Latest from Android Central

MIUI 12 brings a lot of visual tweaks and fine-tuned control over privacy settings.MIUI continues to be one of the most popular Android skins around, with over 400 million users around the world. Xiaomi is the number one handset manufacturer in India, and there are over 100 million MIUI users in India alone. Xiaomi hasn't done much to tailor MIUI to global users in recent years, but that has changed with MIUI 12. With Xiaomi increasingly focusing on the high-end segment, the Chinese manufacturer finally has a user interface that holds up to what Samsung and OnePlus offer.MIUI 12 made its debut just six months after the introduction of MIUI 11. The MIUI 12 stable update is now live on most Xiaomi, POCO, and Redmi phones released in the last 15 months, and it will make its way to older devices in the coming weeks and months.Even though it has just been six months from the release of MIUI 11, Xiaomi was able to add a host of new features to MIUI 12 to make it stand out. It's clear...

Philips says its new Hue Play gradient lightstrip takes smart lighting for home entertainment to the next level.What you need to knowPhilips has launched an updated Hue Iris table lamp and candle bulbs with increased brightness and Bluetooth connectivity.It has also introduced the Hue Play gradient lightstrip, which can be attached to back of your TV.The updated Hue Iris is priced at $100, while the Hue Play gradient lightstrip will start at $200. Philips has refreshed its Hue product portfolio with an updated Hue Iris table lamp and candle bulbs. It has also introduced an individually addressable LED strip called the Hue Play gradient lightstrip, designed to be attached to the back of 55-inch or larger TVs.The new Philips Hue Iris table lamp offers improved brightness (up to 570 lumens) when using white light, lower dimming, richer colors, and a fabric-wrapped cord. While it can be easily controlled via Bluetooth in a single room, you can also pair it with a Hue bridge t...

Qualcomm's Adaptive ANC tech will turbocharge wireless earbuds.What you need to knowQualcomm Adaptive ANC lets audio manufacturers tweak the ANC experience on wireless earbuds.The tech allows ANC to operate even when earbuds don't form a tight seal, and dynamically adjust the level of ANC. The solution will be available as a turnkey option, allowing audio brands to integrate it easily into their products. Qualcomm is rolling out a new Adaptive ANC option that's aimed at delivering better audio quality and noise isolation from wireless earbuds. You can get great-sounding wireless earbuds without paying a lot of money, and even ANC-enabled earbuds are affordable now.Qualcomm is looking to improve upon how ANC works currently on wireless earbuds. With Adaptive ANC, earbuds don't have to form a tight seal to deliver ANC, meaning you won't need to wedge the earbud into your ear. Qualcomm says its audio tech will dynamically adjust the level of ANC based on the variation of fit...

OnePlus will roll out the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 update to 12 phones — including the OnePlus 6 series.The Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 beta build is now available on the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, and it includes a new visual layout along with new features like always-on display.As with all new versions of OxygenOS, the most important question is what OnePlus phones will get the update, and when the stable build will commence rolling out. There's good news on that front, with the manufacturer confirming that the OnePlus 6 and 6T will be updated to Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 in addition to OnePlus' 2019 launches.These OnePlus phones will get the OxygenOS 11 updateOnePlus will deliver the Android 11-based OxygenOS 11 build to 12 phones in total, with all devices starting with the OnePlus 6 onward set to receive the update. The OnePlus 6 and 6T are still going strong in 2020, so it's great to see both phones on the list. The devices debuted with Android 8.1 Oreo and are in l...

With PUBG banned in India, these are the best battle royale alternatives.The Indian government has banned PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite along with over 100 Chinese apps, including Alipay, Baidu search engine, WeChat Work, and others. The government noted that these apps were "stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users' data in an unauthorized manner" and sending them to servers outside India, and used that as an excuse for enforcing a blanket ban.PUBG Mobile is the number one mobile game in India, and accounts for over 50 million monthly active players. One of the reasons for the game's meteoric rise in India is that it runs particularly well on budget phones. So with PUBG Mobile now banned in the country, what are your options if you're interested in playing battle royale games on your phone? Thankfully, there's no shortage of similar titles, and we've rounded up the best PUBG Mobile alternatives below.Call of Duty: MobileCall of Duty: Mobile is the obvious choice ...

The best Qi wireless portable chargers allow you to charge whenever, wherever, and however you want. Did you leave your cable at home? Charge wirelessly! Do you need a quicker burst of power for an almost dead phone? Plug in for a faster charge. While Qi power banks aren't quite as popular as traditional power banks, the best wireless charging portable chargers will keep you topped off and ready to roll no matter where you've camped out during your daily errands.Affordable reliabilityAukey Wireless Power Bank 8,000mAhStaff pickAukey's Wireless Power Bank is the same physical size as its popular 10,000mAh power bank, but it shaves off a fifth of the capacity to make room for a Qi charging coil. This is a trade-off I'm more than willing to live with in order to get an affordable name-brand Qi bank.$30 at AmazonUpgrade pickOtterBox OtterSpot Wireless Charging SystemIt's great to have a few OtterSpot Qi batteries to swap around and use on the fly, but building up that...

