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Master Chief has arrived in Fortnite.What you need to knowAfter leaking earlier this week, Epic confirmed tonight that Master Chief would be joining the world of Fortnite.Alongside the Master Chief news, Epic also revealed that Blood Gulch will be available in Fortnite's Creative Mode. Additionally, characters from The Walking Dead will be joining the game later this season. After leaks popped up earlier this week, Epic confirmed that Fortnite and Halo would be crossing over with each other after all, with Master Chief joining the world of Fortnite.Alongside the news that Master Chief would be joining Fortnite, Epic also revealed that Blood Gulch, the iconic multiplayer map from the Halo franchise, would be making its way to the world of Fortnite. The map will be available in Fortnite's Creative Mode starting tomorrow, and will be fully editable, with players able to put their own Fortnite-esque spins on the legendary area.The world of Fortnite has undergone quite t...

A new map called The Airship is coming to Among Us in 2021.What you need to knowAmong Us is a social deduction game that first released in 2018 but gained popularity this year.During The Game Awards 2020, a new map called The Airship was revealed.There are only a handful of maps in the game right now, and The Airship is coming in early 2021.All Among Us GuidesHow to play Among UsAmong Us: Best tips & tricksHow to kick and ban playersAll levels in Among UsThe Skeld tasks guideMIRA HQ tasks guidePolus tasks guideDoes Among Us support cross-play?How to create the best Among Us gameHow to set up voice chatHow to be the best ImposterTips for finding the ImposterEvery way you can kill a CrewmateCustom Games in Among UsThe difference between the PC and mobile versions of Among UsThe difference between the paid and free versions of Among UsHow to unlock holiday-specific hatsTranslation of common termsHow Among Us got so popularHow to customize your chara...

Marvel rounded out Investor Day with our first look at so many Marvel shows and films.What you need to knowMarvel gave updates on its robust roster of films and shows at the end of Disney Investor Day.We got trailers for four Marvel shows headed for Disney+ including the What If...? animated anthology.Kevin Feige confirmed that Black Panther will not be recast but Black Panther II will continue Chadwick Boseman's legacy and tell new stories in Wakanda.Wow. Disney Investor Day was like Comi-Con but without having to stand in lines for twelve hours to get into Hall H. Not only is Disney+ getting a lot of new content — and its first price increase — and if the slate of new Star Wars shows felt like it was too much awesome at one time, take a look at all the Marvel goodies we got today.Marvel Original ShowsWandaVision is just around the corner and got a brand new trailer that gets a little more in-depth into just what the frak is going on in this TV pocket dimensio...

Google continues to make its Workspace experience an integrated one.What you need to knowGoogle will now let users edit Microsoft Office documents directly from Gmail.The company earlier enabled Office file editing within its Google Docs suite, this feature builds on that earlier improvement.It's rolling out to all Google Workspace users within the next two weeks.Google now allows users to edit Office files directly from Gmail using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It's a feature that works due to the company's enhanced integration with Office files. As we reported, Google earlier rolled out full Office file support in its own online office suite, and now you're able to reap the fruits with Gmail.This change shows up as two new features. First, you can now directly open an Office file sent to you as an attachment in its associated Google Workspace app. A Word doc will open in Docs, a PowerPoint in Slides, and so on. It's not like the in-line editing that Microsoft has on ...

Oh look another beautiful indie game to fall in love with.What you need to knowScavengers Studio, the developer behind the Darwin Project, announced Season at The Game Awards 2020.It will release as a PS5 exclusive.A release date was not announced.Darwin Project devs Scavengers Studio are working on a new game titled Season, and it was showcased at The Game Awards 2020. They did not announce a release date for Season, but we do know that it will be a PS5 console exclusive, at least initially. Season, a third-person atmospheric adventure bicycle road trip game. Through the eyes of a young woman from a secluded community, explore the world for the first time. Collect artifacts and memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes away the world...It looks like a charming indie game and a big departure from the Darwin Project. Other than what's showcased in the trailer, there isn't much known about Season. Scavengers calls it a passion project for the studio."We have ...

Tech's biggest players just don't learn.What you need to knowGoogle has been fined over $120 million for violating French privacy laws.Amazon was also fined, but to a lesser extent of about $42 million.The violations surround the way companies obtain user information before consent is given.On Thursday, both Google and Amazon were slapped with fines for violating French privacy laws. The Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés, or CNIL, is a French administration tasked with enforcing privacy laws around user data in its country. According to the CNIL, both Amazon and Google were not entirely forthcoming to consumers about the information they were collecting and what it was being used for. The fines equate to over $42 million for Amazon, while Google takes a larger hit with a $120 million fine, the largest to date by the CNIL.Investigations into both companies commenced earlier in the year, and it was concluded that both companies began storing identifyin...

