Latest from Android Central

If you were hoping to snag a Sonos deal during Prime Day last month, you were probably left deeply disappointed. Because of the lack of price drops a few weeks back, we're all now looking towards Black Friday to get our fix of Sonos offers but you don't have to wait until the end of the month to save. Today only, Best Buy is offering an early Black Friday deal that takes $100 off the Sonos Five speaker, dropping it lower than we've ever seen before.None of Sonos's speakers are considered cheap, but if you want to "treat yo' self" to something especially nice this holiday season, the Sonos Five is the way to go. It's effectively an update to Play:5 that debuted in 2015 and it keeps the same great audio quality that you'd expect from a Sonos speaker in this size class. The Five also has upgraded internals so that it continues to get updates for years to come.The Five ships with three custom-designed subwoofers, allowing it to kick out deep bass that gives all of your tunes immense ...

What you need to knowA report claim that Qualcomm has received permission to resume business with Huawei.Selling the Honor sub-brand was a prerequisite for the move.Qualcomm began lobbying to sell to Huawei a few months ago.The U.S. might be throwing Huawei a much-needed bone.It's been a long and grueling battle for Huawei, dealing with the ongoing trade restrictions put on by the U.S. government. Only a few months ago, new restrictions were put on companies who were taking advantage of a legal loophole to continue supplying the Chinese OEM. There may be some hope for Huawei, as a report from China claims that Qualcomm is now able to resume selling chips.According to the report, one of the prerequisites for Qualcomm to provide chips to Huawei was that the OEM had to offload the Honor brand, as Qualcomm did not have the capacity to provide for the manufacturer in its current state. In an ironic twist of fate, Huawei has already decided to sell of the Honor brand, for a rep...

For now, Samsung is the only Android OEM to use Ultra-Wideband.What you need to knowEvidence suggests Google is looking to adopt Ultra-Wideband into the Android source code.The wireless solution allows for data transmission and percise location tracking.For now, Apple and Samsung are among the only smartphone manufacturers to utilize the solution.Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have had their moment in the limelight as the go-to standards for peer-to-peer connections. Even now, Apple and Google rely on the use of both for their respective data transfer services; AirDrop and Nearby Share, and the standards are continuously being updated for better connectivity and expanded features. But the slow rise of another standard may put Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to shame, and Google wants to embrace it.XDA-Developers caught wind of an official Ultra-Wideband API included in the Android Open Source Project, which suggests Google is looking to better support the standard in future versions of Android....

The company has not heard back from the Trump administration for weeks.What you need to knowTikTok has recently filed a new petition in a US Court of Appeals about the ban as it hasn't heard from the Trump administration for weeks.The deadline for TikTok to divest itself is November 12, but it's unclear what will actually happen if the deadline passes.The initial deal to sell parts of the TikTok US business to Oracle and Walmart looks uncertain as of right now.As we've frequently reported, the US government, or particularly, the Trump administration, has been attempting to ban the TikTok app from its US operations for several months now, supposedly due to national security concerns.However, according on a new report by The Verge, TikTok believes that the Trump administration is no longer strongly pursuing this endeavor.The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) had originally set the deadline of November 12 for ByteDance to completely sell off its ...

Available now at the bottom of the 'Search' tab in the Google Photos app.What you need to knowThe Google Photos app now offers an option for users to help improve its machine learning algorithm.Users can now find the "Help improve Google Photos" option at the bottom of the "Search" tab in the Google Photos app. By doing this, users can help improve how Google Photos understands and curates their photos. Since its inception, Google Photos has been the leading industry standard in cloud storage for both photos and videos. The service not only keeps your photos in a fast and accessible manner, it also nicely curates and collages images through machine learning to create memorable collections for your library. And the best part is that it's free and available on all phones.With the latest update for the Google Photos Android app, users can now help improve this machine learning algorithm through a new crowdsourcing feature. In the app, you can now find a "Help improve Google ...

Android 11 is here for the Pixels and select OnePlus phones, and coming to other phone shortly.The stable version of Android 11 released two months ago, and while it isn't the most revolutionary update we've ever seen, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about it. Whether you're looking forward to the new conversation notifications, chat bubbles for messaging apps, or the upgraded permission handling, it may be a while before you can actually start messing around with all of these software goodies.The update is now live for the Pixels and select OnePlus phones, and Samsung is currently testing One UI 3.0 based on Android 11 in a public beta. Xiaomi, OPPO, and Realme are also doing closed betas of Android 11 builds. We've rounded up all of the current info to help give you a better idea as to when Android 11 will arrive on your device.The timelines change based on manufacturer and region, but the list below should give you a broad overview of which phones will receive the...

Most years, Black Friday mattress sales can fly by in the blink of an eye. However, with everything happening in 2020, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers are offering their Black Friday sales earlier than ever so as to not crowd out stores during late November. With more offers online and more opportunities to save, this year's Black Friday is shaping up to be one of the best yet.Best Black Friday mattress salesNectar Black Friday Sale: $399 of accessories free!Casper Black Friday Sale 15% off all mattressesSaatva mattress sale $200 off $1,000+Black Friday isn't just a good time of the year to buy new electronics or appliances. Black Friday mattress deals can be pretty steep, and we're already seeing some great end-of-year offers popping up at some of the most popular mattress brands today, such as Casper, Nectar, Serta, Tuft & Needle, and more.Below we'll be keeping track of all the best Black Friday mattress deals currently available so make sure to b...

