming launch of the PS5 in November.Sony also notes that first-party software, particularly Ghost of Tsushima, was responsible for bolstering revenue during this quarter. With the PS4 crossing 112.3 million units shipped in the prior quarter, an additional 1.5 million shipped in Q2 mean 113.8 million PS4s have been shipped.PlayStation Plus subscribers increased to 45.9 million, though there was no update on the number of PS Now subscribers. Digital ratio of gaming software was 59%, down from 74% last qu...

VPNs usage has skyrocketed in our current social distancing reality, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune for some added security and privacy protections. In fact, with Black Friday around the corner, VPN prices are already beginning to fall. NordVPN is offering a timely deal on its 2-year VPN plan taking 68% off its regular price. On top of that, you'll also score an additional month, two months, or year for free. So, if you're feeling lucky, check out the deal and see what freebie you get.Billed upfront at $89, you're saving almost $200 on the 2-year plan versus the regular month-to-month cost for that period of time. That drops the equivalent monthly cost down to just $3.71 making this one of the best VPN deals out there. If you get the free year on top, that monthly price is even less. Even if you get a free month it's better than nothing.You've probably heard a lot about VPNs of late, and for good reason. They enable you to keep your private information private,...

If you're anything like me, then sometimes you absolutely love to get the pants scared off of you with a good horror game. Unfortunately, not all horror games are created equal. There are loads of games intended to give you the creeps, but fall way short. However, some of the best PS4 horror games are also some of the best games that the PlayStation 4 has to showcase. With so many of these games likely to be available on the PS5, you may want to check out some of these titles, especially with Halloween just around the corner.★ Featured favoriteResident Evil 2Resident Evil fans have had a few good years. Resident Evil 7 was a killer return to form that had me feeling equal parts excitement and terror. As if that weren't enough, Resident Evil 2 is an amazing remake of the beloved classic with some new elements mixed in. If you want some great scares and awesome gameplay I suggest picking it up.$26 at Amazon $20 at Best Buy $16 at PlayStationHorrific choicesU...

Chatting with the AC forums.We've talked a lot about the Pixel 4a since its release earlier this year, and for good reason. It's one of the very best values the market has to offer right now, delivering a great display, performance, cameras, and more for just $350.Following the horrendous battery life of the Pixel 4, we've been quite pleased with how the 4a handles a full day of use. It doesn't have the absolute best endurance we've ever seen, but it's proven to be more than capable of getting through a full day without any problems.Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what other Pixel 4a owners have to say about their battery experience: TgeekB 10-21-2020 10:34 AM “ I would consider myself a moderate user. Text, email, news, weather, music, etc. I easily get though a day. Reply vzwuser76 10-21-2020 04:56 PM ...

Google's cutting out a step in a common user workflow.What you need to knowGoogle Docs wants to get better fo Office users with a new change.The app will now automatically open compatible office files in their respective editors. It's rolling out for all users between October 27th and November 11th.Google Docs could open Office files for a while now. First, double-clicking on a file stored in Drive would open the file as a preview rather than in an editor. You'd be given the choice to open it in an editor if you wanted to or download it, but most people opening Office files do actually want to work on them at that moment.Likely as a result of user feedback, Google is changing the workflow. Instead, it'll open Office files including .docx, .doc, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm automatically in their associated editor app, whether Docs, Sheets, or Slides. Users may still invoke the Preview by right-clicking and then pressing preview, but the default behavior for Docs is no...

We use our phones anywhere and everywhere, exposing them to filth, germs, bacteria, and even viruses. We take them from place to place, holding them in our hands, to our ears, and putting them in our bags or pockets. It's a good idea to properly clean and disinfect your device frequently to keep the grime and nastiness under control so those germs don't migrate from the phone to you. Fortunately, here are some of the best phone cleaning kits that include everything from phone sanitizers, screen wipes and sprays, and also cleaning solutions that will help you and your remain healthy.Clean screen on the goZEISS Mobile Screen Wipes (60ct Box)Staff PickIf you need your screen clean when you're not home with your spritzer bottles, I absolutely adore these single-serve wipes. I keep a few of them in my bag for wiping my screen after it gets all sweaty and grimy when I'm out and about.$11 at AmazonLet there be lightPhonesoap Smartphone UV SanitizerThis phone-sized tannin...

There are a bunch of enhancements and fixes, too.What you need to knowOnePlus has released the OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 update for the 8 and 8 Pro phones.The update optimizes the Canvas AOD feature and improves background process management.Several bug fixes are included as well.OnePlus has started rolling out the third OxygenOS 11 Open Beta to two of its best Android phones. While the stable OxygenOS 11 update has already started rolling out to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 brings Ambient Display improvements and several bug fixes.The latest OxygenOS 11 Open Beta adds Canvas support to the Always-on ambient display. To enable it, you will have to head over to Settings > Ambient Display > Always-on ambient display and choose "All day." The animation effect with Canvas has also been optimized, so you can expect a smoother unlock experience.In addition to the Ambient Display improvements, OnePlus claims to have optimized the background process mana...

