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Roku and Amazon, step aside.Update, February 2021: Chromecast with Google TV review, 4 months laterLong before the Pixel smartphones and Google's big push for self-branded hardware, the Chromecast was a well-known entity in the streaming landscape as one of the best and most affordable ways to get video on your TV. Whether it was the $35 regular Chromecast or the more expensive Chromecast Ultra with 4K, the idea of having a cheap dongle that can play anything from your phone was a concept millions of people got behind.As streaming media has expanded over the last few years, though, the Chromecast has started to look and feel a bit dated. Compared to the likes of Amazon's Fire TV Sticks, the best Rokus, and the Apple TV, the lack of a remote and proper user interface have hindered the Chromecast's functionality.That's now changing.Chromecast with Google TV is the most radical update we've ever seen in the Chromecast series, bringing it up to feature parity with the competiti...

You'll no longer have to download files from Google Photos for them to appear in the Files app.What you need to knowManaging your photos on Chrome OS could soon get a lot easier.Recent work-in-progress commits suggest Google has started working on integrating Photos into the file manager in Chrome OS.There's no word yet on exactly when Google Photos will be integrated into the Files app.One of the most annoying things about Chrome OS right now is the lack of sync between Google Photos and the Files app. Fortunately, a pair of work-in-progress Chromium commits spotted by the folks at Android Police suggest Google is working on integrating Google Photos into the Chrome OS file manager. Once the Google Photos integration rolls out, you'll be able to view all your Google Photos uploads when selecting files in the file picker. |filesapp| Only show Photos volume in file picker. Google Photos volume should only be shown when picking files in Chrome OS, and hidden when bro...

With 65W fast charging and a 120Hz display, the OnePlus 8T has the upgrades you're looking for.OnePlus has to thread the needle every year with its mid-cycle T refresh. It needs to add enough new features that customers find a compelling enough reason to pick up the new phone, but not too many that it risks overshadowing its numbered flagship series.OnePlus, therefore, has to strike the ideal balance when it comes to new features. With the OnePlus 8T, it has managed to do just that. The phone has internal hardware that's similar to the OnePlus 8 series, but it picks up 65W fast charging and a new design for the rear camera housing that makes it stand out. There's also a 120Hz display, and the screen itself is flat, unlike the OnePlus 8 series.OnePlus is facing increased competition in this category with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, which includes most of the features from the regular S20 series at a much more affordable $699 price — making it one of the ...

The LG V30 is still a pretty enticing phone, and whether you just recently bought it or have been rocking it since it first came out, there's one thing we can all agree on — it's a phone that needs a case. The glass back may look great, but it's also a slippery mess that's just asking to be shattered at any given moment. Need some recommendations on what case you should buy? Here are our favorites.Clearly GreatEgalo Clear TPU CaseStaff pickWe love clear cases here because you get the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the design and beauty that LG built into this phone, and you get protection from drops and scrapes. Sure, this isn't the toughest case on the block, but you get to keep your phone safe while still enjoying how great it is.$7 at AmazonReady for anythingSUPCASE Unicorn Beetle ProFor those of you reading this that have come to terms with the fact that you're a butterfingers, you'll want to turn your attention to SUPCASE. This super-rugged des...

Google wins 0% of the fights they give up on.When we shell out hundreds for the best phones, tablets and laptops, to say nothing of all the services we spend our time in and our money on — we expect the manufacturers and tech giants responsible for these devices and services to give it their all, to battle for supremacy and build off each other in order to give us the best experience. It's what we deserve. Instead, at least when it comes to one section of the market, what we have instead is a battle where the outcome is all but certain and one side's efforts are almost comically lackluster, to the detriment of all: the way Android tablets — and especially tablet apps — continue to be a complete laughingstock compared to iPad.Apple's iPad and especially the iPad Air have ruled the tablet space from day one, while Android tablets have largely failed in both software and hardware for years and years. Sure Amazon's Fire HD Tablets are so cheap you don't care about their short...

America's longest running singing competition is bringing the love this Valentine's Day and we have all the details on how you can watch the latest season of American Idol on TV or online.The search for this season's next American Idol began back in August when virtual auditions for this year's contestants were conducted over Zoom. The contestants who impressed the judges were then given a chance to perform in-person at several cities across the U.S. As was the case with past seasons, the first few episodes of season 19 of American Idol will showcase these virtual auditions as well as those that took place in front of the show's judges.Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will all be returning this season alongside the show's original host Ryan Seacrest and in-house mentor Bobby Bones. In a recent interview with Parade, Lionel Richie revealed that one of the biggest changes this season is the fact that contestants will get to choose their format. At the same time, the ...

