Latest from Android Central

Murder Hornets are surprisingly absent from the list.What you need to knowEvery year, Google releases its Year in Search results which show popular trends throughout the year.2020 results highlighted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the U.S. presidential election.Top results include "Among Us", "Tiger King", and "Parasite".Every year for the past two decades, Google has featured a list of the top searches throughout each given year. It's a nice little way to celebrate, relive, and even cringe at some of those trends. According to Google, the lists are "based on search terms that had the highest spike as compared to the previous year". Back in 2001, for example, Nokia was the top trending consumer brand, followed by Sony and Palm. How times have changed.2020 is ending and while we may not want to relive it, taking a look at Google's Year in Search 2020 results can allow us to reflect on a troubling year and all the things that we've managed to overcome. Here...

Uighurs are among the most oppressed minority groups in China.What you need to knowA new report claims Huawei tested facial recognition software that was capable of identifying members of China's oppressed Uighur minority group.The AI-powered system could scan faces in a crowd and determine the age, sex, and ethnicity of each individual.When a member of the minority group was detected, the system could even trigger a "Uighur alarm." Chinese tech giant Huawei tested an AI-powered facial recognition system to send automated alerts whenever members of China's oppressed Uighur minority group were detected, according to a new report from The Washington Post.Research organization IPVM has discovered a document signed by Huawei representatives, which shows the company worked together with Chinese facial recognition startup Megvii to create the AI camera system in 2018. The system was capable of scanning faces in a crowd and estimate the ethnicity, age, and sex of each person. If...

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 + 3 Months Free 81% $2.21 $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...

President Trump is set to exact his revenge on social media companies.What you need to knowThe U.S. Senate has just confirmed President Trump's pick will take a chair as the new FCC commissioner.Nathan Simington's appointment comes at a critical time during the aftermath of the presidential election, as both Trump and current FCC Chairman, Ajit Pai, prepare their exits. Simington is a supporter of Trump's plan to repeal Section 230 protections for social media companies.President Donald Trump is not a fan of social networks right now. Amid failing efforts to discount election results in several states, the president and supporters have been facing strong moderation on social media due to misinformation about election fraud. Now, with his FCC nominee's confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Trump is readying his attack.Republican nominee, Nathan Simington, won a majority vote to replace Commissioner Michael O'Reilly. The appointment draws controversy as it comes only a month bef...

Does it really matter if we stop getting charging adapters with our new phones?What you need to knowDocuments suggest that some regions may not have the charging adapter bundled with Samsung's Galaxy smartphones next year.Samsung has reportedly been mulling this decision since the summer.The move comes after Samsung teased Apple about not including the adapter with its iPhones this year.There's been a treasure trove of leaks on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S21 lineup, including live images, concept renders, and more recently a leaked video promo. So far, most leaks have focused largely on the sexy design and curious new camera stove, while noting that these phones might be more important for Samsung's lineup than previously thought. But a new leak seems to confirm what we all feared might come to pass.On what seems to be just another Tuesday, Samsung is reportedly going to follow in Apple's footsteps and stop bundling the. Documents obtained from Brazil's National Telecommun...

Using one of the best free VPN services could end up bringing a lot of advantages to your daily work flow. Not everyone who uses a Virtual Private Network needs everything that a paid service offers, and often the free ones are enough to get by. We've compared the advantages between free VPNs vs. paid VPNs. If you're looking for the best VPN to use, we have you covered.As of right now, we have ProtonVPN as the best free VPN option in 2020, followed closely by Hotspot Shield Free. With ProtonVPN, you get unlimited bandwidth on a single device when using the free plan, and Hotspot Shield also offers a generous data allotment and rich feature set.Moving from a free VPN to a paid VPN will get you some feature enhancements, extra data allotments, and more. A VPN provider like Surfshark comes in at just $1.99 per month, which breaks down to just six cents per day. The feature set is strong, the apps are easy to use, and it provides great speeds. ExpressVPN is our top overall pick for VPN...

What you need to knowVerizon deployed its nationwide 5G network using DSS which shared spectrum from its LTE network.T-Mobile claims that since launching its nationwide 5G network, Verizon has the lowest median 5G speeds in the nation.T-Mobile's dedicated 5G spectrum and 'layer cake' deployment have allowed it to deploy 5G without impacted LTE performance with room to add more capacity.Mobile networks need plenty of spectrum to work and so far, 5G just hasn't had much available. At least, not as much as LTE currently has. While T-Mobile and AT&T have been able to deploy coverage on dedicated low-band spectrum, speeds haven't exactly been impressive compared to the more mature LTE networks. Still, according to T-Mobile CTO Neville Ray this approach allows T-Mobile to build a 5G network without disrupting speeds on LTE while delivering great speed and coverage.Verizon on the other hand is using DSS for all of its nationwide 5G network. This is separate from the Ultra Wide...

