Latest from Android Central

The Dell S2719DGF S Series 27-inch 1440p 155Hz FreeSync monitor has dropped to $299.99 on Amazon. This price matches the lowest we have seen since February, when it dropped to $275. The monitor has been selling for around $400 or more since then and even peaked as high as $450. You can still find it going for $400 at other retailers like Best Buy. There was a Dell Black Friday online doorbuster that reduced the price to $250, but that deal lasted literally seconds before it disappeared.If you're a gamer or spend a lot of time in front of your computer and just want one all-around great monitor, this is it. The Dell 27-inch has 2K Quad HD 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution, a 1 ms response time, and a 144 Hz refresh rate. If you connect through the DisplayPort, you can overclock the monitor to a 155 Hz refresh rate, but you'll get up to 144 Hz even if you just connect through the HDMI 2.0 port.The connectivity options include two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and a USB hub with four USB ...

You still need to have some artistic skill to make use of it, though.What you need to knowGoogle debuted Chimera Painter, a machine learning tool that turns sketches into 3D-renders.It's available on the web, and users can either create their sketches there or download a pre-set and build it out in an alternate app like Photoshop.Chimera Painter is ultimately a proof of concept that showcases the time-saving potential of machine-learning in digital art generation.Google today debuted an experiment aimed at making building rendered art easier and faster with machine learning. The company shared Chimera Painter, a demo tool that automatically renders monsters from an outline you supply.With Chimera Painter, Google is using machine learning to speed up the 3D art production process. You'll be able to, via the digital paintbrush, indicate different body parts and stylings on your sketch. Google provides a very detailed list of parts for your sketch. This means you can go pain...

Many people ask where they're from and what the dynamic of their family is. DNA tests have grown in popularity over the years, largely to answer these types of questions. Big shopping events don't just bring discounts to gadgets and gizmos. You can find out about your heritage and ancestry for a discount thanks to some Black Friday deals.23andMe Health + Ancestry Test | $99 at AmazonOne of 23andMe's most expansive tests includes over 125 reports including the Ancestry Service, 90 DNA-based online reports, and more. Simply provide a saliva sample and get results back in less than two months. This deal saves you $100 and matches the lowest we've ever seen it go. If you want the Ancestry + Traits kit, you can snag that at a $20 discount direct at 23andMe.$99 at AmazonThere are a wide variety of kits available right now, though you should do some research before purchasing to make sure you're getting the best package for you or for whoever is receiving it as a gift.Though B...

The Redmi Note 9S, which is the global variant of the Redmi Note 9 Pro, is expected to receive the update later this month.What you need to knowXiaomi has started rolling out the stable Android 11-based MIUI 12 update to the Redmi Note 9 Pro.The update is currently available only for the Indian variant of the phone.Xiaomi is expected to release the stable Android 11 update for the global Redmi Note 9 Pro in the coming weeks.Xiaomi today began rolling out the stable Android 11 update to Redmi Note 9 Pro users in India (via Gadgets360). As is usually the case with major updates, it is currently limited to a small number of users. However, a broader rollout is likely to commence within the next few days. The Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, which are among the best cheap Android phones released by Xiaomi this year, haven't started receiving the Android 11 update yet.As per users who have received the update, it arrives as version MIUI V12.0.1.0.RJWINXM and weighs aroun...

PS4 Pro4K Ready$400 at AmazonPros4K HDR gaming looks incredible on everythingPlayStation VR performance is best on this PS4ConsNoticeably larger Can get loud during intense gameplayIf you want the best possible last-gen PlayStation experience, this is the one to buy, even if it's the largest and most expensive option.PS4 SlimBudget-friendly$250 (Used) at AmazonProsFits just about anywhereWhisper quietInexpensiveConsNo 4K supportThe slimmer PS4 plays every game with ease, but the lack of 4K output is noticeable if your TV supports it.Disclaimer: Both consoles are out of stock at most retailers and are price gouged at others like Walmart currently.It's hard to go wrong with either version of the PlayStation console, but these two versions serve very different purposes. While you can still play every PS4 game on each option here, you'll notice a significant difference in overall quality depending on the room you're playing in and the o...

Best answer: Yes, Among Us is 100% free on mobile. However, you'll have to share your personal data with Innersloth.On PC: Among Us ($5 on Steam)On your Android: Among Us (Free download on Play Store)On your iPhone: Among Us (Free download on Apple Store) Play on mobile easily: Razer Raiju Mobile ($85 at Amazon)Free stuff is good stuff in Among UsThe success of Among Us is unheard of — how could a game from 2018 be one of the best Android games of 2020? Since going viral this past summer, Among Us has become a hit with casual gamers and diehards alike, thanks to how easy it is to pick up and play.Similar to board games like Mafia, the social deduction game tasks players with completing tasks around the map, while the Imposter lurks among them, plotting to kill. The crew must work together to figure out who among them is not who they say they are. It's an exciting and tense game, perfect for parties and gatherings, both in-person and online.You might be wondering ...

