Latest from Android Central

Samsung is finally fixing the biggest issue with its Exynos chipsets in 2021.Samsung's flagships are often the best Android phones, but the South Korean manufacturer is unique in the way it releases phones. Samsung's dual-sourcing strategy means that a select few markets like North America and Korea feature flagships powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets, with most other countries getting Exynos chipsets instead.Samsung used this strategy to great effect over the last six years, and it doesn't look like that's set to change in 2021. The U.S. version of the Galaxy S21 series will be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 888 chipset, with the global versions set to feature the upcoming Exynos 2100.The reason Samsung doesn't use Exynos chipsets globally is down to carrier compatibility. Qualcomm makes the best cellular modems in the industry, and for the 4G era, Samsung didn't really have a recourse but to use Qualcomm's designs in the U.S. to ensure compatibility with the l...

The lower-tier Google One plans remain unchanged.What you need to knowGoogle is offering half-off on its most expensive storage plans.The price changes will also be in effect for current subscribers on those plans.This comes after Google's controversial announcement regarding storage policy changes.A year after launching its Google One subscription service, Google stopped offering unlimited original-quality photo backups to Pixel owners. Then the company announced in November that as of June of 2021, new photos and videos uploaded to Google Photos will count towards the free 15GB of cloud storage that Google offers. The policy changes were apparently due to the growing demand for cloud storage, which is understandable. But many couldn't help but consider the move being aimed at driving users to purchase more storage through Google One.Now Google is hoping to get back into the good graces of its highest-paying customers by slashing the prices of its most expensive Google O...

Amazon Luna is shaping up to be a serious contender.What you need to knowAmazon Luna has now been released for Android.The game streaming service was launched in September with support for several different devices including iPhone, Mac, PC, and Fire TV.It is still in early access, so those interested will have to request access to the service.When Amazon Luna's cloud gaming service launched in September, it looked like a promising contender to Google Stadia. At launch it offered access to over 100 games, compared to Google Stadia's meager 25, and while the latter's library has grown since launch, only a handful of titles are actually free with the Pro subscription, and the list keeps changing. Amazon Luna's library of games is free for Luna+ subscribers, and now it's coming to an Android device near you.Similar to how Amazon Luna gets around the Apple Store rules by making Luna accessible via Safari, the same is also true with Android, albeit via Google Chrome. The servi...

Just a few months after the full-sized GTS 2 launched, Amazfit made it much cheaper with (mostly) the same features.What you need to knowThe Amazfit GTS 2 Mini is available now for $99.99.It has a 1.55" AMOLED screen, SpO2 and heart rate measurement, built-in GPS and Alexa voice commands, 5 ATM water resistance, and sleep tracking.Compared to the GTS 2, it has a smaller display and shorter battery life, but also some new software additions like a Pomodoro calendar and phone camera controls.In my Amazfit GTS 2 review, I had plenty of positives to say about the watch, but personally preferred the GTR 2 for its larger AMOLED display during my runs. That hasn't changed, but many people favor a smaller and lighter watch, either because it weighs less or for the daintier look. For that crowd, Amazfit's newest watch may be an even better (Amaz)fit.The GTS 2 Mini lives up to its name. Ignoring its smaller size, it has the same sensors for heart rate and blood oxygen saturation mo...

Google's Blob Opera is another of Google's creative AI experiments.What you need to knowGoogle has launched another creative AI experiment, Blob Opera.Blob Opera uses ML to create festive opera-inspired sounds for you.Google recorded hours of sound from four opera singers to create this tool.Want to make your own Christmas song? You can do so with yet another of Google's creative AI offerings. Known as Blob Opera, it's a machine learning-powered tool that can transform your ideas into opera inspired sounds.Here's how it looks in action.Google's Arts and Culture team explainedhttps://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/arts-culture/create-festive-song-blob-opera/: This experiment pays tribute to and explores the original musical instrument: the voice. We developed a machine learning model trained on the voices of four opera singers in order to create an engaging experiment for everyone, regardless of musical skills. [...] The resulting experiment allows you to play ...

Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are everywhere, but it's a bit more difficult to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. There are plenty of current OnePlus models to choose from, and whether you want a OnePlus 8, or a OnePlus 7 Pro, or one of the more affordable OnePlus 7T devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus 8 devices: get one for freeOnePlus 7 devices: starting at $350Which to buy?OnePlus 8 Pro | $799 at AmazonAmazon is offering $200 off the cost of the OnePlus 8 Pro today, though only the Ultramarine Blue model is still available at this low price. These phones have Amazon Alexa built-in and feature 12GB RAM as well as 256GB storage.$799 at AmazonAll of the deals below vary in nature, so while some allow you to buy the unlocked phone with a single purchase today, others require a monthly payment plan; these plans are attached to carriers which usually require you...