One of Best Buy's deals of the day includes the Nixplay 10.1-inch smart digital photo frame, and it's down to $139.99. This price matches a low we've seen a couple times before, but the photo frame normally sells for around $180 or more. Amazon has a similar model, but it's still over $160. The Best Buy price even beats out a sale going on from Nixplay. Like the name suggests, it is a one day deal. You won't find this same low price available this time tomorrow.Digital photo frames are excellent decorative pieces to have around your house. They make great gifts for family, and they help you keep in touch during a time when seeing people in person may not be so easy. Like any frame, the Nixplay holds a photo. Unlike normal frames, it holds an infinite amount of photos that you can change on a whim and change from anywhere. It's like having an Instagram account featuring photos of the people you love on your living room side table.The Nixplay uses a 10.1-inch LCD IPS display. It ca...

Despite being a couple generations behind at this point, the Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds have been a top pick of ours for a long time. They're still very good earbuds with great sound. They might lack newer features like active noise-cancelling, but they make up for it in affordability. Right now you can grab a new pair of the 65t earbuds for $49.99 at Amazon. That's $30 off their regular price and a match for the lowest we've seen. Amazon is price matching Best Buy's same low price where the earbuds are featured as a deal of the day. That means the drop is only good until tomorrow from either retailer, so go for it while you can!The 65t have dual microphone technology and true wireless Bluetooth stability that helps reduce audio drops. They will last up to five hours on a single charge of the battery with an extra 10 hours of battery life within the charging case itself. These headphones also feature one-touch access to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, which can make yo...

Google already knows everything, so I love the way Chrome keeps track of things I can never remember.Ever visit a site that you are registered at but can't remember your password and didn't drop it into a password manager for some reason (like because you were just lazy, maybe)? You find the link that says you forgot your password and click it, dig through Gmail to find the email that was sent, then click through to create a new password vowing you'll put it into your password manager this time. I love it when a thing works so well it seems like magic.Or if you use Chrome, whether the browser on another system or on one of the best Chromebooks, you just enter the first letter of your login and the rest gets automagically filled in. Man, do I love that stuff.Yes, it tells me that Google is keeping track of things I type like user name and passwords unless I have opted out. You probably see an option somewhere if you start using Chrome with a brand new Google account and you...

The 63rd annual Daytona 500 race will be more than a little different as COVID has raged in the year since the last Daytona 500 race. One of the largest changes will be in the limited attendance of fans watching in-person. Instead of selling out the more than 100,000 person capacity stadium, NASCAR officials have limited the event to just 30,000 in-person fans.There has also been some driver changes as both Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suarez will be suiting up for different teams than they did last year. Wallace will be driving for 23XI Racing while Suarez will be driving for the Trackhouse Racing Team this year.If you can't catch all of the race on TV or streaming on a mobile device, you can always catch it on the radio. Both Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will be providing audio coverage. Of course, whether you watch or listen everyone will be checking to see if Denny Hamlin adds yet another win in this year's main event.2021 Daytona 500: when and whereThe 2021...

Everything you'd expect from a modern flagship without the modern price.For years, there's been a stigma around using plastic designs in high-end, expensive phones. Consumers have come to expect more luxurious materials like metal and glass which, despite being more fragile than plastic, typically have a more "premium" feel.I'm definitely guilty of shying away from devices whose spec sheets feature the word polycarbonate. I was reluctant to try the Galaxy Note 20 for exactly that reason. But once my review unit came in, my concerns surrounding creakiness and a cheap in-hand feel disappeared. Build quality in general has, of course, massively improved since the days when plastic flagships were commonplace, and the Note 20 felt just as solid as any other phone I'd tested in recent memory.The story is the same with the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition — better known as the S20 FE. This phone is the latest in Samsung's crusade to dominate every pricing tier with a well-rounded device t...

ColorOS 11 introduces a laundry list of changes as OPPO sets its sights on global markets.OPPO is one of the largest phone manufacturers in the world, and over the last two years it has turned its attention to European markets, where it is seeing a heady growth. In Q2 2020, OPPO's shipments in Europe increased by 41% from the same time a year ago, and the company saw a 10% uptick in global sales — all during a pandemic.OPPO's flagships tend to hold their own against the best Android phones, and its focus on global markets has allowed the brand to flourish. With OPPO now becoming a major player outside of China, it is making key changes to its ColorOS user interface to make the skin more palatable to a global audience. ColorOS 7.0 debuted on the Find X2 Pro earlier this year with a modern user interface and plenty of visual tweaks, and OPPO is now debuting ColorOS 11 based on Android 11.OPPO says it's going straight to ColorOS 11 to maintain parity with Google, making it eas...

After the success of his New Year's Eve concert livestream presented by T-Mobile, Justin Bieber is returning to the stage for his second virtual concert of 2021 — #JournalsLive, a performance of his 2013 album Journals in its entirety for the very first time. Unlike January's livestream which was a ticketed event, this weekend's livestream will be completely free to watch for fans worldwide."I'm excited to bring this show to life. Journals are one of my favorite projects and I've never performed it live," Bieber said about the upcoming show. "I'm grateful to TikTok for helping me to bring this show to everyone on Valentine's Day."While the Journals concert will be free to stream from anywhere in the world, we're sharing a few tips below for those who are having trouble watching.Justin Bieber Valentine's Day TikTok Concert '#JournalsLive': When and whereFans will have two chances to watch #JournalsLive. The Journals virtual concert airs live on TikTok at 9 p.m. EST this Su...

