Latest from Android Central

Those hoping to snag an affordable VPN deal this holiday shopping season will want to check out the current promotion running at VyprVPN. For a limited time, you can score a free year of service when you go for the already-discounted 2-year plan. At just $60 upfront, you're effectively paying just $1.66 per month over the course of the subscription making this one of the cheapest VPNs available right now.It's wild how much of our lives are online in this day and age, and even wilder just how much personal data we share and how much we're tracked across the web. That's probably why VPNs, or virtual private networks, have gotten so popular in recent years as we strive to claw back a little bit of online privacy. Thankfully, you don't have to spend a fortune to subscribe to one with a variety of inexpensive VPN services out there.VyprVPN may be one of the cheapest options available right now at under $2 a month, but it's not short on features. The service has strong encryption and f...

The latest iteration of the iPad Air stands tall over its Android rivals.If you're looking for the best Android tablets, you will have to pick up something made by Samsung. The South Korean manufacturer is the only brand continuing to release Android tablets with any regular cadence, with Amazon catering to the budget segment with its Fire HD series that runs a forked version of Android.Android tablets showed a lot of promise three years ago, with the likes of Xiaomi, ASUS, and Lenovo releasing a slate of models. But Google hasn't paid much attention to this category, and recent Android versions don't include any tablet-focused features. The move has soured other manufacturers to the form factor, and Samsung had to come up with workarounds to optimize apps for the tablet form factor.While Google has effectively given up on the tablet segment, that isn't true of Apple. The iPad continues to be the default choice in the tablet category, and Apple introduced iPadOS last year with ...

The companies have 45 days to hand over information about their privacy practices to the FTC.What you need to knowThe FTC has ordered nine tech companies to provide information about their data practices.The orders are being sent to Amazon, ByteDance, Discord, Facebook, Snap, Twitter, WhatsApp, Reddit, and YouTube.The companies will have to respond to the FTC within 45 days of receiving the order. The Federal Trade Commission has sent orders to nine popular tech companies, requiring them to provide information on how they collect, use, and present data from their users. The orders have been issued under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act, which authorizes the agency to "conduct wide-ranging studies that do not have a specific law enforcement purpose."The FTC wants to know how the companies determine which ads are shown to consumers and whether they apply algorithms or data analytics to personal information. It is also seeking information related to how their practices affect chi...

Since we're all going to be stuck indoors watching Christmas films for the foreseeable future, now's the time to upgrade your TV to something bigger and better. Woot is giving you the perfect opportunity to do just that with a huge one-day sale on Samsung smart TVs has a few different models to save on today only that you need to check out.All of the TVs in today's sale are factory reconditioned, and though they may not be brand new, they've each been inspected and tested to ensure they're in proper working condition. Oftentimes, you can barely notice an item has been used before after it's been refurbished. Plus, Woot includes a 90-day Samsung warranty with the purchase. Prices start at $169.99 with the 4K options starting at $219.99, though there's no telling how long these TVs will last so be sure to shop soon.The sale includes a few models of the super neat Samsung The Frame TV. This TV has made a name for itself due to its Art Mode, which transforms the TV when it's off into...

Who needs big, over-sized phones when these great small ones exist?Ever since the first Samsung Galaxy Note made its debut back in 2011, the smartphone market has constantly pushed towards larger and larger handsets. Big phones allow you to have larger displays, bigger batteries, and more room to mess around with things like multiple camera sensors.All of that stuff is fine and dandy, but in this quest to make gigantic smartphones that bring everything but the kitchen sink, there's been an unfortunate side effect — phones have gotten really difficult to use. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and OnePlus 8 Pro are two of the best Android phones to be released in 2020; however, their cumbersome designs often hinder the overall user experience (despite how good everything else is).Thankfully, things are starting to change. This year saw small phones make a comeback in a way we haven't seen in a long time — so much so that Apple even jumped on the bandwagon. Yes, Apple! Small phones are...

It's 2020, and OnePlus is done settling.OnePlus manages to release some of the most exciting and interesting Android phones every year. The concept of getting flagship specs for considerably less money than the competition is what's helped OnePlus stand out from other brands. Still, as prices rise with each new release and that cost gap closes, OnePlus has had to further refine and improve its phones to help them stand out.For 2020, OnePlus brought two new handsets to the U.S. with the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro. The OnePlus 8 is a pretty minor update to 2019's OnePlus 7T, while the OnePlus 8 Pro is where the company put all of its marbles to create its most premium smartphone to-date.Whether you're interested in our review, full device specs, or a closer look at the OnePlus 8/8 Pro's best features, here's everything you need to know!Done settlingOnePlus 8 Pro$799 at AmazonOnePlus goes full flagshipThe OnePlus 8 Pro marks a big shift in OnePlus as a company. ...

