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It's easier than you might think.Whether it's apps from the Play Store or Chrome extensions, these tools can help you get a lot done on your Chromebook. There are a plethora of games and other extensions that can improve Chrome far beyond what Google has already done with Chrome OS. Nonetheless, there comes a time where these extensions can either become obsolete or just not necessary any longer. So you'll want to keep your extensions tidy, instead of just trying to install anything and everything. Here's how you can manage your Chrome extensions from a Chromebook.How to install Chrome extensionsOpen Chrome from your Chromebook.Navigate to the Chrome Web Store.Locate the extension you wish to download.Click Add to Chrome.If prompted, tap Add extension to approve if an extension requires certain permissions.With some extensions, another confirmation will appear, showing you where the extension is in your Chrome toolbar. This is rather handy so you don't end up forgetti...

Best Buy's 4th of July sale is here with four days of deals and discounts on tech, smart home products, appliances, and much more. This limited time sale is only set to last through Sunday night and some deals have the potential of selling out sooner than that. Best Buy offers free shipping on orders totaling $35 or more, or you can select free in-store pickup or curbside pickup to skip the shipping charge.This weekend's sale at Best Buy is just one of many which are live now in celebration of the holiday. You can find plenty more sales and deals via our guide to the best 4th of July deals.While your mind may go straight to thinking about tech products when you consider all you might find for sale at Best Buy, this retailer is also a great one to pick up any major home appliances you may be in need of. During the sale, Best Buy is offering up to 40% off popular major appliances and you'll even score a $100 Best Buy gift card for free by purchasing two or more major appliances tot...

The Galaxy S20 has an in-display fingerprint sensor that's effectively identical to the S10's, which isn't a good thing. It was fine in the last-generation phone, but in-display fingerprint sensors have come a long way and kind of left the S20 series behind. Even if the component itself isn't great, you can do a few things that will make the most of what you have. Here's how you can speed up your S20's fingerprint sensor experience.Products used in this guideThe standard: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Amazon)Big and capable: Samsung Galaxy S20+ ($1,200 at Amazon)Going all-out: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra ($1,400 at Amazon)Spend extra time enrolling your fingerprintsIt's always exciting to get a new phone. The last thing you want to do when setting up a brand new Galaxy S20 is to stop and take extra time to enroll your fingerprints. Unfortunately, that's exactly what you need to do to make sure you get the bext experience from the fingerprint sensor.Unlike the old capacit...

Sometimes it's nice to take a step back and appreciate the past.MrMobile makes some of my favorite tech videos on the Internet, covering the latest trends in smartphones, tablets, and all other things mobile. But lately, he's been shifting his focus a bit to the past with a retrospective new series called When Phones Were Fun. It's been great following along and watching him cover not just phones that I grew up around, but phones well before my time.Episode 1: Samsung's "Matrix Phone" (2003)It's the dawn of a new century. China launches its first manned space mission; the human genome is finally sequenced; and in North America, over 50 million people lose power due in part to a software bug. In short: technology has woven its way into so many facets of our lives that movies like The Matrix are coming out to critique … and yes, consumerize that infestation.The Samsung SPH-N270 "Matrix Phone" was a collector's item that launched alongside The Matrix Reloaded, with the hop...

A major, expensive purchase could be on the horizon.What you need to knowLeyou is a holdings corporation that owns several studios, including Digital Extremes, developers of Warframe..According to Bloomberg, Sony is considering a bid to acquire Leyou.Nothing has been finalized yet.With the PlayStation 5 still set to release in Holiday 2020, Sony may be looking at increasing the number of game development studios it owns. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Sony is currently considering a big on Leyou corporation. Leyou is a video game holdings company based out of Hong Kong. It owns Digital Extremes, Splash Damage, Athlon Games, Kingmaker, Radiance Games and a 20% stake in Certain Affinity.Digital Extremes are the developers of Warframe, a popular free-to-play title. Meanwhile, Splash Damage has done support work on the Gears of War franchise, including leading development on Gears Tactics. Splash Damage is also working on a Stadia-exclusive game.Nothing has been ...

Chatting it up with the AC forums.Given the current state of the world and everything that's going on, times are tough for a lot of people. Many of us are trying to find ways to cut excessive spending to save extra cash every month, whether that be through random spending, unnecessary subscriptions, etc.One of our AC forum members brought up this topic with an interesting question — could you rely solely on your phone's data plan if you had to cancel your home internet service? In-home internet typically isn't very affordable, and depending on your usage, it's possible you could get everything done via your phone or setting it up as a mobile hotspot.It's certainly an interesting discussion, and this is how some of our other members responded. bembol 06-30-2020 12:42 AM “ Times are tight these days and just thinking if you are forced to cancel your Home Internet, is you cell phone data plan e...