Another big week of new releases for StadiaWhat you need to knowDestroy All Humans! is out now on Google Stadia.Cyberpunk 2077 launches on Dec. 9th at 4PM PT for Stadia.SpongeBob, Valkyria Chronicles 4, and four more games all releasing this week.Last week was noteworthy for Google Stadia users with two new platform exclusives and a free-play week for Elder Scrolls Online, but now this week is even bigger. Long-awaited titles like Destroy All Humans! are finally here, legacy titles such as Watch Dogs and Watch Dogs 2 round out the list that's due to bolster the growing library of Stadia games nicely, and an assortment of surprise drops such as SpongeBob help top off the list.Oh, and a little old game called Cyberpunk 2077 hits Stadia on the exact same day as other platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It's nice to not have to wait weeks or months later for a game to come to Stadia for once.Here's the full rundown of what's new this week on Stadia:Valkyria Ch...

A TV is usually a major purchase for any entertainment setup, especially when you're looking for one that can display in 4K and HDR. The Chromecast is a great streaming device to get the content you love at the highest resolution and dynamic range, but you need a TV that supports the standards as well. The LG CX 4K Smart OLED TV is a beautiful screen that fits in everywhere, with great variances in size, and a feature set that is perfectly ideal as the best 4K TV for Chromecast.Best Overall: LG CX 4K Smart OLED TVLG's OLED TVs are a thing of beauty. They bring nearly perfect blacks and vivid colors with incredibly sharp images and crystal-clear motion. If you want a top-notch TV, look no further than the LG OLED. They come in sizes from 48-77 inches, and all come complete with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, plus Dolby Atmos sound, Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG for 4K HDR content.There's more where all that came from. LG's CX series has the Alpha a9 III processor p...

The team dive into the lore of Assassin's Creed and other video game franchises along with a review of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Game & Watch, and much more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Mass Effect, Dragon Age veterans Casey Hudson and Mark Darrah leaving BioWare | Windows CentralAssassin's Creed history: The full story (so far) | Windows CentralHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity review — An entertaining but shallow trip back to Hyrule | iMoreHistory of Game & Watch Super Mario Bros.: An important reminder of Nintendo's small beginnings | iMoreImmortals Fenyx Rising review: A late contender for Game of the Year | Windows Central...

What you need to knowWaze adds Amazon Music to its in-app music controls.Setup just takes a few steps, and users gain easy access to their songs and curated playlists.Google owns Waze, but Google Maps does not support Amazon Music integration as of writing.Amazon Music may not be the first or even second thing to come to most people's minds when they want to stream music, but that surely doesn't mean no one uses it. That's why Waze has teamed up with Amazon to integrate the app into its music controls, adding to its collection of supported streaming apps.As a refresher, users need only to click on the music icon on the top right of the navigation app, which will open up a drawer of installed streaming apps. If you have Amazon Music, select the icon and Waze will prompt you to connect the apps. Clicking accept will complete the connection. If nothing is currently playing on Amazon Music, there will be a button that will open the app so you can browse through your music, or u...

Samsung once made great over-ear headphones, and it needs to start doing so again.While the whole world — and even the entire Android Central team — has been besotted with true wireless earbuds for the last few years, I'll confess that when I have to wear headphones for hours at a time, my go-to music conduits have always been over-ear headphones. They're easier to wear for long periods — especially if you have small ear canals like mine — they have longer-lasting batteries, they tend to have better passive and active noise canceling, and the controls are usually easier to use.Today, Apple debuted the AirPods Max, which are striking, come in vibrant colors, have excellent ANC controls ... and they cost $550. Oh, but most of the features aren't available when you use them with Android, and they use Lightning rather than USB-C....and they lack a 3.5mm jack for listening old-school when the battery runs dead.Apple can get away with this nonsense because Apple is Apple ...

Finding decent Android tablet deals isn't going to be tough this holiday season, especially with all the tablet discounts popping up during last-minute holiday sales. Of course, there are always opportunities to save on tablets even when it's not one of the biggest shopping events of the year. We're gathering all the best Android tablet deals and listing them right here to make saving on your next tablet simple.Best Android tablet dealsGalaxy Tab A: down to $100Amazon Fire 7 Tablet: only $40 Galaxy Tab S5e: now $340Galaxy Tab S7 up to $150 off + $50 gift cardWith all the various Android tablets to choose from, you might be wondering which tablet is actually worth buying. We've created a few guides that can help you figure out which are the best of the best, from the best Android tablets to best Samsung tablets, and best Android tablets for students, though there are plenty more to consider as well. We're routinely updating the list below with the best tablet deals for al...