It's almost time for Black Friday sales to kick off, but you don't have to wait until the end of the month to unlock the best deals. We're already starting to see exciting discounts for NAS enclosures, so if you are looking to buy your first NAS or upgrading to a new model, these are the best Black Friday NAS deals available right now.Best Black Friday NAS DealsWD My Cloud Home 4TB NAS | $30 off at AmazonWestern Digital's 4TB My Cloud Home is an all-in-one NAS enclosure that offers a 4TB hard drive out of the box. It is very easy to set up and use, and offers decent mobile apps that let you stream content and back up data from all your devices.$170 at AmazonWD My Cloud EX2 Ultra 8TB NAS | $98 off at AmazonThe My Cloud EX2 Ultra takes things to the next level, with the NAS offering 8TB of storage, 1GB of RAM, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and a hassle-free way to back up data and share files across your home network.$359 at AmazonBuffalo LinkStation 4TB NAS | $26 ...

That's $21 per month if you want to gain access to Ubisoft's library on Luna.What you need to knowLuna, Amazon's new cloud gaming service (in beta), currently costs $6 per monthUbisoft revealed at the Luna announcement that it will be releasing its games on the service, with new ones appearing on day one.Ubisoft announced today that its Ubisoft+ channel, which is now available, will cost an extra $14.99 per month.One of the biggest draws about the Amazon Luna announcement back in September was the addition of Ubisoft+, the first official premium channel for the cloud gaming service. For an extra amount per month, Luna subscribers wiill get access to select Ubisoft games, some the day they're released.Along with its announcement Tuesday that Ubisoft+ is now available for Luna subscribers (it's still in invite-only beta mode), the company revealed it'll cost $14.99 per month. That's on top of the $6 per month for Luna. To do the math, that'll mean if you want access to over...

The next generation of consoles are on the way, and this time it might take some redecorating to be ready. With consoles feeling the need to continue improving graphics, speeds, and features to keep up with the growth of PC, it only makes sense that they also grow physically to fit the components. The PS5 runs in at 15.4-by-10.2-by-4.1 inches. This is huge compared to the PS4 Pro, which measured under 13 inches on its longest side. So, let's prepare accordingly with these entertainment stands for the PS5.Unique placement optionsMonarch Specialties TV Stand, 1 DrawerStaff PickThis unit might have the least creative name on our list, but it makes up for it in actual options for where to put your PS5. The unique spiral design leaves lower 'top shelf' on the right side to house your PS5 vertically without resorting to placing it on the top of the media stand.$182 at Amazon$182 at WalmartRustic industrialVASAGLE Industrial Rustic Brown 50" TV standIt might be a ...

The official PS5 release is just around the corner, and with many people securing one ahead of this holiday season, there's some people who may be looking into some of the accessories they can pair up with the console. While you're getting ready to play some of the many new games launching this month, here's a look at some of the best PS5 accessories that are available ahead of the console's launch.A must haveDualSenseStaff pickThe DualSense is the official controller for the PS5, so it's hard to go wrong here. After running into complaints regarding the size of the PS4's DualShock 4, Sony made the DualSense controller bigger, and also enhanced it with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The result is a comfortable controller that provides an immersive experience the way not many other controllers can. If you're looking to pick up an extra controller, this is the way to go.$70 at Amazon$70 at Best Buy$70 at GameStopOther controller optionsRazer Raiju Ulti...

One of the best things about the new PlayStation 5 is its ability to run games both new and old at ultra-sharp resolutions. Like the PS4 Pro before it, the PS5 can handle 4K gaming right out of the box, and with a compatible TV, you can even play at 120fps for unbeatable smoothness. Whether you're coming from a baseline PS4 or something even older, this is one of the most noticeable improvements of the next-gen console, so you'll want to be sure to enable UHD gaming as soon as you unbox it.Products used in this guideNext-gen gaming: Sony PlayStation 5 ($500 at Amazon)No Blu-ray: Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition ($400 at Amazon)How to enable 4K resolutionOpen the PS5 Settings from the top-right corner of the dashboard.Scroll down and select Screen and Video.Under Video Output, select Resolution.Change the setting from Automatic to 2160p.The PS5 should be able to detect 4K compatibility automatically with most TVs, but just in case, it doesn't hurt to manually e...

Using one of the best robot vacuums to help you keep your house clean may be one of the smartest decisions that you can make right now. Over the past few years, robot vacuums have become much smarter, they last longer, and clean better. Options like the iRobot Roomba 960, which happens to top the list of our best robot vacuums, lets you control it with just your voice, you can set schedules, and the sensors help prevent it from just bumping into everythingBest Robot Vacuums in 2020 at a glanceiRobot Rooma 960: Best robot vacuum overalliLife V3s Pro: Perfect choice for those on a budget Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI: Best object detection and learning Roborock S6: Best battery life in a robot vacuumNeato D4: Top pick for cleaning corners What are the best robot vacuums you can buy today?There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models that are available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, and narrowed down all the picks ...