The Honor 30 Lite also made its debut alongside the X10 Max today.What you need to knowHonor X10 Max is a new 5G phone with a gigantic 7.09-inch display.It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 800 chipset and supports 22.5W fast charging. The phone has been priced at 1,899 yuan ($269) in China for the base 6GB/64GB version. Honor today unveiled a new phone that has been designed for people who love big screens. Dubbed X10 Max, the phone offers dual-mode 5G connectivity as well and promises impressive battery life (via GSMArena).The new Honor X10 Max has a 7.09-inch FHD+ IPS display with a waterdrop notch and HDR10 compliance. It is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 800 5G chipset, which has been paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. In the camera department, the X10 Max features a dual-camera setup at the rear with a 48MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. For selfies, the phone is equipped with an 8MP camera on the front. It also packs a large 5,000mAh battery ...

The Snapdragon Wear 4100 series may be better than the 3100, but it's still far behind what Samsung and Apple have to offer, and Wear OS smartwatches will suffer accordingly.Wear OS smartwatches haven't caught on the way Google or any company making them would like. A big part of the reason why is simply poor performance. Qualcomm, the company that makes the processor inside the watches, just announced its latest chip that will try to fix this, the Snapdragon Wear 4100 series.Qualcomm is quick to tout the improvement over the past generation of wearable chips and tells us it will be 85% faster and have 25% longer battery life. But that apples-to-apples comparison falls apart when you notice the oranges in the room: wearable chips from Samsung and Apple.Wear OS has come a long way and companies making watches for the platform offer some really enticing products. Watches from Fossil or Montblanc can add a little style to your life and gear from Puma or Suunto bring serious focus ...

The Rachio R3e 8-zone smart sprinkler controller is down to $99.99 at Amazon. This price marks the lowest we've ever seen this sprinkler controller reach. The R3e normally sells for $150, and you can find it going for that price at places like Home Depot. Save $50 on a smart sprinkler controller already designed with saving you money at the top of the list. Compare this to the regular Rachio 3, which is going for as much as $216 in some places.The entire point of the Rachio system is to give you a simple and easy way to control your sprinklers. It's a system that's smart enough it can actually save you money in the long run, and it does that without ruining your lawn in the process.The Rachio 3e can avoid watering your lawn when it doesn't need it. The Weather Intelligence technology skips unnecessary waterings when it detects rain, wind, freeze, and more. You can even create a smart schedule based on your mix of soil, the plant types, and the sun exposure. This will give you the...

It can be annoying when you're listening to something on your Chromebook only to have it lock. Then, you have to unlock it in order to control the content. Back in late 2019, Google pushed an update to Chrome OS, which added a new Media Control Widget to the lock screen of your Chromebook. This works with all of the big hitting apps like Spotify and YouTube Music, but it can also control media being played back through the Chrome browser.How to lock your Chromebook and control mediaOpen the app that you wish to play media from on your Chromebook. Tap the notification box in the bottom toolbar.Tap the Lock icon to lock your Chromebook.A media control widget will appear with controls for whatever you are listening to.This new media control widget gives you all the control you'll need to listen to your music, podcasts, and more. There's the traditional Play/Pause button, Previous and Skip buttons, along with a Seek Forward and Seek Backward button. Plus, you can "scrub" t...

The Indian government announced a ban on 59 Chinese apps just three days ago.What you need to knowThe Indian government has banned 59 Chinese-developed apps in the country.Apple and Google have both complied with the ban.The apps have been removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store. Apple and Google have both complied with a government-enforced ban on Chinese apps in India, removing 59 apps from the App Store and Google Play Store.As TechCrunch reports: Two days after India blocked 59 apps developed by Chinese firms, Google and Apple have started to comply with New Delhi's order and are preventing users in the world's second largest internet market from accessing those apps. UC Browser, Shareit, and Club Factory and other apps that India has blocked are no longer listed on Apple's App Store and Google Play Store. In a statement, a Google spokesperson said that the company had "temporarily blocked access to the apps"on Google Play Store as it reviews ...

Best answer: Disney+ has launched in over a dozen countries in North America, Europe, and Asia as of June, and Disney+ is projected to launch in most markets over the next two years.International movie magic: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Where you can get Disney+ right nowAustraliaAustriaCanadaFranceGermanyIndiaIrelandItalyJapanMonacoNetherlandsNew Zealand SpainSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUnited StatesIn addition, several French territories served by telecom Canal+ have Disney+ through that provider, including New Caledonia, French West Indies, French Guiana, Wallis and Futuna, with more territories later this year.What about the rest of the world?The next batch of countries slated to get Disney+ on Sept. 15, 2020 includes:BelgiumDenmarkFinlandIcelandLuxembourgNorwayPortugalSwedenBrazil has a tentative November rollout but no exact date yet. As for the rest of the world, the tentative global rollout timeline Disney shared originally is as fo...

