Latest from Android Central

The unreleased Zoolander-inspired feature ironically makes your Google Nest Hub smarter.What you need to knowGoogle has reportedly been testing a new Nest Hub feature, codenamed "Blue Steel."The feature seems to use the Nest Hub's ultrasound sensing to trigger Google Assistant when the user walks up to it.It's uncertain whether or not the feature will officially come to Nest Hub devices.According to a leaked internal firmware of the Nest Hub Max, Google has reportedly been working on a new feature that allows users to activate Google Assistant without having to say "Hey Google," or "OK Google."The leak comes from known tipster Jan Boromeusz, who also unveiled the Nest Hub's new overhauled UI and dark mode before Google's official announcement. Check out the video below to see the unreleased feature in action.In the video, Jan is using a Google Nest Hub Max with supposedly internal firmware meant only for Google employees. When Jan walks into the room, Google Assista...

The first beta build for the Galaxy Note 20 series is expected to be rolled out soon.What you need to knowSamsung has extended its One UI 3.0 beta program to the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra.The beta program is open to Sprint, T-Mobile, and Unlocked devices in the U.S.The first Android 11-based One UI 3.0 beta for the Galaxy Note 20 series is expected to be released soon.Earlier this month, Samsung kicked off the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 beta for the Galaxy S20 series phones. Now, the company has extended the One UI 3.0 beta to two of its best Android phones of 2020 (via Android Police).In a post on its Community forums, Samsung has announced that Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra users on Sprint and T-Mobile can now register for the beta program. Unlocked variants of the Galaxy Note 20 series phones are also eligible for One UI 3.0 beta. Verizon and AT&T, however, aren't participating in the beta. To register for the One UI 3.0 beta program, you will have to op...

The new UI is designed to make it easier for you to share tweets to other apps.What you need to knowTwitter is testing a new sharing experience for its Android app.The redesigned share menu makes sharing tweets to your favorite apps a one-click affair.The new UI has been available on the iOS app for about a month now.Yet another example of how features almost always seem to make their way to iOS first, Twitter has finally begun testing a new share menu on Android that it first started testing on iOS more than 2 months ago and which has been generally available on Apple's mobile OS for about a month now.In a follow-up to its original announcement for the iOS tests, the company added the following messages to Android users:Hey, friends on Android. This new share menu is now testing on your devices for a faster way to share Tweets to other apps. If you see it, give it a try.— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) October 21, 2020The redesigned share menu allows you to sh...

The company has recently been looking to sell off its original programming to Apple, Facebook, and others.What you need to knowQuibi is shutting its doors.The nascent short-form video streaming platform launched in April this year.The company is reportedly looking to sell off its original content.The video streaming business is far more cutthroat than you might think. Case in point: Quibi, the streaming platform that billed itself as the Netflix for short-form content designed for millennials on mobile devices, is shutting down just six months after its launch, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The company had previously raised $1.7 billion in funding and invested about a billion of that into its own original programming, but apparently to no avail.Though it was able to court big-name celebrities to its platform, including Laurence Fishburne (of Matrix fame), Anna Kendrick, Christopher Waltz, and Steven Spielberg among others, the platform was simply una...

Custom emoji are really fun to use for some people.Update, October 21 (05:00 pm ET): Samsung has delayed the launchWhat you need to knowSamsung's AR emoji are getting more customization options today.It's coming as part of an extended partnership with Tafi. New content will drop bi-weekly in Samsung's Galaxy Store.Samsung today is debuting new custom emoji options for the AR emoji the company debuted with the Galaxy S9 and highlights on current Galaxy phones, allowing a user to customise their AR emoji to their heart's content.The new customization options are primarily focused on clothing and accessories and are powered by Tafi, the company that already helps build AR emoji content for Samsung and other partners.Commenting on the story, Tafi CEO James Thornton said: Together, we're making it possible for owners of Samsung mobile devices to be more creative with even better emojis, stickers, GIFs and more. Tafi and Samsung share a vision about the future of digita...

Samsung is one of the biggest phone manufacturers in the world, and with good reason — it makes some pretty incredible phones, combining outstanding hardware design with long lists of handy features that differentiate its phones from the competition. The Galaxy S20 FE is the best Samsung phone you can buy right now, but there are plenty of other devices that hit different sizes and price points.1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: Best OverallThe Galaxy S20 FE fundamentally changes the value equation for Samsung, and is one of the best Android phones you can buy right now. The phone offers most of the same features as the regular Galaxy S20, but the fact that it is available unlocked for just $700 makes it a standout value.The Galaxy S20 FE is powered by the same Snapdragon 865 chipset that's in the Galaxy S20 series, and you also get 5G connectivity. It offers the same excellent AMOLED screen as the S20 and has 120Hz refresh rate, making everyday interactions buttery smooth. The be...

