Latest from Android Central

Google had been rolling out RCS at a steady clip.What you need to knowGoogle has been rolling out RCS in Messages since last year.Today, the company announced this rollout was now completed and all users with the Google Messages appGoogle is also rolling out end-to-end encryption.Google introduced Chat —powered by RCS — to Messages back in 2018 as its replacement for Allo. Today, the company says that it has now rolled out chat to all countries globally. The service offered a souped-up version of SMS, including support for high-quality attachments, reactions, gif, stickers, etc. It basically turned the Messages app into a counterpart to services like iMessage and WhatsApp. Its only limitation was its initial availability. For a messaging app, being able to chat with just a few people really degrades the appeal, and now that's been tackled.Google's Drew Rowny, Product Lead, Messages, said: Today, we've completed our global rollout of chat features to make this mod...

There's a skill archer joining the crew.What you need to knowMarvel's Avengers first released back in September.Since then, the developers have implemented several patches, fixing bugs and adding new quality of life options.Today, the team revealed that Kate Bishop is joining the crew on December 8.Kate Bishop was first announced as a post-launch hero for Marvel's Avengers right before the launch of the game and now, the team at Crystal Dynamics shared that Kate Bishop is coming to Marvel's Avengers on December 8. You can check out the War Table briefing below for more details on how she plays.As you might imagine, many of her abilities revolve around her use of a bow but she is also capable with a sword. Her story is called Marvel's Avengers: Kate Bishop – Taking AIM and involves her trying to find Clint Barton. Along the way, she stumbles onto a mystery somehow involving both Nick Fury and time travel.Marvel's Avengers is being enhanced on PS5, Xbox Series X and...

The best cases for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra need to balance protection and profile, style and substance, and do it all without breaking the bank. The Note 20 Ultra is one of the most cutting-edge phones on the market, but it's also one of the largest and heaviest phones in 2020. Combine that with the luxury price tag that Samsung demands, and you have a recipe for disaster if you dare take your new phone out into the world naked. Skip the public smartphone indecency and get yourself a great case. Here are the best Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cases to keep it like new for years to come.Slim and sublimeRingke Air-SStaff PickIf you don't want to bulk up your Note 20 Ultra but need to add some grip, the Air-S is a minimalist case that will give your fingers more purchase than expected while also guarding against scratches.$9 at Amazon$9 at WalmartRough and tumbleArmadilloTek Vanguard SeriesI have loved the Vanguard Series for the last couple of generations of Galaxy phones ...

Better overallRokuFrom $25 at AmazonProsLarger app library than AmazonEasier to navigate interfaceWorks with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKitBuilt into more TV setsConsLimited voice assistant controlsRoku's series of streaming devices aims to serve those who want a smarter television, and does a great job with a non-intrusive interface and a plethora of options to choose from.For a smarter homeAmazon Fire TVFrom $30 at AmazonProsCan make use of Alexa SkillsFantastic smart home integrationMore exclusive content available Can sideload some appsConsLimited Google Assistant integrationMore ad-intrusive interfaceWhile the Fire TV does provide the smarts needed for your current TV, it works better as a gateway to creating a smarter home thanks to the power provided by Alexa.When you're looking at the big picture, it can be tough deciding whether you should go with Roku vs Amazon Fire TV Stick for your streaming needs. T...

There are a number of reasons why you might need to factory reset your Android phone. Maybe your phone is overloaded with apps and running slow, or you've downloaded a recent update and it's causing problems with your phone's functionality. Maybe you just want to reset it because you're selling your phone (you should always do this when selling an old device, by the way). Here's how to factory reset your Android phone through the phone settings or via the recovery mode.Jump to:How to reset most Android phonesHow to reset your Samsung phoneHow to use the recovery menu How to factory reset your phone from the settings menuBefore we get started, know that a factory reset will erase all the data on your phone. If you haven't backed up your contacts, pictures, videos, documents, and anything else (preferably in the cloud), you should do so now. Not sure where to back up your data before a factory reset? Read our guide on how to do that first.Given the variety of phones...

If you want to do something special with those hundreds of snapshots wasting away on your phone or digital camera, you need the best photo books for the job. Whether you want to create your own design, follow a pre-made template or make a professional design it for you, we have several options that should fulfill your needs. We suggest starting your search with Mixbook for its affordability and designer tools.Best Overall: MixbookMixbook currently offers over 500 starting templates with which you can build your photo book, each of which can be followed for simplicity's sake or freely customized to your heart's content. From there, you can upload photos from popular sites like Facebook, Google Photos or Instagram, or directly from your PC or phone, and begin dragging and dropping them into the template. Once a photo or free sticker is inserted, a pop-up menu appears with Photoshop-esque editing tools that make any necessary tweaks fast and easy, such as zooming in on a particula...