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park. Everyone has their perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.The best launchersBest overall Smart Launcher 5Long-term Legacy Nova LauncherSwiss Army Launcher Action LauncherBest Productivity Microsoft LauncherPixel Perfected Lawnchair 2Quick and Simple Niagara LauncherBest Overall: Smart Launcher 5 AC Score 5 ...

Why hide how good of a character Kamala Khan is when she's the game's lead?Within just the first five minutes of Marvel's Avengers' singleplayer campaign, you start to wonder where the beta went wrong.In my writeup of the beta, which featured some elements of the story but mostly focused on testing and showing off multiplayer, I noted how the prognosis wasn't looking too good. While it was clear a lot of attention was paid to giving each hero a unique skill set (and with six heroes, that was a huge undertaking), there were elements missing from the story. Most of it focused on Kamala Khan and Bruce Banner coming together and teaming up, but besides a few moments of humanity between them, there wasn't enough there to make you think twice about the story.However, now that I have an actual copy of the game in my hands (and a review will be incoming), I have to wonder why developer Crystal Dynamics and publisher Square Enix marketed the beta as they did. The first few minutes of th...

Perfect balanceMoto G Power$230 at AmazonProsBattery lasts up to three daysFull HD+ display is much sharper64GB of internal storageExtra RAM is a huge perkMotorola's excellent softwareConsMost expensiveYou'll find a lot of phones in Motorola's budget lineup, but the Moto G Power stands out as its best offering. The big draw to the phone is its 5,000 mAh battery, which delivers up to three days of use on a single charge. There's a lot more to the phone, though, including a great display, good performance, and fun cameras — all at a very reasonable price.Super affordableMoto G Fast$170 at AmazonProsExcellent build qualityMore affordableHas the same great processorRear cameras are a ton of funCons720p display is roughLacking RAM and storageThe Moto G Fast is the cheaper cousin of the G Power, retaining some of its DNA while making compromises in other areas to achieve a lower price. You get the same design, processor, and cameras...

Fifth time's the charm?If there's one way we could describe the Pixel 4, it would be "frustrating." Google made a lot of smart moves with the phone, notably its phenomenal cameras and ultra-fast face unlock, but inexcusably bad battery life held it back from being an easy recommendation. As you might guess, this has left us eager to see how things can be improved for the Google Pixel 5.Using the Pixel 4 is a wonderful thing, but there's no getting around the compromises required to use it as a daily driver. All the Pixel 5 needs to do in order to be a great phone is to give us the same Pixel 4 experience, use a reasonably-sized battery, and add an ultra-wide camera.Is that what's happening? Read on to find out everything we know so far about the Google Pixel 5!Pixel for lessGoogle Pixel 4a$350 at Amazon$350 at Best BuyNo need to waitThe Pixel 5 will undoubtedly be an interesting handset, but there's no sense in waiting until October just to buy a Google phone. ...

Amazon's latest cameras will definitely last a lot longer than a blink.What you need to knowAmazon's new 3rd-generation Blink Indoor and Outdoor cameras can last for 2-years on 2-AA batteries.Blink Outdoor retails for $99, while Blink Indoor retails for $79.Both cameras will be available from Amazon on September 16, 2020.Amazon's Blink cameras have been a staple in the value camera segment of the crowded home security market, and the 2020 Blink lineup looks to solidify Amazon's hold on the top value spot. At $99 for Blink Outdoor and $79 for Blink Indoor, Amazon is keeping pace with its super-affordable lineup from last year and adding in impressive new battery life. These new Blink Indoor and Outdoor cameras are rated for an incredible 2-year battery life with the 2-AA batteries included in each camera's box. That's all without sacrificing resolution or night vision capabilities, too.These new 3rd-generation Blink cameras feature the same HD resolution and infrared night...

When you start shopping for the best Fitbit Charge 4 bands, you'll be met with a plethora of choices. If you already know that you don't typically fancy the proprietary bands, now is the time to stock up on some new ones. You'll be happy to know that the Fitbit Charge 3 bands are also compatible with the new device. We've gathered up some excellent options for you to consider.Affordable breathabilityWepro Waterproof BandStaff PickIf you want to make sure your skin can breathe, this soft TPU band from Wepro is a great pick. The soft material is smooth on the wrist and comes in various colors. The unique design has tons of perforations for maximum airflow. It's also one of the most affordable options, which is another reason that it's one of the best Fitbit Charge 4 bands out there.$7 at AmazonComfy canvashooroor Canvas Woven BandYour Fitbit Charge 4 will look stunning in this woven canvas band. This band is comfy enough to wear during exercise and stylish eno...