There are a bunch of Fitbit devices on the market these days and choosing between them can be difficult. One key factor for many buyers, presumably including you reading this article, is price. Fitbit's smartwatches and fitness trackers span a wide range of price points and pretty much all of them can be found at a discount if you know where to look.Best Fitbit Deals Available NowFitbit Smartwatch Deals: Save up to $50Fitbit Fitness Tracker Deals: Up to $31 offFitbit Smart Scale Deals: From $49More Info: Pricing history, which to buy & moreFitbit Sense | $278.95 at AmazonThe Sense is Fitbit's newest and most premium smart health watch, and it's also the company's most expensive wearable. It has sensors to measure your electrodermal skin activity, temperature, and stress levels, and it can also take an ECG reading to determine if you have atrial fibrillation. All of this in a stylish new package with all of the comprehensive fitness tracking you've come to expec...

Get started with Live Albums, one of Google Photos' best features.Google Photos is one of the best ways to manage and store all of your pictures and videos. With simple cloud backups and powerful search features, it makes saving all those precious memories as easy as can be.If you find yourself storing a lot of stuff in Google Photos, you'll want to take advantage of a feature called "Live Albums." This automatically adds photos of the people and pets that you choose to their own respective albums, taking out some of the stress of managing all your various pictures. Here's how to use it!How to create a Live Album on Google PhotosIf you're ready to get started with Live Albums on Google Photos, doing so is quite easy. Let's get started:Open Google Photos.Tap the Library tab at the bottom.Scroll down a little bit.Tap New album.Tap Select people & petsSelect the people and pets you want to include.Tap Confirm at the top-right when done.Add a title to your album t...

The Nokia 5.4 is HMD's most affordable phone yet with a 48MP camera.What you need to knowNokia 5.4 is the latest addition to HMD Global's lineup of affordable Android One phones.It comes with a 6.39-inch HD+ display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662 chipset, and quad rear cameras with a 48MP main sensor.The phone will retail for €189 ($230) in Europe.HMD Global took the wraps off the Nokia 5.3 in March this year, alongside the Nokia 8.3 5G and Android Go-powered Nokia 1.3. Nine months later, HMD Global is back with a new budget phone to take on some of the best cheap Android phones on the market. The Nokia 5.4 isn't a big upgrade over its predecessor, but promises a significantly improved camera experience.HMD Global's latest budget phone sports a 6.39-inch HD+ display with a waterdrop notch at the top, housing a 16MP selfie camera. It is powered by Qualcomm's 11nm Snapdragon 662 chipset, which has been paired with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Around the back of the phon...

Alexa is an assistant of many talents, live translation just became one of them.What you need to knowAmazon now supports Live Translation via Alexa.The new feature is enabled on Echo devices based in the U.S.You can currently translate between English and Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, or Hindi.Amazon today announced and launched a nifty new feature for Alexa, a built-in live translator. Now, select devices will be able to use Amazon's assistant to serve as an interpreter between a limited pair of languages in real-time (via XDA Developers).You'll be able to use Live Translation with one of six language pairs, including English and Spanish, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, or Hindi. It'll only be made available on Echo devices with their regions set to English U.S, at the moment.Amazon explained how the feature worked on Monday, saying: The Live Translation feature leverages several existing Amazon systems, including Alexa's a...

Christmas is right around the corner, and Google's helping make it fun with its annual Santa Tracker.What you need to knowGoogle has launched its annual Santa Tracker, just in time for Christmas.Santa is being a bit health conscious, donning a purple mask in recognition of the global pandemic.Googles Santa Tracker can be installed from the Play Store or as a progressive web-app if your browser supports it.Christmas is here in just over a week, and Google's Santa Tracker has made its annual appearance as we track the jolly red gift giver on his global journey from the North Pole.Going over the Santa tracker site, you'll notice a minor cosmetic tweak. That's right, Santa and Mrs Claus are donning purple face masks (spotted by Android Police). It seems even the frosty North Pole isn't immune from concerns of the coronavirus (though if he still plans on zooming through everyone's house in a night, he'd best stock up on hand sanitizer.)Google has also trotted out the usual...

It's nearly the end of an era as the Nest brand takes over.What you need to knowGoogle has just sold the last remaining units of the Home Max smart speaker.Google Home branded devices have been slowly replaced by Nest branded ones.The Home Max will still receive software support for an undisclosed amount of time.The original Google Home has effectively been dead for a while, to the point where any search for it on Google's Store simply tells you that it's no longer available. It's had a good run in the four years it managed to stay alive, but now another Google Home speaker has met its end.Engadget reports that any remaining units have been sold and Google is no longer manufacturing them. A cursory glance on the Google Store will still present you with a "buy" button on the Home Max product page, but then you'll be met with a greyed out "out of stock". While it's a sad end for such a great speaker that doesn't have a direct replacement, the newer Nest Audio speakers are p...

