Latest from Android Central

The oddball employees from Cloud 9 store 1217 are back for another season and we have all the details on how you can watch new episodes of NBC's Superstore on TV or online.Superstore first premiered on NBC back in 2015 and Justin Spitzer's quirky comedy about working in a Walmart-style store will air its 100th episode in season 6. However, the show's star America Ferrera, who plays the role of Amelia "Amy" Sosa, will also be leaving this season. While Ferrera had originally intended to leave the cast of Superstore after the season 5 finale, her departure was delayed due to Covid-19. Thankfully though, Ferrera has signed on to appear in the first two episodes of season 6.The pandemic will play a big role in Superstore this season as Covid-19 was responsible for delaying Amy and Jonah's move to California. In fact, this season's tagline is "More essential than ever" and the first episode in season 6 is titled "Essential". According to Superstore's showrunners Jonathan Green and Gab...

Samsung has big shoes to fill in 2021.2020 has seen the release of some truly impressive Android phones, one of the best being the Galaxy S20 from Samsung. The S20 set out to deliver on every front that it could, and for the most part, it succeeded with flying colors.It's now been a few months since the S20 came out, though, which means it's time to start looking ahead. The smartphone industry moves at a rapid pace, and before you know it, it'll be time for the Galaxy S21 (or S30, we're not sure yet).We're using this article to round-up all of the latest S21/S30 rumors, reports, and leaks, so if you're at all interested in learning about the phone, this is where you want to be.UnmatchedSamsung Galaxy S20$800 at Amazon$800 at Best Buy$1000 at WalmartOne of the best Android phones you can buy in 2020We're just as excited about the Galaxy S21 as you are, but if you need a phone right now, don't feel like you have to wait months for it. The Galaxy S20 that's curre...

The best cheap headphones and earbuds may not have the same name recognition as popular models like AirPods Pro or Sony WH-1000XM3, but nothing says you have to spend a lot just to get some good headphones for casual listening. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are an excellent place to start for the best cheap headphones, thanks to a solid mix of audio performance, comfort, and features that make them a real bargain.Best Cheap Wireless Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M40xIf you're looking for great sound for a low price, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is unbeatable as the best cheap headphones. Audio-Technica didn't veer too far one way or another with these, maintaining a steady balance in multiple facets. Because of that, there's nothing particularly fancy here — just wired over-ear headphones that sound better than their price would indicate.The primary reason is the flatter tuning right out of the box. That tuning gives the headphones a vibrant soundstage without too much treble...

Retailers are getting started with Black Friday sales much earlier than usual this year, meaning there are more opportunities than ever before to save. Best Buy is one retailer that's getting started early and offering early Black Friday deals before November even begins. Best of all, many of these offers are truly Black Friday-worthy even though we still have nearly a month left before the big day.One deal that's live now at Best Buy can save you $200 instantly on the iRobot Roomba 960 robot vacuum. This Wi-Fi connected model normally sells for up to $500, though right now it's on sale for $299.99 while supplies last.We named the Roomba 960 our favorite overall robot vacuum cleaner in 2020 so this is a deal you don't want to miss. You can schedule it to run via the free iRobot HOME app, or by using your voice through one of Amazon's Alexa-enabled Echo devices, making it super convenient. You can also tell it not to clean a specific area. The included sensors warn the device if i...

As we enter fall, Black Friday becomes the focus for holiday shoppers. Though we're still a little way out from the traditional Black Friday weekend, and we just wrapped up Amazon Prime Day, this year's unusual annual shopping calendar has prompted a whole host of great fall deals to kick off sooner than usual so there's a ton of stuff to shop already.Black Friday is usually the last chance to score a great deal on tech, kitchen appliances, toys, and more, ahead of the holidays, though some unexpected circumstances this year are likely to affect exactly how the event plays out at various retailers.Let's dive into everything we know about Black Friday 2020 including some official sale announcements!When is Black Friday 2020?With how crazy everything has been in 2020 you may be wondering when Black Friday is taking place this year, especially after Amazon already delayed Prime Day by several months. Black Friday itself is always the Friday after Thanksgiving, making it November...

Having a chat with the AC forums.Camera quality is a big talking point when any new phone comes out. We're eager to see how its photos look, how crispy the video is, and compare it to all of the competition that's out there. Something that tends to get left out of this conversation, however, is the app you interact with for said camera.Google's Pixel phones take incredible pictures, but compared to a Samsung or LG phone, its camera app is far less feature-rich. You might prefer that simplicity, but other users would much rather have those added controls.A few of our AC forum members recently started talking about different camera interfaces, saying: PoorInRichfield 10-25-2020 08:12 AM “ Many years ago, I reluctantly gave-up my Nokia Windows Phone (because Microsoft gave-up, too) and switched to a Google Pixel. For me, the most important part of a phone is it's camera and both my old Nokia an...