Former teammates Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns will meet in the octagon for a welterweight title bout tonight and we have all the details on how to watch Usman vs Burns on TV or online at UFC 258.Kamaru "The Nigerian Nightmare" Usman and Gilbert "Durinho" Burns are quite familiar with each other's fighting styles as they both used to train together at American Top Team. However, ahead of their title match at UFC 258, Usman left the gym back in June and went to Colorado with his trainer Trevor Wittman.Usman and Burns were originally scheduled to fight back at UFC 251 in July of last year but unfortunately, Burns tested positive for Covid-19 just 10 days before the fight and had to be pulled from the card. It was for this reason that Jorge Masvidal took on Usman at the top of the event's main card though he lost by unanimous decision in the fifth round.While Usman is going into tonight's match with a 16 fight win streak, Burns only has a six fight win streak under his belt. Sur...

Getting a new phone in your hands doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. There are always deals out there on Android phones but they tend to come and go rather quickly with other discounts appearing in their place. However, if you're hoping to buy one of the latest devices on the market, finding a proper deal is easier than ever these days.Best Android Phone DealsUnlocked dealsCarrier dealsWhen it comes to buying a new smartphone, there are two main types of deals to consider. You could buy your new phone unlocked so that you own it and can bring it to any carrier where it's compatible, or you can purchase devices through carrier deals at a retailer such as Verizon or T-Mobile.Carrier deals generally make you pay for the device in monthly installments and require that you add a line of service, which means you'll be locked into paying for the device (and your service contract) for a few years. Deals like these can be excellent if you're willing or need to ...

It may be an older model, but to me, it's well worth spending a little more over the latest higher-end Chromebooks.It is a great time to buy a Chromebook. There are models to fit every budget and whether you buy a very inexpensive one or one of the best Chromebooks, you'll have a good experience doing what Chromebooks do best — acting as a portal to the internet.Some of what we've seen so far for 2021 looks to be pretty great, especially if you're in the market to spend a little more and buy a higher-end model. Acer, ASUS, Samsung and other companies have seen that there are people willing to spend more than $300 on a Chromebook so they have taken things up a notch or two to offer better specs and a better level of build quality that comes with spending more money on a computer.I wanted to start by saying that, and that I think that many of the new crop of Chromebooks do things better than the Pixelbook Go does. I wish my Pixelbook Go had a higher resolution screen without bu...

Endless card combos and procedural enemies abound in this popular roguelite.Growing up playing Magic: The Gathering with my friends, the only thing more exciting than pulling off some epic combo victory was the feeling of opening up a booster pack and spotting some mythic rare or legendary I desperately wanted to improve my decks. Yet once I take off my nostalgia goggles, I can't help but wonder just how much money I spent gambling on packs that never paid off, trying to keep up with the latest editions and expansions.Our latest Game of the Week, Slay the Spire on Android, threads the needle between my younger and older selves. It allows me to relive the days of building combo-filled decks of cards and taking on tough opponents. At the same time, it's not a game where you need to spend hours and tons of cash building a deck before you have a hope of winning — you're meant to dive straight into the gameplay and adjust your deck as you go.A roguelite game with procedurally ...

With some bookmakers already paying out on Man City winning this year's Premier League, can José Mourinho upset their title procession? Read on to find out how to get a Man City vs Spurs live stream from anywhere in the world.With City hammering Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield and second place Man United dropping points with a draw at Everton this past weekend, there's now a clear five-point gap between Guardiola's side and the chasing pack, while also having the luxury of a game in hand.Spurs meanwhile come into this clash off the back of an energy-sapping midweek FA Cup 5-4 defeat to Everton which went to extra-time.The last time these two sides met was back in October in the reverse league fixture at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a game which saw Spurs claim an impressive 2-0 win with goals from Son Heung-min and Giovani Lo Celso.That win saw Spurs go top of the league, but while City have since hit Championship winning form, Spurs have struggled to hit those heights and now find...

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 recently released Google Pixel 4a models. This model takes the best features of the Google Pixel 4 and places them in a more affordable package. Snagging a great deal on one isn't so tough either; we've gathered the best offers available right now and put them in a list just below. Then again, there are some excellent Pixel 5 deals to consider too if you'd rather purchase an upgraded model.Best Google Pixel 4a Deals Available NowPixel 4a 5G: up to $139 offPixel 4a: get one for free!Google Pixel 4a with $150 Mastercard and free Fire TV Stick | $336 at VisibleVisible's deal offers the 128GB device for $336, or as low as $14 per month, with a $150 Mastercard gift card after 2 months of service. You have to bring over your number from your current carrier to be eligible for...