Now existing users have a shot at getting a free ChromecastWhat you need to knowGoogle is offering a free Chromecast with Google TV to existing YouTube TV subscribers.Eligible subscribers much claim the offer by December 31st.Google recently offered a similar promotion for new YouTube TV subscribers.YouTube TV isn't cheap by any means. What used to cost $35 a month, shot up to $50, and now sits at $65 a month. It's not terrible, and is in line with other live streaming options, with the added benefit of being a Google brand. Every now and then, Google will offer discounts or extended free trials, but the latest promotion is for those of you who have stuck around.If you're a @YouTubeTV subscriber, check your email - you may have an offer for a free Chromecast waiting for you! pic.twitter.com/noRLOek3a5— Andru Edwards (@AndruEdwards) December 10, 2020According to an email going out to some YouTube TV subscribers, Google is offering a free Chromecast with Google TV don...

Runs pretty well on the PS5 though.At the start of Cyberpunk 2077, your character wants nothing more than to get to Night City. Through marketing materials, we've been taught that it's a bright behemoth, sprawling and unobtainable thanks to controlling corporations and general dystopian rot. However, when my V, a nomad, entered Night City chased by border patrol, it was tough to take in. You're stuck in a car, shooting at officers, and all the while driving through industrial parks and barren wasteland underneath billboards. When you finally get to experience Night City — like, really experience it — it's through montage. You finally cut to six months later, and that's where the game really begins.This introduction changes depending on which backstory you choose for V, but it still represents the core issue with Cyberpunk 2077: it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's a gigantic open-world to explore in Night City, with a variety of NPCs, storefronts, and culture clashing...

Decoupling GPU and system updates will allow Samsung a lot more flexibility in the future.What you need to knowSamsung this week launched a new app aimed at improving gaming performance on its phones.The GameDriver app allows the company to update GPU drivers for games separately from larger system updates.Currently, only a handful of games are supported, though the company is promising to expand that number soon.Mobile gaming has become an incredibly lucrative market over the last decade and has, in recent years, taken center stage in the smartphone world, with every new flagship offering at least some gaming-oriented features — not to mention the gaming smartphones with desktop-inspired liquid-cooling heatsinks and more.In yet another sign of mobile gaming picking up some of the best parts of desktop gaming, Samsung this week announced the launch of a new GameDriver app. While Samsung's phones are already among the best Android phones out there, this change will make ...

The galaxy far, far away is about to get much bigger.What you need to knowDisney Investor Day brought us the biggest expansion of the Star Wars universe since Disney first acquired Lucasfilm.There will be ten new series in the Star Wars universe coming in the next few years on Disney+.Rangers of the New Republic and Ahsoka are new series in the same universe as The Mandalorian, and they will combine in a storytelling event.We also got confirmation that Hayden Christensen is returning to the role of Anakin Skywalker in the Kenobi mini-series!Disney Investor Day may not sound fun — and, yeah, it's not as awesome as a day at Galaxy's Edge — but this day is important in that it's a multi-hour sizzle reel of upcoming content that Disney has planned in the near future. While today mostly focused on Disney+ and the future of ESPN+, Hulu and the coming global expansion of Star (formerly HotStar), there was great news for Star Wars fans: we're getting a lot more new content in ...

What you need to knowDisney has struck a deal with Comcast to bring Disney+ to Xfinity consoles.There will be a ton of upcoming Disney+ Originals for Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney/Pixar in the next year.Disney's Disney+ expansion in international countries are bringing small price bumps in certain regions.Pixar's Soul and Raya and The Last Dragon will be available on Disney+.The price for Disney+ is increasing to $7.99 a month.Disney just announced some exciting new Disney+ expansions for subscribers outside of the US during the Disney Investor Day 2020 presentation. As of December 2, 2020, Disney+ has 86.8 million subscribers, which means a lot of those who had the free year through Verizon have continued to subscribe.In the coming year, Disney+ will be getting a lot of brand new content, including Disney+ Originals. This will include 10 new Marvel series, 10 Star Wars series, 15 Disney and Pixar live action and animation series, as well as another 15 more shorter featur...

What you need to knowThe next Disney+ Premier Access film will be Raya and the Last Dragon on March 5.Raya and the Last Dragon will launch on Disney+ at the same time it launches in theaters.A price change was not mentioned, so it seems it will be a flat $30 fee to unlock just as Mulan was.The pandemic and the continued closure of theaters in many markets have pushed back movie releases long enough, and Disney will be launching Raya and the Last Dragon on March 5 as a Disney+ Premier Access title, the same day it releases in theaters. Like the previous Premier Access movie, Mulan, Raya will be a one-time $30 upcharge fee that unlocks the movie for as long as you subscribe to the service.Raya's first theatrical trailer launched back in October and gave us an adorably badass look at one of our two title characters as well as her rotund sidekick, Tuk Tuk, which goes from tiny trap-springer to massive mount over the course of Raya's training to become a proud warrior. We go...