When looking for the best kid's headphones, there are a special set of criteria. First, they need to be smaller to fit a child's head. They also need to include simplified controls, be comfortable, and crucially, include built-in volume-limiting technology to ensure that a child can't crank the volume up beyond levels that are considered to be safe for little ears. Luckily, these headphones are more affordable than ever. Some limit audio to as low as 75 decibels, which is safe for even toddlers. Other alternatives, like the Noot Products K11 are foldable for easy travel, while others still boast further clever tricks to make them kid-friendly, like cute designs and durable build quality. And these days, you can even find wireless Bluetooth headphones for kids.Best Overall: Noot Products K11 Foldable On-Ear HeadsetThese headphones will fit all children ages 3 and up. Their foldable design makes them ideal for chucking in school bags for storing in hand luggage and even for compa...

I'm not crying, you're crying.What you need to knowSamsung just released a video on YouTube, thanking fans for their support.The video mentions Samsung working on a new mobile processor to restore consumer trust in its Exynos flagships.Performance of Samsung Exynos chips has been under increased scrutiny this year.Fans of Samsung's Galaxy smartphones have not been too kind to the company this year. Samsung has often been maligned by consumers for its continued use of the in-house Exynos processors that it includes with the global variants of its smartphones, calling its chips "inferior" to the Qualcomm-powered counterparts sold in the United States. This has likely been the driving force behind the company putting in all the stops its upcoming Samsung Exynos 2100. Today, as Samsung prepares to launch said chipset, the company released a Disney's Up-style teaser video, thanking fans for their continued patience and support.It's an adorable video, showcasing how Samsung...

Rebecca, Jen, and Carli are here with the winners and announcements from The Game Awards 2020. They also begin to process their thoughts on the absurdity of Cyberpunk 2077.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Here are the winners from the Game Awards 2020 | Windows CentralHere are the all of the big announcements from The Game Awards 2020 | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 is pretty rough on Xbox One and PS4 base consoles | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 crashing issues and how to fix them | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 is already profitable, paid for itself with digital pre-orders | Windows Central...

Silky smooth gameplay has arrived.What you need to knowA brand new update to Fortnite on next-gen consoles includes support for 120 FPS mode.The new 120 FPS mode is only available on displays with 120Hz refresh rates. 120 FPS mode turns down some of the other settings on Fortnite to allow for consistent 120 FPS. It's been quite a busy month for the world of Fortnite, as the game has recently received a massive update, a new map, and the inclusion of several iconic video game characters to its ranks. However, thanks to a new update, Fortnite will now officially support 120 FPS gameplay for those who can support it.Fortnite has already been given a massive update for next-gen console support, but a brand new update available now includes support for 120 FPS mode, allowing players with the proper set up the ability to play the game with 120 frames per second, making it the latest next-generation title to include support for 120 FPS.The next time players jump into Fortnite ...

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

If you paid for something in full you still might not be allowed to repair it if it becomes broken. The right to repair movement wants to change that.Everything we own will one day stop working the way we want it to work. That goes for our cars, our appliances, our computers, and our phones, too. But you probably didn't know that some of the repairs that may be needed aren't lawful for you to do if you live in the United States; that's right — anything with its own firmware onboard is covered under the DMCA and is subject to copyright law. The right to repair movement wants to try and fix this. Software powers everything now, so almost everything is covered under the DMCA.This goes deeper than you think it does, too. The phone you just bought might have an in-screen fingerprint reader because that's become a thing. What that means is that there is software involved with replacing the display and the whole mess is covered under the DCMA. The same goes for something like you...

Hell for the holidays.What you need to knowDiablo 4 was first announced at BlizzCon 2019.Blizzard Entertainment shared quarterly updates throughout 2020.The December 2020 update details what to expect from item tiers and weapon types.Diablo 4 does not currently have a release window.Diablo 4 is still in early development in many respects, with the developers at Blizzard Entertainment giving in-depth quarterly updates throughout 2020, including details on the UI design, storytelling and skill trees. The December 2020 update is here and is focused on items, stats and weapon types.Weapon types are meant to feel distinct, with one-handed weapons allowing fast attacks, as opposed to slower two-handed weapons dealing huge amounts of damage. This is a choice that every class will have to consider, with a Sorceress picking between a slower, more powerful stave or a quicker wand.The team believes in color-coding tiers, so that if for example you see a glowing yellow item on the...

The LG G7 wasn't the most exciting phone released in 2018, but it had a lot going for it — the display looks fantastic, the sound is ridiculously good, the wide-angle camera is impressive, and the whole thing is packaged in a slick all-glass body. That's where a case comes in real handy, and the best LG G7 cases will prevent your phone from being smashed up by an accidental drop.Basically the bestSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen's Rugged Armor case is about as good as it gets for a single-layer case. It adds barely any bulk to the phone itself while improving the in-hand comfort with a matte finish featuring carbon fiber accents at the top and bottom. Thin enough to allow wireless charging yet rugged enough to protect against nasty drops, this case is a minimalist workhorse that looks great in all black.$13 at AmazonBest protectorSUPCASE Unicorn Beetle ProFeaturing a dual-layer design that combines a rigid polycarbonate shell with a flexible bumper, the...