Apple's ARM-powered MacBook Air looks really good, but you can still get something that meets your needs at half the price.Like a lot of others, I was a little curious and a little excited to see what Apple would offer when it finally announced ARM-powered Macs. Turns out we got to see the best sellers re-released with Apple's new in-house M1 chip — including a new MacBook Air. This makes sense as these products are popular because they fill a need for a lot of people. Apple using its own chips in the Mac is a smart move and a good look.The MacBook Air, which is Apple's top-selling Mac, does look really interesting. The M1 chip should perform better than the underpowered Intel laptop-specific chips used in previous generations does, and Apple did the work to make the coming version of macOS fully optimized for the new hardware platform.Perhaps the biggest news is that you'll also be able to install all your favorite iOS apps onto a new ARM-powered MacBook Air. That's a b...

It's all too common for someone to try to hack your account and steal your information. This goes for any website and service, and it's unfortunately something you may run into on your brand new PS5. If you're looking to add an extra layer of security, the PS5 offers two-factor authentication so that even if your password is compromised for whatever reason, you're account should still be safe.How to set up two-factor authentication on PS5Go to Settings.Select Users and Accounts.Select Security.Select 2-Step Verification.Select whether you want to use a Text Message or Authenticator App.If using your mobile device, enter your phone number.If using an authenticator app, scan the QR code that pops up on-screen and enter the code you received from the app. No matter which you chose, you'll be asked to use that method to verify your login. Record the backup codes on-screen should you lose access to your verification method.In general, an authenticator app is much mor...

Time to ride till you can't no moreWhat you need to knowRoblox is the popular gaming platform that allows users to create and share content with other users.Lil Nas X is a Grammy-winning artist responsible for the viral hit Old Town Road.Old Town Road became diamond certified in 2019, an honor held by only 41 songs as of 2020.Fans of Roblox are in for a treat, courtesy of popular singer, rapper, and songwriter Lil Nas X. This Saturday, fans will be able to attend a virtual concert on the popular gaming platform.Lil Nas X will be hosting a digital event this weekend, starting with a preshow on Friday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET. The preshow includes a Q&A session, exclusive behind the scenes content, and a scavenger hunt. The main event takes place on Saturday at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET. To jump into the event, all you need to do is visit the experience page.Fans will also be able to claim some limited-edition swag for their avatars if they jump into the experience e...

When you start shopping for the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 band, you'll be met with many different options. Depending on whether you purchased the 45 or 41mm model, your new Galaxy Watch 3 will require either a 22 or 20mm band, respectively. There are plenty of bands out there, so be sure to choose one that's going to match your style while also providing maximum comfort. Check out some of our favorites!Extreme comfortBarton Elite Silicone Watch BandStaff PickA band made of silicone material is a great choice for active individuals, like this option from Barton. It comes in both 20 and 22mm band sizes. You'll enjoy over 15 different color choices as well. The premium textured top, 316L stainless steel buckle has a proprietary locking feature that ensures your band remains in place all day long.$20 at AmazonBest of both worldsBEAFIRY Canvas Nylon Watch BandAnother option to consider is this BEAFIRY canvas nylon watchband. It's affordable while still being ma...

Get ready to experience Guardian vs Guardian action like never before.What you need to knowThe Destiny 2 Beyond Light expansion launches today.Bungie CEO Pete Parsons announced today that Destiny 2 Crucible multiplayer will run at 120 FPS on platforms like Xbox Series X.The next-generation updates for Destiny 2 are scheduled to arrive on December 8, 2020.Destiny 2: Beyond Light launches today and while the next-generation patch isn't coming until December 8, Bungie is already sharing more great news for anyone purchasing a new Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or PS5. According to Bungie, Destiny 2 Crucible multiplayer will run at 120 FPS once the next-generation updates arrive.As spotted by Tom Warren from The Verge, Pete Parsons, CEO of Bungie, revealed the news during a stream with Head of Xbox Phil Spencer, which you can see below.here's @pparsons and @Xboxp3 announcing 120fps mode in Destiny 2 crucible pic.twitter.com/D5gAtOwDKq— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) November 10, 2...

LEGO has been one best gifts for kids and adults alike for years, so that's why seeing a classic LEGO Black Friday deal like these are ones where you can save up to $30 you want to be sure and hop on right away. Sure there are plenty of great themed kits out there, but sometimes a classic set is a way to go.Let imaginations run wildLEGO Classic Bricks with Brick Plates - 11717 (1,504 pieces)With 1,500 pieces plus baseplates to build your creations onto, you'll have nothing to hold back your imagination. Should you need a jumpstart on an idea, there are idea books included to help out.$40 at WalmartSimply classicLEGO Classic Creative Fun - 11005 (900 pieces)You'll have hours of fun with this kit. Between the idea books that come along with the set, the 900 pieces, and your imagination, you can build to your heart's content.$29 at Amazon$29 at WalmartAnimals and moreLEGO Classic Bricks and Animals - 11011 (1,500 pieces)Create your own animal kin...

