Latest from Android Central

Google's entire lineup of Nest smart home devices will be "Works With SmartThings" certified.What you need to knowSamsung has joined hands with Google to bring Nest integration to the SmartThings ecosystem.Starting next month, SmartThings users will be able to control their Nest devices through the SmartThings app.It will also soon be possible to stream from your Nest devices directly to your Samsung TV.Samsung today announced a new partnership with Google to integrate Nest products into its SmartThings IoT platform. The integration will make it possible for Samsung SmartThings users to control Google Nest thermostats, cameras, and doorbells through SmartThings, as they will be "Works With SmartThings" certified.Ralf Elias, Global Vice President ioT at Samsung Electronics, said in a statement: SmartThings technology continues to enhance and improve the way we experience smart living. We're pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Google and integrate Nest in...

Sending money to friends and family has never been easier thanks to mobile apps like Venmo and Cash App, but did you know that you can share your Google Pay QR code to do the same thing from Google Pay? It's actually a very simple process, and we'll show you how you can do it in the steps below.How to share your Google Pay QR codeOpen the new Google Pay app.Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.Tap on the blue QR code icon next to your image.If the person with whom you want to share your QR code is nearby, have them scan your screen.If the person is not nearby, tap on Share profile.Tap one of the share options, or tap More to share in your app of choice.Being able to send money to friends and family from the Google Pay app is not a new feature. It's actually been a favorite option for people using the app for quite some time now. Thankfully, the newest version of Google Pay has kept this personal payment option around and has also added tons of other gr...

Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off)Surfshark: $2.21 per month (83% off)PIA VPN: $2.59 per month (78% off)NordVPN: $3.61 per month (68% off)FastestVPN: $16 lifetime membershipIPVanish: $2.91 per month (76% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PureVPN: $1.48 per month (86% off)More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreToday's best VPN deals include 49% off ExpressVPN, access to Surfshark VPN for less than $3 per month, and a $17 lifetime license for FastestVPN. See below for all the details.Fas...

If you're bored of the homogenous flagship phone lineup available each year or need something that can take a little more of a beating, it's worth looking beyond the usual smartphone brands for your next handset. The Armor 10 5G is the latest rugged device from Ulefone and right now you can snag one at a $150 discount.Better yet, the first 200 buyers that get one at the discounted $399.99 price will also score a Ulefone Watch thrown in at no extra cost. That smartwatch goes for $40 on its own, so it's a nice added extra.In terms of specs, the Ulefone Armor 10 5G is packing plenty of good stuff. It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G chipset, and runs Android 10. It also has 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.There's a hole-punch in the display for the 16MP front-facing camera and on the back there's a 64MP quad-camera array as well as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It charges via USB-C or 15W fast wireless charging and has a 5,800mAh ba...

Smartphones are becoming more accessible with features like Look to Speak.What you need to knowSpeach therapist Richard Cave worked with a team at Google on an experimental app designed for persons with disabilities.Look to Speak lets users communicate by using their eyes to select phrases that their phone will speak aloud.The app is designed to supplement, rather than replace, existing systems that use gaze to control communication.Smartphones are extremely useful and are getting smarter and faster every day. But despite that, they can still pose difficult to navigate for users with speech or motor impairments. Recently Google pushed an update to its Voice Access feature that improves the interface and makes it easier to navigate with just the sound of your voice. But for users who may not be able to speak or physically interact with their device, a small team at Google have come up with a solution.With the help of machine learning and the expertise of speech and languag...

Google Pay just got a massive redesign in the U.S. along with a host of exciting new features, including cashback rewards, easier money transfers, ordering food from local eateries, and much more. You will need to try it out to see all the new features on offer. Here's how to set up the all-new Google Pay.How to download the new Google Pay appGoogle Pay is installed out of the box on Android phones, but if you don't see the new version yet, you will have to update it on the Play Store manually. Here's how to do it:Open Google Pay and select the card that says, Get the new Google Pay. This will take you to the Play Store. Hit Install to download and install the latest version of Google Pay. You should see the new Google Pay splash screen.How to set up the new Google Pay appThe new version of Google Pay has so much more to offer, and Google walks you through all the new features when setting up the service. Here's how you can set up the new Google Pay:Open Google Pay...

Jio will be the first carrier to roll out 5G services in India.What you need to knowReliance Jio plans to launch its 5G service in India in the second half of 2021.Jio's 5G service is expected to be powered by an indigenous-developed network, hardware, and technology components.Jio is also expected to launch its first entry-level 4G Android phone early next year.Jio, India's largest telecom company, today confirmed that it plans to roll out its 5G service in the country in the second half of 2021. Speaking at the virtual India Mobile Congress 2020 today, Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said that Jio's 5G service will use indigenously-developed network, hardware, and technology components (via LiveMint).It is worth noting, however, that the Indian government is yet to award 5G spectrum. Due to the poor financial health of the industry, India has delayed 5G auctions until the first quarter of 2021. Airtel, which is Jio's biggest competitor, ...

