Latest from Android Central

Google is feeling defensive right now about its role in search.What you need to knowGoogle responds to the allegations that it has a monopoly on search.The company says that redesigning Google Search could actually harm consumers.Antitrust allegations against Google could last for the next few years with a trial date set in 2023.Amid the bombardment of antitrust allegations against Google, the company has issued a couple of statements defending its practices. The first came through a blog post about privacy on the web and how businesses can grow by navigating the use of cookies and more responsible use of online data. We strongly believe that advertising and privacy can coexist. Helping businesses adapt to a privacy-safe web isn't just good business practice—if done right, and done collaboratively, it can be an engine for economic recovery and growth.It's a curious stance for Google to take, considering what it's being accused of. The allegations against Google all...

The Google Pixel 5 is one of the best Android phones. It's a stylish phone that can stand on its own, especially with that supremely suave Sorta Sage color and best-in-class photography. Because of these reasons, it deserves only the best accessories to keep it pristine and powered. From wireless chargers that beat Google's own, to cases and headphones, we've gathered the best Pixel 5 accessories your phone deserves.Safe and stylishCaseology ParallaxStaff PickThis mesmerizing case has protected my last two Pixels with grace, and the colorways for the Pixel 5 are quite fetching. The Aqua Green will fit the green Pixel 5 perfectly while Burgundy and Navy Blue jazz up the black Pixel 5.From $14 at AmazonFun, fashionable feelGoogle Fabric CaseThis is the iconic case series we see from Google each year, and this year the fabric cases are made of recycled plastic and polyester. The result is a soft, vibrant case that's machine-washable and microfiber-lined.$40 at Amaz...

Kids love gadgets as much as adults, maybe even more, so it's no surprise the idea of having their own smartwatch gets kids excited. Choosing what watch to get for your child can be daunting with so many choices out there. Aside from wading through all the options, it's also important to consider privacy, durability, and cost when looking at the choices. One watch that does a great job of these core features is the Coolpad Dyno. There are a lot of choices out there, so let us help you find the best kids smartwatch for your child.Best Overall: Coolpad DynoWhile the brand Coolpad may not be all that familiar to you, its watch is one that should be considered when looking for an excellent smartwatch for your child. The Coolpad Dyno is not only a fun looking device, but it also has some great features to help keep you connected with your child and let them have some fun.The Dyno can connect via Wi-Fi but also has a SIM card so that it can fully function as a phone. Coolpad has a ...

Commonly regarded as one of the best boxers of this or any generation, Gennady Golovkin is finally back in action on Friday tonight to defend his crown against dark horse challenger Kamil Szeremeta.This long-awaited return to the ring for Golovkin mark's the Kazakhstani fighter's first fight since beating Sergiy Derevyanchenko back in October last year — a victory which saw him take the vacant IBF and IBO middleweight titles.Another victory tonight for GGG would see the 38-year-old notch up a record-breaking 21st middleweight title defense. Over the course of his decade-long pro career, Golovkin has won the welterweight championship twice.He also ruled the roost as the unified champion of the middleweight division from 2014 to 2018, but that reign was ended by Mexican ring king Canelo Alvarez — a loss that ended GGG's incredible 40-fight unbeaten streak.Golovkin has since battled back to hold the IBF and IBO middleweight champion of the world, and now faces mandatory chal...

Fitbit is new to the ECG game and is already trying to jump ahead.What you need to knowFitbit discusses the work that it's doing to improve ECG's and make them more useful on wearables.With its new PPG technology, Fitbit aims to bring continuous heart rhythm tracking.There is currently no timeline for when the technology will reach wearables.When the Fitbit Sense launched in August, it was without the ECG functionality. It was still a great smartwatch without it, as noted in our Fitbit Sense review, but the feature was finally approved and added in October, cementing the Fitbit Sense as one of the best Android smartwatches available today. The ECG app allows the watch to analyze the rhythm of your heart to check for cardiac problems like atrial fibrillation (AFib). It hasn't been very long since the feature was enabled, but Fitbit is already working on ways to greatly improve the technology.The company spoke with Wearable on a new PPG technology that is currently in clini...

Death is only the beginning.What you need to knowFast Travel Games provided the first look at footage from Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife today.The game is scheduled to release in early 2021.It will be the first VR game set in the World of Darkness.Fast Travel Games, the developers behind Budget Cuts 2, shared five minutes of gameplay for their upcoming horror VR title Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife during Upload VR's Winter Wrap-Up today.The game is based on the 1994 tabletop roleplaying game Wraith: The Oblivion, and is the first VR game set in the World of Darkness, a version of the modern world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures exist in secret. However, the developers have promised you won't need any prior setting knowledge to appreciate the game.Players will control Ed, a photographer who died while attending a séance at Barclay Mansion, home of a legendary movie producer. Now a wraith, Ed will have to explore the mansion try...

