Latest from Android Central

Smart lights are a staple of any smart home, and the options are seemingly endless, even when looking for the best lights that support Google Assistant. They're functional, energy-efficient, and can be a lot of fun to use, so why not hook it up to your favorite smart assistant? Want some help narrowing down your choices, so you're only considering the best of the best? Here are our top recommendations.Colorful starter kitPhilips Hue Multicolor A19 Starter KitStaff pickThis starter kit for Philips Hue is expensive, but it's one of the best ones you can buy. Included here is the necessary hub and four A19 bulbs that all support over 16 million colors. You can have all the bulbs emit the same color, or have each one do its own thing. Philips advertises 25,000 hours of use per bulb, and of course, they work beautifully with Google Assistant.$200 at Best Buy$200 at WalmartTake it anywherePhilips Hue GoPhilips Hue lights go far beyond light bulbs, with one of the...

You get two Dans for the price of none this week as Daniel Rubino from Windows Central joins Daniel Bader and Jerry Hildenbrand for a dive into the how and why of Microsoft's Surface Duo.They maintain a focus on Microsoft's involvement with the Android/Google world by also discussing their partnership with Samsung, Xbox Project xCloud, and efforts to purchase TikTok.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Surface Duo FAQ: Everything you need to know about Microsoft's first dual-screen Surface | Windows CentralSurface Duo will receive OS and security updates for three years | Windows Central24 hours with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Big, beautiful, and a little backwards | Android CentralMicrosoft 'Your Phone' will soon let you stream your Android apps to Windows 10 | Windows CentralApple responds to Xbox Project xCloud iOS block, Microsoft kicks b...

Whether you want to build a career in code or simply automate your daily tasks, learning Python is a smart move. The Python 3 Complete Masterclass Certification Bundle provides a comprehensive education, with 30 hours of premium content for just $29.99.From data science to machine learning, Python 3 powers many exciting apps. For this reason, developers are in demand — according to Indeed, the average salary for a Python expert is $119,019.This beginner-friendly bundle helps you master the language, with seven courses on the latest version of Python. Through hands-on tutorials, you learn how to automate Excel actions, build data visualizations, and parse content from the web.The training also looks at network applications, with multiple fun projects to try. This means you gain experience while building a solid portfolio.Your instructor is Mihai Catalin Teodosiu, a certified automation engineer who is rated at 4.6 stars on Udemy.These courses are worth $1,393 in total, but yo...

New videos show off the Surface Duo's two screens in action.What you need to knowMicrosoft shared three new videos on how to use the Surface Duo.The videos showcase the device's two screens in action.The Surface Duo is available for preorder now starting at $1,400.Microsoft's Surface channel on YouTube has three new videos about the Surface Duo. The videos showcase the device's two screens and how experiences can span across the device. The first video shows composing an email, the second shows viewing content on OneDrive, and the third shows opening two browser windows at once.The Surface Duo has a unique form factor that focuses on productivity. With it being different than any other device, Microsoft has to illustrate how the device having two screens can increase productivity.Preorders today!Microsoft Surface DuoFrom $1,400 at MicrosoftFrom $1,400 at Best BuyTwo screens are better than oneMicrosoft delves into the future of foldables with an...

PS4 Pro enhancements vary from game to game, with some focusing on visuals while others pump energy into their performance. Just because a game looks good, though, doesn't mean it is good. The games below are top-quality games regardless of any enhancements, but their improvements only make them that much better.★ Featured favoriteCall of Duty: Modern WarfareModern Warfare is a return to form for Infinity Ward and Activision. The campaign is engaging, while the multiplayer modes offer many hours of entertainment with your friends. If you haven't played a Call of Duty game before, now is the time to pick up this modern classic.$60 at Amazon$60 at Best BuyTense and scaryResident Evil 2 RemakeHorror fans owe it to themselves to play the Resident Evil 2 Remake, and it's not something anyone else should miss out on either — if you can stomach it. Quickly regarded as one of the greatest remakes of all time, Resident Evil 2 gives players a choice on PS4 Pro ...

"This is unprecedented. And it's frankly really uncool."What you need to knowThe U.S. government issued an executive order preventing Tiktok from carrying out transactions in the country from September 20.TikTok employees are now suing the government, alleging a violation of the 5th and 14th amendments.TikTok itself is also launching its own lawsuit soon.TikTok employees plan to sue the U.S government for its upcoming TikTok ban. The language of the executive order, as written, prevents "transactions" with the company. This could be interpreted to extend to paychecks and is something the employees are invested in clarifying."This restriction means that approximately 1,500 ByteDance and TikTok employees in the USA will lose their paychecks as of September 20, 2020, because "any transaction by any person" is illegal after the order goes into effect," a GoFundMe campaign raising funds for the lawsuit said. Patrick Ryan, the TikTok employee who started the campaign criticize...