The Moto G9 Power packs a bigger battery than any previous Motorola phone.What you need to knowThe Moto G9 Power is now official in India.It comes with a large 6.8-inch display and a massive 6000mAh battery.The phone has been priced at ₹11,999 ($163) in the country. Motorola introduced the Moto G9 Power last month, its latest budget Android phone aimed at users looking for great battery life. The phone has now been launched in India to take on some of the best cheap Android phones on sale in the country.The Moto G9 Power sports a large 6.8-inch HD+ display with a hole-punch cutout on the top-left corner. It is powered by Qualcomm's 11nm Snapdragon 662 chipset, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.Even though the Moto G9 Power isn't a camera-focused device, it still has an impressive triple-lens system on the back with a 64MP primary sensor. You also get a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Its biggest selling point, however, is the massive 6000mAh battery...

ColorOS is about to see a boost in color.What you need to knowLeaker Evan Blass has unveiled details of the premium OPPO Find X3 Pro, expected early next year.There will be a particular emphasis on color, as the phone will reportedly support 10-bit color management throughout.OPPO will apparently not make the jump to 125W wired charging that was unveiled in July.OPPO is expected to announce a trio of flagship smartphones in March 2021, and some leaked details of the premium model paint an interesting picture of how OPPO plans to differentiate with these phones from other top smartphones. It's been rumored that the company is punching up the color profile on the display, introducing a color management system and 10-bit color reproduction. This seems to be the focus of the Find X3 Pro, codename "Fussi", as OPPO readies the tagline "Awaken Color".Front and center is the already impressive dynamic 120Hz QHD+ display, which changes the refresh rate based on what's being viewed...

Take the best shots with more ease than ever before.With the new console generation comes a new user experience and new ways of doing things like taking photos. With the PS5 out in the wild worldwide, there are several new and altered features like sharing their favorite captures with the DualSense controller. Here's how to take and share a screenshot on PS5.How to take and share a screenshot on PS5 with a DualSenseSign in to your PS5.Play any game.When you want to take a screenshot, press the Create button on your DualSense controller.This will bring up the Create menu, which has a variety of options for customizing your screenshot.Press Take Screenshot when you are happy with your shot. Alternatively, without opening the Create menu, you can press and hold the Create button to take a screenshot.To share this screenshot, navigate to the Control Center.Find and select the Card that has recently captured media.After doing a final check, share the screenshot on PlayS...

A galaxy far, far away is coming to your living room again very soon.The recent Star Wars resurgence (thanks to Disney's acquisition of the franchise) and the new sequel trilogy of movies has caused an explosion in the number of Star Wars fans around the galaxy. Many of these newer fans didn't grow up on the original Star Wars, but this generation of younglings can still experience them in other ways. When a dated movie just doesn't cut it, video games can step in to help. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is aiming to do just that.And let's be honest. Adults love the LEGO video game series too. I'm sure it will be on my personal list of the best PS4 games.Jump to:What is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga?Who is making it?Will it adapt other movies?What can I expect from gameplay?Will it let you fly spacecraft?Is it a remake?Is there anything else to expect?The Holiday SpecialPre-order bonusWhat's in the Deluxe Edition?When does it release?All nine films...

Just what is in store?What you need to knowA new trailer has been released for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season One.This season is introducing Vikhor "Stitch" Kuzmin.Season One is set to release on December 16, 2020.In the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, Nova 6 gas was a deadly chemical weapon that helped drive the urgent plot. Now, in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season One, Nova 6 is being manufactured again, this time by Vikhor "Stitch" Kuzmin. Kuzmin previously tackled with Russell Adler, a character from the main story in in Black Ops Cold War. You can check out the new trailer for Season One below, which gives us a hint at just what is coming.After a short delay saw it pushed back, Season One is set to release on December 16, 2020. Season One is bringing a new Warzone map, alongside new multiplayer maps, modes, guns, Blueprint variants and more, all of which Activision touts as the largest free content update in Black Ops history. We'll get to see ...

Epic Games hopes physical events can return at some point in the future.What you need to knowThere will be no in-person Fortnite tournaments in 2021.The first Fortnite World Cup sold out a New York stadium with 23,700 viewers in 2019.Epic has said it would like to have physical tournaments in some form in the future.While PAX announced last week that it has started scheduling conventions for summer 2021, anticipating that a COVID-19 vaccine will make large-scale gatherings viable by then, Epic Games is playing it safe. The company has announced that there will be no in-person Fortnite events in 2021.While the Fortnite team said that they hope to have some form of physical events in the future, they want to make sure to keep their players and staff healthy and safe. The company had cancelled what was meant to be its second Fortnite World Cup in 2020 due to the pandemic, instead launching a series of virtual competive events known as the Fortnite Champion Series.The Fortn...