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a curved AMOLED display covered with Gorilla Glass 6, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need a great screen protector. Curved glass is inherently more vulnerable than flat, and the Note 20 Ultra's massive screen leaves many opportunities for scratches and potential cracks. That's why you should buy one of the best Note 20 Ultra screen protectors for your new, expensive phone.The glass wayVenoro Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickVenoro is a name we often rely on for quality screen protectors for all major phone releases, and with the Note 20 Ultra, it's showing up to the plate yet again. This single-screen protector is of the tempered glass variety, offering incredibly scratch resistance, a 99.99% transparency rating, and a super slim design at just 0.2mm thick.$12 at AmazonComboBAZO Soft Screen Protector (2-Pack)If you're looking to stretch your dollars a bit more, you can't ignore this package from BAZO. It all sta...

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a godsend for those of us who want to stick with our trusted non-smart television and also want to access Netflix on it, while the Fire TVs have all the capabilities of Amazon's Fire TV Stick built into the TV itself. They're generally affordably priced, but the best time to purchase one is during a sale. Below are the best deals we could find to help you locate the right Fire TV device or Fire TV for your home.Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Available NowFire TV devices: from $25Fire TVs: as low as $80Device bundles: starting at $75Sometimes, Amazon offers deals which are only available to Prime members, so it helps to keep your membership active while you're on the hunt.Best Cheap Fire TV Device DealsBlack Friday is coming soon, but there are a few great Fire TV deals to snag until then. If you have yet to cut the cable company out of your life, the devices listed below are easily worth their full price so you can finally make it happen. You mi...

The latest budget Pixels are here.Following up on 2019's excellent Pixel 3a series, Google's once again targeting the budget smartphone landscape with two new offerings — the Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G. The phones have their fair amount of similarities and differences, but they both share the same goal of delivering great value to those shopping on a budget.In fact, you could argue that these are the two most important phones in Google's current lineup. With there just being one high-end Pixel 5 variant that's cheaper and less powerful than last year's Pixel 4, it's clear that Google's making a shift to prioritize lower-cost devices.Whether you want to learn more about the specs, pricing, or release date of the Pixel 4a series, we have it all right here in one place. Here's everything you need to know!So goodGoogle Pixel 4a$349 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy$349 at B&HAn outstanding camera, and then someThe Pixel 3a was hailed as one of the best affordable phones...

It's rare to see such a significant price drop on a device that isn't even two months old, but that's what we're getting with this Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch deal from Amazon. In an early Black Friday offer, you can save $100 off it, making it only$149 for a great looking and performing smartwatch.Fresh and fancyFossil Gen 5EThe Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch is a stainless steel watch with all the features you'd want to be packed into it. From GPS and heart rate monitoring to NFC and a speaker, you'll always be connected and looking good while doing it.44mm - $149 at Amazon42mm - $149 at AmazonFossil has been one of the few Wear OS smartwatch makers to continuously offer great looking and highly capable wearables in the last few years. The Gen 5E line of watches released on October 5 2020, and today is getting a major discount — this is too good not to jump on.The Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 to powering this watch features snappy performance and hardware to improve the dev...

Having a chat with the AC forums.Of all the Pixel phones released this year, the Pixel 4a 5G feels like the most conflicted — sitting directly in the middle between the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5.Don't get us wrong, the Pixel 4a 5G is a really good phone. The specs/features on offer for its $500 asking price are all quite strong, but with the regular 4a offering a very similar experience for $150 less and the Pixel 5 giving you a few welcome upgrades for another $200, its placement is a bit awkward.This got us to wondering if anyone decided to buy the Pixel 4a 5G instead of Google's other handsets, and looking through the AC forums, it sure does seem like it. IHateMyTreo 11-15-2020 10:30 AM “ Traded in my Pixel 3a XL and got $250 off from TMo. A bit funky on the process - did an online trade in and got $60 there, and CSR said that once I return the 3a XL, I'll get another bill credit for the bala...

Best answer: The DualSense controller for PS5 is one of the most revolutionary controllers to ever ship with a console. It's impeccable haptic feedback and adaptive triggers make for the most immersive gaming experiences to date. Sonjy knocked it out of the park, and the DualSense is absolutely a controller you should have in your living room.Immersion: DualSense ($70 at Amazon)PS5 DualSense Haptics and adaptive triggersIt's incredible what Sony was able to pull off with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. For anyone unfamiliar, adaptive triggers allow the triggers to resist your input to mimic the tension of your actions in game. If you draw back a bowstring or use the right trigger to drive through terrain like mud, you'll feel the trigger actively fight against you as you press it down. Experiencing this in action really makes your jaw-drop at how well it just works.With its haptic feedback, Sony also packs the DualSense with motors that offer stronger and more prec...

Upgrading to a new monitor is always exciting, and finding the best Black Friday 4K monitor sales will save you some money on these pricey screens. Whether you're looking to step things up for productivity work, push your console or PC to the next level of gaming, or just want something that looks great for general use, we've got all the best 4K monitor sales for Black Friday.Best 4K Monitor Deals Available Now:4K Pro And Home Monitor Deals: From $4604K Gaming Monitor Deals: From $2704K Monitor Deals Under $500More info: Getting the best 4K monitor deals for youLG 27UL850-W | $253 off at Amazon$446.99 at AmazonLG's 27-inch 4K display is ideal for general purpose work at home or the office. Its IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, it delivers 99% sRGB color gamut coverage, and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification means plenty of brightness and contrast. Connect with USB-C for easy cable management, or hook up with HDMI or DisplayPort to take advantage of AMD FreeSyn...