Until You Fall is one of our favorite VR games around, and this Until You Fall giveaway is sure to get you pumped all day long with its synth-wave soundtrack. The game just launched on the Oculus Quest platform, PlayStation VR, SteamVR, and Oculus Rift after a full year in early access, and developer Schell Games has partnered up with us to deliver a great prize pack to four lucky winners!Until You Fall is a VR-exclusive hack-and-slash roguelite that pits players in a never-ending battle against hordes of enemies in an attempt to save Rokar. But death isn't the end — In fact, death is the only way to level up and get more powerful over time. While defeating each area filled with enemies, players can choose from several power-ups, including Aether, the power currency used in the game to enhance weapons and gain new abilities.Each wave of enemies is successively harder, and each of the three level tiers not only increases in difficulty but also in weapon and enemy variety, as wel...

While the PS5 is advertised as a 1TB console, you only have around 660GB of free space to keep all of your games. It's possible you'll find yourself running out of room sooner rather than later, and when that happens, you can quickly free up space by deleting old games you no longer need. Here's how to do it!Products used in this guideUltimate console: PlayStation 5 ($500 at Amazon)How to delete games from your PS5Digital games have a lot of perks to them. You don't have physical discs cluttering your entertainment stand, launching a game is as easy as selecting the icon from your home screen, and you never have to worry about which disc is in the console and which isn't.The downside to digital games, however, is that they take up a lot of storage. The PS5 only has around 660GB of usable space, so if you start loading it up with a bunch of titles, it won't take too long before you run out of room. Thankfully, you can easily delete old games you no longer play to free up p...

Sony's PS5 is one beast of a gaming console. It has incredible specs, tons of exclusive games, and innovative new features like the DualSense controller. Should you find yourself wanting to sell it or just want to start over from scratch for whatever reason, performing a factory reset is a must. Ready to get started? Let's dive in.How to factory reset your PS5Before you go ahead and factory reset your PS5, you should make sure this is actually what you want to do. A factory reset erases everything that's on the console and returns it to how it was when you first got it. If you're selling your PS5 or trying to fix a bug that just won't go away, that's when you'll want to do this.If you're sure you want to go ahead with a factory reset, here's what the process looks like:From your PS5 home screen, select Settings (the gear icon in the top-right).Select System.Select Reset Options.Select Reset Your Console.Select Reset.As noted in the screenshot above, factory re...

The PS5 is finally here, and even though it doesn't support Bluetooth audio, there are still plenty of devices you can connect to your new console — including controllers, media remotes, and more. Sony may have updated the menu system on the PS5, but connecting Bluetooth peripherals is just as easy as it was on the PS4.Products used in this guideNext-gen gaming: Sony PlayStation 5 ($500 at Amazon)No Blu-ray: Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition ($400 at Amazon)How to connect Bluetooth devicesOpen Settings from the top-right corner of the dashboard.Scroll down and select Accessories.Under General, select Bluetooth Accessories.Under Accessories Found, you should see any available devices that are set to Pairing Mode. Simply select one and follow the prompts for your particular type of device.That's all there is to it! Setting up a Bluetooth device on the PS5 is just as easy as pairing to your phone or laptop. You can connect a wireless keyboard for an easier time ...

Holiday travel in 2020 is going to be very complicated.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a new Trips tab to Maps, allowing you to see all the holidays you've taken in the past.Google Photos also now has the same Timeline view Maps offers.Search and Travel aren't left out either, users will be able to see which hotels are making use of enhanced cleaning protocols in light of the pandemic.Traveling for Christmas is going to be complicated depending on where you are and where you want to go. International travel is likely to be right out, and intranational travel is going to be heavily dependent on the restrictions in place in your country.Google is rolling out an update to Maps that recognizes this new reality. You may not always be able to travel, but you'll be able to scroll back and see all the places you've been to over the years. You'll need to have had location history enabled for obvious reason, but if so, the company has added a new "Trips" view to the Time...

Now more than ever it's important to use energy wisely, so we've compiled a list of the best energy monitoring smart plugs available right now. Smart plugs are the best and most convenient smart home accessories for controlling devices around your home. Most typically work with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and can turn almost any lamp or small appliance into a smart device you can control with your phone or just your voice. We've highlighted the smart plugs that go the extra mile and offer energy monitoring features that let you track how much energy your favorite devices and appliances draw, so you can make the best purchase decision for your household.It's all in the nameTopGreener Heavy-Duty Smart Wi-Fi PlugStaff PickThis plug from TopGreener excels at what it does. It's a little chunkier than others on this list, meaning it will cover both outlets when plugged into a wall. However, it requires no hub for setup — just a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection and the TopGr...