Summons will be a big part of the PS5 exclusive.What you need to knowSquare Enix launched a teaser website for Final Fantasy 16 today offering details on the game's world and characters.The action RPG will be released on the PS5, though there is no estimate on when.The story will follow Clive Rosfield, a teenage master swordsman.Square Enix provided a bunch of enticing new details about Final Fantasy 16 on a teaser website launched today, revealing an all new world and set of characters for the RPG series.The game, which will be released exclusively on the PS5, will be set in Valisthea, a land dominated by mountains of magical crystals. It is divided into six realms, each with their own Mothercrystal, and the uneasy peace between them is breaking down as blight spreads across the land.Final Fantasy 16's protagonist, Clive Rosfield, is son of the archduke of Rosaria. He was meant to become a Dominant, a person with the ability to call upon the extremely powerful creature...

The Galaxy S21 Ultra could be a big upgrade over its predecessor in the camera department.What you need to knowA new Galaxy S21 Ultra leak suggests the upcoming flagship phone will have a penta-camera setup at the rear.Like the Galaxy S20 Ultra, the Galaxy S21 Ultra is expected to feature a 108MP main camera.It is also rumored to feature two telephoto lenses.Reliable leaker* @OnLeaks* posted the first CAD renders of the Galaxy S21 Ultra on his Voice page earlier this month, revealing a redesigned quad-camera camera module. The leaker has now published an updated render of the Galaxy S21 Ultra, hinting at a major camera upgrade.According to the leaker, Samsung was indecisive about the camera configuration on the Galaxy S21 Ultra and has now decided to go with a slightly more impressive setup. The latest Design Validation Test prototype (which is the final step before mass production) has a penta-camera setup at the rear. However, it is also possible that the setup will inc...

Though we've only just had Amazon's huge Prime Day event, we're already looking ahead to Black Friday — and so is Amazon! Since it's a stacked fall calendar for shopping events this year, we expect Black Friday deals to extend well beyond the post-Thanksgiving weekend with Black Friday deals on tech and more spreading out throughout November.We've already got details on how Amazon plans to roll out its early Black Friday deals, so read on for more.Amazon PrimeNow's the perfect time to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Black Friday. Not only do you get free, two-day delivery, but you'll also get access to members-only deals, plus Prime Video, Music, Gaming, and other benefits.30-day free trial at AmazonWith the late placement of Prime Day this year and the general uncertainty caused by the current global health crisis, we saw a lot of other retailers bring forward a bunch of Black Friday deals and kick them off in October — a far cry from the usual late-November sale...

"Supremely Powerful, Supremely Portable"What you need to knowThere's a new Bluetooth speaker from Bang & Olufsen.It's called the Beolit 20. It boasts a big sound and integrated wireless Qi charging.The new Beolit 20 speaker from Bang & Olufsen has just been unveiled, sporting big premium sound, and integrated wireless Qi charging.In a press release Thursday the company stated: Bang & Olufsen today launched the 2020 upgrade of the powerful and portable Beolit Bluetooth speaker, its heritage dating back to 1939. The new Beolit 20 retains the trademark big sound capabilities- beautifully housed in a desirable and easily transportable package - but with vastly improved battery life, integrated wireless Qi charging capability on its top shelf, and a subtly updated design.B&F's VP of Product Management, Christoffer Poulsen says that the Beolit 20 offers 30% longer battery life at typical listening volumes compared to the old model, which has allowed them ...

A look into the past at what it'd be nice to see again.With a new console generation comes new IP and sequels to the biggest games of the prior cycle. While these are absolutely needed, it's also nice to ponder a bit on the somewhat-dormant IPs that could return. There's a few early PlayStation classics we'd like to on PS5 and I've put together a few of the highlights.I freely admit I'm playing a bit fast and loose with the word early — these are just franchises we didn't really see on PS4 that I would like have return to the PS5, not just the titles from when Sony was first reaching out into game development. Some are owned by Sony, others by third-party companies and all of them are series I'd like to see continue or rebooted.CastlevaniaThere aren't many gaming lists that wouldn't benefit from the addition of Castlevania. Dracula has been felled a thousand times but he keeps on coming back in one of gaming's most well-known franchises. The critically-acclaimed sidescrol...

The new Amazfit smartwatches promise major improvements in design and feature set.What you need to knowAmazfit GTR 2 and GTS 2 are now available for pre-order in the US and UK.GTR 2 has a circular design with 24/7 heart-rate analysis, blood oxygen monitoring, and 14-day battery life.GTS 2 has the same feature set, but it comes with a square design and 7-day battery life. Huami has officially launched new iterations of its Amazfit smartwatches, the GTR 2 and the GTS 2. The two models are launching soon in the US and the UK, and you can go pre-order them today on the Amazfit website.Both smartwatches have refined designs and come with a load of new features. They now have built-in Amazon Alexa support and most notably, blood oxygen monitoring, which has been a highly touted health feature in the wearable market.While both smartwatches have the same feature set and start at the same price of $179 (£159), the GTR 2 is the higher-end model with a sleek circular design. The ...