From 47 to 007.What you need to knowIO Interactive is a developer that has worked on titles such as the Hitman series.Today, IO Interactive announced Project 007, a James Bond Game.It's an origin story but beyond that, not many details are known.IO Interactive, best known for franchises like the Hitman games and Kane and Lynch, revealed a new title today that is sure to make old-school spy fans thrilled. It's called Project 007 and as the name suggests, it's a James Bond game. You can check out the reveal teaser for this new project below.Project 007 (working title) is a brand new James Bond video game with a wholly original story. Earn your 00 status in the very first James Bond origin story, to be developed and published by @IOInteractive. pic.twitter.com/BRdKtARDSH— James Bond (@007) November 19, 2020While we don't know much about the game, this is apparently an origin story for the titular spy, so it'll be interesting to see the direction the game goes given the...

The Arizona Cardinals are walking tall this week after a hail mary in the final seconds gave them a win in Buffalo last week. Now, for the second time this year, the team must take on a potent Seahawks offense for primetime Thursday Night Football. Here's how to watch it live.Right now the Seattle Seahawks are reeling, searching for answers, and have lost two games in a row. Furthermore, the team's first loss of the season came several weeks ago at the end of October vs, you guessed it, the Arizona Cardinals. So, this will be a big rebound game for Russell Wilson and co, if they can put up enough points and keep pace with the Cardinals.In fact, this could end up being one of the best games of the year. We have two teams both sitting at 6-3, both with star quarterbacks having MVP-like seasons and offenses that can score at will. This game will likely come down to defense, turnovers, and if the Seahawks can make some adjustments so they don't lose again as they did back in week 7....

Due to hardware limitations, you won't be able to play keyboard and mouse-only games on your iPhone or iPad.What you need to knowNVIDIA's GeForce NOW game streaming service is now available in beta on iOS devices through Safari.GeForce NOW lets you play PC games at 1080p, 60 FPS with ray-traced graphics on supported titles.The GeForce NOW catalog includes titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Watch Dogs: Legion, and more.After bringing PC gaming to Chromebooks earlier this year, NVIDIA is now launching its GeForce NOW game streaming service on iOS devices. Starting today, GeForce NOW members will be able to play PC games on their iPhone or iPad through the Safari browser.To start playing PC games on your iPhone or iPad, all you need to do is launch Safari and visit play.geforcenow.com. If you do not have a GeForce NOW membership, you can sign up for free to test it out. Founders memberships are available for $5 per month, but you can get a bett...

Google Assistant is making it easier to stay connected with the familyWhat you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a number of family features for its smart displays and speakers.Some features are rolling out now, while others will be available soon.Google Fi is also adding some new features to better keep track of family usage and safety.As the holidays roll around, Google has been on a roll launching new features to its services that focus on the safety and well-being of its users. The company recently announced a number of different features to ensure users are well-informed holiday travel. Today, Google is adding new features to Nest Hub smart speakers and Google Assistant to help keep track of family members during the holidays.One feature that is now rolling out is called Family Notes. With this, users can create digital sticky notes with helpful reminders for the family. And once a note is created, it'll collect on the home screen with any other family notes. In addi...

It's 2020, and OnePlus is done settling.OnePlus manages to release some of the most exciting and interesting Android phones every year. The concept of getting flagship specs for considerably less money than the competition is what's helped OnePlus stand out from other brands, but as prices rise with each new release and that cost gap closes, OnePlus has had to further refine and improve its phones to help them still stand out.For 2020, OnePlus brought two new handsets to the U.S. with the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 8 is a pretty minor update to 2019's OnePlus 7T, while OnePlus 8 Pro is where the company put all of its marbles to create its most premium smartphone to-date.Whether you're interested in our review, full device specs, or a closer look at the OnePlus 8/8 Pro's best features, here's everything you need to know!Done settlingOnePlus 8 Pro$800 at AmazonOnePlus goes full flagshipThe OnePlus 8 Pro marks a big shift in OnePlus as a company. While...

From the High Republic to the First Order, this game covers a lot of ground.Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy's Edge marks the release of the second major VR-exclusive Star Wars series, following up the successful Vader Immortal trilogy from 2019. The same team behind that title has branched out in a significant way, moving from the highly-linear and depressingly-short Vader Immortal main story to a game that lasts several hours and takes you to dozens of different locations throughout the entire experience. Tales From the Galaxy's Edge is an Oculus Quest family exclusive game that takes place on Batuu, centering on the same Blackspire Outpost and Seezelslak's Cantina that can be found in Disney theme parks in Florida and California.The team seems to have taken the specific criticisms of Vader Immortal to heart when designing Tales. Everything from the voicework to the action is significantly improved from that game, yet it still is able to hone what made that series so powerful: ...