Samsung Quick Share could get a lot more useful.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly working to bring Quick Share to Windows 10 computers.The app supports Galaxy devices with One UI 2 or higher, but PC requirements are unknown.Samsung Free and Samsung O are also reportedly making their way to Windows 10.Samsung and Microsoft have a great relationship. Both companies working together to bring the best features from the Your Phone app to the best Samsung phones, and the new One UI 3.1 update further integrates Samsung's devices with Windows 10 PCs. Apparently, Samsung is working on even more ways to integrate its services with Windows, according to a new report.According to Aggiornamenti Lumia, Samsung is preparing to introduce its Quick Share feature on Windows 10 PCs via the Microsoft Store. This will bring similar functionality to how it works currently, transferring content between smartphones and Galaxy devices using Bluetooth or WiFi Direct. It seems some user...

LG might still be in the game with a change in design.What you need to knowLeaker Evan Blass revealed new renders of LG's upcoming W41 smartphone.The LG W41 will be the latest in the company's W-lineup, exclusive to the Indian market.It's unknown if or when the device or its counterparts will launch, given the state of LG's business.While LG's smartphone business continues to teeter on the edge of oblivion, the company still seems interested in launching new smartphones. We got a teaser for the LG Rollable smartphone at CES, and the company has been expected to launch a follow-up to last year's LG V60 ThinQ. The company's plans may be up in the air for now, but that's not stopping leaks from cropping up.Leaker Evan Blass has just given us our first look at the LG W41 and it looks very familiar. You would not be wrong to compare this to the OnePlus Nord N10 5G, especially looking at the design of the camera stove and the placement of the selfie camera.Apparently, a W41...

Google TV is finally getting better account management.What you need to knowGoogle has stated that it will introduce a "Kids Profile" as soon as next month.The new account option will give users the option to select safe apps and will require a PIN to exit the profile.Kids Profile will use YouTube Kids by default according to a representative.Chromecast with Google TV is among the best streaming devices available, with a focus on discovery and personalized recommendations based on what the user watches. Unfortunately, that personalization only goes so far, as one of the downsides to the OS is that it has limited support for multiple profiles. Sure, you can make other profiles, but there's no way to configure them with separate user data. It seems Google has heard the complaints (sort of) and will address this soon.Android Police spotted a user thread where a Google TV representative declared that the platform will soon enable a "Kids Profile", where users can restrict the...

Figure out the best way to dive in on this new adventure.Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart now has a release date — June 11, 2021 — and preorders are live. If you're not sure which version of the game is best for you to buy, fear not, as we've put together a full Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart preorder guide. This way, you're set for what is promising to be one of the best PS5 games of 2021.Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart all editions available for preorderRight now, there are only two editions of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart available for preorder. The standard Launch Edition is available physically and digitally, while the Digital Deluxe Edition is, as the name implies, exclusive to the PlayStation Store.Here's what you get for preordering the $70 Launch Edition:Carbonox armorPixelizer weaponBoth of these iconic items have been graphically overhauled for the PS5 while staying true to their roots in earlier games. In addition to those preorder items, there's some stuf...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/mo. at Mint MobileProsCheaper monthly ratesLots of plan optionsUnlimited talk and textFree hotspot accessWorks with most unlocked phonesConsCoverage isn't quite as dense as Visible'sMint Mobile uses T-Mobile to power its network, and while that means coverage isn't quite as expansive, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Plans are sold in bulk, meaning you have a bigger upfront cost but save a lot of money month-to-month. And, unlike Visible, you can use Mint Mobile with just about any Android phone.No data limitsVisibleFrom $40/mo. at VisibleProsUnlimited talk, text, and dataVerizon's LTE and 5G networkFree hotspot access (5Mbps)Taxes and fees includedSave more with Party PayConsOnly works with select Android phonesNo roamingWant access to Verizon's incredible LTE network for a fraction of the cost? That's what Visible brings to the table. For just $40 per month all-in, you get unlimited talk, te...

Chatting with the AC forums.Samsung packed a ton of improvements into the new Galaxy S21 series, and out of everything on offer, there's one feature upgrade that's easy to overlook — the fingerprint sensor.The Galaxy S10 and S20 both featured ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensors, and thanks to slow performance and inconsistent readings, they left a lot to be desired. Samsung finally fixed this with the Galaxy S21, offering a new sensor that's larger and more accurate.We've been really happy with its performance on the S21 so far, and taking a look through the AC forums, this is what a few of our members have to say about it: chimpboy74 02-11-2021 03:12 AM “ I've definitely noticed it's not as good as when I first got it. I think I will have to try setting my fingerprints up again. Reply buzzy3970 02-11-2021 03:36 AM ...