Phone Hub is even closer to reality with these new visual updates.What you need to knowGoogle Phone Hub has received some visual updates, giving a better look at the upcoming feature.This looks to be Google's answer to Microsoft Your Phone on Windows.There is still no expected date for the final version.Not to be outdone by Apple and Microsoft, Google is working on its own desktop-level phone integration dubbed "Phone Hub". The feature was first hinted at several months ago when code was discovered referencing the app, as well as some visual UI aspects. At its most basic level, Phone Hub will integrate Android with Chrome OS, allowing users to control aspects of their phone from their desktop.Since the earliest mentions of Phone Hub, there seems to have been some updates, which include a number of new UI elements. None of the functions actually... function, but it should give you an idea of what you might expect once the full version rolls out. From the looks of ...

Your pets are part of your family. You take pictures of your animals, include them in activities, and feed them and love them. Want to give something back to your four-legged friend for all their loyal years of service? These are the best pet gadgets around. Some will help you keep an eye on your furry friends while others reward good behavior and give your best pal something to do when you're not home.Eyes on the prizeViture 1080P Pet CameraStaff FavoriteThis Wi-Fi camera keeps encrypted files on an SD card that only you can access. With 1080P Night Vision, you get clear images night or day of your pets inside or out. This video camera has motion detection that alerts you when your pet is on the move. And with two-way audio, you can tell your dog to get off the couch even when you're in the office.$26 at AmazonDeshedding magicFURminatorEliminate matted fur and stray pet hair without scissors or stressing out your dog or cat. The FURminator does away with lo...

You may not realize it, but you can actually use a webcam with the TV in your home for your video calling needs. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to find the best TV webcams, but we've rounded up some of the best that can handle just about every situation you throw at it. The Facebook Portal TV is our favorite thanks to its easy integration with your Facebook account, along with the built-in Amazon Alexa smart features, packing a nice one-two punch to keep in touch with the family or even if you just want one of the best webcams to connect to your TV.Best TV Webcam Overall: Facebook Portal TVThe Facebook Portal TV is an easy choice for the best TV webcams thanks to its simple installation process and included features. Just about everyone you know likely has a Facebook or WhatsApp account, so getting everything setup is as easy as signing into your account. Plus, you have the added benefit of onboard Amazon Alexa for easy integration with your smart home.T...

Google Nest Hub Max brings Zoom to a smart screen near you.What you need to knowZoom add integration with Google's Nest Hub Max.The feature is currently in early preview and should be rolling out to users starting today.Users interested in using Zoom on their Next Hub Max need to link their Zoom accounts.The holidays are upon us, and many people are remaining in their own homes amid the current pandemic. For those of you who have opted out of traveling this holiday, Google Meet and Duo are already available on its smart displays, but now Google is going the extra step by finally integrating Zoom with its Nest Hub Max.In order to get started, you will first need to link your Zoom account, which can be done within the Google Home app settings. Simply navigate to "Services" then tap "Voice and Video calls" and then "Video & Voice apps". Here you'll be able to add Zoom to the list of app providers by following the instructions. Once it's set up, you can simply say "He...

Portable, versatile, and great-sounding. Every podcaster needs one.It's hard to imagine a more iconic microphone than the Shure SM7B. The legendary cardioid mic was famously used on Michael Jackson's album Thriller and has since been used on countless other records as well as for voiceover and podcasting work. It's an unbelievably versatile mic, with an instantly recognizable sound signature that works equally well for vocals, guitar amps, brass instruments, and even drums.That's why I was so excited when Shure announced the MV7, a sort of miniature SM7B with a particular focus on podcasting and on-the-fly adjustments. As a fairly regular voice on the Android Central Podcast (and a musician who occasionally works up the courage to post vocal performances on social media), it seemed like a perfect fit for my workflow, offering a versatile recording experience without some of the difficulties of using the SM7B.In my three weeks with the Shure MV7, it's lived up to every bit of th...

Figuring out what's wrong isn't going to be easy. Getting it fixed isn't, either.So a thing has been happening on Apple computers, and apparently, the Chrome web browser is behind it all. Depending on who you ask, this is either a new thing or a thing that's been happening for almost 10 years, but in any case, it is a thing. It's a real problem that is happening right now to plenty of people who use Chrome on a Mac. Google isn't trying to purposely break every MacBook, but there is an issue at hand.Without going too deep, what's happening is that the part of macOS that creates and manages application windows, called WindowServer, is going off the rails and using way too much processing power, and for some reason, the automatic update utility Google has built into Chrome is causing it. Users experiencing this — and not every user does, which makes it harder to find and fix — can simply delete Chrome and the problem is fixed, or they can dig into the command line and stop...