Have you setup your own network-attached storage device yet? It might seem daunting at first, but wouldn't you love some personal cloud storage at home that you and your family can access from basically any device on your network? The QNAP TS-431K-US 4-bay personal cloud NAS might be your ticket in, and right now it's on sale for $219 at Newegg when you use the code 2BFSTNW347 in your cart. You'll need a Newegg login to use the code. This is a limited-time sale that will only last through the weekend. The device normally sells for around $279 and you can find it going for that price at other retailers like Amazon. That's actually its lowest price on Amazon since it was selling for as high as $319 before October.This QNAP network-attached storage device is quite similar to a device we consider one of the best NAS for the home. The version on sale today is not quite as expensive, even when not on sale, and still maintains a lot of the same features. It's a very good device for settin...

Get started right while slaying demons.Demon's Souls for the PS5 is now available and it's one of the best PS5 launch games around. With so many players trying it out for the first time, we've put together a helpful list of tips and tricks if you've jumped in with no knowledge of the game.We're not going to go too far in-depth here or spoil big surprises and bosses. This is simply meant as a primer guide to get you started if you've never played Demon's Souls before, or even a similar title like Dark Souls.Demon's Souls tips and tricks How to level upOne of the most important ways of improving your character is through leveling up. After acquiring some souls you can improve a particular attribute. You can't just do it immediately once you've started though.First, you need to complete the Tutorial. One way or another, this will end in your death. You'll find yourself in The Nexus. From here, you need to progress until you beat The Phalanx boss. You'll return to The Nexus...

Samsung Galaxy S20 FEBest of AndroidFrom $700 at AmazonProsFluid 120Hz AMOLED displaySnapdragon 865 with 5G connectivitySame 12MP camera as regular S20IP68 dust and water resistance15W wireless chargingThree Android version updatesConsPolycarbonate backNo 3.5mm headphone jackThanks to outstanding hardware and great value, the Galaxy S20 FE is one of the best Android phones you can buy today. Samsung nailed the basics here, with the phone offering a 120Hz AMOLED panel, the same primary camera as the Galaxy S20, IP68 rating, wireless charging, and all-day battery life.iPhone 12Best of iOSFrom $799 at AppleProsGorgeous OLED panelFastest internal hardware available todayOne of the nicest iPhone designs everFive years of guaranteed updatesExcellent camerasMagSafe has tons of potentialCons60Hz panel with wide cutoutNo charger in the boxStill uses LightningEven if iOS isn't your cup of tea, there's no denying just how good the iPhone 12...

The JLab Audio epic air sport ANC true wireless earbuds have dropped to $49.99 today at Best Buy. This deal is part of Best Buy's deals of the day, which means the price is even more temporary than a lot of the deals we've been seeing recently. The headphones normally sell for $100 at Best Buy, and you can find them going at that price at other retailers like Amazon and Target. This is a 50% off sale for some great sounding earbuds.The JLab Audio earbuds have a very long battery life, which is important for earbuds with both Bluetooth and active noise-cancelling. If you use both features, you'll still get plenty of time to listen to all the music you want to listen to. The earbuds will last for up to 11 hours when both are active. You can bump that to over 15 by not using the ANC. Either way, you get another 55 hours worth of charge from the included case, which means you can stay out and on the move without having to plug into a wall for a very long time with these earbuds.The a...

Deals on Apple iPhone devices and Samsung Galaxy phones are going to be available pretty much everywhere this Black Friday, but it's likely to be a little harder to find a great deal on a OnePlus device. You don't have to wait until the end of the month to save on one of the latest OnePlus phones, however, with this one-day deal at B&H offering $120 off the OnePlus 8T.It's down to $629 there in either lunar silver or aquamarine green which is the best direct price drop we've seen on it yet and you'll also score a free set of OnePlus Buds true wireless earbuds worth $79. You'll see the freebie in your cart. The deal is only available today and may well sell out before the day is out, so don't miss it.Our review of the OnePlus 8T smartphone gave it 4 stars and a Recommended badge. We said, "The design is a step forward for OnePlus, and the flat display makes it a delight to use the phone. The phone has the latest internal hardware, clean software without any bloatware, and 65W ...

This isn't the first time that "Zork" has been spotted online.What you need to knowAn upcoming Google Chromebook has surfaced on a Play Console listing.The Chromebook, codenamed Zork, will feature an AMD Ryzen 3250C processor with Radeon Vega 3 GPU.It will also feature a Full HD display and 4GB of RAM.Earlier this year, a Google Chromebook with the codename "Zork" was spotted in several benchmark listings. While Google is yet to confirm the existence of the device, it has now been spotted on the Play Console by the folks over at 91Mobiles.According to the listing, the upcoming Chromebook from Google will feature a dual-core AMD Ryzen 3 3250C processor running at 3.5GHz, coupled with a Radeon Vega 4 GPU clocked at 1.2GHz and 4GB of RAM. The listing also reveals a 14-inch display with 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution. Previously leaked benchmark listings had revealed the Chromebook features an AMD Ryzen 7 3700C, so it is likely that the highest-end configurations will be powe...