Google's Pixel 5 was a mediocre phone, so let's see how the 6 can up the ante.The annual Pixel launch has become somewhat of a highlight for Android watchers ever since Google launched the line back in 2016. Love them or hate them, they are always some of the best Android phones and it's nice to see what Google's doing on the hardware front.Last year's Pixel 5 for one was a bit of a strange phone. It was praised for being a good camera phone and offering a stripped down experience for less money (and it does do those things), but it also had too little setting it above the Pixel 4a or 4a 5G. Personally, I find the less is more approach Google took to the Pixel 5 can only go so far before you're just getting less, period. This year, it'd be nice to have the company offer a litle more with its hardware so that it doesn't need to be carried by software.Curiously, while we had leaks of upcoming Pixels by this time last year and the year before, this hasn't happened at this point in...

Samsung's other 2020 flagship phones are also expected to get the One UI 3.1 update soon.Update, Feb 12 (8:30 am ET): The update has now been pulled.What you need to knowThe One UI 3.1 update is now rolling out to the Galaxy S20 FE.One UI 3.1 brings minor UI enhancements, along with a few new features such as the ability to add custom video call effects.The update is currently limited to users in Europe.Samsung introduced the latest iteration of its custom Android skin with the Galaxy S21 series last month. Unlike One UI 3.0, One UI 3.1 doesn't bring a ton of new features. However, it does add a few useful features and some other improvements. As reported by SamMobile, Samsung has started rolling out the One UI 3.1 update to the Galaxy S20 FE.The update arrives as version G781BXXU2CUB5 and is currently rolling out to users in Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United ...

Whether you're wanting to snag a set of noise-cancelling headphones for your commute or to block out distractions while working, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are widely regarded as some of the best – if not the best – on the market.Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones + Mophie Power Bank | $348 at AdoramaSony's latest XM4 headphones only came out in August. These are truly Sony's best noise-cancelling headphones yet and well worth their full price. There aren't many price drops around right now but this deal at Adorama bundles in a Mophie power bank at no extra cost.$348 at AdoramaSony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones | $300.49 at AmazonIf you don't mind going for a refurbished set of XM4s, you can save around $50 on an Amazon Renewed pair today. They have been tested, inspected, and cleaned to ensure they look and work like new and come backed by a 90-day warranty.$300.49 at AmazonBeing the best out there, the WH-1000XM4 obviously ...

All variants of the Galaxy S21 FE are expected to come with 5G connectivity.What you need to knowSamsung is reportedly already working on the Galaxy S21 FE.The phone will run Android 11 out of the box and come in 128GB and 256GB storage variants.It is expected to launch sometime in the second half of the year.The Galaxy S20 FE was one of the most impressive Android phones Samsung launched last year, offering flagship-grade specs at a significantly lower price point than the company's premium flagship devices such as the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20. Even though it has been on the market for nearly five months, it still remains one of the best Android phones around.As per a new report from the folks at SamMobile, Samsung has already started working on a successor to the Galaxy S20 FE, which will likely be called the Galaxy S21 FE. The device apparently carries the model number SM-G990X and is likely to offer some of the best features of the Galaxy S21 and S21+ phones for ...

Streaming is now a massive part of the gaming experience, and everyone wants to try and be the next Ninja. To make a living at it though, you'll need to spend some money to get the equipment that will help you succeed. We've put together a list of some of the best PS4 streaming equipment and also PS5 accessories that will help you reach the audience you want while retaining some great streaming quality. Don't worry about compatibility because a lot of these items will also work with the PS5 if you're looking to stream some of the best games on the new console.Crystal soundBlue Yeti MicrophoneStaff PickThe Blue Yeti is the gold standard for USB microphones. Streaming with one of these produces sharp tones and an all-around great sound. It has a gain dial built-in, a mute button on the front, and a jack to put your favorite headphones in to monitor your output. It's a must-have for streaming or recording.$130 at AmazonBest 4K streamingAvermedia Live Gamer 4KEditor...

Telegram rolled out two-step verification five years ago, and if you've been using the service for a while now or are just getting started, you should enable it right now. Setting up two-factor authentication on Telegram takes less than five minutes, and it provides much-needed safeguards to your account. Here's how to secure your Telegram account with two-factor authentication.How to activate two-factor authentication on TelegramYour Telegram account is tied to your phone number, and you'll receive a one-time code whenever you have to sign in to a new device. With two-factor authentication, you can set up a password in addition to the one-time code; you'll have to enter both to log in to your account. Here's how to set up two-factor authentication on Telegram:Open Telegram. Hit the Hamburger menu on the left. Select Settings.Go to Privacy and Security. Tap Two-Step Verification. Hit Set Password.Enter the password you want to set. Confirm the password. Add a hint ...

Having been outplayed in the opening match, the Men In Blue will seek revenge with a home crowd behind them in Chennai in the 2nd Test - watch every ball with our India vs England live stream guide below.James Anderson and Jack Leach helped bowl the tourists to a famous 227-run victory in the first encounter of this four Test series.The win also saw a superb individual performance from in-form skipper Joe Root, who marked his landmark 100th Test appearance with a double century. The win also saw Root equal the record for victories as England captain with the Yorkshire star having now lead his team to 26 wins.While confidence will now be sky high among the England camp, Root and his team will know that the home side will likely come out stronger for this second installment of the series, while also being without the services of Jofra Archer, with the fast bowler ruled out with an elbow injury.The nature of the defeat in the first Test came as something of a shock to many pundits...