It's time to make the family some hot chocolate, get out a few cozy blankets, and settle in for one of your favorite holiday films. Disney+ is full of content designed to be watched during this time of the year, from holiday episodes of popular TV shows to some of the best Christmas movies ever. Whether you're in the mood to watch something animated or a live-action film, Disney+ has you covered.Give Disney+ as a gift subscriptionDisney+ has a new way you can share the service with another friend or family member. This holiday season, you can buy a gift subscription for $69.99 and have it delivered via email on the day of your choosing! The subscription gives your recipient an entire year of access to Disney+, and once the year is over, they'll have the option of adding in their payment info to continue the subscription. There's no risk of it charging you again.Happy holidays!Disney+Shop at Disney+Give the gift of Disney+ this holiday season. The Disney+ gift subscripti...

Best answer: Yes, but not in the way you'd want expensive headphones to work. Apple's AirPods Max are premium over-ear Bluetooth headphones built with features that have some exclusivity attached to them for iOS users. Given the price, there are premium alternatives that do more for less.Maxing out: AirPods Max ($549 at Best Buy)What the AirPods Max can doThe AirPods Max have H1 chips in both ear cups. It's the same chip introduced in the second-generation AirPods that facilitated the super-fast pairing and easy access to Siri through voice activation. The improved battery management means the headphones won't die faster since they're constantly listening for the "Hey Siri," command, plus you get longer talk time for calls.Apple put in a digital crown like the one from the Apple Watch as the primary form of onboard control for volume, skipping/repeating tracks, making phone calls and activating Siri. There are nine microphones, eight of which are included to handle the ac...

Google just made using Meet on a Nest a lot better.What you need to knowGoogle has made Meet better on the Nest Hub with a slew of updates.These include a new grid view for group video calls, pinning callers, and a new overflow menu.These changes are being made available immediately.Using Google Meet for your holiday catchup? Granted, Google's made that easier to do by making Meet free, but it's also rolling out substantial improvements for Nest Hub (and other smart displays) this week when it comes to group calling.The first feature is a useful visual tweak, from now, you'll be able to see up to 4 people at once in Meet with a new 2x2 grid view. Not everyone will fit inside that grid, so Google's also adding a new overflow menu where you can see all the call attendees who aren't visible. If you do want to pay specific attention to someone, you can now pin them on your display to keep them front and center.Here's how it'll look once you're fully set up.Aside from th...

No more invites!What you need to knowAmazon is making its Halo health tracker available for purchase after an early-access periodAmazon Halo has been met with some controversy regarding the invasiveness of its service.The launch also includes a few new features, including on-demand workouts.After a few months in a limited "early access" period, the Amazon Halo band and service are now available to the general public. The band does not feature a display that is meant to keep from distracting the user and go largely unnoticed on their wrist. And while the device is meant to fade into the background, the device is much more involved in its tracking than other similar devices.Beyond the typical step, calorie counter, and sleep tracker, Amazon Halo can also measure the intensity of your activity. For users who subscribe to the $3.99/month membership, it can take things even further by calculating your body composition, and even has a feature called Tone that actively listens...

Best answer: The Arlo Essential battery will last up to six months, or up to a year with the Essential XL Spotlight Camera. Although that estimate depends on how often and when the camera is activated, with nighttime footage burning through the battery twice as fast. It can last indefinitely if you connect your Essential Camera to an Arlo solar panel.Six months or less: Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera ($100 at Amazon)Up to a year: Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera ($130 at Amazon)Never worry about battery life: Arlo Essential Solar Panel Charger ($50 at Amazon)How long will the Arlo Essential battery last?Many wireless or wire-free security cameras have removable battery packs, so you can buy a spare and swap it in with almost no footage downtime. That isn't the case with the Arlo Essential, which we named the best Arlo camera for people just starting out at home security. It has a built-in battery, so you'll need to unmount and recharge it indoors when its battery runs ou...

Horrifying in its own way, this is pure gaming gold.I love platformers. From metroidvanias to side-scrolling action RPGs, there's a lot to love in this classic gaming genre. In the spirit of platforming goodness, it's my pleasure to introduce our Android Game of the Week for this final week before Christmas: Limbo.You've probably heard about it, and it features in both our best Android platformers and best Android games roundups. It's a delightfully creepy game, full of shadowy surrealism that leaves you wanting more. There are definitely good reasons why this game is liked.Limbo is over ten years old now, which is almost impossible to believe. It tells the story of a young boy who ventures into limbo to find out what happened to his sister. His journey is fraught with danger as he wakes up in a dark forest, and you're left to figure out the context as you push forward.It's more accurate to label Limbo as a puzzle-platformer since it features plenty of puzzles to challeng...

PlayStation is notoriously bad at customer support when it comes to refund requests, so you'll need to be patient.Cyberpunk 2077 runs like garbage on PS4 and Xbox One. There's just no other way to say it. Our own Cyberpunk 2077 review mentions the persistent bugs that still plague the game on PS5 through backward compatibility. If you're looking to refund Cyberpunk 2077 after buying it on PS4 digitally, you should contact PlayStation.While CD Projekt RED has acknowledged the problems and stated that everyone can request a refund on PS4, PlayStation Support hasn't always been helpful to customers in the past. Should you have any issues, CD Projekt RED says to contact the studio at helpmerefund@cdprojektred.com where you will have until Dec. 21, 2020 to request a refund on your game. If you purchased a physical copy, you should try to request a refund from the retailer you purchased it from.How to request a refund on Cyberpunk 2077 for PS4 and PS5Go to playstation.com/en-us/su...