One of the best phones of 2020 for performance, cameras, and price, the Google Pixel 4a also has a minimalist design that will still comfortably fit in one hand with a thick case. So we've made sure to find the most hardcore protective cases available that will keep it dent- and scratch-free without blocking the rear fingerprint sensor. You'll find screen protectors, corner cushions, kickstand, and other defensive perks with the best heavy-duty Pixel 4a cases available today.Slender defenseSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickDespite its "rugged" moniker, this case is more compact than most heavy-duty cases while still reliably cushioning your Pixel 4a from falls. It protects your phone without detracting from its light, easy-to-hold design, and has some stylish texture on the back as well.$12 at AmazonTotal protectionPoetic RevolutionThis case bundles two front frames for people who either prefer a screen protector or keeping your display au naturel. The rubber cas...

Start streaming online around the world from your favorite social media platforms.What you need to knowThe Game Awards airs tonight at 7pm ET with a pre-show beginning at 6:30pm.You can watch it on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook Live, and more.There will be 12-15 new game reveals.Nominees for Game of the Year include The Last of Us Part 2, Ghost of Tsushima, Hades, Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.The Game Awards are happening tonight and it's sure to be a big show. Geoff Keighley has already stated that fans can expect anywhere from around 12-15 new game announcements, and some of the biggest stars in Hollywood and games will be presenting awards. Keanu Reeves, Christopher Nolan, Gal Gadot, Brie Larson, and Tom Holland are just a few of the celebrities set to make an appearance. The fun starts at 7pm ET, but the pre-show will begin half an hour earlier.How to watch The Game Awards 2020You can tune in to The Game Awards be...

Android and iOS apps will not be able to use X-Mode location data much longer.What you need to knowGoogle and Apple now prohibiting developers from using X-Mode's tracking software.X-Mode is under scrutiny for its work with government and law enforcement agencies.Developers on Android have one week to remove the code from their apps; iOS developers have up to two weeks.According to the Wall Street Journal, both Alphabet/Google and Apple have announced that they will no longer allow developers to use the location tracking information provided by X-Mode Social Inc. in apps running on their Android or iOS platforms.X-Mode creates location tracking software widely used by app developers and various government agencies, corporations, and law enforcement. The company has come under intense scrutiny recently, specifically for its security and defense contracts. It is currently under investigation by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden's office as well as from media outlets such as The Wall S...

OPPO's new smartphone can glow in the dark!What you need to knowOPPO has just released its Reno 5 series smartphones in China.Both the Reno 5 and Reno 5 Pro offer minimal upgrades to the cameras and connectivity options.The OPPO Reno 5 Pro features a MediaTek chipset and fluorescent coating on the camera bump.The OPPO Reno 4 smartphones were initially released only in June of this year, but the successors have already made their way just in time for the year's end. OPPO has launched the Reno 5 series smartphones in China, featuring updated designs and few spec bumps.While the Reno5 will stick with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G found in its predecessor, the Reno 5 Pro switches to MediaTek Dimensity 1000+, perhaps as a cost-saving measure. On the display side, the FullHD+ OLED panels are largely unchanged from the Reno 4 counterparts, save for the bump to a 90Hz refresh rate on the entry-level model to match the Pro. The fingerprint sensor is be embedded into the display, wh...

It's coming to the Oculus Quest family first.What you need to knowA new horde mode map is available on December 15, 2020 for free for all Arizona Sunshine players on Oculus Quest 1 and 2.This map takes place in the iconic trailer park location from the single-player portion of the game.This update will be coming to PC VR platforms and PSVR sometime in early 2021.Fans of Arizona Sunshine's horde mode are about to be even happier thanks to the release of a brand new free horde mode map that takes place in the game's iconic trailer park location. Gamers who have fought through the single-player campaign will likely be familiar with the setting, which will now see up to four players trying to survive wave after wave of zombies while racking up the loot for as long as they can.This free new horde mode map is launching exclusively on the Oculus Quest family of devices on December 15, 2020 with specific enhancements for the Oculus Quest 2. PC VR and PSVR Arizona Sunshine players...

Wireless chargers are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They're super convenient to use, offer solid charging speeds, and work with a range of phones. But what if they could go a step further? Well, now they can.A multi-functional wireless chargerSanDIsk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync$99.99 at Western DigitalWirelessly charge and backup your photosThe SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync not only keeps your phone topped up, but also makes sure your photos are backed up.The SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync not only keeps your phone nice and charged up, but it backs up your Qi™-compatible phone in the process. That's right, when you put your Qi-compatible smartphone on this Ixpand charger, it'll create a local backup of your photos and videos in full resolution.1 You don't have to do anything more after setup.The SanDisk Ixpand Wireless Charger Sync isn't the only way to back up your phone, but it's by far one of the most convenient. Sure, you could u...

