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Updated 2025-07-13 09:31
These lamps make it easier to see at your desk and charge your phone
No matter if you work from home or are drowning in homework, a good desk lamp is a great way to tie your entire workspace together. Better yet, a desk lamp that can charge your phone adds a beautiful level of functionality that any workflow can benefit from. Without further ado, these are our favorite desk lamps that also serve as phone chargers.Fast wireless chargingTaoTronics TT-DL13B LED Desk LampStaff pickThis first desk lamp from TaoTronics has a very modern design that's super sleek and highly customizable. The LED light has five color modes and seven brightness levels that can be changed at any time using the touch controls at the base. The design is also customizable as it can be swiveled and adjusted at various angles from the base directly or from the lamp itself.$40 at AmazonThe simple choiceLimelights Brushed Steel LampLimelights' lamp has a much more traditional design that's simply timeless. The fabric lampshade is available in a variety of colors, a...
Here's why OnePlus is temporarily disabling the color filter lens in India
The OnePlus 8 Pro's color filter camera is disabled out of the box in India, but it will be usable via a future OTA update.What you need to knowThe OnePlus 8 Pro is launching with the color filter camera disabled out of the box in India.The move comes after it was found that the 5MP lens can see through thin layers of plastic and clothing. OnePlus is working on an OTA to fix the issue, and will enable the color filter camera once the fix is rolled out. The OnePlus 8 Pro is set to make its debut in India, and we can confirm that the phone will launch without the color filter camera in the country. The lens will be disabled out of the box, but OnePlus has mentioned that it will enable the 5MP module once it has a fix for the privacy issue where it was found that the lens can see through thin layers of plastic and clothing.It's not a good idea for any brand to offer a camera that can potentially see through thin layers of clothing in any country, and this is particularly tru...
Samsung's Galaxy S20 5G UW with mmWave is now on sale at Verizon
The other carrier variants of the Galaxy S20 only support sub-6GHz 5G networks.What you need to knowVerizon's Galaxy S20 with mmWave 5G support is now on sale.The Big Red carrier is offering a $150 discount on the phone, which will be credited to your account over 24 months. The Galaxy S20 5G UW comes in Cosmic Gray, Cloud Pink, and Cloud White colorways. Just as it had promised, Verizon today started selling the Galaxy S20 5G UW, which is a special variant of the S20 designed for the carrier's 5G Ultra Wideband network. Like the other carrier variants of the Galaxy S20 sold in the U.S., the S20 5G UW has been priced at $999 on Verizon.With a monthly device payment plan, you can grab the Galaxy S20 5G UW for $35.41 per month over 24 months. For a limited time, you can save $150 on buying a S20 5G UW from Verizon with monthly device payments or at its full retail price. Verizon will credit the discount to your account over 24 months.You can also get $1,000 credited to...
Chase recently made changes to its credit card lineup – here's the scoop
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.Editor's note: This post has been updated to include more details provided by Chase.If you've been looking into applying for a Chase credit card recently, you may have noticed some differences in the process. For one, some of Chase's credit cards are not currently showing up on the site. Additionally, other cards are requiring a sign-in before you can apply.Today, I'm walking through some of those changes and how they might affect cardholders looking to apply for new Chase credit cards in the coming months.Removal of some cards from the Chase siteWe've received a few tips from TPG readers that some cards have disappeared from the Chase site. These include the Chase Slate, the United Club Busin...
How to watch Council of Dads live stream online from anywhere
Based on the 2010 memoir written by New York Times best-selling author, Bruce Feiler, NBC's new drama, Council of Dads hits screens on Tuesday - read on to find out how to watch it, no matter where you are in the world.Written and produced by husband-and-wife team Tony Phelan and Joan Ratner, whose past credits include Grey's Anatomy, the new series follows the life of Scott Perry, a father of five children who is diagnosed with cancer, played by Southland star Tom Everett Scott.Worried that he won't be there to guide and support his children, Scott and his wife turn to six of his best friends to step in as back-up dads, including Anthony, his oldest friend; Larry, his AA sponsor; and Oliver, his surgeon and best friend to his wife, Robin.The cast also features Prison Break and The Walking Dead star Sarah Wayne Callies, and Clive Standen,(Vikings, Taken). Read on for full details on how to stream Council of Dads no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.Counci...
The June 2020 security patch is now rolling out to the Galaxy Fold
The Galaxy Fold 5G, however, will need to wait a while longer.What you need to knowSamsung is now propagating the June 2020 security patch to Galaxy Fold devices.The update comes mere days after the Galaxy S20, S10, and Note 10 series began receiving the update.The rollout for the 5G variant of the phone, however, has yet to start.Yet another month, yet another security patch for Android devices. This time around, it's the June 2020 security patch, and the latest phone to be graced by it is Samsung's Galaxy Fold. The build number for the update is F900FXXS3BTE1, if that's the kind of thing that interests you (via SamMobile).While this update contains no new features to speak of, Samsung did, just a month ago, port over some of the best new camera features of the Galaxy S20 series — such as Single Task and the Pro video mode — over to the foldable phone.Unfortunately, however, while regular Galaxy Folds should have started receiving the OTA update already, the Galaxy...
