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Updated 2025-07-12 04:00
As Slack and Microsoft bicker, Google is doing its own thing
Despite a slick G Suite revamp, Slack and Teams don't seem to be under any immediate threat from Google.Google last week debuted a big revamp for G Suite, bringing a bunch of its work tools under one roof in Gmail. Billed as a "better home for work," the redesign was seen by some as an indication that Google is making a broader push to compete with Microsoft Teams and Slack. However, that may not be what's at the top of Google's mind.Craig Roth, a research vice president, and analyst for Gartner, sees Google's transformation of G Suite as less about Teams and Slack and more about staking out the next territory. "I think that they are more forward-focused on trying to get to the next place and how people want to work and releasing a set of tools that looks more like that," Roth said. "And whether Slack or Microsoft is doing that or not, it may notice that a bit, but it's not directly an attack on them."As for what that next territory is, Roth says it's all about breaking down si...
You can now use a cutdown version of YouTube Music on your Android TV
An update to the YouTube app brings Google's new music service.What you need to knowGoogle has brought YouTube Music to Android TV.The service is not a discrete app but comes as part of an update to the main YouTube app.It's not an optimal version of the app. Features like shuffle and repeat are missing, and users may not be able to access their full libraries. Google has brought YouTube Music to its Android TV platform, but it's not as straightforward as that. There isn't any discrete Android TV app as you may expect given the parties involved. Instead, YouTub Music comes as an update to the regular YouTube app. This adds an extra tab to the navigation menu where users can access the Android TV-optimized version of YouTube Music.As per Android Police, there are a few essential missing features that serve to spoil the experience. There's no background playback, no shuffle or repeat controls, no toggle between audio and video playback, no playlist management, no lyrics f...
The best Android phones under $300 right now!
You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power. For an extremely competitive price, you get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.Best Overall: Moto G PowerMotorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power. This is a phone that nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a really cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagships need to be put on the charger every night, that's darn impressive. In addition to the long endurance, the Moto G Power also shines...
India's smartphone market declined 51% in Q2 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdown
Despite the decline, the smartphone user base in the country surpassed 500 million during the quarter.What you need to knowSmartphone shipments in India declined 51% YoY in the second quarter of 2020.The nationwide lockdown imposed by the Indian government to control the spread of COVID-19 led to zero smartphone shipments in the country in April. The Market share of Chinese brands fell to 72% in the second quarter from 81% in the first quarter of the year. The latest research from Counterpoint's Market Monitor service has revealed that smartphone shipments in India fell 51% year-over-year in Q2 2020 to around 18 million units. As per the market research company, the nationwide lockdown imposed by the Indian government to curb the spread of COVID-19 led to zero shipments in the month of April.Commenting on the sharp decline in smartphone shipments in India during the quarter, Prachir Singh, senior research analyst at Counterpoint Research said: The COVID-19 pandemic wi...
8 high-capacity power banks for the traveling techie
Today's phones and tablets are more powerful than ever, and despite more power-efficient processors, it's not uncommon to find yourself needing to charge up at times when you aren't near a wall outlet. Battery packs that are 20,000 mAh and higher are ideal for people that need a lot of juice while on-the-go, and while they may not fit into your pocket, they're necessary for keeping your devices topped up. Our top pick is the Anker PowerCore+ 26800. Here's why it's our favorite, along with seven other great alternatives.Best Overall: Anker PowerCore+ 26800At the top of our list, we have the Anker PowerCore+ 26800. This is the high-capacity power bank we think is the best choice for most people, factoring in its ports, price, build quality, and battery size.The battery in the PowerCore+ measures in at 26,800 mAh and Anker says it should be enough to charge a Galaxy S10 over six times or an iPad Mini (2019) over three times. Speaking of charging, you have access to three USB por...
Google reportedly used data from other Android apps to build its own rivals
If true, Google just handed antitrust investigators a petard.What you need to knowGoogle reportedly collects and uses data from rival apps to build its own competing apps and services.The company was accused of using TikTok's data when creating YouTube Shorts, a short-form video service.Amazon faced an EU investigation for similar behavior.Google has been accused of using data from apps installed on Google Play equipped phones to build its own competing services. According to a report by The Information (via MSPoweruser), this is a private Google project where all the data is stored in an "Android Lockbox."Google reportedly used this data to build a TikTok rival in YouTube Shorts. It has also analyzed data from email apps and social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Such a move could be seen as anti-competitive, especially as the DOJ gears up to file antitrust charges against Google.When investigating Amazon for the same behavior, the EU's Commissioner in charge o...
Here's where you can score the best deals on a new PS4 console or bundle
You don't have to look far to find some of the best PS4 prices and discounts from a variety of retailers. Sony's PlayStation continues to dominate the console scene, and even as Sony and its competitors gear up for a new generation of console, the PlayStation 4 shows no signs of slowing down. It still has some of the best games of the generation, including some exclusives you can't find anywhere else. If you haven't invested in the console yet, there has never been a better time.New and better deals get released much more often than you'd expect. If you've already bought one of the consoles in the past, maybe today is the day you upgrade to a higher storage capacity or even jump up to the PlayStation 4 Pro.Best PlayStation Deals Available NowPlayStation 4: as low as $285PlayStation 4 Pro: starting at $439PlayStation VR: from $332More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreOur team has had an eye on the PlayStation 4 for years, and we've been tracking the best pr...
