Latest from Android Central

LG makes really good Android phones, but past failures have led to its present sales slump.What you need to knowIt was reported earlier in the week that LG would be exiting the smartphone market after years of underperformance.The company was said to be selling its mobile business wholesale at the end of January. LG has denied the rumor, calling it untrue.LG's mobile division has been losing money steadily over the years. Whether due to a string of underwhelming devices, a reputation for poor QA, or just poor corporate strategy, the former smartphone giant has found itself an also-ran in the market.A report this week emerged from the Korean site The Elec, claiming that LG's mobile business was if more dire straits than thought. The company was planning to sell it off by the end of the month and would make this announcement by the 26th. Or so the report went.Speaking to XDA, LG denied the report strongly in unambiguous language. LG's Ken Hong said: "Definitely untrue, mo...

Players frustrated at an apparent lack of interest in the Stadia version of NBA 2K21 should now have a solution to one of the bigger issues.What you need to knowNBA 2K21 players on Google Stadia have been unhappy that roster updates applied to the other versions of the game were missing for them.2K says the issue has been identified and should be resolved going forwards.NBA 2K21 is one of 2K's highest earning games across all platforms.If you follow Google Stadia at all across its various communities on the web, you won't have been able to go too far before stumbling across an unhappy NBA 2K21 player. I'm not personally a player of this game, but the frustration among the community was easy enough to grasp. Not only were there bugs affecting the playing experience, a major roster update deployed to other platforms was seemingly MIA on Stadia.Roster updates and correct uniforms and such are an important part of a sports title, so understanding why folks who'd spent a decen...

The Moto G7 Plus is now in the hands of many users since launching almost two years ago, and it continues to impress. To maximize its longevity even further, you want to protect that gorgeous tear-drop display. Given that this phone only comes with Gorilla Glass 3, the screen is more prone to breaking without some form of protection. Along with a protective Moto G7 Plus case, which is a necessity for any smartphone, here are some of the best Moto G7 Plus screen protectors to keep the phone's screen safe from harm.Perfect FitOmoton Tempered Glass - 4-packStaff pickWhen it comes to value, this set takes the cake. You not only get four screen protectors for a ridiculously cheap price, but the well-reviewed protectors are just 0.3mm thin and include all of the features you'd expect, from high transparency to an oleophobic coating that repels sweat, fingerprints, and smudges.$4 at AmazonHigh-definitionUniqueMe Tempered Glass 3-packThe highly responsive touchscreen will...

Google's messaging app won't feel so alien on the S21.What you need to knowGoogle and Samsung are tweaking the Messages app so that it feels native to the S21.Google has been pushing for all Android OEMs to switch over to the Google Phone and Messages apps as their telephony defaults. Google Messages will now be the default messaging app on the majority of Galaxy S21 phones.With the launch of the Galaxy S21 yesterday, Samsung and Google announced a native Messages experience for the Galaxy S21. While it wasn't clear at first what that meant beyond pre-installing the Messages app on Samsung's phones, a closer look at the image Samsung shared shed some light on the topic.As becomes obvious when contrasted against Google Messages on the Pixel, both companies will be tweaking the Messages app so that it is now One UI themed. This means the bright blue of RCS chat is now a more muted blue, the icons will change to match Samsung's preferred icons, and Samsung may even add in ...

Google Stadia launched a little over a year ago, giving players access to some of their favorite games without having to own a console or gaming PC. While Stadia can be used as a free service, Google does offer a Stadia Pro membership for $9.99/month, which gives subscribers access to special discounts, upgraded 4K streaming options, as well as one or more free games to claim per month. Once you claim a game in Pro, it's yours to keep as long as you're subscribed, similar to how PlayStation Plus works.The free games with Pro can then be played as long as your Stadia Pro subscription is active, but are only available to be claimed for a limited time, so make sure you're checking back every month as we update the list of games available. If you cancel or suspend your Pro subscription and then decide to resubscribe in the future, all previously claimed games will return to your library.Here is the full list of all currently available Stadia Pro games, this list does not include game...

Samsung's AirPods Pro competitors sound sweet.It's all been leading up to this. As with Samsung's first few Android phones, its first couple attempts at building wireless earbuds were ambitious but rife with problems: the original IconX, from 2016, had terrible battery life. The successor, a year later, had finicky controls. The first pair of true wireless earbuds to sport the Galaxy brand, 2019's Galaxy Buds, experienced major connectivity problems that required months of updates to fix.It wasn't until 2020 that Samsung's true wireless earbud line hit its stride with the austere, affordable, and ridiculously long-lasting Galaxy Buds+ in February followed up by the now-iconic (and still-weird) bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live in August. The Buds+ laid solid sonic foundations while the Buds Live introduced a welcome redesign to the case and, more importantly, active noise cancelation.Now we have the $200 Galaxy Buds Pro, and in the ways it counts, I'm floored. Samsung continues to r...

Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are everywhere, but it's a bit more difficult to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. There are plenty of current OnePlus models to choose from, and whether you want a OnePlus 8, or a OnePlus 7 Pro, or one of the more affordable OnePlus Nord devices is the first big question you'll need to answer for yourself.Best OnePlus Deals Available NowOnePlus Nord devices: free gift card or headphonesOnePlus 8 devices: get one for freeOnePlus 7 devices: starting at $350Which to buy?OnePlus Nord N10 (128GB) | $299.99 at B&HPre-order the 128GB model of the new OnePlus Nord N10 at B&H and you'll also score a $50 B&H gift card with the purchase! B&H includes free expedited shipping as well; shipping begins on January 15. This device is unlocked and compatible with GSM and CDMA carriers.$299.99 at B&HAll of the deals below vary in nature, so while some allow you to buy the unlocked phone with a sin...

Whether you're a casual or professional athlete, GPS is often one of the most sought-after features when buying a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Depending on your budget and what other features you're seeking, there are some great options out there, but you'll often have to pay more for the privilege. If you're serious about tracking your activities and want all of the details plus built-in GPS, we'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music as the best GPS smartwatch. It has plenty to offer, especially if you're a highly active individual who's committed to detailed fitness tracking.Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicIf you enjoy exercise just as much as you enjoy tracking it, you'll love the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It comes with a built-in GPS that's reliable and accurate. It also promises at least seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode. You'll get a total of six hours in continuous GPS mode with music playing, which is more than enough juice to track even y...

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.Value packTQLGY 3 Pack of Tempered Screen and Camera Lens ProtectorsStaff PickThis multi-pack not only comes with three tempered glass screen protectors, but it also includes three camera lens protectors. This is particularly important with the Galaxy S21 line, as the new camera housing is more prominent than ever. The protectors are 99.9% clear and are hydrophobic and oleophobic, so you don't have to worry about unsightly smudging or smearing. Plus, they allow for an unint...

The rollout has started three weeks earlier than expected.What you need to knowSony has started rolling out the stable Android 11 update for the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 earlier than expected.The company had announced last year that the two phones would receive the update in February 2021.Along with all the exciting new Android 11 features, the update includes the December 2020 Android security patch.Sony revealed its Android 11 update plans last month, promising to upgrade five of its Xperia phones to the latest Android version before the end of the first quarter of 2021. While the company had planned to roll out Android 11 for the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 phones in February, some users are reporting that they have already started receiving the update.As per the folks at XDA Developers, the update arrives as version 55.2.A.0.630 for both phones and weighs in at around 1GB in size. However, what is a little disappointing is that the update only includes the December 2020 Androi...

More than meets the ears.In the year since I reviewed the excellent Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro and Liberty Air 2 wireless earbuds, the market continues to shift in two directions: value, and active noise cancelation.Now Soundcore, which is owned by popular California-based accessory maker, Anker, is following up that release with a single product: the $130 Liberty Air 2 Pro. After teasing the release for weeks, the company is banking on a CES announcement to generate the kind of hype usually reserved for much larger brands, and after using them for a few days, it's easy to see why.Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro review:What I likeWhat I don't likeThe competitionShould you buy?Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro Bottom line: The Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro fit nicely into the increasingly competitive $100-$150 price tier of ANC ...

When you live in a home with pets, it's not uncommon to find fur balls collecting in different areas of the house. Cats and dogs never seem to stop shedding, which makes cleaning up a bit of a hassle. The best way to keep your home clean is with a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba i7+ that takes care of the furry mess every day. We've done our research and gathered a list of the best robot vacuums for pets, which varies from our picks for best robot vacuums overall. See which one fits your needs.Best Overall: iRobot Roomba i7+This is most definitely an expensive choice for your home, but it's also one of the only robot vacuums on the market that can dump its dustbin load and continue working. When you spring for the i7+, you get the vacuum and the Clean Base where dustbin loads are stored. You can also purchase a less expensive i7 vacuum on its own, but it won't be compatible with the Clean Base. iRobot designed the Clean Base's bags to hold up to 30 bins worth of de...

The yearlywarfare juggernaut just can't be stopped.What you need to knowDecember 2020 NPD results are in.Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War was the best-selling game of December 2020, followed by Cyberpunk 2077.The Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console of December 2020 and the year overall.Every month, NPD Group releases information on the best-selling games, game consoles and accessories across all video game platforms in the United States. While it doesn't account for total worldwide sales, it does provide a nice look at one of the largest video game markets. Mat Piscatella, a fantastic analyst for NPD, has shared the results for December 2020.December 2020 saw a total of $7.7 billion in sales, with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War retaining its spot at #1. Cyberpunk 2077, despite its launch woes and lack of digital tracking, debuted at the #2 spot, while Assassin's Creed Valhalla falls into third place.Here are the December 2020 results:Total sales: $7.7 bill...