The new Google Pay app has a lot going on. You can send money to friends, earn cash back rewards on your purchases, track your spending, and a ton more. One of the more fascinating additions is the Plex bank account. This is a checking/savings account that's integrated directly into the Google Pay app, allowing you to have all of your finances in one single place. Interested in signing up? Here's how to do it!How to sign up for Google Plex bank account in Google PayOpen the new Google Pay app on your phone (it's free to download if you don't already have it)Tap Insights on the bottom navigation bar (the $ icon).Tap Join a waitlist for a Plex accountSelect which waitlist(s) you want to join.Tap Join.The Plex accounts will be available at some point in 2021, and once they do launch, being on this waitlist will ensure you get the heads-up as soon as it happens. At the moment, you can sign up for a Plex account that's powered by either Citi or Stanford FCU.If neither of t...

Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier operating on T-Mobile's network that sells its plans in multi-month bundles so you can save money. You can buy three, six, or 12 months at a time. Plans come in 3GB, 8GB, 12GB, or even unlimited and even include 5G. Should you decide to try out Mint Mobile, porting your number from another carrier is a fairly simple and painless process.Products used in this guideUnlimited calls, texts, and 3GB: Mint Mobile ($45 for three months at Mint Mobile)Unlocked with LTE and 5G: Samsung Galaxy S20 5G ($790 at Amazon)Bring your number to MintBefore starting the porting process, it's important to note that your phone number must remain active on your previous carrier throughout the process. If you cancel your old service before moving to Mint, you likely won't be able to recover your phone number — at least, not without going through a much more tedious process.Once you've decided on a plan and received your Mint Mobile SIM card, starting the porti...

Stadia expands to more European countries for a total of 22 supported countries.What you need to knowStadia is now available in 22 countries as Google adds support for 8 more European countries.Users in these countries can use Stadia starting today.They include Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Switzerland.Google has expanded the number of countries with Stadia support to 22 countries as it now includes support for Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Switzerland. It's coming to those countries from today, and users who sign up will get a free month's worth of Stadia Pro to try out games included in the Pro catalog.Of course, you'll need to pay out if you want to own one of those larger AAA gamesthat Stadia offers right now, but at least some titles like Destiny 2 are included in the Pro Pack. Pretty soon, you'll also be able to play the hotly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 on Stadia, so Google has some good tim...

Analysts expect Verizon to bid its way into 100MHz of midband 5G wireless spectrum.What you need to knowThe FCC is auctioning 280MHz of C-band spectrum starting this week.The spectrum spans 5,684 licenses between 3.7GHz and 3.98GHz valued at up to $51 billion.Verizon plans to bid on 100MHz of the spectrum to acquire valuable midband 5G spectrum and bolster its 5G network, according to industry analysts. What may turn out to be the FCC's biggest spectrum auction ever kicks off December 8, and analysts expect Verizon to come out as the big winner. The huge swath of the C-band spectrum is valued between $35 to $51 billion and could give smaller telecom companies a big boost to a fledging 5G network as well as provide much-needed midband spectrum for Verizon and AT&T.The list of companies bidding includes names like Comcast, Charter Communications, US Cellular, and Dish along with the big 3 U.S. telecom giants. Estimates say Verizon will win 100MHz (valued at $16 billion)...

Best answer: Google revealed that upon Stadia's launch in 2019, it would be available in 14 markets, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., and parts of Europe first. The company hasn't mentioned support for Asia, South America, India, or Africa yet, although Google may expand to more markets in the future.Stream to your TV: Chromecast with Google TV ($50 at Best Buy)Start playing with Stadia: Stadia Premiere Edition ($100 at Best Buy)What's the full list of countries where Stadia is available?Google Stadia has a limited number of initial markets that it's available in. More may be added in the future as Stadia grows and Google builds out its infrastructure, and we'll update this list as that happens.The full list of countries that Stadia is currently available in includes:U.S.A., including Alaska and Puerto Rico (Stadia is not available in Hawaii or Guam)U.K.CanadaFranceItalyGermanySpainSweedenDenmarkNorwayFinlandBelgiumIrelandNetherlandsWhy just the U.S., C...

A long wait for other consoles.What you need to knowProject Athia is a new IP being developed by Square Enix and Luminous Productions.According to a new PlayStation marketing trailer, it's console exclusive to PS5 for two years.The game does not currently have a release date.Project Athia is a new IP being developed by Square Enix for PS5 and PC. While there's not a lot known about it, this epic fantasy title was announced back in June 2020 as a console exclusive at launch for PS5. Now, thanks to a new trailer showcasing known PS5 games, we have an idea of how long it will stay bound to Sony's console.Per this trailer, Project Athia is console exclusive to PS5 for at least two years. It will be available on PC the same day it comes to PS5. So if you're playing on Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, you're going to be waiting for a long time. You can see the full marketing trailer below.Project Athia is being developed by Luminous Productions using the Luminous Engine th...