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live confirmed to feature active noise cancellation
The Galaxy Buds Live will be unveiled at Samsung's Unpacked event on August 5.What you need to knowSamsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds Live earbuds have leaked through the Galaxy Buds app on Apple's App Store.The latest version of the app adds support for the Galaxy Buds Live. It also confirms the presence of active noise cancellation.We got our best look yet at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds Live earbuds last week, courtesy of a leaked marketing video. Ahead of its Unpacked event next month, Samsung has updated its Galaxy Buds app on the App Store, adding support for the Galaxy Buds Live. In addition to the Buds Live moniker, the latest app update also confirms that the true wireless earbuds will have active noise cancellation.As can be seen in the screenshots above, the app will allow users to enable or disable the active noise canceling feature on the Galaxy Buds Live. Similar to the Galaxy Buds and Buds+, users will also be able to do things like update the software of t...
Record your next Google Meet session for posterity
These days, video conferencing and virtual calls have all but replaced in-person staff meetings, family get-togethers, and happy hours with friends. However, just as in the real world, not everyone is able to make every scheduled meeting. Plus, there are others who want to be able to rewatch or relive get-togethers at a later time. Thankfully, there is an easy way to record your Google Meet sessions for posterity. We'll show you how in the steps below.How to record a Google Meet sessionFrom a Google Meet session, click on the three-dot menu at the bottom right of the screen.Click on Record meeting at the top of the pop-up menu.A dialog box will pop up, asking that you get consent from the other meeting participants.Once you have their consent, click Accept.You will know the meeting is being recorded by the red REC button in the top left corner of the screen. To stop recording, click on the three-dot menu at the bottom right of the screen.Click on Stop recording.A dia...
Protect your shiny OnePlus 7T with a shiny new case
The best cases for the OnePlus 7T are those that keep it looking good while protecting its metal back from scratches and dents. With the OnePlus 7T, the company made one of its best-looking phones ever, and we've scoured the internet to find the best cases to fit your perfect style.Thin grip with styleSpigen Liquid AirStaff pickSpigen may be best known for the Rugged Armor, but walk past it and get the Liquid Air. It's got a much better grip thanks to the texture all across the back and sides, it's the same thickness, and it just looks much fresher than the carbon fiber accents.$12 at AmazonCrystal Clear DurabilityRingke Fusion-XThis is a divisive look for a case: half my coworkers hate it and the other half love it. If you're in the Love category, this is a clear case that will protect your phone while still showing it off. I like the Space Blue, but Camo Black looks fierce, too.$13 at AmazonPremium ProtectionUAG PlasmaUrban Armor Gear knows how to make...
Netgear Orbi AX6000 Wi-Fi 6 router review: The fastest mesh you can get
Mesh Wi-Fi systems have been growing in popularity and have driven the development of better-looking and easier-to-use systems. Mesh systems are all about easily increasing wireless coverage without having to set up enterprise equipment with standalone access points. These systems need to share their wireless connections between connected devices and any connected nodes meaning that a tri-band device like the Wi-Fi 6 Orbi routers have a distinct advantage.A Wi-Fi 6 device will be able to make the most efficient use of this router but even Wi-Fi 5 devices will be able to connect at over 1000 Mbps with the right hardware. While I, like most people, haven't been able to upgrade most of my devices to support Wi-Fi 6, it's nice to know the speed will be there when the time comes.If you've decided to upgrade to a mesh system but you want to make sure you can connect all of your wired devices, Orbi is a great option. The RBK852 kit includes a router and satellite unit with four Ethernet...
These cases will protect your OnePlus 6T for a long time
The OnePlus 6T is a good-looking phone. Heck, it's actually quite stunning. Those good looks do come at a cost, however, as the all-glass back will likely show signs of use a lot sooner than you'd like. Thankfully, you can prevent that and keep the 6T looking brand new with a case. Here are the best ones we could find.Thinnest you can getAnccer Colorful SeriesStaff pickOnce again, Anccer delivers one of the best thin cases you can get. Measuring in at just 0.3mm, the Anccer Colorful Series case offers basic scratch and drop protection so your 6T will keep looking nice without adding any extra bulk. Better yet, you've got eight gorgeous colors to pick from.$12 at AmazonEverything you'd needZIZO Bolt Series CaseBest protectionGet ultimate protection with this military-grade case that has been drop-tested for falls from up to 12 feet high. The case comes in 12 funky color options to suit any personal style, and the built-in kickstand and screen protector are added ...
Best Hilton card strategies now for travel later
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.With nonessential travel on hold due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, now is the perfect time to plan your credit card strategy for the next year or so so you're flush with points and miles when it's safe to travel again.There are plenty of limited-time bonus categories and statement credits to take advantage of now due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But if you're able to focus on delayed gratification, a year from now you can be sitting on more than 300,000 Hilton Honors points, two valuable free weekend night certificates, and top-tier Hilton Diamond elite status to help you enjoy it all even more. Here's how to set yourself up for a ton of free hotel stays by using two of Hilton's top...