The C wire ("common" wire) is the wire that provides continuous power to your thermostat. Older thermostats didn't need it because they were simple on/off affairs, but smart thermostats need continuous power due to their LED displays and Wi-Fi-powered advanced functions. If you don't already have a C wire in your system, these smart thermostats use separate power sources or adapters that let you monitor your home climate without having to rewire your home.Simple and straightforwardNest Thermostat EStaff pickThis stripped-down version of Nest's Learning Thermostat is a great option for folks who don't want to spend too much and prefer things to be minimalist. The display simply shows the temperature setting, while the app lets you prioritize certain rooms' cooling, change settings when you're away and lets you know if it senses a problem. Most importantly, the Thermostat E features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that bypasses the C Wire requirement.$170 at Bes...

The best monitor light bars are a perfect way to brighten up the monitor in your workspace for easier reading without having to boost the brightness of the screen itself, which can be taxing on your eyes. They usually don't take up much, or any, additional space on your desk. We've done the research to identify and rank the best monitor light bars for your home office or workspace.Best for customizationLOFTER Screen Bar LightStaff pickWith three lighting modes including warm, cool, and natural, and 10 brightness levels via a total of 84 LEDs, the slim and sleek design of this light keeps crucial desk space free. There's no glare or shadows thanks to the convenient angle, and it's easy to set up, plugging in via USB.$40 at AmazonAdjustable anglesBaseus Screen Light BarThe gravity rotating shaft fixing device makes it easy to adjust the angle of this light to your liking. It fits just about any monitor, from those as thick as 1.5 inches to as slim as 0.2 inches, and...

A galaxy full of featuresSamsung Galaxy Watch 3 (45mm)$430 at AmazonProsNew health/fitness perksOptional LTEGPS, NFC, HRMTwo size optionsBetter battery lifeConsMighty expensiveThe new Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is for those who want to be able to do anything and everything with their wearable. IN addition to tracking health and fitness metrics, you'll have optional LTE connectivity, onboard GPS, and NFC payments. It comes in two sizes and a few different colors as well.Wear OS at its bestFossil Gen 5$275 at AmazonProsAttractive designGPS, NFC, HRMGoogle AssistantNew Snapdragon Wear 3100ConsOnly one sizeLacks optional LTEShort battery lifeThe Fossil Gen 5 is one of the best Wear OS watches to-date. You'll have better performance thanks to upgraded RAM ad storage along with the new Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor. Other key features include onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity tracking, and NFC payments.Samsung Galaxy Wa...

Tiny yet mightyFitbit Inspire HR$70 at AmazonProsSlim, lightweight, and comfortableCheapest Fitbit with a heart rate monitorFive-day battery lifeNotification alertsSwimproofConsMinimal screen customizationsMonochromatic displayNo on-device virtual assistant supportMore expensive than many fitness bandsThe Fitbit Inspire HR is one of the most popular fitness bands because it's lightweight, comfortable, and still relatively feature-packed. You can track your health, sleep, and fitness, all while engaging with and participating in Fitbit's extensive community competitions and activities.Incredible valueWyze Band$30 at AmazonProsExtremely affordableUp to two weeks of battery lifeControl smart home devices from your wristCustomizable AMOLED color displayAmazon Alexa built-inConsChanging bands not as easy as with FitbitNo social competitions or integrationsMinimal exercise mode supportApp has to be running for smart features to wor...

The refreshed UI design is optimized for tablets.What you need to knowSpotify is rolling out a new update with a tablet-optimized design on Android.The updated UI on Android is similar to the one that was rolled out to iPads late last year.Key highlights of the new design include larger album art and easier access to Spotify Connect.Spotify has finally refreshed its UI design for Android tablets and Chromebooks. According to a report from Android Police, the updated design has started showing up on the latest version of the Spotify app on Android tablets and select Chromebooks.Until now, the Spotify app wasn't optimized for Android tablets and Chromebooks. The latest update, however, comes with several changes that help provide a much better user experience than before. As can be seen in the screenshots below, the refreshed UI includes larger album art, rewind and skip buttons that stay put all the time, and easier access to Spotify Connect. The front size, though, is sti...

Best answer: You can use the "Find My Earbuds" app to find a lost earbud. However, if you lose one of the earbuds for your Galaxy Buds+ or Buds Live, you will need to purchase another set altogether.All-around solution: Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($130 at Amazon)Cancel out the noise: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live ($170 at Amazon)If you lose a Galaxy Bud, try finding them firstSo you've looked all over the place for your Galaxy Buds earbud and you just can't seem to find it anywhere. Well, Samsung has included a feature called "Find My Earbuds", which is located within the Galaxy Wearable application.This should make it extremely easy for you, or someone else, to find that missing earbud quickly. To find that missing earbud, follow these steps:Open the Galaxy Wearable app.Tap Find My Earbuds.Tap Start.After the earbud has been located, tap Stop.When this is completed, there will be a loud beeping noise that will emanate from your earbuds. This beeping will gradually get lou...