So, you've pulled Venti in Genshin Impact. Now you need a powerful team to support him.When you're first starting out in Genshin Impact, it's easy to become overwhelmed with building up a perfect party of fighters. Initially, you'll only have a small cast of characters to work with, but you'll quickly obtain more through events and the game's Wish system, as you'll be showered in Primogems to spend on Wishes early on. Once you have a few characters sitting around, likely representing all available elements (there are seven total elements, but Dendro doesn't have any character representatives currently), and you probably want to know who you should be spending resources on to make the strongest party you can.Tackling Teyvat togetherGenshin ImpactFree on Google Play Free on PS4Adventure through an open, elemental worldGenshin Impact puts you in the shoes of the Traveler, a world-hopping protagonist stranded in the world of Teyvat, who is joined by a growing cast of elemen...

Amazon UK has chopped a chunk off the Google Pixel 4a which makes it even more of an epic buy.Black Friday isn't even here yet and the great deals continue to flow. Deal season is a perfect time to grab a new Android phone since you can guarantee even some of the latest devices will see good discounts and that's exactly what we're looking at here with the Google Pixel 4a, one of the year's best phones.Normally it's an already reasonable £349, but right now you can save £30 by getting one from Amazon UK which makes it a truly epic buy.Google Pixel 4a | £319 at Amazon UK£319 at Amazon UKYou won't get a better camera phone for this money and with the latest updates fresh from Google, the Pixel 4a is an absolute gem and now at an even better price.In our review of the Pixel 4a we said: "Google modernized and improved the design, stepped up the specs, kept the same great camera quality, slightly increased battery life, and dropped the price by $50 — that's a fa...

This tool fixes the pain of switching all of your photos over.If you've been on Facebook for more than a few years, you probably have loads of photos and videos that only exist there. They likely even predate your Google Photos, Dropbox, or OneDrive accounts. Sure, you could download all of your data, fish through it to find your photos, and start re-uploading them, but what a colossal pain! Thankfully, Facebook has a tool that lets you transfer your Facebook photos to your Google Photos account. Here's how to use it.How to transfer pictures from Facebook to Google PhotosI recommend doing this from a computer rather than a mobile device.Log in to Facebook.Click on the drop-down arrow at the top right of the screen.Click on Settings & Privacy.Click on Settings.From the left navigation menu, click on Your Facebook Information.Click on Transfer a Copy of Your Photos or Videos (you can only do one at a time).Choose Google Photos as the destination in the dropdown...

Choose your smart speaker wisely. Your first smart speaker purchase will influence future expansion and accessory purchases.Black Friday is only a few days away, and you are more than likely already looking for deals on big-ticket items, including smart speakers. When it comes to smart speakers, they come in various sizes and price points, so it can be tough to choose the best for you.However, the biggest decision you have to make is which ecosystem you want. Both Amazon and Google offer a handful of first-party options coming in at various price points, and some third-party devices also work with certain systems. However, the biggest mistake people make when buying a smart speaker is not knowing what ecosystem fits their needs best. What happens if they choose a smart speaker that doesn't work with their current ecosystem of products? Here's how to make sure you avoid that this Black Friday.Choose your platformBefore you even look into any smart speakers at all, you'll have ...

"Beginning today, connect with your friends in Fortnite like never before."What you need to knowEpic Games has just announced new Houseparty integration for Fortnite.It means that players will be able to video chat with their friends live whilst playing the game.Epic Games has announced that Fortnite now supports integration with Houseparty, enabling players to video chat with their friends live in-game.In a press release Wednesday the company stated: Beginning today, connect with your friends in Fortnite like never before. Whether you're enjoying the latest in-game event or chasing an elusive Victory Royale, the new integration with the Houseparty app brings revolutionary video chat technology so that you can video chat with friends while playing Fortnite.The new feature will be available on PC, PS5, and PS4 (but not Xbox currently), and players will need Houseparty installed on an iOS or Android device. Players will need to connect their Houseparty account to thei...

It's hard to beat Google, but these apps are great options, too.Despite the news that the free ship has sailed, Google Photos remains one of the best, if not the best, photo backup solutions available on Android. However, we understand if you'd like to jump to a different service, so we've collected some of the best apps to use to backup your precious photos and videos. Once you find something to suit your needs, be sure to head over to our best Android apps mega roundup, too.The top 3 apps1. Amazon Photos2. OneDrive3. DropboxMore optionsFlickrPlexNAS solutionsSynology MomentsQNAP QuMagieWD My CloudWhat are the best Google Photos alternatives?Google really nailed it with Photos, but there are alternatives out there, even if they might lack the same features or still cost money. First up is Amazon Photos. If you're a Prime member, you have this free photo backup service available to you. It's a bit more basic than Google Photos, but it gets the job done...