Several minor and major user interface optimizations were added to Sony's latest console, including the ability to customize the new control center on the PS5. The PS5 Control Center comprises a row of icons at the bottom of the screen, which you can get to with one click from your DualSense controller and which gives you ready access to important game information and system controls. We'll show you how simple it is to get your Control Center set up just the way you want it.Products used in this guideKing console: Sony PS5 ($500 at Best Buy)Active controller: DualSense Controller ($70 at Amazon)Relaxing remote: PS5 Media Remote ($30 at Best Buy)How to customize the Control Center on PS5To bring up the Control Center menu, hit the PS button on your DualSense controller.Scroll left or right to navigate and explore the different icons and options. These include Home, Switcher, Notifications, Game Base, Music, Sound, Microphone, Accessories, Profile, Network, and Power. You...

Sony's PS5 is almost here for the holidays and there are already a good number of games you'll want to keep an eye out for. Whether you're looking for launch day titles or awesome games on the near horizon, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best PS5 games we think you should get.★ Featured favoriteDemon's SoulsDemon's Souls defined a generation and paved the way for all the Souls-like games that came after, including FromSoftware's own Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This remake looks absolutely stunning, a far cry from its 2009 counterpart. Whether you're new to the franchise or an old fan looking to return, you'll definitely want to pick this one up.$70 at Amazon$70 at Walmart$70 at Best BuyBecome a superheroSpider-Man: Miles Morales for PlayStation 5Staff PickMiles Morales is donning the Spider-Man suit. Following the events of the first game, this spin-off sees Miles fight for his home of Harlem after a war between a criminal army and en...

Whether you live with your partner, roommates, or have a family full of eager gamers, the PS5 has something for everyone. You can test your might in Demon's Souls or enjoy colorful action with Ratchet and Clank. Thanks to multiple user profiles, it's easy to organize everyone's games/data in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Need some help creating or deleting profiles on your PS5? Here's what you need to know.Products used in this guideFun for everyone: PlayStation 5 ($500 at Amazon)How to create profiles on PS5Having multiple user profiles is a must if you plan on sharing your PS5 with anyone else in your house, and thankfully, getting them set up is a piece of cake.From your PS5 home screen, select your profile picture (in the top-right).Select Add User.Select Get Started.Sign in to the account.Once you have multiple profiles created, you'll be able to switch back and forth between each one whenever you like. You'll get an option to choose the profile ...

Black Friday is a great time to find deals on streaming devices like the Roku Premiere. The Roku Premiere is one of our favorite streaming sticks, and right now, you can save $10 thanks to this early Black Friday deal at Best Buy. The Roku Premier delivers powerful 4K resolution, yet it is small and unobtrusive to not distract your viewing experience. It comes with the It comes with Roku's beloved remote, for the new low price of just $30.The Premiere streaming stickRoku Premiere 4KThe Roku Premiere 4k streaming media player is designed with today's 4K UHD TVs in mind, providing high-quality content at an extraordinarily affordable price point.$30 at Best BuyWe love streaming devices, particularly affordable little sticks like the Roku Premiere 4K, that delivers unbelievable pictures and content for a low price. While the new Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Chromecast with Google TV have gotten all the attention over the past several months, Roku makes arguably the best val...

Even before the launch of Xbox Game Pass, having the best Android controllers were pretty important for mobile gamers. There are a slew of great Android games out there that can be enhanced with the help of a controller, and honestly, who really enjoys using the on-screen controls? Nevertheless, if you're in the market for a new controller that can enhance your mobile gaming experience and take it to the next level, we've got you covered with the best Android controllers.Best Android Controllers Overall: Razer KishiWith phones that feature better specs than many computers, many game developers have taken over the Play Store. This has been evidenced by Call of Duty and Fortnite. You shouldn't have to deal with a third-party plastic clip, though, if you want to play your phone like a real controller. With the Razer Kishi, you can turn just about any smartphone into a Nintendo Switch, and you don't have to worry about Bluetooth connectivity slowing you down.In our review of the ...

The messaging app takes another step towards e-commerce.What you need to knowWhatsApp now has a new in-app shopping feature.The company has added a new shopping button at the top of some chats.Thie announcement is light on detail, but it is likely to be in countries where WhatsApp payments are being tested.WhatsApp is taking another step into the e-commerce market with a new Shopping button that appears in select chats."We're making shopping on WhatsApp even easier. Now you can easily discover something you'd like to buy from your favourite business by tapping on the new shopping button at the top of chats," the company shared on Twitter.You'll need to be messaging a business on WhatsApp to see this new button, and Facebook's new video shows off how you'll be able to place orders in the app.It's not available everywhere, but it's likely that the company will be rolling it out in places like India and Brazil where it is either testing or has rolled out WhatsApp pa...

If you're like most of us — and I think you are — you probably spend a lot of time gaming in low-light conditions, so it might be to your advantage to know how to adjust the brightness of your PS5 DualSense controller so that you can see how to make your next move. Let's face it, we all game late into the night, or with "mood" lightening from our smart light bulbs, but those conditions aren't ideal for seeing the buttons you want to press. If you don't have that necessary muscle memory with your DualSense controller just yet, don't worry. You can adjust the brightness level of the backlighting so that you won't miss a beat. Here's how.How to adjust the brightness on your PS5 DualSense controllerOpen the Settings menu at the top right corner of the dashboard.Scroll down and click on the Accessories menu.Scroll down and click on ControllersScroll down and click on Brightness of Controller Indicators.Select your preferred brightness level, including Bright (which is the s...