What you need to knowThe Mandalorian Season 2 will hit Disney Plus on October 30.Season 2 will feature some new characters along with favorites from the first season.Unfortunately there is no new trailer alongside the data announcement.If you are one of the many out there waiting to find out when Season 2 of The Mandalorian will hit Disney+, we have some good news for you. Earlier today the official Twitter account for the popular series confirmed that new episodes will land on the streaming service starting on October 30. Previously, it was announced that the second series would hit in October 2020, but no specific date was given until right now.This is the day. New episodes start streaming Oct. 30 on #DisneyPlus. #TheMandalorian pic.twitter.com/8oruZ3oedx— The Mandalorian (@themandalorian) September 2, 2020Fans expected to see some trailers and get some more information during the Star Wars Celebration event which was supposed to happen this past weekend, but that w...

You may know that there are three smart screen devices currently being sold by Amazon, but do you know which is the best Amazon Echo Show? And that there was something called an Echo Spot? With so many showy Echo devices, which one should you get? We'll talk you through each option to help you decide which is right for your home, although we recommend the new Echo Show 8 above the others because of its great size.Best Amazon Echo Show Overall: Echo Show 8The Echo Show 8 is the newest product in the Echo Show line, and as such, it takes some of the best features from the high and low ends. For example, it is in-between the smaller size of the Show 5 and the arguably unwieldy size of the Show (2nd Gen). It improves upon the sound quality of the smaller Show 5 with double the number of speakers (two 2-inch speakers at 10W per channel vs. one 1.7-inch speaker at 4W per channel). Plus, it has the same 1280x800 display as the larger Show (2nd Gen) for a higher ratio of pixels per inc...

If you've tried out Fitbit's subscription service but don't feel like it provided enough value to you, we'll show you how to cancel Fitbit Premium. You can then apply those savings toward another tracker, explore options from other providers, or perhaps sign on with a personal fitness instructor.How to cancel Fitbit Premium on the webIn your browser of choice, log in to your account at coach.fitbit.com.Click on your name at the top right of the page.Scroll down and click on Settings.Scroll further down and click on Subscriptions and Payments.Here you can click on your plan and cancel it, effective the end of its term.If you are still within your free trial period, you will follow the same steps listed above.Note that if your free trial has expired, all sales are final and non-refundable. So if you signed up for a month-to-month plan, you'd only be out the $9.99 for that month. However, if you signed up for the annual plan, you will be out the entire $79.99.How to...

@mentions are already available on the web.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out @mentions support to Gmail on Android.The feature could take up to 15 days to appear for Android customers.It's limited to G Suite accounts at the moment. Google announced that it would be bringing support for @mentions support to Gmail on Android. It had already supported it on the web with its 2018 Gmail redesign. This month, it's coming to the Android app.The G Suite team noted: Gmail users on Android can now automatically add a contact to the "To" line of an email by typing "+" or "@" in the body of the email and then choosing the contact's name from the list that appears.It's available for G Suite customers now, and Google says that you may take up to 15 days to see it.Google is still planning an extensive redesign of Gmail, working on integrating Docs, Meet, and Chat into the email app. Like with @mentions, that's something that's aimed at business customers and getting ...

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to memorize endless lines of code in order to build your very own strategy games from scratch. The Build a Strategy Game Development Bundle will teach you everything you need to know, and it's on sale for just $39.99 today.With 14 hours of in-depth content, this training package will help you build pro-level strategy games through lessons that focus on mechanics, unit movement, and more.Thanks to 10 top-rated courses, you'll learn how to create a wide range of strategy games through instruction that teaches you how to craft original characters, build user libraries, set up animations, utilize automation parameters that can save you countless hours, and more.There's also extensive instruction that teaches you how to take advantage of the world-renowned Godot gaming engine.Learn how to build strategy games without all the coding headaches with the Build a Strategy Game Development Bundle for just $39.99—over 95% off its usual price tod...

The ever-evolving ecosystem of Amazon Echo accessories (or Echosystem) has helped turn average homes into modern smart homes. We love how convenient Alexa makes it to control devices, listen to music, check the news, find shows, and do so many other things. Enhance your Echo experience further with one of the many useful accessories available for the different Alexa units. We begin our list with accessories that work with multiple Echo devices and then transition into products for specific Echo devices after that. Let's get to it.Wireless charge (3rd Gen)Mission Cables Portable Battery BaseStaff pickThis portable battery base allows you to use your Echo (3rd Gen) or Echo Plus (2nd Gen) wirelessly up to five hours. It's great for playing music at parties or events where you don't have access to outlets. On the back, you'll find a USB port, DC input port, DC output cable, and LED battery life indicators.$40 at AmazonWireless charge (1st and 2nd Gen)Caramote Portable Bat...

Black Friday is coming up, and so is a rumored Amazon Prime Day event, but before all of that takes place it's time to take advantage of the best Labor Day sale deals you can. Historically, Labor Day weekend has been a great time to save big on items like patio furniture, mattresses, and more, and that's no different this year.Labor Day itself takes place on Monday, September 7, but Labor Day week is usually packed full of deals. There will be a big Labor Day sale at retailers Lowes, Home Depot, Best Buy, and more that will all be competing with eachother. Many of these Labor Day sales have already started, and we are less than a week away from Labor Day weekend already.With no Prime Day this summer, retailers are looking to make the most of this Labor Day sale, and you should be doing the same. We will be updating this page with all of the best deals we find from retailers everywhere, so be sure to check back often for new sales, discounts, and more.Best Labor Day Sale 2020...