An early Christmas gift from Verizon.What you need to knowThe Galaxy Note 20 on Verizon now has the One UI 3.0 update.This follows an earlier release from AT&T this week.Samsung first announced and released One UI 3.0 for the S20 family in November.Verizon is now rolling out Android 11 and One UI 3.0 to the Galaxy Note 20. It was also the first carrier to release Android 11 for the S20, so its laudable swiftness is par for the course this year.Android 11 and One UI 3.0 are already known quanities. Samsung phones will now have messaging bubbles, the enhanced privacy options, and the new notifications categories Pixel owners have been enjoying since September.The company also adds its own tweaks and improvements with One UI, so users will be receiving updates to Bixby, Dex, and even mundane things like the lockscreen for an Android experience that's very Samsung. The overall UX also gets better, with Samsung adding a blur effect to notifications, redesigning its home ...

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 ...

Train to join the freelance police.What you need to knowDeveloper HappyGiant released six minutes of new gameplay footage from Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual.The action-adventure game will release in 2021.This is the first VR game featuring the characters.Developer HappyGiant released six minutes of new gameplay footage from Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual today as part of UploadVR's Winter Wrap-Up, which also provided first looks at The Wizards: Dark Times and Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife. Releasing on Oculus Quest sometime in 2021, the game has players help the titular duo try to deal with an alien invasion.The dog and rabbit have built a freelance police academy in a out-of-business carnival and players must prove their skills in games including hitting beer cans with a baseball bat and using fish to train a gigantic aquatic worm. You'll also have to figure out how to stop demons from rampaging through a supermarket by using items in the environment ...

Typically Best Buy's return policy doesn't allow for returns of opened games.What you need to knowBest Buy announced on its forums Friday that it will be accepting returns of Cyberpunk 2077 until Dec. 21.Originally, the retailer didn't accept returns of opened games, but will be making an exception.It's worth noting that it'll accept Collector's Edition returns, but all elements of the package must be included.When CD Projekt Red originally announced that it would be allowing full refunds for Cyberpunk 2077 until Dec. 21, 2020, it didn't specify how each respective platform and retailer would be handling it. Since then, platforms like Sony and Microsoft have announced that it would be honoring full refunds, while Sony delisted it from its store entirely.Now, we're starting to hear how physical, third-party retailers will be handling the situation. Best Buy announced on its forums Friday that it'll be making an exception to its return policy for physical copies of Cyberpun...

You'll have until December 31st to use the program.What you need to knowSamsung is winding down its rewards program for Samsung Pay.It's also ending its Rewards Tier program at the same time. The program will end at the stroke of midnight on the 31st of December.Samsung Pay has a few benefits over Google Pay. It supported MST, a contactless solution popular in the U.S. It's the default on Samsung phones, so some of the most popular phones in the world, and it had its own rewards program. With Samsung Pay rewards, you could accrue points and then redeem them towards gift cards, raffles, and more. That's set to change soon.Samsung Pay is losing its rewards program at the end of the year, the company shared in an email obtained by Android Police.Via the email, Samsung told its customers the following: As of 12/31/2020 at 11:59 PM PST, you will no longer earn Rewards points for Samsung Pay transactions and gift card purchases. This also means that Samsung Rewards Tiers ...

A judge has set the earliest estimated time for Google's antitrust trials to take place.What you need to knowThe judge presiding over the DOJ's antitrust case against Google has set a tentative date for the trial.A 2023 date will loom over Google and any potential business moves.The case with the DOJ is likely to be joined by two other lawsuits filed by state attorneys.As if Google didn't have enough to worry about, now it has to endure a major lawsuit looming over the company for the next couple of years. Judge Amit Mehta, who is presiding over the case filed against it by the Justice Department, has issued a tentative date for the trial to begin, and its September 12th, 2023. In addition to this case, Google is also facing two other antitrust cases that could be combined with this one.The cases all allege that Google holds an illegal monopoly over the ads that appear in search results. They also claim that making its search engine the default on a number of devices, suc...

Welcome to the wonderful world of Android! We hope you greatly enjoy your new phone and the new ecosystem around it. If this is your first time on our side of the Apple/Google divide, there are a few items out there you'll probably want to consider picking up for your new phone. From the best wireless headphones to the fastest phone chargers and cables to keep your phone alive on those rotten days that just will not end, you can upgrade your Android experience with these accessories.Pop culture phone saversSwappable PopSocketsStaff PickPopSockets are part fidget toy, part phone grip, and part pop culture phenomena. If your new phone is larger and harder to use one-handed, you'll want a PopGrip on the back to easily reach the top of the screen. There are even licensed designs like Baby Yoda!From $8 at AmazonFrom $8 at PopSocketsTiniest wall chargerAukey PA-Y18 18W USB-C Wall Charger18W chargers don't get much smaller than this, and for topping off my phones, powe...