Yet another gaffe from Google.Update, August 14 (10:28 am ET): Google has issued a statement clarifying that Canadian Pixel 4a buyers won't have to stay without a phone.What you need to knowGoogle is experiencing yet another logistics blunder with its Pixel line.The company is asking Canadians Pixel 4a buyers to send it their trade-in devices a week before their new phone will be shipped, leaving them phone-less for a week.Not doing so will decrease the trade-in value of the old device.Canadian buyers of the Pixel 4a are in line to be the victims of a teenager's worst nightmare: a week without a smartphone. As numerous reports from the Great White North show, Google has already shipped out trade-in kits for some would-be buyers of its latest smartphone, the Pixel 4a.The only problem is, some of the kits arrived as early as August 3, and they expire in 30 days, which in this Redditor's case (via Android Police) means the trade-in device must be sent to Google by Septembe...

The Roborock S5 advanced robot vacuum cleaner and mop has dropped in price to $359.99 when you use the code ROBOROCKS5 during checkout at Amazon. That price is a nice big drop from the $480 it usually sells for. This would also be a match for the lowest it has ever dropped to directly. In fact, this same coupon was used to drop it this low back in July, but the code expired soon after. It will probably expire again pretty soon.The Roborock S5 is more advanced than your typical robot vacuum. It even includes an award-winning navigation system. It's smart enough that it can actually map your home, learn the most efficient way to clean it, and then not stop until the job is done. It will plan its own routes and adapt to your furniture and other things. You can then schedule when exactly you want the Roborock to clean and it will follow your orders.Anything lower than two centimeters can be crossed over by the S5, and it can avoid bumping into your furniture thanks to its sensor setu...

Best answer: Yes, but you'll need an adapter to use it with the PS5. This adapter will be free for anyone that owns a PlayStation Camera.Grab a camera: PS4 PlayStation Camera ($60 at Best Buy)PS5 is coming soon: PlayStation 5 (See at Amazon)PS5 Camera Is the PlayStation Camera for PS4 compatible with PS5?Sony has detailed some of the PS4 accessories that will be compatible with the PS5. Naturally, you'll also be able to use your PSVR on the PS5. The PlayStation Camera is also one of them. Anyone with a PlayStation Camera will be able to continue using it on the PS5 for backward compatible PSVR games. You will, however, need an adapter to make it compatible with the PS5.This adapter will be free for PSVR owners, with Sony stating that more information is coming later on how to obtain it. We'll be sure to provide an update when these details are announced.PS5 Camera Will there be a special PS5 camera?If you just want to go ahead and upgrade, there will be a PS5 Camera as...

Folded blades and folded paper were the theme this month.What you need to knowThe NPD Group shares data on video game sales in North America every month.For July 2020, Ghost of Tsushima was the best-selling game per NPD.Paper Mario: The Origami King was the third best-selling game for the month of July.The Nintendo Swich was the best-selling console for the month.Every month, the NPD Group releases information on the best-selling games, game consoles and accessories across all video game platforms in the United States. While it doesn't account for total worldwide sales, it does provide a nice look at one of the largest video game markets. Mat Piscatella, a fantastic analyst for NPD, has shared the results for July 2020.For the month of July, Ghost of Tsushima was the best-selling game and is Sucker Punch Productions' fastest-selling title ever. Paper Mario: The Origami King was the third best-selling title for the month, while The Last of Us Part 2 held strong at the #4 ...

Samsung and Microsoft have each promised three years of updates. Now it's time for Google to raise the bar.If you buy a Pixel phone you're guaranteed three full years of software support — that means updates, When Google announced this, it was unheard of for any Android phone to see that level of longevity and at a time when some phone makers never provided any updates Google used this to stand out from its competition. We thought three years was great because nobody else was offering it.In hindsight, we shouldn't have looked at it this way. Google controls Android and its update cycle, and in this regard, it has no competition. Google offering only three years of updates for a phone whose software was written by another part of the company is actually ridiculous.Spare me the excuses about why Google can't do anything more than it is doing today; I've heard them all. Things like passing the blame to Qualcomm aren't going to change my mind. Those same arguments were used ...

What better way to keep your desk tidy than to combine two useful tech products into one? AUKEY's 5-in-1 USB-C Hub doubles as a wireless charging pad for your phone so you can keep your device close while it's powering up, and today it's down to just $22.49 at Amazon when you first clip the 5% coupon on its product page and then enter promo code D29468C2 during checkout. That saves you nearly $28 off its regular price.This 5-in-1 USB-C Hub features 60W Power Delivery via its USB-C passthrough port, allowing you to keep your laptop charged while you're putting the hub's other ports to use. It's equipped with an HDMI port that can output resolutions up to 4K to connected displays as well as two USB 3.0 ports which support data transfer rates up to 5Gbps. However, its winning feature is its integrated fast wireless charging pad on top.Sitting your Qi-enabled phone down on this USB-C Hub allows it to wirelessly charge at up to 10W, though you'll need to have it plugged into a compati...