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphone is here, and it's the most luxurious folding phone you'll hold in your hands. If you were a fan of the original Fold's unique design, then you should be just as excited about the Fold 2 because it's even more powerful and even more foldable. The phone includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, 12GB RAM, and 256GB of storage by default. It also has multiple AMOLED displays with amazing resolution.The Galaxy Fold 2 starts at a premium price point of $1,999. That's a lot of moolah and may be a little intimidating at first, but like any good piece of tech we also anticipate plenty of ways to save on that final price. We're going to round up all the best deals, including trade-in programs from carriers or unlocked bundles. Check out the best deals on the Fold 2 right here.Best Fold 2 Deals Available NowWhere to find the Fold 2Unlocked Deals: Save up to $800Carrier deals: Trade-ins, BOGO & more More Info: Price tracking, comparisons ...

You can truly make Assistant your own with custom commands.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant now offers a Shortcuts feature on mobile.This lets you assign custom commands to apps which support them.It's a server-side triggered upgrade and is also available on non-Pixel phones.Google has quietly updated Assistant (via Android Police) on Android to include a new Shortcuts interface. Similarly to Siri Shortcuts on iOS, these allow a user to assign custom commands to apps and actions which interface with Google Assistant.You'll be able to find the new Shortcuts tab under the Services tab (or by scrolling down to the Shortcuts if you have the new alphabetically scrollable Assistant settings interface.Once in the tab, you'll now see a list of apps that offer shortcuts and what those shortcuts are. Google will also show you recommended shortcuts based on apps you use often. When you tap on an app, you'll also be able to select and add those shortcuts to your Assistant. As ...

Sony is gearing up to release the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.While development on the PS5 has likely been going on for years, Sony has officially confirmed that it's in the works and is on its way this year. It is expected to release holiday 2020 alongside the Xbox Series X, cost upwards of $450 or $500, and should be fully revealed sometime soon over the summer. Here's everything we know about the PS5 so far.Holiday 2020PlayStation 5See at AmazonSee at Best BuySee at WalmartGet your hands on it before it sells outThe PS5 isn't available for preorder just yet, but a few retailers are letting fans sign up for notifications so they don't miss out. It's unknown what the standard model or Digital Edition will cost, but you should probably start saving up your money.PS5 FAQPS5 cost and release dateWill the PS5 be delayed?When's the next PS5 event?PS5 designIs there a digital edition PS5?PS5 specsPS5 gamesIs PS5 backward compatible?PS5 DualSe...

Cheap wireless earbuds have become great over the past several years. The ones you typically hear about are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality.Best Overall: Creative Outlier AirBattery life is one of the standout features of the Creative Outlier Air. Even compared to some high-end true wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air outperforms most of them with up to 10 hours of audio playback on the buds themselves. The included charging case nets you an additional 20 hours of audio playback, which equates to up to 30 hours of listening time. The only real downside is that the case does not feature wireless charging, which is unfortunate.Comfort is excellent, but only if they fit your ear. Unlike most other earbuds and true wireless earbuds, the Outlier Air only come with one extra set of ear tips in the box. Typically, earbud companies w...

Next-gen Chromebooks are getting a massive performance boost.What you need to knowIntel has debuted its first Tiger Lake designs aimed at notebooks, delivering sizable gains in performance.The Iris Xe graphics platform is twice as fast as 10th-gen integrated graphics. Intel is also introducing hardware-level support for Dolby Vision and AV1 codec. Tiger Lake will be coming to 150 designs, and the platform will power next-gen Chromebooks. Intel is finally showing off its 11th-gen Tiger Lake platform, and has been the case in recent years, the initial focus is on the notebook segment. The company is debuting designs in the Tiger Lake-U series, touting significant gains in performance — both for productivity and gaming. A big focus for Intel is the Chromebook segment, and the Tiger Lake series will power the next wave of Chromebooks.Tiger Lake designs are based on the 10nm node, and Intel says its SuperFin process allows for higher frequencies and more efficiency. Intel s...

Labor Day is at a weird time this year, if you ask me. Sept. 1 was a Tuesday, which means Labor Day ends up being a lot later in the month than usual since we have to wait for the weekend to come around again. It seems to have been pretty weird for retailers, too, because they aren't just doing weekend shopping events. The Labor Day sales are going on all week long pretty much everywhere.The Lowe's Labor Day sale is going on right now and it includes just about everything Lowe's has for sale. You can save on power tools, home appliances, tech, and more. You're going to want to check out these deals, and we've got the best ones rounded up for you right here.Deals on ToolsKobalt 24-volt brushless cordless drill | $60 offThe drill comes with a battery and the charger. It also has a belt clip, double-ended driver bit, bit holder, auxiliary handle, and a soft bag. Provides 650 pounds of torque and a long-lasting run time.$99 at Lowe'sBlack+Decker cordless drill | $10 o...

