Latest from Android Central

The launch of the PS5 just keeps getting better and better as it approaches.What you need to knowBugsnax will be the first game available for free for PlayStation Plus members on PS5.The PS4 version of Bugsnax will not be available for free through PS Plus.Sony announced that Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Hollow Knight can be downloaded for free next month on PS4 for any PS Plus subscribers.The company also revealed a list of 20 games available at launch through the PlayStation Plus Collection.Ahead of its release in a couple of weeks, Sony announced that the first free game available with PS Plus on PS5 is none other than Bugsnax. Those looking to pick up Bugsnax on PS4 may be disappointed, however, because it will not be free on the older console. PlayStation Plus members have until Monday, January 4, 2021 ro redeem Bugsnax on PS5.Additionally, Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Hollow Knight will ne next month's free games for PS Plus members on PS4. Both games can be ...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and its ability to still hit an affordable price point.Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those two data points alone justify the Fire HD 8 as a great choice, but let's ex...

Google resumed the update today, presumably after fixing what was wrong.What you need to knowGoogle announced Chrome OS 86 recently, an update meant to make the company's desktop operating system more accessible.Instead, users report it has left some devices bricked and unresponsive leading to it being pulled from servers.Google restarted the rollout this morning after presumably fixing the underlying issue.Google announced Chrome OS 86 earlier this month, but the company has had to pull off its servers due to a variety of bugs (via Android Police.) Now, the rollout has resumed after the it has tackled the root cause presumably.It's not clear precisely what was wrong with the update. Some Pixelbook owners on r/ChromeOS reported their devices being bricked, while other Chromebook owners reported general instability. Some like myself suffered from nothing at all, but we can imagine that an issue like devices being bricked would lead to the update being pulled — even if on...

The delayed Prime Day event is now behind us but retailers are not taking any breaks when it comes to rolling out Black Friday deals. We saw a few great smartwatch deals earlier this month and we expect many more as the weeks roll on this fall.When it comes to Android watches, there are a variety of brands and models to choose from, and just as many different retailers to shop at. Because of that, it can be hard to know where to get the best deal. Instead of searching every different retailer's Black Friday ad, just scroll down and take a look at the best deals we've rounded up for you. As Black Friday gets nearer, we'll update this list with more options.When it comes to shopping Black Friday Android watch deals, be wary of older models or the cheap-end offerings that, despite being cheap, may not offer great value for money. During big sales like Black Friday, retailers want to shift a ton of products and often use these super-low price offerings as impulse purchases. For our r...

The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) and Shield TV Pro may have radical new tube designs, but you're probably wondering what are the best NVIDIA Shield TV Pro compatible controllers are. Thanks to the fact that not only is it the best Android TV box, it's also a capable gaming console that can access games from the Google Play Store or from NVIDA's GeForce NOW game streaming device. For all of that, you'll need a controller. Luckily, NVIDIA offers solid support for Bluetooth controllers, which means that you've got a slew of options to choose from.Specially designed by NVIDIANVIDIA Shield ControllerStaff PickThe NVIDIA Shield controller is designed to take full advantage of all that the NVIDIA Shield can do, with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and headphone jack, along with dedicated volume and Android system controls. Unlike other controller options, it connects via Wi-Fi, so there are no latency issues to contend with.$60 at Best Buy$60 at B&H PhotoRetro gamin...

Best NAS for Home:1. Synology DiskStation DS220+ ($300)2. Synology DiskStation DS220j ($170)3. WD 4TB My Cloud ($160)4. Synology DiskStation DS120j ($100)5. QNAP TS-451+ ($363)6. Synology DiskStation DS920+ ($550)7. Buffalo LinkStation 210 4TB ($154)8. Asustor AS5202T ($300)The best network-attached storage (NAS) for home is one that lets you stream your media collection and back up all the devices on your network seamlessly. A NAS essentially lets you create your private Netflix or Spotify, and most models on this list let you access your media over the internet. If you're looking to build your own media server or need a solution for backing up data, these are the best NAS enclosures for your home in 2020, although if you were to start somewhere, we'd recommend the Synology DiskStation DS220+.1. Synology DiskStation DS220+ $300 at AmazonBest OverallBottom line: The DiskStation DS220+ ticks all the right boxes: it has robust internals, making it ideal for Ple...

More powerJabra Elite 85t$230 at Amazon $230 at Best BuyProsHybrid ANC Great sound qualityBetter call quality than Elite 75tComfortable fitResponsive controlsWireless charging caseConsLarger frameMore proprietary ear tipsTaller and heavier caseJabra had a tough act to follow with the excellent Elite 75t, but the Elite 85t take things to another level by adding on previously missing features. They also sport improvements in some key areas that make them easy contenders for the best true wireless earbuds. You're looking at a capable pair of earbuds that can do just about everything.Hanging inJabra Elite 75t$150 at Amazon $150 at Best Buy From $150 at WalmartProsGreat sound qualitySmaller frame, comfortable fitANC support through firmwareSmaller charging caseMaintains great app supportLess expensiveConsFewer charges from case compared to Elite 85tNo wireless chargingCall quality not quite as goodThe Elite 75t now have a succe...