Everyone wants the latest and greatest phone, but what if you can get one of last year's best Android phones at an aggressively discounted price? If you act fast, you can grab the 128GB Galaxy S10+ for just $550, nearly half the price of its successor.Part of what makes the S10+ such a good deal in 2020 is Samsung's commitment to updating its phones for a minimum of three years. That includes major platform updates along with security patches, and the S10+ is currently running on Android 10 with the One UI 2 overlay.The S10+'s specs are nothing to balk at, even today. It's powered by a Snapdragon 855 processor, backed by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage. What really impresses, though, is its display; the 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel may not have the 120Hz refresh rate of subsequent Samsung flagships, but it still offers incredible color reproduction and great viewing angles.At its current discounted price, the closest competition to the Galaxy S10+ within Samsung's l...

This ARPG is absolutely incredible, and I recommend it for any genre fans.When it comes to picking a game and sitting down to play it, there are times when I'm just so excited by what I've experienced that I can't wait to tell you all about it. Such is the case with this week's Android Game of the Week. It's called Eternium, and it's been around for a little while, but oh man, do I love this game.Many are the reasons why it's so good, but first and foremost is the attention to touchscreen controls. Rarely do I fail to lament the lack of gamepad support in a particular title, but with Eternium, the controls are so incredibly well done that I completely forgot about using a controller. That just doesn't happen very often, especially in a mobile ARPG.When I first took over this series, my initial post was about Anima, a straight-up Diablo clone for Android. I also wrote about the classic Titan Quest, a mostly good port of the 2006 game. Both are great ARPGs, but Eternium surpa...

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

Cyberpunk 2077 is making waves.It feels like an eternity has stretched between the moment of Cyberpunk 2077's original teaser trailer and its final release date, but it's finally nearly upon us. Cyberpunk 2077 lands in the hands of players in just a few days, but reviewers have already thrown in their two cents and shared their thoughts on CD Projekt RED's latest hyper-ambitious title. We have our own in-depth review to check out on this massive, open-world sci-fi RPG, but those who desire the benefit of multiple opinions and viewpoints can find a multitude of reviews right here.Cyberpunk 2077 officially releases on December 10, 2020, on multiple platforms, including Xbox, Playstation, PC, and even Stadia. The game will work day one on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, with a full next-gen upgrade coming for free sometime in 2021.If you're excited for Cyberpunk 2077 and find everything you've been looking for in these reviews, consider some of the Best Cyberpunk 2077 M...

All major music services are now represented on the Nest Audio. Google Assistant-enabled speakers now boast a wide array of music services.What you need to knowApple Music is landing on Google Assistant-enabled devices today.Subscribers to Apple's streaming service will be able to use Assistant to search up songs and queue up their playlists. The rollout is limited to the U.S., the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.Google today announced the launch of Apple Music on the Google Nest audio and other Google Assistant-enabled speakers and smart displays. It's rolling out from today onwards, and you'll be able to take advantage of this on the Nest Audio, Nest Hub Max, Nest Mini, etc.Once you've linked your Apple Music account via the Google Home app, you'll be able to do all the usual actions including playing songs, playlists, and albums via voice commands. You'll also be able to use Nest's multi-room speaker support for a surround-sound experience if you have compatible speaker...

Best answer: We don't see new Chromeboxes as often as we do Chromebooks, with new models likely to release later this year. Still, Chromeboxes available right now make for an awesome desktop experience.Something for everyone: ASUS Chromebox 3 (From $285 at Amazon)Powerful and complete: Acer Chromebox CX13 (From $448 at Amazon)Chromeboxes are safe, secure, and easy desktopsUnlike a laptop, a Chromebox is always plugged in and has a fan to keep things a little cooler. That means they can run a little hotter and a little harder than the same components would inside a laptop. It also means that today's Chromeboxes are going to handle whatever Chrome can throw at it — including Android apps and Linux apps — just fine for the foreseeable future.But what about tomorrow's Chromeboxes? Manufacturers are releasing new Chromeboxes for 2021, but there's no need to wait for the next-gen unless you're looking at the very low end or high end when it comes to a specific model.As som...

We're getting multiple NFL games this Monday thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers playing on Wedneday in week 12 due to COVID. The NFL continues to shuffle things around as they try to keep players safe and deliver a good product on the field. This week we have an exciting matchup where Big Ben and the Steelers face the Washington Football team for our Monday double-header. Here's how to watch it live.It's not technically a double-header, as Washington vs Steelers is a late afternoon game, before the traditional MNF matchup. Still, that's twice as much football as we typically get on a Monday, so I have no complaints.So, what can we expect? Well, the Steelers have won its last six games against Washington, so the odds are stacked against them. Not to mention Pittsburgh is 11-0 on the season vs Washington who's sitting 4-7 overall. That said, the Washington Football Team looked pretty great on Thanksgiving, handing Dallas a huge defeat. There's a good chance Washington rides that momen...