Be the ultimate pirate in Skull & Bones
Set sails, matey. Booty's awaiting.Ubisoft reintroduced the world to Skull & Bones at E3 2018. Assassin's Creed fans will be familiar with what the game aims to be: a sea-dwelling pirate simulator. That's the high-level definition, but what, exactly, are we getting with this game? That's what we're here to find out. Everything you need to know about Skull & Bones is straight ahead.What is Skull & Bones?Is there a story in Skull & Bones?What is the gameplay in Skull & Bones?Skull & Bones will always change with seasonsAre there microtransactions in Skull & Bones?Sign up for the Skull & Bones betaIs Skull & Bones cancelled?When is the Skull & Bones release date?What is Skull & Bones?We weren't sure what to think of Skull & Bones before Ubisoft's E3 2018 press conference, because at that point we only knew that it was a pirate ship game. Thanks to new info and our first look at gameplay, however, we now have a bit better o...
Fossil's summer sale has smartwatches starting as low as $99
If you've been thinking about giving one of Fossil's fitness-focused smartwatches a try, the brand's latest sale is giving new buyers the perfect opportunity. For a limited time, you can pick up a Fossil Sport Smartwatch in select colors for just $99, while Generation 4 smartwatches are now on sale from $129. You can score a nice discount on select watch bands as well while supplies last.Fossil's Sport Smartwatch has a 41mm display and is powered by Qualcomm's Wear 3100 chip for memory processing. When first released, it was one of the first affordable smartwatches to actually do so. This new chip promises better battery life and performance over the previous-generation one. Unlike some of Fossil's other watches, this one is designed less with fashion in mind and more with functionality.The Fossil Sport packs a heart-rate sensor, GPS, and NFC for making payments with Google Pay. It should last a full day in smartwatch mode, and then an additional two days in the power saving mode...
Here's how to save your smartphone photos directly to a microSD card
We wish all phones came with unlimited storage out of the box, but at least many Android phones have the option to expand that storage with microSD cards. Not every phone supports a microSD card — looking at you, Google Pixel 4 — but for those that do, the microSD card can give you more space for your app data, your music and movies, and, of course, your photos! That said, you can only reap these benefits if you take the time to set up your device to take advantage of it.Products used in this guideBest card for photography: Samsung 256GB EVO Select microSD ($50 at Amazon)Third-party file manager: Solid Explorer File Manager (Free w/IAPs at Google Play Store) How to change directories in the camera appYour camera app picks a spot to save photos based on the available storage. In most cases, the default is typically the phone itself. Changing that will make your life a lot easier, especially after you have a microSD card installed.This will ensure that any new photo...
Google and Samsung prep a fix for ‘cursed’ wallpaper bug
An improperly coded image can somehow crash the Android System UI.WARNING!!!Never set this picture as wallpaper, especially for Samsung mobile phone users!It will cause your phone to crash!Don't try it!If someone sends you this picture, please ignore it. pic.twitter.com/rVbozJdhkL— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) May 31, 2020What you need to knowThere's a photo of a sunset making the rounds because when set as a wallpaper, it will brick some Android phones.The image has an improperly coded Google color profile, which causes the Android System UI to crash from an out of bounds error.For some phones, you can reboot into safe mode and reset the wallpaper to something else, but for others, you'll have to go into the bootloader and completely factory reset the phone.Today in "2020 is just the weirdest timeline", there's a cursed wallpaper making the rounds and crashing the Android phones of fools idiotic enough to not heed the warnings that accompany the image, seen to t...
Ditch the wires with these Qi car chargers
Driving is an excellent time to charge your phone up, especially if you tend to have long commutes. However, plugging and unplugging your phone every single time you get into the car is a pain, especially when so many of our phones have wireless charging that's perfect for this. Qi chargers have been slowly creeping into our offices and homes. If you're using a Qi-enabled phone, you should absolutely grab one of these chargers and go wire-free in the car.Most dependableiOttie Easy One Touch Wireless Qi Fast Charge Car Mount KitStaff pick$50 at Amazon$55 at Best BuyiOttie makes the most popular mounts on the market, and the most reliable of the Qi mounts around that's compatible with fast Qi charging Samsung and Apple phones. There are certainly flashier mount styles or more cutting edge mechanical mounts, but the iOttie's old-school spring-loaded clamps get the job done and usually last a while.BYOCAnker PowerWave Fast Wireless Car Charger with Air Vent Phone Holde...
Amazon sued over warehouse safety conditions after COVID-19 related death
Amazon's warehouses are the perfect breeding ground for a coronavirus outbreak.What you need to knowAmazon has been sued by employees over worker safety issues in its fulfillment warehouses.At least one employee contracted COVID-19 from its warehouses, leading to a death.The company also faced similar legal issues in France.Amazon has been sued by employees over its warehouse conditions which allegedly foster the spread of the novel-coronavirus or COVID-19. The suit arose after an employee contracted the coronavirus and spread it in their household, leading to the death of a cousin.Reuters reported: One employee, Barbara Chandler, said she tested positive for COVID-19 in March and later saw several household members become sick, including a cousin who died on April 7. The lawsuit said Amazon has made JFK8, which employs about 5,000, a "place of danger" by impeding efforts to stop the coronavirus spreading, boosting productivity at the expense of safety. It s...