Chipmakers such as TSMC could soon receive licenses from the U.S. Commerce Department to resume supply of components to Huawei.What you need to knowThe U.S. has reportedly decided to allow some chipmakers to sell components to Huawei.However, Huawei will still not be able to buy components for its 5G business.While the sanctions will continue to hurt its 5G business, they will allow Huawei to remain a major player in the global smartphone market.If a new report from the Financial Times is to be believed, Huawei may soon get major relief from the U.S. The report claims the U.S. is allowing some chipmakers to resume supply of components to Huawei, as long as they are not intended for use for the Chinese company's 5G business.The U.S. Department of Commerce has apparently been "telling companies in recent conversations that while licenses to supply Huawei are handled with a view to denial, this can be overcome if you can demonstrate that your technology does not support 5G."...

Not to be left behind by Walmart, Target, and Best Buy kicking off early Black Friday sales, Amazon has today taken the wraps off a whole bunch of deals on its first-party hardware.The early Black Friday deals on Echo devices, Fire TV, Kindle, Ring devices, and more bring these Amazon products down to record low prices for a limited time in order to celebrate Alexa's birthday which apparently falls on November 6 (if a disembodied virtual assistant can have a birthday, that is). Existential questions said, the deals actually bring back some of Prime Day's best deals without the need to be a Prime member this time as well as some new offers on products like Fire TV Sticks that were sorely missed a couple of weeks back.Best early Black Friday Amazon Device dealsThough we know already that Amazon is running daily deals in the lead-up to Black Friday with its Holiday Dash promotion, the deals launching today on Amazon devices are probably some of the most sought after during Black Fri...

Chromebooks have come a long way with battery, and yet gone nowhere at all on storage and screens.I love Chromebooks and use them all day, every day. They're great lightweight laptops but can also be understated ultrabooks if you buy the right model. After years, some Chromebook trends have risen — like this year's wave of powerful Project Athena Chromebooks — and some trends are ebbing, but some refuse to give up their ironclad grip on the segment. These trends impact Chromebook development and the long-term usability of these laptops, and so it is with a heavy heart that I ask these zombie trends to walk into chainsaws and finally go to their eternal rest.First up on the kill list is something that should've died years ago:1366 x 768 pixel screens need to die (preferably in a fire)My first Chromebook was a Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Chromebook, which came out in 2014 with a 1366 x 768px IPS touchscreen. I'm sitting here in October 2020 writing this editorial on the just...

Every day Amazon has a new collection of deals in its "Holiday Dash" event, and today is particularly good. This huge selection of Android phones could save you up to 50% off the price based on your choice. The prices range from just $20 to $995, but no matter what you spend you're still saving a chunk. There are tons of brands here, too, including Motorola, Samsung, LG, Tracfone, and more. These Holiday Dash deals don't last for very long, so grab your new favorite phone while you can ahead of Black Friday.If you're looking for a new phone, how much do you want to spend? How many features do you need? If you're on a budget and just need something to call your family with, grab the Tracfone LG Classic Flip 4G prepaid locked flip phone for just $19.99. It's normally $40. This is the least expensive option here, and you don't quite want to dismiss it out of hand. I've often thought about the joy of switching back to a "dumb" phone from a smartphone. No more constant notifications. No...

Clean every floor in your home.I'm always happy to test a Roborock in my house because I know that this company makes some of the best robot vacuums out there. So I jumped on the opportunity to check out the company's latest addition: the Roborock S4 Max.I've been testing this unit for the past two weeks and I've come to love it just like I do the other Roborocks I've tested. It has plenty of smart features, a user-friendly app, and actually does a great job of picking up after my messy cat and dog.The perfect cleanerRoborock S4 Max Bottom line: The Roborock S4 Max is a dependable vacuum with intelligent features and plenty of conveniences. It doesn't have the ability to mop, but it can remember up to four floor layouts and is easily controlled by app.ProsRuns up to 150 minutes Powerful suctionIntuitive appMulti-l...

It feels like it's Black Friday already today with a bunch of retailers kicking off early Black Friday sales before we're even into the month of November. We've just got word about Best Buy's Black Friday sale and we know Walmart's Black Friday plans already. Not to be left behind, Target has now also revealed how it plans to tackle the holiday shopping season this year.Instead of dropping one big Black Friday ad like in years gone by, Target is opting to release a weekly ad of early Black Friday deals each week in the run-up to the big day itself. The first ad is now available with deals slated to be available from November 1, though many can be shopped right now as outlined below.Deals worth consideringTarget's early Black Friday deals are focused heavily on Amazon devices so far with many deals matching the Prime-exclusive sales we saw during Prime Day a couple of weeks ago so it's a great chance to grab those if you missed out. It is also matching a few of the best deals we'r...