The Bose SoundLink II Bluetooth headphones have matched a low price of $159
The Bose SoundLink II around-ear Bluetooth headphones are down to $159 on Amazon. These are one of Bose's most consistent headphones and have been around for a while now. They are normally $229 and have sold pretty regularly at that price. Today's deal matches the lowest we have ever seen on the SoundLink II, and it's a price drop that has only occured a few times before.These are very light over and around ear headphones that are designed to immerse you in your music without weighing you down. They have a deep sound and an improved equalizer that provides best-in-class performance for headphones like this.You can switch between a Bluetooth wireless connection or a wired one, and it actually can switch between two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. That way you won't lose connection to your smartphone when you want to switch over to watch a video on your tablet. Plus, they use Bluetooth 4.0 technology, which means a much stronger connection than previous generations and a better r...
Which queen will earn a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame?
The final episode of season 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars is almost here and we have all the details on how you can watch the finale online or or on TV from anywhere in the world.Season 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars gave 10 past queens a chance to return to the runaway but now after seven episodes, only Shea Couleé, Miz Cracker and Jujubee remain. Who will waltz away with the All Stars Crown, a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame and a cash prize of $100,000?This season of the show also added a twist by having the main challenge winner of each week's episode lip sync for her legacy against a Lip Sync Assassin from a previous season. Of the seven assassins we've seen so far, Yvie Oddly, Monét X Change and Roxxxy Andrews all managed to defeat the All Star 5 Queens they went up against. Miz Cracker and Shea Couleé both managed to defeat their assassins with Couleé pulling off the feat twice, once in episode two and again in episode five.The finale of season 5 of RuPaul'...
OnePlus Nord gets OnePlus Buds support with new OxygenOS 10.5.2 update
The first update for the phone, which rolled out earlier this week, brought a bunch of camera improvements.What you need to knowOnePlus has started rolling out the second software update for the OnePlus Nord.The new OxygenOS 10.5.2 update brings support for the OnePlus Buds and the latest July 2020 Android security patch.It also includes a few minor camera improvements. Just a day after rolling out the first software update for the OnePlus Nord, OnePlus has now started pushing a new OxygenOS update with security improvements and a few other minor enhancements.The new OxygenOS 10.5.2 update brings support for the company's new OnePlus Buds true wireless earbuds, optimizes video calling performance and the "process of starting camera with gestures," system stability improvements, and a few bug fixes. It also adds the latest July 2020 security patch to the mid-range phone. OnePlus claims to have made a few improvements to the camera experience as well with the latest update....
How to watch PSG vs Saint-Etienne Coupe de France final live stream
France's Ligue 1 season may have been curtailed back in March, but the competitive action from the 2019/20 campaign is not yet over in the region with the final of the Coupe de France still to be played. Follow along with all of the action wherever you are with our PSG vs Saint-Etienne live stream guide.Both teams travel to the Stade de France for today's fixture which sees this year's Ligue 1 champions PSG take on Saint-Etienne in a bid to secure their second trophy of the year so far. The game will take place with just a small number of fans in attendance.PSG were declared 2019/20 Ligue 1 winners when the season was cut short in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike the Spanish, Italian, and English top-tier leagues, the remainder of the season in France was cancelled and the Parisians were awarded their ninth title on a points-per-game basis. That same process left Saint-Etienne in 17th position in the league.Both sides have been back in action in friendly games to g...
Can I play used games on PS5?
Best answer: We can't know for sure just yet, but we can assume yes, especially because the PS5 is planned to support backward compatability in some form. The concern over used games came to a peak during the launch of the PS4 and Xbox One, where Sony famously mocked the Xbox One's rumored inability to play used games, by stating that they could be played on the PS4. Since that's the case now, it seems like a no-brainer for the PS5.Pick up a game: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $20 at Amazon)Preorder soon: PlayStation 5 (See at Amazon) What's this about used games?When the Xbox One was initially announced in 2013, a considerable uproar followed since Microsoft had announced heavy restrictions on physical games. Specifically, players would have games tied to their accounts, meaning that lending or selling games would be near impossible. When Sony announced the PS4 shortly after, it famously took a jab at the company when it announced players would have no restrictions on a...
Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus has price slashed by $250 at Amazon
If the $1,200 starting price of Samsung's Galaxy S20 Plus put you off buying one on day one, Amazon is running a promotion right now that may just tempt you to pull out your credit card. For today only, the price of the 128GB model is discounted by $250, dropping the phone to just $949.99. This is a record-equalling low price we've seen yet on the S20+, but you only have today to score these savings.There are tons of Android handsets released each year, but the Samsung Galaxy S phones are always worth paying attention to. 2020's Samsung Galaxy S20 lineup is no different.The Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus is the middle model in the S20 line, offering a 6.7-inch 120Hz Quad HD+ AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, 12GB RAM, and 128GB of built-in storage. It also has a microSD slot so you can easily expand the built-in storage with minimal extra expense.Water-resistance and wireless charging are, of course, present and the addition of 5G support means you can experience a superfast in...