Rockstar is shutting down GTA and Red Dead Online servers for #BLM
The company is making this move as a sign of solidarity.What you need to knowRockstar Games is shutting down the servers for GTA Online and Red Dead Online from 2:00 p.m. ET to 4:00 p.m. ET today.The move is intended as a sign of solidarity with Black Lives Matter, honoring the death of George Floyd.Several reccent gaming events have been pushed back as a result of the ongoing protests.Rockstar Games has announced that it is taking down the servers for both GTA Online and Red Dead Online until 4:00 p.m. ET. This move meant to show support for Black Lives Matter and to honor the memory of George Floyd.Black Lives Matter. To honor the legacy of George Floyd, today, 6/4/20, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET, we will be shutting down access to our online games, Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online.— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) June 4, 2020Many different gaming events have been pushed back as a result of the ongoing protests. One such event was Sony's The Future of Gamin...
Fast charging and reverse audio compression highlight leaked XM4 features
We know basically everything about these new headphones except when to expect them.What you need to knowListing and features found on Walmart's website.Headphones said to retail for just under $350.Headphones to include industry-leading noise cancellation and real-time restoration of compressed files.Intrepid headphone enthusiasts from TheWalkmanBlog discovered a page on Walmart.com that appeared to list the as-yet-unreleased Sony WH1000XM4 headphones, along with all of the device's new features and price.TheWalkmanBlog's post was reported on by XDA-Developers, an incomplete listing for the new Sony headphones was found on Walmart's website. The update to the popular XM3s is said to come with several improvements and enhancements, including industry-leading digital noise cancellation, ambient sound control, proprietary technology for premium sound, touch controls, hands-free calling, multipoint connection, and adaptive sound control.In our opinion, though, some of the m...
Safeguard your data with this comprehensive backup plan
There are countless ways in which you can lose your computer data—ranging from intrepid cyber attacks and malware threats to simple hard drive crashes and laptop theft while you're traveling. This doesn't mean you need to live in constant fear, however, thanks to a wide range of powerful backup solutions that will keep your data safe from harm.But not all such backup plans are created equal. Zinstall FullBack Computer Backup offers unparalleled security and simplicity when it comes to backing up and accessing your files, and right now a plan is on sale for 50% off at just $49.This comprehensive backup solution will ease your data-loss fears by allowing you to quickly and easily keep detailed and thorough backups of every bit of your data on multiple platforms.After a simple five-minute installation, this best-selling tool will get to work creating automatic backups of every file on your computer. You can then choose to store your backups either on an external USB device or a cl...
Should you pick up the Shield TV (2019) for your home streaming needs?
Best answer: The NVIDIA Shield TV is still the best Android TV box you can buy in 2020. NVIDIA has done a great job offering software updates that continually make the Shield TV better than before, and the 16GB is a great option for any habitual streamer. So yes, it's absolutely your best bet for an Android TV box.Get the best: NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) ($150 at Amazon)Expand your storage: Samsung Evo Select 512GB MicroSD Card ($90 at Amazon)NVIDIA is still king of Android TVThe NVIDIA Shield TV is a full-featured streaming box that runs on the latest Android TV software. That means it has both Google Assistant and 4K Chromecast functionality built right in, along with a host of other great features. All of that makes the Shield a stand out product.It also offers the best internal specs and features on a TV streaming box and comes packaged with a sleek remote that includes a built-in microphone for use with the Google Assistant. You can also plug in a keyboard and mouse or c...
Here's everything the Roborock app can do
All of Roborock's most recent robot vacuums, including the Roborock S4, S5 Max, S6 Pure, and S6 MaxV all use the amazing Roborock app to give you full control of your robot vacuum. If you're using an older Roborock vacuum, the Mi Home app experience remains unchanged but, if you've picked up one of Roborock's 2019 or 2020 vacuums, here's what you can expect to find in Roborock's powerful app.What's in a map?If you happen to have more than one Roborock robot that supports the Roborock app, a listing of all connected bots will appear first and foremost when it's opened. Once you've decided which robot vacuum will be doing the cleaning today, you'll be greeted with a map of your home, assuming that the robot vacuum has already made its way around your home once and mapped the whole thing first.Just about everything can be done from this main screen, including zone cleaning, per-room cleaning, or a whole-home cleaning. At the bottom, you'll find two large buttons: "Clean" for perfo...
Easily move those old pics off of Facebook and into your Google Photos
This new tool fixes the pain of switching all of your photos over.If you've been on Facebook for more than a few years, you probably have loads of photos and videos that only exist there. They likely even predate your Google Photos, Dropbox, or OneDrive accounts. Sure, you could download all of your data, fish through it to find your photos, and start re-uploading them, but what a colossal pain! Thankfully now there is a tool from Facebook to move your pictures to Google Photos that is rolling out to all users. Here's how to use it.How to transfer pictures from Facebook to Google PhotosI recommend doing this from a computer rather than a mobile device.Log in to Facebook.Click on the drop-down arrow at the top right of the screen.Click on Settings.From the left navigation menu, click on Your Facebook Information.Enter your Facebook password to continue.Click on Transfer a Copy of Your Photos or Videos (you can only do one at a time).Choose Google Photos as the d...
Roborock's the name in value for stick vacuums
Roborock might be one of the best names in the robot vacuum market, but it's also becoming a prominent name to consider in hand-held vacuums, too. The Roborock S6 MaxV and S6 Pure might be the company's latest robots to clean your floors, but the Roborock H6 is the handheld stick vacuum that helps clean all the other places in your home (and beyond).The Roborock H6 combines high performance with thoughtful features and helpful extras, giving it an edge in the stick vacuum market. The vacuum includes many attachments that make it capable of cleaning all around the home and has powered brushes and rollers that can make it even more effective than you might expect.Roborock H6A superior clean$449 at Amazon$449 at RoborockLightweight without sacrificing power or longevityThe Roborock H6 is impossibly light for how much power is packed under the hood. With a battery that lasts 90 minutes and suction power on-par with a traditional vacuum cleaner, it's something no home can...