Bone conduction headphones are unique because they don't pour sound into your ears, but rather through your jaw and skull. The vibration through your skin, which is great for those who might be hard-of-hearing or who want to hear the sounds of traffic as they ride their bike, may not be the niche you're looking for. If you are in the market though, the AfterShokz Aeropex are the best combination of sound quality, comfort and performance.Best Overall: AfterShokz AeropexFit and comfort are important for any pair of headphones, but those factors only multiply with a bone conduction pair. AfterShokz is all over this niche category, and after a few tries, finally got the combination of functionality and flexibility just right with the Aeropex.What works so well is how the sound spreads out across the entire pad so that more of your skull absorbs the audio output. In doing so, the company also managed to improve the bass, which is always the most difficult part of the spectrum in b...

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a godsend for those of us who want to stick with our trusted non-smart television and also want to access Netflix on it, while the Fire TVs have all the capabilities of Amazon's Fire TV Stick built into the TV itself. They're generally affordably priced, but the best time to purchase one is during a sale. Below are the best deals we could find to help you locate the right Fire TV device or Fire TV for your home.Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Available NowFire TV devices: from $25Fire TVs: as low as $100Device bundles: starting at $75Sometimes, Amazon offers deals which are only available to Prime members, so it helps to keep your membership active while you're on the hunt.Best Cheap Fire TV Device DealsPrime Day is delayed by a few months this year, but there are a few great Fire TV deals to snag until then. If you have yet to cut the cable company out of your life, the devices listed below are easily worth their full price so you can finally ma...

The Q92 5G could prove to be a solid rival to Samsung's Galaxy A51 5G.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed nearly all the key specs of LG's upcoming 5G-enabled Q92 smartphone.The phone will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ hole-punch display and a 7nm Snapdragon 765G chipset.It will also have a 4000mAh battery and a 48MP primary camera.In its Q2 2020 earnings report, LG revealed that it plans to launch a few affordable 5G smartphones later this year. Key specs and design of an upcoming mid-range 5G-enabled LG smartphone called the Q92 have now leaked online, giving us our first look at the company's answer to Samsung's popular Galaxy A51 5G.The leak suggests the LG Q92 5G will have a 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a hole-punch cutout in the middle, housing a 32MP selfie camera. Under the hood will be a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage.LG Q92 Specifications & Image•6.7 inch FHD+ Punch Hole•Snapdragon 765G•6GB + 128GB Storage...

One purchase you might not have considered while out hunting Back to School deals is a VPN subscription, but IPVanish's limited-time sale might just change that.Right now, you can save 65% on a 1-year VPN plan offered by IPVanish. You'd regularly pay $144 for that length of time if you subscribed monthly, but this limited-time offer drops the monthly cost to just $4.12. Billed upfront at $49.99, the annual plan savings mean you can try out one of the best VPN services for yourself without breaking the bank. On top of the VPN discount, you also get 250GB of cloud storage with SugarSync at no extra cost which is definitely nice to have for school.In recent years, VPNs have gone super mainstream and for good reason as they are super useful tools for our increasingly internet-connected lives. With the amount of time we spend online and the amount of personal information that you probably share, it's well worth considering a VPN to help protect your sensitive data. If you ever connect...

Samsung's Galaxy Note series has become well known for churning out big phones with big screens, and the Galaxy Note 20 is no exception to that rule. Touting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels all around, the Note 20 has a great canvas for watching movies, playing games, taking notes, or whatever else you want to do. If you want to be sure it stays in tip-top shape for years to come, you need to pick up one of these screen protectors.It's all hereLK Film Screen Protector (2-Pack)Staff PickKicking off our list, we have some film screen protectors from LK — one of the most-trusted brands in the screen protector world. These protectors are fully compatible with the Note 20's in-screen fingerprint sensor, are easy to install, have self-healing tech for light scratches, and you get two at a great price. Not to mention, LK even includes two protectors for the rear camera bump!$15 at AmazonAwesome valueHATOSHI Film Screen Protector (3-Pack)If you're looki...

Another one.I know what you're probably thinking: "How can they possibly have found another pair of true wireless earbuds to review!?" Well, we've gone and done it; we've found another one. Or, rather, 1More.via GIPHYOkay, okay. That's the first, and only, groan-inducing dad joke I'm going to make in this review. I think.In all seriousness, I continue to be amazed at the sheer volume (see, there's another one, I knew I couldn't keep that promise) of great true wireless earbuds on the market today. Of course you can find more expensive and premium versions from major device manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and even OnePlus. Not to mention more audiophile-centric brands like Jabra, Sennheiser, and Sony.At Android Central, we've taken a particular interest in the more affordable segment of the true wireless earbuds market, and have reviewed and compared a lot of them over the past year. I've not personally had a ton of luck with buds in this space, so I approached my revi...

Best answer: Most likely. The current leaks show a cloth and Velcro design that's much closer to the Oculus Go design, which was a more comfortable solution than the existing Oculus Quest's head strap design.An amazing experience: Oculus Quest (From $399 at Amazon)Make it more comfortable: MASiKEN head strap pads for Oculus QuestOculus Quest 2 Taking the pressure off your faceWhile the Oculus Quest is an amazing product, it's not without its shortcomings. One of the biggest issues is with the weight and the head strap design, which can be very uncomfortable for some users. While you can get additional accessories to help fix this glaring issue, what's better than an out-of-the-box experience that doesn't need modification?That's why we fully expect the Oculus Quest 2 to have a brand new head strap design that's more comfortable than the current Oculus Quest design. Since the Oculus Quest 2 hasn't been officially announced just yet, we're basing this information on leaks an...