Act now or miss out on this exquisite matte black PS5 faceplate.The PS5 looks great on its own, with the white aesthetic giving the console a futuristic look. But because the side panels are removable, you can easily customize the look of the console.That's where Dbrand's PS5 Darkplate comes in. The limited-edition faceplate costs $50 and allows you to switch out the default white side panels for matte black versions, and you also get to customize the look of the middle skin for an additional $10.95 — there are eight color options. You can pick it up for the regular PS5 right now, with the Digital Edition coming soon.This is a limited-edition product, and wave one is already sold out. So if you're interested, hit up the link below and get your hands on Dbrand's matte black PS5 faceplate.Dbrand PS5 Darkplate$50 at DbrandThis is the best way to customize the look of your PS5. You get two matte black faceplates, and you get the option to choose between eight color opti...

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra has a surprise secondary screen in the camera hump!What you need to knowThe Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra has been leaked in full by a YouTuber, although the video has since been set to private.A small, secondary display sits next to the camera array, which could be used for selfies.The smartphone features Harmon/Kardon speakers at both the top and bottom of the device.Little more than a month after the Xiaomi Mi 11 launched in Europe as the first smartphone to rock the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, we kept hearing rumors of a "Pro" variant that could soon make its way, supporting very impressive features. For now, it looks like the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra may very well be on its way, as the device was just leaked in full in a hands-on video that leaves nothing to the imagination, including its tiny secondary display.The video, which was mirrored by XDA-Developers after going private, shows off the dual Harmon/Kardon-branded speakers on the top and bottom of the device....

Google's desktop Search dark theme remains in testing.What you need to knowGoogle has been testing a system-wide dark theme for desktop Search for a couple of months now.In a new test, Search now respects the system theme.Google has still yet to announce a timeline for the Search's dark theme rollout.Google has been testing a dark theme for the desktop Search over the last few months. In a new A/B test spotted by 9to5Google (which we were unable to replicate), the company will let Search align with your computer's system-wide dark mode. It's a similar execution to that offered by YouTube and can be accessed by navigating to Search settings if you have it. It'll also make using more eye-friendly Search more intuitive as you won't have to toggle on dark theme by default, it'lll just work.When the dark theme rolls out, it will be similar in design to Google's other dark themes. This means to expect lots of grey with dark blue rather than a Jet Black AMOLED theme.While desk...

TikTok was facing a ban in the U.S. under the Trump administration, but that may no longer happen.What you need to knowOracle agreed to purchase the social media app, TikTok, last year.Oracle teamed up with Walmart to purchase TikTok's U.S. operations after an ultimatum by the Trump administration ordered the company to sell or be banned.The sale has now been indefinitely postponed as the new administration takes a closer look at the security risks posed by Chinese software.Update, February 11 (06:35 pm ET): The Biden Administration has asked for a pause on ban proceedings regarding WeChatTikTok's impending purchase by Oracle has been put on indefinite hold after the Biden administration launched a review into security risks from Chinese apps and software targeted by the previous administration, The Wall Street Journal reportedThe app had come under scrutiny by the Trump administration towards the end of the year over vague security risks. Owner Bytedance was ordered to...

Imagine hearing imagesWhat you need to knowThe Centre Pompidou and Google Arts & Culture have teamed up to help visitors learn about synesthesia.The partnership has resulted in the development of a machine learning experiment that lets anyone "hear" a Vassily Kandinsky painting.To achieve Kandinsky's sound, the company partnered with music artists Antoine Bertin and NSDOS.Google Arts & Culture and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France have teamed up to offer visitors a chance to learn more about the life, art, and unique perceptual abilities of Vassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky is often credited with being one of the pioneers of abstract art, and he is also acknowledged as a person who had a special multi-sensory ability called synesthesia. Synesthetes, or those with synesthesia, profess the ability to hear colors and shapes and translate music and sounds to visual media. Lest you think it an obscure condition, even modern artists like Billie Eilish and Pharrell Willams a...

Alexa will take over on your Ring doorbell if you're not around.What you need to knowRing can now take a greet visitors for you using Alexa smart responses.Users can also select from several pre-recorded responses based on the situation.Ring will start warning users that they are being monitored if it detects motion.Amazon's Ring has among the best smart doorbells on the market, which is no surprise as the company practically made video doorbells a thing. Since becoming an Amazon company, Ring has had access to Alexa's vast AI smarts and the company continues to improve its products with more useful features. The latest update to Ring's smart doorbells puts Alexa front-and-center in case you're not home or unable to answer the door.The first new feature that Ring is rolling out is Alexa greetings. If you're not able to come to the door, Alexa will greet the visitor and, based on their response, ask if they want to leave a message for you. You can watch the message in real...