Major antitrust hearing featuring Sundar Pichai is likely to be postponed
The hearing now coincides with a memorial service for the late Rep. John Lewis.What you need to knowSundar Pichai and other big tech CEOs are due to testify to an antitrust committee on Monday.That hearing is likely to be postponed.The hearing now coincides with a memorial service for the late Rep. John Lewis. A House antitrust hearing on Monday, July 27, is likely to be postponed because it coincides with a memorial service for John Lewis.As CNBC reports: The blockbuster antitrust hearing featuring CEOs from Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google scheduled for Monday will likely be postponed, two people familiar with the matter told CNBC, due to a conflict with the memorial service for the late Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. The House Judiciary Committee and the Antitrust Subcommittee, which is set to host the hearing, have not yet confirmed the move and spokespeople did not immediately comment.The report notes that a special ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will be ...
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 reservations are now open in the U.S.
The $50 instant credit can be used towards Samsung smartwatches, tablets, and accessories.What you need to knowSamsung has opened reservations for its upcoming Galaxy Note 20 series phones in the U.S.If you reserve "the next Galaxy" between today and August 4, you will get $50 instant credit from Samsung.The Galaxy Note 20 series will be unveiled at Samsung's first-ever virtual Unpacked event on August 5. Samsung's first-ever virtual Galaxy Unpacked is expected to be a jam-packed event. As confirmed by the company earlier this week, it will be announcing a total of five new devices on August 5, including the Galaxy Note 20 series. Ahead of the event, Samsung today opened pre-order reservations for "the next Galaxy" in the U.S.If you reserve the Galaxy Note 20 between today and August 4, you will receive $50 instant credit when you complete your pre-order. To reserve the Galaxy Note 20, all you need to do is head over to the Samsung website and enter your contact informati...
Keep your Pixel 2 XL in pristine condition with these screen protectors
The Google Pixel 2 XL is a big, awesome phone with a huge 6-inch screen. That screen is great for watching movies, playing games, and browsing the web, but it won't do you any good if it's completely shattered. To make sure that doesn't happen, pick up one of these tempered glass screen protectors to keep it safe for years to come.Best there isWhitestone Dome GlassStaff pickWithout a doubt, Whitestone's Dome Glass is the very best Pixel 2 XL screen protector you can buy. The installation process is a lot more involved than anything else on this list, but the quality of the protector is second to none. It costs a lot of money, but the Dome Glass will protect your Pixel 2 XL unlike anything else.$40 at AmazonA reliable choiceamFilm Screen ProtectoramFilm was one of the first brands to release a tempered glass screen protector for the Pixel 2 XL, and it's continued to improve the adhesiveness and effectiveness of their product. The protector is guaranteed to be free ...
Here's every U.S. city with 5G coverage right now
Kicking off the next generation of wireless.All of the major U.S. carriers are hard at work on their 5G strategy. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have launched 5G networks and are aggressively expanding those networks through 2019 and into 2020. Recently, Sprint's 5G network was devoured by T-Mobile and taken offline as T-Mobile refarms Sprint's spectrum. 5G service not only provides faster speeds but also reduced response times allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more services that rely on instant connectivity should become possible.Jump to:VerizonT-MobileAT&TFrequencies and coverage Carrier Bands Verizon n261 (28GHz) T-Mobile n71 (600MHz) n260 (39GHz) n261 (28GHz) n41 (2.5GHz) from Sprint AT&T n5 (850MHz) n260 (39GHz)Building a 5G network is a balance between capacity and c...
These cases will keep your Moto G Stylus chugging along for a long time
The best Moto G Stylus cases offer a perfect combination of protection without hiding the subtle beauty of the phone itself. This is easily one of Motorola's best-looking phones to date, so we've assembled a comprehensive list of the best cases to keep your Moto G Stylus looking its best for years to come.Matte and ruggedSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen is arguably the best in the game when it comes to making a low-profile case that is sleek and offers excellent protection. With the Rugged Armor, you'll get a flexible TPU case with a spider-web pattern on the inside to provide better shock absorption. And all four corners are reinforced, as that's usually the first point of impact if your phone falls.$13 at AmazonLightweight and ruggedUAG ScoutThe UAG Scout is a great option for those who want a rugged case that is both protective and lightweight. UAG states that this meets the MIL-STD 810 Military drop-test standards, and it sports a non-slip TPU grip al...
Keep your Moto G Power in working order with one of the best cases
The Moto G Power could have the potential to steal the scene in 2020 with its humongous 5,000mAh battery and triple rear camera system. Plus, with the 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage, you get everything you could want in a budget package. You'll still need to pick up a case to keep the G Power chugging along and here are the best ones you can get.Scout's honorUAG Scout SeriesStaff PickThe UAG Scout Case is great for those who want something that is both rugged while offering a minimal profile. The case comes in just a matte black colorway, but offers a non-slip grip and has a soft inner shell to help protect against drops.$30 at Amazon$20 at Best BuyClearly beautifulPULEN TPU CoverPULEN's TPU Cover is one of the more basic cases available but is still great for those who want a clear case to show off the new G Power. This case also offers reinforced corners and raised edges around the screen and camera module for added protection.$8 at Amazon...