Are you using a VPN yet? You should be. VPNs help protect your privacy with everything from encrypted Wi-Fi to ad blockers. They're very simple to use and allow for a lot of flexibility. Plus the right VPN won't keep traffic logs either, so even the VPN itself isn't tracking you. Private Internet Access is that sort of VPN, and right now you can make the most of a limited-time promotion offering 77% off the service.That means you can get two years of the service for just $69.95 with two additional months thrown in for free. All told, you'll be paying just $2.69 per month compared to its regular monthly price of $11.95 putting it in cheap VPN territory.Private Internet Access has more than 3,300 servers available in 48 countries. That means you're covered no matter where you want to travel. In addition to the features mentioned above, like encrypted Wi-Fi and ad blocking, PIA offers a ton of other features, too. You'll be able to use PIA with up to 10 devices at the same time with...

It could be the world's first gaming phone to be powered by a Snapdragon 865+ chipset.What you need to knowThe ASUS ROG Phone 3 will be launched at an online "Game Charger" event on July 22.It is expected to come with a Snapdragon 865+ chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM. The gaming phone will also feature a triple-camera setup at the rear with a 64MP main sensor. The ROG Phone 2 was arguably the most impressive gaming phone released last year, offering stellar performance and class-leading battery life. ASUS today confirmed that it will be taking the wraps off the ROG Phone 3 at a "game changer" event at 11 AM ET on July 22.While the ROG Phone 3 will not have a completely different designed compared to its predecessor, it will offer several key hardware upgrades. The flagship gaming phone is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's unannounced Snapdragon 865+ chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. On the back of the phone will be a triple-camera setup featuring...

Best Buy's 4th of July sale is going on strong, and the best deal in it is probably the TCL 8 Series 65-inch Roku TV going for $999.99. This is a deal we have seen a couple times before, but it only ever shows up during major holiday sales. The last sale was over Memorial Day. Outside of the big sales event, this TV can go as high as $2,000. Since Best Buy is the only place that sells it, no one else can beat it on price.Want to take it up a notch? You can also save on the 75-inch version of TCL's 8 Series TV. It's down to $1,799.99 from an MSRP of $3,000. And much like the 65-inch version, only Best Buy carries this TV so only Best Buy can put it on sale.This TV's use of mini LED tech is one of the things that sets it apart. This feature gives you precise control of your TV's image quality, making brights as bright as ever and creating a beautiful contrast with the darks. You get tons of depth and dimension no matter what you're watching. The QLED panel also helps deliver a wide...

Adobe goes its own way with a photography app.Photoshop is a household name, even for people who have never used the software to edit photos. And while there have been apps to edit images on Android for some time, Adobe has taken a crack at actual photography with its latest Photoshop Camera app and thrown in a whole lot of wacky features to work with.Much of what Adobe is using here is based on its artificial intelligence (AI) called Sensei that bridges together photography, creative effects and editing. While you might think this app requires a level of expertise, it's actually meant for anyone capable of shooting snapshots on their phones.It's also a unique place where filters are called "lenses" and the app can apply effects or edits on its own. Or you can choose to do a lot of the work yourself. The versatility is interesting, but more serious mobile photographers might be turned off by all the noise going on here.At a glanceAdobe Photoshop Camera ...

There's no use in buying a power strip that only has AC outlets anymore. Most of the devices we charge these days power up via USB, so why not make things a bit more efficient? Get rid of your bulky USB wall chargers and plug directly in with this Anker 30W USB Power Strip with Power Delivery. Today it's on sale for just $24.89 at Amazon thanks to a direct price drop and an on-page coupon taking a further $4 off. All told, you're saving just over $9.Anker's PowerPort Strip PD 2 Mini is a compact power strip unlike most others. It's equipped with a USB-C port that can deliver an 18W charge with Power Delivery, along with two PowerIQ-enabled USB charging ports and two AC outlets. That allows you to power up to five devices all at once. Anker's PowerIQ technology recognizes and charges each device at an optimized 12W charge.The strip has a 7-point safety system including a fire-retardant casing and child-friendly safety shutters. It's also a good pick for traveling as it doesn't inc...

Cleaning can be laborious and boring, so it's certainly nice to have some help around the house when you can get it. With the iRobot Roomba 860 Robotic Vacuum on sale for $199.99 in refurbished condition today only at Amazon, this could be your chance to snag that extra help at a nice discount. This deal saves you over $80 off its regular cost and brand new models previously sold for up to $500, though the vacuum is now being replaced by the newer models at various retailers, making it much harder to locate in new condition. The promotion expires at the end of the day.These certified refurbished models have been inspected and tested to ensure they look and work "like new". If your purchase arrives at your home in worse condition or doesn't work, you can send it back for a full refund or a replacement thanks to its included 90-day limited warranty.The Roomba 860 works on all floor types and features a full suite of sensors that allows it navigate and adapt to your changing home, A...