Commit and save.Verizon sells all kinds of phones. From top-of-the-line flagships to discounted budget devices. From iPhone to Android. From phones focused on watching media to phones focused on cameras. No matter what you're looking for, you're probably also looking to save some money. Who isn't? Verizon releases new and interesting deals all the time. The majority of these deals work in a similar fashion, too. You will get the discount on the phone through a series of promotional credits applied to your monthly bill. It may take up to two years to earn all your savings, but that would be worth it when we're talking about hundreds of dollars.Best Verizon Plan DealsWhile some people (and even other carriers) like to poke fun at Verizon for being more expensive, if you look in the right places you can actually get a plan that meets your needs without spending too much cash. The carrier does offer a variety of different options, and you'll want to do a little research to figure o...

Today only, you can get the Eufy RoboVac 11S (Slim) robot vacuum cleaner on sale for just $149.99 at Woot. Unlike a lot of Woot deals, the robot vacuum is being offered in new condition wit ha 1-year manufacturer warranty.Considering refurb versions direct from the Eufy store go for around the same amount, you're basically getting a new vacuum for the price of a refurbished one. The RoboVac 11S tends to sell as high as $220, with occasional coupons taking it lower. Today's drop to $150 is just $1 shy of the low price it set during the holiday season last year making this one of the best robot vacuum deals around.The RoboVac 11S is slimmer than previous generations and is only 2.85 inches high. It is still capable of some truly powerful suction up to 1300Pa, which means you get a lot of power in a small package. Anker's BoostIQ tech can detect when some extra suction is needed and automatically increases the power for the tough to clean spots. This saves you some battery life in t...

These twists and turns feel just right.Smartwatches are almost always forced to compromise in their design in some way. After all, it's hard to cram all of the various specs and sensors that make these tiny wrist computers so functional into something you'd actually want to wear out, and the result is usually a thick, unattractive gadget that costs as much as a nice traditional watch, with the double whammy of needing to be charged once a day.Sadly, in most cases, those hardware tradeoffs are met with equally cumbersome software in the form of Wear OS, which continues to mimic a slow-moving disaster, limited the number of compelling options on the Android side. That number dwindles even further once you decide you want some health-oriented features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.But Samsung does things a little differently. The Galaxy Watch line uses the company's homegrown Tizen software, rather than Wear OS, and features hardware niceties like circular displays...

Facebook and Twitter have also stopped reviewing requests for user data from Hong Kong authorities.What you need to knowGoogle has reportedly decided to stop responding directly to data requests from Hong Kong authorities.The move comes after China's imposition of a Hong Kong national security law, which has received strong criticism from the Trump administration. Google will now direct authorities in Hong Kong to pursue data requests through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the U.S.Google will no longer respond directly to data requests coming from Hong Kong authorities. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the Washington Post has claimed the search giant has notified Hong Kong police that it will now direct officials to pursue data requests through a Mutual Legal Assistant Treaty with the U.S.As noted by the publication, requests made through the process will be routed through the Justice Department, and that can take weeks, or in some cases, months. The move c...

Open Pit is bringing two nights of music performances to Minecraft for a virtual festival dubbed Lavapalooza. Scheduled for this weekend, the festival is set to feature popular and lesser-known EDM acts such as 100 Gecs, San Holo, TNGHT, Flatbush Zombies, Ryan Hemsworth, Baauer, and more.Not every version of Minecraft will let you virtually visit the festival, however, Open Pit is providing a way for non-Minecraft users to watch and listen to the festival for free as well. We'll get into the various ways you can attend the two-day festival below.Lavapalooza: When & whereLavapalooza goes live inside Minecraft on Friday, August 14 at 6 p.m. EST and runs through Saturday, August 16. To access the full list of performers, check out the official Lavapalooza website.The festival will be held within the Java Edition of Minecraft; Bedrock Edition users will not be able to access the show. However, the official Lavapalooza website as linked above will include audio and Twitch vide...

A fitness winnerFitbit Versa 2$199 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$199 at WalmartProsGreat battery lifeDetailed sleep trackingTwo size optionsStylish designOn-screen coachingMore affordableConsNo built-in GPSNotifications sometimes finickyFitbit is a leader in the smartwatch and fitness tracker market, and for good reason. Devices like the Versa 2 are versatile, can track just about anything, and connect you to a massive and growing community of users, including friends and like-minded individuals, who can help motivate you. The Versa 2 remains one of the best smartwatches you can buy.Smart and stylishSamsung Galaxy Watch 3From $400 at Samsung$400 at Best BuyProsBuilt-in GPSStylish wristwatch designPairs with TV for workoutsTwo size optionsLTE optionConsShort battery lifeMore smartwatch than fitnessExpensiveThe Galaxy Watch 3 combines the fitness features you'd want in a design that rivals a standard wristwatch and that you can...