Huawei didn't start at the top. When Huawei first began producing phones, it entered a crowded market, and its phones were often offered under the banner of different brands. But, Huawei became a success story in short order, quickly rising through the ranks, introducing its own top-of-the-line smartphones, and soaring past the competition to become the world's largest smartphone manufacturer. Here's a bit of the history of how it got there.Watch the Mate40 series launch event liveSave the DateLeap Further AheadThis Thursday, Huawei will show us everything their new Mate40 series will have to offer. Join us to see how their family of devices will continue with this new generation.Huawei had been around for a while before it first entered the cellphone business in 2003. It already had experience with mobile network technology, so making its own phones was a natural next step. Huawei released the C300 in 2004, but this was a small beginning.It wasn't until the late ...

The best network-attached storage (NAS) for home is one that lets you stream your media collection and back up all the devices on your network seamlessly. A NAS essentially lets you create your private Netflix or Spotify, and most models on this list let you access your media over the internet. If you're looking to build your own media server or need a solution for backing up data, these are the best NAS enclosures for your home in 2020, although if you were to start somewhere, we'd recommend the Synology DiskStation DS220+.1. Synology DiskStation DS220+: Best OverallThe DiskStation 220+ is a standout option that gives you everything you're looking for in a home NAS. The two drive bays can hold 16TB of storage each, meaning you can slot in a total of 32TB of storage. The upgraded Intel Celeron J4025 chipset handles everything you throw at it with ease, and there's 2GB of RAM installed as standard. You can add another 4GB if you need more memory.The DS220+ has two Gigabit Ethe...

The regular Samsung Galaxy Note 20 left out a microSD slot this year, but, in comparison, the Note 20 Ultra supports microSD cards up to 1TB in size. While most of us won't quite need that level of DOWNLOAD ALL THE THINGS storage, it's a great idea to invest in a good microSD card so that you can store music, movies, and photos on that and leave internal storage for more intensive files like games and apps. Here are the best microSD cards for the Note 20 Ultra, whether you need a little room or a lot.All-around excellenceSamsung EVO Select 256GB MicroSDXC CardStaff pickA Samsung phone deserves a Samsung memory card, right? This is easy when Samsung makes our favorite microSD card on the market. This 4K capable card will triple the storage on your Note 20 Ultra.$30 at Amazon$30 at B&H PhotoJust a little moreSanDisk Extreme 64GBIf you just need a little extra breathing room, the SanDisk Extreme is a long-lasting microSD card that is optimized for storing and ...

Offline playback works on Tizen, Wear OS customers are confused about why they aren't supported.Update, October 21 (03:00 pm ET): Spotify has moved offline playback to "Under Consideration."What you need to knowWear OS customers have been requesting access to offline playback on Spotify's dedicated app as alternatives like Google Play Music are discontinued,A community manager marked a feature request for the idea as "Implemented" for Wear OS.They also claimed that due to the large number of devices on the Wear OS platform, it was "impossible" to set the request as "implemented."With the loss of Google Play Music and the lack of a YouTube Music client on Wear OS for now (but not WatchOS), it's now hard to play music offline on your Google-powered smartwatch. Customers have taken to Spotify's community forums to request for the addition of offline playback. Today, the company finally marked the feature implemented. Not because there was a Spotify update coming down the lin...

Coming November 19 for Oculus Quest and Quest 2.What you need to knowStar Wars: Tales From the Galaxy's Edge debuts on the Oculus Quest family on November 19.More gameplay and story elements have been revealed in this full-length trailer, including new Force-wielding abilities we've not yet seen.The trailer also showcases some impressive visuals that transport players to several different worlds through different characters.Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy's Edge is coming exclusively to the Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 on November 19. This, according to the first full-length trailer we've yet seen of the game, which you can find below. Tales from the Galaxy's Edge takes place on the planet Batuu and centers around Blackspire Outpost — a smuggler's haven where you'll take refuge after crash-landing on the planet. While exploring the outpost, you'll find bartender Seezelslak inside the cantina; an Azumel who is all too willing to share every harrowing story he's ever he...

Pictured: New Echo Dots with previous-generation Dot for size comparison.Amazon rounds out its mini smart speaker lineup.Everyone who knows me or has read my work here on Android Central knows that I'm a big fan of Amazon's Echo smart speakers and its Alexa voice assistant, so it should come as no surprise that I jumped at the chance to review the new Echo Dot with Clock (4th Gen) and Echo Dot (4th Gen). That being said, aside from the new spherical shape introduced first with the larger Amazon Echo (4th Gen), I didn't think there would be all that much to get excited about. Well, after spending several days with the two newest Echo Dots, I can admit that I was wrong; these things are fantastic!We're now on the fourth generation of Echo Dot devices, and each has improved pretty dramatically over the previous version (though the jump from Gen 1 to Gen 2 wasn't huge). I should know; I have at least one of each generation of Echo Dot in my home right now, and they all still work per...