We're here to show you how to sign up for Fitbit Premium so that you can make more sense out of all the health data and metrics that your Fitbit devices are collecting. You can sign up on a monthly or annual basis, and you can even try it out for free for a limited (or extended) period of time. Excited to start? Great! Let's jump into it.Products used in this guideA premium fitness program: Fitbit Premium ($80/year at Fitbit)Versitile fitness smartwatch: Fitbit Versa 3 (From $230 at Amazon) What is Fitbit Premium?Fitbit Premium offers a number of additional insights and services that build off of the vast amount of personal data collected by your Fitbit tracker. Much of this data is yours to access and act upon as you see fit without an additional cost, but the added analysis and guided workouts, meditations, and health plans are a paid feature. If you're interested in a more detailed breakdown of the program and its features, check out our earlier review.Now that you ...

Are you searching for the best speakers for your Echo Dot? I love how easy the Echo Dot makes it to listen to music, search for the news, add items to your grocery list, and do so much more. The device's sound quality isn't terrible, but if for a better audio experience, I prefer to pair it with compatible speakers. There are hundreds if not thousands out there for you to choose from, but our favorite is the Sonos One SL. Here are some of our other favorite picks.Best Overall Speakers for Echo Dot: Sonos One SLSonos is known for its powerful hi-fi speakers, but it makes the dream of owning them a little more accessible with the One SL. Not only is this the most affordable wireless speaker the company offers, but it also produces impressive sound quality and looks stylish to boot. Since it's built so compactly, it won't take up a lot of space in your home. Both the black and the white version look good, so you can purchase the look you like best.It features a midrange woofer a...

Using one of the best robot vacuums to help you keep your house clean may be one of the smartest decisions that you can make right now. Over the past few years robot vacuums have become much smarter, they last longer, and clean better. Options like the iRobot Roomba 960, which happens to top the list of our best robot vacuums, lets you control it with just your voice, you can set schedules, and the sensors help prevent it from just bumping into everythingBest Robot Vacuums in 2020 at a glanceiRobot Rooma 960: Best robot vacuum overall ($450)iLife V3s Pro: Perfect choice for those on a budget ($140)Roborock S6: Best battery life in a robot vacuum($480)Neato D4: Top pick for cleaning corners ($330)There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models that are available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, and narrowed down all the picks into a concise list of only the top robot vacuum picks.What are the best robot vacuums you ...

Dominate your season to bring home that trophy and bragging rightsThe kickoff to the 2020 NFL season is rapidly approaching, and from office leagues to public leagues, we're sure there's a lot of you looking to get in on the fantasy action. We've gathered up our favorite Android apps to help you dominate this year's fantasy football draft (and hopefully, the season that follows it)! You'll find plenty of options here, each letting you drill down into player statistics, latest news, and updates to your draft.Note: these apps are for season-long fantasy football, not daily fantasy sites like FanDuel and Draft Kings.The top 3 apps1. Sleeper2. ESPN Fantasy Sports 3. Fantasy Football League Dominator 2020 More optionsFantasy Football Draft Kit 2020 - UDK Yahoo FantasyNFL Fantasy Football CBS Sports Fantasy TwittertheScoreThese three apps should help take you to the championshipIt's no secret that there's a lot of luck and a little bit of skill involved when ...

The HBO series is taking to VR with new content.Lovecraft Country: Sanctum was designed as a VR-exclusive experience that Oculus Quest users can take part in. Each event takes place through VRChat, a social VR app that puts players in large environments where social communication and interaction is encouraged. While players will best experience Lovecraft Country: Sanctum in the VR realm, folks who don't have access can still take part in these special events thanks to a YouTube Live stream that's hosted by HBO, featuring 100 VR influencers.Viewers can head to the Lovecraft Country: Sanctum website for a link to each YouTube Live event before it airs. Each VR influencer will be streaming their experience within Lovecraft Country: Sanctum, which will be filled with escape rooms, puzzles, art installations, immersive theater, and even a live concert. YouTube Live viewers will even be able to interact with each influencer while they're playing Lovecraft Country: Sanctum, helping to s...

The best Chromebook docking stations can turn your laptop from on-the-go ready to comfortably cozy by plugging in a single USB-C cable. When you're home and want to use a clicky mechanical keyboard, an ergonomic mouse, or add a secondary display, docking stations are here to keep things tidy and organized. If you need to get your Chromebook connected, these are the best docking stations.Keep it tidyPluggable USB Mini Docking StationStaff pickThis compact docking station won't take up much desk space, but it still has enough space for four USB-A peripherals, an HDMI monitor, Ethernet, and an audio jack for some speakers. It can also charge your Chromebook at full speed.$129 at Amazon$129 at WalmartTall or flat, your choiceBaseus 16-in-1 USB-C DockSome folks prefer a standing dock that will take up less desk space, and others prefer a lower-profile dock that can sit under their monitor. Baseus lets you use their overstuffed dock either way, and it has just about ...