Oh the places you'll go and the things you'll see.What you need to knowSony has unveiled the launch ad for the arrival of the PS5.It doesn't focus on any games but instead showcases the theme of human exploration.It's also narrated by Travis Scott, a strategic creative partner at PlayStation.The PS5 is just a couple of weeks away and now, Sony is sharing the global launch ad for the PS5. The ad eschews any particular games and is instead focused oni themes of overcoming peril and human exploration. It's narrated by Travis Scott, PlayStation's newest strategic creative partner.It's pretty in line with past PS5 ads, which have all been about immersion and excitement coming with the new console.The PS5 is set to release on November 12 in the U.S, UK, Japan and a few other countries, with a global launch on November 19. Some of the different launch games include Demon's Souls PS5 remake and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales.The remakeDemon's Souls$70 at Amazon...

Walmart is going big this Black Friday. Super big. What's bigger than big? Humongous? Walmart is launching three Black Friday events over the course of the next month, and that doesn't even include whatever is happening for Cyber Monday after that. The first major event starts on November 4, and it includes deals on electronics. Plus, all of Walmart's deals will be available online.That's fine, of course, but you're not here to talk about toys and kitchen appliances. You want a big ole honkin' 4K TV to cover up that unsightly blank wall in your living room. I understand, and so does Walmart. There are going to be a ton of 4K TVs on sale during Walmart's Black Friday events including deals from major brands like TCL, JVC, and Sceptre. The regular deals will start around $199.99, but Walmart also plans to have some TV-related online doorbusters bringing some great sets as low as $148.We've got all of Walmart's best TV deals right here, but keep in mind plenty of retailers will be fea...

While already a fantastic phone, your experience can be even better when you add some of the best OnePlus 8T accessories alongside it. Things like a battery pack, wireless headphones, a case, or other great options can really complete the package. These are some of the best for the OnePlus 8T.Get a gripOnePlus 8T Sandstone Bumper CaseStaff PickThe sandstone cases from OnePlus have always been fantastic — both as thin protection options and texture. This year it comes in a unique cyan color that looks as great as it feels.$25 at OnePlusPower for allAmazonBasics 5-Port Wall ChargerA charger that can quickly charge not only your phone but other devices is a great thing to have around. This option gets you a Power Delivery USB-C port along with four USB-A ports, so there's no waiting around to plug in your other electronics.$34 at AmazonStay in tuneOnePlus BudsFor a reliable pair of true wireless earbuds that work wonderfully with the 8T, you can...

It might take a few days for the update to become available in North America.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 has started receiving a new software update.The update brings the Galaxy Watch 3's voice guidance feature to the smartwatch. While the update is currently available only in South Korea, it is expected to expand to other countries soon.Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active 2 received a major update last month, with some of Galaxy Watch 3's best features. The company has now started rolling out a new software update to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 with another Galaxy Watch 3 feature. This time, Samsung is bringing voice guidance support to one of its best Android smartwatches.As per TizenHelp, the latest software update for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 arrives as version R820XXU1CTJ5. Once you install the update on your smartwatch, you will be able to use voice guidance during exercises, as long as you have a pair of wireless earbuds connected.In a...

Online security is a hot issue for an important reason — who wants to be tracked while they're browsing online? It's reassuring to know that your online activity is protected and kept private for several different reasons, and a proxy server can help here. Similar to VPNs, but with some key differences, using a proxy is a useful way to reroute where you appear to be browsing from but cannot encrypt your data like a VPN can. Keen to know about the best proxies? Read on, and we'll tell you how actually the best proxy is a VPN with some minor caveats.That's because a proxy server offers less privacy than a VPN. It works as a gateway between you and the internet so that the details of the websites you visit are saved to the proxy server rather than to your computer. While the proxy owner can see your real IP, the websites you're browsing can't. It's a simple way of dodging advertiser tracking while browsing, as well as other privacy intrusions that mean you feel like big companies are ...

The holiday of candy, costumes, crazily scaring people — and best of all, PUMPKINS!!! is upon us — and you should be celebrating! Not all of us get to dress up to the nines and go beg for candy anymore, but that doesn't mean your phone can't get a cute costume, too! There are lots of ways to theme dress up a phone without getting tacky cases, and that's why we're bringing you a variety of sweet and simple wallpapers that remind us that not only is Halloween here, but it's for more than just horror shows. Here are the sweetest and spookiest Halloween wallpapers for your Android phone to dress up with!Go retroTrick or Treat by Adam GrasonStaff PickThis brighter, more nostalgic take on the Halloween black cat comes from the outrageously talented Adam Grason, who has done beautiful work for companies like Google and Disney. This festive piece features a black and white cat posing inside a jack-o-lantern carved with an adorable cartoon face. We've taken this wallpaper and am...