Chrome OS is finally a real boy now.What you need to knowGoogle is adding a recycle bin to Chrome OS.The new feature, known as "trash" will let users retrieve deleted files.It's currently being tested in Canary builds of the operating system.Chrome OS just got better for people who have visual impairments with its last update, and now Google's next feature additions are focused on common user tools. The company is preparing to add a screen recorder tool to the operating system, a light and dark theme setting, and most recently — a recycle bin — known as 'trash' in Chrome.The change had been in testing for the past few weeks under a "#files-trash" feature flag in Canary as per 9to5Google. Once enabled, you'll be able to see a new Trash folder under "My Files" — albeit hidden in its current form.If you've used Windows or macOS, you'll already know of the concept of the recycle bin, a space to store files that you've "deleted" with the option to retrieve them late...

You'll be covered — no matter where you choose to play.What you need to knowUbisoft is launching Ubisoft Connect, a network that replaces Ubisoft Club and Uplay.Ubisoft Connect also stores save data, allowing cross-save across all platforms in upcoming Ubisoft games.Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Hyper Scape and Immortals Fenyx Rising are some of the games that will support cross-save.Ubisoft announced today that it is launching Ubisoft Connect, an online network that is replacing Ubisoft Club and Uplay. As part of Ubisoft Connect, save data will be stored online, meaning new Ubisoft titles will support cross-save across different platforms.Per the official Ubisoft Connect page, "For our newest releases, all your game progression is saved within Ubisoft Connect, so you won't lose a step if you change consoles or switch to PC."Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Hyper Scape, Riders Republic and Immortals Fenyx Rising are all confirmed to support this feature. Watch Dogs: Legion is ...

Black Friday is weird this year because so many retailers are trying to spread the event out. It's not just a Friday or the week of that Friday anymore. Now it's Black Friday Month, really. Sam's Club is no exception, either. Sam's Club has released its Black Friday ad, which contains its Black Friday Month plans. Get ready for November Savings Week and the Sam's Club Thanks-Savings sale! The former will feature plenty of its own discounts, but the big savings will happen closer to Black Friday for sure. You'll want to keep an eye on Sam's Club through the whole month though because it'll probably be the best time to shop there all year.Sam's Club isn't the only retailer spreading out the savings this year, either. Most of them are from what we've seen. We know Best Buy already sort of started by calling its event that coincided with Prime Day a Black Friday savings event. Dell has deals popping right now. Walmart will have three different events between now and Black Friday. It's ...

Looking for a new career? If you find yourself spending a lot of time at home and yearning for a change during these trying times, it might be time to think about switching to the IT field. The 2021 All-in-One AWS, Cisco & CompTIA Super Certification Bundle gives you the building blocks to become an IT professional — and you can do it all from the comfort of your couch. Whether you've been laid off from your job during the pandemic or you just want to take advantage of not having a commute to learn new skills, it's now possible to take steps to increase your income during your free time.This bundle is packed with more than 240 hours of content in 22 info-filled courses, this material would regularly all retail for $4,378 and is available now for a steal at 97% off at just $99. It includes courses geared to school you in AWS, Cisco and CompTIA and help prepare you for all these major IT certification exam paths. With these certifications, you'll stand out to prospective empl...

Best answer: Not yet. Visible is planning to bring nationwide 5G support to its network before the end of 2020 for 5G compatible phones but hasn't yet launched the network update.Unlimited LTE today with 5G later: Visible ($40 per month at Visible)Prepaid Verizon Nationwide 5G: Verizon Prepaid (From $35/mo. at Verizon Prepaid)Nationwide 5G is coming to VisibleVisible uses Verizon's network and so far, it's only worked with LTE. With coverage in most of the country and speeds that are good enough for pretty much anything you'll need to do on a phone, it has been a solid option and still is. Verizon is getting ready for the next generation of its wireless network though, and that starts with nationwide 5G, which is coming to Visible.Visible will be using Verizon's nationwide 5G network, which shares LTE spectrum with DSS, or Dynamic Spectrum Sharing, which allows towers with upgraded equipment to dedicate existing spectrum to 5G. This really means that in places that have co...

Sony is gearing up to release the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.While development on the PS5 has likely been going on for years, Sony has officially confirmed that it's in the works and is on its way this year. The PS5 is set to release on November 12 at $499. The PS5 Digital Edition will cost $399 and hit store shelves on the same day.Coming soonPS5$499 at Amazon$499 at Target$499 at GameStopGet your hands on it before it sells outPS5 is the place to be for exclusives like Spider-Man and Horizon Forbidden West. Get yours before they sell out. The standard PS5 boasts a disc drive so that you can play 4K Blue-ray DVDs and use your physical PS4 games through backward combability. This comes at a higher price tag than the Digital Edition.All-digitalPS5 Digital Edition$399 at Amazon$399 at Target$399 at GameStopGet your hands on it before it sells outCheaper than the standard PS5 but lacking a disc drive, the PS5 Digital Edition can still del...