The earbuds support both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.What you need to knowJBL has launched its first Club series true wireless earbuds.The new JBL Club Pro+ come with active noise cancellation and are claimed to offer up to 32 hours of battery life. You will be able to pick one up for $200 starting October 25.JBL today announced the Club Pro+, its first true wireless earbuds under the Club line of headphones (via The Verge). The new Club Pro+ promises to deliver great sound quality and are also loaded with features, including active noise cancellation.JBL says the Club Pro+ earbuds have a "unibody design" that is inspired by professional in-ear monitors. Like many other true wireless earbuds, they are IPX4 rated for water resistance. They also allow you to customize the sound to your preference with the Personi-Fi feature. You can even choose from several audio presets created by top DJs from the My JBL Headphones app.When it comes to battery life, JBL claims t...

Whether for work or remote learning, using Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook is a doddle.2020 has been a challenging year across the board, as we've all had to learn to adapt to the ways we now work and learn. Remote access to both is now commonplace, and tools like Microsoft Teams have become invaluable as we try to carry out our regular lives.In the case of Teams, particularly for remote learning, there's a good chance you might be needing to use it on a Chromebook. Fortunately, Microsoft Teams doesn't care which platform you use, it's available to use on them all, including on all the best Chromebooks.Here's what you need to know about using Microsoft Teams on a Chromebook.No joy for the Linux appOne of the early thoughts may be that you could install and use the Microsoft Teams Preview app for Linux on your Chromebook. Sadly this doesn't seem to be possible. The app does install using the download package from the Teams website, but having tested it on three different C...

Microsoft's Surface Duo may be a wide boi, but it's hardly too big for your pants. Here is how it compares.Microsoft's Surface Duo is undoubtedly one of the more exciting technology pieces to hit the market in 2020. There is nothing like it, especially when it comes to its design and aspect ratio. With dual 4:3 displays that span to 3:2, but also being 9.9mm thin, it stands out from everything else available.One question I hear a lot regarding Surface Duo and its size is pocketability – does the thing actually fit into your pants?At first pass, it's a silly question. The Surface team built the Duo to be carried in your pockets like any other mobile device. But without seeing one in person, it is easy to see Surface Duo as some gargantuanly wide device. Here is the quick hit on the size of Surface Duo opened and closed in case you want to bust out a ruler to play along: Category Surface Duo Dimensions Open: 145.2mm (H) x 186.9mm (W) x 4.8mm (T) Closed: 145.2mm ...

The company is targeting sales of 100 million units in the second half of the year.What you need to knowOPPO is reportedly ramping up its production.The company hopes to take Huawei's place in European markets as a result of the latter's legal troubles.Huawei is currently the third-largest smartphone maker in Europe, while OPPO occupies only 3% of the market.The sharks are circling. As Huawei faces unprecedented challenges to its ability to continue running its smartphone business, its Chinese rivals are more than happy to carve up the massive void that may soon be left by the company when it runs out of its stockpile of smartphone chipsets.A new report from China Starmarket suggests OPPO is already expecting a massive uptick in its European sales as a result of Huawei's stumbles and is upping its production targets accordingly. A statement from the company to the publication suggests its expecting sales in the second half of the year to go up to 100 million units. The pu...

True wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, but it can be frustrating to buy a pair that seems perfect on paper but doesn't fit comfortably in your ears. Whether the ear tips are too large or small for your ears, or your exercise routine constantly shakes them out, even the best wireless earbuds can feel like a letdown. But don't worry — there are a few things you can do to get a better fit and enjoy your headphones as if they were made for your ears.How to get the best fit for your true wireless earbuds Try different ear tipsEven before the true wireless days, most earbuds came packaged with a few sets of spare ear tips in different sizes. Outside of precise millimetric measurements, there's no universal sizing standard in place to guarantee that, say, the smallest tips in a set will always be your best bet, but it's worth spending a few minutes after you unbox your new earbuds trying the various sizes included.Comfort is the top priority in most cases; too small an...

Let's chat with the AC forums.Samsung fully unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 2 yesterday, including its official pricing and availability info. The phone costs a hefty $1999, and as of right now, pre-orders are open with regular sales beginning September 18.The Z Fold 2 is not a phone that everyone will buy, but for those interested in the foldable niche, it certainly looks to be the best offering we've ever seen — even with that exorbitantly high price.Taking a look through the AC forums, it's pretty split as to who's buying the Z Fold 2 and who isn't. EMGSM 09-01-2020 11:42 AM “ I just got the N20 Ultra. Hard pass for me. Reply Victor Hernandez Jr 09-01-2020 01:15 PM “ I'm still waiting on information from TMobile concerning eip pricing Reply ...