Data focusedMint MobileFrom $15/month at Mint MobileProsUnlimited talk and text5G supportUnlimited 2G dataHotspot includedFree calls to Mexico, CanadaConsOnly uses T-MobileAll plans require dataMint Mobile makes a lot of sense for most smartphone users with good T-Mobile coverage thanks to three data sizes that work for most people. With 3, 6, and 12-month options available, you save money the more you're willing to buy in advance. All plans come with unlimited talk and text, including free calls to Mexico and CanadaMax flexibilityRepublic WirelessFrom $12.50/month at Republic WirelessProsSprint or T-Mobile networkUnlimited talk and textHotspot includedPlan flexibilityConsData can get expensiveNo international callingCan't choose your networkRepublic Wireless has a plan that can grow with you without the risk of buying more than you need. Data can be added to plans at $5 per 1GB with base plans starting at 1GB, 2GB, or with no...

School is a dangerous environment for most tools and tech, but none more so that phones. Phones are essential items in a phone, always in arm's reach but often bumped, dropped, or banged in the hustle and bustle of changing classrooms or running to meet up with friends at lunch. Phone grips have been a lifesaver for me and my slim fingers, and considering how affordable these ones are, they're well worth the investment.Pop-ular and adaptableSwappable PopGrips by PopSocketsStaff pickSwappable PopSockets support wireless charging when you twist off the PopTop while still allowing you a better grip, a larger range of motion, and a flash of style for your phone. These also come in a bevy of pop culture character designs, like The Child from The Mandalorian.$15 at AmazonFrom $10 at PopSocketsStylish slide gripSpeck GrabTabSpeck's phone grip is the size of a credit card, comes in dozens upon dozens of styles, and is easy to keep a precise grip on. Best of all, since th...

Having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work, every time you head off to sleep, or every time that low battery warning chimes is as annoying as it is outdated. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker PowerWave 15 PadStaff pick$40 at AmazonThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as supported. It's a sleek look and powered by USB-C rather than Micro-USB.Best for GalaxySamsung Wireless Charger Duo Pad$67 at Amazon$68 at Best BuyThis is the perfect charger for those invested who have a Galaxy smartwatch. The pad will also support 7.5W for iPhones and standard 5W charging on top of 10W charging for Galaxy phones.Affordably futureproofYootech 15W Metal Fast Wireless Charging ...

Every kid wants a tablet. But deciding to invest in a tablet for your child is a big step, and there are several features to consider: price, parental controls, and perhaps most importantly, durability. The Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is a top pick not only for offering tons of great content for kids but also for its included protective bumper case and parental controls. You can manage what your kids do and not worry that they might be accessing questionable websites or web content.Best Overall: Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids EditionThe Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition is packed with some of the best hardware and software features you could ask for as a parent. Amazon took its top-of-the-line tablet and loaded it with parental controls, kid-specific content, and wrapped it up in a durable and functional case. While the screen size might be difficult for smaller toddlers to hold, the provided case does include a fold-out kickstand to prop up the tablet.At 1080p, the full-HD display p...

Originally scheduled to take place in April, the 2020 World Snooker Championship finally kicked off at the Crucible Theatre this month. Follow our snooker live stream guide and easily watch every frame of the World Snooker Championship online.Despite the delays due to the global pandemic, snooker has returned to its home of Sheffield as top players face-off for the sport's ultimate prize. Players like Judd Trump, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Neil Robertson, and Ding Junhui have been competing in the tournament in the iconic Crucible setting and we now approach the final weekend of play.The 2019 tournament was one of the most entertaining in recent years with Judd Trump taking on John Higgins in a dramatic final. Trump secured his first World Snooker Championship, seeing off the Scotsman in what was a modern-day classic game.Trump entered the 2020 tournament as the reigning champion and the favorite to take home to title once again but he could not overcome the Curse of the Crucible and d...

The now-fixed bug was discovered by security researcher Saugat Pokharel.What you need to knowA worrying bug was discovered on Instagram's servers.Security researcher Saugat Pokharel discovered deleted Instagram photos and messages were kept by Instagram long after he deleted them. He found data that had been stored for more than a year. A security researcher discovered a now-fixed Instagram bug that meant removed photos and messages were kept for more than a year after they were deleted.According to TechCrunch: A security researcher was awarded a $6,000 bug bounty payout after he found Instagram retained photos and private direct messages on its servers long after he deleted them. Independent security researcher Saugat Pokharel found that when he downloaded his data from Instagram, a feature it launched in 2018 to comply with new European data rules, his downloaded data contained photos and private messages with other users that he had previously deleted.As th...

It's rare for Catalan giants Barcelona to come into a match as underdogs, but Lionel Messi and co are very much the less fancied team as they prepare to face the giants of German football. Read on to find out how to watch this crucial match between Barcelona vs Bayern Munich, no matter where in the world you are.Bayern have looked imperious since football's restart, impressively brushing aside Frank Lampard's Chelsea in their last-16, second-leg clash last week - despite it being Bayern's first competitive game in over a month.As well as having Polish goal machine Robert Lewandowski in arguably the best form of his storied career, the likes of Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies, are also firing on all cylinders for Hans-Dieter Flick's side.Having let slip a lead in the Spanish Primera to lose out to Real Madrid, a first Champions League title in five years would make up for what has so far been a season to forget for Barcelona.But with growing reports of strained relations bet...

