Latest from Android Central

I want to love Moto phones, but something's gotta give.Updated May 12: Well, folks — it looks like complaining (sometimes) works. Just a day after this editorial was published, Motorola announced that it's now promising at least two major Android updates for the Edge+. Good job, Moto ?.Motorola will always have a soft spot in my nerdy heart. It's a company that's been fundamental for consumer technology, creating the world's first true cell phone back in 1983 and continuing to exist in the mobile tech space all these years later. In regards to Android, specifically, I think back to the days of the Moto X in 2013 and 2014 and how much dang fun those phones were.The Motorola we know today under Lenovo ownership is clearly a lot different from the ghost of Motorola's past, but even so, there's no denying that the company still has what it takes to create damn good products. Whether it be low-cost phones like the Moto G series or the company's recent return to flagships with...

The phone was previously only guaranteed one major update.What you need to knowMotorola has announced that the Edge+ will receive at least two Android OS upgrades.That means the phone will see updates to Android 11 and Android 12.Previously, Motorola was promising just a single update.Later this week on May 14, Motorola officially launches the Edge+ — its first proper flagship phone in years. This is an important device for the company, and thankfully, it's darn good at what it does.One of the major sticking points of the Edge+ is that Motorola was only promising one major Android upgrade, which as you might expect, was seen as a considerable letdown for a phone that costs $1,000. Now, the company is rethinking that policy.On May 12, Motorola announced that it's now promising at least two Android upgrades for the Edge+. Seeing as how the phone ships with Android 10, that means it'll be updated to at least Android 12.Motorola hasn't been known for timely or long-te...

Everything you need to get started with the Android SDK, and everything you need to know about installing it.Most of us will never need to install the Android SDK. The reason why is right in the name — Software Development Kit. It's built for people writing Android apps who need tools to work with Android from a computer.But those tools can also be handy for folks wanting to do some more advanced stuff. Stuff like manually updating software or rooting their phone. Fastboot and ADB are vital if you're into "hacking" at the Android software. And Google provides it free for everyone.What to choose?There are two ways to get a working set of Android tools on your computer. The easy way is just to install Android Studio. Everything needed to run and use the Android command line tools is part of Android Studio, as well as a way to keep the tools updated. While it's designed for folks who want a complete development environment and includes a code editor, Android emulator, and co...

SafeEntry is a mandatory system whereby people scan a barcode to check into locations they visit, such as their place of work.What you need to knowSingapore has seen low adoption of its contact tracing app, and a second wave of COVID-19 cases.As a result, it is introducing a mandatory surveillance operation called SafeEntry.It requires users to scan a barcode using their smartphones when entering certain locations including schools, stores, hotels, and workplaces.Singapore is today introducing tough and invasive new surveillance measures to crack down on a second wave of COVID-19 cases, in part due to a low adoption rate of its contact tracing app.As noted by Forbes: Hit by a second wave of infections and with the take-up of its TraceTogether app hovering at too low a level to make enough of a difference, the city state has moved to the next level, launching a new contact-tracing surveillance program that will strike fear into those groups campaigning against the use ...

I have been cooking and baking for years and consider myself a pretty experienced cook. However, there are still plenty of apps I rely on to use in the kitchen for recipes and cooking assistance. Some of them provide some great recipes with star ratings and tips from other home cooks and bakers, while others serve as a perfect digital cookbook where you can store your favorite recipes and even upload your own. Others provide inspiration and even step-by-step videos if you want to follow along to make sure you get every step right. Here are some of the best of the best when it comes to cooking and recipe apps.Best OverallPaprika Recipe Manager 3My hands-down, go-to app in the kitchen is this one, which I have been using for years to store my favorite recipes. It's super-easy to save a recipe from a website without all of the fluff that might come with it, including long, drawn-out intros from the passionate home cooks, ads, and extra detail. This app automatically strips all o...