The Arlo Video Doorbell has dropped in price to $99.99 at Amazon. This matches the video doorbell's Black Friday price, which was an all-time low. It has since jumped back up to a price of $120 and can often sell for as much as $150. Amazon is actually price matching the Verizon website where you can also find this deal. Other retailers like Walmart and Best Buy are still selling it for as much as $130.Arlo's Video Doorbell looks quite similar to some others on the market with a slender profile, camera at the top, and button towards the bottom. Its camera is capable of capturing HD video up to 1536 x 1536, and the 1:1 aspect ratio is made possible thanks to the 180-degree field-of-view. This allows for a much narrower image compared to other video doorbells, making it a better fit to see people at your door.Connect the Arlo Video Doorbell to your WI-Fi and connect it to your smart home ecosystem as well. You can use Amazon Alexa and voice commands to view the doorbell on any vide...

Announced alongside the Moto G7 in early 2019, the G7 Power is a bit beefier than its brethren thanks to its 5,000mAh battery, which should last for days. As with any smartphone, you'll want to make sure it's protected, and we have you covered with a selection of the best Moto G7 Power cases.Trusted brandSpigen Rugged Armor CaseStaff PickSpigen is one of the best case-makers around, due to its reliability and customer support. The company has finally released a fan-favorite for the G7 Power with the new Rugged Armor case. This offers a considerable amount of protection without adding too much bulk.$13 at AmazonDual layerPoetic Full-Body ArmorPoetic makes some of the best cases in the business, and the company has released its Full-Body Armor case for the G7 Power. This case comes in two pieces, with the back case made of polycarbonate and TPU, and a front polycarbonate shell, including a built-in screen protector.$17 at AmazonTransparent protectionPUSHIMEI T...

SmartThings Find allows users to easily find their lost Galaxy devices using UWB and Bluetooth LE technologies.What you need to knowSamsung is rolling out a new update for the Galaxy Watch Active 2.The update adds home training and a few other new fitness programs.It also brings faster automatic workout detection for running, rowing machine, and elliptical.A day after unveiling the Galaxy S21 series phones and the Galaxy Buds Pro, Samsung has released a new software update for one of the best Android smartwatches right now – the Galaxy Watch Active 2. As per TizenHelp, the update is currently rolling out in South Korea and will likely expand to other markets in the coming weeks.According to the changelog, the update makes the automatic workout detection much faster for running, rowing machine, and elliptical. Along with faster automatic workout detection, the update introduces new home training and a few other fitness programs. Another new addition is SmartThings Find, ...

Chatting it up with the AC forums.It finally happened. Following months of rumors and leaks, yesterday gave us Samsung's official unveiling of the Galaxy S21 family!The phones look incredibly promising so far, touting the new Snapdragon 888 processor, 120Hz AMOLED displays, upgraded cameras, and lower prices compared to last year's S20 handsets. Overall, it's a really strong lineup.Our AC forum members are already discussing their stance on pre-orders, and so far, it looks to be a mixed reaction in regards to who's actually buying and who's not. ABOSWORTH007 01-14-2021 01:48 PM “ I'm going to keep my S20 Ultra. No SD slot kills it for me. I'm someone who upgrades every year and I don't think I'll be getting the S21 Ultra because of this. I wanted to get the S21 Ultra but this is a deal breaker. Reply Peter Scooze 01-14-2021 03:02...

While the Oculus Quest 2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor in just about every way, many folks were worried about the Facebook account integration. Turns out that, while the Quest 2 has some of the best accessories and games of any VR headset, it turns into a useless brick if your Facebook account is banned. Being banned from online platforms can feel a bit nebulous at times, but Facebook outlines some pretty simple steps that can be taken to keep your account from being banned and, subsequently, from turning your Quest 2 into a brick. Already happened to you? Here's what to do if your Facebook account gets banned.Products used in this guidePowerful, standalone VR: Oculus Quest 2 (From $299 at Amazon)Keeping it realOne of the biggest facets of Facebook's updated privacy policies and community guidelines is personal identity. While some social networks allow users to make accounts with fake names or identities, Facebook has curtailed this practice significantly i...

Marvel is making its return to the small screen with the launch of its first ever show on Disney Plus and we have all the details on how you can watch WandaVision online.It's been over a year since phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe ended with the release of Avengers: Endgame and now Marvel will begin phase four with WandaVision. Phase four was initially scheduled to begin with the release of the Black Widow film last year but unfortunately its release date has been pushed back to May 2021.Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany will reprise their respective roles as Wanda Maximoff and Vision for Marvel's WandaVision. The show takes place after the events of Endgame with Wanda and Vision living an ideal suburban life in the town of Westview while trying to conceal their powers from nosy neighbors. However, as Wanda and Vision begin to enter new decades and encounter a variety of television tropes, the couple begins to suspect that things are not as they seem.WandaVision draw...