Source: StackCommerceSmart home devices are incredibly popular right now. With this trend set to continue for the next decade, it's a smart move to learn about the technology. The IoT E-Degree Certification Bundle helps you get ahead of the curve, with 40 hours of video training. In a special iMore deal, it's currently 85% off at just $29.99.Whether you want to build your own custom products or create these devices for other people, now is a good time to study the Internet of Things.As the name implies, this "E-Degree" bundle helps you become a genuine IoT expert. It includes seven modules and 120 lectures in total, working toward certification.Along the way, you'll discover how to work with the Raspberry Pi and Arduino boards. The training includes extensive programming tutorials, along with practical knowledge of electronics, architecture, and security.You'll actually get several fun projects to try, along with quizzes and exams to test your knowledge.It's worth $200, but y...

When you're looking for a video chatting platform, chances are you're interested in something that you can use on any device, not just your phone. Google Duo is a really good option that is available not only on your Android phone but also in a browser window or on your Chromebook or Chromebox device. I'll show you how to use Google Duo on the web and get set up on each computer-based option so that you can start connecting with your friends, family, and colleagues.Products used in this guideOur favorite student Chromebook: ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 (From $383 at Amazon)Our favorite Chromebox: ASUS Chromebox 3 (From $229 at Walmart)How to set up Google Duo for the webIn your web browser of choice, type in the address duo.google.com.Verify the phone number your Duo account is associated with by entering it on the screen.Click Get verification code.You will receive an SMS at the number you provided with a one-time code.Enter the one-time code on the screen.You shou...

Throw out your controllers and use your hands to shred, instead!What you need to knowAnotherway has partnered with Vertigo Games to upgrade Unplugged from Kickstarter project to full-scale development.Unplugged is coming to the Oculus Quest platform in Q3 2021.Unplugged is a rhythm game that uses a player's hands instead of the Oculus Touch controllers to simulate playing an air guitar.Up until now, hand tracking on the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 has largely been underutilized in full-length games. Thankfully, Vertigo Games and Anotherway have partnered up to bring Unplugged to the Oculus Quest platform and there's little doubt that it'll be joining the list of best hand tracking games for Oculus Quest when it releases later in 2021. Unplugged started out as a Kickstarter project earlier this year but is getting a huge development boost thanks to the creators of Arizona Sunshine.Unplugged is a guitar rhythm game akin to Guitar Hero but with one hugely unique feature:...

The most adorable padawan in the galaxy can now join your watch party.Today is the Season 2 finale of The Mandalorian on Disney+ — and trust me, it was absolutely worth the wait — and if you need a little more of The Child Grogu in your life, Google and Disney have teamed up to let you see him up close and personal in your own home with Google 3D, and the best part is you don't even need to download a separate app: it's part of Google Search.How to view The Child in AR with Google SearchOpen Google Chrome or Google Search.Type The Mandalorian or The Child or Gorgu or Baby Yoda into the search bar.Tap Search.Scroll down the page and tap View in 3D.Tap View in your space.If this is your first time using Google 3D, tap Give access.The AR view will open and The Child will appear on the ground in front of you. You can then walk around him get closer or further away, and you can take photos by tapping the circular camera shutting in the bottom middle of the screen. W...

With Hotspot Shield offering a free VPN solution — especially as it is one that is regarded as among the best available —you might wonder why you would want to pay for its service. Though its free offering is pretty great, it does of course have some limitations that might make it unviable for many users such as a cap on speeds, data, and the number of devices you can use it on.Thankfully, you can try out Hotspot Shield's Premium VPN offering and save as much as 81% right now. Better yet, there's a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can put it through its paces in the real world before deciding whether to keep it or not.At the Hotspot Shield site, you can snag a 3-year plan for just $89.64. That's an 81% discount versus paying monthly for that period of time, saving you over $375, and drops the monthly equivalent cost to only $2.49 making this one of the best cheap VPN deals available right now. Don't want to commit to three years upfront? You can still save 54% by going for ...

Amazon is ramping up Alexa's video calling capabilities over the holidays.What you need to knowAmazon is upgrading Alexa's video calling capabilities in the U.S.Alexa now supports group video calling on Echo devices.Amazon has also added call-captioning for Echo Show devices, adding dynamic subtitles for users who are hearing impaired. With Zoom and Google both making video calling easier just in time for the holiday season, Amazon's also working on improving its video calling support. The primary way you're meant to be using video calling on Amazon devices is through third-party services like Zoom. if you want to reach out to a wide variety of people who don't necessarily all have Alexa-enabled devices or supported Echo devices, this should be your first choice.Accordingly, Amazon has improved that, saying: Starting today in the U.S., we're launching a series of new calling features to help families and friends connect for holiday celebrations and beyond. With a few ...