Technology has come a long way since flip phones. These days, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Motorola Razr truly put the years past in perspective. They can be folded to keep them pocket-sized yet when unfolded, they allow for more screen real estate than most other smartphones on the market. It's been quite a while since the last major innovation in mobile devices brought us full touchscreen devices; now, folding phones are making the next big leap with displays that seem like they belong only in the future.Best Folding Phone Deals Available NowUnlocked Deals: Save up to $1,000Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more Which to buy?Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Up to $750 off at VerizonYou can save up to $750 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when you switch to Verizon, bring over your current number, and trade-in an eligible device. You must add a line on an eligible Unlimited plan to score this deal, too. Another deal here lets you buy one and save $1,0...

Not all smart lights are created equal. Thankfully, SmartThings has the ability to work with an extremely wide variety of smart bulbs, leaving you a lot of options. On the flip side, it might be hard to dig deep and find the right light for you. We've done the legwork and found the best smart lights for Samsung SmartThings.Top PickElement Classic 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Dimmable LED Light BulbStaff PickA stellar combination of quality and price, the Sengled Classic A19 bulb not only works amazingly well with SmartThings but will last for years to come.$10 at AmazonA Smart ThingSmartThings Smart BulbSamsung'sSamsung's ChoiceWhat better way to assure your bulb will work with SmartThings than to get a SmartThings bulb from Samsung? Plus, the price is right.$10 at AmazonFan FavoriteCree Connected LED BulbThis bulb is right up there with our top picks. It costs slightly more but will save you on energy and last for up to 22 years. Yes, 22 years.$12 ...

With a Stadia Pro subscription you can now play the newly released Little Nightmares 2 at no extra charge.What you need to knowLittle Nightmares 2 just launched and is now included for free with a Stadia Pro subscription.Pikuniku is out now on Stadia at $10.39 for a limited time, typically will cost $12.99.Crayta is now free-to-play for everyone on Stadia.There's some good stuff in this week's Stadia Community blog. My favorite types of Stadia Pro games are the ones that no one expected to be free. This week, just before Little Nightmares 2 released, Google announced the anticipated stealth horror title would be included at no extra charge for all Stadia Pro subscribers. That's great news! In their Little Nightmares 2 review, our friends at Windows Central called it a "masterpiece." I haven't played it yet, but I'm definitely eager to dive in with my eyes partially closed. From the looks of it this could be one of the best Stadia games.Pikuniku is about as different of a ...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. It's pricy and not the right pick for anyone who wants a smaller and more portable tablet, but as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those who have different needs (or budgets), there are a few other picks that work just well for media consumption and won't break the bank.What are the best Android tablets?There's a lot more to a tablet than just its display, but it's hard to deny what an important role that particular spec plays. The Galaxy Tab S7 has one of the most impressive displays on any device we've used. It's able to get extremely bright and even bears support for Samsung's S Pen stylus. Of course, the Tab S7 also packs incredibly powerful specs elsewhere, and you can even buy a 5G-capable variant for a bit more money.If you really want to go the extra mile, Samsung's larger and pricier Galax...

While there is no shortage of standout features on the Samsung Galaxy S21, the feature that is in your face all the time is its gorgeous screen. Presumably, you've decided to pick up a great case to protect the phone from accidental drops or falls, but have you thought about how you're going to keep the front of the phone free of scratches, knicks, and cracks? Take a look at this roundup of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 screen protectors so that your smartphone stays stunning for months and years to come.Durable and dependableInvisible Shield GlassFusion+ Screen ProtectorStaff pickThe GlassFusion+ is a hybrid glass solution that covers the screen of your Samsung Galaxy S21 with military strength protection that is nearly unbreakable. It looks and feels like the glass on your screen and delivers clear viewing and fingerprint sensor sensitivity.$40 at Best BuyEasy appllicationSupershieldz Screen Protector (3-Pack)At 9H hardness and nearly total clarity, you stil...

We've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21+ cases that we could find because we know how important it is to keep your prized and expensive new smartphone safe and protected for its entire lifetime. Some of these cases offer maximum protection, while others showcase that incredible Samsung style. When looking for a case from this list, consider the form factor, color, and thickness that works best for you.A pleasure to holdCaseology Parallax CaseStaff PickIt's not often that you find one of the best-looking, most-protective cases by a major brand at this price point, but that's exactly what you get with the Caseology Parallax. Available in Ash Gray, Indi Pink, Matte Black, and Purple-ish, this case blends in seamlessly with your S21+. The back's textured pattern is both visually appealing and grippable, and the case provides military-grade drop protection.$17 at Amazon$20 at WalmartFirst-party textureSamsung Kvadrat Cover CaseSamsung has been on a sustaina...