The rollable phone will be 7.4-inches in size when fully stretched out and promises to be lighter, thinner, and more reliable than folding phones.What you need to knowLG is reportedly readying three new phones for launch in 2021.The LG Rollable is set to be the first commercially available rollable smartphone, while the LG Rainbow will be the company's more traditional flagship.It's also preparing a mid-range option, tentatively named the LG Q83.LG is set to steal Oppo, Xiaomi, and Samsung's thunder next year by becoming the first company to offer a rollable smartphone. We've been hearing about this phone for quite some time, of course, but a new report from Korean outlet ETNews sheds more light on the company's plans at large, with three new smartphones planned for early 2021.Of these, two are slated to be flagship devices. The most eye-catching of the two will, of course, be the company's rollable phone, rather unimaginatively codenamed the LG Rollable. It's is said to ...

Source: StackCommercePodcasting has taken off massively in the past couple of years. If you want to jump into the gold rush, Podsite can help you publish and promote your show. Right now, annual plans are 50% off at $29.99.Anyone with a mic can publish a podcast nowadays. But to generate any kind of audience, you need to work hard at promotion. Having your own website is an essential part of pulling in listeners.Podsite is a website builder that was made specifically for podcast hosts. Rated at 5 stars on Product Hunt, the platform offers a wealth of dedicated features.You build your online presence in Podsite using an AI-powered drag-and-drop editor. It's easy to change the design, add email sign-up forms, and share links to your social media accounts. You even get access to a stock image library.Podsite also lets you create a unique page for every episode of your podcast, complete with RSS and SEO. This makes your show much more discoverable.You would normally pay $60 a yea...

Future-proofedLenovo Flex 5 Chromebook$406 at AmazonProsTwo more years of updatesMore advanced Wi-Fi and BluetoothFront-facing stereo speakersGreat battery life and portsConsNo 8GB RAM optionThe Flex 5 matches its Chromebook rival with a backlit keyboard, flexible 2-in-1 design, 2 USB-C ports, and 10+ hour battery. Where it stands out is its SSD storage option, later auto update expiration date, and better price.Bigger, brighter displayASUS Chromebook Flip C434$518 at AmazonProsSlightly larger, brighter screen with wide sRGB gamut8GB RAM, i5/i7 CPU optionsGreat battery life and portsStylish aluminum bodyConsTinny, downward-facing speakersBetter CPU options are rare, expensiveIf you want a wider range of specs to choose between, the ASUS Flip gives you a wider range of CPUs and RAM options based on your budget. But whichever configuration you buy, you'll get a 14", colorful display with plenty of nits.The Lenovo Flex 5 Chrom...

Best Oculus Quest 2 Deals Available NowOculus Quest 2: as low as $299Oculus accessories: starting at $39More on the Oculus Quest 2The next step in VR hardware has arrived, and now that the Oculus Quest 2 is available on store shelves, you can discover an immersive virtual reality of gaming starting as low as $299. Of course, if you know where to shop, you might even be able to score a discount on this new VR system.While deals don't come around every day on this new release just yet, it's not too soon to score a discount on the Oculus Quest 2. In fact, with the holidays right around the corner, we could be seeing some major savings sooner than you'd think. If you have yet to decide whether this VR headset is the right one for your home, our Oculus Quest 2 review can help you learn more about the new model.Best Oculus Quest 2 DealsThe Oculus Quest 2 was only just released in mid October, so it will still be some time before we see any crazy discounts on the new model. ...

The holidays are here and nothing says I love you like PlayStation merchandise. That's the saying, right? Anyways, you're probably on the lookout for some affordable gifts this holiday season, and PlayStation is always popular. While it's near impossible to get your hands on a PS5 or any official PS5 accessories right now, there are plenty of related products you can get that'll make the recipient just as happy... ok, I'm lying that they'll be just as happy, but the point is these are some cool PlayStation gifts that won't break the bank.Near limitless optionsPlayStation Store Gift CardStaff PickYou can never go wrong with a PlayStation Store Gift Card. They start at $10 and go all the way up to $100 if you really want to spend the big bucks. Regardless, they're the perfect gift when you don't know what to get because the recipient can choose whatever they want from the store and you have the knowledge that you didn't just give money. It's the thought that counts.From $...