Gamer's edgeRazer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro$200 at AmazonProsFabulous audio qualityANC supportLow latency for gamingExtra ear tipsGood app supportConsMediocre battery lifeClunky button controlsNo spatial audioRazer's gaming chops show themselves with these true wireless earbuds, not only because of their low latency performance, but also because they happen to sound great for more than just playing games.Ready to playRazer Hammerhead True Wireless$70 at AmazonProsGreat sound qualitySolid bass responseComfortable fitAffordable priceConsNo noise cancelationNo extra ear tipsCase has less battery lifeRazer's first kick at the true wireless can comes with an obvious gaming element, but they weren't made as one-trick ponies, and that's what stands out most when playing anything through them.If you know Razer, you know that the company's pedigree has always been in gaming peripherals, with headphones being part of that line...

Head on over to BuyDig, drop the Google Nest Hub Max smart home display into your cart, and see that sweet $50 discount hit automatically during checkout. That's a drop from $229 to $179, bringing it down to one of its best prices anywhere. This display is still going for its regular price at most other retailers like Best Buy.Read our review of the Nest Hub Max smart home display. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and a "The Best" badge. Russell Holly said this is "for people who are sold on the smart display experience from Google and want something a little more useful." He added, "you get a great speaker with a phenomenal display and a genuinely useful video chat experience."The Nest Hub Max works with all things Nest and more than 5,000 smart devices. Use it to listen to music from your favorite streaming apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. Use it to watch recipe videos while you're working in the kitchen or make hands-free video calls. Give mom a call or just l...

The Amazon Echo Show line are the only Alexa smart speakers that feature touchscreen displays. Available in 5-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch display sizes, the Echo Show is a countertop device that packs a lot of heat. Whether it's video calling via Zoom or Skype, streaming music from various providers such as Apple Music and Spotify, listening to Audible audiobooks, or watching Prime Video, you're sure to get a lot out of this device. This product line also comes in smaller versions such as the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 in case the 10.1-inch size is a bit too much for your tastes. New to the Amazon Echo Show life? Let us show you how to set up your Amazon Echo Show!Here's what you're going to need:The best Alexa device with a screen: Amazon Echo Show 8 ($80 at Amazon)To set up your new Echo Show:Unbox your Amazon Echo Show, and plug the power adapter into the device and then into a wall outlet.Allow the Echo Show to boot up and go through its initialization process.O...

Keeping close track of your weight manually isn't the most fun activity, which is why you should let something else handle it for you. Eufy's C1 Bluetooth Smart Scale can take the reins for just $18.99 today at Amazon. Today's deal saves you $11 off its usual cost and gives you the opportunity to add one to your home at one of its best prices ever. All you have to do is clip the coupon on its product page before adding it to your cart.This Bluetooth scale connects with apps like Google Fit, Apple Health, and Fitbit, among others, so that it can give you insights on more than just your weight. It also measures body fat, bone mass, BMI, muscle mass, and more. The two sensors ensure precise measurements, and the scale can even track progress on up to 16 unique users. That's enough space for you and the whole family to become acquainted with it.The C1 Smart Scale's large display is easy to read and there are no sharp corners to stub your toe on while groggily stumbling around the bat...

Here's your first look at the performance on offer with the Snapdragon 888.The Snapdragon 888 is all set to make its way into the best Android phones starting early next year, and there's a lot of reasons to be excited for the chipset.Qualcomm detailed the changes at the launch of the Snapdragon 888, claiming that the chipset features a 25% uptick in CPU performance and a huge 35% uptick in GPU performance over the Snapdragon 865. The chipset also includes an integrated 5G modem, offers sizeable improvements to the ISP, and has an AI engine that's twice as fast.Qualcomm is now backing up those claims by offering the first benchmark scores of the Snapdragon 888 reference design (QRD). The reference design is a phone that features the Snapdragon 888, and Qualcomm usually flies media out to its HQ to go hands-on with the device to get a first look at the performance on offer.But seeing as how that's not possible this year, Qualcomm ran the benchmark scores itself and shared the ...

You should always have a few specific devices in every car you drive. One of those things is an emergency jump starter. No matter what kind of car you drive, you never know when you'll run into an emergency and need a quick burst of juice to get moving again. Grab the Tacklife T8 800A Peak 18000mAh car jump starter while it's on sale for $55.99. Use code 4FLO4P65 during checkout to get it that low. The code takes 30% off the top of the jump starter's regular $80 price. The Tacklife T8 is a newly updated version of one of Tacklife's most popular jump starters, and this price is one of the best we've ever seen.The T8 has 800 amps at peak current, and it's powerful enough to work on a variety of vehicles including 12V cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, and more. When it's fully charged it can provide up to 30 jump starts. Hopefully you won't need that many!The T8 will also hold its charge for up to a year when not in use. That's useful because it means you can charge it and then set it aside...