The UK is also pulling Huawei from its networks as soon as 2025.What you need to knowSweden has joined other countries in limiting Huawei's access to its 5G networks.The country has also asked that Huawei equipment be removed from critical telecoms equipment by 2025.The new order also bars ZTE from operating in the country.Huawei continues to face difficulty as European countries back away from using its services for their nascent 5G networks.This week, it was Sweden who chose to restrict Huawei and ZTE from its 5G network, citing advice from the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Security Service."New installations and new implementation of central functions for the radio use in the frequency bands must not be carried out with products from the suppliers Huawei or ZTE," the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority stated, adding, "If existing infrastructure for central functions is to be used to provide services in the concerned frequency bands, products from Huawei and ZT...

The Dell S2721QS 27-inch 4K IPS ultra-thin monitor has dropped to $299.99 at Amazon. The S2721QS is actually a brand new monitor. It has only been available on Amazon since the end of September, and when it released it was going for $339. This is its first major price drop, and it's pretty incredible to be seeing 4K computer monitors for less than $300.Dell's monitor has a pixel resolution of 3840 x 2160. That's so many pixels to squeeze into a 27-inch screen. You're going to get exceptional clairty and detail compared to 1080p or even 1440p. Watch all your favorite 4K content on this screen. It even supports HDR content for even better image.The design includes three nearly bezel-less sides so it's super immersive. It has a subtle textured pattern on the back, too, for its own unique look. The whole thing is very sleek and modern with a blend of style and quality.If you're using an AMD graphics card, you can make use of the AMD FreeSync technology to help reduce screen tearing...

Surfshark is one of the best VPN providers out there, and it's also one of the most affordable which is kind of wild. With a solid feature set, great customer service, and reliable performance, you'd normally expect the price to be pretty high but you can actually grab a Surfshark VPN subscription for just $2.49 per month.The service offers over 1,000 servers across 60+ different countries and your subscription can be used on an unlimited number of devices at once. That's something that most VPN providers don't allow you to do, so there's a lot to like with Surfshark.Today's best Surfshark VPN deals, pricing, and discounts Plan Length Discount Monthly Cost Total Price 1 Month 0% $12.95 $12.95 at Surshark 6 Months 50% $6.49 $38.94 at Surfshark 24 Months 81% $2.49 $59.76 at SurfsharkWhen looking at VPNs, security should always be your first concern and Surshark has you covered with AES-256-GCM encryption, IKEv2, private DNS, leak prote...

Bose QuietComfort EarbudsBig and comfy$279 at AmazonProsSuperb sound qualityOutstanding ANC performanceSolid ambient modeComfortable fitWireless charging caseConsLarge in size by comparisonCase is also much biggerLess discreetBose came back with a pair of true wireless earbuds that deliver possibly the best active noise canceling (ANC) performance in this market, though you will have to deal with bigger buds in your ears.AirPods ProApple flavored$200 at AmazonProsLonger battery life with charging caseSolid sound qualityGreat ANC performanceSpatial virtual surround sound optionExcellent phone call qualityConsProprietary ear tipsLow battery life with ANC onCan't customize on non-Apple devicesLightning for wired chargingApple doesn't hit it out of the park with the battery life on the AirPods Pro, but they've got some other things that perform really well, like solid ANC, great microphone quality, and a comfy fit.Bose edges out ...

Slimy Slopes, spooky skins, and Dr. Frankenswine await!What you need to knowSlimy Slopes is coming to Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs with 13 new levels for the campaign and the level builder tool.Acron: Attach of the Squirrels! is getting brand new levels and some spooky new skins for players to use.Both titles are getting these updates for free starting today, October 21.Resolution Games, creators of Blaston and several other hit VR games, is upping the ante in both Acron: Attack of the Squirrels and Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs today, October 21, with 2 free Halloween-themed content updates. Starting with Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs, players can expect a brand new level collection called Slimy Slopes, which features 13 new levels to play through in both the campaign and level builder tools. That brings the total to 91 levels to play through, including themes for each to use in the level builder.As expected, the surroundings and pigs will fit right in with the Halloween ...

Antitrust. Monopolies. Oh my.Google is one of the most powerful companies on our planet. From services like Google Search, its advertising business, Android, and countless other projects, there's no denying how many markets and ventures it's involved with.This constant expansion and control has raised a lot of concern around the company in recent years, especially from the United States government. It's thrown around terms like "antitrust" and "monopoly," and it's finally come to a head in the form of a lawsuit.If you're trying to make sense of everything going on, you've come to the right place.Who's suing Google?Google is being sued by the Justice Department in the United States, which is the executive branch within the government that's responsible for enforcing the law of the land. In addition to the Justice Department, the lawsuit is also being led by 11 Republican state attorneys from the states of:ArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIndianaKentuckyLouisianaMississippiMis...

Looks like we finally have an travel-friendly laptop to fill the void left by the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2.What you need to knowAcer announced new Chromebooks and a new Chromebox today.The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 and Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 513 go on sale in the first quarter of 2021.Both versions of the Spin 513 are powered by the Snapdragon 7c compute platform, the first model to launch with a Snapdragon chipset, which gives the option for LTE and improves efficiency for better battery life.While ports are a bit sparse, this 13.3-inch 2-in-1 touchscreen Chromebook is available with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB of internal storage.Acer's fall announcement today showed us the new Acer Chromebox CXI4 as well as its next Chromebook series, the Acer Chromebook Spin 513 and Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 513. This new model is a middle ground between the awesome Acer Chromebook Spin 713 and the recently redesigned Acer Chromebook Spin 311: it features beefier c...