If you're reading this, you're here because you just want to save the absolute most you can on your new TV. And who can blame you? TVs are expensive, and the price can grow exponentially the more you want out of it. Well, you've come to the right place. Find the best possible TV to fit your budget, but more than that this roundup will feature TVs that still manage to pack in loads of features. A cheap TV doesn't have to mean bad TV either. You'd be surprised what all you can get even when you don't want to splurge on the more advanced sets. Did you know there are even a bunch of great Android TVs to check out?In general, the larger the TV the more expensive it gets so we've separated this roundup into different sizes to help you navigate the best cheap options around.Best Budget TV Deals Available NowBest Cheap TV Deals under 50": Prices as low as $100Best Cheap TV Deals over 50": Prices down to $300More Info: What to look forSony X750H 65-inch 4K smart TV | $30 off...

When times get dark, we need bright light to see our way out — and the brightest LED smart bulbs make it that much better. A high-lumen (unit for measuring the quantity of light) bulb can do the trick in a small or large room. Adding in some smarts to that bulb gives it the flexibility to control from your favorite smart speaker or phone. Whether you want a standard A19 E26 bulb or the BR30 for recessed lighting, there's a bulb for you. The Feit Electric OM100 is our top pick for its incredibly high lumen rating and hubless smart controls, which means it only needs Wi-Fi and your phone to control.Brightest LED Smart Bulbs:Go hublessRequires a hubBest Overall: Feit Electric OM100 - RGBWWhile Feit Electric may not be the well known smart bulbs, but it's been innovating and creating high-quality lighting solutions since 1978 — and the OM100 RGBW bulb continues that trend. Since this bulb doesn't require extra hardware such as a hub, this Wi-Fi-enabled smart LED bulb...

LG wants to focus on the high-end after years of losses.What you need to knowLG is moving the manufacture of its low and midrange phone to Chinese ODMS.It's doing so to save costs as the company moves towards focusing on its high-end products.The company has seen 22 consecutive quarters of loss in its mobile business. LG is reorganizing its mobile phone division in a bid to cut costs and tackle competition from firms like Oppo and Xiaomi, as per a Reuters report on Monday.Going forward, LG will outsource the production of its budget phones to Chinese ODMs. Similar to decisions made by Samsung, it'll be using Chinese ODMs to build those phones and sell them under its own brand. The company will instead focus its resources on building out a compelling high-end range.LG has found some critical success with new phones in the form of the LG Velvet and the LG Wing, but the company has yet to pick up the sort of sales numbers it needs to be relevant. Xiaomi, on the other hand,...

The update has arrived a lot sooner than expected.What you need to knowThe T-Mobile Galaxy S20 phones have started receiving the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 updateVerizon's Galaxy S20 series phones began receiving the update last week.In addition to all the standard Android 11 goodies, the update also brings a refreshed UI and a few other changes.Samsung began rolling out the stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update to the Galaxy S20 series phones last week, starting with the Verizon models. The One UI 3.0 update has now started hitting the T-Mobile variants of Samsung's best Android phones in the U.S., as reported by TmoNews.It is worth noting, however, that the update hasn't been detailed on the carrier's support page yet. This could mean that a wider rollout hasn't yet started. The update arrives as version G98xUSQU1CTKH and weighs around 2GB in size.Along with core Android 11 features such as Chat bubbles and improved privacy settings, the One UI 3.0 update also br...

While its Android phones may not be as popular as the likes of Samsung and Google, LG continues to kick out quality phones year after year. One of the company's strong points is its wide range of solid options for different price points, meaning the best LG phone for you doesn't necessarily have to be the most expensive one. Here are some of the best LG phones you can find.Best overallLG V60 ThinQ 5GStaff PickIf you want LG's latest and greatest, look no further than the V60 ThinQ. You get a massive screen and battery that follow industry trends, plus a solid spec sheet, 5G networking, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack — all for a competitive price. Depending on where you buy it from, you could also get the accompanying Dual Screen case, which adds screen space for multitasking.$650 at T-Mobile$900 at Best Buy (AT&T)Dual Screen for lessLG G8X ThinQLG really didn't make big splashes with the G8X, and now that the V60 is out, it's kind of lost its place in the worl...