The device is expected to launch in China sometime later this year.What you need to knowAlleged spy shots of Xiaomi's first foldable phone have surfaced.The images suggest the company's first foldable will have a similar design to the Galaxy Z Fold 2.Aside from Xiaomi, OPPO and Vivo are also rumored to launch their first foldable phones later this year.In October last year, a code found within the MIUI 12 Closed Beta build revealed that Xiaomi was working on a foldable device with a 108MP camera. Alleged images showing a Xiaomi foldable prototype being used in a Chinese subway car have now leaked, giving us our first glimpse at what could be the company's first foldable phone (via MyFixGuide). The leaked images show an inward folding design, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2. While the prototype has a clearly visible crease where the screen folds, it is possible that the issue will be resolved in the final production unit. Aside from the design, the images reveal...

Samsung says a large number of Galaxy users are reusing chargers and earphones that they already have.What you need to knowSamsung has confirmed that some of its future phones will not come with chargers or earphones in the box.Samsung believes the gradual removal of chargers and earphones from its in-box device packaging will help address sustainable consumption issues.Its existing phones, however, will continue to ship with chargers in the box. Samsung's highly-anticipated Galaxy S21 series phones are finally official, and just as expected, they do not come with a charger or earphones in the box. The company has confirmed that it plans to gradually remove the charger and earphones from the in-box packaging of its Galaxy smartphones.Just like Apple, Samsung has cited environmental concerns behind its decision to remove wired headphones and the in-box chargers: We discovered that more and more Galaxy users are reusing accessories they already have and making sustainab...

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S21 Series with shiny custom colors, lower prices across the board and the latest camera technology. Once you decide which one you're buying, however, comes another critical choice: which accessories you want to complement your new phone with. While there are thousands of awesome Galaxy S21 cases out there, nothing's ever quite as well-fitted and perfectly color-matched as the cases made by Samsung itself. You also have almost a dozen cases for each version of the S21 to choose from, but we're here to help you pick the best one.Official Galaxy S21 Cases and Accessories:Galaxy S21 CasesGalaxy S21+ CasesGalaxy S21 Ultra CasesGalaxy S21 AccessoriesGalaxy S21 CasesGet a gripSilicone CoverWant to add grip without sacrificing the pretty pastel color of your Galaxy S21? Samsung's Silicone Case may seem steep compared to third-party PTU cases, but the fit and the color-matching is much better, and the texture is sublime.$30 at Samsung...

American investors can no longer invest in Xiaomi.What you need to knowThe Trump administration has placed an investment ban on Xiaomi.It's being alleged that Xiaomi is a "Communist Chinese military company".American investors have until November 11th to divest their holdings with the company.Not a week before President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated into office, the Trump administration is taking its last moments to flex its proverbial muscles. Reuters reports that Xiaomi, along with nine other Chinese companies, has been placed on an investment blacklist by the Trump administration. These companies are alleged to be part of the "Communist Chinese military" and American investors are being told to refrain from investing with them.It's unclear where these allegations stem from, but it's concerning nonetheless. The U.S. government is making American investors divest their holdings in these companies, and have until November 11th to do so. As XDA-Developers notes, Qualcomm ...

Jimmy Eat World is about to kick off the first of a three-part virtual livestream concert event dubbed Phoenix Sessions that fans from around the world can stream in HD from home. Each virtual concert will see the iconic rock band performing a fan-favorite album in its entirety from start to finish, beginning with the band's latest album Surviving from 2019.The second and final shows of the event will feature performances of the albums Futures and Clarity, respectively. However, with all the enhancements and improvements in livestreaming technology over the past year, as well as the fact that Jimmy Eat World will be putting on a full-length, fully produced concert with all the lights and effects you'd expect from such an event, the shows won't be free to attend. You'll need to buy a ticket first at JimmyEatWorldLive.com if you want to unlock access to the stream. You can choose to buy a ticket for a single show, buy a 3-pack of tickets to watch every show, or bundle a ticket along wi...

Giving S Pen support to the Galaxy S21 seems to have inspired Samsung.What you need to knowSamsung has stated that it's committed to bringing the S Pen to more phones.The statement seems to suggest smartphones outside of Samsung's flagships could receive support.The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the first Galaxy smartphone outside of the Note lineup to support the S-Pen.One of the defining features of the Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones is the S Pen support on the Ultra, as it's the first time Samsung has included support for the stylus outside of the Note series. It got us wondering whether or not Samsung planned to get rid of the Note series altogether and merge it with the S-series.In a statement made to SamMobile, Samsung effectively confirmed that it is working on bringing the S Pen to more of its devices: We are committed to innovating new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously to make our consumers' lives easier and better. We've made the bold decision t...