Samsung expects smartphone sales to decline in the Q4 due to "intense competition."What you need to knowSamsung's operating profit jumped 59% YoY in Q3 2020 to 12.35 trillion won ($10.89 billion).The company's smartphone sales jumped nearly 50% in the July-September period.Samsung expects profit to decline in the fourth quarter, mainly due to weakening memory chip demand and intense competition in smartphones and consumer electronics.Samsung today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2020. The company reported total revenue of KRW 66.96 trillion ($59.1 billion) during the quarter, thanks to strong consumer demand and flexible supply chain management. Its quarterly operating profit jumped 52% over the previous quarter to KRW 12.35 trillion ($10.89 billion), driven by strong growth in sales of smartphones and consumer electronics products.Thanks to an increase in market demand in the third quarter, Samsung's smartphone sales increased by nearly 50%. In a...

Xiaomi's latest value flagship delivers an outstanding camera and the latest internal hardware.Xiaomi set its sights squarely on Samsung with the Mi 10 Pro, offering the same 108MP camera as the Galaxy S20 Ultra for several hundred dollars less. The Mi 10 Pro was proof that Xiaomi could deliver a camera that can hold up to the best that Android has to offer, and the premium design combined with 50W charging and 30W wireless charging made it one of the best phones I've used in 2020.Xiaomi is now launching new variants in its flagship series in the form of the Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro. While the naming suggests that these phones are upgraded models of the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro, that is not the case. The Mi 10T series does not supersede the Mi 10 lineup; if anything, it slots in at a lower price point.The Mi 10T Pro retains the same 108MP camera as the Mi 10 Pro and is powered by the same Snapdragon 865 chipset, but it switches to a LCD panel — albeit one with 144Hz refresh rate — ...

The data also suggests OnePlus Nord is the best-selling mid-range phone in India during the July-September period.What you need to knowSamsung's shipments increased by 32% compared to the same period last year, allowing it to recapture the No.1 position after two years.Data from Counterpoint Research also revealed that the OnePlus Nord was the best-selling mid-range phone in India in the third quarter of 2020. Smartphone shipments in the country reportedly grew by 9% YoY last quarter, crossing 53 million units.Smartphone shipments in India grew 9% YoY to reach over 53 million units in the third quarter of the year, according to data released by Counterpoint Research.OnePlus continued to lead the affordable premium segment in the country, thanks to robust sales of its OnePlus 8 series. The OnePlus Nord, however, has proven to be even more popular in the country. Counterpoint says the Nord was the best-selling phone in the mid-range segment in India last quarter.While Can...

How you can have a fun Halloween during the pandemic.So, a pandemic is still raging, but Halloween is coming up. You want to find some way to celebrate, even if you're confined to your home. Maybe your neighborhood is still doing trick-or-treat, and you want to find some way to participate as safely as possible.There are many ways that you can still have a fun and safe Halloween during a pandemic. You have to be careful. You have to plan. You have to have supplies. To prevent you from having to think everything out completely last-minute, here are several ideas to help you have the perfect Halloween at home this year.Trick-or-treatOf course, one essential element of most community Halloween celebrations is trick-or-treat. Of course, precautions need to be taken; after all, we don't want kids or people handing out candy to get sick. So, here are some tips for how you can safely do trick-or-treat this year.Candy at homeEven if your neighborhood allows trick-or-treat this ye...

Apple Music on Android has received a huge update.What you need to knowApple Music has been updated for Android.It brings the app experience in line with Apple devices running iOS 14.New features include updated search, a new Now Playing experience, and social sharing.Reported by 9to5Google, version 3.4 of Apple Music on Android has been released, bringing a number of enhancements to the app that rolled out to Apple devices with the release of iOS 14.Per the update section on the Google Play Store: This update includes Listen Now - an all-new home for Apple Music, an all-new search experience, an enhanced playback experience featuring Autoplay, Crossfade, sharing to Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat Stories, and improved app performance.In addition to a redesign, the menu has been updated as well. The "For You" tab has been updated to "Listen Now," and search has been added to the menu. With the update comes a redesign of the app, as originally outlined by Andro...

Thursday morning HUAWEI unveiled the Mate 40 Series of smartphones in a special global launch livestream. While the phones were the primary focus of the presentation, HUAWEI also had plenty of other devices, accessories, and services to show off as well. Here's a look at everything that was announced at the HUAWEI Mate 40 Series launch event.Quick menuMate 40 SeriesEMUI 11Apps and servicesCompanion devices and accessoriesMate 40 SeriesHUAWEI's new Mate 40 Series of smartphones were the stars of the show. These devices sport the "Space Ring Design" for the outward-facing cameras, and also have a striking display curvature that wraps around the sides of the phones. All of the Mate 40 devices come with powerful dual stereo speakers for top-notch audio. Additionally, all of the Mate 40 devices have a high IP rating, so they'll resist damage from dirt and water effectively.The first phone in the Mate 40 Series is the HUAWEI Mate 40. It's rocking a gorgeous 6.5-inch Fl...

Samsung's latest device is here, and despite the rest of the device being made from plastic, chances are you are looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors. Paired up with some of the best Galaxy S20 FE cases and you have all the protection you'll need. This new smartphone is already turning heads with its sleek design and a spec-sheet that could rival some of the best Android phones on the market.Screen and eye protectionZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+Staff PickZAGG makes some of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors with the InvisibleShield Glass+. This screen protector is not only rated to be four times stronger than the competition but also has some benefits for your eyes. The built-in Eyesafe layer also helps to filter out the HEV blue light, making it easier on your eyes.$25 at Best BuyAll the glassMP-Mall Anti-Fingerprint Tempered GlassSince the Galaxy S20 FE now features a plastic and aluminum build, you now have two pieces of glass to prote...