In addition to domestic seasons like the Premier League getting back underway, one tournament also in progress is the UEFA Nations League with 55 national teams from across Europe competing in the group stage for 2020/21. Now those group stage games have been completed, we now know which teams will be progressing to the finals in 2021 and which nations have been promoted and relegated for the next group stage.We've got all of the details below as well as info on how to live stream UEFA Nations League 2020/21 games online no matter where you are in the world.The global pandemic put a pause on the majority of domestic seasons across Europe leading to a delayed end to the campaign. That delay also saw the planned Euro 2020 competition being postponed until next summer. If you were excited to see some international football, the UEFA Nations League has got you covered.Portugal emerged as winners in the inaugural UEFA Nations League tournament in 2018/19 and were hoping to defend th...

Buying a OnePlus phone is easier than ever this year.The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are two very compelling Android phones. Both tout gorgeous AMOLED displays, incredibly fast performance, reliable cameras, you name it. If you're in the market for a new handset, both the 8 and 8 Pro are well worth your attention.Should you find yourself wanting to buy one of the phones for yourself, it's important to know where you should go to do that and where you can get the best deal.Below, you'll find a full breakdown of where the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are being sold, what sales/promotions are being offered, and what you need to do to take advantage of them.Jump to:OnePlusAmazonT-MobileVerizonOnePlus Buy directUnsurprisingly, one of the best places you can buy the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro from is directly through OnePlus itself. While OnePlus has expanded the retail and carrier availability of its phones more than ever with the OnePlus 8 series, buying on the OnePlus website con...

The latest One UI 3.0 is now rolling out to users in India and the UK.What you need to knowSamsung has released a new One UI 3.0 beta for the Galaxy S20 series.Unlike previous One UI 3.0 beta builds, the latest update doesn't allow beta testers to roll back to Android 10 using Smart Switch.It is likely that the first stable One UI 3.0 build for the Galaxy S20 series will begin rolling out to beta testers very soon.Samsung today released a new Android 11-based One UI 3.0 beta build to the Galaxy S20 series phones, bringing the December 2020 Android security patch and a bunch of bug fixes. As reported by SamMobile, however, the update doesn't allow beta testers to roll back to Android 10.The update arrives as version G98xxXXU5ZTKF and weighs in at just under 200MB in size. If you are running One UI 3.0 beta on your Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, or Galaxy S20 Ultra and want to roll back to Android 10, you should do it now. Once you install the latest One UI 3.0 build, you will ...

If you've been holding out until Black Friday to score some savings on a new flagship phone, this may be just the deal you've been waiting for. Today only, Woot is blowing out various Android phones with prices from just $140. The sale includes some affordable models as well as higher-end handsets like the Sony Xperia 1, OnePlus 7T, LG G8, and more. The deals expire tonight or when sold out.It wasn't too long ago that we named the OnePlus 7T "the best of Android for under $600", but thanks to this one-day-only sale at Woot, it's becoming the best of Android for less than $350. Woot has the unlocked device on sale today for only $349.99. It's suitable for use on GSM networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T. You can choose between Glacier Blue and Frosted Silver colors.The OnePlus 7T is equipped with a large 6.55-inch display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 955+ octa-core processor. Along with 8GB RAM, it offers 128GB storage capacity and a sizeable 3800mAh battery to keep it powered all d...

Samsung's Galaxy brand is home to a wide array of various gadgets. Whether you're shopping for a new Android phone, smartwatch, or wireless earbuds, there's something in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem that can fit the bill perfectly. If you're looking to up your Galaxy game without going broke this holiday season, check out the top Black Friday deals that are available right now!Samsung Galaxy S20 | $200 off at Amazon$800 at AmazonOne of the best Android phones released this year, the Samsung Galaxy S20 has so much to offer. It has a compact design, a stunning 120Hz display, incredible performance, and great cameras. It's about as premium of a smartphone as you can buy, and for Black Friday, you can pick it up at a $200 discount.Best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy deals:SmartphonesTabletsSmartwatchesEarbudsThe Galaxy S20 is a highlight among all the Samsung Galaxy deals currently available, but of course, it's far from the only thing that's on sale. Just about eve...

It's almost time for Black Friday sales to kick off, but you don't have to wait until the end of the month to unlock the best deals. We're already starting to see exciting discounts for NAS enclosures, so if you are looking to buy your first NAS or upgrading to a new model, these are the best Black Friday NAS deals available right now.Best Black Friday NAS DealsTerraMaster F2-210 2-bay NAS | $25 offSuper affordable and capable of high performance. Powered by an ARM v8 quad-core 1.4GHz processor and 1GB RAM. Supports Emby and Plex media servers. Compatible with 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch hard drives and SSDs.$124.99 at NeweggQNAP 2-bay Personal Cloud NASUse code 2BFSTNW88A in your shopping cart with a valid Newegg email login. This is a great NAS for beginners, especially at this price. The diskless system includes a 1.7GHz quad-core processor and 1GB DDR3 RAM. It also has two Gigabit Ethernet ports and three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.$149 at NeweggWD My Cloud Home 4TB NAS | ...