The evaLIGHT Plus is a portable, USB-powered personal cooling system that's been making this scorcher of a summer much more manageable.The system is pretty straightforward. You plug it in over microUSB, even using power from your laptop or a backup battery if you like. You fill up the 1 L tank with water, which gets slurped up by internal evaporative cooling pads. Then the fan kicks in on the other side of those pads, blowing cool, moist air out of one side. You can tilt the vent up and down, and crank the fan into high or low gears using the navigation dial on the top.A smarter coolevaLIGHT plus$200 at EvapolarYour own personal microclimateThe evaLIGHT plus uses a simple but effective evaporative technique to keep you cool at your desk, in bed, or anywhere you need it. The system delivers a triple whammy of cooling, humidification, and air purification. Not only is it energy-efficient, but the LED supports a wide range of colors and brightnesses. Get 15% off for limi...

Steam support will not be limited to just high-end Chromebooks.What you need to knowGoogle is preparing to add Steam gaming support to select Chromebooks.As confirmed by Google at CES earlier this year, Steam gaming support on Chrome OS will be based on Linux. Initially, at least, Steam gaming support will only be available on Chromebooks powered by 10th Generation Intel processors. Earlier this year, a Google executive confirmed that the company was working to bring Steam gaming support to Chrome OS. The folks at 9to5Google have now come up with a new report that sheds more light on exactly how Chrome OS will run Steam and the Chromebooks that will be the first to support it.The publication says it has been tracking a new project codenamed "Borealis" within the Chrome open-source code for a few weeks now. As per their report, Borealis is based on Ubuntu and comes pre-installed with a copy of Steam. On the other hand, "Crostini" which is the name of the project that allow...

The deal is already under scrutiny by the U.S. Justice Department.What you need to knowA total of 20 consumer organizations have sent letters to antitrust regulators in various countries, expressing concerns over Google's proposed Fitbit acquisition.The organizations argue that the deal will enable Google to obtain data from Fitbit and further expand its clout in digital markets. Google and Fitbit had announced the $2.1 billion acquisition deal in November last year. Consumer advocacy groups from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America have come together against Google's proposed acquisition of fitness-tracking giant Fitbit. The group of 20 organizations has written a letter antitrust regulators across the globe, expressing privacy and competition concerns (via Reuters).The organizations have issued a statement arguing that acquiring Fitbit would provide Google access to sensitive user information such as their heart rates, quality of sleep, and the number of steps they take...

Google Store sells out of Pixel 3a and 3a XL inventory, but the phone is still available on Amazon and other retailers.What you need to knowGoogle has discontinued the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. Both phones are sold out on Google Store and won't be restocked.Google mentions that customers that are interested in picking up the phones can do so from partner sites. Amazon and Best Buy are still selling both variants of the phone, so get them while they're still on sale. Google has discontinued the popular Pixel 3a and 3a XL ahead of the arrival of the Pixel 4a. In a statement to Android Police, Google confirmed that it sold through its inventory and "completed sales" of the Pixel 3a series: Google Store has sold through its inventory and completed sales of Pixel 3a. For people who are still interested in buying Pixel 3a, the product is available from some partners while supplies last.If you're interested in picking up the Pixel 3a or 3a XL, now is your last chance. Both phones...

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.Chase credit cards are some of the most sought-after on the market. While the Chase lineup isn't quite as extensive as Amex's, there are a lot of great Chase-branded options for just about every type of cardholder. Whether you're looking for a premium travel card, an introduction into the world of points and miles, an easy cash back or a business card, Chase has got you covered.And since Chase cards are easily paired with each other for maximum value, people tend to hold more than one Chase card at once.Chase has also recently added a number of temporary and permanent perks to help grounded travelers make the most of their Chase cards. This includes added flexibility on Chase Sapphire Reserve perk...

When you're buying a hard drive for your Synology NAS, you're looking for two things: solid day-to-day performance, and long-term reliability. All of the drives highlighted below are designed for 24/7 NAS use cases, and excel at those two traits. I've used all the drives on this list, and considering I have a 120TB home server, I know a thing or two about picking the right HDD for a NAS enclosure.Truly outstandingSeagate IronWolfStaff PickI've been using two 14TB IronWolf drives for just under a year, and they're rock-solid in 24/7 use. IronWolf drives feature Seagate's AgileArray tech for better performance and reliability, and come with rotational vibration sensors to minimize vibrations. Starting with the 6TB model, all of the HDDs spin at 7200RPM, have a 180TB/year workload rating, and 1 million hours mean time between failures (MTBF). All IronWolf drives also feature CMR tech and come with a 3-year warranty as standard, and are ideal for NAS enclosures with up to 8 b...

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.Get $50 for supporting small businesses in your area.What you need to knowAmex is rolling out its yearly small business statement credit program early this year.Cardholders can get up to $50 in statement credits for shopping small businesses.The promotion runs from June 29, 2020, through September 30, 2020.American Express is back with a popular Amex Offer that hopes to save its cardholders some money while supporting small businesses across the country.Reported by The Points Guy, the card issuer has announced that its Shop Small promotion will be launching early this year. The promotion will give cardholders up to $50 back when they shop at small businesses between now and September 20,...

