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The update also brings improved system stability and optimizes the phone's video calling performance.What you need to knowOnePlus has started rolling out the first OxygenOS update for its new OnePlus Nord.The update brings an improved camera experience and optimizes video calling performance.OnePlus Nord is slated to go on sale in India and select markets across Europe starting August 4. OnePlus finally unveiled its budget-focused OnePlus Nord at an AR launch event yesterday. Even though the OnePlus Nord will not be available to purchase until August 4, OnePlus has already started rolling out the first software update for the phone.The update, which arrives as OxygenOS 10.5.1, is now rolling out to all review units of the OnePlus Nord. If you purchase the phone early next month, you will likely receive a notification asking you to install the OxygenOS 10.5.1 update as soon as you are done setting it up.The OxygenOS 10.5.1 update for the OnePlus Nord brings optimizations...

Today at Best Buy you can grab the bObsweep Pet robotic vacuum cleaner for $199.99. This is one of Best Buy's deals of the day, which is a temporary one-day sale, and applies to both the silver and scarlet colors. The price is usually closer to around $300 or more.If you've got fur babies, you really ought to check out this bObsweep vacuum as it can banish pet hair and dander from your home with limited input from you. The bObi Pet has a 5-in-1 cleaning process that leaves your floors vacuumed and mopped without you having to lift a finger.It has silicone touch sensors and embedded wall sensors to help it avoid obstacles and navigate around your home without bumping into furniture or falling off stairs. Its battery runs for up to 120 minutes between charges and when it starts getting low, bObi Pet even begins to head back to its charging station to juice back up. There are touch-sensitive buttons on the top of the vacuum and a remote control for manually setting the device going,...

In most markets, the phone will be powered by the same Exynos 990 chipset as the Galaxy S20 series.What you need to knowPress renders and complete specs of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 20 Ultra have leaked online.The Note 20 Ultra will feature a 6.9-inch Infinity-O display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 7 protection. It will have a triple-camera setup on the back with a 108MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom.Last week, we got our best look yet at Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note 20, thanks to a 360-degree render of the phone shared by well-known leaker Evan Blass. The complete specs sheet of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has now surfaced online, along with renders showing the phone in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Black colors.According to German tech publication WinFuture, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has a massive 6.9-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-O display with a 120Hz refresh rate, WQHD+ resolution, and Corning Gori...

Former Red Devils boss David Moyes brings his Hammers side to Old Trafford on Wednesday, looking to upend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side's bid for Champions LEague qualification.Read on for full details on how to get a live stream of Man United vs West Ham with our guide below.Having been on a superb run of results in the league that has them nicely placed in fourth for Champions League qualification, Man United came unstuck in their FA Cup tie against Chelsea at the weekend.The 2-0 defeat placed further question marks over the long-term future over goalkeeper David de Gea, with the Spanish stopper at fault for both of the Blues' goals. With his No.1 looking increasingly like a liability in recent weeks, Solskjaer could look to take the player out of the firing line this evening.While West Ham made an unsteady return to action from lockdown that raised serious concerns over whether they would survive their relegation battle, the Hammers have since gone on to pick up crucial vict...

Demand for virtual private networks has grown exponentially in recent times, particularly as people spend more time using the internet in their homes during lockdown. According to a recent report, the use of the best VPN services experienced an increase of 41% in March, and more than 30% of internet users are now accessing VPNs.For 72% of American and British VPN users, they have chosen to download free services and many of them are available on the Android operating system. A VPN app provides users with a private network and hides their IP address, allowing them to use the internet anonymously.By downloading an Android VPN app, you can encrypt your internet data to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals, unblock content that isn't available in your country, stop internet service providers from intentionally slowing down your connection and download torrent files without revealing your identity.If you search for VPNs on the Google Play Store, you'll see that hundreds are availabl...

If your Wi-Fi at home is busted or you want to make a change, which should you buy?Mesh Wi-Fi networks are the new thing, and that's great because mesh networks can put fast Wi-Fi where you need it without getting complicated. There are some great products available that are easy to set up and keep running, including Nest Wifi and an Eero system. Setting up your own mesh Wi-Fi network is simple, thanks to consumer gear that does the hard work for you.However, "regular" Wi-Fi routers and access points are getting better, too. Faster speeds and more extended range are more than buzzwords when it comes to buying the latest Wi-Fi router, and you'll often find advanced tools that a simple mesh system can't offer.That leads to the obvious question — should anyone switch to a mesh-based Wi-Fi network in their house? Like most things, the answer isn't a simple yes or no. There are a couple of things you should consider before you dust off your credit card.More: Google Wifi vs. Orbi...

Wireless PowerShare is a cool gimmick on stage for devices like the Galaxy S10, but in practicality, you're sacrificing your phone's battery to recharge your headphones, smartwatch, or another phone. It's far, far easier to just buy a power bank that supports Qi wireless charging for all of your accessories and Qi-enabled phones. While Qi power banks aren't quite as popular as traditional power banks, there is still a good variety to choose from right now.Affordable reliabilityAukey Wireless Power Bank 8,000mAhStaff pickAukey's Wireless Power Bank is the same physical size as its popular 10,000mAh power bank, but it shaves off a fifth of the capacity to make room for a Qi charging coil. This is a trade-off I'm more than willing to live with in order to get an affordable name-brand Qi bank.$30 at AmazonUpgrade pickOtterBox OtterSpot Wireless Charging SystemIt's great to have a few OtterSpot Qi batteries to swap around and use on the fly, but building up that system...