The S21 Ultra will come in just two colors: Phantom Silver and Phantom Black.What you need to knowOfficial renders of Samsung's Galaxy S21 Ultra have leaked, along with full specs.The phone will have a 6.8-inch Infinity-O Edge display with a 120Hz variable-speed high refresh rate.Galaxy S21 Ultra will also have S Pen support, but it will be sold as an optional accessory.Earlier today, a massive leak revealed nearly all the key specs of Samsung's Galaxy S21+. Now, German tech publication WinFuture.de has posted the first high-resolution official renders and the full specs sheet of the successor to one of the best Android phones Samsung launched this year.The Galaxy S21 Ultra will have a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Unlike the Galaxy S20 Ultra, however, the S21 Ultra panel will support variable refresh rates between 1 and 120Hz to help save battery life. It is also said to have a peak brightness of 1,600 nits. The S21 Ultra ...

New and improvedFitbit Versa 3$199 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActive Zone MinutesSix days of battery lifeGoogle Assistant & Alexa built-inMic/speakerConsLacks cellular connectivityMore expensiveIf you were a fan of the previous Versa models, you'll love the Fitbit Versa 3. It offers many of the perks you've been patiently waiting for. Some of the key features include built-in GPS, longer battery life, improved heart rate technology, a built-in mic/speaker, and so much more.Oldie, but a goodieApple Watch Series 3$169 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCActivity/sleep trackingOptional cellular connectivityTwo size optionsAffordable price tagConsNo blood oxygen trackingShort battery lifeThe Apple Watch Series 3 is quite a bit older than the Fitbit Versa 3, but it still has a lot to offer. Not to mention that it's more affordable, too. You'll have built-in GPS, health and fitness tracking, heart-rate monitoring, excellent app support, an...

Looking to save even more money on Mint Mobile? Here are the current deals and promo codes to help!Finding a Mint Mobile deal or Mint Mobile coupon has never really been a hard task. The MVNO carrier loves to have some fun with promotions, and we like to keep track of them. There are quite a few options when it comes to carriers for your smartphone, and odds are you're shopping around for the best deal. Postpaid plans are a good option for some, but prepaid plans get you the lowest price, as long as you're willing to put your money down first.Mint Mobile is an alternative carrier that uses T-Mobile's 5G and 4G LTE network to bring you great coverage at an even more affordable price. In the past, going prepaid with an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) often meant that you sacrificed a lot when it came to your plan, but that isn't the case anymore. With Mint Mobile you can pick data allotments of 2GB, 5GB, or even 10GB, depending on your usage habits, and all of the plans come...

Chatting with the AC forums.There's no other way to put it: spam/scam calls are terrible. They're persistent, getting smarter all the time, and a daily nuisance for most people.Thankfully, steps have been made over the last couple of years to help us deal with these pesky calls. The Google Phone app has built-in tools for automatically screening and blocking these calls on your behalf, and just this year, T-Mobile rolled out its Scam Shield service for both Android and iOS.A few of our AC forum members recently started talking about the constant issue of spam callers, saying: werkx 12-15-2020 10:03 AM “ I'm on T-Mobile and they provide a service blocking and filtering spam calls. It's not perfect but seems to work well enough. Check with your carrier to see if they provide similar service. Reply djm1947 12-17-2020 01:18 PM ...

After traversing Cambodia and Vietnam using boats in last year's special, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are back behind the wheel for a new adventure and we have all the details on how you can watch The Grand Tour: A Massive Hunt online.Following their departure from the BBC series Top Gear back in 2016, the trio created a new show exclusively for Amazon called The Grand Tour. While the first three seasons followed a more traditional 40-minute format that included car reviews and timed laps, the show has since switched to doing a couple of 90-minute travel specials each year.Although plans for a new special in Russia were postponed earlier this year due to the pandemic, The Grand Tour was able to film a new special set in Scotland which will follow the show's latest outing in Madagascar.In A Massive Hunt, Clarkson, Hammond, and May begin their journey on the exotic French island of Réunion and race on the world's most expensive piece of tarmac. However, the t...

I used to like Fire TV despite its cumbersome navigation, but now using it is a joy.Amazon's Fire TV OS and the various Fire TV Edition sets and streaming devices are already among the most popular streaming platform in the U.S. and much of the world. More than 50 million monthly active users rely on Fire TV for their entertainment needs, and this number has continued to climb as more and more people have been forced to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Fire TV user interface hasn't seen an update of this magnitude in its six-plus year existence. At its fall 2020 hardware event, Amazon announced that a newer, more intuitive user interface (UI) would be coming later this year. True to its word, the company began rolling out the update over the past week to customers with the new Fire TV Stick (3rd Gen) and Fire TV Stick Lite devices.Amazon sent me one of the new Fire TV Sticks to try out the all-new Fire TV experience, and after spending just a few hours with it, I c...