Leaving home doesn't have to leave you blind to visitors and guests arriving while you're not there. Today only, you can add a Ring Video Doorbell 2 to your door for just $69.99.Woot is offering the smart home device in used condition at half the usual cost of a refurb model and $120 off the device's full cost for a brand new model. Each unit has been tested to ensure they are in full working order, though the used devices may exhibit some cosmetic blemishes. There's also a 90-day Woot warranty included with your purchase in case of any issues.With the Ring Video Doorbell 2, you can see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door by using an app on your phone, tablet, or computer. It's equipped with a camera that records in 1080p HD with infrared night vision so you can see what's going on outside your home no matter what time of day it is, and it's all accessible from anywhere in the world. All you'd have to do is open the app on your preferred device.The doorbell has a recharge...

Everything you need to master Among UsAmong Us continues to be the little app that could, becoming one of the most popular games of 2020, despite originally releasing in 2018. Thanks to the game's availability, accessibility, and price, Among Us has become one of the most popular free Android games and one of the best Android games of the year.Among Us is a simple game but has a surprising amount of depth once you dive into things. To bring you up to speed, here's everything you need to know to win on mobile.All Among Us GuidesHow to play Among UsAmong Us: Best tips & tricksHow to kick and ban playersAll levels in Among UsThe Skeld tasks guideMIRA HQ tasks guidePolus tasks guideDoes Among Us support cross-play?How to create the best Among Us gameHow to set up voice chatHow to be the best ImposterTips for finding the ImposterEvery way you can kill a CrewmateCustom Games in Among UsThe difference between the PC and mobile versions of Among UsThe difference...

Samsung had discontinued software support for the two phones in late 2018.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5 phones have started receiving a new software update.The update adds a security-related stabilization code.It is currently rolling out to Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 users in South Korea, Europe, and Latin America.Samsung rolled out a new security update for the nearly five-year-old Galaxy Tab S2 tablet on Verizon earlier this month. According to a report from SamMobile, the company has now started rolling out a surprise new update for two of its best Android phones from 2015.The new update for the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 series phones reportedly brings a security-related stabilization code. Unlike the Galaxy Tab S2, however, the update doesn't bring a newer security patch level to the 2015 flagship phones. They remain on the September 2018 Android security patch, which was rolled out roughly two years back. The UAE variants of the Galaxy...

Bluetooth speakers are becoming super popular. Don't get stuck with a crappy one just because it was on sale!As Black Friday approaches, deals will start swinging at you left and right, especially Bluetooth speakers. More and more people now own smartphones and other gadgets that no longer feature the 3.5mm audio jack, and that means one of two things: they need a dongle or gear upgrades to Bluetooth.Before you go out and blindly purchase a Bluetooth speaker this holiday season, make sure you inform yourself, so you don't regret your purchase down the road.Check the model number and priceOne common practice technology vendors use for Black Friday is to create special variations for their products during the shopping season. Typically, these models are a blend of the vendor's various other products. It may sound like a good deal, but vendors usually don't offer support or warranty replacements on Black Friday models because they're built specifically for the holiday season. Th...

Instacart now offers a wide range of Best Buy electronics and tech products for $4 per order.What you need to knowInstacart has announced a new partnership with Best Buy to offer same-day delivery across the U.S.You can now have laptops, TVs, headphones, tablets, smartwatches, small appliances and more tech products from Best Buy delivered the same day. Instacart has also rolled out a new 'Certified Delivery' initiative for high-value items.Online grocery delivery platform Instacart has joined hands with Best Buy to offer same-day delivery from Best Buy locations across the U.S. You can now have electronics and tech products from Best Buy delivered to your doorstep the same day.Chris Rogers, Vice President of Retail at Instacart, said in a statement: We're proud to partner with Best Buy – the largest consumer electronics retailer in the U.S. – to offer customers across the country a new way to get the technology products they need delivered same-day. Whether it's ...

The OnePlus community has spoken, and these ideas will help make OxygenOS even better.What you need to knowOnePlus launched IDEAS 2.0 back in September, collecting suggestions from users for months.We now know which 7 ideas have been "adopted".It's unknown when they will be implemented into OxygenOS, but the OnePlus team will no doubt working to implement them.Earlier this year, OnePlus started the IDEAS Program, which was meant to garner suggestions for features to be implemented in OxygenOS. The program was a hit, and according to OnePlus, "over 5,000 submissions and tens of thousands of discussions were raised." Back in September, OnePlus launched IDEAS 2.0 which lasted until November 6th, and now we have a look at which ideas OnePlus has "adopted":Separate volume for each app and allow dual media playback: This idea is fairly self-explanatory, but this would allow each app its own volume setting. It would also keep audio from other apps or even systems sounds like a ...