Nothing can turn your technology from state-of-the-art to overpriced paperweight faster than a dead battery, but the best portable chargers and power banks can help recharge your tech when life plays keep-away with your power outlets. Portable chargers used to be big, bulky, and slow, but Power Delivery charging has made things much faster — fast enough to charge laptops, even — and has allowed power banks to get slimmer and better than ever. There are plenty of options in every shape or size, but our favorite is the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux, which is tiny but mighty.Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 10000 PD ReduxAnker's power banks have been some of the most popular in recent years, and its 10,000mAh PowerCore PD Redux is just about the perfect battery pack for recharging a single phone during a long day at a theme park or as a backup battery you can stow away in a small bag. This is especially true as the Reux fixed the original PowerCore 10000 PD's inconsistencies wit...

And there's one for the Pixel Buds, Galaxy S20, and OnePlus 8.What you need to knowdbrand has dropped a new pastel shaded skin drop.With eight color choices and an ultramatte finish, these are pretty slick to look at.They are available for a range of devices, including the just launched OnePlus Nord. Skins and case company dbrand today launched a set of pastel cases as part of their new Pastels Special Edition Drop. They look pretty gorgeous, at least going off from the renders. These will come in an ultra-matte finish, and are available for a variety of devices including the new OnePlus Nord, the OnePlus 8, the Pixel 4 family, and Samsung's ultra-popular S20 line.Aside from phones, dbrand is also offering cases for the Pixel Buds and Stadia controllers, because why not?dbrand is selling eight color options, including.Sunrise RedSunset OrangeMellow YellowSeafoam GreenSky BlueKind of PurpleOff PinkPastel Black You can see dbrand's full offering on their w...

YouTube Music is set to pick up advanced sharing featuresUpdate, July 21 (6:35 pm ET): Google has announced the rollout of collaborative playlists for Android users.What you need to knowGoogle is making playlists more powerful on YouTube Music.It's rolling out collaborative playlists to a select group of Android customers and adding AI-powered playlist suggestions for all Android users globally. YouTube Music is still set to replace Google Play Music by the end of the year. YouTube Music may be getting a bit more collaborative in future updates. Google has added the option for collaboration on playlists in the app, albeit one that doesn't just work just yet.The upcoming feature was spotted by the folks over at 9to5Google: Visiting a playlist in the latest version (3.69) of YouTube Music for Android and then tapping the Edit/pencil icon reveals a new "Collaborate" button next to the "Privacy" menu. Regardless of what preference you set — Public, Unlisted, or Priv...

Best answer: The Far Cry 6 Collector's Edition includes the game, a special steelbook case, a season pass, the Ultimate Edition content, a set of 10 stickers, the game's soundtrack, a map, a Chorizo keyring, and a Replica Flamethrower.Revolutionary extras: Far Cry 6 Collector's Edition ($200 at Ubisoft)Back to basics: Far Cry 6 ($60 at Amazon)What exactly is in the Far Cry 6 Collector's Edition?Ubisoft generally packs out collector's editions to the brim and the Far Cry 6 Collector's Edition is no exception. Here's everything that's included:A copy of the gameUltimate Pack (Croc Hunter Pack, Vice Pack, and Jungle Expedition Pack)Season PassCollector's CaseUnique Steelbook case64 page artbookSet of 10 stickersGame soundtrackChorizo keyringMapReplica "Tostador" Flamethrower (72cm long)Where can I buy the Far Cry 6 Collector's Edition?Much like other collector's editions from Ubisoft, the Far Cry 6 Collector's Edition is only available directly from Ubisoft. Y...

A hands-on marketing campaign could be beginning soon — but it's not happening yet.What you need to knowA Twitter user shared an image of what they claimed was a PS5 demo station.Different websites quickly began sharing this news.The image is actually of a PS4 demo station that is apparently being dismantled.If you were getting excited at the idea of seeing PS5 demo stations roll out, we've got some disappointing news. Earlier today, an image taken and shared by @IronCoreGame on Twitter showed an apparent PS5 demo station at Currys PC World, which different websites were quick to report on. You can see the image below:Unfortunately for anyone who wanted to get their hands on the PS5 soon, this isn't a PS5 station and there is no compelling proof it will be used to demo PS5 games. It's a PS4 demo station that is partially dismantled. If you need some proof, you can see this shot from an ad of an identical station being used to demo PS4 titles, as spotted by a Reddit us...