The latest renders give us our best look yet at Samsung's upcoming flagships.What you need to knowNew renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21 series phones have leaked.All three phones will have a redesigned camera bump and slimmer bezels than their predecessors.The Galaxy S21 series is expected to be unveiled at an Unpacked event in mid-January.Reliable leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer, better known as @OnLeaks, gave us our first look at Samsung's Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21 Ultra phones in October. The renders posted by the leaker revealed a redesigned camera bump and a few other minor changes. Dutch tech site LetsGoDigital has now released a new set of renders revealing the design of the successors to three of Samsung's best Android phones of 2020. As per LetsGoDigital, the renders are based on live images of the phones that they obtained through a source "closely associated with Samsung." While the latest renders are more detailed than those shared by @OnLeaks earli...

Having a chat with the AC forums.In 2020, our smartphones are often our go-to devices for just about anything. Whether it be sending an email for work, doing a video chat with family members, or just doom scrolling on Twitter, chances are you do most everything on your phone.With that being so, it makes sense for some people to have a backup phone lying around just in case something happens to their main one. It's not a luxury everyone can afford, but if you can, it's a good idea.Some of our AC forum members recently started sharing what they have for a backup phone, saying: Daveya 12-03-2020 10:07 AM “ Pixel 3 Reply gebco 12-03-2020 12:41 PM “ My last phone is always my backup phone. Currently a Pixel 2XL Reply frankenhooker 12-...

Plenty of sound and battery for every dollar spent.Anker has done something that isn't easy, which is to branch out from making portable charging products to making good headphones at affordable prices. The Soundcore Life Q20 was something of a statement for the company, and its successor, the Soundcore Life Q30, is hard evidence that it wasn't a fluke.It's not just in what Anker chose to include, but also in the consistent performance that makes the various parts fit together with admirable cohesion.At a glanceAnker Soundcore Life Q30 Bottom line: Anker pulls off an impressive feat of making affordable headphones that sound more expensive, while also prioritizing features that only serve to make them even better. They do reach their limits in some respects, but not necessarily in ways that will surprise you, especially w...

Control is one helluva game, but streaming still has its quirks.If there's one gaming trend that 2020 will be remembered for, it's going to be the rise of game streaming. Google, Amazon, and Microsoft all made big bets on the future of cloud gaming this year, and while some attempts have been met with better success than others, the point remains that game streaming isn't going anywhere any time soon.For Android users, one of the biggest benefits of all this has been Xbox Game Pass. Anyone with a Game Pass Ultimate membership now also gets access to cloud gaming on their Android device, meaning you can play console-quality games like DOOM Eternal, Destiny 2, Gears 5, and more directly on your smartphone. It's something that seemed impossible just a few short years ago, but that's now the world we're living in.This past week saw Game Pass get yet another feather in its cap. Control is now available for both Xbox consoles and Android through streaming, and while it's just one of ...

In some areas, the Nokia 5.4 might actually be a downgrade over the Nokia 5.3.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed the key specs of HMD Global's upcoming Nokia 5.4.The phone will come with a 6.39-inch HD+ screen and a Snapdragon 662 chipset.HMD Global is expected to unveil the Nokia 5.4 sometime in the coming weeks.HMD Global is soon expected to a new budget phone to succeed the Nokia 5.3. The upcoming phone, expected to be called the Nokia 5.4, was spotted on the FCC website last week. An alleged specs sheet of the Nokia 5.4 has now surfaced, courtesy of the folks over at MySmartPrice.As per the leak, the Nokia 5.4 will have a 6.39-inch display with HD+ resolution and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662 chipset. On the back of the phone will be a quad-camera setup featuring a 48MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, the Nokia 5.4 will come equipped with a 16MP camera on the front.The smartphone is also tipped t...

Smart home assistants don't always come in the form of a speaker. Plenty of options are available with a screen, which adds even more functionality. One example is the Lenovo 10.1-inch Smart Display, and right now the White & Bamboo model is even on sale for just $99.99 at B&H. This holiday deal saves you $150 off its full price and is within a dollar of the lowest we've ever seen this model go. The same discounted price is available direct at Lenovo, too.This Google Assistant smart device will work for anyone, but it's especially handy if you're already in the Google Home ecosystem and you don't necessarily need something compact. It's also better than a smart speaker if you're looking for the most functionality possible.The Lenovo Smart Display has a huge 10.1-inch screen, making it perfect for your kitchen or office. Watch recipe videos on YouTube or stream a show while you work, sans the squinting. The front-facing speakers are loud and immersive, and there's also a p...

We see Amazon Kindle deals periodically throughout the year, usually to coincide with holiday sales or special events like Amazon Prime Day. Those sales tend to focus on Amazon's lower-end e-readers, like the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite, and rarely do we see significant savings on the flagship Kindle Oasis.That's what makes today's Kindle Oasis sale at Woot well worth checking out. For one day only, you can score the last-generation Oasis from just $149.99. That's the lowest we've ever seen it go making it a great pickup ahead of the holidays.The Kindle Oasis on sale today isn't the newest model that Amazon recently released, though it is still offered in brand new condition with a 1-year warranty unlike a lot of Woot deals. With prices from $149.99, you're saving up to $100. Though the 2019 version features a new color adjustable front light, the rest of the specs remained pretty much unchanged so you can save by going for the previous-gen model on sale.As Amazon's premium re...