It can be both fun and useful to order around the Google Assistant with simple commands like "Hey Google, turn on the lights" and see your words transformed into actions. Did you know, however, that you can do much more than simple one-off commands? By setting up and utilizing the Routines feature of Google Home and Google Assistant, you can trigger complex processes and activities with a simple action or phrase. I'll show you how how to set up Google Assistant Routines in the steps below.Products used in this guideMaximum utility: Nest Hub Max ($230 at Best Buy)Assistant in your pocket: Google Pixel 4a ($349 at Amazon)How to set up and manage a preset routineGoogle has created several preset routines, including options like Good morning, Bedtime, and Commuting to work.Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.Tap on the purple Routines iconScroll through the list of available pre-set routines and tap on Start Your Routines on to select which device you want to cont...

Playing games on your smartphone is one of the best ways to entertain yourself. However, with some games it can be really hard to play when you're just tapping on a screen. Fortunately, it's possible to sync up a traditional controller. That's where it's nice to connect your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and get playing on the best gaming phones. By the way, the Playstation 4 controller as well as the Xbox One controller are also compatible with Android devices, if you'd prefer to use one of those.Note: You will only be able to use a Pro Controller if your phone is running Android 10 and if the game you're playing supports controllers. Additionally, the process for syncing the controller with your phone will be different from one phone to the next.Products used in this guideA compatible phone: Google Pixel 4a ($350 at Amazon)The handhold: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ($63 at Amazon)How to use Switch controller on Android Sync Pro Controller to your phone via Bluetooth...

Ditch the heavy books and turn your phone into your library.If you've been considering the jump from physical books to e-books, you'll need to figure out the best e-book apps for Android. Books can be heavy, expensive, and take up valuable space in a cramped apartment, so making the transition is worth it. Thankfully you've got a few options, depending on where you want to get your books and how you want them to look on the screen.Take a peek at our picks for the best e-book apps for Android!The top 3 apps1. Amazon Kindle2. Moon+ Reader3. Libby, by OverDriveMore optionsGoogle Play BooksKoboPocketBookWattpadHoopla DigitalGoodreadsWhat are the best e-book apps for Android?While there are many apps on the Play Store that make it easier than ever to find and read new e-books, there's only one that stands largely above the rest. The Amazon Kindle app provides a vast library of e-books and audiobooks, with more choices than you could ever imagine.What if yo...

Hey Google, combine my business and personal calendars.What you need to knowAn option to link multiple Google accounts to the Assistant app is in beta.Call up all your various Calendar and Meet events on any Assistant-enabled device, including smart speakers and smart displays.It doesn't work with G Suite or Google Workspace accounts.Google Assistant has historically only allowed you to connect one account per person. Different family members could switch accounts on a smart speaker via Face Match or Voice Match, but you could never ask for information on upcoming meetings or deadlines associated with your secondary or work account.Thankfully Google has made it possible to link secondary Google accounts to Assistant. Android Police spotted the update in the Assistant's "All Settings" menu. There you'll now find a new Accounts sub-menu that lets you "Enable the Assistant to access data and services from your other accounts"; you can then Enable accounts that are already li...

Google Messages gets more secure.What you need to knowGoogle announced end-to-end encryption was coming to its Messages app.The security feature is now available in beta builds of Messages.Users will be able to enable it if both parties in the thread are on the most recent builds of the app.End-to-end encryption is a method of encryption that keeps data secure while in transit. It's employed in apps like WhatsApp and iMessage, keeping the contents of user messages away from prying eyes.As promised, Google is rolling it out to its own messages app, and beta testers can try it out now (via 9to5Google). You'll need to be on the Google Messages beta to have it enabled, but once you're on the latest build, you'll see a slew of indicators.Google's help page for end-to-end encryption says: Chatting with [contact name or phone number]" when end-to-end encryption is active in a conversation. Your messages will also include a lock on the send button. The timestamps of end-to-...

Source: StackCommerceIn every home and every office, there are a few corners where Wi-Fi does not reach properly. These dead spots can be pretty frustrating when you're trying to get things done. NetSpot Home Wi-Fi Analyzer helps you find and fix the problems, and it's currently 41% off at $39.99 for iMore readers.NetSpot works as a surveying tool. As you move through your home, your laptop scans the radio waves. This data is then used to create a heatmap, showing you where the signal is strong or weak.You can use the map to adjust your network, by placing extenders in key areas or moving the router. In addition, NetSpot Home provides a range of diagnostic tools, such as speed tests and a comprehensive list of networks within range.To quote our own review: "NetSpot is top drawer. You won't find a better app for figuring out why your Wi-Fi isn't working the way you need it to."It usually sells for $68, but you can get this Wi-Fi analyzer today for just $39.99 with lifetim...