If you are physically able to, standing while working — even in short spurts — is one of the best things you can do for your health. The trouble with standing desks is that they are often expensive and replace otherwise perfectly good office furniture. Thankfully, many affordable and flexible standing desk solutions will work great in your existing workspace, or just about anywhere around your home. Our favorite overall is the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 because it sits on top of an existing desk or tabletop, and it is incredibly spacious, sturdy, and adjustable.Best Overall: VariDesk Pro Plus 36"VariDesk is one of the most well-known manufacturers of standing desks, but in addition to the stand-alone electronic and manual desks, it also makes several desktop units that you can place on existing workspaces. Out of these, my favorite is hands-down the Pro Plus 36. The unit consists of two levels — an upper section for your laptop and/or monitor(s), and a lower area for your mouse...

Best answer: The PS5 will pack a custom RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 TFLOPs with 36 computer units clocked at 2.23GHz. It can support 8K resolution and ray tracing.Build your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Preorder soon: PlayStation 5 (See at Amazon)PS3 vs PS4 graphicsIt was notoriously difficult to develop for the PS3 because of its CPU, and though this was apparently the case on purpose so developers would be challenged to push its limits, that didn't make it a good thing. Sony used the RSX "Reality Synthesizer" capable of 400 gigaflops (0.4 teraflops) for the PS3's GPU and a custom eight-core Cell Broadband Engine for the CPU, which also carried some of the graphics-related work that the console performed. This architecture was completely different from the PS2 and required a significantly greater amount of effort to develop for.Sony opted for a CPU and GPU that was much easier for developers to work with in the PS4 — a custom AMD Jaguar CPU a...

A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) allows you to connect to the internet privately and anonymously. You've probably heard a lot about how it's essential that you have such a service available to you, but you might still be wondering just how vital it is and how using one of the best VPN services would benefit you.VPNs are becoming more popular amongst tech-savvy users but they're not commonplace yet, nor are most good services free. So, why should you do the research and find the right VPN for you? There's actually plenty of great real-world scenarios where a VPN can be a massive help to your browsing experience.Here's a list of the advantages that a VPN can provide you with to give you some insight into why one is worth buying and to explain why it's important to use a VPN. Our favorite VPN and top pick for most people is ExpressVPN. It combines speed, reliability, fantastic customer service, and more into one affordable package. Be sure to check them out now.ExpressVPNT...

YouTube Music is adding another way to recommend you new music.What you need to knowGoogle is testing a new YouTube Music recommendations feature.The app will now automatically suggest music it thinks will suit your playlist based on whatever's already in there.As with all tests, only a small group of users have access to it.Google has begun testing a YouTube Music feature that would improve your playlist creation (spotted by 9to5Google). Leveraging the same AI smarts that lets it generate your customized mixtapes, it will now suggest songs you may want to add to your playlist based on the content that's already in there if a user chooses the "add to playlist" button at the bottom.As per the report, it will offer as many as 7 songs in your suggestions list, with the option to refresh if you don't quite like what you've gotten.For users not in the test, you'll see the usual search interface for finding new songs. It's not available to all devices at the moment (certai...

If you are still stuck at home or trying to regain fitness after lockdown, now would be a great time to start working out. BetterMe is a highly-rated app that creates targeted workouts and diets to meet your goals, and lifetime access is now just $39.99.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lwx8rpQma-YEveryone has a different target when it comes to fitness. Some people want to look good, some want to perform in sports, and some just want to feel better. No matter what your goals are, BetterMe can craft the perfect plan.To make this happen, BetterMe asks you a few questions — your height, your current weight and activity level, which areas you want to target, and so on. You can also input your goals and tell the app what motivates you most.Just like a pocket-sized personal trainer, BetterMe then produces a complete plan. Through one simple interface, you can see exactly what workouts you need to complete and what meals to prepare. The app even recommends how much water to drink.Bett...

The chances are if you're in need of a a webcam, you've hit up your usual stores and have come up empty due to overwhelming current demand. Slowly but surely, webcams are coming back in stock and are available through the likes of Amazon. We have rounded up the best webcams that you can get right now from Amazon.Flexible and solidAUKEY FHD WebcamStaff PickAUKEY'S FHD Webcam will get the job done admirably for those who need a new webcam for video conferencing or some live streams. This 1080p camera records at 30fps, and with the "Fixed Focus" feature, you'll be in focus even if you are a few feet away from where the camera is mounted. Speaking of, the camera clips onto the top of your monitor or laptop screen, but there's also a mount for those who have a mini-tripod.$50 at AmazonBuilt-in ring lightVitade 960ATrying to get the right lighting can be tough, because you don't want to look washed out, nor do you want to look like a Sith Lord. The Vitade 960A hel...

Could these be the cover stars?What you need to knowFIFA 21's reveal trailer is currently scheduled to go live on Thursday, July 23.Source code of the FIFA 21 reveal trailer may have revealed who the games cover stars will be.FIFA 21 is set to launch on October 9, 2020.With FIFA 21 set to release later this year, EA Sports is preparing to show fans even more about the game. Today, the company confirmed via a YouTube reminder that the reveal trailer for the game would be going live on Thursday, July 23.Alongside the news that the reveal trailer is on its way, various members of the community may have also uncovered who will be gracing the cover of the game. After popping up in the first-look trailer of the game, it seems like Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe will be one of four players who may be getting the cover athlete treatment this year.Check out the tags. These the cover stars? pic.twitter.com/UZf1kVrdfz— Chris (@ChrissyG_x) July 21, 2020After the video re...