The last update of a generation.What you need to knowSony's Q2 2020 financial results have been shared.Over 113.8 million PS4s have been shipped.Additionally, digital software ratio reached 59%.Sony has shared its Q2 2020 fiscal results for the three months ending September 30, 2020. The Game and Network Services Segment saw an 11% increase to $4.8 billion (506.6 billion yen), with all categories increasing except for sales of PS4 hardware, which is explained with the upcoming launch of the PS5 in November.Sony also notes that first-party software, particularly Ghost of Tsushima, was responsible for bolstering revenue during this quarter. With the PS4 crossing 112.3 million units shipped in the prior quarter, an additional 1.5 million shipped in Q2 mean 113.8 million PS4s have been shipped.PlayStation Plus subscribers increased to 45.9 million, though there was no update on the number of PS Now subscribers. Digital ratio of gaming software was 59%, down from 74% last qu...

VPNs usage has skyrocketed in our current social distancing reality, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune for some added security and privacy protections. In fact, with Black Friday around the corner, VPN prices are already beginning to fall. NordVPN is offering a timely deal on its 2-year VPN plan taking 68% off its regular price. On top of that, you'll also score an additional month, two months, or year for free. So, if you're feeling lucky, check out the deal and see what freebie you get.Billed upfront at $89, you're saving almost $200 on the 2-year plan versus the regular month-to-month cost for that period of time. That drops the equivalent monthly cost down to just $3.71 making this one of the best VPN deals out there. If you get the free year on top, that monthly price is even less. Even if you get a free month it's better than nothing.You've probably heard a lot about VPNs of late, and for good reason. They enable you to keep your private information private,...

If you're anything like me, then sometimes you absolutely love to get the pants scared off of you with a good horror game. Unfortunately, not all horror games are created equal. There are loads of games intended to give you the creeps, but fall way short. However, some of the best PS4 horror games are also some of the best games that the PlayStation 4 has to showcase. With so many of these games likely to be available on the PS5, you may want to check out some of these titles, especially with Halloween just around the corner.★ Featured favoriteResident Evil 2Resident Evil fans have had a few good years. Resident Evil 7 was a killer return to form that had me feeling equal parts excitement and terror. As if that weren't enough, Resident Evil 2 is an amazing remake of the beloved classic with some new elements mixed in. If you want some great scares and awesome gameplay I suggest picking it up.$26 at Amazon $20 at Best Buy $16 at PlayStationHorrific choicesU...

Chatting with the AC forums.We've talked a lot about the Pixel 4a since its release earlier this year, and for good reason. It's one of the very best values the market has to offer right now, delivering a great display, performance, cameras, and more for just $350.Following the horrendous battery life of the Pixel 4, we've been quite pleased with how the 4a handles a full day of use. It doesn't have the absolute best endurance we've ever seen, but it's proven to be more than capable of getting through a full day without any problems.Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what other Pixel 4a owners have to say about their battery experience: TgeekB 10-21-2020 10:34 AM “ I would consider myself a moderate user. Text, email, news, weather, music, etc. I easily get though a day. Reply vzwuser76 10-21-2020 04:56 PM ...

Google's cutting out a step in a common user workflow.What you need to knowGoogle Docs wants to get better fo Office users with a new change.The app will now automatically open compatible office files in their respective editors. It's rolling out for all users between October 27th and November 11th.Google Docs could open Office files for a while now. First, double-clicking on a file stored in Drive would open the file as a preview rather than in an editor. You'd be given the choice to open it in an editor if you wanted to or download it, but most people opening Office files do actually want to work on them at that moment.Likely as a result of user feedback, Google is changing the workflow. Instead, it'll open Office files including .docx, .doc, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm automatically in their associated editor app, whether Docs, Sheets, or Slides. Users may still invoke the Preview by right-clicking and then pressing preview, but the default behavior for Docs is no...

We use our phones anywhere and everywhere, exposing them to filth, germs, bacteria, and even viruses. We take them from place to place, holding them in our hands, to our ears, and putting them in our bags or pockets. It's a good idea to properly clean and disinfect your device frequently to keep the grime and nastiness under control so those germs don't migrate from the phone to you. Fortunately, here are some of the best phone cleaning kits that include everything from phone sanitizers, screen wipes and sprays, and also cleaning solutions that will help you and your remain healthy.Clean screen on the goZEISS Mobile Screen Wipes (60ct Box)Staff PickIf you need your screen clean when you're not home with your spritzer bottles, I absolutely adore these single-serve wipes. I keep a few of them in my bag for wiping my screen after it gets all sweaty and grimy when I'm out and about.$11 at AmazonLet there be lightPhonesoap Smartphone UV SanitizerThis phone-sized tannin...