Not all wireless chargers are created equally. There's plenty to factor in before jumping on a Black Friday deal.We're getting close to Black Friday, and that means deals on absolutely everything, from home appliances and TVs to laptops, tablets, phones, and the accessories that make them all better. If you pick up a new phone this season, there's a good chance it'll support wireless charging, which has practically become mandatory in high-end devices over the years, so why not grab a great wireless charger while it's on sale, too?Before you just jump on the cheapest deal you can find for some off-brand wireless charger, though, there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure you really get your money's worth.Compact and widely compatibleAnker PowerWave Alloy$30 at Amazon$30 at WalmartThis Qi charger can output 15W EPP for the Pixel 5 and other new phones, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as supported. You can power it with either Power Delivery or Qualcomm...

Is your furnace ready for a smart thermostat? Let's find out.Of all the smart home gadgets that have emerged over the last few years, one of the most noteworthy has been smart thermostats. The thermostat has never been a particularly exciting part of any home, but the rise of smart ones has changed that.With a smart thermostat, you can change the temperature using an app on your phone, control the thermostat remotely from anywhere in the world, and potentially save quite a bit of money on your monthly energy bill.Black Friday is one of the best times to finally jump on the smart thermostat game thanks to the endless sea of deals that are available, but before you go ahead and do that, it's important you check that your house or apartment's furnace is compatible with the thermostat you're planning to buy.Use a compatibility checkerGoogle Nest and Ecobee are two of the most popular smart thermostat brands, and both offer interactive compatibility checkers on their respectiv...

Apple made a great phone, but Google's is even better.One of the most exciting smartphone trends of 2020 has been the rise of "value flagships" — aka phones that deliver flagship experiences for less money than the $1,000 handsets we've become accustomed to over the past couple of years.The Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 are two such phones, with both coming in at $700. They aren't necessarily cheap, but they're premium offerings from Google and Apple that are a bit easier on the wallet compared to other options out there.Both the Pixel 5 and iPhone 12 are top-notch handsets that do a lot right, but there are a few things about the Pixel 5 that give it an edge over what Apple's offering this year. If you can't decide between either phone, here are five reasons why the Pixel 5 may be the better choice.The Pixel 5 has a smoother 90Hz displayOne of the biggest advantages of the iPhone 12 compared to the iPhone 11 is its upgraded display. Apple finally ditched the iPhone 11's 720p L...

After 15 years on the air and countless adventures and escapades, Sam and Dean Winchester will be stepping into The Impala for one last ride and we have all the details on how you can watch the Supernatural series finale on TV or online.Supernatural tells the story of two brothers who are drawn into the life of hunting supernatural creatures including ghosts, vampires and spirits after their father John Winchester goes missing. What began as a monster of the week series has since evolved over the show's 15 seasons which saw Sam and Dean Winchester, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles respectively, travel to both heaven and hell while fighting demons and angels alike.Unfortunately Sam and Dean have reached the end of the road and Supernatural fans will have to say farewell to the Winchester brothers once and for all. Thankfully, The CW has prepared a proper send off for the show as the series finale will be preceded by a one-hour special titled "Supernatural: The Long Road...

Following an explosive season 3 finale which saw Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi decide to leave Jersey Shore Family Vacation after giving an insulting speech at Pivarnick's wedding, MTV's powerhouse series is set to return this holiday season and we have all the details on how you can watch it online or on TV.Jersey Shore Family Vacation first premiered back in 2018 as a Jersey Shore spinoff starring seven housemates from the original show. However, season 2 of the show focused on Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino's court sentencing for tax evasion and his wedding. The drama continued in season 3 of Jersey Shore Family Vacation which saw Mike head to prison, Ronnie go to rehab, Vinny begin his Chippendale's residency and concluded with Angelina Pivarnick's wedding.Following the speech heard round the world at Angelina's wedding, this season Pauly D will try to make the family whole again by taking over an entire resort with the help of Mike, Vinny and Ronnie. Together the boys hatch a pla...

If you're looking to save on smart home devices, there's no better time of year than Black Friday. If you want to smarten up your home's heating and cooling, the brand new sale that Ecobee has just kicked off at Amazon is well worth checking out with up to $50 off smart thermostats for a limited time.The sales include the Ecobee SmartThermostat which down to $199. That's $50 off its regular price and a match for a deal we last saw during Prime Day. You can also save on the Ecobee3 Lite today thanks to the smart home deals going on. It comes down to $149 from a regular price of $169.The Ecobe SmartThermostat is one of Android Central's favorite smart thermostats, and we even consider it the best one overall if you're using the Amazon Alexa smart home ecosystem. It's certainly worth the purchase at $50 off.We love the Ecobee 4 and have written about it many times. Despite the name not continuing the numbers, this version on sale today could be considered the Ecobee 5. The SmartTh...