Facebook's photo transfer tool to Google Photos is now available globally
Facebook's photo and video transfer tool is now available globally.What you need to knowFacebook's new photo transfer tool is now rolling out to users around the world.The tool lets you easily transfer all your Facebook photos and videos to Google Photos.Facebook had launched the photo transfer tool in Ireland last year, as part of the Data Transfer Project. In December last year, Facebook began testing a new photo transfer tool to allow users to transfer their photos and videos to Google Photos. The tool was initially available only in Ireland, but has since expanded to several other markets. Now, Facebook is launching the tool globally.Today, we are reaching 100% rollout of our photo and video transfer tool that enables people to port their photos directly to Google Photos. With this rollout, the tool is now available globally to everyone on Facebook: https://t.co/1pck8PQoEe https://t.co/WBCeJGmMwp pic.twitter.com/IvHSgXNpbl— Alexandru Voica (@alexvoica) June 4, 2020...
Here's how to make your very own Facebook avatar
A digital version of yourself, just for Facebook.If you've spent any time on Facebook recently, you've probably seen a lot of your friends and family sharing digital avatars of themselves on the social network. If you've been wondering what the heck these are, you aren't alone.Facebook recently rolled out a new feature aptly-named "Facebook Avatars," which allows you to create a Bitmoji-like version of yourself that you can use as your Facebook profile picture and make sticker packs. With these stickers, you can share them as comments on Facebook posts and in Facebook Messenger.Eager to make a Facebook avatar for yourself? Here's everything you need to know!How to make a Facebook avatarFirst thing's first, let's talk about how you go about making your Facebook avatar. Getting to the right spot is simple, but the process for making your avatar is rather thorough.Open the Facebook app on your phone.Tap the search icon in the upper-right corner.Search "avatar".Tap Facebo...
AppGallery, Phone Clone, and more enhance the Huawei P40 Pro
When it comes to flagship phone hardware, Huawei has always been one of the best companies out there. From pushing insane camera innovations to great build quality and just simply creating a package that you'd actually want to use. It's likely that you've heard new Huawei phones won't have access to Google Services due to the entity list restrictions that were put in place back on May 20, 2019, but that isn't stopping the company from pushing harder and still releasing the Huawei P40 Pro.The new top-of-the-line phone from Huawei comes loaded with specs that everyone can appreciate. It has a large 6.58-inch OLED display, runs a Kirin 990 5G chip inside, and comes with 8GB of RAM. There is a quad camera set up on the back of the device, one of them is 50MP, one is 12MP, one is 40MP, and the last one is a TOF 3D unit for depth sensing. Around the front there is a TOF camera and a 32MP selfie camera, it has a 4200mAh battery inside, and so much more.All of this sounds great, right? B...
This mini TYLT portable Bluetooth speaker is now on sale for only $15
Ever wish you could blast your music without having to carry around some bulky Bluetooth speaker? The TYLT Mini Boom Bluetooth Speaker would be the perfect pickup as it's so small you can shove it in your pocket, in a bag, or carry it around without much hassle. Right now it's on sale for just $14.99 at Daily Steals when you use promo code THRIFTERTYLT during checkout. That saves you $5 off its regular cost at Amazon; currently, other colors are selling for as high as $30, though Daily Steals only has the silver model on sale today.The TYLT Mini Boom Bluetooth Speaker features a 3W output along with a sleek metallic finish, and with Bluetooth 4.2, you can pair wirelessly with smartphones and other devices so you can listen to music anywhere you go. The built-in 300mAh internal battery lasts for up to four hours on a single charge, and you'll also receive a micro USB cable with the purchase to help keep it powered up.This mini Bluetooth speaker even lets you start taking calls han...
Should you get NVIDIA's new Shield TV Pro?
Best answer: NVIDIA updated the Shield line of Android TV boxes back in 2019 and now these are the best options you can get your hands on. The Shield TV Pro features the same sleek design as its predecessor, along with some great improvements to the internals to allow this box to last for years.Do everything on your TV: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro ($200)Get the storage you need: Seagate Portable Hard Drive (5TB) ($115)Enjoy your games: NVIDIA Shield Controller ($60)The Shield TV Pro is what you make of itOn the front, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the older version and the updated Shield TV Pro. From a design aspect, they are almost the same, but there are a few key differences with the version released in 2019. The first difference you'll find is the new and improved remote that offers a matte finish instead of the glossy remote found on the original. The first difference you'll find is the new and improved remote that offers a matte finish instead o...
Motorola RAZR 2 rumored to come with a bigger 6.7-inch main display
The RAZR 2 is also rumored to feature a Snapdragon 765 chipset and a 2,845mAh battery.What you need to knowThe Motorola RAZR 2 will apparently arrive with bigger displays than its predecessor.As per a new rumor, the RAZR 2 will have a 6.7-inch main display and a slightly bigger cover display. The foldable phone is expected to be unveiled sometime in Q3 2020.A senior Lenovo executive had revealed last month that the company is planning to launch the second-generation RAZR in September this year. The foldable phone is rumored to come with a few major upgrades over the current RAZR, including a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 765 chipset. According to a new rumor, the RAZR 2 will also come with larger displays than the original.Ross Young, Founder, and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), has claimed in a new tweet that the Motorola RAZR 2 will have a 6.7-inch main display, identical to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip. He suggests the phone's cover display will also ...