Headphones come in all shapes and sizes, and it may be challenging to find the right one that suits you. If we're honest, most wireless headphones have awful microphones. Luckily, not all are bad. We've put together a list of wireless headphones that have great microphones from each major headphone type.Convenient conversationsStaff pickApple AirPods (2nd generation)AirPods are the most popular wireless earbuds on the market. Not only are they convenient, but they also deliver some of the best voice and microphone quality on any set of wireless earbuds, let alone a true wireless set.$199 at Apple $139 at Amazon $170 at Best BuyGamers uniteAudeze MobiusThe Audeze Mobius are over-ear headphones designed for wireless gaming. They feature a wide soundstage and a truly exceptional microphone for voice chat with your friends.$399 at Amazon $399 at Walmart $399 at B&HOver-ear chatsMpow 059The Mpow 059 offer great sound while simultaneously having amazing mi...

The Galaxy Note 10 is a gorgeous sight to behold and a lot more manageable in the hand than past Notes, offering a large, bezel-less display in a form factor that's easy to hold. As striking as it is, it may be, however, the large screen, glass back, and thin metal frame mean it likely won't hold up that well in the event of a fall. Want to ensure the Note 10 stays looking good for years to come? Here are a few cases we recommend checking out.The only case you needSpigen Neo HybridStaff pickNo matter what phone we're talking about, one of our all-time favorite cases is the Spigen Neo Hybrid. The Neo Hybrid shines on the Note 10, keeping the phone safe and secure while also looking quite nice (especially in the Burgundy colorway shown here). It's also thin, lightweight, and is easy on the wallet.From $13 at AmazonCan't go wrongCaseology VaultIn the market for a Note 10 case that does the basics of keeping your phone safe, look great, and come at a low price? ...

Android users have long loved the ability to watch a video in a smaller window while doing something else in another app in picture-in-picture mode (and now iOS users are finally getting a taste of the fun). But did you know that Chromebooks have offered this feature for some time now too? While some Android apps like Netflix are working on their own solutions, there is an even easier way to watch picture-in-picture (PIP) content from virtually any streaming app, right in your browser, thanks to a Google Chrome extension. We'll show you where to find it, and how to use it so that you can get to procrastinating... er... multitasking, right away!How to watch picture-in-picture video on a ChromebookFrom your Chromebook, open a Chrome browser tab.Go to chrome.google.com/webstore.Search for the Picture-in-Picture Extension (by Google).Click Add to Chrome.Go to your video site of choice (most are supported, including Prime Video, Netflix, and of course, YouTube).Click to play a...

A wide variety of indie experiences.What you need to knowPlayStation has announced the PlayStation Indies initiative.It's headed up by Shuhei Yoshida.Nine games were revealed today as a part of PlayStation Indies.Earlier today, PlayStation announced its new PlayStation Indies initiative, led by Shuhei Yoshida. Kicking this initiative off, nine new indie titles have been revealed for PS4 and/or PS5. You can check out the full list below.Carto - Humble Games/Sunhead GamesCarto is a puzzle adventure title, with a theme of exploration as you meet different people and learn about their culture. You'll venture through the world by shifting around lost pieces of a map.Creaks - Amanita DesignEver seen a jacket draped over a chair as a child and think it was a monster? That's the theme of Creaks, a game built in Unity and all about the things that go bump in the night. You'll use light to trap and defeat these monsters.F.I.S.T: Forged in Shadow - TiGamesRayto...

When it first launched in May 2018, Visible made a big mark on the carrier space since $40/month for unlimited everything on Verizon sounds too good to be true. One of the few drawbacks to the service is that Visible only works with a small selection of Android phones, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to be an Android user and get the most out of what the carrier has to offer. Here are our favorite Android phones that work with Visible, including the Google Pixel 3a!Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aLooking back at 2019, one phone that stands out as one of the year's top highlights is the Pixel 3a. It's the first mid-range phone Google's ever released under its Pixel brand, and the end result is one heck of an Android phone.Without a doubt, the aspect of the Pixel 3a that shines the most is its rear camera. The 12.2-megapixel sensor, paired with Google's near-magical levels of post-processing, result in it being impossible to take a bad picture with the Pixel 3a. Photos are c...

Our phones are smarter than ever, but they still can't do everything, and let's be real: who wants to write a ten-page essay on a phone? Or file taxes? Or play solitaire for hours on end? For so, so many things, a laptop is the best tool for the job. Whether you use yours for work or play, chances are you overpaid for your last one. Let's make sure that it doesn't happen again by letting us help you find a high-quality laptop that earns its price tag, like my run-and-gun workhorse Lenovo Chromebook C340.Best Overall: Lenovo Chromebook C340This is our favorite Chromebook on the market right now, and what makes it the best Chromebook also makes it the best laptop: it's sturdy, hard-working, and reliable without breaking the bank. The C340 builds upon the already-amazing C330, resulting in one of the best laptop experiences you can find in 2019.The gorgeous pink color looks outstanding, and the combination of an aluminum lid and plastic body results in a device that can withstan...