Here's everything you need to know about AT&T 5G
AT&T has one of the most developed 5G networks out right now with millimeter-wave coverage alongside low-band coverage in several cities. Both networks are available to customers with phones capable of connecting to both networks. AT&T has been aggressively expanding its 5G network and now approximates coverage for 120 million people with 190 markets. 80 Million are covered by the more accessible low-band network. Here's what you need to know if you are considering switching to, or upgrading your phone on AT&T.Jump to:When will my area get 5G?Cities coveredWhich phones work with 5G?Which plan do I need?What tech is AT&T using?What is 5Ge?Is 5G worth it for most people?When will my area get 5G?As of July 23, 2020, AT&T has officially launched its nationwide 5G network.As far as 5G goes, AT&T is building two networks. One network is a low-band sub-6 5G deployment at 850Mhz. The majority of customers will see 5G on this network. The other ne...
Why the Amex Gold is the perfect 'in-between' credit card
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.For all the differences between the major card issuers, their credit card offerings have started to look more and more alike in recent years.Don't believe me? Let's play a little game: I'm thinking of a credit card with a $400+ annual fee, hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits, high-value bonus categories, a Priority Pass Select membership and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100). Can you guess which one? If you said any of the following you would have been right: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige® Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card an...
Android 11's dessert name is Red Velvet Cake, but only internally
The name won't appear in any official channels.What you need to knowAndroid VP Dake Burke this week revealed the dessert name for Android 11.His team at Google has taken to calling the next Android release RVC, short for Red Velvet Cake.In line with Google's change in policy, though, the name won't be appearing in any of Google's official channels.While Google's decision to move away from branding its OS releases with the most delicious of desserts may have helped allay some confusion surrounding their names, it's certainly a lot more boring, no? In a bid to stir up some excitement among the Android faithful, VP Dave Burke this week revealed the dessert name his team's been using internally for Android 11 (via Android Police).And you can bet Google's engineers are going to be putting on a few pounds at the Android 11 launch party later this year because Android R is, in fact, RVC — short for Red Velvet Cake.Of course, this is not a reversal of the change to the Androi...
Make your Samsung Gear S2 feel brand new with a new band!
The Samsung Gear S2 might be a few years old by now, but if you're really still loving your watch — or don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade — you can make your watch feel brand new without breaking the bank. The price of replacement bands is surprisingly low, so you can completely revamp the look of your Gear S2 at a price that's affordable.Solid swappable bandsV-Moro Soft Silicone BandsStaff pickIf you're a fan of giving your technology a bit of personal flair, V-Moro offers a nice variety of silicone bands in a multitude of solid colors. This is the go-to choice if you're replacing the band and want something close to the original in your own style.$8 at AmazonGet creativeLinkshare Soft Silicone Sport BandWant to get creative with your Samsung Gear S2 band? These options from Linkshare will do the trick. Choose from various designs, including floral, camouflage, mosaic, and plaid. It's unique while still offering a soft silicone materi...
Xbox Game Pass is more important than ever, something the PS5 needs
PlayStation Now can't hold a candle to Game Pass... but it could in the future.Microsoft's big Xbox Series X showcase went off without a hitch, featuring the gameplay reveal of Halo: Infinite along with a quick tease of the rumored Fable game coming from Playground Games. I wasn't really impressed by most of these announcements, personally — though I do look forward to Avowed — but regardless of how I felt about the games themselves, more importantly, Xbox Game Pass stole the show. Sony's PlayStation Now service just can't compete right now. That's going to be an issue when the PS5 comes out.An Xbox Game Pass subscription usually goes for $10/month, going all the way up to $15/month if you buy Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes a subscription to Xbox Live Gold. For $15 a month, you're getting access to Xbox Live, Xbox Game Pass, and soon, Project xCloud. This is a huge win for Microsoft. Members get day one exclusive games and they can be streamed to your phone or tablet...
Enhance your Chromebook experience with an awesome wireless mouse
Like other laptops, the trackpad on a Chromebook works well enough for most situations. However, you might find yourself in a situation where you could make use of a separate mouse. It might help, for example, if you're using a larger display to multitask, when you need to scroll through various files, or during video gaming time. Most wireless mice will work with Chromebooks but here are some great options if you're looking to find the perfect one to meet your unique needs.No risk, easy set-upSeenda Wireless MouseStaff pickAvailable in tons of cool colors including this pastel-like mint green, this versatile mouse is compact enough to throw into your bag and easy to set up via the USB dongle and instant connection via a 2.4GHz network without the need to install drivers. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty that promises a free replacement if it's defective.$12 at AmazonFrom $14 at WalmartSuper quiet operationShhhMouse Wireless Ergonomic MouseWith a reported ...
You bought it on the Quest, can you play in on your Rift S or Go?
Best answer: Yes. VR games purchased in the Oculus store can be played on the Oculus Quest, and the Oculus Rift S. However, not every game in the Oculus store supports this. Thankfully, there is a list of games available so you can find out which games can be cross purchased.Get the games: Oculus Account (Free at Oculus)VR on the go: 64GB Oculus Quest ($399 at Best Buy) More robust VR experience: Oculus Rift S ($399 at Best Buy)What is cross purchasing?OK, so you have or want both an Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S, but you don't want to buy the same game twice. No worries because with cross purchasing, you can purchase and share games on both headsets, provided you know which ones are compatible. Cross purchasing is simply buying a game on one system and being able to play that game on a different system without having to rebuy it.There are a good number of games in the Oculus store that you can play on the both Oculus Quest and the Oculus Rift S using this method. Oculus...