Fight for the glory of the emperor.What you need to knowWarhammer 40,000: Battle Sister is available now on Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2.The game puts you in control of a holy warrior searching for her twin, who's gone rogue.It is based on the Games Workshop tactical miniatures game.Fans of Games Workshop's science fantasy tactical miniatures game Warhammer 40,000 will get the first chance to explore the setting in virtual reality today with the launch of Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister on Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2. While there have been plenty of Warhammer 40K video games before such as Warhammer 40,000: Carnage and Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr, this is the first title to center on the Sisters of Battle, a group of women warriors who serve the human emperor by rooting out corruption throughout the galaxy.You'll play as Sister Ophelia, who is searching for her lost twin sister who disappeared on a mission and may have gone rogue. You'll battle all ma...

Guardians will come together no matter the platform.What you need to knowDestiny 2 is getting a next-generation update today for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PS5.Additionally, Bungie confirmed today that cross-play is coming at some point in 2021.Cross-play was previously targeted for 2021 but without hard-set confirmation.Destiny 2 is getting a big update today, with next-generation support now available. This means players on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PS5 can enjoy 4K 60 FPS gameplay, faster loading times, an FOV (field of view) slider and more. Xbox Series X and PS5 owners will also be able to enjoy 120 FPS Crucible multiplayer, if they've got a compatible TV.Bungie is rolling out even more in 2021. As detailed in a new blog post today, crossplay is coming to Destiny 2 in 2021! While Bungie was previously targeting 2021 for cross-platform play, it's nice to get official confirmation. Bungie also explained more of what's on the way, including two more strikes...

What you need to knowChina says that it has removed 105 apps from mobile app stores within the country.One of those apps is Tripadvisor, but it isn't clear why.But Chinese users can still reach the Tripadvisor website.China says that it has removed Tripadvisor and another 104 apps from local app stores in what it calls a "clean up" of 'illegal" apps on the internet.In a statement picked up by CNN, the Cyberspace Administration of China said that it had removed 105 apps in total, going on to note that it will continue to ". strengthen the supervision and inspection of mobile apps' information services, promptly clean up and dispose of illegal mobile applications and application stores, and strive to create a clear cyberspace."It isn't clear to anyone outside of China why it would take umbrage with the trip-planning app, but it's notable that the Tripadvisor website is still accessible without the use of a VPN or other method of bypassing the "Great Firewall" that Chinese...

For some, the Apple Watch is considered the gold standard of smartwatches, but whether it is or not makes no difference to Android users who couldn't use it even if they wanted to. Smartwatches for Android users abound, and the best Apple Watch alternative that stands out from the pack is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 because of its balanced functionality and stylish design that caters to a wider subset of users.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3After focusing for over a year on the Active models in its Galaxy Watch lineup, Samsung came back this year with a newer premium design. The slimmer frame doesn't make the watch as small as those Active models, but there are 41mm and 45mm sizes to choose from.The biggest design treatment setting this watch apart from others is the trusty physical rotating bezel that makes navigation feel fluid when wading through the various menus and options. You can still tap on the screen, if you want, and the combination helps make the software eas...

Nest makes some of the best smart thermostats, security cameras, and self-installed home security systems out there, but it comes at a price. Some of the equipment can be on the expensive side, which means that you may not be able to have as much of it in your home as you'd like, but we are here to help make it easier to afford more. At times, you can find some pretty sweet deals on a variety of Nest's most popular items.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $123Nest Wi-Fi: as low as $149Nest Cameras: from $125Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $25Google Nest Mini | $24.99 at Best BuySave $25 on the Google Nest Mini today at Best Buy. This deal is valid on all colorways of the speaker, though you'll want to shop soon as the 50% discount won't be available forever!$24.99 at Best BuyWhether it's a direct price drop, coupon code, or bundle deal, we've scoured the internet to find all of the best deals around Nest's hardware that are ...

Travel Japan cooking and fighting.What you need to knowPersona 5 Strikers will release on February 23.Preorders for the game will begin on December 10.The game combines action combat with a pause-and-plan system.Fans of the Phantom Thieves, the group of heart-stealing heroes that make bad people repent in the 2017 RPG Persona 5, will be getting another chance to hang out with the characters. Atlus announced today that Persona 5 Strikers will release on February 23 on PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.The game follows the Phantom Thieves as their summer vacation is interrupted by a reality distortion stealing the desires of people throughout Japan. They'll need to go on a road trip to six different cities fighting the source of the corruption in dungeons while also cooking regional recipes.Unlike the base game, which is a turn-based RPG, Persona 5 Strikers uses a hybrid system combining action combat with sequences where you'll be able to pause and plan out your next m...