WhatsApp Web is a great way to extend the features of the messaging platform to the desktop. The web client is easy to set up and use, it has the same visual interface as the mobile version of the app, and messages sync instantly between your phone and the web. Here's how you can set up and use WhatsApp Web.What is WhatsApp Web?WhatsApp Web is what it sounds like: a web portal that lets you mirror your phone's WhatsApp experience on a desktop browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera or anything else you like. In order to keep WhatsApp secure and private, WhatsApp Web is not a separate instance of WhatsApp that lives independently from your phone. Instead, it relies on your phone's connection to WhatsApp to generate an initial instance and then, by taking a photo of a unique QR code to authenticate, it brings that exact experience to the web. Once you log off from WhatsApp on your phone, the connection on the web is severed.How to activate and use WhatsApp WebTo use WhatsAp...

It claims to kill up to 99% of pathogens with the use of UV-C radiation.What you need to knowSamsung is now selling a UV sterilizer for your phone and other gadgets.The enclosure also doubles as a 10W wireless charger.It's currently only available in Thailand for about $50.As COVID-19 cases continue surging across the world, personal hygiene has taken center stage as one of the most important means of preventing infection. And while washing your hands every so often is certainly important, let's not forget that your phone may be ten times as dirty as your toilet seat — and could even have fecal matter on it! Yuck!Thanks to Samsung, though, you won't have to worry about those pesky little viruses contaminating your phone. The company this week launched a new UV sterilizer for your phone — and any other electronics, for that matter — which it claims kills up to 99% of germs and bacteria, thanks to its use of UV-C radiation. Laboratory tests by Philips using the same t...

A rugged case is a very smart idea when you're looking to protect a $900 investment such as the Samsung Galaxy S10, but there's a number of great options available. There are no wrong answers here — all of these cases have been expertly designed to keep your Galaxy S10 well protected. Choosing the right one comes down to your own personal preferences and style.Built like a tankArmadilloTek Vanguard SeriesStaff pickArmadilloTek is a fairly new case maker out of Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas, a state that knows and needs rugged cases more than most. This case has a three-layer design to protect your S10 from virtually everything. There's a kickstand on the back, precise button covers, and your Galaxy S10 can still wirelessly charge even with the case on.From $21 at AmazonSafe from anythingSamsung Rugged Protective CoverWe start with Samsung's own rugged case since who would know better, right? Samsung has tested this case for shock and drop resistance, and it even com...

The best wireless chargers give you an easy way to top up a phone, and the Galaxy Note 10 supports every standard you can think of, including Qi, PMA and Samsung's own Fast Wireless Charging 2.0. The Note lineup supports extra-fast speeds of 12W and 15W respectively, but only with a select few chargers. Let's round up the best wireless chargers for your new phone!Best wireless chargersSamsung Wireless Charger Stand 15W$53 at Amazon$80 at Best BuyStaff pickIf you want the absolute best wireless charging speeds for your new Note 10, Samsung's own 15W wireless charging stand is your best bet. It's not cheap, but that's because there's a lot of tech inside. Charge your phone vertically or horizontally, cool down your phone with a fan, and change the fan speed and LED strength.Two for oneYootech 10W Wireless Charger (2-pack)$28 at AmazonBest valueIf you like wirelessly charging your phone anywhere and everywhere around the home, or perhaps at home at the off...

Making your home smarter seems to be all the rage these days. There are smart speakers, smart TVs, and other accessories that let you control your life with your voice. One of the most significant conveniences in a home can come from installing smart locks, so you never have to fish a key out again and can manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.Best Overall: August Smart Lock ProThe Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don't need to replace your keys to use it. You can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple's HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi.That included bridge is key to this pick's value, as many other connected smart locks require you to purchase a hub separately. We like the 24/7 acti...

Best answer: Yes; a mesh system or a mesh capable router makes the most sense for most people. A mesh system costs a little more upfront, but it allows for growth down the line.Router features with a mesh ecosystem: Linksys MAX-STREAM MR7350 ($150 at Amazon)Compact and simple to use: eero ($249 at Amazon)Wi-Fi that grows with youThe original home routers were rather simple in that they took an incoming internet connection from a modem and broadcast a wireless signal. Back when Wi-Fi was in use by fewer people and fewer devices took advantage of it, things like interference weren't much of an issue. Not only that, but 2.4GHz signals were also more than adequate, and the lower frequencies could travel much further than 5GHz.Today, most of us are always within range of multiple Wi-Fi hotspots, and we've come to expect Wi-Fi to handle a ton of traffic, often in excess of 100Mbps. Just think about how many devices you connect in your household daily. To achieve higher speeds, r...