The perfect cure for a rainy day or your morning transit commute.Not everyone wants to commit hours of their day to playing games on their phones. That's why casual games exist! These games have proven wildly successful, championed by iconic mobile games such as Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga. They're designed to be played on the go and at your own pace — as laid back or competitive as you want.Most casual games are free, offering in-app purchases and some ads. Some may cost you a dollar or two, but they're worth it. We've collected some of our favorites from the past, along with some newer games that are great to keep on your phone for a little gaming break during your day.The gamesSuper Mario RunAlto's Odyssey The Battle for PolytopiaReignsTwo DotsSmash HitBlekPiano Tiles 2Candy Crush SagaFruit Ninja FreeAngry Birds 2New Words With FriendsBattlelands RoyaleMini MetroCall of Duty: MobileTransmissionData WingChessplodeAI Factory LimitedAmong UsBrawl...

This game presents a real opportunity for Stadia to appeal to a lot more players.Despite a lot of reported problems with certain versions of Cyberpunk 2077, Stadia's version is looking pretty good. CD Projekt RED's latest RPG epic released to mostly positive reviews this week and seems to be a success, already capping off a big week of new releases for Stadia.Even though Cyberpunk 2077 isn't officially out on PS5 and Xbox Series X just yet, when gamers play the PS4 or Xbox One version on the respective next-generation console, they're able to enjoy a high-quality experience for the most part that is comparable to the PC version. However, if you're playing on an actual original PS4 or Xbox One, of which there are millions of consumers out there that still use those consoles, the results are downright messy.When you combine this with the high recommended specs for Cyberpunk 2077 on PC, as well as the impossibility of getting a new PS5 or Xbox Series X right now, options are limit...

The best Android tablet available right now is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. It's pricy, and not the right pick for anyone who wants a smaller and more portable tablet, but as an all-around device, it can't be beat. For those who have different needs (or budgets), there are a few other picks that work just well for media consumption and won't break the bank.The best Android tablets at a glanceSamsung Galaxy Tab S7 — Best Overall: An incredible display and equally impressive specs.Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ — Best Upgrade Pick: An even larger AMOLED display and all-day battery.Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite — Productivity for Less: Buy it when it's on sale.Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e — Midrange Option: An even more accessible tablet for tighter budgets.Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 — Low-Budget: A great option for first-time buyers with basic needs.Amazon Fire HD 10 — Big on a Small Budget:...

How many times have you jumped onto a Google Meet call, terribly embarrassed by the state of your "home office" or whatever room you were able to commandeer for a work call? It's happened to me more times than I can count. Thankfully, you can now change and customize your background in Google Meet — even before the call begins — so you can hide those piles of laundry and takeout containers and make people think you're in a chic coffee shop or secluded beach setting. I'll show you how in the steps below.Products used in this guideWelcoming webcam: Logitech Brio 4K Webcam ($200 at Best Buy)Meet me anywhere: Google Meet (Free at Google Play)How to change your background in Google MeetFrom your browser, open or create a Google Meet link.Before joining the call, click on the avatar icon at the bottom right of your video feed.This opens a background picker with over a dozen pre-populated background options. Click through them to see which you like best.Click on the f...

Spill some blood with the best Android shooters currently on the market.Professional and/or competitive shooter games are fast becoming a sustainable industry trend for mobile gaming. Both game development and smartphone hardware reaching the point where phones can absolutely deliver top-notch gaming experiences — even for first-person shooters.This still probably sounds like crazy talk to traditional PC gamers but the fact is mobile shooters have cut out a nice niche within the pro-gaming community — franchises such as PUBG Mobile and Guns of Boom have competitive esports leagues that can be advantageous to people who love to stream or try playing for cash in a tournament. Just like other online games for console or PC, mobile games reward teams who can practice and train together — or you can just jump into the game and have some fun on your phone.And if you're looking for something a bit less violent, check out our favorite Android games of 2020!The gamesCall of...

The Google Pixel 4a is the runaway leader if you're looking for a great budget phone right now. The phone delivers decent hardware backed by a flagship-tier camera, clean software, and fast updates. You'll therefore need to pair it with similarly-great accessories. So if you are looking for a case, screen protector, power bank, or other accessories for your Pixel 4a, you've come to the right place.The right choiceGoogle Fabric CaseStaff PickGoogle's fabric cases are the ideal way to protect your Pixel 4a. The fabric finish feels much better than a regular case, and this year it's made out of recycled bottles and is machine washable. The best part? The attractive color options add much-needed flair to the Pixel 4a.$40 at Amazon$40 at Best Buy$40 at B&H PhotoTiny powerhouseAukey Minima 18W USB PD Fast ChargerThis minuscule charger delivers a consistent 18W charge over USB PD, making it the ideal choice for your Pixel 4a. The charger has a dozen built-in safegu...