Getting a tablet repaired quickly is easier than ever.What you need to knowAsurion now offers same-day tablet repairs in the U.S.You'll need to be on its Asurion Home+ plan.Same day repair is available as long as you drop it off at a uBreakiFix store before 2PM.You no longer have to wait for days to get a tablet screen fixed, at least, if you're in the U.S. Tech care company Asurion now offers same-day screen replacement for "most" tablets if you're a member of its Asurion Home+ plan. Presumably, most tablets include mainstream tablets such as iPads and select Samsung Galaxy tablets.The company announced the move this week, hailing itself as the first "tech protection product to commit to same-day cracked screen repairs nationwide."Mike Dolezal, Asurion's Vice President of Home Technology Innovation said: As home tech usage has increased, device damage has also risen. Our ability to provide same-day cracked screen tablet repairs is a huge step forward in our commitm...

Preorder the game now for an exclusive title and PSN avatar.What you need to knowTemtem enters early access on PS5 on December 8.Preorders for standard and deluxe versions of the MMO are available now.Crossplay is available between the console and PC versions.After launching on PC in January, Temtem, a Pokémon-inspired MMO from Crema and Humble Bundle, is hitting consoles for the first time this year. The game will launch in Early Access exclusively on PS5 on December 8.Players will explore the Airborne Archipelago taming Tems, customizing their home, fighting other players, or teaming up with friends for battles. Early Access will offer 30 hours of story and the chance to tame 100 Tems. The whole campaign can be played co-op with crossplay enabled with PC.Preorders opened today and Early Access players will receive a discount on the launch price of the game, a PlayStation Network avatar, and an exclusive in-game title. A deluxe version of the game also provides a ...

If you have an Alexa device, then you've probably wondered how to control your TV with your Amazon Echo speaker. As nice as it would be for every television to include a simple local network access function, most TVs still rely on good old-fashioned Infrared (IR) to receive commands. This isn't the best news for someone looking to convert their living room into Smart Home 2.0, but there are some tools available that make this a little easier to deal with than you'd think. If you have a newer, smart TV, you may be able to enable an Alexa Skill to help control your device. In contrast, if your TV is a bit older or doesn't support any Alexa Skills, there may be some hardware workarounds available. We'll show you three tricks we've found to give you power over your TV with an Amazon Echo.Products used in this guidePerfect harmony: Logitech Harmony Hub ($90 at Amazon)Master blaster: Fire TV Blaster ($35 at Amazon)Alexa's got skills: Vizio SmartCast (Free at Amazon)How to control...

Update, October 28 (03:45 pm ET): Google confirms that it will still sell Nest Tags and Nest Detects.I know you like to kill great products for no reason, Google, but what were you thinking?Nest has seemed stagnant for the last several years. After all, this month saw the release of the first new Nest Thermostat in over three years, and there haven't been any new Nest cameras announced since early 2018. That was back when the Nest Hello finally launched after being announced alongside the Nest Secure system.That same Nest Secure system was discontinued without warning this week, and no reason was given for the abrupt end of one of the few viable alternatives to Ring Alarm. Google has pledged that it will continue to support current users, but we have no clue how long that will last, especially given how hard Google has been pushing to migrate users from the Nest app to Google Home. Case in point: the new Nest Thermostat doesn't use the Nest app at all; you have to use the Googl...

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...What you need to knowDisney has released a handy rapid-fire recap of The Mandalorian Season One.Season 2 premieres on Friday, October 30 on Disney+.This upcoming season will follow The Mandalorian as he tries to bring The Child to the remnants of the Jedi Order.The Mandalorian Season 2 premieres October 30 at midnight PT on Disney+ — that's 3AM Eastern, in case you were debating staying up tomorrow night — and if you don't have 8 hours to binge the first season again, that's perfectly okay! The Star Wars YouTube channel has recapped the first season with a tight little 90-second video, complete with a reminder of what Season 2 is facing at the end. If the video itself doesn't clear up much, here's the Cliff Notes version:The Mandalorian is a bounty hunter who takes a job from some Empire remnant named The Client to hunt down a person, which turns out to be The Child. Adopted into the Mandalorian religion after being sa...

Nothing sus about professional blacksmithing.What you need to knowAmong Us is one of the most popular games of 2020, despite having originally launched in 2018.YouTube channel That Works recreated the blade used by the Imposters in Among Us.Based out of Baltimore, the YouTube channel also features videos of other popular weapons from your favorite videogames and movies.Among Us is still one of the hottest games of 2020, and it's easy to see why. The simple whodunit gameplay and availability makes it easy for just about anyone to pick up and play. Popular YouTuber and Blacksmith That Works took things a step further, however, and decided to craft the Imposter Blade from Among Us themselves.That Works is a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing the art of blacksmithing, bladesmithing, and metalworking to both beginner and experienced enthusiasts. In the video above, host Matt Stagmer and Ilya Alekseyev take turns working a simple piece of metal into the jagged knife used...