Samsung Pay is losing the MST reader for contactless payments.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S21 doesn't come with support for magnetic stripe technology (MST) in the U.S.MST is what Galaxy devices use for contactless payments at terminals that don't support NFC.Samsung states that the feature will not come to future devices.Samsung seems to be stripping quite a few features from its Samsung Pay service. Recently the company abruptly ended its rewards program, at least as it pertains to transactions made through the Samsung Pay app, meaning there's one less avenue for users to accrue points with the service. The most recent change comes along with the new Galaxy S21 and is a bit more significant as it was one of the main features that gave it a leg up over Google Pay.Android Police confirms that the Galaxy S21 will no longer support magnetic stripe technology (MST), at least in the U.S. If you're unfamiliar, MST is what lets Galaxy smartphones make contactless payments a...

With the Galaxy S21, Samsung is no longer trying to push Google away.What you need to knowSamsung announced a partnership with Google to integrate its Nest services with SmartThings.One UI 3.1 on the new Galaxy S21 smartphones comes with Google Discover Feed by default.Both companies worked to improve Android Auto and include SmartThings integration to control smart home devices and routines from your dashboard.Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event had some great things going for it. The Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones were of course the star of the show, and the new Galaxy Buds Pro could arguably be some of the best wireless earbuds on the market right now. But one of the most important things to come out of the event wasn't the products, but the presence of Google.Samsung and Google seem to have had a rocky relationship over the years. As Samsung grew larger and larger, eventually becoming the largest Android manufacturer in the world, it began to grow less and less reliant on...

With the series finely poised at 1-1, the fate of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy comes down to this final match at the Gabba - watch every ball with our Australia vs India 4th Test live stream guide below.Having been in control for long spells of the 3rd Test, the Wallabies let their grip slip, allowing a defiant India to battle back to a deserved draw.The pressure is now firmly on the hosts following that missed opportunity to wrap up the series off, with Steve Smith also under the microscope following accusations of ball tampering during the clash in Sydney.The Aussies also have something of a selection headache with young star Will Pucovski set for a late fitness test after suffering a shoulder injury.The tourists meanwhile, will be buoyed by their fight back in the last match, however they'll need to make do here without Ravindran Jadeja after the all-rounder dislocated his thumb during the last Test.India also have injury doubts surrounding Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Ashwin and...

Be prepared for Hayato's microphone hot-takes.What you need to knowGoogle appears to be testing adding integrated shopping links to its videos.The program is in a pilot stage now, with a limited number of creators participating.Viewers in the U.S. may come across these shopping links on Android, iOS, and the web.According to a report today from Engadget, YouTube appears to be testing a pilot program for inserting shopping links in the videos of some of its popular content creators. Participating channels will be able to put a shopping bag-shaped link on their videos, which will lead viewers to a list of featured items in the video that they can then purchase via embedded links. The links may also lead viewers to other videos on YouTube related to the products in question, resulting in even more engagement as they spiral down the rabbit hole of available content.The testing is currently being conducted in the U.S. only on the web and on Android and iOS devices, but presuma...

At its January Unpacked event, Samsung just unveiled the all-new Galaxy S21 models. We're here to let you know the best place to pick one up if you want to be among the first to get your hands on one and make a saving.Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Deals Available NowSamsung Galaxy S21 Deals: From FREESamsung Galaxy S21+ Deals: Buy one, get oneSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Deals: Save up to $1,000We've been used to Samsung releasing three S series phones a year for a little while now. Back in 2019, we saw the release of the Galaxy S10e, S10, and S10+, with 2020 giving us the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. The 2021 lineup follows that trend with Samsung unveiling the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra phones.Though the Samsung Galaxy S21 devices were only just announced, there are a whole bunch of deals already available at the pre-order stage so you can save money while also pocketing the latest flagship device on the market.Best Cheap Samsung Galaxy S21 DealsThe Samsung Galax...

Bolder choicesSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro$200 at SamsungProsBolder soundSolid ANC performanceDynamic ambient mode360 audio abilitySignificant water resistanceSmaller charging caseConsFit requires more fidgetingProprietary ear tips Lower battery lifeSamsung crammed in as much of the tech that was previously missing as possible. Not only is there dynamic active noise cancelation at work, but it also works in reverse with a lively ambient mode. That's all on top of a bolder sound and better water and sweat resistance for workouts.Staying trueSamsung Galaxy Buds+$110 at Amazon $110 at Best Buy $110 at WalmartProsTried and true designOutstanding battery lifeComfortable fitLively color optionsMore affordable priceConsTouch controls can be finickyNo ANC supportLarger caseSamsung righted some important wrongs when they made these earbuds as successors to the originals, and the benefits are a major leap in battery life, plus improved au...

Buying a smartphone doesn't have to be expensive — seriously. If you need a new device but don't have a lot of cash to spend, our top picks for the best budget phone prove that you can get a quality gadget without going broke. Whether you buy our top pick of the Google Pixel 4a or any of the other choices on this list, you can't go wrong with any of these phones.Top 6 budget phones at a glanceGoogle Pixel 4a — Best Overall: An amazing camera, great specs, and a seriously competitive price make the Pixel 4a a winner.Google Pixel 5 — Best Upgrade: If you have a more flexible budget, the Pixel 5 delivers meaningful upgrades for a bit more cash.Samsung Galaxy S20 FE — Best Value Flagship: Want a full flagship experience without going broke? That's exactly what the S20 FE delivers.Moto G Power (2020) — Best Battery: Thanks to 3+ days of battery life per charge, you never have to worry about running out of juice with the Moto G PoweriPhone 12 mini — Best Compact: With a ...