Like you, we are also eagerly awaiting the often-delayed Amazon Prime Day. It's coming soon, but 2020 has not been kind and the big day has been pushed back until October from its original starting point in July. Whenever Prime Day does happen, it's going to be big. People have been shopping from home a lot this year thanks to working from home, quarantine, and all that fun stuff. So it's a safe bet Amazon wants to keep that ball rolling.Oddly enough even without the deals and savings of an Amazon Prime Day, the fact that people have been doing a lot more at home means they've been shopping a lot more at home, too. While we know Prime Day is going to bring some excellent savings and really cool deal events, we also know there are some items you just shouldn't wait for if you're in the market. These items we're talking about are ones that have just had the hardest time staying in stock over the last few months because everyone wants one. The sort of items that will probably sell out a...

TikTok's algorithm is considered to be the platform's secret sauce...What you need to knowTikTok faces yet another roadblock in its sale process.There are now questions over whether TikTok's algorithm can be included as part of the deal.It comes after the Chinese government made rule changes regarding selling technology to foreign buyers. TikTok's acquisition process has hit another roadblock after questions emerged over whether the app's algorithms can be included as part of the deal.According to The Wall Street Journal: Deal talks for TikTok's U.S. operations have hit a snag over the question of whether the app's core algorithms can be included as part of a deal, according to people familiar with the matter. The algorithms, which determine the videos served to users and are seen as TikTok's secret sauce, were considered part of the deal negotiations up until Friday, when the Chinese government issued new restrictions on the export of artificial-intelligence tec...

Tencent Games' battle royale title is the latest to be banned in India.What you need to knowThe Indian government has banned 118 apps, including PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite.The government stated that the apps transmitted user data to elements "hostile" to India's national security. Indian and China are in a terse standoff at the border, with the Indian government previously banning TikTok, WeChat and other services earlier this year. The Indian government's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has banned 118 apps — primarily of Chinese origin — as tensions between India and China escalate. Both countries have engaged in a border skirmish for several months, and the Indian government banned TikTok, WeChat and other services earlier this year.The latest ban includes 118 apps, with PUBG Mobile and PUBG Mobile Lite standing out in the list. PUBG Mobile is the biggest mobile game in India by some margin, and it has well over 50 million monthly active pla...

Keeping an eye on your home 24/7 isn't possible... except with the right equipment. The eufyCam 2 wireless home security system ensures you always have a way to see what's going on around your home no matter where you are, while also letting you rewind and view previously recorded footage as well.Now, thanks to a sale at Amazon, you can snag a 2-camera kit for your home on sale for only $219.99. This $80 discount saves you over 25% off its usual cost of $300 and it even marks the lowest price we've seen for the set so far. It's a one-day deal, though, so you don't have long left to make the most of it.The EufyCam 2 greatly improves on the first-generation EufyCam E in a number of ways. You'll get more advanced A.I. powered facial recognition software that helps prevent false positives. The new EufyCam 2 can tell the difference between familiar faces, objects, dogs, birds, and other things that the old EufyCam E might have sent you an alert about. You'll also get a better IP ratin...

The first round of Studio Ghibli films made their way to Netflix back in February 2020, with more hitting every month after. In total there are 21 films that are now available on Netflix, with the most recent batch of them hitting on April 1, 2020. The films will be made available globally through a distribution partner Wild Bunch International, though this rollout will exclude some big markets where people will want to watch them.For those not familiar, Studio Ghibli was founded back in 1985 by the directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with the producer Toshio Suzuki. It is a Japanese animation film studio that has produced feature films, shorts, TV commercials, and even worked with video game studios on visual elements for games. Six of the studio's films are among the 10 highest-grossing anime films from Japan, and the company has many other accolades. It's most successful title was Spirited Away, which made over $360 million worldwide and was voted the fourth-best fil...

The new features will be enabled by default for users who have braille support turned on.What you need to knowGoogle Docs is receiving several improvements to make it easier for visually impaired users to work on documents.Braille support in Docs, Sheets, and Slides can now be easily toggled using new keyboard shortcuts.Some of the other key improvements include easier navigation and more reliable verbalizations,Google is making it easier for visually impaired users to work on documents in Docs, Sheets, and Slides with a new update. The improvements, which will soon be available for all G Suite customers and users with personal Google accounts, include new keyboard shortcuts, better navigation, as well as more reliable verbalizations.To quickly toggle braille support in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, users can now use the new Ctrl + Alt + H keyboard shortcut on Windows and CMD + Option + H on Mac. Google Docs will also now announce exactly where the cursor moves to when...

Bringing the heatAmazon Fire HD 8$90 at AmazonProsGreat priceOptional 64GB built-in storageExpandable storage up to 1TBDolby Atmos-enabled dual speakersModern USB C chargingConsOnly has 2MP front and rear camerasNo Google Play store accessThe Amazon Fire HD 8 is packed with great internal specifications to create an excellent software experience. Whether you are reading books via Kindle or watching a movie immersed with the Dolby Atmos speakers, the Fire HD 8 can be your go-to for entertainment.Explore the GalaxySamsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0"$120 at AmazonProsSlightly smaller form factor with the same screen sizeHigher-resolution rear camera at 8MPAccess to Google Play StoreLonger battery lifeConsMore expensiveOnly 32GB built-in and expandable up to 512GBNo Dolby Atmos support for the speakersSamsung is known for creating great products, and the Galaxy Tab A 8" is another example. With quality tech squeezed into a thin and light de...