The app is rolling out later today with native PS Store integration and more.What you need to knowSony is launching an updated PlayStation app that's been redesigned to enhance your experiences on PS4 and PS5.It includes new features like voice chat and native PS Store integration.The app is rolling out on Android and iOS devices later today.The PlayStation app is about to get a lot better ahead of the launch of the PS5. The updated app, rolling out later today on Android and iOS was redesigned to "enhance your gaming experiences on PS4 and PS5," according to Sony.If you want the updated app on your phone, you'll need to be running iOS 12.2 or later or Android 6.0 or later. It can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play for free. You will need a PlayStation Network account to access the app.This is great news for anyone who was wondering when the aging app would be updated. With the PS5 release on the horizon, more people will be looking for ways to conveni...

The best Wi-Fi 6 routers get us closer to 5G speeds at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises to push Wi-Fi speeds over 10Gbps by combining 2.4GHz and wider 5GHz bands to provide a better experience and much wider coverage in the home. The new Wi-Fi standard is becoming increasingly common in phones and laptops and now is the right time to invest in one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market.Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers:1. TP-Link Archer AX60002. Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh3. ASUS RT-AX86U4. ASUS RT-AX92U5. TP-Link Archer AX15006. Linksys Velop MX57. Netgear Nighthawk MK628. Netgear Nighthawk AX54009. ASUS ROG Rapture AX1100010. NETGEAR Orbi Mesh RBK752What are the best Wi-Fi 6 routers?The TP-Link Archer AX6000 is the best Wi-Fi 6 router for most people, with fast speeds and plenty of features to keep your network fast for a long time, including the robust HomeCare software package.The second best option is the Linksys MAX-STREAM Mesh Router, which is for peo...

Get serious about fitnessGarmin Vivoactive 4$320 at AmazonProsClassic and sporty designRelatively affordable for the feature setOn-screen workouts with animation come in handyCan build your own workoutsBetter battery lifeConsThe more expensive option of the twoRound face not for everyoneNo cellular optionIf your primary focus is fitness when it comes to choosing a smartwatch, and you participate in some serious form of training, you can't go wrong with a device like the Garmin Vivoactive 4. It has a ton of sports-specific features, logs just about every stat under the sun, and provides detailed reporting so you can keep track of progress. Plus, it comes in at an (relatively for what you get) affordable price tag.Apple Watch on a budgetApple Watch SEFrom $270 at AmazonProsMost affordable Apple WatchSame design and display as Series 6 WatchTons of convenient and entertainment apps to integrateUseful hand washing and noise level reminders...

Apple spent time and money to integrate magnets into and around high-powered induction coils. Did the company that makes your phone do the same?By now you probably know that Apple's new MagSafe iPhone 12 chargers mostly seem to work on some Android phones, like the Pixel 5 or the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It also works with other iPhones that weren't designed to be used with the new accessory in the same way. You might be thinking to yourself that this is awesome news, but you should also know that right now you might not want to do it. Samsung needs to copy the idea, but in the meantime be smart and let someone else experiment.Yes, I'm the same person who said Samsung totally needs to steal the idea and that using magnets to hold a charger or cable in place isn't anything new. Why then am I not excited to try the new MagSafe charger on any of my phones, then? Because only the iPhone 12 was designed inside and out to be used with a Qi high-powered (high-power for wireless devices, an...

We've researched, tested, and reviewed dozens, if not hundreds of devices, and have come up with the following list of what we consider the best Alexa devices. If you don't already have an Echo smart speaker, we recommend you pick up the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) to get started. It sounds great and comes in at a reasonable starting price. Of course, if you already have an Echo and want to see what else is available, well, we've got you covered there too.Best Amazon Alexa Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)The original Amazon Echo that debuted in late 2014 gave us our first introduction to Alexa, and we've been hooked ever since. What started out as a stark, black tube has evolved over three generations to a softer, gentler looking Alexa vessel, and has spawned an entire line of other Echo devices.This "regular" Echo (4th Gen) is the best of the series yet. It boasts an improved sound architecture over the first three generations, one that it borrowed from the more expensive Echo...

Excitement around the Galaxy S7 receiving a security patch underscores the state of Android updates in 2020.Samsung has committed to delivering three platform updates to its flagships and select mid-range phones and tablets, but the caveat is that the Galaxy S10 series and later are eligible to receive three updates.So if you're using the Galaxy S9 or an older flagship, you will not get the update to Android 11. For its part, Samsung is still doing a good job delivering security updates to older devices, and it even rolled out a patch to the Galaxy S7, a phone that launched four and a half years ago. As spotted on Reddit, the update includes stability and bug fixes, and the September 2020 security patch. Samsung is doing a better job with updates, but it can do so much more.It is great to see Samsung delivering an update to a four-year-old phone, particularly when you consider the company's lackluster performance in this area in the past. But the news underscores a bigger ...