Rumors are continuing to swirl about the Samsung Galaxy S21 and a potential January unveiling, but if you prefer to save money than spend over the odds on a day one handset you could make use of this one-day sale on the Samsung Galaxy S10+ running right now at Amazon.Essentially every capacity and color of the unlocked 6.4-inch device is on sale with $300 off with prices dropping lower than ever before. Take the 128GB configuration, for example, which is down to only $549.99. The price drops are a part of Amazon's deals of the day so won't last for long.Packed with a Snapdragon 855 processor and 8GB or 12GB of RAM, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ is equipped with a large 6.4-inch AMOLED display featuring an integrated ultrasonic fingerprint sensor hidden underneath to keep it secure from prying eyes. There's a triple-camera setup on the rear of the phone that produces stunning images as well as a dual-camera front-facing system.On top of all that, you'll get excellent battery life, Qi ...

Now you can use Spotify to play those rare gems that you may not be able to stream from the app.What you need to knowA new feature was discovered on the Spotify mobile app that allows users to play local files.While users have the option to play local files from desktop, mobile users were left without a way to sync from their smartphones.There's no word on when the feature will be pushed to users, but it seems like it could be soon.While Spotify distracts users by unwrapping personal music statistics from this year, the company has a number of new features that it seems to be preparing. It was reported that the company surveyed users on a potential premium subscription plan for podcasts, and more recently Spotify rolled out a Stories feature as part of a public test that's limited to just artists and certain playlists. The latest unearthed feature might be just what users have been hoping for, as it seems Spotify might finally add support for local files on mobile devices!...

You can get $100 promotional credit if you upgrade to a phone with VoLTE support before December 31.What you need to knowGoogle Fi has confirmed that it will no longer activate non-VoLTE phones starting January 1.The MVNO is offering a $100 credit to customers to upgrade to a phone with VoLTE support before December 31.Google Fi says existing non-VoLTE phones will continue to work in the "near term."In July this year, T-Mobile announced that it would require all phones on its network to support VoLTE from January 2021. Google Fi, which leverages T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular networks, has now said that it will stop activating (or reactivating) phones without VoLTE support from January 1, 2021 (via 9to5Google).To encourage its customers to upgrade to a new phone with VoLTE support, Google is offering a promotional $100 credit. However, you'll get the bill credit only if you buy a new device from Google Fi and activate it before December 31. It is also worth noting that only s...

The earbuds will have an in-ear design, just like the original Galaxy Buds.Update, December 6 (06:50 pm ET): A later leak shows off the earbuds in a new Phantom Silver colorway.What you need to knowThe very first renders of Samsung's next pair of true wireless earbuds have leaked.They are likely to be called the Galaxy Buds Pro and will debut alongside the Galaxy S21 series early next year. The earbuds will have a similar design to Samsung's original Galaxy Buds and Buds+.Earlier this week, a certification published by Indonesia's telecommunications regulatory authority revealed that Samsung's next pair of true wireless earbuds will be called the Galaxy Buds Pro. The first renders of the Galaxy Buds Pro have now surfaced, courtesy of reliable leaker Evan Blass.The leaked renders show a design that is much more similar to Samsung's original Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds+ than the bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live. Thanks to their in-ear design, the Galaxy Buds Pro are likely to...

Getting to routines is going to be a lot faster.What you need to knowGoogle's Assistant Routines will soon be able to be pinned to the home screen.You'll be able to activate a routine with a single tap once this is enabled.It's not especially wide-spread as it's being tested for a limited amount of users at the moment. Google Assistant Routines are one of the more useful parts of the digital assistant. Rather than needing to verbally reel out a string of commands every time you wish to repeat a set of tasks you carry out on a daily basis — you can use one command to carry out multiple actions. It's a feature that's found a home on other assistants as well including Amazon's Alexa and Samsung's Bixby, but Google is making its own take on the concept easier to access.As spotted by Droid Life, Google is testing an improvement to Routines where you can pin them to your home screen. Once this is done, you won't even have to speak to initiate a Routine. It'll be as simple as ...

The New York Giants are 1st in the NFC East after a win over the beat-up Bengals but don't get too excited as they're still only 4-7 on the season. And yes, somehow that's enough for first place in this awful division. However, that position will finally get tested in Week 13 as they face a real 1st place divisional leader in the 8-3 Seattle Seahawks. This one should be worth a watch, so here's how to catch it live online.Russell Wilson continues to have a good season, although the MVP-type play we saw earlier in the year has dissipated a bit. Still, they're playing at a high level, the defense is finding ways to slow other teams down, and Wilson doesn't have to do all the work to get a win. And while the Seahawks didn't look that great against the Eagles last week, they did manage to pull out a victory, and winning is winning.On the other side of the football, we have the New York Giants. They've had great moments off and on this year, and after starting out 0-5 they've found a ...