For the first time in its 20 year history, Big Brother kicked off its 22nd season with a live two-hour premiere. However, after a grand total of 85 days, Big Brother All-Stars is coming to an end and we have all the details on how you can watch the season 22 finale online or on TV.Unlike past seasons that introduced Big Brother fans to an all new cast of players, this season of the show adopted the All-Star format where favorite cast members from previous seasons returned for another shot at winning the half a million dollar grand prize.Normally Big Brother announces the cast ahead of time but this year to keep up the surprise, the cast of season 22 wasn't revealed until premiere night. This season's Big Brother contestants were all either past winners, former finalists or favorite houseguests from past seasons. As we go into the finale though, Keesha, Nicole A., Janelle, Kaysar, Bayleigh, Ian, Da'vonne, Kevin, David, Dani, Tyler, Memphis and Christmas have all been eliminated wi...

Get that puzzle solved once and for all.Genshin Impact, the hit new open world, action RPG is here and with it, tons of challenging battles and puzzles to solve as you explore the world of Teyvat. Each of the major battles requires a different strategy, but most can be beaten with access to some of the best characters. The puzzles, however, cannot just be brute-forced. Fortunately, we here at Android Central know everything you need to know to get past each of these puzzles so you can continue your journey through Teyvat.The Chi Guyun Geo Statue puzzleAt the top of the highest mountain in the Qingce Village sit several Geo Statues you can light up. However, you can only light up four and if you pick wrong, you have to start over. In the center of the statues is another bit of Incomplete Writing to offer you a clue on how to solve this puzzle. Unfortunately, the clue requires a pretty intimate knowledge of the region which you probably don't have yet.Hint: if you change the ti...

Anker's having a one-day blowout at Amazon on its popular and well-reviewed charging accessories with prices discounted by 30% or more while supplies last! This sale offers a varied mix of products to help you power up including power strips, USB-C cables, wall chargers, car chargers, and more.For an easy and affordable way to quickly charge up your phone, pick up the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 for just $18.99 — its best price to date. The 30W USB-C wall charger can get your compatible device charged up quickly and, being equipped with GaN tech, it's still a super compact brick that won't overheat.At home or in the office, you likely have a lot of devices plugged in at all times so it makes sense to grab a power strip to give yourself some more AC outlets. The Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule power strip is your best pick today if that rings true for you. It's down to just $44.99, a $25 savings, and features three AC outlets, two 15W USB-A ports, and a 45W USB-C PD connector. I...

Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 phones are still worth talking about.In the second half of each year, Samsung launches a new entry in its Galaxy Note series to showcase the very best it has to offer in smartphones. For 2019, Samsung used the Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, and Note 10+ 5G to do just that.2019 was the first year Samsung's ever launched three Notes simultaneously, and along with that, the company also made some controversial decisions when it comes to legacy Note features. Even so, these handsets stand out as some of the best smartphones Samsung has to offer right now (even with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Note 20.Eager to learn more? Keep on reading.The perfect tenGalaxy Note 10$942 at AmazonFrom $710 at Walmart$850 at B&HSamsung's 2019 Note is still a powerhouseWith the Galaxy Note 10 series, Samsung decided to market three different models instead of one, removed the headphone jack, and phased out the microSD card. However, with gorgeous AMOLED ...

Google and Samsung don't measure up to what Apple is offering with its latest smartwatch.I've used dozens of smartwatches over the last five years — everything from Wear OS to Samsung's Tizen-based offerings, Fitbit's products, and Xiaomi's budget-focused models. The only product I actually ended up using for any meaningful stretch of time was the LG Watch Urbane, and that was because Android Wear (as it was called then) was still a novelty.My nonchalance toward Wear OS smartwatches stems from Google's foibles in this area. Wear OS hasn't received any meaningful updates in a long time, and the interface just does not feel cohesive. The same goes for Samsung — while the Galaxy Watch 3 looks great, the software lacks polish.So when I was offered the chance to try out the Apple Watch Series 6, I was immediately interested. The Apple Watch carved out a huge lead in the wearable segment over the last five years, and I wanted to see if Apple's implementation is better than what G...