Signal now lets you blur faces in photos
The privacy-focused app adapts to current events.What you need to knowSignal is rolling out an update to iOS and Android, adding support for face blurring.The update is timed to support the U.S. George Floyd protests.Signal is also working one supplying real, physical masks to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. Privacy-focused messaging app Signal has rolled out a new update to iOS and Android this week, adding a new feature that will help blur faces in photos. The app will now show a blur tool in the image editor, so you can edit images in SIgnal. You can then share it with other apps like Twitter if you want, confident you're protecting the protesters' privacy just a bit more.Writing on their blog, the Signal team said: At Signal, we support the people who have gone into the streets to make their voices heard. We believe that something in America needs to change, and even if we don't know exactly how, we support and trust in the people who are self-organizing aro...
Everything you need to know about the failed Galaxy Note 7 in 2020
Looking back at Samsung's most controversial phone ever."Controversy" is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days. In the smartphone space, it could be used to reference companies cheating on benchmark scores, the iPhone 6's Bendgate, or one of OnePlus's hilariously bad invite campaigns from back in the day.However, there's one controversy that stands out above all of these — the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.The Note 7 was supposed to be one of the very best phones of 2016, but instead, it ended up being a complete and utter failure.This isn't a device we talk about that much anymore, but if you're curious as to where the Galaxy Note 7 stands in 2020, you're in the right place. Here's everything you need to know about the phone.Time for a Note 7 history lessonHere's our full reviewThe Note 10 is the newest noteBut don't forget about the Note 20Take noteSamsung Galaxy Note 10+$1200 at AmazonFrom $1200 at SamsungIt's just so darn goodThe price tag of the...
Play all of the games on PlayStation Now with 30% off a one-year membership
It wasn't too long ago that Sony dropped the annual subscription price of PlayStation Now down from $100 to $60, and now thanks to a 30% discount that's available for a limited time at Amazon, you can score the lowest price ever offered on the service. At its discounted price of $41.99, you'll be paying just $3.50 per month for access to play all of the games available on the service. Many of the PS4 and PS3 games on PlayStation Now can even be played on PC.PlayStation Now gives PlayStation gamers the ability to play over 750 PS2, PS3 and PS4 games on a PlayStation 4 console or PC, with the option to either stream or download. New titles appear every month, so you'll always have something new to play. Many PlayStation-exclusive games are included too, such as Bloodborne, The Last of Us, Uncharted, and God of War.From popular best-sellers to family-friendly games, sports and racing titles, and so much more, the options are endless. It's also a perfect service to have access to wh...
Going on road trips this summer? Consider using these credit cards
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.In the past, many of us took to the skies in order to get to their destination in the most efficient way possible. However as the U.S. slowly recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, there are some who are choosing to stay closer to home and drive to their destinations.Despite the circumstances, there still remains something special about jumping into the car for an old-fashioned road trip. With such travel, however, comes unavoidable costs in the form of food, lodging, gas and various miscellaneous expenses (i.e., those must-have roadside souvenirs).While these costs can put a damper on any trip, using the right credit card can help you maximize your return in the form of valuable rewards. So wh...
Daily COVID-19 updates: CES 2021 will be an in-person event
The coronavirus has spread to 188 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic has proved particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 5.5 million and fatalities of over 347,000 globally.The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It has transformed how we live and work, and how we connect with our friends and families. Tech brands are doing their part to assist, with Google teaming up with Apple to build a coronavirus tracking tool.Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting not only the tech industry, but also the world at large.June 4, 2020: CES 2021 currently scheduled to be an in-person eventCES 2021 will be an in-person event, with CTA (the governing body behind the event) setting out guidelines for the show. Unlike IFA 2020 in Germany, there won't be a limit to t...
Make your OnePlus phone your own with custom themes and more
If you're tired of the default look and feel of your OnePlus phone, fear not! It's incredibly easy to change the overall theme, accent colors, and even the look of the icons from the settings menu. If you're feeling adventurous, you can dive down the rabbit hole exploring third-party icon packs, wallpapers, and launchers. Let's start with baby steps first. Here's how to quickly change the theme, accent colors, and icon shapes on your OnePlus phone.How to change the theme on your OnePlus phoneOpen the Settings app.Tap on Customization.Tap on Preset Theme.Choose between Vibrant tints, Illuminating light, or Nuanced dark.Both Vibrant tints and Illuminating light are light themes, while Nuanced dark is what you'd expect from a dark theme or night mode. Almost all apps on Android 10 or later will respect these themes, though you may need to go into System and Developer options to force some apps (ahem, Fitbit) to respect your dark theme preferences.How to change the accent ...
Is ExpressVPN or NordVPN the better choice for you?