If you missed out on getting a PS5 from Best Buy earlier, here's your second chance of the day.What you need to knowWalmart will have the PS5 in-stock starting at 3pm ET / 12pm PT.Sales of the PS5 will be online-only, you cannot purchase one in-store.Walmart told The Verge that shipments will arrive after December 25, so don't expect to get yours in time for the holiday.PS5 restock seems to be the theme of the day. After Best Buy quickly sold out of the PS5 this morning, it looks like Walmart has stock going live at 3pm ET / 12pm PT. The company made it clear that should you purchase a console today, you will not receive it in time for Christmas. Any PS5 available for shipping will arrive after December 25th.Next-genPlayStation 5$499 at Walmart$399 at Walmart (Digital Edition)Get it fast while it's in-stockFollowing shortly after Best Buy stocked up on the PS5, Walmart will have more in-stock at 3pm ET. Have your wallet ready because as we've seen before, the...

Cyberpunk 2077's first bug-fixing update.Update, December 15, 2020 (1:30 pm CT): The 1.04 hotfix update is now available for Google Stadia as well, after a few days' delay.Update, December 12, 2020 (1 pm CT): The 1.04 hotfix update is now available for Xbox consoles as well, after a day's delay.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 has launched to critical acclaim, but it universally suffers from a myriad of bugs and issues.To respond to these problems, CD Projekt RED is releasing the first of presumably many bug fixing patches.The 1.04 update is rolling out now to PC and Playstation consoles, with lots of bug fixes in tow.The update is also coming to Xbox platforms, but it'll take a little bit longer to arrive there.Cyberpunk 2077 is officially out, but it's not without its fair share of known issues and bugs, which have caused a lot of headaches with potential players. Issues are particularly bad on consoles, with base Xbox Ones and PS4s struggling mightily with CD Pro...

It's basically official at this point.What you need to knowEvan Blass posts an image of the first official press photo of the Samsung Galaxy S21.The photo shows a design almost identical to leaked CAD renders.The Galaxy S21 is expected to launch next month with the new Snapdragon 888 and Exynos 2100.It wouldn't be the run-up to a launch if we didn't get a ton of leaks ahead of it. We're barely less than a month from the launch of the Galaxy S21 series smartphones and Samsung's flagship has been leaked in an official press photo. Courtesy of tipster Evan Blass, the Voice exclusive shows a phone that should look familiar to anyone who has already seen the plethora of CAD renders that have stormed the internet over the past couple of months.As expected, the Galaxy S21 looks to feature a flat display with a center punch-hole for the selfie camera. The bezels are quite small and nearly uniform, with what looks like an ever-so-slightly larger chin at the bottom. If it wasn't ...

Not everyone can get their hands on Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, and even if you do, you might not be able to play it. Large groups of people are willing to wait for the next-gen patch to come out for new consoles before playing this highly anticipated game. With all the issues currently plaguing consoles and even players on PC, it's completely understandable. If you're one of these people, there are some great sci-fi games to pay while you wait.Awake From The VaultFallout 76Staff PickFallout 76 isn't the same game it first was at launch. With the continued support and fantastic content updates, this title is well worth putting time into. This isn't a cyberpunk game, but it's an open-world RPG — just in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting instead.$25 at Amazon$40 at Best Buy$14 at WalmartProtect The MetroMetro: Exodus$30 at Amazon$20 at Best Buy$45 at WalmartMetro Exodus is the third entry into the Metro franchise, semi-open world games that pi...

A longer warranty and increased confidence for the Elite Strap.What you need to knowThe Oculus Quest 2 is the latest in mainstream standalone VR technology from Facebook.The headset offers a fantastic VR experience for everyday people, with a lot of solid accessories to accompany it.However, the Elite Strap accessory saw issues early on with snapping, leading Facebook to cease shipments momentarily.After an investigation, sales have resumed, with Facebook increasing the warranty for the Elite Strap to two years.The Oculus Quest 2 is the go-to pick for anyone looking to purchase a fantastic all-around VR headset, and there are quite a few solid accessories that compliment the experience. However, the Elite Strap accessory for the Oculus Quest 2 suffered early on from reports of snapping and degraded build quality, leading to Facebook ceasing sales and shipments of the Elite Strap. Now, sales are finally resuming for Elite Strap accessory for the Oculus Quest 2. A Facebook s...