The Google Pixel 4 is the best phone for taking photos, period
One of the biggest reasons to buy a high-end phone is for the cameras. Whether through computational processing or versatility through the use of as many lenses as possible, phones are taking good enough photos these days that most people don't even consider a dedicated camera. Luckily, there are plenty of options for people that want effortless point-and-shoot style photography, as well as those who want to go more in-depth or have different needs in a phone beyond the camera. The best Android camera is on the Google Pixel 4 XL because it's simple to use yet produces amazing photos in all conditions.Point and shootGoogle Pixel 4 XLStaff pickGoogle's Pixel 4 XL doesn't have best-in-class camera hardware, but it still manages to take amazing photos in almost every situation thanks to its incredibly advanced processing. It takes excellent portrait and zoom shots enhanced by its top-notch data processing, and it can practically see in the dark with its industry-leading Night S...
Garmin dealing with massive service outage after ransomware attack
The outage is expected to last through the end of the week.Update, July 23 (2:50 pm ET): The outage has been linked to a ransomware attack and is expected to go on for another day at least.What you need to knowGarmin Connect has been suffering a multi-hour outage, affecting all services.This includes the Garmin Connect app, website, and call centers.Garmin tried to attribute it to a brief maintenance side-effect, but eventually admitted it was an outage.If you're having trouble syncing your phone with your Garmin smartwatch, it's not your fault. Garmin Connect has been suffering an outage that has stretched on for several hours, starting at around 11:30 p.m. ET on July 22 according to comments on Twitter.At first, the company tried to brush it as a maintenance issue that was being quickly addressed. As the hours stretched on, it eventually admitted it was suffering an outage that affected almost every consumer-facing area, including its app, site, and even customer supp...
Charge more with 50% off this USB-C power strip at Amazon
Considering how many of the electronics we use are USB-powered these days, there's no reason for the power strips you own to solely have AC outlets. USB outlets integrated into your power strips makes plugging in your devices a lot simpler, and right now the Poweradd Travel Power Strip is a great choice if you need to upgrade as it's currently 50% off at Amazon. Just use promo code DRCA7KQ5 during checkout to snag one for $14.99 today. This deal brings its price lower than it's ever reached without a code before.The PowerAdd USB-C Travel Power Strip was designed so you can power up to eight devices all at once. It's equipped with five AC outlets, two USB ports, and a USB-C port. There's a retractable power cord which only extends out as far as you need it to, and it's not too long either at just 3.3 feet. That gets rid of any unsightly tangled messes which might occur otherwise.This power strip utilizes smart IC technology so that any devices plugged into the USB ports are detect...
How to watch Red Sox vs. Orioles MLB 2020 season opener live
Game day is finally here! After so many delays, Major League Baseball has returned with, as the Genie from Aladdin might say, "a few, uh, provisos... a couple of quid pro quos." The biggest change, of course, is that at least at first there won't be any fans in the stands. That means if you want to see the games, even if you live nearby and usually go to the ballpark, you're going to have to watch from the comfort of your own home. We have already shared how to watch pretty much any baseball game from anywhere, but here we're specifically going to talk about how to watch the Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles game.The Red Sox vs. Orioles is an AL East divisional matchup from two teams that had less than spectacular years in 2019. Both teams missed the playoffs. However, with only 60 games in the season there's no telling where teams will end up. This could be a comeback year for either clubhouse, and really all they need to do is get hot at the right time to swing the division in ...
Corning's new Gorilla Glass Victus can survive a drop of 2 meters
"Gorilla Glass Victus provides consumers and OEMs with significantly better drop and scratch performance compared to competitive aluminosilicate glasses from other manufacturers."What you need to knowA new type of Glass could spell a big change for consumer electronics.Corning has today announced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.It can reportedly withstand drops from up to 2 meters.Corning has just debuted Gorila Glass Victus, what it calls a significant improvement for the drop and scratch resistance for the Gorilla Glass family.Succeeding Gorilla Glass 6 (and switching branding tactics), Victus's primary claim to fame is its improved drop performance, reportedly surviving falls of up to 2 meters on hard rough surfaces. It also features improved scratch resistance, being twice as good as its predecessor in resisting nicks and cuts. The company focused on both of these attributes rather than choosing one or the other as it did in the past.John Bayne, senior vice president a...
Motorola RAZR 2: News, Leaks, Release Date, Specs, and Rumors!
The old-school foldable train continues.While Samsung gets a lot of credit for being at the forefront of folding smartphones, it's far from the only one working in this niche. Motorola was the first company to unveil a foldable with a flip phone-like design, with the Motorola RAZR and Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip popularizing this form factor.The Motorola RAZR's mixed execution, rocky launch, and exclusivity to Verizon in the U.S. held it back from being the standout hit that it could have been. Even so, it's not difficult to see that the RAZR is filled with good ideas and a lot of potential.That's what makes us all the more excited for its successor, the Motorola RAZR 2. Motorola has its work cut out for it for the phone, and if handled correctly, it could be one of the best folding phones in the pipeline. From specs, leaked renders, and a ton more, here's everything we know about the RAZR 2 so far!What's old is newMotorola RAZR$1500 at VerizonThe rebirth of a classic, ...