The update is only available for 2018 and newer Fire tablets.What you need to knowAmazon is rolling out a new software update to select Fire tablets to turn them into your smart home control hub.The new Device Dashboard lets you easily control smart devices such as smart lights, switches, plugs, and thermostats.You can access the new Device Dashboard from any screen, including the lockscreen. Amazon has released a new software update for some of its Fire tablets, adding a new Device Dashboard that enables them to control smart home products that are Alexa-compatible.To access the new Device Dashboard on your Fire tablet, you will simply have to tap on the new Smart Home button that appears on the left corner of the navigation bar. You won't have to close any apps to access the Smart Home button, as it is accessible from every screen. The Device Dashboard allows you to control any compatible Alexa-enabled device, including smart lights, security cameras, switches, plugs, a...

Genshin Impact's multiplayer mode is easy to unlock and use. Here's how you access it.If you, like many of us, are playing Genshin Impact, you may have noticed that the further you get into the game, the more challenging things start to get. And I don't mean technically — I mean that enemies start to have just, piles of health. Domains, the game's equivalent of dungeons, are far tougher. It sure would be nice if you could do all these challenges with a friend or two, huh?Fortunately, you can. Genshin Impact has a multiplayer feature that lets you bring up to three friends along on certain adventures. And it's relatively easy to unlock. Here's how you do it:How do I unlock multiplayer in Genshin Impact?Multiplayer in Genshin Impact is unlocked at Adventure Rank 16. It happens automatically once you acheive this rank, and you don't need to do anything else to make it available.How do I get to Adventure Rank 16?Adventure Rank 16 is not too difficult to access. Follow t...

If you're looking for a killer Ring Video Doorbell deal, look no further than this refurbished bundle offering a factory reconditioned Ring Video Doorbell Pro with a 1st-gen Amazon Echo Show at Woot. The pair of devices is going for only $124.99 there — less than the doorbell alone usually goes for — making it a total no-brainer. All you have to do is add both the doorbell and the smart display to your cart and you'll see the extra savings applied automatically at checkout.These two devices make a great pairing, hence the bundle. The 1st-gen Echo Show has a 7-inch compact display and Alexa built right in. You can use it to control your entire smart home, but you can also use Alexa to check in on your Ring device and see who's at the door. Thanks to the Video Doorbell Pro's built-in speakers and mic, you can talk to visitors without leaving your kitchen. You can also get alerts sent straight to your device any time the Ring Video Doorbell Pro detects motion or someone rings the ...

The quest for European glory continues tonight as matchday two of the Champions League group stage takes place including this Group G clash between Juventus and FC Barcelona. Don't miss a moment with our Juventus vs Barcelona live stream guide.After a disappointing round of 16 exit in last year's competition, today's hosts Juventus will be hoping for a better showing in this year's Champions League campaign. The Italian champions got off to a good start in the tournament with a 2-0 win at Dynamo Kyiv with two Álvaro Morata goals securing the victory on the night.In the league, the Serie A title-holders are unbeaten so far as they aim to lift a record tenth consecutive Coppa Campioni d'Italia. However, three of those games have ended in a draw including a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Crotone which leaves Bianconeri in 5th place currently.That being said, it's as good a time as any for Andrea Pirlo's side to be playing Barcelona. Though Barça won their first Champions League...

What are the top things I need to know about the Note 8?The Galaxy Note 8 has been one of our favorites in the storied Note series. At one time, it was the biggest phone Samsung made, and it continues to influence the series to this day. While you may not be considering purchasing one at this stage, it's still a serviceable workhorse for many, even several years after it was released.Jump to:Price and availabilityReviewsSizeComparisonsCamerasColorsFAQsGalaxy Note 20Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Price and availabilityThe Note 8 was very clearly the top-end device in Samsung's flagship lineup when it was released in August of 2017. It initially retailed for around $950, give or take, depending on the market and carrier. These days you can find it for much cheaper, whether you're purchasing one previously owned or as new.Samsung Galaxy Note 8 ReviewsIf you want to revisit what we thought of the Galaxy Note 8 when it debuted, you'll want to check out or original ...

If you're consistently running low on time throughout the day, having a smart robot vacuum cleaner like one of these discounted models from ILIFE could work wonders for your life. Even though Prime Day is long gone and Black Friday sales are yet to kick off, you can actually snag all-time low pricing on a couple of robot vacuums thanks to this one-day sale at Amazon. Both of the featured models actually went on sale in the run-up to Prime Day and today's prices are even lower with up to 35% off.The popular ILIFE A9 is discounted as part of the sale. It's down to $149.99 which is its biggest price drop to date, $10 lower than its Prime Day price.Unlike some robot vacuums, the A9 will not just run around randomly cleaning up your floors. It uses sophisticated mapping and navigation technology and cleans in a methodical back-and-forth pattern. It won't repeatedly go over the same spots and it won't miss areas. Plus, the vacuum has 14 smart sensors that help it to clean along furnitu...