The best Android smartwatches are priced perfectly right now.Smartwatches have come a long way in the last six years, but there's also one thing that's still absolutely undeniable: Samsung makes the best Android Smartwatches on the market. From the just-released Galaxy Watch 3 with its twisting bezel and premium materials to the smaller, sleeker, and generally more sensible Watch Active and Watch Active 2, Samsung's slate of Galaxy Watches in 2020 is top-notch. They're all on sale right now if you've been looking for a reason to grab one for yourself — or for your family members, since Christmas is right around the corner.A Galaxy on your wristUp to 26% off Samsung Galaxy WatchesFrom $140 at AmazonNeed a Christmas gift that will keep on giving? Look no further.Samsung's watches have always had style and superior built quality, but they often have prices to match that quality. Thankfully, this sale will let you grab the watch you need at a price that fits your budget. ...

Source: StackCommerceThere are many times in life when it would be useful to have a charger or stand for your phone. Rather than filling your pockets, you can simply take the WonderCube Pro. This 8-in-1 accessory is now only $32.95 with coupon code WONDER7.Described as, "A seriously versatile keychain accessory" by CNET, the WonderCube Pro packs eight functions into a one-inch cube.Hidden within the cube are fold-out Apple Lightning, Type C, and MicroUSB connectors. This means you always have a means to charge your phone or sync data.If you own an Android device, you can use WonderCube Pro as an OTG USB drive. The cube has a microSD card reader that supports up to 128GB — ideal for carrying around media or backing up your photos.You can also use the cube as a stand for videos or Zoom calls, and it even works as an LED light.It normally sells for $70, but you can get the WonderCube Pro today for just $32.95 with code WONDER7. WonderCube Pro: All-In-One Mobile Keyri...

Put on your thinking hat with these strategy games for Android.We're rounding up some of our favorite strategy games on Android for the deep thinkers out there. These are more than just simple puzzles games — these require careful planning and forethought to emerge victoriously. You'll find some great replay value in games like these as well since the same strategy won't always work twice.Strategy gamers, pop on your thinking caps and get downloading these outstanding Android games. And if you're looking for our favorite games in other genres, we have those, too.The gamesTropicoMindustryThe Escapists 2: Pocket BreakoutHoledown Civilization Revolution 2The Battle for PolytopiaXCOM: Enemy WithinMushroom Wars 2Fire Emblem: HeroesPandemic: The Board GameVaingloryHearthstoneGwentLegends of RuneterraStar CommandBad NorthROME: Total WarBloons TD 6Card ThiefHello NeighborChess by AI Factory LimitedHeroes of FlatlandiaTropicoRunning a whole country...

There's no 5G, but still a great option for keeping costs low.What you need to knowQualcomm has just launched the Snapdragon 678.The chipset features a meager spec bump over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 675.The new chipset should offer both a faster CPU and GPU with a focus on entertainment.Qualcomm's 600-series chips are starting to become more relevant in a time where price sensitivity is key. While many of the top smartphones this year features 800 as well as 700-series chips, Qualcomm has been focused on putting more focus on its lower-cost offerings. Some of the best cheap Android smartphones this year ran 600-series chips. The Snapdragon 690, for example, was the first in its range to bring 5G, something that Qualcomm hopes it can continue to bring to lower and lower costs. Until that happens, Qualcomm just added a new member to its mid-range family — the Snapdragon 678.The new chipset is a follow-up to the Snapdragon 675, which was launched two years ago, so i...

Just what else lies in wait?What you need to knowCapcom has shared some new Resident Evil Village screenshots with IGN.One of these screenshots showcases a very Krampus-looking foe.Resident Evil Village is scheduled to release sometime in 2021.Resident Evil Village is Capcom's next big entry in the iconic horror franchise and while we still don't have a release date, small teases and updates are being sent out. Capcom shared some new screenshots with IGN today, including one featuring a vaguely Krampus-like enemy, though he's missing the iconic horns.You can take a look at all three new screenshots below (tap or click to enlarge).We've already seen the werewolf-like beastmen that apparently make up a major threat in Resident Evil Village but it's nice to get another shot all the same."We're really excited for fans to experience Resident Evil Village when it comes out in 2021. We feel it's an accumulation of all the best elements of Resident Evil games from the past ...

See and hear threats more clearlyArlo Pro 3$156 at AmazonPros2K video resolutionWider lens FOV and motion FOVSupports sound detectionRemoveable battery for faster rechargeHigh-quality image sensorConsShorter battery lifeMore expensiveHigher resolution requires more bandwidthThe Arlo Pro 3 is built to capture a wider range of higher-quality footage, plus alert you to concerning sounds while the Arlo Essential leaves you unaware. The higher price makes it less appealing to buy in quantity, and you'll likely also want to buy a backup battery, but you'll likely feel safer with it guarding your home.6 months of battery lifeArlo Essential$100 at AmazonProsLonger battery lifeMore affordable priceFull-color night visionSame AI and storage capabilitiesConsOnly 1080p resolution and smaller FOVNo sound detectionIntegrated battery makes recharges more arduousAnyone hoping to build a network of affordable Arlo cameras should strongly cons...