Cyberpunk 2077 isn't ideal on these seven-year-old systems.Hotly-anticipated RPG Cyberpunk 2077 has launched worldwide, but its Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions appear to be causing some early issues, especially for those with the seven-year-old base consoles. CD Projekt Red's latest, while positively received among reviewers, also comes with some well-documented bugs littered throughout its world. While few issues appear game-breaking, mostly lacking the expected polish from modern blockbuster releases, it's worth staying wary of its current launch state. But for those still rocking 2013 hardware, its ambition premise appears to be far from ideal on Xbox One and PS4.Cyberpunk 2077 is a cross-generation title, which sees the game launching on Xbox One and PS4 consoles, in tandem with Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 availability. While formal next-gen versions launch in 2021, those on the new consoles can still experience title-wide benefits through their respective backward-...

The panel will be piloted in the U.K. initially but will expand to other countries in the future.What you need to knowGoogle is modifying its search engine to offer more accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines.A new knowledge panel will show locally relevant information about approved vaccine candidates and more.The panel will first launch in the U.K., followed by other countries as they also begin approving different vaccines.As COVID-19 vaccines take center stage in the popular discourse, it's more important than ever to combat misinformation campaigns about the potentially life-saving cures, especially as apprehension over possible side effects raises concerns. To that end, Google has promised to use its search engine to provide a source of authoritative, up-to-date, and locally relevant information about potential COVID-19 vaccines.The feature will first launch in the U.K., with Google's blog post describing it as follows: Beginning in the United Kingdom, we'...

Everyone who works in an office setting, be it a corporate cubicle farm, a mom and pop shop, or working from a home office, knows that having a good office chair can make all the difference toward good posture and chronic pain. Unfortunately, not all of us have tons of cash lying around to invest in a $1,400 Herman Miller Aeron chair, especially after spending money on a good office desk to go with it (unless you use a lap desk!) We've compiled a list of some of the best office chairs under $100 (or slightly over, as pricing fluctuates) that you can find. Our top pick is the Neo Chair Marvel Avengers Headrest Office Chair. Not only does it look cool, but it also has great support and ventilation for a fair price.Best Overall Office Chair under $100: Neo Chair Marvel Avengers Headrest Office ChairMaybe it's just me, but when I have to sit down in a leather chair for hours on end, my end gets a little overheated. Too much information? Maybe, butt I'm sure I'm not alone. That's wh...

The CW's "Silent Night - A Song for the World," is a musical documentary about the creation of one of the most famous Christmas songs. This exciting rendition will feature Hugh Bonneville, Kelly Clarkson, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Josh Groban, John Rhys-Davies, Joss Stone, Randy Jackson and Gavin Rossdale, to name a few. We're seeing a lot of excitement for Kelly Clarkson's version of Silent Night, so here's how to watch it live on CW from anywhere.Silent Night was written and composed over 200 years ago by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber, in 1818, inspiring many as a message of hope and peace. So much, in fact, that it's one of the most popular singles of all time and has also been translated into more than 350+ languages.Did you know this song was so special it caused a Christmas ceasefire during World War I? Now that's one powerful and moving song! CW will premiere this documentary twice in December and you won't want to miss it. They have special appearances by actor Rhys-...

Today, the market is awash with printer paper engineered for various uses. Picking the right printing paper to meet your needs, even for seasoned printers, can be a daunting task. But there's a growing need to do so, especially with more people working from home.There are papers purely optimized for inkjet or laser printers, and papers that work with both as well as devices like all-in-one printers. To help you find the right printer paper, we have reviewed the best printer paper available today. HP Printer Paper, Premium24 is our top pick. Weighing 24 pounds a ream, the paper is heavy, thick and smooth enough for both laser and inkjet printingBest Overall: HP Printer Paper, Premium24Inkjet printers recreate text and image prints by spraying wet or liquid ink onto a paper. To create smudge-free prints, you ought to use a thick and fast-absorbing paper. On the other hand, laser printers print by melting the toner onto the paper. The ideal laser printing paper has to withstand ...

Even if Google is in the right when it comes to the departure of its best ethical AI researcher, the company looks very bad.Recently, Dr. Timnit Gebru, recognized as one of the best ethical AI researchers Google had ever hired, parted ways with the company. It wasn't a very cordial breakup, either.It all stems from a paper Gebru was intending to present at a computer science conference in March 2021 about ethics in AI — the kinds of things Android uses inside the best phones every day. Google claims it requires 14 working days to approve any writing or presentations of this type if an employee advertises themself as working for Google. This is so the company has a chance to make sure all the data about it is correct and current. That isn't a bad thing and most companies will have similar policies surrounding research papers.Where things differ is how each side portrays what happened next.Dr. Timnit GebruGebru says that there really isn't any hard and fast policy about res...