The rumored Mate 40 Pro+ model could be even more expensive than the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.What you need to knowThe Huawei Mate 40 Pro has been listed on Amazon's Germany website for €1,199 ($1,420).The flagship phone is set to debut alongside other Mate 40 series phones on Thursday.It is expected to feature a Kirin 9000 chipset, 65W fast charging, and a 50MP camera.We got our first clear look at the design of Huawei's upcoming Mate 40 Pro earlier this week, courtesy of official renders posted by German tech publication WinFuture. A listing for the Mate 40 Pro has now been spotted on Amazon's Germany website, which suggests the flagship phone could be nearly as expensive as Samsung's best Android phones in Europe.Just to preserve this before they take it down: pic.twitter.com/WNA8ZoUGlI— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) October 21, 2020If the listing is to be believed, the 8GB/256GB version of the Huawei Mate 40 Pro will cost €1,199 ($1,420) in Europe and will begin ship...

New look, new tricksRing Alarm (2nd Gen)From $199 at AmazonProsKeypad looks and works better than everNew emergency responder keys are criticalGreater compatibility with windows/doorsEasy DIY installationGreat Alexa integrationConsBase kit only covers a single door or windowRing Alarm (2nd Gen) is an excellent revision to an already excellent DIY alarm system. It retains all the ease and connectivity of the original. Still, it features snazzier looks, a refined keypad with easier-to-press keys, new quick keys to call emergency responders, and redesigned contact sensors compatible with more windows and doors.An easy DIY solutionRing Alarm (1st Gen)From $179 at AmazonProsSaves a few bucks over the 2nd genEasy DIY installationGreat Alexa integrationConsKeys on the keypad are too close togetherDifficult to know when a sensor is first pairedDated looksWhen Ring launched its first DIY alarm kit in 2018, it showed that the company mean...

Google automatically backs up your texts, but if you need more control over where they're saved and want to initiate a manual backup, you'll have to rely on an alternate service. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available for free, and it's easy to set things up.Products used in this guideStore everything: SMS Backup & Restore (Free at Google Play Store)How to automatically back up your SMS messages to Google DriveGoogle has included a convenient backup service for SMS messages and much more that uses Google Drive to store backups of all your personal data so it's available to restore when switching to a new phone. The downside is that the data is restricted to Google Drive, older backups will get deleted over time, and you're unable to restore an older backup on your phone as you please.Swipe down from the top to show the notification shade.Tap the Settings icon.Swipe up to get to the bottom of the settings page.Tap Google.Tap Backup.Tap Backup now...

Whether you're adding local movies or just want the stability of Ethernet, USB-C hubs are the way to go.I've been using the Chromecast with Google TV for the past two weeks, and I'm largely in love with this little dongle and its even littler remote. The new interface is an adjustment, but the improvements to Google Assistant and the ease of finding new content is wonderful. There's only one real downside to using the Chromecast with Google TV instead of my 2015 NVIDIA Shield TV, and it's that there's only one port on the Chromecast: a single USB-C port.But as a Chromebook enthusiast, I learned years ago: if something only comes with a USB-C port, the first thing to buy for it is a great USB-C hub, and the Chromecast with Google TV has two great reasons for you to do the same.Eliminate glitches and lag with EthernetI was used to using Ethernet with my NVIDIA Shield — Wi-Fi bug, long story — and didn't think I'd need to bother with Ethernet on the Chromecast. Within thre...

NIVRANA's battery pack for the Oculus Quest makes the headset more comfortable than not having a pack on at all.The Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 have a lot of great things going for them, but battery life isn't one of them. Both headsets get between two and three hours of battery life in most situations. This has led to a growing range of battery packs, straps, and attachments to improve the battery life of the popular line of VR headsets.NIVRANA reached out to me and sent over a NIVRANA Battery Pack for review. While this particular unit was built for the original Oculus Quest, the company has a variant for the Oculus Quest 2 up for preorder that is quite similar. To be completely honest, the version for the original Oculus Quest should work on either headset, and the battery pack for the Oculus Quest 2 looks similar, apart from its color.The NIVRANA Battery Pack is currently available for $30 from NIVRANA. Preordering the Oculus Quest 2 version costs the same $30.NIV...

Before you can get started, you will have to set Spotify as your default podcast provider.What you need to knowIt is finally possible to use the Google Assistant to play Spotify podcasts.Until now, you could only play Google Podcasts using the Assistant. Although the feature has started rolling out, it could take a few days to become available for everyone. Google has finally added support for third-party podcast services to its voice assistant. As reported by Engadget, users can now use the Google Assistant to play Spotify podcasts in English on Nest smart speakers.In order to start playing Spotify Podcasts on your Google Assistant devices, you will have to open the Google Home app on your phone and tap on device settings. Next, choose Spotify as your default podcast provider.Until now, you could only listen to Google Podcasts using the Assistant, with no option of changing your podcast provider. While Spotify is currently the only third-party podcast provider supporte...