Source: StackCommerceThe Nintendo Switch is a brilliant gaming machine, but it has one major flaw: no Bluetooth audio. If you would like to go wireless and talk while you play, the HomeSpot Bluetooth Audio Adapter Pro is a must-have accessory. In this Windows Central deal, it's now 14% off MSRP at just $42.99.Essentially, the HomeSpot adapter works as a bridge between your Switch and your headphones. You simply plug it into the USB-C port on your console and hit the blue button to connect your headphones.The adapter utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 to provide crisp wireless sound. This technology also allows your headphones to connect to two devices at once. As a result, you can hear gaming effects and chat with your friends via your smartphone at the same time.Rated 4.7/5 stars on Amazon, the HomeSpot adapter even has a built-in microphone to help you communicate with teammates and a rocker switch for adjusting volume.It's normally priced at $49.99, but you can grab the HomeSpot Bluet...

Cheap wireless earbuds have become great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality.Best Overall: Creative Outlier AirBattery life is one of the standout features of the Creative Outlier Air. Even compared to some high-end true wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air outperforms most of them with up to 10 hours of audio playback on the buds themselves. The included charging case nets you an additional 20 hours of audio playback, which equates to up to 30 hours of listening time. The only real downside is that the case does not feature wireless charging, which is unfortunate.Comfort is excellent, but only if they fit your ear. Unlike most other earbuds and true wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air only come with one extra set of ear tips in the box. Typically, earbud companies w...

What exactly happens to Honor without the support of the Huawei mothership? It's a more complicated question than you might think.The latest development in the geopolitical kerfuffle between the US government and Huawei is the sale of Honor. Honor, which has made of some of the best mid-range Android phones, used to be a separate brand, but very much part of Huawei. Now, it's not.So what does that mean? Will future Honor phones now be able to use Google services? What about existing phones like the Honor 20 Pro? Well, for the moment, there's no single, clear answer. But we can dig into a few possibilities.This most recent news about Honor being sold follows the Honor brand itself being spun off into a separate legal entity back in April. The new company, Honor Terminal, was presumably created to make it easier to detach from Huawei once it found a buyer.That buyer is Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Company, a new organization jointly set up by various Chinese state...

What good is your phone if the battery dies? If you use your phone hard and don't have the option to charge throughout the day, battery life is your number one priority when shopping for your next phone. Thankfully, several great options focus on battery life and won't give up halfway through the day — including the Galaxy S20 Ultra as our top overall pick.Our pickSamsung Galaxy S20 UltraStaff PickWith a 5,000mAh battery and the latest processor inside, the S20 Ultra can provide exceptional battery life. It can stand up to the absolute heaviest days if you choose to keep the screen set at a 60Hz refresh rate as well. It's also a massive and feature-packed flagship in every other respect.$1,150 at AmazonMore balancedSamsung Galaxy S20+For $200 less than the S20 Ultra, you can get an S20+ that has a 4,500mAh battery. It may be smaller but you get nearly the same battery life. You're getting a slightly smaller screen, and less-capable rear camera zoom, but it's al...

To go from bad to worse, the Eagles slipped from first place in the NFC East in week 12 and now have to face the Packers in week 13. The Eagles may not have much going for them, but they do have a worthy defense that should at least slow the Packers down slightly. Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox on the Eagles has been fantastic and remains a huge piece of the team. The Eagles are also hoping tight end Zach Ertz can make it back for Sunday's game against the Packers. Even with some extra help, QB Carson Wentz will need to rise to the occasion if the team wants a win.Green Bay is the favorite in this matchup, and the team sits comfortably in first in their division. Still, Green Bay will need to not take anything for granted, especially when riding high after crushing the Chicago Bears the prior week.This game isn't completely a write-off in consequence. Luckily the Eagles do remain in the hunt for a playoff spot if they can find a way to overcome Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers. Th...

If you are looking for a new phone for the senior citizen in your life, or if you're in the market for a phone for someone with low vision, a hearing impairment, or some other accessibility issue, you may feel frustrated or not know where to begin. Thankfully, there are many good options out there, and we've rounded up what we feel are the best phones for seniors and those with accessibility issues to help you get started. Our overall top choice is the Google Pixel 4a thanks to its balance of price, accessibility features, and software support, but there are several others you might want to consider as well.Best Overall Phone for Seniors: Google Pixel 4aGoogle's most affordable smartphone of 2020 is also the best option for senior citizens thanks to its unbeatable combination of hardware, software features and support, and of course, its price.The Pixel 4a is priced at an entry-level to mid-tier phone but gives users near-flagship specs. Sure the processor isn't the top-of-th...