An update to the Carrier Services app is reportedly the cause.Update, December 10 (10:00 am ET): Google has rolled back the buggy Carrier Services update.What you need to knowMany Android users are reporting issues with SMS messages.Some are unable to send or receive messages entirely, while others report long delays when texting.Google's Carrier Services app is seemingly to blame.Many Android users have reported facing SMS issues over the last couple of days. From Reddit to OnePlus' support forums to the Google Play Store, a number of users, with phones from a variety of Android manufacturers, are experiencing either long delays while texting or are simply unable to send or receive SMS messages.The problem's origins can reportedly be traced back to a November 23 update to Google's Carrier Services app, which powers a lot of the carrier-related services on your phone. Users experiencing these issues have suggested that deleting the app from your phone may be a temporary...

Facebook's most controversial decision regarding Oculus hardware is being investigated in an antitrust case.What you need to knowFacebook is being investigated in Germany for forcing a link between Oculus VR headsets and Facebook accounts.New Oculus hardware currently requires a Facebook account.46 US states recently filed a separate lawsuit against Facebook regarding potential antitrust issues.Facebook is under investigation for potential antitrust issues surrounding its Oculus virtual reality headsets. Germany's Federal Cartel Office, also known as the Bundeskartellamt, initiated proceedings against Facebook earlier today. The aim of the proceedings is to "examine the linkage between Oculus virtual reality products and the social network and Facebook platform" (via Tech Crunch).Facebook announced earlier this year that Oculus headsets would require a Facebook account. Additionally, Facebook announced that it would end support for Oculus accounts in 2023, meaning that ev...

While it doesn't have an original design, the Mi Watch Lite offers great value.What you need to knowXiaomi has introduced an affordable new smartwatch for global markets.The Mi Watch Lite is based on the Redmi Watch, which was launched in China last month.It comes with a 1.4-inch color screen, 11 workout modes, built-in GPS, and a 230mAh battery.Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand launched its first smartwatch last month, alongside new Redmi Note 9 series phones. While the Redmi Watch is currently exclusive to China, Xiaomi today announced a new watch based on Redmi's first smartwatch for global markets.Just like the Mi Watch, which was launched last year, the new Mi Watch Lite has a very similar design to the Apple Watch. It features a 1.4-inch 320 x 320 TFT color display with automatic brightness adjustment and over 120 themed watch faces.While it obviously isn't as impressive as the best Android smartwatches when it comes to activity tracking, the Mi Watch Lite does offer 11 ...

It started as a small enthusiast brand back in 2014, but OnePlus has quickly exploded into a mainstream hit that's responsible for making some of the best Android smartphones every year. If you know you want to buy a OnePlus phone but aren't sure which model to get, we've got a quick list to help you decide which one is right for you!Best of the bestOnePlus 8 ProStaff PickWith the OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus finally released a phone without holding back a single feature. All of the OnePlus essentials are here, such as a gorgeous 120Hz display, Snapdragon 865 processor, a huge 4,510 mAh battery, and up to 12GB of RAM. The 8 Pro has the best camera setup we've ever seen on a OnePlus device, in addition to 30W wireless charging and an official IP68 dust/water resistance rating.From $689 at AmazonFamiliar formulaOnePlus 8TIf you like what the OnePlus 8 Pro has to offer but just can't justify its steep price, it's worth checking out the OnePlus 8T instead. The display is lo...

Having a chat with the AC forums.While 2020 may have been a dumpster fire in almost every regard, it was honestly a pretty fantastic year when it comes to Android. We saw many excellent Android phones released this year, ranging from jaw-dropping foldables, high-end flagships, and impressive budget options.Recently in the AC forums, one user reached out to the community asking what phone they should buy. There are so many great options to choose from, making it difficult to decide on just one when it comes time to pay up.Many of our members were quick to jump in with their thoughts, with the conversation going as follows: frederickdawg 12-04-2020 11:50 PM “ One plus 8 pro would be a solid choice. I owned one briefly and it was solid. Issue for me is that I unfortunately have a samsung note fettish. Reply B. Diddy 12-04-2020 11:22...

The Google Pixel 5 comes in some really pretty colors, which makes it a bit of a shame to cover it up with a case. Thankfully, there are plenty of clear phone cases out there that will allow you to continue to admire your phone's natural beauty. I've scoured the internet looking for the best of the best. Here are the very best Pixel 5 clear cases for you to look through. To further protect, don't forget to pick up one of the best Pixel 5 screen protectors as well.Like Frodo with The RingSpigen Ultra Hybrid Crystal ClearStaff PickWith its clear edges and backing, the Spigen Crystal Clear case allows you to admire the Pixel 5's casing while providing some added protection. It has TPU bumpers and a hard PC backing.$12 at AmazonSplash of colorPoetic Guardian Series Full-Body CaseThis Poetic case surrounds your phone with its plastic faceplate and clear shell for all-around protection. The sides give added grip and the corners are shockproof. Additionally, the added po...