120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that's continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung's Galaxy S series.One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren't always the most interesting, but there's no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.For 2020, Samsung launched a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they're bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S20 ...

There's no question that COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives for the last year. Along with having to take several safety precautions, many of us are also working from home, some for the first time. Kids are going to virtual school. Meetings are being held online using services like Zoom and Google Meet. And trade shows are virtual, too. That includes the largest North American trade show for the tech industry, CES, which, because of COVID-19, switched to an entirely digital format for CES 2021.Along with physical booths being replaced by clickable icons and video and text-based chats becoming the alternative to in-person conversations, COVID-19 also re-shaped the types of products that manufacturers, big and small, are developing and showcasing at CES. Not surprisingly, there was a lot of health tech at CES.Jump to:Purify the airSanitize just about everythingLet there be UV lightMask Up!Work from home, play at home gearOther ways CES is being reshaped by C...

A cheaper power brick for everyone.What you need to knowSamsung is slashing the price of its 25W power brick in the wake of the Galaxy S21's launch.This is to make the now-mandatory purchase more palatable for potential buyers.While the new pricing isn't live yet, it'll be reduced from $35 to $19. Samsung isn't shipping the Galaxy S21 with a charger in the box as rumors indicated. Instead, the new flagship will only have a USB-C cable in the box with buyers needing to purchase a power brick separately if they don't already have one. It'll be a jarring change for those who are used to getting a complete charger with their phones, but the company says it'll help reduce the amount of e-waste.Whether chargers in the box are good for the environment or not is a separate discussion. If you're interested in picking up a power brick either for your new S21 or just for an older Samsung phone that just needs a charger — the company has just made it cheaper to do so. It will be su...

Great for any Android userGoogle Assistant$100 at Best Buy (Nest Audio)ProsGoogle Home app makes smart home routines simpleWide range of compatible smart home devicesBetter integration with smartphone appsAccess to Google productivity apps and YouTubeEach user profile has separate Gmail accountConsLimited content for childrenAlexa Skills win over Assistant ActionsGoogle Assistant is growing smarter and more useful by the day, with an impressive list of compatible smart home products and other devices that can be controlled with a simple voice command. Frequent Android phone users or Google Workspace users have every reason to use Assistant.Best for kids and familiesAmazon Alexa$100 at Amazon (Echo 4th Gen Smart Speaker)ProsEcho speakers are generally excellent for audio and voice recognitionWide range of compatible smart home devicesPlenty of great content and hardware for children, both free and paidWide range of security and privacy to...

Samsung's Galaxy Smart Tag+ will be available later this year.What you need to knowSamsung has announced the new Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+.The new tracker will be available on January 29th for $30.Samsung is offering a free tag when you pre-order any Galaxy S21.The Samsung Galaxy S21 family of smartphones have officially been announced, along with the new Galaxy Buds Pro for enhanced audio. Samsung also took a moment to talk about its new Galaxy SmartTag, which was rumored for a while as a potential competitor to Apple's upcoming AirTags and an answer to the Tile Bluetooth tracker, which is easily one of the best Bluetooth trackers available today.Similar to Tile, Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag can be attached to an item or pet and uses Bluetooth LE in order to communicate with your smartphone in order to locate the item with Samsung's SmartThings Find app.And even when your item or pet is out of Bluetooth range, the Galaxy SmartTag can be located by bouncing th...

Plugging your phone into the wall is the most common way to power up your device, but it can be a pain fussing with cables. That's why we've rounded up the best Samsung Galaxy S21 wireless chargers out there. While charging with a cord is faster at 25W, the Galaxy S21 can still power quickly at 15W wirelessly. So, here are the best wireless chargers that will help you take full advantage of that cable-free power.Full speed aheadSamsung Wireless Charger Stand 15WStaff pickThe Galaxy S21 devices are capable of 15W wireless charging, and this Samsung wireless charger stand will deliver the precise power you want. Using this stand, you can have your phone in portrait or landscape orientation and still get top charging speeds. There's even a fan built-in to help keep everything cool.$58 at Amazon$59 at Best Buy$66 at B&HPurely powerfulAnker PowerWave AlloyThis simple-looking wireless charger is capable of some truly fast wireless charging. Your Galaxy S21 p...