There are a bunch of enhancements and fixes, too.What you need to knowOnePlus has released the OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 update for the 8 and 8 Pro phones.The update optimizes the Canvas AOD feature and improves background process management.Several bug fixes are included as well.OnePlus has started rolling out the third OxygenOS 11 Open Beta to two of its best Android phones. While the stable OxygenOS 11 update has already started rolling out to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 brings Ambient Display improvements and several bug fixes.The latest OxygenOS 11 Open Beta adds Canvas support to the Always-on ambient display. To enable it, you will have to head over to Settings > Ambient Display > Always-on ambient display and choose "All day." The animation effect with Canvas has also been optimized, so you can expect a smoother unlock experience.In addition to the Ambient Display improvements, OnePlus claims to have optimized the background process mana...

For the first time in its 20 year history, Big Brother kicked off its 22nd season with a live two-hour premiere. However, after a grand total of 85 days, Big Brother All-Stars is coming to an end and we have all the details on how you can watch the season 22 finale online or on TV.Unlike past seasons that introduced Big Brother fans to an all new cast of players, this season of the show adopted the All-Star format where favorite cast members from previous seasons returned for another shot at winning the half a million dollar grand prize.Normally Big Brother announces the cast ahead of time but this year to keep up the surprise, the cast of season 22 wasn't revealed until premiere night. This season's Big Brother contestants were all either past winners, former finalists or favorite houseguests from past seasons. As we go into the finale though, Keesha, Nicole A., Janelle, Kaysar, Bayleigh, Ian, Da'vonne, Kevin, David, Dani, Tyler, Memphis and Christmas have all been eliminated wi...

Get that puzzle solved once and for all.Genshin Impact, the hit new open world, action RPG is here and with it, tons of challenging battles and puzzles to solve as you explore the world of Teyvat. Each of the major battles requires a different strategy, but most can be beaten with access to some of the best characters. The puzzles, however, cannot just be brute-forced. Fortunately, we here at Android Central know everything you need to know to get past each of these puzzles so you can continue your journey through Teyvat.The Chi Guyun Geo Statue puzzleAt the top of the highest mountain in the Qingce Village sit several Geo Statues you can light up. However, you can only light up four and if you pick wrong, you have to start over. In the center of the statues is another bit of Incomplete Writing to offer you a clue on how to solve this puzzle. Unfortunately, the clue requires a pretty intimate knowledge of the region which you probably don't have yet.Hint: if you change the ti...

Anker's having a one-day blowout at Amazon on its popular and well-reviewed charging accessories with prices discounted by 30% or more while supplies last! This sale offers a varied mix of products to help you power up including power strips, USB-C cables, wall chargers, car chargers, and more.For an easy and affordable way to quickly charge up your phone, pick up the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 for just $18.99 — its best price to date. The 30W USB-C wall charger can get your compatible device charged up quickly and, being equipped with GaN tech, it's still a super compact brick that won't overheat.At home or in the office, you likely have a lot of devices plugged in at all times so it makes sense to grab a power strip to give yourself some more AC outlets. The Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule power strip is your best pick today if that rings true for you. It's down to just $44.99, a $25 savings, and features three AC outlets, two 15W USB-A ports, and a 45W USB-C PD connector. I...

Samsung's Galaxy Note 10 phones are still worth talking about.In the second half of each year, Samsung launches a new entry in its Galaxy Note series to showcase the very best it has to offer in smartphones. For 2019, Samsung used the Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+, and Note 10+ 5G to do just that.2019 was the first year Samsung's ever launched three Notes simultaneously, and along with that, the company also made some controversial decisions when it comes to legacy Note features. Even so, these handsets stand out as some of the best smartphones Samsung has to offer right now (even with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Note 20.Eager to learn more? Keep on reading.The perfect tenGalaxy Note 10$942 at AmazonFrom $710 at Walmart$850 at B&HSamsung's 2019 Note is still a powerhouseWith the Galaxy Note 10 series, Samsung decided to market three different models instead of one, removed the headphone jack, and phased out the microSD card. However, with gorgeous AMOLED ...

Google and Samsung don't measure up to what Apple is offering with its latest smartwatch.I've used dozens of smartwatches over the last five years — everything from Wear OS to Samsung's Tizen-based offerings, Fitbit's products, and Xiaomi's budget-focused models. The only product I actually ended up using for any meaningful stretch of time was the LG Watch Urbane, and that was because Android Wear (as it was called then) was still a novelty.My nonchalance toward Wear OS smartwatches stems from Google's foibles in this area. Wear OS hasn't received any meaningful updates in a long time, and the interface just does not feel cohesive. The same goes for Samsung — while the Galaxy Watch 3 looks great, the software lacks polish.So when I was offered the chance to try out the Apple Watch Series 6, I was immediately interested. The Apple Watch carved out a huge lead in the wearable segment over the last five years, and I wanted to see if Apple's implementation is better than what G...