Today only, Best Buy is offering the GoPro Hero8 Black action cam for just $249.99 today only. That's a $100 discount and the lowest we've ever tracked for it. To sweeten the deal further, it is also throwing in a $20 Best Buy e-gift card for you to spend at a later date. If you shop at Best Buy a lot, that's basically free money.Amazon and B&H have also dropped the price of the Hero8 Black to $249, though you don't get the same bundled gift card freebie. The Best Buy deal is available for one day only, so we expect the price at other retailers will rise tonight as well.While the Hero8 has since been replaced by the Hero9 lineup, it is still a very capable device that offers great improvement over even older generations. More so than ever, the GoPro is designed to travel with you. It's a more pocketable design and has folding fingers at the base so you can easily swap mounts. The side door makes changing out the rechargeable battery that much faster, and the lens is twice as ...

When you look up how to delete your PlayStation Network (PSN) account, you'll see a lot of answers explaining how to delete a profile from your PS5, but that's not what you may want. Instead, you may want to entirely close your PlayStation account and permanently delete it from existence so that it's lost in the ether. You can do that whether you have a PS4 or PS5, but you'll need to contact Sony in order to do so.How to permanently delete your PSN accountGo to PlayStation's support website.In the search bar where it asks to type in your issue or question, type close account.Select the link for How to close your account for PlayStation Network.Read the following page that details what will happen after you close your account, and what information you need to have on hand (Online PSN ID, email associated with the account).Click on contact us near the top of the page.Scroll down on the next page and select Live chat now.Fill in your information including your name, t...

The video shows off the Snapdragon 888-powered variant of the phone.What you need to knowAn early review video of the Galaxy S21+ has surfaced.Not only does the review video give us a look at the design of the upcoming flagship from every angle,but it also confirms the phone's key specs.The Galaxy S21+ is rumored to be unveiled alongside the other two Galaxy S21 series phones on January 14.Just yesterday, the first high-resolution press renders of the Samsung Galaxy S21 leaked online, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming flagship phone. A "review" video of the Galaxy S21+ has now been posted on YouTube, confirming nearly all of the key tech specs of the successor to one of Samsung's best Android phones of 2020.The video, which comes courtesy of a YouTube channel called Random Stuff 2, shows off the Galaxy S21+ from nearly every angle. As shown by leaked renders of the phone, the Galaxy S21+ will feature a flat display with a centered hole-punch cutout.As for ...

With more and more people working from home and conducting meetings virtually over Zoom or another video conferencing service, we might not be getting ready to head to the office. However, we still want to look our best. And part of that includes not only having the right camera angle and business-appropriate attire but also having a favorable background and good lighting. The best ring light for laptops is actually not a ring at all but rather shaped like a rectangle. The Lume Cube Video Conference Lighting Kit offers adjustable brightness, soft lighting, and can run from its extended built-in battery or via USB, making it ideal for working from home and on the go.Best Overall: Lume Cube Video Conference Lighting KitWhile it isn't technically shaped like a ring, po-tay-toe, po-taa-toe. This lighting kit accomplishes the same thing and works in the same way as the others on this list. But it offers some really great features that put it a cut above the rest, including brightnes...

While it doesn't have an original design, the Mi Watch Lite offers great value.Update, December 18 (04:50 am ET): European price and availability details announced.What you need to knowXiaomi has introduced an affordable new smartwatch for global markets.The Mi Watch Lite is based on the Redmi Watch, which was launched in China last month.It comes with a 1.4-inch color screen, 11 workout modes, built-in GPS, and a 230mAh battery.Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand launched its first smartwatch last month, alongside new Redmi Note 9 series phones. While the Redmi Watch is currently exclusive to China, Xiaomi today announced a new watch based on Redmi's first smartwatch for global markets.Just like the Mi Watch, which was launched last year, the new Mi Watch Lite has a very similar design to the Apple Watch. It features a 1.4-inch 320 x 320 TFT color display with automatic brightness adjustment and over 120 themed watch faces.While it obviously isn't as impressive as the best An...

Smart displays powered by Google Assistant have been around for a little while now and we've collectively figured out their place in our smart homes. When it comes to buying your first one or adding more to your home there's no better time than right now with this deal on JBL's Link View smart display.Over at Newegg, it is down to just $89.95 which is a match for the best price we've tracked for it before today. Using coupon code BACK23A2 will score you a further $10 off for a final price of just $79.95 for a new record low. The sale is limited in time, so don't miss it. Shipping is free.With a number of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled smart displays out there, a third-party model has to offer something to differentiate itself from a crowded market that is dominated by the first-party options.JBL's smart display aims to do so with an 8-inch touchscreen, stereo front-facing speakers with JBL's excellent sound, and IPX4 splash resistance, so you don't have to worry abou...