Gaming is more accessible than ever, but cloud streaming still has some work to do.Looking back at this year, it's clear that 2020 has been rough on a lot, if not all, of us in some way or another. While I'm fortunate enough to be able to work from home, I know some lost their jobs, their loved ones, and part of their sanity due to the hellish events in the last several months. Personally, I got hit with a rather bad case of COVID-19 that knocked me for a loop, to put it lightly.One thing that has remained strong in 2020 is gaming. Being stuck at home saw more people than ever playing video games, making high-profile releases like Animal Crossing: New Horizons even more successful than they might have otherwise been. We've also seen incredible demand for consoles, arguably more than just holiday season fervor. There are more reasons than ever to get into gaming, but with "next gen" here, there's simultaneously more demand than ever, too.Yet despite the wrenches 2020 threw at ...

The Honeywell Home T9 smart touchscreen thermostat with smart room sensor is on sale for $139.99 at Best Buy. This is part of Best Buy's deals of the day and won't last forever. We have seen it drop this low before, but that was also part of a one-day sale. Grab it now while you can because the Honeywell T9 goes for $200 when it's not on sale and is still that price at some retailers like Lowe's.The T9 released around July last year, and it's meant to be a less expensive option in general for people trying to get into the smart thermostat game. It has plenty of easy-to-use features, too. It's versatile enough to work with most heating, cooling, and heat pump systems.Download the free app on iOS or Android and use it to adjust the thermostat from your phone or other mobile device. You can even do that from miles away like if you head to work and forgot to adjust it before you left. Of course, you can solve that problem with scheduling. The T9 can handle seven-day scheduling that w...

Smartphones were one area where you got more for your money in 2020.Now that the year is blissfully coming to an end, I don't want to spend too much time rehashing the toxic hellscape that was 2020. I also really hate it when people try to find "silver linings" from truly awful circumstances. Let's face it, the pandemic, social unrest, political upheaval, and economic downturn absolutely pummeled us all this year. However, as I sit here writing for an Android blog, it is pretty hard to ignore that despite all of the bad things that transpired this year, at least one consumer-facing benefit has come out of it — more good phones at (relatively) lower prices than ever before.Some kudos are certainly due to the smartphone manufacturers who saw the collective writing on the wall, read the room, and realized that most customers were not going to fork up $1,000 or more on new phones this year. So what did they do? They introduced a number of models that were squarely in the "affordabl...

Best Buy's deals of the day feature a great selection of deals every day, but sometimes you got to sort through the options to find the particularly good deals. This WD My Passport 1TB portable solid state drive stands out as a good one. It's down to $139.99 at Best Buy, which is one of its lowest prices ever and just $10 above what it was going for on Black Friday. It normally sells for as much as $200, and the first time it ever dropped below $140 was this November so it's not a deal that has shown up in the past. You can find this price in both available colors, and you can find it price matched at Amazon.We recently saw the 500GB go on sale for around $85 just after Cyber Monday. While it's not quite that low anymore, it is still on sale. If you don't want to go for the full 1TB version, grab the 500GB SSD for just $89.99 at both Best Buy and Amazon.This isn't just an SSD. It also has NVMe technology. If you know about internal SSDs, you know there's a significant difference ...

It is rumored to have a 300 PPI screen, just like the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis.What you need to knowAmazon will reportedly soon launch a new entry-level Kindle.The upcoming Kindle is rumored to feature an upgraded display with the same pixel density as the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis.Amazon could also launch a refreshed Kindle Oasis early next year.Amazon could soon introduce a new entry-level Kindle with an upgraded screen. As spotted by the folks at GoodEReader, the Amazon Kindle product listing has been changed to include the launch year and generation in the title. Amazon usually does this when a device is set to be replaced by a newer model.There is currently no word on the new upgrades that the upcoming entry-level Kindle will bring to the tablet, but rumors suggest it will come with an improved display. While the current entry-level Kindle model has a 167 PPI screen, the upcoming Kindle might feature a similar 300 PPI screen as the more expensive...

The Zepp Z is a great looking watch wrapped in titanium, if only it could figure out notifications and apps.I enjoy smartwatches and the various use cases available, so when I was given the opportunity to do a Zepp Z review, I was all in. My daily driver in terms of wearables is a Wear OS watch in the TicWatch Pro 3, but I also will occasionally switch over to Tizen and use the Samsung Galaxy Active 2.What intrigued me about the new Zepp Z was the prospect of using a device that was of high-quality and running an operating system that was outside of the "big two" mentioned above. If you aren't familiar with the Zepp name, don't worry, I wasn't either, the brand is under the same umbrella as Amazfit. Like Amazfit, the Z has a big focus on personal well-being with a multitude of sensors and software features to help you monitor your overall health.The Zepp Z is taking a premium approach as a health and fitness device by building the case from a titanium alloy and including a brow...

The situation is ongoing, and it's unclear what the issue is.What you need to knowSeveral major Facebook services including Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp are down right now.Reports all over the internet indicate that there is a large outage affecting major Facebook services including Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp this morning.Huge spikes on Downdetector indicate that users are experiencing connection issues on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram. The latter is showing issues with news feeds, stories, and posting.Maps of the respective outages indicate that the UK and Europe are the most heavily affected at this stage, however, this may simply be because US users are only just waking up for the day. Facebook at the time of publication has not issued any notice or update about the problem.Reports on Downdetector indicate that whilst the highest concentration of issues is being reported in Europe, there are reports of issues on all services worl...