The update is only available for 2018 and newer Fire tablets.What you need to knowAmazon is rolling out a new software update to select Fire tablets to turn them into your smart home control hub.The new Device Dashboard lets you easily control smart devices such as smart lights, switches, plugs, and thermostats.You can access the new Device Dashboard from any screen, including the lockscreen. Amazon has released a new software update for some of its Fire tablets, adding a new Device Dashboard that enables them to control smart home products that are Alexa-compatible.To access the new Device Dashboard on your Fire tablet, you will simply have to tap on the new Smart Home button that appears on the left corner of the navigation bar. You won't have to close any apps to access the Smart Home button, as it is accessible from every screen. The Device Dashboard allows you to control any compatible Alexa-enabled device, including smart lights, security cameras, switches, plugs, a...

Genshin Impact's multiplayer mode is easy to unlock and use. Here's how you access it.If you, like many of us, are playing Genshin Impact, you may have noticed that the further you get into the game, the more challenging things start to get. And I don't mean technically — I mean that enemies start to have just, piles of health. Domains, the game's equivalent of dungeons, are far tougher. It sure would be nice if you could do all these challenges with a friend or two, huh?Fortunately, you can. Genshin Impact has a multiplayer feature that lets you bring up to three friends along on certain adventures. And it's relatively easy to unlock. Here's how you do it:How do I unlock multiplayer in Genshin Impact?Multiplayer in Genshin Impact is unlocked at Adventure Rank 16. It happens automatically once you acheive this rank, and you don't need to do anything else to make it available.How do I get to Adventure Rank 16?Adventure Rank 16 is not too difficult to access. Follow t...

If you're looking for a killer Ring Video Doorbell deal, look no further than this refurbished bundle offering a factory reconditioned Ring Video Doorbell Pro with a 1st-gen Amazon Echo Show at Woot. The pair of devices is going for only $124.99 there — less than the doorbell alone usually goes for — making it a total no-brainer. All you have to do is add both the doorbell and the smart display to your cart and you'll see the extra savings applied automatically at checkout.These two devices make a great pairing, hence the bundle. The 1st-gen Echo Show has a 7-inch compact display and Alexa built right in. You can use it to control your entire smart home, but you can also use Alexa to check in on your Ring device and see who's at the door. Thanks to the Video Doorbell Pro's built-in speakers and mic, you can talk to visitors without leaving your kitchen. You can also get alerts sent straight to your device any time the Ring Video Doorbell Pro detects motion or someone rings the ...

The quest for European glory continues tonight as matchday two of the Champions League group stage takes place including this Group G clash between Juventus and FC Barcelona. Don't miss a moment with our Juventus vs Barcelona live stream guide.After a disappointing round of 16 exit in last year's competition, today's hosts Juventus will be hoping for a better showing in this year's Champions League campaign. The Italian champions got off to a good start in the tournament with a 2-0 win at Dynamo Kyiv with two Álvaro Morata goals securing the victory on the night.In the league, the Serie A title-holders are unbeaten so far as they aim to lift a record tenth consecutive Coppa Campioni d'Italia. However, three of those games have ended in a draw including a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Crotone which leaves Bianconeri in 5th place currently.That being said, it's as good a time as any for Andrea Pirlo's side to be playing Barcelona. Though Barça won their first Champions League...

What are the top things I need to know about the Note 8?The Galaxy Note 8 has been one of our favorites in the storied Note series. At one time, it was the biggest phone Samsung made, and it continues to influence the series to this day. While you may not be considering purchasing one at this stage, it's still a serviceable workhorse for many, even several years after it was released.Jump to:Price and availabilityReviewsSizeComparisonsCamerasColorsFAQsGalaxy Note 20Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Price and availabilityThe Note 8 was very clearly the top-end device in Samsung's flagship lineup when it was released in August of 2017. It initially retailed for around $950, give or take, depending on the market and carrier. These days you can find it for much cheaper, whether you're purchasing one previously owned or as new.Samsung Galaxy Note 8 ReviewsIf you want to revisit what we thought of the Galaxy Note 8 when it debuted, you'll want to check out or original ...

If you're consistently running low on time throughout the day, having a smart robot vacuum cleaner like one of these discounted models from ILIFE could work wonders for your life. Even though Prime Day is long gone and Black Friday sales are yet to kick off, you can actually snag all-time low pricing on a couple of robot vacuums thanks to this one-day sale at Amazon. Both of the featured models actually went on sale in the run-up to Prime Day and today's prices are even lower with up to 35% off.The popular ILIFE A9 is discounted as part of the sale. It's down to $149.99 which is its biggest price drop to date, $10 lower than its Prime Day price.Unlike some robot vacuums, the A9 will not just run around randomly cleaning up your floors. It uses sophisticated mapping and navigation technology and cleans in a methodical back-and-forth pattern. It won't repeatedly go over the same spots and it won't miss areas. Plus, the vacuum has 14 smart sensors that help it to clean along furnitu...