For nearly a month now, Sling TV has been offering free access to its streaming service for everyone in the U.S. between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight EST. This "Happy Hour Across America" promotion has easily been one of the best deals ever offered by a streaming service as streamers don't even need to enter billing details to start watching.Hopefully you've been taking advantage of the free month of service, but if not, there are still a few days left to stream Sling for free before the promotion comes to an end on May 15.Streamer's ParadiseSling TVWith its 'Happy Hour Across America' promotion, Sling TV is offering free streaming access to everyone in the US between 5 p.m. EST and midnight every night. That includes live TV channels like AMC, Bravo, FX, HGTV, Nick Jr., TLC and more, though the offer comes to an end later this week. Subscribe to Sling Blue for as low as $20/month to stream anytime!Free to streamSee at SlingTo start streaming during Sling TV's Happy...

The new theme for the next generation of PlayStation games.What you need to knowPlayStation has announced a new themed branding called PlayStation Studios.This fancy animation draws inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe theme.PlayStation Studios branding will accompany PS5 games developed by PlayStation. PlayStation has unveiled a new theme to accompany its future first-party efforts. This branding is meant for PlayStation 5 games that are directly developed by PlayStation's first-party studios. You can take a look at the new animation below.In addition to the obvious Marvel inspiration, this animation is oddly similar to the one introduced by Xbox back in 2019. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Eric Lempel, senior vice president and head of global marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained that PlayStation wanted to unite its first-party games under one brand.Lempel also stated that there will be different versions of the logo for packagi...

Factory Reset Protection helps keep your data safe if your phone is lost or stolen, so you need to wipe your phone before you sell it.Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security method that was designed to make sure someone can't just wipe and factory reset your phone if you've lost it or it was stolen. Starting with Android Lollipop, FRP is "standard" in vanilla Android, and most of the companies making our phones have implemented it in their own models. It's a good thing — it makes a stolen phone harder to use, which makes it less appealing to thieves, and anything that can protect our data on a phone we've lost is welcome.How it worksIt can become a problem if you sell, trade, or even give away a phone without factory resetting it, though. How it works explains why.You have to be signed in with the "owner" account of the phone (the one you used to set it up) in order to factory reset it. That means if you give me your phone, I can't reset it without you being signed in....

In a surprise move by Disney, Hamilton is coming to a television screen near you this summer. Get your Disney Plus memberships ready as the smash hit Broadway musicial is set to premiere on the streaming service this July 3, 2020 as a Disney Plus exclusive.This news comes after Disney has already moved select theatrical releases to its streaming service early; Pixar's Onward reached the service a mere two weeks after its debut in theaters, while Artemis Fowl will be skipping theaters altogether and going straight to Disney Plus.The Hamilton film was originally scheduled for release on October 15, 2021, but audiences will get to see the movie from the comfort of their own homes more than a year earlier than planned thanks to Disney's move. Robert A. Iger, Executive Chairman of The Walt Disney Company said: "No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of 'Hamilton'—an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way. In ...

The most affordable Snapdragon 865-powered phone yet.What you need to knowThe POCO F2 Pro is finally official.Just as expected, the POCO F2 Pro is based on the Redmi K30 Pro.It has been priced at just $499 and will go on sale in select markets starting later today.POCO today launched its second flagship smartphone at a global launch event held online. Unsurprisingly, the POCO F2 Pro is not an all-new device but a rebadged version of the Redmi K30 Pro. The standard Redmi K30 was rebadged and launched as the POCO X2 in the Indian market in February this year.The POCO F2 Pro comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ AMOLED display featuring a 180Hz touch sampling rate, but lacks a high-refresh-rate option. While the POCO X2 offers a 120Hz refresh rate, the F2 Pro has a 60Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it runs on Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 865 chipset with LiquidCool Technology 2.0, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.On the back of the phone is a...

We truly are living in the future with doorbells you can answer from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your smartphone. But it's not always that affordable to add one to your smart home setup, especially if you want one you can trust. Fortunately, B&H is making it a lot less expensive to install the Ring Video Doorbell Pro bundled with the Chime Pro dropping in price to $169.99. That's $80 less than the doorbell alone and a $130 savings over buying the doorbell and chime separately.Ring's Video Doorbell Pro takes the place of your existing hardwired doorbell at home. It's equipped with a 1080p HD camera featuring infrared night vision that lets you view its video feed using an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and you'll be able to do so from anywhere in the world. It's also equipped with a microphone and built-in speaker that allows you to speak with any visitors that arrive at your door. There's an integrated motion sensor that can send an alert to your ph...