The S21 series costs much more than its predecessor, and that's all down to 5G — which you can't even use.Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S21 series, and the exciting news is that all three models cost $200 less than their Galaxy S20 counterparts — at least in the U.S. Samsung was able to bring down the costs by switching the S21 and S21+ to FHD+ screens and getting rid of the charger and earbuds in the box, and in doing so it made the S21 series that much more affordable.But that's not the case in India. Unlike other global markets, the S21 series costs considerably higher in India, and that's because of one factor: 5G connectivity. Samsung released 4G-only versions of the Galaxy S20 series last year in India, and by not offering 5G, it was able to be aggressive with the pricing. Here's the breakdown of Galaxy S20 launch prices last year:Galaxy S20: ₹66,999 ($916)Galaxy S20+: ₹73,999 ($1,012)Galaxy S20 Ultra: ₹92,999 ($1,272)Here's the Galaxy S21 pricing in Ind...

Best answer: Yes. In keeping parity with Xbox, you can use PlayStation Store gift cards for EA Play subscriptions.Good for nearly everything: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)What is EA Play?EA Play — formerly known as EA Access — is a gaming membership that gives players access to a wide variety of EA titles, all available to download and play with the membership. EA Play subscribers can also get early access to brand new titles before they launch, and also get 10% off on EA digital purchases, which extends to expansion packs and in-game currency for any game that might have it.Most importantly, though, an EA Play subscription gives you access to The Play List, which is a collection of some of the best and most beloved EA titles from its history, as well as select third-party games that may also be available.How much does EA Play cost?EA Play has two separate tiers, with the normal version of the service available for $4.99 per month, or $29.99 for an ...

Galaxy S21 UltraThe ultimate flagship$1,200 at SamsungProsQHD+ AMOLED with 120Hz dynamic refreshSnapdragon 888 with global 5GAndroid 11 out of the boxCompatible with S PenQuad cameras, 40MP front lensGreat 5,000mAh batteryConsNo microSD slotCostlyThe Galaxy S21 Ultra is an absolute beast of a flagship, offering a stunning 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED panel with dynamic refresh rate, the latest internal hardware with 12GB of RAM as standard, and global 5G connectivity. It works with the S Pen, has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a 5,000mAh battery, and quad cameras that deliver truly outstanding photos.Galaxy S21+Missing a couple features$1,000 at SamsungPros120Hz FHD+ AMOLED panelSnapdragon 888 with global 5GAndroid 11 out of the boxGreat battery life with 4,800mAh capacityFantastic camerasSlightly more affordableConsNo QHD+ panel No microSD slotDoesn't work with S PenNo wide-angle lensThe Galaxy S21+ is by no means a bad phone, but it misses out i...

The company is ignoring some pleas while listening to others.What you need to knowJohn Carmack, Consulting CTO of Oculus, says that Facebook login requirements for the Oculus Quest 2 aren't going away.Carmack cites the company's dedication to privacy as the reason.Facebook has opened up a User Voice portal that will allow Oculus users to make requests and give feedback for platform improvement.John Carmack, Consulting CTO of Oculus, took to Twitter (via VR Focus) to explain that Facebook wouldn't be relaxing the requirement to log in with a Facebook account when using an Oculus Quest 2. This comes in response to several requests from users who don't want to have their Oculus usage tied to their Facebook account, the most concerning matter being what to do if your Facebook account gets banned. At the present time, it is impossible to use an Oculus Quest 2 without an active Facebook account.In the Tweet, found below, Carmack cites that Facebook "is extremely serious about p...

Top-grade video doorbellRing Video Doorbell Pro$250 at AmazonProsNo battery to rechargePre-roll videoSmaller size might be preferable in some casesAdjustable motion zonesPrivacy zonesConsWiring can be a deterrentPoor Google Assistant integrationMore expensiveThe Ring Video Doorbell Pro is still the best way to get the Ring experience. From the incredibly useful pre-roll video features to the convenience that comes from never having to charge a battery, the Ring Video Doorbell Pro is the single best Ring video doorbell you can buy. Its only real downside is that it has to be hard-wired to power, which could limit ownership for renters.Fantastic wireless choiceRing Video Doorbell 3$200 at AmazonProsNo wiring requiredA bit more affordableAdjustable motion zonesPrivacy zonesConsHave to recharge the battery from time-to-timeNo pre-rollPoor Google Assistant integrationRing Video Doorbell 3 is the third-generation wireless doorbell ...

The Samsung Galaxy lineup is the cream of the crop in the Android world, so if you're going to spring for the best phone, don't you want to deck it out with all of the best accessories? From cases to screen protectors, earbuds to chargers, we've compiled a list of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 accessories that will be a great fit for your phone, regardless of whether you opt for the S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra.Best Galaxy S21 case seriesArmadilloTek Vanguard SeriesStaff PickIt's hard to find a more dependable and indestructible case for your Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra than the Vanguard. Not only does it offer military-grade impact protection, but it has a built-in kickstand, which is perfect for watching videos or engaging in hands-free video chats. Even though the case offers maximum protection, you can still use wireless charging pads and NFC payments without removing it. ArmadilloTek makes this case for all three Galaxy S21 sizes and offers them in black, orange, red, an...