OnePlus will let some users keep the Nord, while others will, unfortunately, have to return it.What you need to knowOnePlus is giving a few lucky North Americans the chance to try out its latest smartphone.The OnePlus Nord beta program will allow 50 Americans or Canadians to review the phone.The beta is designed to help the company test the waters for launching a similar phone in North America in the future.Even though the OnePlus Nord is aimed at the European and (some) Asian markets, OnePlus' CEO Carl Pei has indicated that the company will eventually be looking to enter the North American market with phones espousing a similar focus on affordability and a competitive price.To that effect, and despite the fact that the phone won't be generally available in either U.S. or Canada, OnePlus this week announced that it will be allowing 50 lucky individuals from either country to participate in its OnePlus Nord beta program for the U.S. and Canada."Our history has shown tha...

Enhance your day by watching Henry Cavill build a gaming PC, then check out our review of Ghost of Tsushima! We also have previews of Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Watch Dogs: Legion. Plus, Rebecca takes us through her first couple hours with Paper Mario: The Origami King.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Watch The Witcher's Henry Cavill build an impressive gaming PC | Windows CentralGhost of Tsushima review: Capping off the PS4 era in style | Android CentralAssassin's Creed Valhalla preview: The game you know but with Vikings | Windows CentralWatch Dogs: Legion preview — Both timely commentary and escapist fantasy | Windows CentralPaper Mario: The Origami King — The ultimate guide | iMore...

In just a few short years, big phones have gone from being an outlier to the norm in the smartphone industry. Just about every major device that's released these days has a larger physical size, and while that's great for watching movies and playing games, it can be a challenge for those of us that prefer our phones to be small and compact. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options out there — including the Google Pixel 3a as our top overall pick.Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aFirst on the list, we've got the Google Pixel 3a. We've championed the Pixel 3a as being one of the best Android deals ever since it first came out back in May 2019, and over a year later, it still holds up as an excellent small phone. The 5.6-inch display size is downright tiny by today's industry standards, and with an OLED panel and Full HD+ resolution, it's a joy to look at.The big highlight of the Pixel 3a is its rear camera, which takes gorgeous photos. The single 12.2MP sensor may not sound i...

Your favorite music streaming app also wants to become your favorite podcasts app as well.What you need to knowSpotify now supports video podcasts in addition to audio podcasts and streaming music.The company has invested in the podcasts space, buying exclusive rights to The Joe Rogan Experience among others.Video podcasts will be made available wherever Spotify supports podcasts. Spotify is now expanding into video podcasts, the company announced on Tuesday. It already hosts audio podcasts alongside its regular streaming library, but the inclusion of video will add a new dimension to an app mostly associated with sound.Announcing the change, Spotify said: Video podcasts build upon and enhance our existing audio experience, allowing Free and Premium users to connect more deeply with their favorite podcasts with video content. Listeners can tune into podcasts like Book of Basketball 2.0, Fantasy Footballers, The Misfits Podcast, H3 Podcast, The Morning Toast, Higher Le...

An LG G9 by a different name.With so many phones that are released during a given year, it only makes sense for some of them to slip between the cracks. Companies get fiercer, prices get more competitive, and those that aren't truly amazing often get left to the wayside.Unfortunately, that seems to have been the case for LG for the last few years. The company makes solid devices, but a handful of quirks or missteps keep them from achieving true greatness.2020 is here, and this time around, we have the LG Velvet (aka the successor to 2019's LG G8). This is the phone we were expecting to be called the LG G9, but LG wanted to do something a bit different rather than a traditional year-over-year upgrade.Is the Velvet what the company needs to turn things around? Here's everything you need to know about the phone!Silky smoothLG Velvet$599 at AT&TThe 2020 LG flagship tries something differentLG tried something bolder than usual with the Velvet, and while it didn't...

Amazon's Prime Day 2020 event isn't likely to happen in July this year for the first time since it came about. Rumors suggest that Amazon is pushing it back until October, following issues the company faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. While unfortunate, it makes sense for Amazon to delay the event for several reasons. Consumers are affected by the economic slowdown, lots of people lost jobs during the outbreak, and supply chains are still affected by everything. While it would be awesome to have a small sense of normalcy and have Prime Day happen during July, it doesn't look like that's what will happen this year.The delay could potentially change a lot of things about Prime Day 2020, especially with how much closer it pushes the event towards Black Friday and the holiday shopping season. There are a lot of unanswered questions at this point like what is this rumored Summer Sale that people are talking about, when will Prime Day be announced and take place, and should you buy on ...

If you're a software developer, you have a chance to help inform and shape the future of the developing ecosystem. /Data is running a survey now through August 10 that will give you an opportunity to let your voice and experiences be heard whether you're working on mobile apps or developing cloud computing software. And, if you take the survey, you might just get a prize in return./Data's survey is interested in hearing from all manner of software developers and those involved in making tech. It doesn't matter if you're a professional, a hobbyist, or a student; /Data wants to hear from you.The survey wants to know what your coding experience is, your favorite programming languages, the tools that help you with your work, and the resources you turn to for help. The survey is also curious about the changed software development landscape in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. And, if you do AR or VR, /Data has some special questions for you.When the survey is complete, /Data will a...