Samsung is likely to officially confirm the launch date very soon.What you need to knowSamsung's largest store in India has started taking blind pre-orders for the Galaxy S21 series phones.The Samsung store has confirmed that the Galaxy S21 series will make its global debut on January 14.The Galaxy S21 series phones will apparently go on sale in India a week or so after their formal unveiling.Samsung's largest store in Bengaluru, India, has confirmed that the Galaxy S21 series will be unveiled at an Unpacked event on January 14. As reported by Android Authority, Samsung's Opera House store in Bengaluru is already taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra phones.Samsung fans can now pre-book any of the three Galaxy S21 series phones by paying ₹2,000 ($27) at the store. While the store hasn't confirmed a specific launch date for the Indian market, it expects the successors to Samsung's best Android phones of 2020 to go on sale in the country ...

If you don't have an Echo device in every room of your home after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Woot is giving you one more chance to correct that. For a limited time, you can pick up a 3rd-gen Echo Dot for just $14.99 there, making this one of the most affordable ways to add some more smart speakers to your setup.You'll see the Echo Dot listed for $19.99 at Woot though you can save a further $5 at checkout just by logging in with your Amazon Prime account. That will also score you free shipping. Though these Echo Dots are not brand new, they have been inspected and tested to ensure they work like new and they come with a 90-day warranty. Right now you can choose between charcoal, heather gray, and sandstone color options but individual colorways may sell out sooner than others.Echo Dot is one of Amazon's best overall smart speaker option and one of the easiest ways to start up a smart home. You can use one to listen to music from several different streaming services, control co...

The annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball presented by Capitol One is back for another show full of special musical performances and guest appearances. This year's event is shaping up to be the biggest one so far with some of the biggest names in music set to attend. Along with performances by Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes, and Dua Lipa, the show will also feature music by Doja Cat, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, and The Weeknd along with never-before-heard covers of some iconic holiday tunes.More than 20 years ago, Jingle Ball was started in New York by Z100 as a holiday concert for some of the station's top performing artists. Nowadays, it's evolved into a much bigger event. In 2020, everyone will be able to watch (or listen to) the concert happening live in a few different ways.iHeartRadio Jingle Ball live: When and whereThe 2020 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball concert airs live on Thursday, December 10 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The CW app will air the livestream for free, or you ...

The deal will give us more anime than we can handle, and that's a good thing.What you need to knowSony has announced that it is acquiring Crunchyroll for $1.175B in cash.The deal comes months after AT&T was first reported to be scouting potential buyers for Crunchyroll.Funimation and Crunchyroll have partnered in the past, and not both brands will become one.It's been rumored for some time that Sony was interested in purchasing Crunchyroll, but today it's been confirmed that a deal is indeed happening. AT&T's WarnerMedia, which owns Crunchyroll, has agreed to sell the streaming service to Funimation Global Group, which is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Group. How much is Crunchyroll's vast category of anime worth? $1.175 billion in cash, according to a Sony press release: Together with Crunchyroll, we will create the best possible experience for fans and greater opportunity for creators, producers, and publishers in Japan and elsewhere. Funi...

We spotted this Lightning deal on the Wyze Cam v2 with just under six hours left, but there's still plenty unclaimed if you want one of the best indoor security cams for a bargain-barrel price. Buy one Cam for 23% off at $19.99 or a 2-pack for $39.99. It matches the lowest price we've seen on this camera, which is rarely discounted.Get Wyze to this cameraWyze Cam v2$20 at AmazonCheap price, not cheap qualityThe Wyze Cam doesn't stand out with specs like 1080p resolution and 110-degree field-of-view, but it grabbed our attention thanks to its integration with Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT. You'll also appreciate 14 days of free cloud storage for your motion-activated clips, where most companies require a monthly subscription.Wyze Cams are a reliable purchase for yourself or as a gift for others because of their excellent compatibility with most smart home tech. You can control them using both Alexa or Google Assistant commands, for example. So if you want to pull u...

Do your part by aiding important medical research that could help future generations.What you need to knowGoogle Health Studies seeks to crowdsource information for medical research.Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have teamed up for the first study available on the app.Identifying information will remain private and stays on the device.The importance of one's physical and even mental health can't be stressed anymore this year as COVID-19 surges and lockdowns are put back into effect. Google and Apple have even teamed up for a contact tracing API that's being rolled out in various regions.Meanwhile, companies like Pfizer and Moderna have managed to quickly develop vaccines, the result of tireless research into how the virus functions and how it affects those who become exposed. Research such as this focuses a lot on statistics; who is more vulnerable? How are certain groups reacting? How are the different regions being affected? Demographics like this...