Amazon's heavy hitter has been overhauled with a focus on quality and volume.When people say they have an Amazon Echo, they almost always mean they have an Echo Dot. The cheapest of the Echo family regularly drops into stocking-stuffer price points, which allowed for these speakers to quickly rise in popularity over the last two years. But popularity doesn't necessarily mean quality, and the competition quickly moved to make mini speakers with better speakers and a more visually pleasing design.Amazon, now on the third generation of its Echo product line, has responded with a new Dot. And at first glance, it looks an awful lot like Amazon is reacting to the competition. After a few days of using it, and seeing how much better this new speaker is over its predecessor, I think the only company Amazon is competing with is itself.Crank up the volumeAmazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) ...

You'll find links to Google's 'how to vote' and 'where to vote' features on your YouTube homepage on Election Day.What you need to knowYouTube will be adding a new election results information panel at the top of search results on Election Day.The information panel will warn users that the election results may not be final and link to Google's election results feature.Similar to previous elections, YouTube will also show live streams of election night coverage from news partners as polls close.Google announced a bunch of new election features for Search, Maps, and Assistant earlier this month. YouTube has now shared updates on how it plans to make its platform a more reliable source for election-related news and fight misinformation in a blog post.On Election Day, a new election results information panel will be displayed above search results for queries related to the election or videos that discuss the election. The new information panel will remind users that election ...

Wing is the first phone under LG's Explorer Project.What you need to knowLG's Velvet and Wing phones have been launched in India.The LG Wing comes with a unique form-factor, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765G chipset, and a 64MP camera. LG Velvet has a Snapdragon 845 chipset, 48MP camera, and a 4,300mAh battery.LG's dual-screen Wing smartphone, which was announced last month, is now official in India. Along with the Wing, LG has also launched the mid-range Velvet in the country. While the phone is nearly identical to the Velvet in most areas, it has a unique design that sets it apart from all other Android phones out there.The LG Wing's standout feature is its swiveling P-OLED FHD+ main screen, which has a secondary 3.9-inch G-OLED display underneath. Under the hood, LG's Wing runs on a 7nm Snapdragon 765G chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage. It has a triple-camera setup on the back with a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP "big pixel" ultra-wide ...

The Immersive Home Platform promises Gigabit speeds in pocket-sized form factors.What you need to knowQualcomm has officially unveiled its Immersive Home line of chipsets, the 310 and 210 series.These chips are designed to bring Gigabit speeds to pocket-sized mesh Wi-Fi 6 routers.Partner brands like Xiaomi, Belkin, and TP-Link have announced that their future products will be using the new Qualcomm chipsets.Qualcomm has officially announced the Immersive Home Platform, which includes four new chipsets designed for mesh Wi-Fi systems. With a modular architecture, these chipsets bring improved Gigabit wireless speeds to different mesh router form factors, including ones "as small as the palm of the hand."The goal is to advance Wi-Fi 6 and 6E coverage while making the transition easier and more accessible than before. In other words, not only do the new chipsets promise smaller form factors, but they also allow for manufacturers to create more affordable mesh Wi-Fi systems....

The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a curved AMOLED display covered with Gorilla Glass 6, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need a great screen protector. Curved glass is inherently more vulnerable than flat, and the Note 20 Ultra's massive screen leaves many opportunities for scratches and potential cracks. That's why you should buy one of the best Note 20 Ultra screen protectors for your new, expensive phone.The glass wayVenoro Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickVenoro is a name we often rely on for quality screen protectors for all major phone releases, and with the Note 20 Ultra, it's showing up to the plate yet again. This single-screen protector is of the tempered glass variety, offering incredibly scratch resistance, a 99.99% transparency rating, and a super slim design at just 0.2mm thick.$12 at AmazonComboBAZO Soft Screen Protector (2-Pack)If you're looking to stretch your dollars a bit more, you can't ignore this package from BAZO. It all sta...

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days, and to prove it, we've rounded up a list of the best Android phones under $300 for your consideration. Motorola has been a leading name in mid-range options for years, and that holds true with its excellent Moto G Power. For an extremely competitive price, you get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out. Plus, it has a massive battery and convenient USB-C charging.Best Overall Android Phone under $300: Moto G PowerMotorola launched a few different Moto G phones for 2020, but the one that stands out as the best pick for most people is the Moto G Power. This is a phone that nails all the basics, has a very affordable price, and a cool trick up its sleeve — battery life.A 5,000 mAh battery is crammed inside of the Moto G Power, meaning you can get between two and three days of use out of the phone before needing to charge it up. In a world where a lot of $1,000 flagships need to b...

Is Genshin Impact the clone-y-est clone of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? The gang review it along with Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and a preview of Little Nightmares 2. No cryptid chat this week, but there's a nice little side quest into CCG's and Beanie Babies!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:What is Genshin Impact and should you play it? | Android CentralGenshin Impact: Everything you need to know | Android CentralMario Kart Live: Home Circuit review — A magical AR experience best shared with others | iMoreLittle Nightmares 2 preview: Hospitals just got even creepier | Windows Central...