You're spoiled for choice when it comes to headphone and earbuds, and that's even more true when it comes to Black Friday deals. Just about all of them, in all their different shapes and sizes, will be discount for holiday shoppers with many already having prices slashed as sales begin to kick off.There are many different brands of headphones and various kinds of headphones to consider, so we've broken down some of the top deals already available on headphones and earbuds trackers so you can get a headstart on your holiday savings. You're bound to find a great deal!Sony WH-1000XM3 | $226.99 at AmazonThese ANC headphones are super popular, and they don't drop in price often. This limited-time deal offers them for over $100 off their previous retail price. Note these are the international version, though functionally they are exactly the same as the U.S. version.$226.99 at AmazonExpect to see a ton of Black Friday deals on headphones at various retailers. We'll keep this ...

After just a couple months, Google brings back in-app triggers for Routines.What you need to knowGoogle has rolled out a new update for the Google Home app.The update brings changes to media controls, making it easier to select devices to play media on.Users can now trigger Routines within the app, and set defaul devices.Google has been busy. While it works on adding new features for Maps and Assistant in preparation for the holiday season, the company is also working on improving its Google Home app with some redesigns and the return of a feature that was lost in a recent update. And while they might not be the most exciting, the changes made in version 2.31 go a long way to making controls more intuitive and user-friendly.The first change is focused on media playback. Users on the newest version of the app will notice that when playing media, it's now much easier to designate where they want it to be cast. This also includes easy access to volume controls on the availa...

Google Assistant is making it easier to stay connected with the familyWhat you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a number of family features for its smart displays and speakers.Some features are rolling out now, while others will be available soon.Google Fi is also adding some new features to better keep track of family usage and safety.As the holidays roll around, Google has been on a roll launching new features to its services that focus on the safety and well-being of its users. The company recently announced a number of different features to ensure users are well-informed holiday travel. Today, Google is adding new features to Nest Hub smart speakers and Google Assistant to help keep track of family members during the holidays.One feature that is now rolling out is called Family Notes. With this, users can create digital sticky notes with helpful reminders for the family. And once a note is created, it'll collect on the home screen with any other family notes. In addi...

Go forth and venture.Demon's Souls has been released for the PS5 and while new players will be able to grasp many of the mechanics without much help, there is a feature called World Tendency that can be difficult to understand at best. At worst, figuring out how it works is an absolute mess. The thing is, many of the game's most interesting secrets, from special items to NPCs, are locked behind having a particular Tendency. Fortunately, we're here to explain how the system works and what you need to do to achieve your desired World Tendency.Demon's Souls for PS5 guidesEverything you need to know about Demon's SoulsBeginner's tips and tricksHow to save Yuria the WitchHow to play online in co-opHow to use photo modeCheck out our reviewDemon's Souls PS5 World Tendency explainedDemon's Souls PS5 World TendencyWorld Tendency slides on a scale of Pure Black to Pure White. It's a kind of morality system that measures the affect your actions have had on the world. By...

PS5 stock is selling out fast so be sure to have your credit card ready.Want to buy a PS5? Well, so do millions of other people and the stock levels that we've seen so far are tight. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is like 15 - 20 minutes, and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a difficult task. Sony has warned that it will be difficult to find stock, but retailers are promising more is coming.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller.Jump to:When are retailers releasing new stock?Buy in the U.S. Buy in CanadaBuy in the UKWhere to buy PS5 accessoriesTips for buying a PS5Which PS5 games you should buyWhen are retailers releasing new PS5 stock?Updated, November 18 @ 7pm ETIn the UK, it is now November 19, so the PS5 is now available to pre-order and you can find all the details on stores and availability below....

This year, Black Friday sales have been happening a bit differently than normal. We've already seen some stellar Black Friday deals available online and in-store, and yet it's only mid-November. Retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are offering limited-time deals throughout the month, though with Thanksgiving week coming up soon, it's about time to kick the sales into high gear; Walmart is doing just that with its latest ad release that focuses on deals beginning November 25.With Walmart's "Deals for Days" promotion, we've seen tons of discounts and hundreds of great products on sale already during November, but some of the best deals are still to come. Walmart's final ad for its Deals for Days promotion is giving us a look at many of the deals we'll see online and in-store on Black Friday, November 27.Walmart deals worth consideringWalmart always has some of the best Black Friday deals every year, and 2020 is no exception! This year, get a head start on your Black Friday...

Unless you've been living under a social media rock recently, you've probably seen all the fuss about Twitter's newest feature — Twitter Fleets. Fleets are essentially the same as Instagram Stories or Snapchat Stories (or all of the other myriad social media stories). Like those other services, with Fleets, you can adjust text, background colors, resize images, or record audio or video. You can also reshare your Tweets this way fairly easily. We'll show you how to embed a Tweet in a Fleet. Hey, that's fun to say and fun to do!How to embed a Tweet in a FleetSelect the Tweet that you want to Fleet.Tap the Share icon.Tap Share in a Fleet.Pinch the embedded Tweet to move or resize it.Tap the circle at the bottom left of the screen to change the background color.Tap the Aa to add text. Tap to change the size, color, or justification of the text.Pinch to resize or move the text.Tap on ALT at the bottom right to add alternate text to your tweet.Tap on the Fleet button in...