Retailers are already leaking and posting Black Friday deals. We've seen some deals go live already. Others will only be live in the days leading up to that oh-so-special Friday, and they'll only last for a limited time. The point is though, if you're looking to save some money now is the time to do it. And who wants to save money more than someone looking for a Chromebook? That's the whole point in the first place, right? All the functionality and portability of a laptop at a fraction of the price. Now you can get all of it and more for even less thanks to some awesome Black Friday deals.The big retailers like Walmart, Dell, and Best Buy have already leaked Best Buy ads. We know what's coming from a lot of them. However, it is worth pointing out that ads are not the end-all be-all for Black Friday deals. Even if the one you're looking for isn't on this list, the fact that there are several deals gives you something to look forward to. You might just find a new deal the deeper into N...

Sony has clarified the steps needed to take to redeem the adapter.We're just a couple of short weeks away from the launch of the PS5, and even though your current PSVR will be compatible, Sony confirmed previously that using a PSVR on PS5 would require a camera adapter. You can now redeem one directly from the company for free.How to redeem your free PSVR adapter on PS5Go to global.support.playstation.com/s/pscamera-adaptor.Click the I am not a Robot checkbox and select Next.Enter the PSVR serial number, found on the back of the Processor Unit and select Next.Continue to fill out the form with your first name, last name, email address, shipping address, and phone number.Should you still have any trouble, you'll be asked to contact PlayStation Support.Speaking with UploadVR, a Sony representative confirmed that the adapter will not be shipped with the console in the box and that people will have to place an order to receive one separately.Because the new upgraded ca...

This is Halloween! This is Halloween!Smartphones scream in the dead of night!This is Halloween, everybody pick a theme!Trick or treat till the app is gonna crash in fright!You've probably got a costume for Halloween, right? Well, do you have one for your phone? You don't want to leave your most important device out of the fun, do you? Especially when you can make your Android phone look like anything from an old iPhone to Deadpool and everything in between. Android themes are amazing, and there's no better time to try one of our many Android themes than Halloween! So dress up your phone! Who knows? Maybe you'll like it so much you keep these decorations up 'til Christmas.MrMobileIf you wanna go to a party as everyone's favorite YouTuber MrMobile, get some gel in your hair, a Star Trek communicator and this theme on your phone. It's made to perfectly match that unique style used in his videos and thanks to our new and improved theme engine, applying this theme takes less tha...

The quest for European glory continues tonight as matchday two of the Champions League group stage takes place including this Group H clash between Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris Saint-Germain. Don't miss a moment with our Istanbul Basaksehir vs PSG live stream guide.Both of today's sides are coming into today's game off the back of a defeat in their first UEFA Champions League group stage game making this match even more important.Turkish Süper Lig champions Istanbul Basaksehir lost 2-0 away from home at RB Leipzig. In the domestic league, it has been two wins on the trot including a 5-1 drubbing of Antalyaspor in their last outing. Those have been Okan Buruk and co.'s only league wins thus far, though, and the current title-holders sit in 11th place after six games.Last year's Champions League finalists PSG were defeated by Manchester United in their opening Group H game. A late Marcus Rashford goal secured a 2-1 win for the Red Devils in that game. In Ligue 1, the Parisians ...

Samsung's Galaxy Note series has become well known for churning out big phones with big screens, and the Galaxy Note 20 is no exception to that rule. Touting a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels all around, the Note 20 has a great canvas for watching movies, playing games, taking notes, or whatever else you want to do. If you want to be sure it stays in tip-top shape for years to come, pick up one of these screen protectors.It's all hereLK Film Screen Protector (2-Pack)Staff PickKicking off our list, we have some film screen protectors from LK — one of the most trusted brands in the screen protector world. These protectors are fully compatible with the Note 20's in-screen fingerprint sensor, are easy to install, have self-healing tech for light scratches, and you get two at a great price. Not to mention, LK even includes two protectors for the rear camera bump!$13 at AmazonAwesome valueHATOSHI Film Screen Protector (3-Pack)If you're looking for somet...

Free games are always welcome in my book.PlayStation Plus already offers a host of benefits to its subscribers, from exclusive discounts to online multiplayer access, and members are about to get even more when the PS5 launches. Sony announced the PlayStation Plus Collection, granting subscribers access to a library of select PS4 titles for free on the PS5. Here's everything you need to know about it.SubscribePlayStation Plus 12-month$60 at Amazon$60 at Best Buy$60 at WalmartYour ticket to multiplayer, free games, and morePlayStation Plus offers exclusive discounts on games, two free games every month, access to online multiplayer, more cloud storage, and a whole lot more. It's absolutely something every PS4, and soon PS5, owner should have.Jump to:What is the PlayStation Plus Collection on PS5?Is the PlayStation Plus Collection on PS4?Which games are in the PS Plus Collection?Is it different from Xbox Game Pass?Is it part of PlayStation Now?What i...