Because driving without music is soo boooring!Let's face it: driving without music sucks. Road noise is annoying, and having to have actual conversation with the other people in your car? Nooooo, thank you! Ensure that you've got your tunes close at hand on the road by integrating YouTube Music directly into the navigation screen as you follow the blue line home after a grueling day.Google Maps lets you control YouTube Music directly from the directions screen, but you have to turn it on first! Luckily, you can do it in the time you're stuck at a red light — but please, don't do this while the car is in motion unless you're a passenger.How to enable YouTube Music in Google Maps navigation modeFrom the Google Maps navigation mode, swipe up on the bottom tab.Tap Settings.Tap Show media playback controls.Tap YouTube Music.Tap Next.Read the disclaimer and remind yourself that you're driving a half-ton of metal, so be responsible about leaning over to change songs.Tap O...

Standalone VR headsetOculus Quest$399 at AmazonProsNo tether back to a PCHigh-res, dual OLED displaysPhysical IPD adjustmentsUpdated Touch controllersHand tracking (in preview)Oculus Link supportConsLower refresh rateOne less Insight sensorIf you don't have a PC to power a VR headset, the Oculus Quest is no doubt the right pick. It's powered by a self-contained Snapdragon 835 processor (CPU) and has a higher resolution for its dual OLED displays. The IPD can be adjusted manually, allowing a broader range of users to find something comfortable.PC-powered VROculus Rift S$399 at Best BuyProsAccess to existing Rift CV1 titlesNo jump in recommended PC specsHigher refresh rateFive Insight sensorsUpdated Touch controllersConsNo manual IPD adjustmentLower-res LCDPC is requiredThe Oculus Rift S is a successor to the original Rift CV1, so it requires a connected PC to power it. Compared to the Oculus Quest, it uses a lower-res LCD. It doesn...

Hulu is one of the more unique streaming platforms out there. Not only does it have a huge selection of TV shows and movies, it's also one of the few ways you can watch shows that aired on cable TV as early as the next day. Plus, Hulu has invested a lot in award-winning original content over the last few years. In the streamer's repertoire, it is one of the core platforms you need to see the most possibilities.Not only that, but Hulu also has an extremely flexible app. You can watch it just about anywhere you can get apps, and since it has been around so long it's available on plenty of third-party platforms, too (unlike some of the newer offerings released this year). Whether you want to watch Hulu on your TV, your computer, your smartphone, or something like Roku TV or Fire TV, we've got you covered right here.How to WatchOn a TVFrom a phoneUsing a computerBinge Something NewHulu$5.99 a month at HuluWhether you're catching up on the latest shows or binging an ...

LG's stylish new phone makes an entrance into the competitive U.S. market.What you need to knowThe LG Velvet has landed in the U.S at a $599 price point.It's coming to AT&T first from July 22 and T-Mobile later.Later in the summer, Verizon will sell an LG Velvet 5G UW version.The LG Velvet will be coming to the U.S. from July 22nd, landing first on AT&T. LG will be selling the phone from $599, though retail partners may be free to set their own pricing with discounts, rebates, and deals aplenty.Aside from AT&T, the Velvet will be coming to T-Mobile later in the summer. As for Verizon, just like with the S20 and A71, the carrier will be debuting an LG Velvet 5G UW to take advantage of its Ultra Wideband network. The Velvet will be sold in Aurora Gray, Aurora Silver, Aurora Red, and Pink White, though again, not all retail partners will sell all color variants.Commenting on the release, Chris Yie, head of LG Mobile, North America said: With LG VELVET 5G, ...

The spiritual successor to the OnePlus X is here.Leading up to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro launch, the rumor mill was strongly suggesting that the two phones would be joined by a budget-focused OnePlus 8 Lite. The phone has finally arrived, and it goes by the name of "OnePlus Nord."Nord marks the start of a brand new product line for OnePlus, with the company getting back to its roots of creating truly affordable smartphones that deliver quality user experiences for as little money as possible — something it's shifted away from with devices like the OnePlus 8 Pro.OnePlus Nord stands to be one of the most enticing phones from OnePlus we've seen in a while, and if you're eager to learn all about it, you've come to the right place. From official specs, pricing, and our impressions of the phone, here's everything you need to know about OnePlus Nord!Nice balanceOnePlus 8From $699 at AmazonRight in the middleIf the OnePlus Nord is the most affordable new OnePlus phone for...