ExpressVPNMore appsFrom $6.67/mo. at ExpressVPNProsUnlimited bandwidthSix VPN protocols supportedSoftware for ten OSes, two browsers, 11 routersP2P supportSplit tunnelingVirtual serversConsNo dedicated IPFewer servers than NordVPNMore expensiveExpressVPN has apps for several operating systems and device platforms, which include ones for Android TV, Nook HD and several Amazon devices. European countries are where ExpressVPN's 3,000+ servers are mostly located, with Asian countries being second.NordVPNMore serversFrom $3.49/mo. at NordVPNProsUnlimited bandwidthTwo VPN protocols supportedApps/extensions for six OSes, two browsersP2P supportDouble VPNBetter valueConsSplit-tunneling through browser extensions onlyLess apps than ExpressVPNMost of NordVPN's 5,500+ servers are in Europe, followed by the Americas. NordVPN provides apps for several OS platforms and web browsers, and features extras such as a double VPN and access to ...
The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro can now record videos in HEVC format to save space
The latest OxygenOS update for the OnePlus 8 series includes the May 2020 security patch as well.What you need to knowOnePlus is rolling out a new OxygenOS update for the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro phones.The latest update comes with several new features, including support for encoding videos in the H.265 codec. The H.265 codec helps reduce the size of recorded videos without compromising on quality. OnePlus is now rolling out a new OxygenOS update for its latest OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro smartphones. As per the folks at XDA Developers, the update has a lengthy changelog and brings quite a few new features. It arrives as v10.5.8 for the standard OnePlus 8 and v10.5.10 for the OnePlus 8 Pro.The update adds a new auto ultra-wide-angle lens feature, which is claimed to improve the image quality of edges when shooting at a close range. However, this new feature is only available on the OnePlus 8 Pro and not the standard OnePlus 8. More importantly, the update brings support for H.265 enco...
Grab a refurb Eufy RoboVac 11S Slim robot vacuum on sale for $120
The Anker Official Store is selling a refurbished Eufy RoboVac 11S Slim robot vacuum cleaner for $119.99 when you use code ACCU64 at Newegg. The code is taking $31 off the price and brings the 11S Slim down to one of its best prices ever.Anker promises this robot vacuum works and looks like new and is covering it with a 3-month warranty. However, if you would prefer new, you can get the RoboVac 11S Slim for $179.99 using code ACCU74 on this Newegg page. That's $60 more for the same product but you get a full one-year warranty.The RoboVac 11S is slimmer than previous generations and is only 2.85 inches high. It is still capable of some truly powerful suction up to 1300Pa, which means you get a lot of power in a small package. Anker's BoostIQ tech can detect when some extra suction is needed and automatically increases the power for the tough to clean spots. This saves you some battery life in the long run, too, by only using that extra suction in bursts when it's needed. Speaking ...
The Sonos Arc is an incredible-sounding, versatile Atmos soundbar
It's been almost two years since I reviewed the Sonos Beam, a sound bar from a company that represented just as much about the company's future as it did about its then-present.The speaker maker had been trying to balance the needs of its existing user base, which valued the connected nature of its speaker ecosystem, with a growing number of cost-conscious consumers who just wanted a decent soundbar to connect to the living room TV that was taking on more importance. Plus, it wanted to work with the quickly-proliferating smart assistant audience, many of whom were choosing Sonos products like the Sonos One because it was the best-sounding Alexa speaker you could buy for $200.The Beam, with its $399 starting price, low-profile form factor, beamforming speakers, and support for HDMI's ARC standard, tried to be all things to most people, and it succeeded wildly. When I sent my review unit back, I survived less than five months before I bought one for myself, and I hadn't looked back...
Transfer your data and settings with you when upgrading your OnePlus phone
It wasn't so long ago when the thought of transferring photos, music, or files from one phone to another, not to mention settings and passwords, was a massive headache. Sometimes I'd just start from scratch. Thankfully, those days are behind us, and with cloud services and easy on-device backups, we can restore our new phone with the content and settings from our old phone. OnePlus makes this process practically second nature with its OnePlus Switch app. Let's look at how to use it.How to transfer content and settings to a new OnePlus phoneOpen the Google Play Store on your old phone.Search for the OnePlus Switch app.Tap Install.Open the app and accept the numerous access permissions.Open the OnePlus Switch app on your new phone.Select I'm a new phone (receive data).Select what kind of device you'll be transfering data from.Open the OnePlus Switch app on your old phone.Select I'm an old phone (send data).Use your old device to scan the QR code on your new device....
What do you think of the June 2020 Pixel Feature Drop?
Chatting with the AC forums.Earlier this week, Google began rolling out its monthly security patch with the usual array of bug and vulnerability fixes. However, if you have a Pixel device, that update was also joined by the latest Pixel Feature Drop.This month's Drop has quite a lot on offer, including new safety tools, improvements to Adaptive Battery, a new Bedtime feature to help you sleep better at night, and Google Drive integration with the Recorder app.Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what some of our members think about the new software goodies. awsomsauce 06-02-2020 08:56 AM “ I just downloaded today. The bedtime feature is cool, except my schedule varies daily, so not quite useful for me. The Personal Safety app has been a mystery to me so far. I downloaded it, but can't find it. It doesn't show as an app on my homescreen or app drawer, I can't find it in my settings (ex...