The encore to the Pixel 3a's affordable excellence is still brilliant.Google's several attempts at making own-branded phones has returned few victories, but one of the clear bright spots was last year's Pixel 3a. It turns out that Google's "less is more" approach really fits well within the constraints of a less-expensive phone, and its strengths in software and camera processing stand out against less-refined competition.It can easily be argued that its successor, the Pixel 4a, is the more important device for building the Pixel brand than the upcoming higher-end Pixel 5. And on the face of it, Google did things right this year: it simplified to a single phone, improved the specs, kept the great camera, and dropped $50 off the price. That makes an enticing package — here's how it all works.At a glanceGoogle Pixel 4a Bo...

At just $1, these are a steal no matter how you look at it!What you need to knowOnePlus Buds will be discounted to $1 for one day only.The sale is part of the weekly OnePlus Day sales event.The sale will last until the earbuds are out of stock.Every Wednesday, OnePlus has what's called "OnePlus Day" where the company offers discounts on items in an attempt to clear as much of the stock as possible. This has included both smartphones and accessories, and with some compelling Black Friday deals already happening, people are looking for great and inexpensive gifts for loved ones. This week OnePlus is presenting one of its most irresistible sales yet by offering its OnePlus Buds for only $1! No, that's not a typo, they're really going to be discounted to just $1.With OnePlus Buds, you'll get awesome bass drops. And now, we're dropping the price to $1. Sale starts tomorrow and ends when they're sold out! https://t.co/t5ju7Wp0Zh pic.twitter.com/hHskaYjhws— OnePlus USA (@OnePl...

Huawei might not be the first company most of us think of when we're thinking about the best laptops on the market, but that's an oversight worth changing. Huawei has been consistently releasing some truly impressive laptops with impressive specs and surprising price points. The Huawei MateBook X 2020 is the latest champion in its lineup that definitely deserves a bit of your attention.What you'll find from the Huawei MateBook is a stylishly built ultrabook that's designed to match almost any of the competition it'll come up against. From the inside out, it's built with performance, portability, and style in mind. You'll find a solidly constructed laptop with a magnesium aluminum alloy chassis that all comes in at just one kilogram. At just 13.6mm thick, it's also thin enough to easily slip into your bag.That kind of portability wouldn't mean as much if you weren't getting a laptop that was worth carrying around with you. But, Huawei has that covered. The 42Wh battery paired wi...

Huawei's user experience is about to get even more exciting.During the global launch livestream for the Mate 40 Series, Huawei spent some time showing off its new advancements in the user interface field with EMUI 11, as well as its impressive web browser Petal Search. Here's an overview of everything EMUI 11 and Petal Search have to offer, and how they're making the Huawei user experience better than ever before.EMUI 11 makes the experience convenient and funHuawei's latest iteration of EMUI, EMUI 11, makes the user experience on devices like those in the Mate 40 Series not just convenient, but fun as well. With Huawei's Always On Display (AOD), users can customize their interface with a variety of different visual themes that ooze charm and allow for plenty of personal expression. You can even integrate animated GIFs into elements of the interface, which is awesome. Additionally, EMUI 11 on the Mate 40 Series also comes with Eyes On Display (EOD), which uses the front-facin...

Thursday morning Huawei unveiled the Mate 40 Series of smartphones in a special global launch livestream. While the phones were the primary focus of the presentation, Huawei also had plenty of other devices, accessories, and services to show off as well. Here's a look at everything that was announced at the Huawei Mate 40 Series launch event.Quick menuMate 40 SeriesEMUI 11Apps and servicesCompanion devices and accessoriesMate 40 SeriesHuawei's new Mate 40 Series of smartphones were the stars of the show. These devices sport the "Space Ring Design" for the outward-facing cameras, and also have a striking display curvature that wraps around the sides of the phones. All of the Mate 40 devices come with powerful dual stereo speakers for top-notch audio. Additionally, all of the Mate 40 devices have a high IP rating, so they'll resist damage from dirt and water effectively.The first phone in the Mate 40 Series is the Huawei Mate 40. It's rocking a gorgeous 6.5-inch Fl...

As a pet owner, I know just how difficult it is to keep your floors clean. I've found that the best robot vacuums can really help keep my home spotless, whether I'm trying to pick up dirt from underneath my corgi's dog door, trying to keep the area around my cat's box free of litter, or am trying desperately to pick fur out of the carpet. During some recent testing, I was able to check out the Yeedi K650 robot vacuum and I found it to be an excellent budget option, even for people with pets. Best of all, right now it's seriously discounted for Black Friday.Yeedi K650 | $89 off at Amazon$130 at AmazonIf you're looking for a robot vacuum while on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Yeedi K650. It has an extra-large dustbin perfect for holding tufts of your pup's shredded fur and can easily be controlled by an app. Make sure to click on the coupon button to save that extra $20 during checkout.So what is it that makes this such a great budget option for pet owners? Well for...