It now plans to reopen its offices on Labour Day.What you need to knowGoogle has decided to delay the reopening of its offices in the U.S.The company had initially planned on resuming on-campus operations at some locations starting July 7.Owing to a spike in COVID-19 cases, however, that date has now been pushed to September 7.Despite its plans to reopen some of its offices from July 7, Google has now decided to keep its offices shut for at least two more months, as a spike in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. forced the company's hand.Back in May, CEO Sundar Pichai had informed employees that the company would gradually resume on-campus operations, initially on a limited, rotating basis, starting with those who needed access to specialized equipment. Those plans have now been derailed, however, as Bloomberg reports.Chris Rackow, Vice President of Global Security, said in a new company-wide memo: While conditions do vary from state to state, we need to see that the U.S. ou...

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.As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue, U.S. spending habits have shifted dramatically from even earlier this year. While road trips are sputtering back to life, travel overall is still dramatically down.Since April, credit card issuers have been quick to catch on, adding in new limited-time bonus categories, annual-fee reductions, and other credits that could be used from home. These changes were intended to keep certain cards — especially travel rewards cards — to be top of mind for those that hold them.Just last month, Chase announced a slew of benefit updates for two of its most popular cards — the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Those perks includ...

With the 4th of July only a few days away, now's the perfect time to start looking for a deal on a new laptop, 4K TV, or another expensive purchase you've been meaning to make in the last few months. B&H's 4th of July sale is one that's live right now so you can find that new TV or PC you've been looking for and save a few hundred bucks on it in the process. Of course, B&H has plenty of other tech on sale too, from smart home devices to streaming media players, along with tons of cameras and accessories. Plus, standard shipping is free for most items, with expedited shipping free on most orders over $49.Unlocked smartphones are on sale during B&H's 4th of July sale too. For instance, this OnePlus 6T device is not only $200 off right now but also includes a Ting Sim Card Kit that gives you $60 worth of prepaid phone service free-of-charge.Anyone looking for a new TV should consider the Samsung TU8000 75-inch 4K Smart TV. This is the latest model to come from Samsung an...

Arcades may be a relic of the past in 2020, but that doesn't mean arcade-style gaming is dead. Arcade1Up machines bring the fun of arcade games to your home with mini cabinet designs that are reminiscent of popular arcade cabinets yet in a smaller size that makes it possible for anyone to own one. Thanks to a limited-time sale at Walmart, the price on two of these machines is much lower than usual. While supplies last, you can pick one up for as low as $99.99 and save $100 off the regular price. Shipping is free.Two different models are on sale at Walmart today, and it's likely these prices won't last long at all. The first is this Space Invaders Arcade1Up Machine. At $100 off its normal cost, that marks one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on one of these machines. The second model, Centipede Arcade1Up Machine is on sale for the same price of $99.99.Arcade1Up's Countercade machines measure 18 inches high and are best suited to be placed on a counter or table of some sort. Un...

Your Raspberry Pi 4 doesn't have any internal storage of its own so all of the software, including the operating system, runs off the SD card you supply. That means it's essential to find the right card; one that's fast enough, robust enough, has enough storage, and won't break the bank. You can use any SD card, but here's a list that will help you get the most out of your Pi.Best all aroundSamsung EVO+ 32GBStaff PickSamsung's 32GB EVO+ card ticks all the right boxes when it comes to using it in your Raspberry Pi 4. It's fast enough, hits the maximum native format size, and it's nice and inexpensive. If you're not sure which card to get, pick this one.$9 at Amazon$12 at Best BuyMore storage for the proSanDisk Extreme Plus 64GBIf you need more space, the 64GB version of SanDisk's Extreme Plus card is a great option as long as you correctly format it using the FAT32 file system. If you need the extra space, it's worth it.$24 at Amazon$25 at Best Buy$28 at...

The company had also begun updating the Galaxy S20 series last week.What you need to knowSamsung today released, and then suddenly pulled, the July 2020 security patch for its last generation flagships.The update had initially begun rolling out in more than 20 countries.There's no word yet on why the rollout was stopped or when it'll resume again.Just days after the company made the July 2020 security patch available for its latest flagships, Samsung had also begun showing some love to its flagships from last year. That is, until the company decided to suddenly stop the rollout, as SamMobile reports.Unlike the Galaxy S20 update from last week, the S10 patch included just security fixes and no new features. When it was still rolling out, it was available in more than 20 countries across Europe.Samsung has yet to provide an explanation as to why it suddenly pulled the update or when Galaxy S10 users can expect to see it available on their devices again. The most likely ca...

The pen is mightierGalaxy Note 10+$900 at Amazon$900 at Best Buy $900 at Walmart Pros256GB of expandable storageThree powerful camerasMultipurpose S Pen toolIncredible edge-to-edge displayGreat battery life and fast chargingConsNo headphone jackLow-light camera quality is weakThe Galaxy Note 10+ has a long-lasting battery, three powerful cameras, and of course, the mighty S Pen. It's still one of the best Android phones around, and beats out the iPhone with tweakable software, expandable storage, and lightning-fast charging.Over the garden walliPhone 11 Pro Max$1099 at AppleProsWorks well with other Apple productsThree powerful camerasDual SIM capable with eSIMSeamless transitioning between lensesImproved Face IDConsNo headphone jackStarts at just 64GBThe iPhone 11 Pro Max is Apple's biggest, most powerful phone yet, with three great cameras and the promise of all-day battery life. You'll need to pay extra for worthwhile storag...