Having a chat with the AC forums.Believe it or not, it's been almost nine months since the Galaxy Note 10 was released. It seems like just yesterday it was the newest Samsung flagship on the block, but before you know it, it'll be overshadowed by its successor.The Note 10 continues to be one incredible handset here in 2020, but as with any phone, one aspect that tends to degrade over time is battery life. The more you drain your phone's battery and recharge it day after day, its overall endurance tends to lessen.Recently, some of our AC forum members got to talking about their Note 10 and how battery life is holding up for them. j_hansen 05-05-2020 08:40 AM “ I have the Exynos Note 10 plus 5G and consistently get 10 hours SoT Reply blackhawkhot 05-05-2020 09:53 AM “ I think screen refresh rate...

A case for your earbuds case? It's not as silly as you'd think.One of the funniest recent trends to me is people buying a case to put on their earbuds case. The rampant popularity of Apple's AirPods can probably be credited for creating this category (ranging from reasonable to way overboard), but now it isn't an AirPods-only affair. Though I've found the idea of buying an accessory for your accessory a bit silly, lately, I've been using Google's new Pixel Buds a ton and was intrigued when I saw that Nomad makes a gorgeous leather case for the new headphones.I've loved Nomad's accessories — particularly its leather phone cases — for a while, so I figured its new leather case for the Pixel Buds was a perfect first foray into true wireless earbud cases.At a glanceNomad Rugged Case for Pixel Buds Bottom line: The Nomad R...

Smith and Teixeira have both had a chance at the UFC Championship at one point or another, and they both lost to Jon Jones when going for it. Since Teixeira's loss back in 2014, and a loss immediately following it, he has gone 8-3 and is currently on a three-win streak. Smith was fighting for the championship as recently as March 2019, but he hasn't been in a major fight in about a year as he's dealt with reschedulings and even a home invasion at one point. Both men are eager to get back to where they used to be, and this fight means a lot for whoever wins.Anthony Smith's overall record is 32-14-0, and Glover Teixeira is 30-7-0. Both weigh in at 205 pounds with a similar reach, although Smith is two inches taller. Statistically, these guys match up very well on paper, which means it should be a great fight. They have both won four out of their last five, too, so they're looking to keep that success going.UFC took some time off like most live sports recently. After more a month of...

For a very limited time, you can save 65% on a 1-year VPN plan offered by IPVanish. You'd regularly pay $144 for that length of time if you subscribed monthly, but this limited-time offer drops the monthly cost to just $4.12. Billed up front at $49.99, the annual plan savings mean you can try out one of the best VPN services for yourself without breaking the bank. On top of the VPN discount, you also get 250GB of cloud storage with SugarSync at no extra cost which is definitely nice to have.You've probably heard and read a lot about VPNs by now as they are super useful tools for our increasingly internet-connected lives. You no doubt use your tech for all sorts of personal and private tasks like banking, shopping, and browsing, so a VPN will come in handy to help protect your sensitive data. If you ever connect to public Wi-Fi networks, say at the coffee shop or while waiting for a flight, a VPN is for you too. Using one helps to anonymize and protect your online activity, stop ad ...

When a type of photo gets its own entry in the dictionary, you know it's become ubiquitous. How else to describe the selfie? People take them everywhere, sometimes risking injury or death, to get the best possible angle or imagery to tell a story.Bad selfies are abundant, and you don't have to try hard to find them out in the wild. Those who crave them will take many to get the "right" one, and whether you're doing it for the sake of vanity or posterity, there are some rules worth following to do it well.Find a good angle If the scenery is ultimately yourself, then always shoot at a straight or elevated angle.Not every selfie has to be conventional. Perhaps that's bad advice, considering the lengths some will go to, but it's with safety in mind first. Selfies that look up at you might be worth trying if they convey a sense of size and scale. Tourists do this all the time in places like Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and pretty much any other statue commanding some r...