The OnePlus Nord starts off at just ₹24,999 ($335) in India, making it the default choice in the country.The OnePlus Nord is now official, and there's a lot to like. The phone features all the exciting tech that OnePlus introduced on its flagships over the last 15 months — 90Hz AMOLED display, 48MP quad camera, and 30W fast charging — and the best part is that it is much more affordable than the OnePlus 8 series.It's that affordability that makes the Nord a standout option in OnePlus' largest market, India. The OnePlus Nord starts off at £379 ($480) in the UK and €399 ($450) in Europe for the model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and that same variant costs just ₹27,999 ($375) in India. That makes the Nord much more affordable in India than any other market.To sweeten the deal, OnePlus is rolling out a 6GB/64GB variant of the Nord exclusively for the Indian market, and that model costs just ₹24,999 ($335). The fact that you're getting a 90Hz AMOLED panel, a 4...

In the 11 days that I've owned the OnePlus Buds, I've been stopped three times while walking down the streets of Toronto with people asking me variations of the question, "Are those blue AirPods?" While the OnePlus Buds share a modicum of design DNA with its Bullets Wireless counterparts, namely in the flat-edged, rounded "disk" on each earbuds' external side, they owe an even bigger nod to Apple's AirPods.And that's not necessarily a bad thing: the second-generation AirPods that these compete with cost twice as much (when not on sale) and are optimized for iOS devices. The OnePlus Buds cost $80 and are optimized for, you guessed it, OnePlus phones.Given the ubiquity of true wireless earbuds, and the success of the Bullets Wireless series, you'd think the OnePlus Buds would be a home run. They're not.Instead, they just make me look forward to the inevitable OnePlus Buds Pro.At a glanceOnePlus Buds ...

Smartphone sales in the U.S. are expected to pick up 'significantly' in the third quarter.What you need to knowCounterpoint Research says smartphone sales in the U.S. fell 25% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2020.Samsung fared better than other OEMs, registering only a 10% decline in sales. Sales of OnePlus, Motorola, and ZTE phones tumbled by over 60% during the period.According to Counterpoint Research's latest U.S. smartphone channel share tracker, smartphone sales in the country nosedived almost 25% year-over-year in Q2 2020. April saw the weakest sales during the quarter, as the first lockdowns in the U.S. were announced in mid-March and lasted until mid-April. Nearly 80% of smartphone sales channels in the country were closed in April, which resulted in sales tumbling over 50%. From May, however, smartphone sales in the U.S. started growing steadily, and June 2020 sales were actually higher than June 2019.Commenting on the sharp decline in smartphone sales...

The OnePlus Nord has all the specs you care about for under $500.The OnePlus Nord is now official, and the phone delivers a lot of exciting features for under $500. It is powered by a Snapdragon 765G — the first OnePlus phone to not run a Snapdragon 8xx series chipset — and you get a vibrant 90Hz AMOLED panel, 4115mAh battery with 30W wired charging, 48MP quad-camera at the back, and the latest version of OxygenOS based on Android 10 out of the box.Interestingly, OnePlus is offering 32MP + 8MP dual cameras at the front, with the primary lens joined by a wide-angle module that has a 105-degree field-of-view. You are getting a lot of value here, and that's particularly true when you consider the fact that the Nord has 5G connectivity. Here's a detailed look at the hardware on offer with the OnePlus Nord: Category Features Operating System OxygenOS 10.5 based on Android 10 Display 6.44-inch 90Hz Fluid AMOLED2400x1080Gorilla Glass 5 Chipset Qualcomm Sn...

It already supports other streaming services like HBO Now.What you need to knowNetflix is rolling out to all Google Nest branded smart displays from today.You'll be able to control the service with your voice and the Nest Hub's quick gestures.Google's Nest Hub already supports other streaming services like Hulu and Starz. From today onwards, Google is bringing Netflix to Nest branded smart displays globally, allowing users to sign-in and stream their favorite shows with little hassle.Once you've linked your Netflix account through the Google Home app (assuming you're in a supported country), you'll be able to hit the ground running with commands like "Hey Google, play Queer Eye" or "Hey Google, open Netflix." The Nest Hub Max's quick gestures mean that you won't need to touch the display while cooking (or washing the dishes.)Google's Nest Hub already streams from a variety of streaming services including Hulu and HBO Now, it's just that Netflix is one that many people r...

Smart TVs are abundant these days, but not all of them come with the same interface, and that can be a determining factor when looking for something that does 4K. Android TVs have emerged as a solid way to access popular streaming services and other apps that enhance the TV viewing experience. The Sony A8H Bravia OLED is a beautiful screen that brings out the best in both visual splendor and convenient connectivity.Best Overall: Sony A8H Bravia OLEDSony does special things with OLED panels, and the A8H Bravia is an example of that. There are 55 and 65-inch panels available, and Sony's X1 Ultimate processor offers plenty of ways to calibrate and improve the screen's output. With Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and even a Netflix calibration mode, this is a gorgeous display that can adapt to almost anything you want to watch and make it look great.Thin bezels and an adjustable stand make this fit right in to your decor. Bright or dark rooms don't matter, either, courtesy of advanc...