Stadia's library continues to growWhat you need to knowUbisoft+ beta begins rolling out today for Stadia US users for $15/mo, Pro not required.Roll out will be gradual and concludes on December 16.Features cross-platform progression and premium versions for big titles.Following the recent news about Ubisoft+ and Stadia, Google has now started rolling out a beta version of Ubisoft+ that's available to Stadia customers in the US. Access is available for both free Stadia users and Stadia Pro subscribers at a price point of $15 a month, which also includes Ubisoft+ for PC as well. The rollout will complete on December 16. Over time, this should dramatically expand and improve the quality of the Stadia game library.According to a representative, the Stadia version of the Ubisoft+ beta should feature the same games as the current Luna beta for Ubisoft+. This mostly consists of recent AAA releases such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs: Legion, Immortals Fenyx Rising, and...

Samsung's next big version update is now available.One UI 3.0 — Samsung's custom interface for Android 11 — is finally starting to arrive. Between official rollouts and public betas, Samsung's well underway with its update process for the new software. The stable release is now rolling out to the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 devices, and should make its way to older flagships soon.One UI 3.0 comes with exciting new features, subtle UI tweaks, and optimizations across the board. Here's what you need to know about the One UI 3.0 update, the list of eligible phones slated to receive the stable update, and when you'll get the stable OTA update on your Galaxy phone.The default choiceSamsung Galaxy S20+$950 at Amazon$950 at Best BuyA great all-round optionThe Galaxy S20+ is one of the best phones on the market today, with a gorgeous design coupled with enticing hardware. You get a stunning 120Hz AMOLED panel, global 5G connectivity, Snapdragon 865 chipset, outstanding came...

A set of guiding principles for all three to strive for.What you need to knowMicrosoft, Nintendo and Sony are the three console platform manufacturers.The three companies are working together to collaborate on safe online gaming standards.These standards are guided by prevention, partnership and responsibility.While online gaming is an everyday part of players lives, it's still not as safe as it could be. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo, the three gaming console giants, announced today via Xbox Wire that the teams are working together on shared safety standards across gaming. These standards are focused on three principles: prevention, partnership and responsibility.Prevention is aimed at not only providing safety features but making them easy to use and publicly known, while also investing in new technology that makes playing safely easier. Partnership focuses on having huge swathes of the industry work together, sharing research and encouraging the use of reporting tools. ...

All Google services went down for just under an hour, but they're back up and running.Update 1, December 14 (7:45 am ET): Google services are coming back online after going down around the world for nearly an hour.Update 2, December 14 (10:30 am ET): Google issues a statement clarifying the reason for the global outage.What you need to knowWidespread Google outage is affecting Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive, and other core Google services.Users are unable to log in to their Gmail accounts, YouTube's home page is down, and all Nest devices are affected. Google is aware of the issue, and is investigating the problem right now. Google is seeing a widespread outage that is affecting most of its key services, including Gmail, YouTube, Drive, and others. So if you're trying to log in to your Gmail inbox or access YouTube's home page and unable to do so, you're not the only one facing issues.When I try logging in to my Gmail account, I get the following error: We're sorry,...

Usually after big events like Black Friday we see some of the deals come back for at least a little bit of time, but it's more rare to see the deals get even better. Right now the Crucial MX500 1TB solid state drive is down to $89 at Amazon. Not only is that the lowest price we've ever seen for this particular SSD, it's $5 better than a deal we shared over the Black Friday weekend. It's $5 better than other retailers right now, too, like B&H. Amazon is price matching Best Buy with this deal, which is part of a larger one-day sale for Green Monday.There are two real reasons you'd want to get this SSD. The first is you've never upgraded to an SSD before. Everyone should be on an SSD in the year 2020. If you're still working from a hard drive, I wouldn't even hesitate. I mean, if you have enough time to go refill your coffee while waiting for your operating system to load when you turn your computer on in the morning, you need to upgrade. The second reason to get this is if you al...

PS5 stock is selling out fast so be sure to have your credit card ready.Want to buy a PS5? Well, so do millions of other people and the stock levels that we've seen so far are tight. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we've seen them stay in stock is like 15 - 20 minutes, and that's at random times, so finding one for yourself can be a difficult task. Sony has warned that it will be difficult to find stock, but retailers are promising more is coming.In our PS5 review, we called it a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller.Jump to:When are retailers releasing new stock?Buy in the U.S. Buy in CanadaBuy in the UKWhere to buy PS5 accessoriesTips for buying a PS5Which PS5 games you should buyWhen are retailers releasing new PS5 stock?Update, December 14: Best Buy will have more PS5 stock on December 15.Best Buy has announced that it is restocking the PS5 at 9am ET / 6am PT on Tuesday, December 15. All s...

Whether you're already all-in on smart home tech or just getting started, you've probably come across Philips Hue products on your shopping trips. The company offers some of the most well-regarded smart lighting devices on the market, though they often come at a significant cost.That's exactly why you need to jump on rare deals on refurbished products when they come around such as this one-day sale on factory reconditioned Philips Hue gear at Woot. You can smarten up additional areas of your home without breaking the bank and rest easy knowing you've got a 90-day warranty in the unlikely event anything goes awry.The sale features a wide variety of options so it's great for new Hue users or those looking to smarten up yet more rooms. If you're just getting started, the best pick for you is the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit which is available for just $139.99. Considering the same kit would cost you $199 brand new, this is a killer saving and one that probably won't make ...