When there are young members of your household, you'll likely want some form of control over the types of media they have access to. On PS5, Sony lets you set parental controls to restrict the age ratings of games and DVDs you can use. Because a lot of the best games on PS5 happen to be rated T or M, it's wise to familiarize yourself with these settings.How to set up parental controls on PS5Go to Settings. Select Family and Parental Controls.Select PS5 Console Restrictions.Enter the restriction passcode (defaults to 0000).From here you can change the restrictions for creating new accounts, access parental controls for new users, temporarily disable restrictions, and change the passcode. It's important to note that parental controls will be applied to new users and guests who have not signed in to the PlayStation Network.Since you're likely mostly concerned about setting content limits, you'll want to select Parental Controls for New Users. This is where you'll be a...

Like most other pieces of tech out there, from time to time, you'll need to know how to update the software on your PS5. These updates are essential as they can fix bugs in the system, bring new features, and many other changes, all to make using your new game console the best it can be. With everything that the PS5 will be able to do when it's first released, our review shows that Sony has a lot more coming in the future, so let's get into how to update your PS5, so it's always fresh.Products used in this guideUpdate to the future: PS5 ($499 at Amazon)How to update your PS5 system softwareWith your PS5 powered on and hooked up to your TV, using the DualSense controller go all the way to the top-right then select settings.Scroll down to select System within the options.On the right-hand part of your screen, you'll see System Software Update and Settings, choose that option.Once the page opens up, set updates to download and install automatically to be sure you don't h...

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or your a Playstation newbie, chances are at some point you're going to get stuck and need to know how to get a little bit of help with the PS5 game you're playing. Thankfully, Sony has made this process just about as simple as it could be. In the steps below, we'll show you how to get in-game help so that you can progress through all the levels and objectives in your favorite PS5 games.Products used in this guideIn your hands: DualSense Controller ($70 at Amazon)Power up: DualSense Charging Station ($30 at Best Buy)How to use Game Help on PS5Hit the PS button on your DualSense controller.Select the activity card that you wish to use (here, we'll select Frigid Floes).On the card, you'll see a prompt telling you what you need to do to complete the level or task. Click on that objective.Click the play button to watch a short video explanation of the objective.When you've read the prompt, click Resume to continue your gameplay.W...

There's a ton of excitement around the new Sony gaming console, and regardless of your level of gameplay, you'll need to know how to connect the PS5 to Wi-Fi. During our review, we found that much of that excitement is well deserved. Having a stable internet connection will be vital to have the best experience possible, and while being connected with an ethernet cable may be preferred, Wi-Fi can get the job done too. Here's how to get your Wi-Fi set up on your PS5.Products used in this guideConnected to the future: PS5 ($499 at Amazon)How to connect to Wi-Fi on PS5.With your PS5 powered on and hooked up to your TV, using the DualSense controller go all the way to the top-right then select settings.Move down to select Network within the options.On the left-hand side of your screen, you'll see two choices, Connection Status and Settings, select Settings.From here, you'll want to choose Set Up Internet Connection.Here, you'll see the available Wi-Fi networks, choose y...

Did you know that the #1 result on any Google search receives ten times more traffic on average than the#10 result? SEO Training 2020: The Ultimate SEO Course shows you how to rank higher, and it's currently 92% off at $14.99.Whether you are building a business or promoting your art, people need to find your site. While social media can help, the search is still the largest single source of traffic.This 10-hour course helps you optimize your site for search with content and technical improvements.Through 67 hands-on lessons, you discover how to target low-competition keywords with engaging content and make your site load in less than one second. The training also looks at building backlinks, reducing bounce rates, and finding niches that you can rank for.Your instructor is Abdul Wali professional SEO marketer, blogger, and developer. This course is rated at 4.4 stars by students, and the price includes certification.It's normally priced at $199, but you can get lifetime acces...

For the first time, Samsung is releasing a Plus-sized version of its larger Galaxy Note phones. This release means an even larger screen option for those interested in the latest in the Note series. That also means more display real estate to protect from scuffs and scratches. Don't let your display get damaged by your daily use; keep your Galaxy Note 10+ protected with a screen protector! Oh, and don't forget to pick up one of the best Galaxy Note 10+ cases.Trusted wrapperIQ Shield Screen ProtectorStaff pickIQ Shield is well-known for its super thin smart film that blends into the screen almost imperceptibly. This two-pack comes with everything you need to install the screen protector onto your Note 10+ without bubbles or hassle.$9 at AmazonTrusted tempered glassWhitestone Dome GlassThe Whitestone Dome Glass is a premium option for protecting the display of your Note 10+. This kit includes a phone holder that ensures a perfect installation and acts as a gu...