College is exciting, crazy, and a little scary. The road has many twists and turns, bumps, hurdles, and a few slides along the way. Here are some of the best Android apps for college students and each will guide scholars through every part of their college career and propel them to conquer the world.Daily plannerEvernoteStaff PickWith this app, you can easily schedule your day with color-coded tasks, checklists, and reminders. It integrates with Google apps, including Google's calendar, and both syncs and works across devices. There is a place to enter and keep notes from classes, file scanned documents and clips from online articles.Get at Google PlayDiscount textbooksChegg BooksChegg lets you buy or rent textbooks — physical and ebooks — or up to 90 percent less than the campus bookstore. You can use the app to sell back books to earn a little extra money at the end of the semester. Other school supplies are also available for purchase through this app...

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is beautiful, distinct, and like the Galaxy S20 series that preceded it, has a small palette of colors to choose from depending on which size phone you get. The smallest of the three, the regular S21, has four colors, the S21+ has three, and the S21 Ultra only has two. This might over-simplify your choice depending on what size phone you're planning to pick up, but if you need help picking, I'm more than happy to oblige because some S21 colors are good, some S21 colors are bad, and others are just boring — and there's nothing worse than spending $1,000 on a boring phone.Majestic and mysteriousPhantom VioletStaff PickPurple phones are so easy to get wrong but it looks like Samsung got it perfectly right with Phantom Violet. The color is well balanced so it doesn't skew too blue or too pink, and you still get rose gold accents on the camera module, frame, and buttons to lend a softer, warmer air to its look. Phantom Violet is available for both th...

The PS5 is out now, and as fans try to buy the extremely in-demand system, one of the most crucial accessories many players will need is a headset. Not only does a headset enhance your gaming experience with its immersive qualities, but thanks to the variety of incredible multiplayer games available nowadays, you'll need something to interact with your friends or other players as well. Thankfully, there are tons of wireless options available out of the best PS5 headsets on the market.3D audioSteelSeries Arctis 7P for PlayStation 5Staff PickIt doesn't get much better than this. SteelSeries made a near perfect PS5 headset with the Arctis 7P, combining legendary comfort with sublime 3D audio capabilities and a long 24-hour battery life. It may be sold out at most retailers, but it's well worth the asking price should you find it in stock. There simply isn't a better headset for Sony's newest console, and once you pick this one up, you probably won't want to use another.$150 ...

Samsung's kicking off 2021 with a bang.There are some things in the mobile tech space that are a given every single year, one of which is that we get a new Samsung Galaxy S release pretty early on. That's no different for 2021, but rather than waiting until March or April like it usually does, Samsung's launching its next big flagship right now.The Samsung Galaxy S21 brings a mix of expected and drastic changes compared to last year's S20 family, including things like spec upgrades, a refreshed design, and all-new camera tech. Whether you're in the market for a price-conscious flagship or something that goes all-out, the S21 series has something for you.No matter if you're looking for pricing information, details on where you can buy the Galaxy S21, or anything else in between, here's everything you need to know!Killer flagshipSamsung Galaxy S21From $800 at SamsungMore phone, less moneyThe Galaxy S21 series has arrived, and for a lot of shoppers, the baseline S21 ...

Because there's no charger in the box this year, we've made sure to scour the internet to find you the best Samsung Galaxy S21 chargers out there. This year's phones are capable of up to 25W of wired charging, and having the proper charging brick as well as the best USB-C cable guarantees you the best experience when getting your phone ready for the day.Officially FastSamsung Adaptive 25W Fast ChargerStaff pickGoing with the official Samsung charger means your S21 series phone will get the full 25W of charging power. It also ensures your phone will safely and adequately charge as Samsung intended.$23 at AmazonPower to spareRAVPower 65W USB-C PD3.0 ChargerWhile Galaxy S21 devices can't take full advantage of the 65W PD available from this RAVPower charger, it doesn't hurt to have a wall adapter capable of powering your larger devices like a laptop or Chromebook.$30 at AmazonReliable powerAUKEY USB-C Charger with 27W Power Delivery 3.0Aukey makes...

When it comes to big screens, you'll want to keep them scratch-free, which is while you'll want to use the best Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors. The phone measures in at a whopping 6.8-inches, which means there's a lot of real estate that could get scratched. Luckily, there are already quite a few great options if you're looking for the best Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors to match up with your new phone.Forget the bubblesPULEN Tempered Glass (4-pack)Staff PickPULEN's Tempered Glass screen protectors give you everything you would want with 9H scratch resistance and HD retina clarity. The company includes two screen protectors for the front, along with two more for the rear camera module. And you can put any concerns about bubbles to bed thanks to the bubble-free adhesive used.$14 at AmazonOne of everythingAYCFIYING Glass Screen Protector (3-pack)The best Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protector is easily the AYCIFIYING Glass Screen Protector. The company prom...