Messenger Kids recently received a design refresh to make it closer to mainstream Facebook.What you need to knowFacebook Messenger Kids is getting a couple of new features for Christmas.There's a new Santa experience where parents can text their kids under the guise of Santa.The company is also adding new filters for seasonal holidays including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. It's Christmas time, and tech companies are adapting their products in recognition of the holiday season. Google recently rolled out its Santa tracker and changes to Assistant, and Facebook Messenger Kids is getting its own updates to match.Sure you can track Santa with Google, but with Messenger you can actually text Santa.The Facebook team explained: Messenger Kids is opening a direct line to the North Pole by way of you, the parent! Parents can once again opt-in to message their kids as Santa and kids will be able to message back. To kick off the conversation, parents can ask kids "What ar...

Surface Duo users can now take full advantage of TikTok across both displays.TikTok has released a new update that features support for Microsoft's dual-screen Android device, the Surface Duo. Now, when the app is spanned across Surface Duo's 5.6-inch displays, the app will correctly adjust to showcase as much content as possible.Now, when TikTok is spanned, the app will put different video categories and search queries on the left screen, and the main TikTok feed on the right. This allows you to scour TikTok for your favorite clips all while remaining on the TikTok "For You" page at the same time.Interestingly, Microsoft was a contender in the TikTok acquisition saga earlier this year, but a deal between the two companies fell through at the last minute. I'm sure TikTok updating with support for Surface Duo is just a coincidence, but I figured that was worth a mention.TikTok is just one of few third party apps on Android to correctly support the Surface Duo's unique form fac...

Google is giving your Memories more life with these new features.What you need to knowGoogle Photos is rolling out new features that highlight your memories.The new features include a cinematic effect for photos as well as updated collages.Memories will now group your photos based on more themes, such as sunsets or activities.Many people are unable to travel this holiday season, so Google has been focused on bringing tons of new features to its devices and services. And while 2020 may not be the year to reflect warmly on, that's more of a reason to think back to the good old days when families far and wide could gather. Google Photos already offers a vast amount of features over its closest alternatives, and today, Google Photos is bringing even more features that highlight your Memories and moments with people or places that may be out of reach this year.The first of these features to come to Memories is cinematic photos. 3D images have become a bit of a trend, and Goo...

Whether you use Google Play, Chromebooks, or Gmail, all these wonderful services start with — and require — a Google Account. Whether you're setting up a professional account to help job offers or finally want to offload one of your kiddies to their own account when they outgrow the Family Link profiles, setting up a Google account is simple and quick. Here's how to do set up a Google account on whichever device you have handy.How to set up a Google Account on your Android phoneOpen the Settings app.Scroll down and tap on Google.Tap Add account.Tap Google.Tap Create account.Tap For myself if it's a personal account, or To manage my business if it's a professional account.Type in the name associated with the account. While you do not have to use your real name, if this will be your main account, using your real name is recommended.Tap Next.Enter the birthdate associated with the account. Google requires all account users to be at least 13 years old and some c...

Apps are great — here's how to download them.Your phone is what you make of it, and one of the simplest ways to customize and add new goodies to it is by downloading apps. Even if you have the best Android phone ever, it won't do much without the right applications. There's a metric ton of apps available for your Android handset, and installing new ones is a fairly simple process. Today, we're going to walk you through this step-by-step to ensure you know exactly how to find and download the latest apps to your device.When you find yourself itching to try a new app, you'll want to head to the Google Play Store. This is the official way to discover and download Android apps, and the process for installing a new one is about as simple as it could be.Open the Google Play Store on your phone.Find the app you want to download.Tap the Install button.How to discover new appsIt's easy to download an app when you know exactly what you're looking for, but what about those t...

Gone are the days when having a phone meant signing up for a costly plan with one of the four (or now three) major carriers. These days, there are plenty of other options — and some of those options are proving to be more innovative and better value than the major options anyway. That's exactly the case for the Ryan Reynolds-owned Mint Mobile, which has been changing the game for some time.Not convinced? There are a ton of ways in which Mint Mobile is changing things. Here's how.Direct-to-Consumer means huge savingsMint Mobile was the first online-only wireless brand, and the result is that it's so far ahead of the competition in offering a streamlined, online approach to wireless service.You might notice that you've probably never seen a Mint Mobile store. That's because Mint Mobile sells its service directly to customers. The result of that is that the company can seriously cut down on how much it has to spend to keep the company running -- and that means that it can pass s...