With all the gadgets and devices we own today, we want to make sure we protect them from any surges or spikes that may occur. Electronic devices can be expensive to replace, so why not purchase a middleman to absorb any extra charge that may pass through the circuit? You can get a standard surge protector, but if you want to get something that's connected, too, so it can be part of your overall smart home, we've rounded up a bunch of the best smart surge protectors that offer more than just surge protection.Independent ControlTP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power StripStaff PickThe Kasa Smart Power Strip has six outlets and three USB ports. You can control each of the six outlets independently with the Kasa Smart App. You can even set a time for when an outlet turns on or off. Voice commands can be used with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana to control any device connected to the power strip.$60 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$60 at B&H PhotoOne-half SmartAP...

Google has taken the veil off the Pixel 5, and if you've picked one up, now is the time to find some accessories to go along with it. In addition to a protective case for the Pixel 5, you'll also want one of the best Google Pixel 5 screen protectors. You don't want to have waited this long for Google's 2020 flagship smartphone only to be frustrated by an accidental drop cracking your display, after all. These screen protectors will help keep that gorgeous 90Hz screen looking pristine for as long as you have it.Almost everything you needOMOTON Tempered Glass (4-pack)Staff PickThe OMOTON Tempered Glass kit includes almost everything you need, with four total screen protectors and an alignment kit for easy installation. These screen protectors only measure 0.3mm, so you won't feel like there's a whole other screen on top of the Pixel 5. The only things missing are protectors for the rear camera module.$9 at AmazonIgnore the glassJ&D PET Film Screen Protector (6...

Alexa's Routines can now take your Fire TV commands into accountWhat you need to knowAlexa Routines now work with Fire TV commands.You'll be able to weave in content focused commands such as pausing movies with typical smart home controls like dimming lights.Amazon is rolling this change out globally starting today.Whether it's Samsung, Google, or Amazon, big tech companies have been working on 'routines' via their digital assistant in the past couple of years. These are simple shortcuts that aggregate and combine multiple actions into one command to save time and give users more countrol. Today, Amazon is rolling out an improvement to Alexa's Routines, adding support for the Fire TV's voice commands.Writing in a blog post, Amazon's Fire TV team explained: [Y]ou can now create an Alexa Routine so that when someone in your house says "Alexa, I'm getting a snack," Alexa will pause your Fire TV content and turn on your smart lights. You can also create a Routine so that...

Setting up your console in hotel Wi-Fi can be a pain as there are extra steps to take to get past the hotel sign in. We will take you through the steps to get your PS4 up and running as easily as possible on hotel Wi-Fi.How to connect your PS4 to hotel Wi-FiConnect your PlayStation 4 to the hotel TV.Turn on your PS4.Scroll over to the settings and press X to select the Toolbox icon. Scroll down and select Network in the options.Select the Set Up Internet Connection option in this menu.Choose the Use WiFI option on the screen.Select the Easy option. You can do custom if you know the details but the easy option is, well, easier.Select the name of your hotel Wi-Fi. This can usually be found on the package that holds your keys.After the PlayStation has gone through its business it will show that the internet settings have been saved. From here select the Test Internet Connection button.When the internet connection check says failed, don't panic! Select the Details option ...

Google is unifying its global payment apps, as it promised years ago.What you need to knowGoogle today started rolling out an upgrade to the Google Pay app in the U.S..This overhaul brings it the design and feature set in line with the Google Pay experience the company just launched in India.Google now more clearly highlights rewards, peer-to-peer payments, and support for retailers.Google today announced a more powerful Google Pay app today. It's coming first to the U.S., though the company has plans for a worldwide launch.Pre-empting Google's announcement, however, was an early access app page gone live prior to the launch that showed off all the new things Google later confirmed (via 9to5Google).First, the app will be completely redesigned. It'll match the Google Pay experience that Google ships in India in terms of looks, and it will now more clearly highlight peer-to-peer payment support upfront. This means that you'll be able to see the friends and family that alr...

Black Friday sales are already flowing and some of the best Chromebook models you can buy are already on sale. We are just about a week away from the big day, but that's not stopping retailers from starting the party a bit earlier than normal this year. Unfortunately, Chromebook availability hasn't been plentiful since the pandemic broke out, and any time you can find one in stock is a good time to buy one.We are rounding up all of the best Chromebook Black Friday deals that we can find from around the web, including those from the ads that have already leaked from Best Buy, Walmart, and others.Keep in mind some of the deals on this list might not be live just yet. Most of the best Chromebook Black Friday deals will start later in the month, likely due to limited availability, but we have spotted a few that are ready to be purchased now. Here are all the best Black Friday Chromebook deals you can buy today.Black Friday Chromebook DealsASUS Chromebook Flip C433 | $100 off at...