It's a virtual game night for the social distancing era.What you need to knowDemeo is a turn-based RPG dungeon crawler that's designed to be played with friends.Players can opt in to playing on a traditional gaming PC or jump in with the VR mode for ultimate immersion.Demeo will be available for Oculus Quest, Rift, SteamVR, and non-VR gaming PCs in 2021 and can be played cross-platform.It's not often that you find a game like Demeo that can be played both in VR and on a more traditional monitor setup, much less one that lets players join together in a sprawling campaign for the most epic of game nights. Part tabletop RPG, part dungeon crawler, and all co-op fun, Demeo aims to join players together virtually in a way that hasn't been done before — by allowing both non-VR and VR players to join in on the action together and conquer the perils of the dungeons ahead.Demeo is Resolution Games first hybrid title, as the studio is well-known for VR games like Blaston and Angry...

Great softwareEero 6$199 at AmazonProsUpgraded Wi-fi 6 AX1800 speedsZigbee smart home hub includedWorks with AlexaWorks with all other Eeros for expansionCompact designConsIt won't keep up with gigabit internetNo Ethernet on included extendersThe Eero 6 follows the third generation Eero with upgraded mesh speeds thanks to a faster Wi-Fi 6 connection. The faster wireless tech allows an Eero 6 mesh to support up to 500Mbps and even improves performance on Wi-Fi 5 devices thanks to a faster backhaul. While it's not a huge performance improvement, for its size, you won't find anything faster.Compact PerformanceNetgear Nighthawk MK62$199 at AmazonProsWi-Fi 6 AX1800 speedsCompact designOne open Ethernet per deviceManagement with the app or web interfaceConsIt won't keep up with gigabit internetNo smart home or virtual assistant supportThe Netgear Nighthawk MK62 was one of the first compact Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems and offers plenty of sp...

Better late than never for this highly-requested featureWhat you need to knowToday direct YouTube livestreaming should be available.This feature will be available for all users.For now, the feature is for web browser only, not Chromecast or mobile app users.Starting today, all Google Stadia users will be able to stream directly to a YouTube channel from the Stadia web app without any additional software requirements. As of the time of this writing, the feature is still rolling out gradually and I still don't have access to it, but a Google representative confirmed to The Verge that the feature will be available to all users starting today.In order to check if you access to the feature yet just visit the main Stadia home page portal in your web browser, press Shift + Tab to open the overlay, and click on the 'Live Stream' button below your name and just above your friends list, on the right.If you don't have the feature yet then it will appear grayed out just like you ...

This sale on the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a pretty sweet deal.Chromebooks have been popular for years now as affordable and capable productivity devices. During this pandemic year, when more and more people are working and studying from home, they've been a little tough to come by. So when we see great deals on some of our favorite Chromebooks, we just have to let you know about them! This week, Best Buy discounted several of our favorite Chromebooks, and today it put my favorite device of the year, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, on sale for its lowest price ever.Just DuetLenovo Chromebook Duet | Save $70 at Best BuyThe Lenovo Chromebook Duet is not only the best Chromebook tablet on the market, but it's one of the best value Chromebooks you can buy. It comes with a detachable keyboard and case with a built-in kickstand. This 128GB model on sale at Best Buy is a whopping $70 off!$229 at Best BuyThe Lenovo Chromebook Duet is the perfect device for surfing the web while o...

A win would guarantee safe passage to the knockout rounds in this year's UEFA Champions League for both sides as RB Leipzig host Manchester United. Don't miss a moment with our RB Leipzig vs Manchester United live stream guide.In Group H, three sides sit level on nine points with an opportunity to escape the group depending on tonight's results, though only two will make it. RB Leipzig face-off against fellow hopefuls Manchester United with last year's finalists Paris Saint-Germain hoping to secure their knockout spot against Istanbul Başakşehir who will finish bottom of the group regardless of the various possible permutations.Manchester United only need to avoid defeat in this game against Leipzig to go through and will finish in top spot if they do so and Paris do not beat Başakşehir.Leipzig will be guaranteed a spot in the next round if they beat United today, or if they draw the game and Paris suffer defeat against the Istanbul side. If the Red Bulls win and Paris do n...

The Razer BlackWidow Elite mechanical gaming keyboard is down to $84.99 on Amazon. This price matches its Black Friday pricing, which is the lowest this version of the BlackWidow Elite has ever gone. It normally sells for around $130, and previous deals only saw it drop as low as $100. You can find the other versions, like the BlackWidow Elite with green switches, on sale for that $100 price. That's still a decent deal if the difference in switches matters to you. The Green keyboard price is matched at Best Buy.The BlackWidow Elite uses Razer's Yellow mechnical switches. Razer calls these the "quickest mechanical switch for gaming." They only require 45G of actuation force and are meant for fast-paced games where getting those keys pressed as quickly as possible is key to success. Mechanical switches like this are great for typing or gaming or any other activity that requires a great deal of speed and accuracy. They are all about precision, and mechanical switches feel much better ...