The new features are currently available only on mobile.What you need to knowGoogle has added new features to Search in the U.S. to help users quickly find live sports and TV shows.You can now find information on where to watch live sports by searching for the individual team or game. You can also find programming currently airing across multiple channels with the new "On TV now" carousel.Google Search has gained a few new features in the U.S. to make it easier for users to find live sports and TV shows.Satyajeet Saigar, Group Product Manager, Search, wrote in a blog post: Sports around the world look a little different this year, with important new measures to keep players, officials and fans safe. As the cheering section moves to the couch, everyone is asking the age-old question: "What channel is the game on?" So today we're adding new features to Google Search in the U.S. to help you quickly find the live games you're looking for. And when the game is over, w...

Another 5G phone makes the new standard accessible to more. for less.Update, August 14 (12:55 am ET): The Galaxy A51 5G is now available from Verizon as well.What you need to knowSamsung has introduced the Galaxy A51 5G to the U.S.It will go on sale on T-Mobile and Metro from August 7th and Verizon on the 13th. Samsung previously launched the Galaxy A71 5G for $600.Samsung has just announced the launch of the Galaxy A51 5G in the U.S this week. The phone, already sold internationally, will join the Galaxy A71 and Samsung Galaxy S20 as the company's U.S. slate of 5G phones. It will also be the cheapest phone Samsung's selling with the next-gen wireless standard at $499.99.It will come to T-Mobile and Metro from August 7, with a Verizon UW variant to follow shortly after on August 13.The Galaxy A51 is an impressively designed phone, but we weren't overly impressed with it when reviewing the 4G version earlier in the year.Writing for Android Central, Harish Jonnalagadd...

This is your last chance to pick up the OnePlus 7T.What you need to knowThe T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 7T is now available for $399, $200 off its launch price.The unlocked model was sold out months ago, and it is unlikely the T-Mobile 7T will be restocked once units run out. At $399, the OnePlus 7T is one of the best bargains you'll find in 2020. While the OnePlus 8 series gets all the attention these days, the OnePlus 7T is still a fantastic phone in 2020. It shares a lot of the same hardware as the OnePlus 8, and other than 5G connectivity, you're not missing out on much.That's why it's particularly interesting to see that the OnePlus 7T is now available for $399. That's for the T-Mobile version of the phone, with OnePlus running out of units of the unlocked model several months ago.At this point, it's clear that OnePlus is looking to sell off remaining inventory of the 7T, and at $399, you're getting one of the best bargains of the year here. While the OnePlus N...

Epic Games' lawsuit alleges Google blocked OnePlus and LG from pre-loading the Epic Games app.What you need to knowCourt documents from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google claim the search giant blocked a pre-install deal between Epic and phone manufacturers.The deal would have seen the Epic Games app installed out of the box on OnePlus and LG devices. With the deals nixed, Epic Games introduced Fortnite on the Play Store earlier this year. Epic Games rolled out an update to Fortnite that allowed players to buy in-game currency directly from Epic, in contradiction to Play Store's guidelines. As a result, Google removed Fortnite from the Play Store, leading to Epic suing the search giant.Interestingly, the court documents claim that Google blocked a deal between OnePlus and Epic that would have seen the Epic Games app — the conduit for installing Fortnite — pre-installed on OnePlus phones. The filing alleges Google was worried about the app "bypassing the Google Play St...

Samsung has taken more than a few cracks at different product categories, and smartwatches have been no exception. With several attempts at getting it right already in the books through new smartwatches and fitness trackers every year. We take a look at some of the best available, including the newest of the bunch with the Galaxy Watch 3 and its stylish take on telling more than just time.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3After focusing on its more fitness-focused smartwatches in 2019, Samsung pivots back to its more refined design philosophy with the Galaxy Watch 3. The watch isn't radical in sporting any sort of redesign, and it will look familiar to anyone who knows Samsung's smartwatches. But it is smaller, lighter and thinner, which could make it more appealing to a greater subset of wearers. The genuine leather band is casual and elegant all at once, and the standard lugs mean you can always strap on another one.It's also feature-laden, though a couple of key ones wil...

Get the lowdown on Mint Mobile's coverage, pricing, phones, and more.The wireless carrier space is a never-ending battle between T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. However, underneath the three big dogs is a collection of smaller brands tapping into their networks to deliver excellent wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.One such company is Mint Mobile (formally known as Mint SIM), and if you've been searching for a new way to buy phone service that can help you save a heap of money, it may be worth a look.Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/month at Mint MobileA unique take on affordable wireless serviceUse T-Mobile's massive data network while saving money thanks to Mint Mobile's great data plans and multi-month savings.Jump to:Mint Mobile reviewMint Mobile pricingMint Mobile coverageMint Mobile 5G?Mint Mobile hotspot accessMint Mobile vs. the competitionMint Mobile phonesMint Mobile dealsCheck out our full reviewWe'll get into all the fine...