At this point, Bluetooth wireless headphones have become ubiquitous, coming in a variety of styles and feature sets to support great sound. There are a lot of great options, and chief among them are the Sony WH-1000XM4 at the top of our best wireless headphones. Their sound quality is great, they have industry-leading active noise cancelation (ANC), long battery life, and fit comfortably well for long-term use.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4There aren't many flaws to point out with the WH-1000XM4, and its place at the top of this list isn't surprising since its predecessor, the WH-1000XM3, was in the same spot before. One of the biggest reasons why is the ANC performance, which gets an upgrade here courtesy of Sony's QN1 processor and a dual noise sensor that do the work of blocking out the background. Commuting on a bus, train, or plane won't be a problem while wearing these. Sony's pedigree in this area shows itself with true wireless earbuds, too.Sony chose not to change any...

Some comments on what to expect moving forward.What you need to knowCD Projekt Red held an emergency investor call focused on Cyberpunk 2077.During the call, CD Projekt Red business development SVP Michal Nowakowski explained that the focus hadn't been on the Xbox One or PS4 versions of the game.Additionally, the company clarified that it does not have a special refund agreement with Microsoft or Sony.Since the release of Cyberpunk 2077, the game has been mired in many technical issues like crashes or bugs, particularly for any players on the last-generation consoles, the Xbox One or PS4. CD Projekt Red held an emergency investor call today, giving some further insight into what exactly is going on.CD Projekt Red business development SVP Michal Nowakowski explained that the company had mainly focused on how the game was running on PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PS5 versions."It is more about us looking – as was previously stated – at the PC and next-gen perfor...

Google is experimenting with a new way of work.What you need to knowGoogle has no plans to require all its employees to return to offices anytime soon.Instead, it will continue its flexible work model that started as a result of the pandemic.It now expects employees to return to offices starting from September 2021.Like other tech companies around the world, Google transitioned into a work from home model after the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic became clear.As the pandemic moves into its final stages with the introduction of vaccines, the company is also revising its estimates for when workers would be able to return to work.Now, Sundar Pichai expects staff to be able to return from September 2021 (via the New York Times). But a return to the office doesn't mean a return to pre-2020 work models, Google wants to test a new hybrid work model where workers don't have to be in the office all the time. Rather, they can work from home most of the time with the excep...

Samsung's 10th year of Galaxy flagships is something to behold.Samsung always kicks off the new year with its Galaxy S devices. These serve as a showcase of the very best that the company has to offer, and in 2019, we were treated to a total of three new devices with the Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.These are no longer phones that we're regularly talking about and recommending, but they do stand out as very important (and excellent) entries in Samsung's history.No matter what brings you here, here's everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S10 in 2020!The latestSamsung Galaxy S20$800 at Amazon$800 at Best BuyA powerful and worthy S10 successorThe Galaxy S10 had a fantastic run, but if you're in the market for Samsung's latest and greatest Galaxy S offering, that title now belongs to the Galaxy S20. With a 120Hz AMOLED display, even faster performance, and long battery life, the S20 has a lot going for it.Samsung Galaxy S10:Price and availabilit...

The software that turns janky old Windows machines into Chrome OS is now officially part of Google.What you need to knowGoogle has purchased Neverware, the makers of the Windows to Chrome OS conversion service CloudReady.Google eventually intends to add CloudReady to its collection of Chrome OS offerings for subscribers. Commercial and education users will eventually be able to use the Google Admin console rather than a secondary Neverware Admin Console.No changes are planned for the free Home version of CloudReady at this time.If you have a clunky old computer that still works but is just slow as molasses on Windows 10, one of the better options for getting a few more years out of it has been to convert it to CloudReady, a version of Chromium OS — the open-source version of the Chrome OS Chromebooks run — that is designed to run very well on older machines. The makers of CloudReady, Neverware, have expanded and refined CloudReady over the years, adding an admin consol...

You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even as Sony and its competitors gear up for a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else. If you haven't invested in the console yet, there has never been a better time.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $280PlayStation 4 Pro: down to $370PlayStation VR: from $350More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreNew and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect, especially with the holidays right around the corner. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Our team has had an eye on the PlayStatio...

The "new" watches share most of their features with the Amazfit GTR 2 and GTS 2.What you need to knowAmazfit has introduced two new affordable smartwatches.Both the new GTS 2e and GTR 2e watches feature AMOLED screens, six sports modes, and blood oxygen monitoring.They have been priced at just 799 yuan ($122) in China.Huami's unveiled the successors to its popular Amazfit GTR and Amazfit GTS smartwatches earlier this year. The company's Amazfit brand has now launched more affordable variants of two of its best Android smartwatches, called the GTS 2e and GTR 2e. Unlike the GTR 2 and GTS 2, however, the GTR 2e and GTS 2e lack Wi-Fi connectivity.Like the Amazfit GTR 2, the new Amazfit GTR 2e sports a 1.39-inch circular AMOLED screen with two buttons on the right side. The Amazfit GTS 2e, on the other hand, has a rectangular 1.65-inch AMOLED screen with just a single button on the right. Both smartwatches come with six workout modes, heart-rate tracking, 5 ATM water resistanc...