If you missed the stellar deals we saw on Robot vacuums during Prime Day, you have another opportunity to save at Amazon today. Over there, you can score a Roborock smart robot vacuum cleaner at a steep discount with as much as 44% off regular prices.This one-day sale is a part of Amazon's Black Friday 'Holiday Dash' event and brings back Roborock's Prime Day deals plus a few more options, though this time you don't have to be a Prime member to make the most of the all-time low prices. The only catch is that the sale will end tonight or when sold out so you don't have long left to make the most of it.Keeping your home clean is a lot of work but, luckily, you can make the most of Prime Day deals right now to get a little bit of help. Roborock's smart robot vacuum cleaners were designed to give you a helping hand and make it easy to ensure your floors are always clean when you come home from work for the day.The Roborock S6, on sale for its best-ever price of $419.99, can be cont...

The impact of 5G was also shown when compared to last year's 4G iPhone 11.What you need to knowTom's Guide has put the iPhone 12 through its paces in a new battery test.Unfortunately, the iPhone 12 seems to lag behind some of its Android competitors when it comes to 5G.Testing also revealed just how big an impact 5G will have on performance compared to last year. Testing of Apple's new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro has revealed that it may lag behind competing Android devices when it comes to battery life whilst using 5G.Fresh test results from Tom's Guide have brought the issue to light. From their report: We've run the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro through our battery test, and the results don't bring the best news. Compared to the Android competition, Apple's new phones are a step behind those devices on our best phone battery life list, especially over 5G networks. Here's how the Tom's Guide battery test works. It surfs the web continuously at 150 nits of screen ...

Set sails, matey. Booty's awaiting.Ubisoft reintroduced the world to Skull & Bones at E3 2018. Assassin's Creed fans will be familiar with what the game aims to be: a sea-dwelling pirate simulator. That's the high-level definition, but what, exactly, are we getting with this game? That's what we're here to find out. Everything you need to know about Skull & Bones is straight ahead.Jump to:What is Skull & Bones?Is there a story?What is the gameplay like?It changes with seasonsAre there microtransactions?Sign up for the betaIs it coming to PS5?Is Skull & Bones canceled?When is the release date?What is Skull & Bones?We weren't sure what to think of Skull & Bones before Ubisoft's E3 2018 press conference, because at that point we only knew that it was a pirate ship game. Thanks to new info and our first look at gameplay, however, we now have a bit better of an idea. Skull & Bones is being developed primarily by Ubisoft Singapore, who ha...

Quibi's initial mobile-only strategy is over.What you need to knowQuibi is a short-form streaming app, featuring series with episodes only ten minutes long.It launched back in April as a mobile-only experience.It now supports several new TV systems as it looks to increase its appeal. Short-form streaming platform Quibi has rolled out apps for several TV systems in a bid to increase viewership and appeal, following a fairly unsuccessful mobile-only launch earlier this year.The platform announced the change Monday stating that Quibi's new living room apps were available, and would support Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Android TV.To use the services you'll need a Quibi account, set up through the app on your mobile device.When it launched back in April, Quibi was supposed to be a mobile-only experience. The venture has invested some $1.8 billion in short-form television shows featuring Chrissy Teigen, J-Lo, LeBron James, and Steven Spielberg. As you ca...

The UEFA Champions League group stage kicks off tonight for Ajax and Liverpool as they face off in Amsterdam. Don't miss a moment with our Ajax vs Liverpool live stream guide.Though this is the first Champions League game for both sides, they have already been active in their domestic campaigns. Visitors Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League after five games, registering three wins, one defeat, and a 2-2 draw in their most recent outing at local rivals Everton.Ajax have fared a little better thus far in their Eredivisie league campaign, currently sitting in second place behind PSV Eindhoven after four wins from five games. In their last outing, they triumphed 5-1 over Heerenveen and will be hoping to continue that goalscoring form into today's game against Liverpool.Last season on the European front, the Godenzonen failed to make it out of their Champions League group, though a third-place finish granted them entry into the Europa League knockouts. Sadly, Ajax wer...

A small phone that can take a beating and keep on ticking. Just don't take photos with it.For years now, big phones like the Samsung Note 20 Ultra have been popular, but lately, smaller phones have been making a comeback — which is why we decided to do a Unihertz Atom XL review. While that name does have XL in the title, this phone is not extra-large in the slightest when compared to most modern smartphones.The Atom XL is not only smaller in stature, but it's also a very durable option. Something else that is lacking in most smartphones these days. I have been a large phone user for years and recently made the crazy leap and picked up the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2, which is neither small nor durable. Now I live out in the country in rural Kansas, on a gravel road, and am routinely doing things that are not conducive to the Fold 2's health.So when the chance to check out a small and rugged phone came up, I thought I would be a great chance to put it to the test. Here's how the Ato...