After a very public spat between Epic Games and Apple, Google has also removed the game from its app store.Update Aug. 13 (9:13 p.m. PT): Epic has filed a lawsuit against Google.What you need to knowGoogle removed Fortnite from the Play Store Thursday following an in-game currency update that would allow players to use Epic to make in-app purchases directly through Epic.Epic founder Tim Sweeney has spoken out against Google and Apple for its app store policies.This follows the game being removed from the Apple App Store. Epic Games also filed a suit against Apple.After a hubbub earlier today concerning Apple removing Epic Games' Fortnite from the App Store, Google has followed suit.The widely-popular game was removed from the App Store following an update where Epic Games would allow users to make in-app purchases directly through Epic instead of through Google or Apple. The option would also give users a discount on things like V-Bucks that would only be available thro...

Even though email is the most popular communication medium around the world, there are many professionals who still prefer faxing due to its security and confidentiality benefits.In fact, some government departments only accept documents sent through fax. However, in this day and age where everything is becoming compact and wireless, no one wants a fax machine that takes up half of the space in the office. This is why more and more people are shifting to online fax, especially Google fax.This article will deal with various ways to fax through Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, etc. without the need for a fax machine.Jump to the information you need:Sending and Receiving Faxes OnlineHow to Fax from GmailHow to Send Fax from Google DriveBenefits of Faxing with GoogleFrequently Asked QuestionsPart 1: Sending and Receiving Faxes OnlineFax machines require a lot of investments, space, and added necessities such as phone lines, paper, toner, etc, co...

Fortnite is an intense game that needs a pretty capable Android phone to run it properly. A multiplayer match involving up to 100 unique players is bound to push a phone to its limit, but these phones are sure to run those matches without any hiccups. The OnePlus 8 Pro is our favorite pick with its huge display, and specs that are better than some computers that are used to run Fortnite.Best Overall: OnePlus 8 ProOnePlus has worked with Fortnite creator Epic Games to run the game at 90Hz — which translates to a silky smooth 90fps — on OnePlus phones like the OnePlus 8 Pro. And with at least 8GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 865 chipset both delivering enough memory and processing power for great gaming performance, your phone will never overheat or feel sluggish while playing Fortnite.OxygenOS continues to deliver a simple and speedy software experience that allows for customization, including the Fnatic gaming mode, which offers fine controls for avoiding distractions while ga...

A lengthy list of helpful tools.What you need to knowUbisoft has detailed a list of accessibility options that will be included in Watch Dogs: Legion.These can aid in a variety of ways, from motor and cognitive functions to motion sickness. Watch Dogs: Legion is set to be released on October 29. Today, Ubisoft revealed several new accessibility options that will be included in Watch Dogs: Legion. This isn't an entirely comprehensive list, as Ubisoft notes more will be added by the time the game launches. With that said, it's a good idea of what to expect overall.On Consoles and PC:Gamepad controls are fully customizable, including the analog stick sensitivity and inversion across both axes. (Motor, Cognitive)On PC:Mouse and Keyboard controls are fully customizable, including mouse sensitivity. There's support for third-party hardware, including Microsoft Xbox Adaptive controller and co-pilot via the Xbox Accessories App.(Motor, Cognitive)Toggle/hold options for...

Why would you need a game controller for your Samsung Galaxy phone? Samsung hasn't explicitly jumped into the world of gaming-specific smartphones, but since you're provided with some of the best specs to go along with amazing displays, Samsung smartphones, like the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, make for a perfect gaming experience. In order to make the most out of xCloud and other games on your phone, you'll need a great game controller to pair with it.Versatility at its finestRazer KishiStaff pickRazer's Kishi controller is quite impressive. It not only fits just about every smartphone, but the USB-C port ensures low-latency gaming. When not in use, the two sides slide together, making for easy portability or storage.$80 at Amazon$80 at Best Buy$80 at WalmartNot just for AndroidSteelSeries Stratus DuoThe Stratus Duo is the latest great Android gaming controller from SteelSeries. Once again, the company has designed a comfortable controller — this time with a recharg...

What is Ghostwire: Tokyo? This new IP shown at Bethesda's E3 2019 is still as mysterious as it is creepy, but that just has us more intrigued.At Bethesda's E3 2019 press conference, they showed off two entirely brand new IPs — one of them was called Ghostwire: Tokyo. Creative director Ikumi Nakamura took the stage with a level of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity that immediately charmed the audience, and deeply contrasted with the level of creepiness and dark aesthetic beauty of the trailer she led into. Whatever Ghostwire: Tokyo is, the concepts for it presented in a CGI video look incredible.Since then, more has been revealed, with some significant footage shown during Sony's PS5 showcase, the Future of Gaming. Nakamura is no longer on the project, Mikami is now director and this game is a timed console exclusive. Here's what we now know:Jump to:What is Ghostwire: Tokyo?What is the story?Check out the trailersWhat's the gameplay like?You can pet dogs!Why did ...