Having efficient charging accessories is important if you want to power up your devices in a timely manner. If you're still using an old charger, it's time to upgrade and Anker's one-day sale at Amazon is the perfect opportunity. Today only, a selection of Anker charging accessories are discounted by up to 44% with prices starting at just $10, including USB wall chargers, wireless chargers, portable battery packs, and more. Shipping is free on orders of $25 or more for customers without Prime.Anker's USB-C Power Strip offers one major improvement to a household essential that everyone should consider today. Along with three AC outlets, this discounted power strip features two USB-A ports and a USB-C port offering a combined 30W of power to your USB devices. Today's deal brings its price down to just $25.49, saving you a bit over $12 off its full price and bringing this item back to the best price it's reached on Amazon so far.Another essential everyone should have — and one tha...

For Kaspersky Internet Security and Total Security users, your antivirus program includes Anti-Banner. This tool blocks both ads embedded on webpages and pop-up ads. Here are the few simple steps needed to enable Kaspersky Anti-Banner.Products used in this guideAll-inclusive protection: Kaspersky Total Security ($50/ year at Kaspersky)More than basic antivirus: Kaspersky Internet Security ($40/ year at Kaspersky)How to enable Kaspersky Anti-BannerFrom the dashboard of your Kaspersky software, click the gear icon in the bottom left corner to go to Settings.There are several setting topics listed on the left side. Click Protection then scroll down to Anti-Banner. This is disabled by default.Clicking it on enables this tool in your web browser. Ads, both banner and pop-ups, will now be blocked.Some websites don't allow you to visit them if an ad blocker is enabled. For example, Google and its apps, including Gmail, and Facebook tend to not open for many users when ...

All of the carriers are talking about 5G. Here's what it means for consumers.If you follow phones or technology, you've seen 5G popping up everywhere. New phones are listing 5G as a major feature, and the carriers love to tell you that they have the best 5G, but what does 5G actually mean to an average customer? For now, 5G means that if you live in just the right area and have just the right phone or hotspot, you can get a faster and more reliable phone connection that won't bog down when the network is congested. Beyond that, it gets a bit more complicated.Jump to:More data demand than everRelease 165G SAAll about the frequencyWhich phones support 5G?When can I get 5G?More data demand than ever5G is spreading fast, and for many people, it's not quite what they expected. 5G refers to 5G NR (New Radio), which contains many different technologies with different implementations. What a 5G connection actually means to the consumer varies significantly between carrie...

The Boltune BT-BH024 true wireless earbuds are down to $37.99 on Amazon thanks to a $10 off on-page coupon and the code CRNLRZ7B, which applies more savings during checkout. Without these discounts, the earbuds are going for $60. That's the price they regularly sell for, and they have never dropped from that price directly. Any previous deal would've required a code like today's, so if you missed it now's your chance.The Boltune earbuds use a built-in Qualcomm QCC3026 chipset and high fidelity drivers. Along with the aptX codec to enhance the Bluetooth connectivity, you get clear, powerful sound that is transmitted uninterupted. Listen to Hi-Res lossless music every time you put these earbuds in.The built-in microphones also have cVc 8.0 technology, which helps cancel out unwanted noises. When you're using the earbuds to take or make a phone call, the noise cancellation tech will help by removing the ambient sounds behind you. Get a clear conversation every single time.The craz...

We've shown a lot of love for the Bose QC35s here on Android Central, and while we definitely recommend checking them out, we also understand that not everyone is willing to throw down $350 on a pair of headphones. If you still want a pair of quality cans but also want to save some cash, these are our five favorite cheaper alternatives!The ones to getSennheiser HD 4.50 BTNCStaff pickSennheiser is known for producing great audio quality throughout its lineup, and the HD 4.50 BTNC are a real bargain. The active noise-cancelation is effective, as are the onboard controls and aptX codec support. While these headphones have been available for a while now, they still hold up well compared to other affordable models because of their excellent sound signature and efficiency.From $114 at Amazon From $180 at Best Buy From $144 at NeweggBest valuePanasonic RP-HD805N-TIf you're looking for as close of an experience to the QC35s for considerably less money, your best option is...

Amazon says it will be announcing a new date "soon."What you need to knowAmazon has confirmed that it is delaying its annual Prime Day sales event in the U.S.The company says it hasn't set a new date yet, but plans to hold it "later than usual" this year.In India, however, the Prime Day event will begin on August 6. Earlier this month, leaked emails revealed that Amazon was planning to delay its annual Prime Day sales event to sometime in October. The company today confirmed that it is indeed going to delay the Prime Day event in the U.S. While Amazon hasn't revealed a new date yet, it says it will be holding the event "later than usual" this year.In a statement sent to TechCrunch, an Amazon spokesperson said: Over the last five years, Prime Day has become a special celebration and time for Prime members to shop incredible deals for themselves and for friends and family – and it's something we look forward to every year. This year we'll be holding Prime Day later th...

There's no denying that Netflix is a force of nature in the online streaming space, boasting more than 190 million users and available in over 190 countries right across the world. What's clear is that people love Netflix for the sheer volume of TV shows and movies that are available in its catalogue. But depending on where you live in the world, certain shows may not be available and there may be less choice overall.Many countries are impacted by geo restrictions, whereby certain content is blocked by governments and content providers. However, with a virtual private network, it's possible to get around these annoying restrictions and access content that isn't available in your region. But you're probably wondering how you actually use a VPN to stream Netflix?Firstly, you'll need a VPN that actually works with Netflix. Hundreds of VPNs are available out there, although many can't be used to access blocked content on the streaming platform and will end up giving you the following m...