Hotspot Shield VPN Why choose Hotspot Shield VPNPremium quality VPN features that get you fast speeds, Netflix unblocking and some great extrasWorks withMacWindowsAndroidiPhone & iPadLinuxRoutersBest VPN forNetflix, Hulu, and streamingGamingTorrenting and downloadingSecurity and privacySee at Hotspot ShieldProsUnblocks Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+ and moreVery fast performanceEasy to useBonus apps includedConsWeak website supportFew appsHotSpot Shield is one of the biggest names in the VPN world. This is thanks to its ability to offer plenty of speed while combining that with an easy to use interface that makes it appealing to everyone.This definitely falls in the premium category both in price for short term deals and the high-end features. Not only does this work well as a VPN but it...

Best answer: If you want to keep your phone, it will need to be unlocked and compatible with a new carrier. To keep your number, you will need to port with the new carrier. Be sure not to cancel your old account until your port is complete.Manage your AT&T account: AT&T Wireless SupportManage your T-Mobile or Sprint account: T-Mobile SupportManage your Verizon account: Verizon Wireless SupportWhich carrier should you switch to?One of the main things to consider is the network. While all carriers have made huge strides in recent years to make sure they offer service where most Americans live, some rural areas still strongly favor one carrier over another. Check out the coverage maps for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to get an idea.If you like the network but don't like the plans, it's time to check out an MVNO. The best MVNOs can save you money by getting rid of the features and services you don't need and offering a simplified phone plan. For example, if you kno...

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a godsend for those of us who want to stick with our trusted non-smart television and also want to access Netflix on it, while the Fire TVs have all the capabilities of Amazon's Fire TV Stick built into the TV itself. They're generally affordably priced, but the best time to purchase one is during a sale. Below are the best Fire TV deals we could find to help you locate the right device or TV set for your home.Best Amazon Fire TV Deals Available NowFire TV devices: from $18Fire TVs: as low as $130Device bundles: starting at $48Sometimes, Amazon offers deals which are only available to Prime members, so it helps to keep your membership active while you're on the hunt.Best Cheap Fire TV Device DealsHoliday savings are here, and that means there are some great Fire TV deals to be had. If you have yet to cut the cable company out of your life, the devices listed below are easily worth their full price so you can finally make it happen. You migh...

Chatting with the AC forums.Galaxy Note 20 users, rejoice! Customers with the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra are now reporting that the Android 11/One UI 3.0 update is rolling out, likely indicating that it'll soon be headed to other carriers and unlocked models very soon.One UI 3.0 brings a lot to the table, including things like chat bubbles, revamped notifications for messages/conversations, new home and lock screen features, and more.A few Note 20 users with the update have already shared their thoughts in the AC forums, saying: sweetypie31 12-12-2020 08:40 AM “ I love how the settings options are spaced apart now on the screen . On Android 10 everything looked so crammed together. Now the options are easier to find and see . I like that you can go into settings under notifications and see your notification history. Reply Ruben Ocas...

A bargain choice in a crowded space.For Creative, the Outlier Air V2 are actually a third kick at the same can. The original Outlier was followed up by the Outlier Gold, which included the company's Super X-Fi technology — albeit in a reduced capacity. But those two essentially sounded the same, whereas the Outlier V2 come with audio improvements that make them a serious player in their price range.It's not just the sound that makes these worth consideration, it's also the excellent battery life and comfortable fit round out an impressive set of features for less than many competitors.At a glanceCreative Outlier Air V2 Bottom line: Creative corrects some key elements from the past with these new true wireless earbuds, even if it didn't get everything right. The point is they sound better than their predecessors, which a...

The Verizon and T-Mobile Galaxy Note 20 models are expected to start receiving the update before the end of the month.What you need to knowAT&T's Galaxy Note 20 and S20 series phones are now receiving the stable Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update.In addition to Android 11, the update also brings other enhancements such as a refreshed UI and new customization options for the Always-On Display.The update is rolling out in stages, so most users will have to wait slightly longer.Earlier this month, Samsung kicked off its Android 11-based One UI 3.0 rollout for its Galaxy S20 series. According to reports from users on Twitter and Reddit, the Galaxy Note 20 series phones on AT&T have also started receiving the One UI 3.0 update (via SamMobile).The update arrives as version N98xUSQU1CTL2 for two of Samsung's best Android phones and weighs around 2.5GB in size. Along with the AT&T Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, the AT&T Galaxy S20 models are also now getting ...