Bose QuietComfort EarbudsBig and comfy$279 at AmazonProsSuperb sound qualityBest ANC performanceSolid ambient modeComfortable fitWireless charging caseConsBuds and case are biggerNo EQ in appNo control customizationBose came back with a pair of true wireless earbuds that deliver possibly the best active noise canceling (ANC) performance in this market, though you will have to deal with bigger buds in your ears.Sony WF-1000XM3Still sounding on$228 at AmazonProsExcellent sound qualityTop-class ANC performanceGood bud and case battery lifeUSB-C for wired chargingGood app to customize sound and ANCConsCall quality could be betterNo wireless charging caseCase and buds are largeThe WF-1000XM3 have been the best true wireless earbuds with ANC for some time, and their overall performance still stands out because they do the most important things so well every time.This is as tight as an earbuds battle can get. Bose manages to directly...

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 ($500)iLife V3s Pro: Perfect choice for those on a budget ($160)Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI: Best object detection and learning ($800)Roborock S6: Best battery life in a robot vacuum($530)Neato D4: Top pick for cleaning corners ($330)What are the best robot vacuums you can buy today?There are a LOT of great robot vacuum models that are available right now, and picking the right one can be a difficult task. We've done the research, though, a...

Best bang for your buckSamsung Galaxy Tab Active2$408 at AmazonProsSlightly lighter in weightAvailable nowSuper rugged designConsNot high-res screen No-touch sensitivity with glovesNot a lot of storage spaceWhile it's the previous generation version, launched in 2018, the Active2 still serves as the basis for the Active3. And it has many the same features like LTE support, Pogo pin for power, S Pen, and user-replaceable battery, and it's just as durable and secure. But it does have its limitations, including limited storage and glove operation requiring physical keys. But it's still a decent option that will suffice for many field workers.Lots of new featuresSamsung Galaxy Tab Active3$TBAProsEnhanced shock absorption for greater durabilityScreen is touch-sensitive while wearing glovesTons of storage, 1TB microSD card compatibleConsNot yet available in North America Slightly heavierIt's not officially available yet, but the Active...

The annual BET Awards show happened this year in June, but now, the more narrowly focused BET Hip Hop Awards show is happening live tonight. There will be performances from artists like Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Jhené Aiko, with plenty of surprises sure to take place.The awards categories themselves will revolve around best hip hop video, best hip hop live performer, best hip hop album of the year, best hip hop music video director of the year, and best hip hop platform, among others.Best hip hop album of the year includes MEGAN THEE STALLION, Future, and Dababy as some of the nominees. Megan and Dababy are also up for several other awards, including best live performer which also features Drake.The Impact Track category includes a song from Anderson .Paak called "Lockdown" which perfectly encapsulated both COVID-19's impact on society as well as the tension beginning to flow onto the streets in the wake of George Floyd's murder. It's a powerful song with an incredib...

Holy pre-orders, Batman! That's a lot of PS5s.What you need to knowSony CEO Jim Ryan has stated that demand for the PS5 is "very, very considerable."The PS5 has pre-sold in 12 hours what the PS4 sold in 12 weeks in the United States.You can buy a PS5 now ahead of its release on November 12, 2020 for $499 or $399 depending on which model you purchase.It's going to be very difficult finding a PS5 this holiday season. According to Sony CEO Jim Ryan (via Reuters), the PS5 pre-sold as many units in 12 hours as the PS4 did in 12 weeks in the United States. Now that's impressive. Ryan also indicated that this "very considerable" demand will affect PS5 stock at major retailers."It may well be that not everybody who wants to buy a PS5 on launch day will be able to find one," said Ryan. He assured that the company is "working as hard as we ever can" to increase supply for holiday shoppers.Aside from the PS5, Ryan also spoke about PlayStation's first-party studios, stating that th...

If you want to protect your privacy and shield your sensitive information, you ought to invest in a VPN. Fortunately, it's not super expensive to get set up with a reliable VPN, especially with deals like this one on CyberGhost. It's currently offering a savings of 83% on its VPN service when you sign up for its 3-year subscription and you also get three extra months thrown in for free.You'd regularly pay $12.99 for its service month-to-month and its annual plan usually lowers that to $5.99. However, with this deal, you're effectively paying just $2.25 per month over the course of the 39 months. It's billed as an up-front payment of $88 and is one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself with a VPN for the long term. This Halloween deal expires soon, though.You've probably heard of VPNs before, but you might not yet have installed one. If you do any amount of shopping online or if you tend to find yourself hooked up to a public Wi-Fi network like when you're working at you...