Country music's only entirely fan-voted award show, the CMT Music Awards, returns this week for a night of celebration, music, and entertainment. This year's 2020 CMT Music Awards is set to feature performances from some of the biggest names in country music and will be simulcast on seven different TV channels to make the show easier to watch than ever before.Of course, you won't need cable to watch as you can also watch live using streaming services like Sling TV. We'll get into the best services to watch the 2020 CMT Music Awards show below.When are the 2020 CMT Music Awards?This year's 2020 CMT Music Awards is hosted by Sara Hyland, Kane Brown, and Ashley McBryde. The show begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 21 and will be available to watch on several channels as well as via streaming services like Philo and Sling TV.What channel is the 2020 CMT Music Awards on tonight?Of course, the 2020 CMT Music Awards will air on CMT, but there are also several other channel...

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

You don't have to spend over $100 to find a dependable smartwatch. The Amazfit Bip is an affordable pick originally priced at $70 which does it all, from heart rate monitoring to receiving notifications from your phone, and right now it's on sale to save you even further. You'll score the Amazfit Bip for only $46.99 at Amazon thanks to a 33% discount there on the black model. This is a match for the lowest we have ever seen the smartwatch go, though it is mirroring a one-ay offer at Best Buy so we expect the discount won't hang around for long at Amazon either.The budget-friendly Amazfit Bip smartwatch is the perfect option if you're trying to find a wearable without spending triple digits, and today's deal is probably one of the best early Black Friday smartwatch deals we're going to see. It's lightweight and features an always-on display with a battery that lasts up to 30 days on a single 2.5-hour charge.This fitness tracker has a robust array of abilities, ranging from heart r...

Vivo is launching a few affordable Y-series phones in Europe.What you need to knowVivo is entering the UK and European smartphone markets with the X51 5G.The Vivo X51 5G is a rebranded version of the X50 that the company launched in China earlier this year.It will go on sale in the UK from October 29 for £749.Vivo, which is one of the four major smartphone brands owned by BBK Electronics, has finally entered the UK and European markets (via The Verge). OPPO, OnePlus, and Realme, which are Vivo's sister brands, already have a strong presence in the old continent.The first phone that Vivo is launching in the UK and Europe is the X51 5G, which is just a rebranded version of the X50 that it announced in China in June this year. The phone's most impressive feature is its gimbal-like stabilization. Unlike the X50 Pro, which has a Snapdragon 865 processor, the X51 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 765G chipset.It has a quad-camera setup on the back with a 48MP main sensor, a 13MP...

Google Pixel 5Camera king$699 at AmazonPros90Hz OLED displayOutstanding camerasAndroid 11, three years of updatesIP68 water resistance15W wireless chargingSub-6 and mmWave 5GConsDoesn't run Qualcomm's flagship chipsetThe Pixel 5 continues Google's camera dominance in the flagship category. The phone has 5G connectivity, a 90Hz OLED panel, IP68 water resistance and 15W wireless charging, and an ultra-wide camera at the back — a first for Google. It runs Android 11 out of the box and will get three guaranteed Android version updates, making it a standout choice.OnePlus 8T120Hz goodness$749 at OnePlusPros120Hz AMOLED panel65W fast chargingAndroid 11 out of the boxLatest internal hardware with 5GClean software without any bloatConsNo wireless chargingNo water resistanceThe OnePlus 8T is a standout phone thanks to a 120Hz AMOLED panel and the latest internal hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 865 chipset. It is also the first OnePlus...

Google is simplifying a common user workflow for Google Docs.What you need to knowYou'll now be able to directly approve third-party Google Docs access in Gmail.Previously, users would be shunted away to Docs when sent an email notifying them of a request for permission to edit or comment.It's being made available to iOS, Android, and the web.If you've ever had to share a Google Doc (or other Drive file) with someone, there's always the issue of permissions. Sometimes you don't always have the right ones turned on and then your intended target has to request access for them, prompting you via email to make the changes on your end. It's not a difficult thing, it takes just a click or two, but Google has just made a change to simplify the workflow. Now, you'll be able to grant access requests straight from your Gmail inbox.The Google Workspace team explained: Now, Gmail users will be able to manage that request directly from that email, without leaving the message. Spec...

Amazon is leveraging the power of all the reader-focused platforms it owns.What you need to knowAmazon's Alexa can help you find your next read with a new command.The new feature is available on all Alexa enabled devices in the U.S.The assistant will pull data from your past reading and shopping history to help you choose when you say "Alexa, what should I read next?"It's safe to say that Amazon owns a lot of book stuff. It started as a bookstore, so it sells a lot of paperbacks. It owns the Kindle store, so it's essentially a synonym for e-books at this point. it owns the Audible audiobook platform, and it also owns Goodreads for reviews and recommendations. The company's newest update to Alexa leverages all that to help you find your newest book.Amazon today announced a new "Alexa, what should I read next?" command. Once triggered, the digital assistant will let you filter by genre and authors, as well as share ratings, and reviews.Writing in an FAQ, Amazon explained...