Your Samsung phone may soon be the only ID you need to carry
You can use it to open bank accounts or use government services.What you need to knowGalaxy S20 users will be able to use their phones as official ID in Germany later this year.The change is part of an ongoing partnership between Samsung and the German government around digital IDs.It's enabled via the embedded Secure Element (eSE) security chip found in the S20 series.Imagine a future where your smartphone is your ID. That futuristic (or dystopian, depending on who you ask) vision is soon going to be a reality — in Germany, at least.As Samsung announced this week, the company has partnered with the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Bundesdruckerei (bdr), and Deutsche Telekom Security GmbH to allow its Galaxy S20 series to become the first smartphones capable of serving as official ID in the European nation.All of that's thanks to the embedded Secure Elements (eSE) dedicated security chip found in the Galaxy S20 series, which Samsung claims is the ...
Here's everything we know (so far) about Biomutant
Evolve to match every single challenge this fantastical world throws your way.Biomutant takes open world action and throws in tons of unique mechanics. While things have been quiet lately, it's very much still in development and is still one of the most ambitious upcoming games from THQ Nordic. Here's everything we know about Biomutant so far.Jump to:What is Biomutant?Check out the gameplay and featuresWill it have multiplayer?Is it an open world game?Has it been canceled?Check out the collector's editionsWhen is the release date?Genre-bustingBiomutant$60 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$60 at WalmartAdapt, improvise and overcomeBiomutant is an action-RPG that gives players the ability to mutant and evolve with biomechanical upgrades, taking on every challenge as they attempt to save the Tree of Life from being corrupted.What is Biomutant?Biomutant is a third-person action-RPG that has players take on the role a cat-like creature that knows martial...
Here are all of the Google animals you can see in 3D
Google believes in the practical side of augmented reality. For the last couple of years, it's been expanding its collection of 3D animals and objects on mobile devices, from land animals to underwater creatures to birds, house pets, and even dinosaurs. There's also a growing collection focusing on the human anatomy and the internal biology of our organs and cells, along with planets and other objects in our solar system. It's pretty amazing!Unfortunately, Google doesn't make it easy to see every animal or object that you can view in 3D. That's where we come in. We're going to show you every single 3D animal and object Google offers below, along with instructions on how to use them.Jump to:How to access 3D Animals and ObjectsLand AnimalsUnderwater & WetlandsBirdsHouse PetsDinosaursHow to use Object ViewHow to use AR ViewUnderstanding Object BlendingA lot of phones are supportedSound makes animals come to lifeThe full list of objectsSummaryHow do you acce...
How to fix slow Internet problems with Optimum by Altice
Your internet connection is only as fast as the slowest piece of equipment in your network. If you feel like you're not getting the speed you pay for with Optimum, one of the first things to do is find the weakest link and look for ways to improve it. Getting the speeds you need is possible whether you need to simply restart some equipment or need to look at upgrades.Products used in this guideDOCSIS-compatible speed: Netgear Cable Modem CM1000 ($190 at Dell)Support Optimum 1 Gig: TP-Link Archer AX50 ($150 at Dell)Find the weakest linkYour internet connection needs to make it through quite a few pieces of equipment before it can reach your connected device. Typically, it starts at the modem, goes to the router, and then to your device's network adapter. Your connection can only ever be as fast as the slowest link in the chain.If your Optimum connection isn't living up to your expectations, start by finding the weakest link.Find out how much you pay forCheck your bi...
AT&T's 5G goes live nationwide
AT&T will also offer 5G free of charge to current Unlimited customers.What you need to knowAT&T announced the nationwide rollout of 5G today.It will also be offering a free 5G upgrade to users of its Unlimited Starter, Extra, and Elite plans from August 7.The carrier has stocked 5G equipped phones, including the LG Velvet, Samsung Galaxy A71, and the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 5G.The march of 5G continues as AT&T today announced the deployment of the new standard across the U.S. Looking at AT&T's coverage map, it's nowhere near as ubiquitous as LTE, but it's not as limited as it was at the start of the year.For existing customers and subscribers, AT&T is adding support for 5G to its AT&T Unlimited Starter, Extra, and Elite plans from August 7. Individuals on any of these (or their Business Unlimited equivalents) would be able to take advantage of faster connectivity without paying more. Pre-paid customers will have to purchase either a 5G enabled devic...
Ditch the wires with Boltune's affordable true wireless earbuds at $11 off
With how affordable true wireless earbuds are these days, it makes total sense to free yourself of wires completely. You don't even need to spend $30 to get a set of reliable Bluetooth 'buds with the Boltune true wireless earbuds discounted to just $27.99 at Amazon. These usually go for nearer $40, but you can snag them at that low price by clipping the coupon on their product page and then entering 6JVFDCNL during checkout.Boltune's Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds let you listen to your music wirelessly. Touch controls let you switch songs, adjust the volume, and answer calls without having to pull out your phone. With an IPX8 waterproof nano-coating, you can take these earbuds out for a run in the rain or to the pool without worrying about sweat or splashes ruining them. In fact, tests show these earbuds can withstand 10 hours of soaking in sweat which is (hopefully) longer than any workout you would ever do.These earbuds last for about six hours on a single charge, though with the inclu...