Need a new desk? Well, lucky for you the Need Store has a desk on sale. The Need 63-inch computer gaming and writing desk has dropped to $91.20 on Amazon. This deal matches the same price drop around this time last year, which is the only other time this desk has ever dropped so low. It normally sells for around $170 and has been at that price for most of the year. Even when it has dipped, it hasn't gone for less than $150.This is a great computer desk, and it's one of our top picks for the best computer desks for students. If you're a college student or anyone really who needs a dedicated space for a computer, printer, monitors, and other gear, then you'll get plenty of space for just that with a desk like this.It's quite a large desk. I prefer a large desk, personally, and i think you will, too. The extra space gives you plenty of room to add stuff in the future or just spread out with paperwork and devices. The overall size of the desktop is 63 x 23.7 x 29.5 inches, which agai...

Samsung is likely to introduce at least two new non-Note phones with S Pen support in 2021.What you need to knowSamsung has confirmed that it is bringing the S Pen to other devices in its lineup.The first non-Note device from Samsung with S Pen support will be the Galaxy S21 Ultra.Samsung also plans to make foldable phones more accessible in 2021.Soon after Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 20 series in August, a rumor had claimed that the company was planning to add S Pen support to the Galaxy S series. In a blog post published this morning, Samsung's Head of Mobile Communications Business, TM Roh has confirmed that it is going to be bringing the Galaxy Note's "most well-loved features" to other devices in its lineup next year.While the company hasn't detailed its plans yet, recent reports out of South Korea suggest the Galaxy S21 Ultra will be the first phone under the Galaxy S series to have S Pen support. Although it won't have a dedicated slot for the S Pen, Samsung i...

If you have small ears, chances are you find it difficult to get a pair of headphones that fit well. There are virtually endless choices out there for audio gadgets in 2020, but finding ones that work properly in smaller-sized ears can still prove to be a pain in the butt. That's why we've done our homework and created a list of our favorite headphones and earbuds that are worth spending money on, even if your ears are smaller than the average Joe.Diamond-enhanced soundAnker Soundcore Liberty Air 2Staff PickSticking with true wireless buds, another great choice comes from Anker with the Soundcore Liberty Air 2. Soundcore's "diamond-enhanced sound" touts 15% better frequency bandwidth and double the bass for all-around better audio. Tie that together with Bluetooth 5.0, 28 hours of total battery life, and customizable EQ settings, and you get one heck of a package.$70 at Amazon $70 at Best Buy $100 at WalmartSurprise hitBack Bay Duet 50True wireless earbuds a...

Where you hoping to get a PS5 this morning? If you waited even a minute, you were already too late.What you need to knowBest Buy restocked the PS5 at 9am ET / 6am PT this morning.Though the website experienced some technical difficulties, PS5 stock still sold out within seconds.The retailer has not stated when another round of PS5 stock will go live.Best Buy announced that it was restocking the PS5 today at 9am ET and the console sold out within minutes. There's nothing shocking here, but it is a testament to how popular Sony's PS5 is this holiday season. The next-gen console first released on November 12, 2020.If you go to Best Buy's website right now, the console's are listed as "Coming Soon," but at one point there were a few seconds where the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition let you add them to your cart. The last time this happened and the website listed them as "Coming Soon," the consoles were sold out and technical issues prevented the store page from updated. The next ...

School is a dangerous environment for most tools and tech, but none more so than phones. Phones are essential items always in arm's reach but often bumped, dropped, or banged in the hustle and bustle of changing classrooms or running to meet up with friends at lunch. The best phone grips for students are a lifesaver for slim and slippery fingers. And considering how affordable these ones are, they're well worth the investment.Pop-ular and adaptableSwappable PopGrips by PopSocketsStaff PickSwappable PopSockets support wireless charging when you twist off the PopTop while still allowing you a better grip, a larger range of motion, and a flash of style for your phone. These also come in a bevy of pop culture character designs, like The Child from The Mandalorian.$15 at Amazon$10 at WalmartStylish slide gripSpeck GrabTabSpeck's phone grip is the size of a credit card, comes in dozens upon dozens of styles, and is easy to keep a precise grip on. Best of all, since the...

Get those spicy questions ready!It's hard to believe, but 2020 is finally coming to a close. This year sure has been something else, so why not end it on a high note? The final Android Central Podcast of 2020 is coming soon, and rather than doing a normal show to send off the year, we wanted to do something a bit more fun.As such, the next episode of the Android Central Podcast will be a Q&A! Whether you want to get our hot takes on our favorite phones of the year, finally want us to settle which Android interface is best, or just need to know what we think about pineapple on pizza (it's delicious, by the way), this is your opportunity to ask.Whatever your question may be, all you have to do is leave it in the comments below. We'll sift through everything that comes in, pick our favorites, and try to answer as many as possible. You all get to decide what we'll be talking about, so get creative and have fun!We'll be recording the next Android Central Podcast on Thursday, D...