Perfomance kingTicWatch Pro 3$300 at AmazonProsThinner and lighter than beforeLarger screenRuns the newest Snapdragon 4100 processorFantastic battery lifeImproved Dual Display 2.0New sensors and health trackingConsStill large for some wrists More expensive than the Pro 2020Only one color optionMobvoi has a winner with the TicWatch Pro 3. It's got fantastic performance from the Snapdragon 4100, improved and added health sensors, and the body of the watch has been trimmed down. If you like the TicWatch Pro 2020, the Pro 3 is an instant upgrade.A solid optionTicWatch Pro (2020)$260 at AmazonProsDual Display 1.0 is still a great featureGood battery lifeU.S. military-grade durabilityLower cost of entryConsQuite a bit larger than the Pro 3Running older Snapdragon 2100 processorThe Android 11-based Wear OS update unclearWhen the TicWatch Pro 2020 got its upgrade to 1GB of RAM, it made a world of difference. Though it's still great ...

Here's how Samsung can make the Z Fold Lite a hit.2020 gave us a lot of fantastic smartphones, though few of them were as exciting or interesting as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. Samsung's successor to the revolutionary Galaxy Fold proved to be a massive success — keeping what worked about that first phone while simultaneously righting all of its wrongs.The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a technical marvel, to say the least, but all that innovation and bleeding-edge tech come at a price. As much fun as it is to talk about the Z Fold 2 and gawk over its design, shelling out the $2,000 required to actually buy the thing is another story.High price tags have proven to be the single biggest hurdle that folding phones have yet to overcome, but in 2021, that could be changing. Rumor has it that Samsung is working on a budget variant of the Galaxy Z Fold, with it likely being called the "Galaxy Z Fold Lite." Exact details on the Z Fold Lite are still pretty murky, but leading up to the phone's e...

If you already made your big tech purchases during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you should focus your deal-hunting attention on picking up essential accessories during the holiday sales.A one-day sale at Amazon allows you to do just that with popular Anker charging accessories discounted by up to 45% there while supplies last. The sale offers a varied mix of products including wall chargers, power banks, car chargers, cables, wireless chargers, and more.If you've got a Qi-enabled phone (which is likely if you bought your phone in the last five years), you ought to upgrade to a wireless charger. Thankfully Anker's sale makes it super affordable to do with the PowerWave Evo Stand down to just $17.59 today. The 10W charging stand can power up phones from Apple, Samsung, LG, Google, and more. Today's price is a 26% discount and you don't have to shell out for a wall charger to go with it as one is included.If you want a way to power up your gear on the go, there are a few power b...

Just because Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday have all come and gone doesn't mean there aren't chances to save between now and Christmas. Best Buy is celebrating Green Monday with a huge one-day sale taking hundreds off all kinds of electronics. The sale is pulling out all the stops, too. You'll find discounts on 4K TVs, laptops, and even toothbrushes and toilet bidets. All the prices will disappear by tomorrow (it ain't called Green Tuesday!) so act fast if you see something you like. Many of the items may even sell out as some already have.The Lenovo Yoga C940 laptop is down to $1,099.99 with this sale. That's $500 off its regular price. This is a powerful 2-in-1 laptop that can convert to a tablet. It has an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and 32GB Intel Optane Memory for even faster multi-tasking power. It also has a 4K touchscreen display.Want some other ways to save on 4K? Grab TCL's 4K 55-inch Android TV for $279.99 during this sale. ...

Samsung's flagship killer is apparently also cannibalizing sales of the mid-range Galaxy A51 and A71.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S20 FE is reportedly a hit among consumers in the U.S.As per Wave7 Research, the phone is among Samsung's top three sellers at most carrier stores.Samsung's vanilla Galaxy Note 20 and S20 are also performing surprisingly well. The Galaxy S20 FE is Samsung's first serious attempt at taking on rivals such as OnePlus in the highly competitive value flagship segment. While it may not have the same premium metal and glass build as its more expensive siblings, the Galaxy S20 FE delivers phenomenal value and happens to be one of Samsung's best Android phones in a long time. As per report from market research firm Wave7, the Galaxy S20 FE is a hit among consumers in the U.S., with 60% of carrier store reps saying it is one of the top three best-selling Samsung phones (via 9to5Google).The @SamsungMobileUS Galaxy S20 Fan Edition ("FE," reps call it) i...

5G will make sense someday, but not in 2020 and probably not 2021, either.2020 saw every major carrier release some sort of sub-6 5G with coverage going out to what they call "the majority of Americans," but for what? I've written quite a lot about megabits, megahertz, and layer cakes but the worst thing is, I've also found myself defending the concept of 5G in what so far seems to be the most underwhelming advance in wireless tech ever. Buying a 5G phone in 2020 feels a lot like it did when I bought a 1080p TV in 2007. If you're a nerd, you can salivate over the specifications, but if you just want to get the most out of every dollar you spend on tech, it's pretty disappointing. Still, most of the best Android phones support 5G already.High refresh rate displays wowed usPlastic phones are the bestCloud gaming went mainstreamStar Wars games saved usCheap phones got good againDoes wireless technology really need a killer app?The upgrade from 2G, or what most of us ...