The branding changes and expands.What you need to knowUplay+ is a subscription service allowing players day one access to new Ubisoft games.Uplay+ has been renamed Ubisoft+.Ubisoft+ is coming to Amazon Luna and Google Stadia.Uplay+ is currently a PC-only subscription service that gives players access to new Ubisoft games on day one for $14.99 a month. Today, Ubisoft announced that Uplay+ is being renamed Ubisoft+, though the content and offerings in the service won't be changing.PC players can still access the same games and Ubisoft+ is also coming to Amazon Luna and Google Stadia. It'll arrive on Luna in beta form on November 10, while the Stadia launch will happen sometime later. No additional cost is needed to access Ubisoft+ games on Luna during the beta period, while you also won't need Stadia Pro to access the games on Stadia.This isn't the only Ubisoft service that's changed names. Ubisoft recently revealed that Uplay and Ubisoft Club were being replaced with Ubi...

Farther reach, faster speeds, and more ports, too!What you need to knowLinksys Velop AX4200 is a next-generation Wi-Fi 6 mesh system that covers up to 8,100sqft of space.Each Velop tower provides four LAN ports and full-speed Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.One tower is $250, while a 3-pack is $500.The Linksys Velop family is getting another Wi-Fi 6 upgrade with the release of Linksys Velop AX4200. Delivering 802.11ax speeds up to 4200mbps via its tri-band dynamic backhaul, Linksys Velop AX4200 will give you consistently amazing speeds throughout your entire home and likely your yard too, thanks to a maximum coverage of up to 8,100sqft. Velop AX4200 is a more affordable version of the current best Wi-Fi 6 mesh router available, the Linksys Velop MX10.At $100 less for a 3-pack, the $500 Linksys Velop AX4200 system utilizes all three wireless Wi-Fi 6 bands on each tower. You can also pick up a single tower for $250, which is rated to cover up to 2,700sqft by itself. Just like other mo...

Other plans go up to $60/month for more channels and features.What you need to knowT-Mobile has unveiled its new live television streaming service, called "TVision."TVision Live TV costs $40/month for 30+ channels, including sports and local networks.Also announced is the TVision Hub — an Android TV streaming device that'll set you back $50.The streaming market is one that's always changing, with 2020 alone seeing a lot of activity in the space. Peacock and HBO Max launched, YouTube TV increased its price (again), and Quibi peaced out after just six months. Now, T-Mobile is inserting itself in the streaming wars with the launch of TVision.While TVision is the overarching name for what T-Mobile's offering, it consists of a few different parts. The first of which is TVision Live TV, which is the core plan that's meant to compete with the likes of YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. It costs $40/month and gives you over 30 channels — including the likes of ESPN, Cartoon Ne...

It will also host Samsung products.What you need to knowA new one-of-a-kind retail store is coming to South Korea.It will feature products from Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft. It won't have any staff, but will be run 24 hours a day, and customers will be helped by AI. A new retail store in South Korea named 'T Factory' will host products from Samsung, Apple, and Microsoft with no staff and artificial intelligence.As reported by The Korea Herald: SK Telecom Co., South Korea's largest wireless provider, said Tuesday it will open a new flagship store by partnering with Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corp. The new store, named T Factory, in the trendy neighborhood of Hongik University in western Seoul, will open on Oct. 31, according to the carrier. SK Telecom said it partnered with the US tech giants and Samsung Electronics Co. to showcase their latest products and services, including the carrier's cloud gaming service, launched in September with Microsoft. It added t...

Prime Day is over and done, and we are not hesitating to roll right into Black Friday mode. Frankly, neither are the retailers. Best Buy already had a pre-Black Friday event in the middle of Prime Day. Dell declared Black Friday the day after. We're not even in November yet! It's a weird year.There are very few certainties in this universe. Death, taxes, and TV deals on Black Friday. Even in a weird year with retailers pushing out deals all month long and getting started weeks earlier than normal, you can count on seeing excellent TV deals. It's going to be 4K and Smart TVs and HDR support and all that good stuff all the way down. We'll have all the best Black Friday TV deals in this post, and we'll continue to add more as more retailers make their deals known.Samsung Q60T 75-inch QLED 4K HDR smart TVThis is a powerful TV with 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has voice assistance built in so it's compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung's Bixby. T...

Google's vision for the future of gaming is here.The world of gaming is changing, thanks in part to new new cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia. Rather than coming to market with another console or PC competitor, Stadia's a new service that allows you to play games across a growing number of devices using Google's powerful cloud-streaming technology.Ready to learn more? Let's dive in.Everything you needStadia: Premiere Edition$100 at Google StoreA good way to startThis bundle includes everything you need to get started with Stadia. It includes the controller, a Stadia Controller Power Adapter, Google Chromecast Ultra, and a Google Chromecast Ultra Power Adapter with an Ethernet port.Jump to:Stadia impressionsWhat is Stadia?What games are available on Stadia?The Stadia ControllerHere's the list of supported devicesHow's it work with YouTube?You'll need a good internet connectionLet's breakdown the two plansWhen and where Stadia is availableYou...