Though the watch may be getting a little long in the tooth, this Garmin Vivoactive 3 deal is definitely worth exploring if you want an excellent true fitness smartwatch. Garmin watches are widely known to be some of the absolute best at keeping tabs on your workouts so when an early Black Friday deal like this shows up that saves you up to $120 off the price of the watch, fitness fans should take notice.Garmin Vivoactive 3 | $120 off at AmazonBe ready to sweat away 2020 with a new Garmin Vivoactive 3 fitness smartwatch. You'll be able to keep track of all of your workouts while also saving some serious cash in the process.From $130 at AmazonGarmin has been making excellent fitness smartwatches that not only look nice but will perform well for years. Plus, since these devices are focused on fitness first rather than just being smartwatches, so it has a much longer lifespan.Of course, it has the expected heart rate monitoring and GPS built-in, but it also comes with str...

To choose the best budget home security system, you must consider which systems will save you money upfront in equipment costs, which will in turn cut costs on long-term monitoring fees. Some, like the Ring Alarm system, achieve both. The systems on our list cut some corners compared to professionally-installed security systems but achieve excellence in particular areas without costing you thousands of dollars. Consider which of these bargain systems will make you feel safest.Best Overall Bargain: Ring Alarm Security KitRing Protect Plus is a shot across the bow for major security companies that charge $40 to $60 a month for video monitoring and to "unlock" security features that you can't do without. Ring makes motion-activated notifications and live view free for self-monitoring customers, charges only $30/year for video storage, and $100/year for 24/7 professional monitoring. Assuming you use Ring for five years, its top-tier subscription would save you thousands of dollars ...

This year, we're seeing Black Friday sales kicking off earlier than ever. With a delayed Prime Day, less emphasis on in-store events, and possible concerns over shipping delays nearer the holidays, it makes total sense that retailers would want to kickstart their sales now and offer some early Black Friday deals online for shoppers who are ready to spend.We've gathered up a bunch of the best deals from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more, in one place to make your holiday shopping easier. The deals available now are Black Friday-worthy offers and well worth snagging now. There's no guarantee any deal on this list will still be available come the end of the month, so don't wait on anything you're eyeing up.Best Black Friday deals available nowEero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System + Echo Dot (3rd Gen) and Philips Hue Bulbs | $279 at AmazonAmazon is offering a free Echo Dot smart speaker and two Philips Hue smart bulbs with the eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi system currently, or you can...

There are only a few days left before Thanksgiving week is here, which means we're about to be inundated with Black Friday deals. Then again, if you've been keeping up with the latest sales, there's really no need to wait until the end of November to start shopping. Retailers are offering early Black Friday deals much earlier this year to help thin out the crowds that will be coming to the stores later this month, which means now is the time to shop.Right now, Amazon has the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 tablet on sale for only $149.99 when you clip the coupon on its product page there. That saves you $80 off its regular price of $80 and marks the lowest we've ever seen this model reach. At this price, it likely won't last for long either. Only the Gray model is on sale for this low price today.The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 tablet is equipped with a 10.4-inch display that's perfect for playing games, watching Netflix or YouTube, surfing the web, browsing social media sites, and more. It runs...

Crank up your tunes with our favorite headphones, Sony's WH-1000XM4. These outstanding cans feature class-leading active noise cancelation (ANC), but also come with great sound, battery life, and comfort. Jam out to your favorite tunes, talk to Alexa, and even take a phone call without ever having to take your headphones off. Sony has built its reputation on high-end headphones, and these are the best Sony headphones you can buy.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM4Sony didn't have to rethink its approach with the WH-1000XM4 because the previous WH-1000XM3s were already among the best in the industry, topping some of our own lists. The two biggest reasons why were the audio quality and ANC performance, both of which got decent upgrades with the WH-1000XM4. Sony put in its QN1 processor and dual noise sensor to further improve blocking ambient sound. While it's highly debatable that the results are a big leap forward from their predecessors, they do help from other areas.Sony could've...

It would be easy to assume that once you've set up your internet router and networking tech, you can forget about it. But it turns out, there are a few easy things that you can do to ensure that your internet connection is as fast and reliable as possible. One of those things is to turn your router off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on again -- every could months.That's even true if you aren't really experiencing any issues with your internet connectivity. Resetting your router can take care of a few issues under the hood that you might not even be aware of.Here's why.The best of the bestEero Pro 6$229 at AmazonEverything you need to get an incredible Wi-Fi signalThe Eero Pro 6 brings excellent internet coverage to your home, thanks to its improved range and features like tri-band support. With Wi-Fi 6 the router will allow you to fully take advantage of your internet speed.Your router is a tiny computerYou probably don't think of it like this, but your i...

Ensuring that your whole home has solid Wi-Fi coverage can be tricky at times, and there are a few different routes you could take to get that whole-home coverage. For example, you could expand what your current, basic router offers with a Wi-Fi extender. Or, you could get a mesh router like the new Eero 6 and Eero Pro 6, that comes with multiple access points and automatically connects you to the closest one.There are pros and cons of each of those options -- and one might be a better choice for your needs, depending on your setup and budget. To help you figure out whether to get a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh router, we've put together this guide.Internet from the futureEero Pro 6$229 at AmazonEverything you need for whole-home Wi-FiThe Eero Pro 6 brings internet coverage to your entire home, with tri-band support and improved range. With support for Wi-Fi 6, tri-band the router will allow you to fully take advantage of your internet speed.Pros and cons of Wi-Fi exten...