Samsung has released another lineup of sleek and sexy smartphones that you're going to want to show off and keep protected at the same time. For the Galaxy S10, one of the best accessories you can buy is an awesome clear case. It will protect your phone from any unsightly scratches or other damage while letting the phone's color and unique design elements shine through.Clearly greatSpigen Liquid CrystalStaff pickIf you want ample protection from a case that doesn't cover up all the fine details of the S10, you'll want to get the Spigen Liquid Crystal. It offers protection against scratches and drops, is shock absorbent, and is easy to apply and remove. It also offers the best value for a clear case.$9 at Amazon$21 at WalmartCrystal clear protectionX-Doria Defense Shield SeriesX-Doria's Defense Shield proves a clear case can be ruggedly handsome, too, drop tested to 10 ft and rock-solid in the hand with a clear back and a colored bumper. The Black and Red bumper v...

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a truly gorgeous phone thanks to its nearly bezel-less display and stunning glass back, but as with all of Samsung's flagship handsets, you'll want to outfit it with a case to ensure its good looks for years to come. Whether you're buying the S10 on discount these days or your original case is falling apart, here are the cases we recommend getting today.Redesigned favoriteSpigen Neo HybridStaff pickSpigen's Neo Hybrid has long been one of our favorite phone cases. It has an iconic design, offers excellent protection, and is easy on the wallet.From $14 at Amazon$14 at eBayThinnest you can getTotallee Thin CaseOne of the best thin cases on the market comes from Totallee. Not only is this case astonishingly thin, but it also offers ample coverage against wear and tear.$7 at Amazon$35 at WalmartMore than a caseSamsung LED Back CoverThe Samsung LED Back Cover is quite unique. The case offers good drop protection, but its real highl...

This marks an escalation in the U.S. government's campaign against both Chinese tech firms.What you need to knowThe FCC has now designated Huawei and ZTE as national security threats.This move prevents telecoms providers from using federal funds when purchasing equipment from either of the two.FCC Chair Ajit Pai pointed to close ties with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinse military when explaining the body's decision. Huawei and ZTE have now been designated as national security threats by the FCC in a move that will be perceived as an escalation in the trade conflicts between the U.S. and China. This designation bars all U.S. telecoms providers from using the FCC's Universal Service Fund to spend on any equipment purchased from either company, whether it relates to procurement or repairs.In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said: With today's Orders, and based on the overwhelming weight of evidence, the Bureau has designated Huawei and ZTE as national secur...

Cas Holly joins the show once again to chat with Carli and Jen about Cyberpunk 2077, microtransactions within Pokémon games, brushing your teeth, and more.Most importantly, they take a sobering look at the pervasiveness of sexual misconduct in the video game industry and why the business side of what we love is due for a reboot.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Ending sexual assault in the video game industry requires a total reboot | Android CentralUbisoft to investigate accusations of sexual misconduct | Windows CentralTwitch to issue 'permanent suspensions' and more following multiple sexual misconduct allegations | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 lets you hop into memories in new Braindancing gameplay | Windows CentralPokémon Unite and Pokémon Café Mix show microtransactions shouldn't be on the Nintendo Switch | iMore...

It's also waterproof.What you need to knowPolar this week announced its cheapest fitness tracker yet, the Polar Unite.The $149 fitness tracker comes with waterproofing and built-in GPS.The watch also boasts personalized workout guides, heart-rate monitoring and more.Weighing 32 grams, the Polar Unite is the company's newest fitness tracker — and it's pretty light on your wallet, too. Going for $149, it's the company's cheapest fitness watch yet. For that price, you get a waterproof watch with built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and what the company claims is a "truly personalized" fitness guide that'll track "your sleep, recovery, fitness level, and training history to recommend tailored workouts each day.""Polar is dedicated to making fitness make sense. There are plenty of fitness wearables on the market, but typically you're forced to choose between practicality, price and performance," said the company's Chief Marketing Officer. "With Polar Unite, w...

We spend a lot of time talking about high-end wireless headphones like the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 — and for good reason, they're incredible products — but nothing says you have to spend a lot just to get some good headphones for casual listening. Panasonic, Monoprice, COWIN, and even Google all make great wired and wireless headphones to fit almost any budget.Best sound qualityStaff pickAudio-Technica ATH-M40xIf you're looking for great sound for a low price, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are unbeatable. In terms of sound quality, they sound very natural with a wide soundstage. Nothing fancy, just wired over-ear headphones that sound good, especially for the price.$99 at Amazon $97 at Walmart $99 at B&HSmartest headphonesGoogle Pixel USB-C EarbudsFor better or worse, most phones these days ship without a headphone jack, so USB-C earbuds are your best bet for portable wired audio. Google's Pixel Earbuds support 24-bit digi...