The Miami Heat take on the Milwaukee Bucks in game two of the conference semifinals on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. The new times and dates for NBA playoff games come in light of the protests conducted by players bringing awareness to the injustice that became very personal for the players in Wisconsin. It even spurred the Milwaukee Brewers to not play in protest and unity with the NBA.The Bucks are the top seeded team and if the Heat want to move on it will need to be in the form of a less than likely upset. That means most of the pressure is on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks to keep performing at a high level.Despite being the underdogs in this conference semifinals match up, the Heat did best the Bucks in their two of three meetings during the regular season this year. To compete, the Heat will need to rely on Bam Adebayo and his guarding skills to keep Giannis as much in check as can be expected. Despite Milwaukee being the favorites here, Miami is not interested in fo...

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is already a mighty big phone, so for most owners, the best Note 20 Ultra case is a thin case. You need a case that alleviates how slippery and unwieldy the Ultra is alone, but that won't bulk things up along the way. These are the best of the bunch for grip, grit, and glamour.Understated utilityRingke Air-SStaff pickRingke's TPU cases are available in three shades: a light tan, basic black, and a neutral gray. It also has anchor holes on each side to use with a carry strap, along with a nice high lip around that big camera module.$11 at Amazon$9 at WalmartThat's pinkSamsung Silicone CoverSamsung offers its telltale silicone case in three colors — fewer than previous years — that are supposed to match each shade the phone comes in. They mislabeled the Pink one as "Brown," but at least it's properly cute.$30 at Amazon$30 at Best Buy$30 at SamsungVivid colorsGOOSPERY Style Lux JellyIf the duller shades of the Samsung...

Raised By Wolves is a new mini series from Ridley Scott that focuses on two androids raising a human kid on a new planet. The new show debuts on September 3, on the streaming service — and everywhere HBO Max is available. After earth becomes inhabitable, a ship full of humans comes to the new planet, kepler-22b, and things begin to get interesting. It's been described internally as sort of a Little House on The Prairie, but on another planet. This is exactly the type of mini series you would expect Scott, who was responsible for Blade Runner and Alien, to be a part of for HBO Max.HBO has traveled down a similar road before with Westworld which also utilized androids in blurring the lines between human and machines. In the new series, however, critics have called out a much more drab and dire mood that stemming from the desolate visuals shown on screen.Raised By Wolves: where and whenThe first three episodes of Raised By Wolves will become available on HBO Max on September 3...

All the new products will be going on sale "later this year."What you need to knowGalaxy A42 5G is the latest addition to Samsung's mid-range 5G smartphone lineup.It features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display and quad rear cameras.Samsung says the phone will go on sale in select markets "later this year." Samsung today announced a bunch of exciting new products at its "Life Unstoppable" event. The latest additions to the company's Galaxy product line include the Galaxy A42 5G, Galaxy Fit 2, and the Galaxy Tab A7.The Galaxy A42 5G is the third 5G-enabled A series phone that the company has launched this year. It comes with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display and a quad-camera setup at the rear. Unfortunately, Samsung hasn't revealed the rest of the phone's specs yet. There is no word on the pricing either. The phone will be joining Samsung's 5G-enabled A series lineup "later this year."Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is the company's latest budget Android tablet, featuring a 10.4-inch...

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a fantastic phone — but it isn't without its share of issues.The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra sets a new standard for flagships in 2020 and is one of the best Android phones you can buy today. Samsung introduced a gorgeous new design, better cameras, upgraded internals, and a new S Pen. The design now sees a more prominent camera housing that protrudes a fair bit from the chassis, and the phone itself is massive thanks to a 6.9-inch screen and 4500mAh battery.But like all phones in the market today, the Note 20 Ultra isn't without its flaws. Early adopters have run into issues with the display, and there are several complaints online relating to condensation within the camera housing, fogging up the cameras.Note 20 Ultra's display has green tint issuesThe Galaxy S20 Ultra's AMOLED screen suffered from green tint issues, and Samsung rolled out a fix for the same earlier this year. It now looks like the Note 20 Ultra has the same problem, with several us...

Fortnite is gone from the Play Store, but you can still download the game pretty easily.Fortnite has been banned from the Play Store for contravening Google's guidelines, but you can still download the game from Epic Games directly and install it on your phone. Downloading the app is still straightforward, and Samsung Galaxy device owners have it a bit easier. Here's what you need to know, and how to install the game on your phone.How to install Fortnite on your Samsung phoneThe Epic Games app is easiest to download on a Samsung Galaxy phone. Available on the Galaxy S7 and up, it can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store.It's easy to forget that Samsung has its own dedicated app store and chances are you've never used before, so we'll walk through the steps of downloading the Fortnite Installer.Open the app drawer.Tap on the Samsung Apps folder.Tap to launch the Galaxy Store.You should see a Fortnite banner under the Games tab at the bottom of the screen, but if not, ju...