There are a number of steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a great internet connection. Setting aside the fact that you need a decent plan from your internet service provider, you'll also need a router, and a modem.But what's the difference between a router and a modem? And is one more important than the other? Here's everything you need to know about an internet router and a modem.An industry-leading routerEero Pro 6$229 at AmazonEverything you need to get an incredible Wi-Fi signalThe Eero Pro 6 brings excellent internet coverage to your home, thanks to its improved range and features like tri-band support. With Wi-Fi 6 the router will allow you to fully take advantage of your internet speed.What's a modem?A modem is the first step in getting an internet connection from your internet service provider, or ISP, to your devices so that you can surf the web, browse social media, and so on. Let's dive a little deeper.The term modem comes from a combinati...

There are plenty of reasons to buy a new router. From the fact that Wi-Fi 6 is now available, promising faster download speeds and more features, to the fact that you might have moved and need a router with more range, a good router can change your experience with Wi-Fi altogether.Of course, it's not quite as simple as headind down to Best Buy and simply picking up a router. There are a number of things to think about before you get a new router, such as how much range you need, what kind of download speeds you want, and what kinds of smart features you'll take advantage of.That, however, is why we've put together this guide. Here are 6 things you need to think about before upgrading your router.A modern routing experienceEero Pro 6$229 at AmazonEverything you need to get Wi-Fi throughout your homeThe Eero Pro 6 brings internet coverage to your entire home, thanks to its tri-band support and improved range. With Wi-Fi 6 the router will allow you to fully take advantag...

From the headset to all the official accessories, here's every link you need.Facebook kept the Oculus Quest 2 tightly under wraps until about mid-August when the floodgates opened, and leaks started appearing on the web. Facebook officially announced the Oculus Quest at Facebook Connect on September 16, 2020.The Oculus Quest 2 represents a major step forward for wireless VR, as we've pointed out in our Oculus Quest 2 review. It features substantially improved performance and graphics over the original Oculus Quest, adds in more RAM, a 50% higher resolution display, 3D audio, additional storage options, and even better ergonomics for the headset and controllers.The Oculus Quest 2 with 64GB of storage retails for $299, while the model with 256GB of storage retails for $399. Neither model supports expandable storage, so make sure you grab the bigger one if you like to install a lot of games at once.Here's where to buy the Oculus Quest 2All the accessories you can buy for the O...

Google says this update is the "largest gain in Chrome performance in years."What you need to knowGoogle's Chrome 87 is rolling out this week with speed and performance improvements.Google says this version of Chrome will give you up to 1.25 hours more battery life.Chrome's address bar and tab strip will also get more powerful on the desktop, with the former offering action buttons and the latter now being searchable. Google today released Chrome 87, its final build of the browser for 2020. The new update brings improved speed and improvements to common features like tabs, and the address bar.First, Gooogle really talked up the speed of its browser in this release. Not just on the desktop, but also on Android. Google says that Chrome on Android loads pages instantaneously when you're moving forward and backward. Presumably, you've already pre-loaded those pages, so it's just speeding that common navigation use case up.On all platforms, Google says that battery life usin...

As high-end phones get more expensive, cheap Android phones are getting better. It's 2020, and flagship smartphones are all nearly a thousand dollars or more, so why not spend a little less? We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you — like the Moto G Power, our best overall pick.The best cheap Android phones at a glanceMoto G Power — Best Overall: Very little sacrificed to hit this low price point.Google Pixel 4a —Best Upgrade Pick: A better camera for just a little more cash.Moto G Fast — Best Value: Cuts a few corners if you need to save even more money.Samsung Galaxy A71 —Best Camera System: Four cameras to help you get the best shot.Nokia 5.3 — Best Under $200: A decent phone with a clean interface.Samsung Galaxy A51 — Best Budget Samsung Phone: Get the Samsung experience without spending thousands.TCL 10L — Best Features: A phone that flew under the rada...

PS5 stock is selling out fast so be sure to have your credit card ready.Update: The console is back in stock and the queue is open at Sony as of 2:45 pm ET on Tuesday, Nov. 17!Want to buy a PS5? Well, so do millions of other people and the stock levels that we've seen so far are tight. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is like 15 - 20 minutes, and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a difficult task. Sony has warned that it will be difficult to find stock, but retailers are promising more is coming.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller.Jump to:Where to buy PS5Where to buy PS5 Digital EditionWhere to buy PS5 accessoriesTips for buying a PS5Where to buy PS5 in the USIn the U.S., there are a bunch of retailers that are selling the PlayStation 5, including Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon and others. They all seem to be dro...