The backpack can accomodate up to 16-inch notebooks.What you need to knowOnePlus has announced a new backpack, called the Urban Traveler.It will be going on sale starting January 8.OnePlus is giving away the Urban Traveler to a lucky few fans as part of its User Festival.In 2017, OnePlus launched its first backpack alongside the OnePlus 5. A year later, it introduced the OnePlus Explorer backpack, which we found to be pretty great in our review. The company has now unveiled a new backpack called the Urban Traveler (via Android Police).As you can see in the images below, the backpack looks pretty slick and comes in two colorways: fully black and black/white. OnePlus says the white color has been treated to ensure it doesn't catch stains easily. The Urban Traveler as a 20L capacity and includes a total of nine pockets. You get a large main compartment with a partition and a zippered back, while the other compartment can hold up to 16-inch notebooks and includes a secret com...

Trump administration delivers another blow to China's biggest chipmaker.What you need to knowA new report claims the U.S. is set to add as many as 80 Chinese firms to its entity list.SMIC, which is China's largest chipmaker, is among the companies that are set to be added to the trade blacklist.The entity list already includes over 275 firms based in China. The U.S. government is set to add as many as 80 Chinese companies to its trade blacklist, according to a new report from Reuters. SMIC, which is China's top chipmaker, is said to be among the companies that are expected to be added to the "entity list." The move comes just weeks before President-elect Joe Biden assumes office.According to sources familiar with the matter, some of the companies and their affiliates have ties to the Chinese military and are helping it militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea. Some of them are also said to be involved in alleged human rights violations. The U.S. Commerce Depar...

Yet another casualty at Google's hands.What you need to knowGoogle plans on shuttering its struggling Android Things platform.Android Things was a stripped-down version of Android designed to work on Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.Existing developers will have up to January 2022 to keep running their existing deployments before Google's console stop working and all data is deleted.When it launched back in 2018, Google's Android Things platform seemed like an up-and-coming, low-cost alternative for IoT manufacturers and enthusiasts that could potentially bring some degree of standardization to the IoT world. We were certainly quite optimistic about its future.Well, time certainly hasn't been kind to the fledgling IoT platform. After a strategic pivot to smart displays and speakers last year, Google has officially decided to kill off the platform entirely — for the most part. A recently updated FAQ page, spotted by Ars Technica, notes that, The Android Things consol...

Let's look back at all of OnePlus' achievements and misses over its seven-year journey.This week marks the seventh anniversary of OnePlus. The company was set up on December 17, 2013 by Pete Lau and Carl Pei, who met during their time at OPPO. From the very beginning, OnePlus had a clear directive: make the best Android phones, and sell it for significantly less than the competition.The strategy allowed OnePlus to gain a foothold with the enthusiast community, and it built on that initial momentum to become one of the leading phone manufacturers in the world today. The OnePlus 8 Pro is a refined flagship that takes on the best that Samsung and Google have to offer, and the OnePlus Nord chats a bold new direction for the company in the mid-range segment.For all that OnePlus delivered on the hardware side of things, there have been several failures along the way. So let's take a look at the key milestones along OnePlus' seven-year journey, and some of its failings. If you're more...

The stable OxygenOS 11 update could hit the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones sometime early next year.What you need to knowOnePlus has confirmed that the Android 11 update for the OnePlus 7 and 7T phones has been delayed.The delay has been caused due to a software issue with decrypting data on Android 11.OnePlus is working with Qualcomm to come up with a solution.OnePlus had revealed in October that the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones would be updated to Android 11 in December. Unfortunately, however, it now looks like owners of the 7 and 7T series phones will have to wait until early next year for the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 update. OnePlus has confirmed in a post on its Chinese forum that the Android 11 update for the 2019 flagships will be delayed (via Android Police).As per the post, there appears to be a software issue with decrypting data on the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones running Android 11. OnePlus says it is working with Qualcomm to fix the issue and expects...

The update is currently rolling out in India, Sri Lanka, and South Korea.What you need to knowSamsung has begun expanding its rollout of the One UI 2.5 update to both the Galaxy A50 and the Galaxy A90 5G.Alongside better performance, the update brings with it an improved Samsung Keyboard, enhanced camera features, and more.The A50 update is currently rolling out in India and Sri Lanka, while the A91 5G update is available to South Korean users.More than four months after its debut alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series, Samsung's One UI 2.5 update is finally rolling out to more of its mid-range lineup. Galaxy A50 owners in Sri Lanka and India and Galaxy A90 5G users in South Korea should have started receiving the update on their phones this week, reports SamMobile.The update brings with it a plethora of new features, including Wireless DeX support, an improved Samsung Keyboard with a split layout and YouTube search functionality, Bitmoji stickers for the Always On Display, ...