Do your ears a favor and get the Jabra Elite 45h on-ear Bluetooth headphones, which are on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That price is one of the lowest we've ever seen. The Elite 45h have only been around for about six months or so, so they haven't had a whole lot of deals. The last deal we shared was when they dropped to $85 back in August. The headphones normally go for $100, but you can them matched at this low price at Best Buy.The Jabra Elite 45h were just announced earlier this year and only released in early July. They were designed by Jabra to be super affordable while still maximizing looks and sound, and they do a pretty good job of that. Plus, they have an insane battery life. The rechargeable battery will last you up to 50 hours on a single charge. That means you can travel comfortably or take these with you on a commute and not have to worry about them for several days. They'll always be ready to go. They can also take advantage of fast charge tech, so even when the batt...

Ignoring people on WhatsApp will soon be more convenient than ever.What you need to knowWhatsApp is testing a new feature that reworks archived chats.It's renaming the feature to Read Later, and will let you mute conversations indefinitely. Currently, archived chats can still send notifications to your phone if one party sends a message.WhatsApp is trialing a new feature known as Read Later (spotted via WABetainfo). It's an upgrade to the current archived chats feature and takes the concept a little further to match the execution on Facebook's other messaging apps. Currently, archived chats on WhatsApp Messenger work a little like email. They aren't deleted, and they're out of sight/out of mind until the other party involved chooses to message you again.Read Later works the same way, but it will now automatically mute all notifications in an archived thread. In other words, the chats will be muted, and they'll no longer pop-up on your inbox. You'll be able to check the Re...

The prevalence of Wi-Fi-connected security cameras has made it easy to keep an eye on your home when you're away. Many of these cameras include internal batteries so that you can mount them anywhere, even in places that a power cable can't reach. We've rounded up our favorites to help keep your security untethered to power outlets, although our favorite is the EufyCam 2C thanks to all of its features for the price.Best Overall: EufyCam 2CIf you're looking for a wireless security camera with brains, battery life, and a great price, look no further than the EufyCam 2C. There's no need to pay for cloud service after purchasing your EufyCam 2C's.All EufyCam 2 models connect to the Eufy HomeBase 2, which stores all recorded videos in one easy-to-access location. This local storage is accessible via the Eufy app anywhere you might be in the world, and you can even drop an extra SD card in it for additional storage. All this to say there's no need to pay for cloud service after...

Check out some of this year's highlights.What you need to knowThe nominees for the Game Awards 2020 have been announced.The Game Awards 2020 are being held on December 10, 2020.There will also be different announcements and surprises.The yearly Game Awards are returning on December 10, hosted as always by Geoff Keighley. Today, Keighley announced the different categories and nominees that'll be in the running for the Game Awards 2020. Here's the full list:Game of the YearAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsDoom EternalFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeGhost of Tsushima HadesThe Last of Us Part 2Best Game DirectionFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeGhost of TsushimaHadesHalf-Life: AlyxThe Last of Us Part 2Best Narrative13 Sentinels: Aegis RimFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeGhost of TsushimaHades The Last of Us Part 2Best Art DirectionFinal Fantasy 7 RemakeGhost of TsushimaHadesOri and the Will of the WispsThe Last of Us Part 2Best Score/MusicDoom EternalFinal Fantasy 7 ...

This is a unique deal on a product we don't see go on sale every day. The Fujifilm Instax SP-3 Mobile Printer has dropped to $89 on Amazon. This deal price is available in both black and white. The mobile printer usually sells for around $100 and often much more than that. This is the lowest price we've ever seen. It's actually being sold by Adorama through Amazon, and you can find this at Adorama's main site for the same price as well. You can find it price matched at B&H, too.I don't know what it is about modern society, but for some reason there is a natural attraction to the physical version of digital works. Take me, for example, while I have had several e-readers I think there's something inherently better about owning the physical copy of a book. My wife is a huge fan of physical photos versus digital ones. This is so prevelant that even instant film cameras like the old school Kodak cameras have become popular again.If you're in that camp, you should try the Fujifilm ...

If you run a small or medium-sized business, the last thing you need is multiple apps to install and configure. With Taskeo, you can handle all your admin through one simple platform. Right now, one-year subscriptions are 58% off at $49.99.https://www.youtube.com/embed/irL7INKfJOcNo matter what industry you work in, the basics of business remain the same: you still need to attract customers, deliver your product or services, and collect your revenue.Taskeo can handle all of these tasks, and much more besides. Rated at 5 stars on Capterra, this platform acts as the cockpit of your business.Top features include full CRM tools for tracking leads, and the ability to launch and analyze email marketing campaigns. You can also schedule appointments with clients and sync these dates with CRM contacts.Taskeo's project management features help you deliver on time and distribute tasks among your team. Time tracking helps you clock the hours spent, and you can create invoices inside the ap...