Rebecca, Carli, and Jen review the new Xbox Series X, Series S, and Sony Playstation 5. But they also cover X-Men comics, Baby Yoda's insatiable appetite, and why you shouldn't blow vape smoke into your console.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:List of Xbox Series X, Series S known bugs and launch issues | Windows CentralHere's every lie about the Xbox Series X, debunked | Windows CentralBest Xbox Series X, Series S games to try first at launch | Windows CentralXbox Series X review: Powerful and bold — with a games lineup that's uncertain | Windows CentralXbox Series S review: Next-gen goes back to basics | Windows CentralPS5 review: A technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller | Android CentralBest PS5 Games 2020 | Android CentralWhere to buy PS5: Sony has stock RIGHT NOW | Android Central...

Separate work from play using Android's multi-user options.Every Android phone that's Google-certified has an option that lets you have more than one login that's completely separate from the main account you used to set up the phone. You don't have to switch SIM cards or SD cards and you get the same features that come with your phone, but the two accounts don't share any data.This is a great idea if you have kids who might want to use your phone, but it's also perfect for anyone who uses one phone for personal and for work use. Your boss might even like the idea!There are some details you want to know before you just start setting things up. These could be a dealbreaker, so it's good to know what's up before you consider it.Most Android phones sold in North America only use one SIM card so your number stays the same. By default, a secondary account can't use SMS but that can be changed in the account settings.Only the Admin account — the one you used to first sign into...

See if Stadia's experience could work for you.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a cloud-streaming platform for gaming in a slowly growing market.Before, you could either buy into Stadia's monthly subscription, or use it for free but pay for the games.Now, Stadia is planning to let players try the service completely for free, using Destiny 2 as the demo game.You can play Destiny 2 through Stadia for free starting November 19, but it's just the base game.Google Stadia has had a rollercoaster of a life, but one of the biggest obstacles to cloud gaming platforms is getting people to try them in the first place. Now, according to the Verge, Stadia has a plan to get new players to try out the service, and see if it works for them. Starting November 19, anyone will be able to use a Chromebook, web browser, or Android device and play Destiny 2 completely for free, without having to pay for the game or for the monthly subscription.There are a few caveats with this freebie, ho...

The action genre, by definition, includes a multitude of varying styles. The most defining characteristic, however, is fast-paced, frenetic gameplay. Thankfully for those looking for some action, the PS4 has a ton of fantastic games in the genre to offer, accrued over the years of the console's lifecycle, and even some stretching into the newest generation. Here are some of the best PS4 action games available right now.★ Featured favoriteSpider-Man: Miles MoralesAlthough it isn't a full-fledged new game, Spider-Man: Miles Morales finally gives players the chance to step into the suit with Morales, a character many were introduced to in 2018's Spider-Man game. Now, Miles has his own adventure, and fans of the original game will definitely want to pick this game up. There are new gameplay mechanics and you get the chance to swing through New York City once again. Better yet, the game is available on both PS4 and PS5.$50 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$50 at WalmartTr...

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...

Ting Mobile is proud to announce brand new pricing plans for all! Now, no matter if you use 2GB or 20GB a month, there's a perfect Ting plan for you and your family. And no need to worry — the only thing that's changed is a lower monthly phone bill. You still get access to Ting's award-winning customer service with nationwide LTE and 5G coverage, plus no contracts, ever.We've partnered with Ting Mobile to not only help you save an extra $25 on a new Ting plan, but also to give away one new Pixel 4a to three Android Central Readers! Keep reading for info on the new plans and to enter the giveaway!Not only has Ting launched a Set data plan with 5 GB of fast data plus unlimited data at 2G speed beyond the fast data allotment for just $25, they've also announced two Unlimited plans! These new plans include unlimited talk and text and 22 GB of fast data for $45 or 35 GB of fast data for $60. If you run out of fast data, you can add more for just $5 a GB and all top-ups will be...

Netgear's Nighthawk AX4 Wi-Fi 6 router is deeply discounted, making it a great way to get in on Wi-Fi 6.Wi-Fi 6 is the next wireless standard that's taking over for Wi-Fi 5. While it is backward compatible, most new devices are shipping with Wi-Fi 6 baked in, making for a faster, more reliable connection. If your router could use an upgrade, going with Wi-Fi 6 is recommended, but the cost is usually elevated due to the new tech. However, thanks to Black Friday savings, you can grab this Netgear Nighthawk Wi-Fi 6 router for just $99.Netgear Nighthawk AX4 | $70 off at WalmartThis Wi-Fi 6 router can handle medium to large homes with an average amount of traffic. It has combined AX3000 speeds, and there are four LAN ports for your wired devices. Get it $70 cheaper thanks to advance Black Friday savings.$99 at WalmartWi-Fi 6 (or 802.11ax) is the successor to Wi-Fi 5 (or 802.11ac). All Wi-Fi 6 devices work with Wi-Fi 5 routers, and Wi-Fi 5 devices work with Wi-Fi 6 routers. No wo...