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

A brazen copycat with a solid foundation and a bright future.Temtem wears its heart on its sleeve. It clearly wants to be a Pokémon-inspired MMO, going so far as to copy its formula almost right down to the letter. This is a boon in some areas and a detriment in others. Exploration and combat are largely similar to Nintendo's iconic series with a few twists, most notably that battles are almost always double battles. Its creature collection aspect is still addicting but lacks the sheer nostalgia factor in Pokémon that makes you want to catch 'em all.Despite this, it's more than a cheap knockoff like some might think. Developer Crema takes its own artistic liberties and attempts to make it even better than Pokémon in some ways. It doesn't always succeed, but I appreciate the effort. That it's only in Early Access right now bodes well for its future because it definitely has legs with the proper support in the months ahead.At a glanceTemtem ...

A great first-party accessory to complement the console.First-party headsets that release for a console are usually never spectacular. Company's like Sony and Microsoft need to balance quality with affordability. That's exactly what Sony did with its Pulse 3D wireless headset for PS5. It's certainly not the most premium option out there, but it offers many great features and clear audio quality for its price point. That's what it's all about in the end. Making a product that's good enough for most people without it costing a fortune.At a glancePulse 3D Wireless Headset Bottom line: Sony's Pulse 3D wireless headset provides good audio quality and comfort for a first-party headset. Where it falters is its subpar built-in microphone. It's hard to say this is worth the asking price of $100 for some people, but being built to su...

The Vizio OLED65-H1 65-inch OLED 4K SmartCast TV is down to $1,499.99 at Best Buy right now. We saw it reach this price during the Black Friday weekend, but it expired last week. If you missed out before, now's your chance because this is one of the best values in the TV world when it comes to OLED TVs. The price is $500 off what it normally goes for and the lowest we've seen since this TV came out a couple months ago.I mean, let's talk about OLED first. It is the top of the line when it comes to getting the best image quality out of your set. Vizio's OLED panels have the blackest blacks and whitest whites, and the contrast is unprecedented. Every single pixel is perfect and you'll notice the colors. Vizio even uses the OLED Ultra Color Spectrum to bring you more than one billion colors, which stand out even more against the deep blacks. There's a reason OLED usually means a price so high the average person can't afford it, so it's just crazy that Vizio can offer them for so little...

Amazon's Fire TV Cube combines the best features of the Fire TV Stick 4K with the Echo Dot giving you easy access to stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video using only your voice by asking Alexa.The Fire TV Cube is Amazon's first-ever hands-free streaming media player with Alexa, and today you can grab one for just $40 via Woot. Offered used, those one-day deal gets you the streaming device for about half the cost of a certified refurbished model.The Fire TV Cube has the ability to unite your living room under one device, including your TV, your A/V receiver, your soundbar, and more all under one roof. Use voice controls for all of it. Then stream all your favorite content in 4K with HDR support via Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and more. You'll even be able to use Alexa to control the rest of your smart home.The Fire TV Cube packs in eight microphones and features far-field voice recognition, allowing it to hear you from any direction. You can ask Alexa to tur...

Whether Google or a third-party manufacturer makes your Google Assistant speaker, the setup is the same.Once upon a time, the only way to get Google Assistant into your home was with a Google Home, but now there are hundreds of speakers — and smart displays — with Google Assistant built-in! From the beefy sound of the Nest Audio speaker to the perfect little alarm clock Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, setting up any Google Assistant speaker uses the same, simple app and the same, simple process.How to set up a Nest Audio, Nest Mini, or any Google Assistant speaker or displayPlug the power cord into the base of your speaker.Plug the power adapter into an outlet. The unit will automatically boot up, introducing itself and directing you to the Google Home app to finish setup.Open the Google Home app on your phone.Tap Get started.Select the home setup you want to control. If you're using Google Home for the first time, name your home. Tap Next.Google needs location acc...

Money may not buy happiness, but it can buy my favorite phone of 2020.2020 brought us a lot of great phones, and I myself spent the spring and summer on the Galaxy S20, which was a bit tall for my petite hands. Still, the screen was excellent, the power was great for my summer addiction to Disney Sorcerer's Arena, and the cameras worked well — what little I got to use them once the theme parks closed in March. However, all summer, I waited impatiently for one thing: the Google Pixel 4a.Ah, the Google Pixel 4a really is both the perfect phone for 2020's purposefully destabilized economy and a perfect summation of 2020 as a year. Despite this unassuming phone being basically finished in the last months of 2019, it was delayed month after month, even after the Pixel 3a was discontinued early in the summer. When the Pixel 4a did launch, it did so with no event, no fanfare, and no color options. The phone seemed small, basic, and boring, but in fact, it was exactly the phone we need...