OnePlus Nord online pop-up event is here: Everything you need to know
A few lucky users will be able to purchase the OnePlus Nord starting July 29.What you need to knowOnePlus fans will be able to get their hands on the OnePlus Nord before everyone else by participating in an online pop-up event till July 26.The invitation codes to purchase a OnePlus Nord pop-up box will be sent to the winners by July 30. In addition to the phone itself, the OnePlus Nord pop-up box will include a Nord Creator phone case, Nord stickers, and a Nord Brave water bottle or Nord Determined tote bag. Earlier this week, OnePlus unveiled its affordable new Nord line at the world's first AR launch event. Even though the OnePlus Nord isn't available to purchase yet, it has already received over 4 million 'notify me' requests on Amazon India and is sitting at the top of the 'best-seller' smartphone category on Amazon in the UK.While the OnePlus Nord won't be going on sale in India and Europe until August 4, the company is holding online pop-up events till July 26, giv...
How to watch the Atlanta Braves take on the New York Mets live
Last year's NL East champs travel to one of the outside bets for the division in their first match of the coronavirus-delayed new season.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of Atlanta Braves at New York Mets with our guide below.With no crowds watching on and a condensed schedule of 60 matches over a period of just 66-days, the 2020 will be a MLB season like no other.Thankfully, some familiar elements of the game haven't been lost, including the intense rivalry between these two sides.Atlanta won 97 games on their way to capturing last year's division title, only to slip up against St. Louis in the division series. This time out the Braves will be looking to Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley to step up and maintain their elite offense following the departure of Josh Donaldson and Nick Markakis.The Mets, meanwhile, will be looking to win their first division title since 2015, and maybe one of the teams to have benefited most from the lockdown. The perennially-...
Are your YouTube Music playlists messed up? You're not alone!
What you need to knowThere's a playlist bug impacting a number of YouTube Music users on iOS and Android.For some users, songs are randomly showing as unavailable in both playlists and albums.This bug first started surfacing a week ago, and clearing downloads and app data does not fix the issue.Google support is aware of the issue and engineers are working on a fix.This has been a roller coaster week for YouTube Music users: first YouTube finally announced it was rolling out collaborative playlists a couple days ago, and then a playlist bug that initially reared its head a week ago came back and impacted a far larger number of users, making songs randomly appear unavailable in some playlists and albums (since albums are technically a sub-type of playlists in YouTube Music).Is this happening to others? Happened a week later with 1 playlist, now it's with all of them from r/YoutubeMusicYou'd be forgiven if you saw this in a playlist and initially thought "Oh, great, the ...
How to watch Nationals vs. Yankees MLB Opening Day game
Finally after weeks of delays and negotations, the Major League Baseball season is starting up again! It will be shorter, of course, since it's limited to just 60 games, but at least there will be some live action to watch. With only 60 games compared to a normal 162-game season, every game is going to be important. Each win or loss could mean something by the end of the season.There are some other restrictions in place, too. For example, teams will only play other teams that are either in their division or in their corresponding division in the other league. The New York Yankees versus the defending-champion Washington Nationals is a fantastic matchup to kick off the season, and it still manages to follow those rules since the Yankees are AL East and the Nationals are NL East.One of the more unique changes to this season will be a universal designated hitter put in place as part of the health and safety protocols. While designated hitters have been a part of baseball for a long ...
Here's what we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 (so far)
Aloy is back in action for the next generation.One of the biggest games revealed at the PS5 showcase was Horizon Forbidden West. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this PS5 title is bringing the Decima engine and everything it's capable of to next-generation hardware.Jump to:What is Horizon Forbidden West?Check out its trailersStory, gameplay, and featuresDoes it have multiplayer?Is it coming to PS4?Is it coming to PC?When does it release?Aloy returns as a protagonist, heading into the former western U.S. There are new threats, new machines, and new lush lands to explore. It's currently set to release at some point in 2021. Here's everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 so far.What is Horizon Forbidden West?Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017. It's an action role-playing game that takes place in the 31st century, in a world where humanity now exists in tribes and gigantic mechanical lifeforms r...
Here's everything you need to know about the LG Velvet (aka the LG G9)
An LG G9 by a different name.With so many phones that are released during a given year, it only makes sense for some of them to slip between the cracks. Companies get fiercer, prices get more competitive, and those that aren't truly amazing often get left to the wayside.Unfortunately, that seems to have been the case for LG for the last few years. The company makes solid devices, but a handful of quirks or missteps keep them from achieving true greatness.2020 is here, and this time around, we have the LG Velvet (aka the successor to 2019's LG G8). This is the phone we were expecting to be called the LG G9, but LG wanted to do something a bit different rather than a traditional year-over-year upgrade.Is the Velvet what the company needs to turn things around? Here's everything you need to know about the phone!Silky smoothLG Velvet$600 at AT&TThe 2020 LG flagship tries something differentLG tried something bolder than usual with the Velvet, and while it didn't...
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