The main value in the Android Enterprise Recommended program is corporate reassurance.What you need to knowSamsung has now officially joined the Android Enterprise Recommended program.The company's slate of hardware now sits alongside products from OEMs like Lenovo, Xiaomi, and Oppo.Enterprise Recommended devices offer easy management and guaranteed security updates.Samsung has now joined other OEMs like Oppo and OnePlus in the Android Enterprise Recommended program, the company announced today alongside Google. Samsung phones are already popular in businesses and the enterprise, the company even touts its own Knox security as a reason for why its phones are great business tools. Google notes this, adding that "Samsung has been a key player in the mobile enterprise space for many years."The Android Enterprise Recommended program in essence curates smartphones which meet a set of requirements that'll make them good for business users. These are phones that are easy to mana...

The game continues to grow in popularity for its unique blend of social features and gameplay.What you need to knowAmong Us is an aging game from 2018 that has suddenly exploded from popularity in 2020.Its popularity can be attributed to its easy accessibility, streaming platforms like Twitch, and its unique social spin on gameplay.According to market analyst Sensor Tower, Among Us has reportedly surpassed over 217 million downloads on mobile devices.While the game is only $5 on PC, and free on mobile devices, it has still generated $39 million in revenue from cosmetic purchases.One of the biggest surprises of 2020 (and there were a lot of them) in the gaming world was the sudden rise of Among Us, a game that places up to 10 players in a map together, and makes up to three of those players Impostors. The players' jobs are to complete tasks and find the Impostors, while the Impostors need to blend in and kill everyone else. It's a fascinating little game that doesn't win aw...

Sonos's Upgrade Program replaces the controversial Trade Up program.What you need to knowSonos is rolling out support for multi-channel LPCM to its Sonos Arc soundbar.The soundbar now has improved support for disc-based audio as a result, meaning that Blu-rays and DVDs now sound better.Sonos is also replacing its Trade Up program with a new Upgrade Program.Sonos today announced improvements to both its Sonos Arc speaker and the way it handles upgrades. To begin with, the Arc Soundbar is about to get even better for people who want immersive sound experiences on disc-based experiences. The company is adding support for multi-channel LPCM to the soundbar. It's a format that's mostly used on Blu Rays and DVDs (and CDs if you still have those), and it'll make audio from content stored on those media sound even better. Since game consoles like the PlayStation 5 traffic in disc-based media, it'll make the gaming experience using a Sonos Soundbar better. Sonos says the update is r...

The Galaxy Note 10+ packs power, precision, and productivity into a large but manageable size. While its super-reflective gradient backs beg to be shown off, this is still an expensive phone with a glass back and front, so having a case is a non-negotiable requirement here. Cases are readily available from our favorite brands regardless of if you like your cases slimmer or more beefy and protective, so rest assured you can protect your new powerhouse in style. These are the best Galaxy Note 10+ cases available today!Ruggedly handsomeRingke Fusion-XStaff pickThis durable clear case has some robust bumper protection and a couple of fun color options, including a translucent camo option that looks fierce.$13 at Amazon$13 at WalmartThin but grippySpigen Liquid Air ArmorThis is the better version of the Spigen Rugged Armor: a slimmer case that's easier to hang onto thanks to its diamond texture back. Take this upgrade!$11 at Amazon$12 at eBayTexas toughArmadill...

MediaTek's first 6nm chipset will make its way into Chromebooks in 2021.What you need to knowMediaTek has announced the Dimensity 700, a 5G-enabled chipset that's designed for budget phones.The chipset is built on a 7nm node and features Cortex A76 cores. MediaTek is also rolling out two chipsets targeted at Chromebooks — the MT8192 and MT8195. The Dimensity 700 will be debuting on consumer phones in early 2021, and the MT8192 will show up in Q2 2021. MT8195 will be available later next year. While 5G connectivity made its debut on consumer phones last year, it was limited to flagships. But this year saw the introduction of 5G-enabled mid-range and budget phones, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765G had a huge role to play in making the standard more accessible thanks to devices like the OnePlus Nord.Qualcomm is now aiming to deliver 5G-enabled entry-level phones, and MediaTek is getting in on the action with its latest announcement. The Dimensity 700 chipset is now live, an...

A great freebie offer!Update, November 10 (11:30 am ET): The promo is now available in the U.S. too.What you need to knowGoogle has rolled out a new promo for YouTube Premium subscribers in the UK.The promo lets YouTube Premium subscribers in the country redeem a Stadia Premiere Edition bundle for free.Google's Stadia Premiere Edition bundle includes a Chromecast Ultra and a Clearly White Stadia Controller. Google has introduced a new promotion in the UK, which allows YouTube Premium subscribers to redeem a Stadia Premiere Edition bundle for free (via Android Police). The Stadia Premiere Edition bundle, which is priced at £90 in the country, comes with a Chromecast Ultra and a Clearly White Stadia Controller.If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, you should see a message about the Stadia Premiere Edition offer when you open the YouTube app on your phone. Even if you don't see the message yet, you can still check if your eligible for the offer by visiting this URL....