Go for a ride with the Hover-1 H1 electric scooter on sale for $200 today
The Hover-1 H1 electric self-balancing scooter has dropped to $199.99 through Best Buy. The sale is part of Best Buy's deals of the day, which means it's temporary. The other versions of the H1 are going for around $250. You can also find this hoverboard going for the same price at Amazon.Need to move at a slightly faster pace down the street but don't have the means? Well, now you do with the Hover-1 electric scooter. It can reach a maximum speed of 9 mph and a max range of 9 miles. It is self-balancing, so you can twist and turn without falling off. That makes it suepr easy to maneuver and even children can learn to master the ride soon enough.The 36V battery is rechargeable, too, so you can plug it in and get back up and running soon as possible. Use the battery indicator to see how much power is left so you don't get stuck too far from home. The battery is also UL and UN 38.3 certified for premium quality safety.Customize the color and the brightness of the LED headlights. ...
Android app development was already hard, but the pandemic made it brutal
The trials and tribulations of app development during a pandemic.Think about your Android phone for a second. What's the most important part of it? You could argue that it's the processor, display, software, or any other component. All of those things are essential in their own unique way, but at the end of the day, you're primarily interacting with the apps that are installed on it.From Twitter, YouTube, your favorite mobile game, or the latest weather app everyone's talking about, apps are what make up our phones and what enable us to do so many things. App development is a challenging and intensive process for any platform, but especially so when it comes to Android. Unlike iOS, which is limited to a select handful of devices that Apple releases, Android's open-source nature shows its ugly side when looking at it from a developer point-of-view. That openness is what allows there to be devices of so many different form factors and from a multitude of companies, but creating app...
You still can't buy a OnePlus 8 Pro, and that makes it hard to recommend
The best phone is the one you can actually buy and have right now.We published our OnePlus 8 Pro review well over a month ago, on April 29. And since then, it's been incredibly hard to buy one. The OnePlus 8 Pro has been out of stock on its own website for weeks, and the Amazon listing has fluctuated between coming soon, vague ship dates, and now no availability at all. And this lack of consistent availability makes it really hard to recommend the OnePlus 8 Pro — sure, it's a great phone, but how great is it if you can't actually buy one when you want (or need) a new phone?Where to buy the OnePlus 8 & 8 Pro: Best Deals and Discounts in 2020OnePlus has always had a hit-or-miss record with keeping phones in stock, reaching back to its early days of flash sales and invite codes. But even now, as the company has clearly grown up in so many ways, it's still far less than a guarantee that you can go to the OnePlus website on any given day and buy the company's latest phone. It...
This one-day sale features smart plugs, light switches, and strip lights
It's easy to smarten up your home for just a few bucks these days. It used to be super-expensive to get your smart home all set up, but with sales like this one-day promotion on Gosund smart tech you can add smart plugs, light switches, and strip lighting around the house without breaking the bank.This 4-pack of Gosund Mini Smart Plugs is a top pick in this sale at $22.43. The set regularly sells for $33, but today you can get the plugs for under $6 apiece. Like many of the best smart plugs on the market, these plugs connect to your Wi-Fi network at home and can be controlled using a free app on your smartphone or tablet. You'll be able to power them on or off from anywhere in the world, or schedule them to only be on at a certain time each day. For instance, rather than having to climb out of bed to turn off a light, you could turn it off from your phone as long as it's connected to one of these smart plugs.Or, you could ask Alexa or Google Assistant to control them for you. You...
UFC 250 Nunes vs. Spencer live stream: Start time, price & how to watch
After holding several of its past events in Jacksonville, Florida, the UFC is finally returning to Las Vegas for UFC 250 which will be held at the promotion's UFC APEX. There won't be any fans in the crowd though as the event is closed to the public but once again the UFC is delivering a stacked card at a time when most other professional sports have yet to resume operations.At UFC 250, Amanda "The Lioness" Nunes will attempt to be the first UFC fighter ever to successfully defend world titles in two weight classes while holding both belts at the same time when she defends her women's featherweight title. Her opponent, Felicia "Feenom" Spencer is one of the UFC's top women's featherweight fighters despite the fact that this is only her fourth fight in the promotion. While still somewhat new to the UFC, Spencer previously held the Invicta FC title for the women's featherweight division.The odds for UFC 250's main event are clearly in Nunes' favor as many consider her to be the gre...
Review: Amazfit's $140 T-Rex smartwatch takes a big bite out of Garmin
With the T-Rex, Amazfit once again delivers a wearable with fantastic value.Huami is no stranger to the wearable segment. The Chinese manufacturer has been making wearables for Xiaomi from the very beginning, and with tens of millions of Mi Bands sold around the world, Huami is one of the largest players in this category. It branched out four years ago to sell products directly to customers under the Amazfit label, consistently rolling out wearables that offer great value.In 2020, Amazfit is getting into new categories, including true wireless earbuds and a foldable treadmill, but the brand's primary focus continues to be smartwatches. In this area, the brand is rolling out the T-Rex, its first rugged smartwatch. Like other Amazfit smartwatches, the T-Rex is aimed at the value segment — retailing for $140 — and it comes with a host of exciting features, like built-in GPS, MIL-STD 810G rating, 50-meter water resistance, and much more.The T-Rex debuted earlier this year and w...
Fitbit has made a low-cost emergency ventilator for COVID-19 patients
The Fitbit Flow has been developed to meet the needs of hospitals facing shortages of ventilators to care for COVID-19 patients.What you need to knowFitbit has developed a low-cost automatic resuscitator for emergency ventilation.The Fitbit Flow has been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. Fitbit Flow is built using laser cut aluminum and is much easier to use than commercial ventilators. Popular wearables maker Fitbit has come up with a high-quality, low-cost ventilator to help meet urgent needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitbit says the ventilator, named Fitbit Flow, was inspired by the MIT E-Vent Design Toolbox and designed by the company's engineers with inputs from clinicians at the Oregon Health and Science Hospital and the MassGeneralBrigham Center for COVID Innovation.James Park, co-founder and CEO of Fitbit, said in a statement: COVID-19 has challenged all of us to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity, and use everything at our dis...