The launch of the PS5 just keeps getting better and better as it approaches.What you need to knowBugsnax will be the first game available for free for PlayStation Plus members on PS5.The PS4 version of Bugsnax will not be available for free through PS Plus.Sony announced that Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Hollow Knight can be downloaded for free next month on PS4 for any PS Plus subscribers.The company also revealed a list of 20 games available at launch through the PlayStation Plus Collection.Ahead of its release in a couple of weeks, Sony announced that the first free game available with PS Plus on PS5 is none other than Bugsnax. Those looking to pick up Bugsnax on PS4 may be disappointed, however, because it will not be free on the older console. PlayStation Plus members have until Monday, January 4, 2021 ro redeem Bugsnax on PS5.Additionally, Middle-earth: Shadow of War and Hollow Knight will ne next month's free games for PS Plus members on PS4. Both games can be ...

Look no further, for we have the definitive listing of the best Amazon Fire tablets to help you make your purchase decision. Can you believe that Fire tablets have been around for almost a decade? When the original Kindle Fire was released way back in 2011, many thought Amazon was onto something with a low-cost, easy-to-use tablet experience. You know what? They were right! Today there are no fewer than six Fire tablet devices on offer from Amazon if you count the Kids Editions. Out of them all, we think the Fire HD 8 (2020) is the best overall value thanks to its size, improved processor, charging, storage capabilities, and its ability to still hit an affordable price point.Best Overall Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire HD 8 Tablet (2020)The Fire HD 8 sits in between the Fire 7 and Fire HD 10 in more ways than one. It's roughly in the middle of the two sizes, of course, but it's also priced in the middle. Those two data points alone justify the Fire HD 8 as a great choice, but let's ex...

Google resumed the update today, presumably after fixing what was wrong.What you need to knowGoogle announced Chrome OS 86 recently, an update meant to make the company's desktop operating system more accessible.Instead, users report it has left some devices bricked and unresponsive leading to it being pulled from servers.Google restarted the rollout this morning after presumably fixing the underlying issue.Google announced Chrome OS 86 earlier this month, but the company has had to pull off its servers due to a variety of bugs (via Android Police.) Now, the rollout has resumed after the it has tackled the root cause presumably.It's not clear precisely what was wrong with the update. Some Pixelbook owners on r/ChromeOS reported their devices being bricked, while other Chromebook owners reported general instability. Some like myself suffered from nothing at all, but we can imagine that an issue like devices being bricked would lead to the update being pulled — even if on...

The delayed Prime Day event is now behind us but retailers are not taking any breaks when it comes to rolling out Black Friday deals. We saw a few great smartwatch deals earlier this month and we expect many more as the weeks roll on this fall.When it comes to Android watches, there are a variety of brands and models to choose from, and just as many different retailers to shop at. Because of that, it can be hard to know where to get the best deal. Instead of searching every different retailer's Black Friday ad, just scroll down and take a look at the best deals we've rounded up for you. As Black Friday gets nearer, we'll update this list with more options.When it comes to shopping Black Friday Android watch deals, be wary of older models or the cheap-end offerings that, despite being cheap, may not offer great value for money. During big sales like Black Friday, retailers want to shift a ton of products and often use these super-low price offerings as impulse purchases. For our r...

The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) and Shield TV Pro may have radical new tube designs, but you're probably wondering what are the best NVIDIA Shield TV Pro compatible controllers are. Thanks to the fact that not only is it the best Android TV box, it's also a capable gaming console that can access games from the Google Play Store or from NVIDA's GeForce NOW game streaming device. For all of that, you'll need a controller. Luckily, NVIDIA offers solid support for Bluetooth controllers, which means that you've got a slew of options to choose from.Specially designed by NVIDIANVIDIA Shield ControllerStaff PickThe NVIDIA Shield controller is designed to take full advantage of all that the NVIDIA Shield can do, with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and headphone jack, along with dedicated volume and Android system controls. Unlike other controller options, it connects via Wi-Fi, so there are no latency issues to contend with.$60 at Best Buy$60 at B&H PhotoRetro gamin...

Best NAS for Home:1. Synology DiskStation DS220+ ($300)2. Synology DiskStation DS220j ($170)3. WD 4TB My Cloud ($160)4. Synology DiskStation DS120j ($100)5. QNAP TS-451+ ($363)6. Synology DiskStation DS920+ ($550)7. Buffalo LinkStation 210 4TB ($154)8. Asustor AS5202T ($300)The best network-attached storage (NAS) for home is one that lets you stream your media collection and back up all the devices on your network seamlessly. A NAS essentially lets you create your private Netflix or Spotify, and most models on this list let you access your media over the internet. If you're looking to build your own media server or need a solution for backing up data, these are the best NAS enclosures for your home in 2020, although if you were to start somewhere, we'd recommend the Synology DiskStation DS220+.1. Synology DiskStation DS220+ $300 at AmazonBest OverallBottom line: The DiskStation DS220+ ticks all the right boxes: it has robust internals, making it ideal for Ple...