The best Samsung Galaxy S21 cases will not only keep your new smartphone protected, but they'll keep it looking as stylish as you are. Whether you prefer a clear case, a flip case, something colorful, or something rugged, with a phone as popular as the Galaxy 21, you have options. Here are some of the best Galaxy S21 cases we've found so far. The best part of all is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your Galaxy S21 looking great for the long-term!Tough and texturedCaseology Parallax CaseStaff PickThe Caseology Parallax line is one of our favorite cases. It is affordable, stylish, protective, and a pleasure to hold. Plus, it comes in several interesting colors, including Matte Black, Ash Gray, Pink, and our favorite — Purple-ish.$17 at Amazon$20 at WalmartLow key caseSpigen Liquid Air Armor CaseThe Spigen Liquid Air Armor case is low-key one of our all-time favorite smartphone cases. It is thin and low profile while securely protecting yo...

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is clearly the top dog in the S21 series. It's the biggest, fastest, and best-equipped Galaxy you can buy. If you're going to spend top dollar on a top phone, then you probably want to do everything you can to protect your purchase. Following is a roundup of the best heavy-duty cases to cover your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Whether you prefer to wrap your S21 Ultra up like RoboCop or let some of its personality shine through, we've got a tough case to match your tough phone.Speck-tacularSpeck Presidio2 Grip CaseStaff PickSmartphone buyers have loved Speck cases for years, and one of the company's most popular offerings is the Presidio line. We love it because it's thin yet still very durable, offering protection from drops of up to 13 feet. Best of all, it discourages bacterial growth with Microban technology, and yet it's still easy to hold onto thanks to the groves on the back and sides.$36 at Amazon (Blue)$45 at Amazon (Black)$37 at Amaz...

The Galaxy S21+ is in the sweet spot in Samsung's new lineup of flagship smartphones. As nice as the device is, though, if you want to keep it looking sweet, you're going to need a protective case. Here are the best heavy-duty cases that we could find for the Samsung Galaxy S21+. Which one is going to grace your Galaxy S21+?Best in classArmadilloTek VanguardStaff PickIt seems that we always have an ArmadilloTek case on our roundups these days, and that's for a good reason — the case manufacturer knows how to protect your smartphone. The Vanguard series is rated for twice the military drop-test standards, but it's thin enough to allow for wireless charging and NFC payments. Plus, it comes with a built-in kickstand. In addition to the matte black version, you can also find a bright, vibrant orange option.From $19 at AmazonFirst-party strongSamsung Rugged Protective CaseIf you like your industrial cases from the first-party manufacturer, you might want to con...

Over the years, water-resistance in phones has gone from being a luxury reserved only for top-shelf phones to a standard feature that's expected of any remotely expensive gadget. We've rounded up the best waterproof phones in 2021, lead by the fantastic Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Take a look at our list for more options that will fit any budget and lifestyle needs.Best Overall Waterproof Phone: Samsung Galaxy S20 FEThe Samsung Galaxy S20 FE emerged toward the end of 2020 as our consensus choice for the best Android phone most people should buy. That doesn't mean that it had the best specs overall or was the best-priced phone. No, we love this S20 variant because of how well it balances price, features, and built quality, and part of that build quality is its IP68 water and dust resistance.Unlike its higher-priced siblings in the S20 and Note 20 lineup, this phone has a plastic, or rather, "glasstic" rear panel, but that doesn't make it feel cheap or less premium to us. It actuall...

We're big proponents of slapping a case on your smartphone in order to protect it, but some cases just aren't up to snuff. That's why we've compiled a list of the best heavy-duty cases for the Samsung Galaxy S21 so you can keep your flagship safe and protected from the elements and your own clumsiness.Thick skinnedArmadilloTek Vanguard CaseStaff PickThe ArmadilloTek Vanguard series has earned a reputation for providing maximum protection to your smartphone. Its dual-layered system is MIL-STE 810G-certified to withstand drops up to 20 feet, and its industrial design will scare off even the most stubborn scratches. Even though it's a bit thick, you can still take advantage of wireless charging and NFC payments with it on. Plus, it features a built-in kickstand so that you can prop it up and enjoy content without having to hold it in your hands.From $19 at AmazonIn DenaliGear4 Denali CaseThe Gear4 Denali features reinforced D30 material for enhanced durability ...

Android Auto is getting a little more exciting.What you need to knowGoogle is updating Android Auto with the ability to change wallpapers.The new update comes with a selection of 12 preinstalled wallpapers to choose from.Some users are reporting that the update now comes with access to Google Assistant routines, a feature that was lost years ago.Android Auto users were surprised today when the system gained a fairly notable update containing a new feature and the return of an older one. From what appears to be a server-side update to the latest version of Android Auto, users on Reddit have been reporting the ability to change the system's wallpaper, which has not been available until now. The update also signals the return of Google Assistant routines, a feature that hasn't been officially supported since 2018.As seen in the above screenshot, Android Auto gives users a selection of wallpapers to choose from that adds some much-needed flair to the system. As noted by And...