The race for next-gen wireless techAll major U.S. carriers are hard at work on their 5G strategy. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have launched 5G networks and are aggressively expanding those networks in 2020 and into next year. If you're looking to upgrade to 5G any time soon, you should keep an eye on your carrier's 5G coverage map. Notably, T-Mobile's 5G network is adding capacity to its network thanks to the spectrum it got from Sprint. Once fully deployed, 5G service will provide faster speeds and reduced response times, allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available.5G is taking hold in the U.S., and it's no coincidence that many of the best 5G phones are also some of the best Android phones in general. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed, but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more services that rely on instant connectivity should become possible.Before you upgrade your phone or switch carriers, check to se...

The best Chromebook docking stations can turn your laptop from on-the-go ready to comfortably cozy by plugging in a single USB-C cable. When you're home and want to use a clicky mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or add a secondary display, docking stations are here to keep things tidy and organized. While you could maybe get by with some tiny USB-C hub, the cables are usually too short and leave your desk cluttered, while docking stations help keep things connected while staying out of your way. If you need to get your Chromebook connected, these are the best docking stations.Keep it tidyPluggable USB Mini Docking StationStaff PickThis compact docking station won't take up much desk space, but it still has enough space for four USB-A peripherals, an HDMI monitor, Ethernet, and an audio jack for some speakers. It can also charge your Chromebook at full speed.$129 at Amazon$129 at WalmartTall or flat, your choiceBaseus 16-in-1 USB-C DockSome folks prefer a...

This was a decision that unfortunately had to be made.It happened. Sony pulled Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store entirely. Let me repeat that. You cannot purchase Cyberpunk 2077 digitally for PS4 right now. This is an unprecedented decision on Sony's part, and comes shortly after CD Projekt RED seemingly threw retailers and platforms under the bus by saying that fans could request refunds, before walking back on those claims and stating that the studio did not have any agreements in place with Sony regarding refunds.Sony announced the following Thursday night: SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store. SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice. Once we have confirmed that you purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store, we will begin processing your refund. Please note that complet...

This game presents a real opportunity for Stadia to appeal to a lot more players.Despite a lot of reported problems with certain versions of Cyberpunk 2077, Stadia's version is looking pretty good. CD Projekt RED's latest RPG epic released to mostly positive reviews this week and seems to be a success, already capping off a big week of new releases for Stadia.Even though Cyberpunk 2077 isn't officially out on PS5 and Xbox Series X just yet, when gamers play the PS4 or Xbox One version on the respective next-generation console, they're able to enjoy a high-quality experience for the most part that is comparable to the PC version. However, if you're playing on an actual original PS4 or Xbox One, of which there are millions of consumers out there that still use those consoles, the results are downright messy.When you combine this with the high recommended specs for Cyberpunk 2077 on PC, as well as the impossibility of getting a new PS5 or Xbox Series X right now, options are limit...

Galaxy S21 leaks continue to flow.Update, December 17 (8 pm ET): New high-resolution photos of the S21 with no watermarks have surfaced, courtesy of tipster Evan Blass.What you need to knowOfficial renders of the Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ have leaked online.Both phones are expected to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S21 Ultra on January 14. The upcoming flagship phones will feature flat displays with a centered hole-punch cutout and a redesigned camera bump on the back.Yesterday, tipster Evan Blass posted the very first press render of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21. More press renders showing the successors to two of Samsung's best Android phones have now surfaced, courtesy of German tech site WinFuture.de. The renders show the vanilla Galaxy S21 in four different color options and the Galaxy S21+ in Phantom Black.As revealed by previous leaks, the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ will have a largely similar design with a flat Infinity-O display and triple rear cameras hou...

PlayStation is notoriously bad at customer support when it comes to refund requests, so you'll need to be patient.Cyberpunk 2077 runs like garbage on PS4 and Xbox One. There's just no other way to say it. Our own Cyberpunk 2077 review mentions the persistent bugs that still plague the game on PS5 through backward compatibility.While CD Projekt RED had previously acknowledged the problems and stated that everyone can request a refund on PS4, PlayStation Support hasn't always been helpful to customers in the past, so refunds weren't guaranateed. After a few days of inconsistent refunds, Sony officially said it would be offering refunds and delisting the game from the PlayStation Store until further notice. All you have to confirm you bought the game via the PlayStation store and the company will bein processing the refund. There is a form available, or you can follow the steps below.How to request a refund on Cyberpunk 2077 for PS4 and PS5Go to playstation.com/en-us/support/st...

Uh...wow. Well then.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 has received mixed reception, with numerous crashes and technical issues on the console versions.Sony announced today that it is pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store.Additionally, refunds are being offered.Cyberpunk 2077 released a week ago and since then, it's been the subject of mixed reception, especially on consoles. Today, Sony announced that players on PS4 and PS5 can request a refund for the game if they choose. Additionally, Sony Interactive Entertainment is pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store until further notice.You can read the full announcement below: SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store. SIE will also be removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store until further notice. Once we have confirmed that you purchased Cyberpunk 2077 ...