Review: Get Packed on Google Stadia is an enjoyable, but shallow experience
Get ready to move out.Google Stadia is a cloud game streaming service that recently got a launch exclusive called Get Packed. Get Packed is a couch co-op experience all about moving out of your apartment. Oddly enough, it manages to capture the chaos by using physics-based controls for up to four players. If you love games like Octodad and QWOP, you should check this one out.Help them move outGet PackedBottom line: Get Packed is an enjoyable couch co-op game that fails to provide a compelling, unique experience. Pros:Lots of levels Great multiplayer mode Looks great on Stadia Cons:Shallow plot Uninspired gameplay Noticeable input lag on StadiaFree with Stadia ProGet Packed gameplay mechanicsGet Packed features a versus mode where you can compete against friends, but the campaign is the star of ...
Samsung Galaxy A31 with 5000mAh battery debuts in India for ₹21,999 ($291)
It was announced in March this year.What you need to knowSamsung has launched the Galaxy A31 in India.The phone features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and a huge 5,000mAh battery. It is now on sale in the country for ₹21,999 ($291). Samsung today launched the Galaxy A31 in India, two months after the phone made its global debut. While it isn't a massive upgrade over last year's Galaxy A30, the phone comes with a refreshed design and a few upgrades under the hood.The Galaxy A31 sports a 6.4-inch Infinity-U Display with FHD+ resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. It runs on a MediaTek Helio P65 processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. On the back of the phone is a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, 5MP depth sensor, and a 5MP macro shooter. For selfies, the phone offers a 20MP front camera with an f/2.2 lens.Aside from the quad-camera setup, the other headline feature of the Galaxy A31 is its massi...
Make the Google Assistant more accessible with Action Blocks
Whether you want to set up some simple automations for an elderly family member, help out a friend with cognitive disabilities, or you just want to make an "easy button" for your mom to turn on her smart lights, Google's Action Blocks are here to the rescue. We'll show you how to enable the app and quickly create Action Blocks that can serve as useful shortcuts for Google Assistant tasks.Products used in this guideEasy automator: Google Assistant Action Blocks (Free at Google Play)What are Action Blocks?In a sense, Action Blocks can be thought of as Google's answer to Siri Shortcuts or Alexa Routines, in that it is an app that allows you to quickly and easily create routines that can be enabled with the push of a button. Basically, anything that you could ask the Google Assistant to do can be automated through the Action Blocks app and turned into a widget or mini-app that you can place on the home screen of your Android device.Initially created as an accessibility featur...
The LG G7 Fit price has dropped to a new low, making it much more tempting
The LG G7 Fit may not have set the world alight when it was released in late 2018, but it had respectable specs for a mid-range phone. It's original $420 asking price probably hampered sales, though it soon dropped to $300 which made it more of an attractive prospect for many. Thanks to this one-day deal at B&H, the 6.1-inch phone gets a whole lot more tempting with a price drop to just $149.The deal, which expires tonight or when sold out, offers the black LG G7 Fit in new condition with a 1-year LG warranty. It's factory unlocked so will work with all U.S. carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and pre-paid carriers. Today's price is $30 lower than we've ever seen it go before and half off its current price at Best Buy.The phone is equipped with 32GB of onboard storage, though that can be expanded affordably with a microSD card up to 2TB, 4GB of RAM, and a Snapdragon 821 quad-core processor. It has a 6.1-inch QHD+ display with a 3120 x 1440 pixel resolution...
Here's your chance to save 50% on the Amazon Echo Dot
How many rooms do you have in your house? And how many of those rooms have Echo Dot speakers? If the answer isn't "all of them," then you need this deal! Right now you can pick one up on sale for just $24.99 via Woot. That's half off its retail price and one of the best prices it's ever reached before. This Woot deal is slated to last until the end of the month, though it could sell out sooner. You can choose between Charcoal and Sandstone models while supplies last.Echo Dot is Amazon's best overall smart speaker option and one of the easiest ways to start up a smart home. You can use one to listen to music from several different streaming services, control compatible smart home devices like Philips Hue bulbs or Nest Thermostats, and so much more. Check the weather just by asking. Hear a cringeworthy knock-knock joke or fun fact. Set timers so you won't burn dinner. There are tons of features that make these speakers worth having around, and if you know someone that isn't exactly t...
Snapchat stops promoting President Trump following violent tweets
"We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover."What you need to knowSnapchat is taking a stand against President Trump.It says it will no longer promote his content on the Discover platform.In a statement, Snapchat said it would "not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice".Snapchat is no longer actively promoting President Donald Trump on its Discover platform.As reported by The Verge: President Trump's verified Snapchat account will no longer be promoted within the app after executives concluded that his tweets over the weekend promoted violence, the company said today. His account, RealDonaldTrump, will remain on the platform and continue to appear on search results. But he will no longer appear in the app's Discover tab, which promotes news publishers, elected officials, celebrities, and influencers.As mentioned, RealDonaldTrump is not being suppressed or removed, simply not promot...
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