Google's entire lineup of Nest smart home devices will be "Works With SmartThings" certified.What you need to knowSamsung has joined hands with Google to bring Nest integration to the SmartThings ecosystem.Starting next month, SmartThings users will be able to control their Nest devices through the SmartThings app.It will also soon be possible to stream from your Nest devices directly to your Samsung TV.Samsung today announced a new partnership with Google to integrate Nest products into its SmartThings IoT platform. The integration will make it possible for Samsung SmartThings users to control Google Nest thermostats, cameras, and doorbells through SmartThings, as they will be "Works With SmartThings" certified.Ralf Elias, Global Vice President ioT at Samsung Electronics, said in a statement: SmartThings technology continues to enhance and improve the way we experience smart living. We're pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Google and integrate Nest in...

Sending money to friends and family has never been easier thanks to mobile apps like Venmo and Cash App, but did you know that you can share your Google Pay QR code to do the same thing from Google Pay? It's actually a very simple process, and we'll show you how you can do it in the steps below.How to share your Google Pay QR codeOpen the new Google Pay app.Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.Tap on the blue QR code icon next to your image.If the person with whom you want to share your QR code is nearby, have them scan your screen.If the person is not nearby, tap on Share profile.Tap one of the share options, or tap More to share in your app of choice.Being able to send money to friends and family from the Google Pay app is not a new feature. It's actually been a favorite option for people using the app for quite some time now. Thankfully, the newest version of Google Pay has kept this personal payment option around and has also added tons of other gr...

Trying to find the best VPN can be a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best VPN deal you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. You've probably heard a lot about VPNs recently and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through hundreds of VPN deals that are out there to bring you only the top options that are actually worth considering.Best VPN Deals Right NowExpressVPN: $6.67 per month (49% off)Surfshark: $2.21 per month (83% off)PIA VPN: $2.59 per month (78% off)NordVPN: $3.61 per month (68% off)FastestVPN: $16 lifetime membershipIPVanish: $2.91 per month (76% off)CyberGhost: $2.25 per month (83% off)PureVPN: $1.48 per month (86% off)More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreToday's best VPN deals include 49% off ExpressVPN, access to Surfshark VPN for less than $3 per month, and a $17 lifetime license for FastestVPN. See below for all the details.Fas...

If you're bored of the homogenous flagship phone lineup available each year or need something that can take a little more of a beating, it's worth looking beyond the usual smartphone brands for your next handset. The Armor 10 5G is the latest rugged device from Ulefone and right now you can snag one at a $150 discount.Better yet, the first 200 buyers that get one at the discounted $399.99 price will also score a Ulefone Watch thrown in at no extra cost. That smartwatch goes for $40 on its own, so it's a nice added extra.In terms of specs, the Ulefone Armor 10 5G is packing plenty of good stuff. It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G chipset, and runs Android 10. It also has 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.There's a hole-punch in the display for the 16MP front-facing camera and on the back there's a 64MP quad-camera array as well as a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It charges via USB-C or 15W fast wireless charging and has a 5,800mAh ba...

Smartphones are becoming more accessible with features like Look to Speak.What you need to knowSpeach therapist Richard Cave worked with a team at Google on an experimental app designed for persons with disabilities.Look to Speak lets users communicate by using their eyes to select phrases that their phone will speak aloud.The app is designed to supplement, rather than replace, existing systems that use gaze to control communication.Smartphones are extremely useful and are getting smarter and faster every day. But despite that, they can still pose difficult to navigate for users with speech or motor impairments. Recently Google pushed an update to its Voice Access feature that improves the interface and makes it easier to navigate with just the sound of your voice. But for users who may not be able to speak or physically interact with their device, a small team at Google have come up with a solution.With the help of machine learning and the expertise of speech and languag...

Google Pay just got a massive redesign in the U.S. along with a host of exciting new features, including cashback rewards, easier money transfers, ordering food from local eateries, and much more. You will need to try it out to see all the new features on offer. Here's how to set up the all-new Google Pay.How to download the new Google Pay appGoogle Pay is installed out of the box on Android phones, but if you don't see the new version yet, you will have to update it on the Play Store manually. Here's how to do it:Open Google Pay and select the card that says, Get the new Google Pay. This will take you to the Play Store. Hit Install to download and install the latest version of Google Pay. You should see the new Google Pay splash screen.How to set up the new Google Pay appThe new version of Google Pay has so much more to offer, and Google walks you through all the new features when setting up the service. Here's how you can set up the new Google Pay:Open Google Pay...