All the Pixel talk you can handle.I spend a few hours a week in meetings and video calls with Android Central's managing editor Daniel Bader, yet somehow I never manage to get tired of his voice and well-spoken demeanor. He's a smart guy, and I'm not just saying that because he pays me (though it doesn't hurt!).The two of us, joined by senior editor Joe Maring, spent a majority of last week's AC Podcast sharing thoughts on Google's latest top-end phone, the Pixel 5. We spoke at length on its camera performance, quality of life improvements like wireless charging and battery life, and where it still falls a bit flat compared to some of its competition.I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, but if you want a deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Pixel, or you'd rather listen to a voice far smoother than mine (who could blame you), you're in luck: The Verge's Dieter Bohn invited Daniel, along with Android Police's David Ruddock, onto The Vergecast for an hour-long ...

You no longer need to leave home to get your Pixel fixed.What you need to knowuBreakiFix has now rolled out a new program for phone repair.It's called "We Come To You", and it's exactly what it sounds like.You'll be able to get you Galaxy or Pixel repaired at your home or office in two hours or less. It's going to be easier to get your Android phone repaired in the U.S. with uBreakiFix's new "We Come To You" program. In addition to current curbside and in-store repairs, now uBreakiFix will be able to dispatch a repair technician to your preferred location (most likely your home or your office), so you can get your phone fixed.It'll be made available in the U.S. and the company will support common repairs for smartphones including screen and battery replacements. If you're going to be fixing a Pixel or Samsung phone, you'll likely be using the company in most cases, so this really does offer flexibility for people who find themselves more comfortable staying home.In a st...

What you need to knowNetflix recently ended free trials for its streaming service, but a new type of trial may be in the works.Code extracts found by XDA's Mishall Rahman in the latest Netflix Android app build mention an upcoming event in December.Netflix told Protocol that it's an upcoming marketing event to try and draw in new customers. The event won't require people to input payment info to watch Netflix's library, but the event looks like it will have a capacity cap.StreamFest is a two-day event that is tentatively scheduled to start on December 4, the first Friday in December.Free trials are gone at Netflix, just a few short months after Disney+ eliminated their free trial, but there's still a chance to get a taste of Netflix without having to cough up a credit card number. After digging around in the latest build of Netflix's Android app app, Mishaal Rahman of XDA-Developers found hints of an upcoming event called StreamFest. Netflix confirmed to Protocol that StreamF...

Tons of improvementsGoogle Pixel 5$700 at AmazonPros90Hz display with thinner bezels5G connectivityUltra-wide cameraMuch larger batteryLonger update supportConsDoesn't have a "flagship" processorThe Pixel 5 is the latest and most powerful offering in the Pixel lineup, and if you're coming to it from the Pixel 3, you're in for a much better phone. Key upgrades include the faster refresh rate for the display, a larger battery, and an ultra-wide camera on the back — not to mention better update support. With a retail price of $700, it's also a darn good value.Showing its ageGoogle Pixel 3$370 at AmazonProsTakes excellent picturesDual front-facing camerasOLED display still looks greatRunning Android 11ConsPoor battery lifeLimiting 4GB of RAMFirst released back in 2018, the Pixel 3 is definitely showing its age these days. It still takes great photos and its OLED display looks nice, but it's hindered by poor battery life and a smal...

More and more often, phones are being released with shiny glass backs, smooth metal frames, and other design elements to make them as attractive as can be. That's great if you prefer form over function, but what about if you're in the market for a smartphone that you don't need to baby nonstop? These aren't phones we'd usually recommend if you're shopping for the best Android phone overall, but if you're especially accident-prone, these devices are kind of perfect. Here are the best rugged Android phones we could find!Excellent valueBlackview BV5500 ProStaff pickRugged phones don't always have to be expensive, and the Blackview BV5500 is a perfect example of just that. This rugged phone features MIL-STD-810G and IP68 resistance ratings, meaning that it's drop-proof and you can submerge it in five feet of water for up to 30 minutes. There's also a big 4,400 mAh battery, a 5.5-inch HD+ screen, and dual rear cameras.$120 at AmazonOnly for prosSamsung Galaxy XCover Pro...

Team Jiggle Physics are here for Miles Morales' new pal Spider-Cat! They also check out the user interfaces for PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.In the "One Game You'll Never Be Able To Play, But One You Will" Department: Crucible has been canceled by Amazon Games, but we do have a preview of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. All that, plus our favorite and least favorite animated movies from the 90's/early 2000's!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales introduces Spider-Cat who can partake in finishers | Android CentralPS5 UI revealed with a new Control Center, Official Game Help, expanded Screen Sharing and more | Android CentralTour the new Xbox One and Xbox Series X dashboard UI with us | Windows CentralAmazon Games' Crucible has been canceled | Windows CentralAssassin's Creed Valhalla preview: Have fun overthrowing kings and bui...