Looking back at one of Wear OS's finest.Just under a year ago in August 2019, I reviewed the Fossil Gen 5 here on Android Central. In that review, I hailed it as being one of the very best Wear OS watches you could buy, and for the most part, that holds true even today in July 2020. That speaks to just how good Fossil made the Gen 5, but it also acts as a clear reminder that Wear OS as a platform hasn't really made any progress during that time.What worked well on the Fossil Gen 5 still works well today, but its shortcomings are even more prevalent than before — with just about all of them being the fault of Wear OS and not necessarily anything Fossil did wrong. This is the case with virtually any Wear OS watch you find.Big changes for Wear OS are coming soon, so with that in mind, here's a look back at one of its best poster boys from the past year.At a glanceFossil Gen 5 ...

The 5G-enabled variant of the Pixel 4a is codenamed "bramble."What you need to knowA U.S. NVMO has listed an upcoming Google Pixel phone as being compatible with its 5G network.The device, which carries the model number G025E, could be the 5G-enabled variant of the Pixel 4a. Google Pixel 4a 5G is rumored to be powered by a Snapdragon 765G chipset.Last week, a report claimed that Google will be releasing not one, but two Pixel 4a models this year: Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G. More evidence hinting at the existence of the Pixel 4a 5G has now surfaced, courtesy of U.S. MVNO Boom! Mobile.As spotted by the folks at XDA Developers, Boom! Mobile's dedicated 5G coverage page includes an unannounced Google smartphone with model number G025E in the list of the 5G compatible phones. Since the model numbers G025J/G025N/G025M have been associated with the Pixel 4a, it is possible that the G025E is the model number for the Pixel 4a 5G.The 5G-enabled variant of the Pixel 4a is said to ...

A much-needed update gives a performance boost to this modern-looking smartwatch.In the last year or so, we have learned that for a Wear OS smartwatch to have good performance, it needs no less than 1GB of RAM. Mobvoi is taking the approach of "if the design isn't broke, don't fix it" with its line-up of watches. So, in the latest update to an existing design, the TicWatch C2+ gains the plus moniker by increasing RAM and keeping its clean looking modern design intact. So, does the memory boost make a difference in the C2+? Let's get into it and find out.It's got that something extraTicWatch C2+ Bottom Line: The TicWatch C2+ is a great looking watch that finally gets the update it has sorely needed to have the performance on par with its looks. The vibrant screen, customizable second button, and automatic workout-tracking he...

Best answer: Sony has officially confirmed that the PS5 will release Holiday 2020. We do not yet know an exact date, but judging by previous console releases, it's likely the PS5 will come out sometime in November.Endless choices: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Preorder soon: PlayStation 5 (See at Amazon)How do we know the PS5 release date will be in 2020?Sony confirmed as much. After months of silence and avoiding the subject, the company revealed that the PS5 will be releasing during the holidays in 2020. The PS5 Digital Edition should be releasing on the same day as the standard PS5 as well.We still don't know the exact date, but November 2020 is a good bet. The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 both released in November when they initially launched. Sony will likely follow precedent in this case, but we won't know for sure until the company reveals the date itself.Was the PS5 release date delayed due to COVID-19?From what information is available pub...

The Moto G8 Play, however, is yet to receive the Android 10 update.What you need to knowMotorola's Moto G8 Plus is finally getting updated to Android 10.The Android 10 update is currently rolling out only in Spain and Brazil. Moto G8 Plus was launched in October last year with Android 9 Pie out of the box. After rolling out the Android 10 update for the Moto G7 series of phones, Motorola has finally shifted focus to the Moto G8 Plus. The budget smartphone was launched alongside the Moto G8 Play, Moto E6 Play, and One Macro phones in October last year.The Android 10 update for the budget phone is now rolling out to users in Spain and Brazil (via Ytechb). In the coming weeks, the update is expected to expand to several other markets, including India. It arrives as version QPI30.28-Q3-28 and brings a number of new features and security enhancements. The latest July 2020 Android security patch is included as well, which is commendable.Some of the major highlights of the n...

Here's how you can tune in to the world's first launch event in augmented reality.After months of leaks and teasers, the OnePlus Nord launch event is finally here. The Nord will be unveiled on July 21 at 10am ET (7am PT, 3pm BST, 7:30pm IST), and OnePlus is doing things a little differently this time for the launch.In addition to a regular livestream in collaboration with Unbox Therapy that will be broadcast on the OnePlus Nord microsite and YouTube, OnePlus is holding the launch event in AR (augmented reality) — a first for the industry. So here's how you can stream the Nord launch event in AR, and what you need to do so.How to watch the OnePlus Nord launch event in ARBefore you can stream the Nord launch event, you'll need a few things:A device that supports ARCoreOnePlus Nord AR appQR code for the launch eventFirst, make sure your phone supports ARCore. If it doesn't, you won't be able to watch the event on your device. All OnePlus phones starting with the OnePlu...