Jio will be the first carrier to roll out 5G services in India.What you need to knowReliance Jio plans to launch its 5G service in India in the second half of 2021.Jio's 5G service is expected to be powered by an indigenous-developed network, hardware, and technology components.Jio is also expected to launch its first entry-level 4G Android phone early next year.Jio, India's largest telecom company, today confirmed that it plans to roll out its 5G service in the country in the second half of 2021. Speaking at the virtual India Mobile Congress 2020 today, Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said that Jio's 5G service will use indigenously-developed network, hardware, and technology components (via LiveMint).It is worth noting, however, that the Indian government is yet to award 5G spectrum. Due to the poor financial health of the industry, India has delayed 5G auctions until the first quarter of 2021. Airtel, which is Jio's biggest competitor, ...

The Moto G9 Power packs a bigger battery than any previous Motorola phone.What you need to knowThe Moto G9 Power is now official in India.It comes with a large 6.8-inch display and a massive 6000mAh battery.The phone has been priced at ₹11,999 ($163) in the country. Motorola introduced the Moto G9 Power last month, its latest budget Android phone aimed at users looking for great battery life. The phone has now been launched in India to take on some of the best cheap Android phones on sale in the country.The Moto G9 Power sports a large 6.8-inch HD+ display with a hole-punch cutout on the top-left corner. It is powered by Qualcomm's 11nm Snapdragon 662 chipset, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.Even though the Moto G9 Power isn't a camera-focused device, it still has an impressive triple-lens system on the back with a 64MP primary sensor. You also get a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Its biggest selling point, however, is the massive 6000mAh battery...

ColorOS is about to see a boost in color.What you need to knowLeaker Evan Blass has unveiled details of the premium OPPO Find X3 Pro, expected early next year.There will be a particular emphasis on color, as the phone will reportedly support 10-bit color management throughout.OPPO will apparently not make the jump to 125W wired charging that was unveiled in July.OPPO is expected to announce a trio of flagship smartphones in March 2021, and some leaked details of the premium model paint an interesting picture of how OPPO plans to differentiate with these phones from other top smartphones. It's been rumored that the company is punching up the color profile on the display, introducing a color management system and 10-bit color reproduction. This seems to be the focus of the Find X3 Pro, codename "Fussi", as OPPO readies the tagline "Awaken Color".Front and center is the already impressive dynamic 120Hz QHD+ display, which changes the refresh rate based on what's being viewed...

Take the best shots with more ease than ever before.With the new console generation comes a new user experience and new ways of doing things like taking photos. With the PS5 out in the wild worldwide, there are several new and altered features like sharing their favorite captures with the DualSense controller. Here's how to take and share a screenshot on PS5.How to take and share a screenshot on PS5 with a DualSenseSign in to your PS5.Play any game.When you want to take a screenshot, press the Create button on your DualSense controller.This will bring up the Create menu, which has a variety of options for customizing your screenshot.Press Take Screenshot when you are happy with your shot. Alternatively, without opening the Create menu, you can press and hold the Create button to take a screenshot.To share this screenshot, navigate to the Control Center.Find and select the Card that has recently captured media.After doing a final check, share the screenshot on PlayS...

A galaxy far, far away is coming to your living room again very soon.The recent Star Wars resurgence (thanks to Disney's acquisition of the franchise) and the new sequel trilogy of movies has caused an explosion in the number of Star Wars fans around the galaxy. Many of these newer fans didn't grow up on the original Star Wars, but this generation of younglings can still experience them in other ways. When a dated movie just doesn't cut it, video games can step in to help. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is aiming to do just that.And let's be honest. Adults love the LEGO video game series too. I'm sure it will be on my personal list of the best PS4 games.Jump to:What is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga?Who is making it?Will it adapt other movies?What can I expect from gameplay?Will it let you fly spacecraft?Is it a remake?Is there anything else to expect?The Holiday SpecialPre-order bonusWhat's in the Deluxe Edition?When does it release?All nine films...

Just what is in store?What you need to knowA new trailer has been released for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season One.This season is introducing Vikhor "Stitch" Kuzmin.Season One is set to release on December 16, 2020.In the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, Nova 6 gas was a deadly chemical weapon that helped drive the urgent plot. Now, in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season One, Nova 6 is being manufactured again, this time by Vikhor "Stitch" Kuzmin. Kuzmin previously tackled with Russell Adler, a character from the main story in in Black Ops Cold War. You can check out the new trailer for Season One below, which gives us a hint at just what is coming.After a short delay saw it pushed back, Season One is set to release on December 16, 2020. Season One is bringing a new Warzone map, alongside new multiplayer maps, modes, guns, Blueprint variants and more, all of which Activision touts as the largest free content update in Black Ops history. We'll get to see ...