Huawei is well known for offering some great affordable Android phones but that doesn't mean there's no chance to save on one this Black Friday. UK network Virgin Mobile just kicked off its Black Friday sale and there's one Huawei deal that stands out. Right now, you can snag the Huawei P30 Lite from just £22 per month there but the main draw for this deal is the fact that it bundles in a Nintendo Switch for free!Out of all the Black Friday Android phone deals we'll see this year, this one is likely to be among the first to sell out because of that attractive freebie so be sure to get your order in now to avoid disappointment.Black Friday bundle dealHuawei P30 Lite New Edition + Nintendo SwitchVirgin's Black Friday deals are now live in the UK with plenty of opportunities to save. With this Huawei deal, you can snag the affordable phone and a free Nintendo Switch while supplies last.See at VirginThis low £22 cost is possible because of a few factors. Firstly, the Huawei...

It can be fun to accessorize but sometimes it's a battle to find the perfect blend of function and fashion, like when choosing a smartwatch. The good news is that there are tons of options for women these days. Our favorite is the Fossil Gen 5 Julianna, which offers premium features while boasting a classic, stylish design. This is just one of the options when it comes to choosing the best smartwatch for women. We've rounded up the best picks to help you choose the one that's right for you.Best Overall: Fossil Gen 5 JuliannaIf you were a fan of the Gen 4 smartwatches from Fossil but hoped-for improvements, the moment has arrived. The Gen 5 smartwatches — including the gorgeous Julianna — come with a new stylish design, more RAM, and an external speaker. It also does everything you need it to do: activity and heart rate tracking, 3 ATM water resistance (depth of up to 30 meters), Google Pay, Google Assistant, GPS, and notifications. The new Snapdragon Wear 3100 is finally he...

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 10.5-inch Android tablet has dropped to $529.99 at Best Buy. The tablet more regularly sells for around $650 or even as much as $700 in some cases. Some of the other available colors, like the Rose Blush tablet, are going for as much as $730. That makes today's deal a potential savings of $200. You can also find this price on Amazon.When we reviewed the Galaxy Tab S6 in November 2019 we called it the "best tablet ever" and said it "has a gorgeous design, an amazing display, and the power to chew through anything you can throw at it." You can also see how it compares to the newest Tab S7 if you're considering going with the newer model.The Tab S6 has a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a pixel resolution of 2560 x 1600.It also has 256GB internal storage built in and an Octa-core processor that allows for fast multitasking, power efficiency, and a smooth response. If 256GB is not enough storage for you, you can expand that number with the microSD card slo...

Still our favoriteNest Thermostat E$135 at WalmartProsLearns and adjusts schedule automaticallyMore pixels per inch in LCD displayShips with trim plateSaves energy when you're away from homeHVAC monitoringConsOnly comes in whiteMay no longer be commercially availableNo remote sensorsMust set up in Nest appThe Nest Thermostat E is one of the smartest thermostats you can buy, with the ability to track your temperature changes and build you a customized, automated heating schedule that will save you energy. That said, it's a relatively old device with an average LCD display.Colorful and revitalizedNest Thermostat$130 at AmazonProsBetter color optionsLarger mirrored lens with IPSSoli motion tracking and geofencingSavings Finder and HVAC monitoringConsNo remote sensorsNo schedule learning capabilitiesTrim plate sold separatelyLow resolution displayThe new Nest Thermostat is a simpler device that puts all of its smarts in the Goo...

Five of the ten best-selling phones in Q3 2020 were Samsung Galaxy A-series devices.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy A21s was the most popular Android phone in the third quarter of 2020.Four other Galaxy A-series phones also figured in the list of top 10 shipping smartphones in Q3 2020.Samsung regained the No.1 position globally in Q3 2020, thanks to a 2% YoY growth in shipments.Data released by IDC late last month revealed that Samsung beat Huawei to regain global smartphone sales lead in the third quarter of the year. Market research firm Canalys has now revealed a list of the top 10 best-selling smartphones during the third quarter of the year.#Samsung took five spots in the world's top 10 shipping smartphones in Q3 2020, driven by its Galaxy A series portfolio. The vendor regained the No.1 position globally with shipments increased by 2% y-o-y. Read our Q3 2020 smartphone market report at https://t.co/3dQ7dSiY1a pic.twitter.com/86XPCZC7uJ— Canalys (@Canalys) ...

The display on the Pixel 4a is the biggest upgrade from its predecessor. The bezels at the top and bottom are so much smaller that we can have a bigger screen in a smaller profile, but this also means that even a tiny crack at the top or bottom could impact the screen's usable portion. We've done the research the round up the best Google Pixel 4a screen protectors you can buy!Easy to applySupershieldz Tempered Glass (2-Pack)Staff pickSupershieldz has my confidence because not only is its book-style application process easy enough for my mother to do by herself, but it has also stood up to rocks, ladders, and drops without damaging the screen underneath.$6 at Amazon$8 at WalmartBest of the bestOtterBox Amplify GlassOtterBox knows how to make a durable case. They worked with Corning — makers of Gorilla Glass — to produce a durable, high-quality screen protector in the Amplify, which offers higher scratch resistance and excellent case compatibility.$25 at Amaz...