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a lot to offer, especially when you compare it to its predecessor. Make sure you choose a suitable band for your smartwatch. Whether you need something that can handle your high-intensity workouts or you want to dress it up for fancy occasions, there are plenty of options. The Vivoactive 4 works with 22mm quick release bands. If you prefer the smaller Vivoactive 4S, you'll need 18mm bands instead. Not to worry, we've included the best Garmin Vivoactive 4 bands in both sizes.Waterproof comfortRitche Silicone Watch BandStaff PickNeed a watch band that can do it all? Check out these silicone bands from Ritche. They're made of premium elastomer material that's flexible and waterproof, which is perfect if you want to go swimming with your Vivoactive 4. Best of all? You'll never have to worry about skin irritation as it's lightweight and dries easily.From $17 at Amazon (22mm) From $17 at Amazon (18mm)Impeccably permeableSycreek Quick Releas...

Having a chat with the AC forums.As difficult as it is to believe, we're just weeks away from the Samsung Galaxy S21. The phone is expected to be unveiled and launched in January 2021, meaning we don't have to wait too much longer to get our hands on Samsung's next round of flagships.Thanks to the seemingly endless rumor mill, we already have a pretty good idea of what we can expect from the series. Samsung is poised to launch a total of three phones, including the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. They'll all feature flat displays, a new back design, upgraded internals, and possibly lower prices compared to the S20 series.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about waiting to buy the S21 when it comes out, with the conversation going as follows: Jgp55555 12-11-2020 02:17 PM “ Am thinking about getting s20 plus, can get 150 for my phone and 400 off through verizon. Might wait fo...

If you snagged a new phone, tablet or PC during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, now's the time to snag some essential accessories. If you're not already rocking true wireless earbuds, today's deal on the Aukey EP-T21 earbuds lets you do just that without shelling out a ton of cash in the process. These Bluetooth earbuds normally sell for just under $30, though today you can snag a pair for as low as $17.84 thanks to a sale at Amazon.With this deal, you'll be scoring them at $12 off and a fraction of the price that brand name true wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods sell at. The discount only applies to the black version of the earbuds.These Aukey true wireless earbuds let you listen to your music wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable wireless connection. Its smart touch controls let you just tap the earbuds to pause or play your music, or answer an incoming call using the built-in noise-cancelling microphones. Aukey includes various sizes of ear tips with these earbuds so...

The Corsair K100 RGB is the best gaming keyboard in the market today.Corsair makes some of the best gaming keyboards money can buy today. The K95 RGB Platinum was released three years ago and continues to be a great choice in 2020. I bought the keyboard a few months after it went on sale and used it for the better part of the last three years.Corsair has now introduced the successor to the K95, the K100. The K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard builds on the foundation of the K95, but Corsair isn't resting on its laurels here; the keyboard features Corsair's new OPX optical switch, a new wrist rest, an iCUE control dial, and an RGB lightbar that now extends to the sides as well as the top.Combine all of that, and you get a truly extravagant gaming keyboard that sits head and shoulders above other options in this category. If you're in the market for a new gaming keyboard, this is the one to get.Corsair K100 RGB Keyboard review:What I likeWhat I don't likeThe competitionShould you...

The Amazon Echo is great for controlling your smart home and playing music, but it can also be used for fun, enhancing games, powering some of the best Alexa-enabled toys you've ever seen. Whether you're enjoying a night in or playing outside with your friends, these are some of the best Alexa-compatible toys you can buy.Trivia board gameWhen in RomeStaff PickWhen in Rome is a travel-oriented trivia board game that tests your knowledge of 20 cities worldwide. Just like Escape Room in a Box, When in Rome ties into Alexa to add music, sound effects, and even character voices. If you have an Amazon-powered speaker like an Echo Dot, Alexa can host your game, keeping score, and reading the game's rules.$7 at AmazonTwist and shoutTwister UltimateThis edition of Twister is a larger version of the old favorite, perfect for families or larger gatherings. When you enable the Twister Spinner Alexa Skill in the Alexa app, you can have Alexa dictate the instructions and gamep...

Looks like Best Buy doesn't want to end the fun that started yesterday with its Green Monday sale. The party continues over there with a huge 3-day sale continuing throughout the week with tons of deals on electronics. Save on portable Bluetooth speakers, laptops, 4K TVs, video games, smart home devices, true wireless earbuds, Apple products, and more. It's like the whole store is discounted this week, but the sale won't last forever. The prices go away at the end of the day on Thursday, Dec. 17.Ready for some award-winning video gaming? End of the year awards for games are out, and right now you can save on a lot of nominated and victorious video games at Best Buy during this sale. Get Game of the Year The Last of Us Part II for just $29.99, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch for $39.99, and more. If you've got some holiday time coming up, spend it on the couch with a controller in your hand.There is a mini sale on Apple products inside the larger sale. I...