Microsoft's latest Xbox Series X "gameplay" showcase was a great example of how not to promote an event like that.Microsoft has done an excellent job of marketing the upcoming Xbox Series X, but even the smallest error could be costly. Its recent Xbox Series X gameplay showcase on Inside Xbox wasn't much of a gameplay showcase at all. I think Sony now has the perfect opportunity to use this flub to its advantage, actually showcasing what the PlayStation 5 can do for next-gen games — it just needs to do so before Microsoft. Show me what the PS5 means for next-gen games.Rumors peg a supposed PS5 reveal blowout on June 4th or sometime in the beginning to middle of next month. Personally, I would like to at least see Sony reveal the design much sooner, but Sony's focus right now should be making sure that this June event is spectacular, and demonstrating just what the PS5 brings to the table. Show me what can't be done on current-gen consoles. Convince me why I need to upgrade...

Take advantage of the Jaybird Run XT sport true wireless earbuds being on sale for just $79.99 at Best Buy. This is a temporary deal that's part of Best Buy's deals of the day, and the price won't last beyond the end of the day. The earbuds regularly sold for as much as $180, though they have since been replaced by the newer Jaybird Vista earbuds so we've seen a few sales on the Run XT recently.These earbuds feature one-touch voice control that give you instant access to Siri or Google Assistant. If you're on the move and in a position where you can't stop to pull out your phone and look at the screen, this is the best way to switch tracks and listen to your favorite tunes. Keep that heart rate up and the beats pumping.With Bluetooth 4.1 technology, not only will these earbuds pair easily with any of your mobile devices, but you'll also get great power efficiency. The battery in each earbud lasts up to four hours, and you can get eight more hours from the charging case before you...

Samsung shipped over 8.3 million 5G-enabled smartphones during the quarter.What you need to knowSamsung shipped more 5G smartphones than any other brand in Q1 2020.It held a 34.4% share of the global market in the January-March period. Huawei was a close second, with a market share of 33.2 %. Samsung shipped more than 6.7 million 5G-enabled Galaxy smartphones last year, dominating the global market with a 53.9% share. In the first quarter of 2020, however, the company's share of the global market fell significantly. As per a report from The Korea Herald, Samsung shipped 8.3 million 5G phones in Q1 2020, allowing it to capture 34.4% of the global 5G smartphone market.While Samsung was still the No.1 5G smartphone vendor in the first quarter of 2020, Huawei was a close second with a market share of 33.2%. The Chinese company shipped around 8 million 5G smartphones during the period. BBK-owned Vivo was the third-largest 5G smartphone vendor in Q1 2020, with a market share of...

The OnePlus 8 offers a number of features you won't find in every phone, ranging from 5G connectivity to its audio profile switch and dedicated macro lens. That specialized lens lets you take up-close shots of small details, with a tight minimum focus distance of just 4cm. Though it's low resolution at just 2MP, the photos you can capture with it are unique — and it's easy to use.Products used in this guideMacro master: OnePlus 8 ($700 at OnePlus)Upgrade pick: OnePlus 8 Pro ($900 at OnePlus)How to use the macro cameraOpen the Camera app.Tap the flower icon at the top of the viewfinder to enable Macro mode.You'll need to position the camera close to your subject to lock in focus. Tap the shutter button to capture a photo.The macro lens by nature requires close proximity to its subject, so you'll need to get up close and personal with your subject to maintain focus. Unfortunately, OnePlus's camera software doesn't offer focus peaking, but tap-to-focus still works j...

This pocket-perfect hub is great for travel, but it really shines at home as the best mini-dock a Chromebook could ask for.USB-C hubs are one of those things that most people don't really pay attention to in their home office, especially for a Chromebook. You connect your sweet mechanical keyboard, maybe an Ethernet cable or external monitor, and a trusty trackball, and then plug it into your Chromebook and get on with your work. The problem here is that most USB-C hubs come with horribly short, permanently attached cables, which means that if your Chromebook is on a laptop riser — or an old box of CDs, like mine — these hubs are going to be dangling off the side and tugging on your Chromebook's USB-C port all day every day.I lived with this for the better part of two years before I found my sanity in a perfect little package from Uni, a little-known accessory maker that was gearing up to launch its first USB-C hubs on Kickstarter. That Kickstarter came and went, and those hu...

You're probably spending much more time at home than usual right now so it might be the exact right time to upgrade your smart home gear. This deal on the 3-camera eufyCam E Wireless Home Security System at Newegg drops it to just $319.99 making today the day to add some smart home security to your setup. All you have to do to get the deal is enter code 93XPJ74 during checkout and you'll see the price fall by $80. This is one of the biggest discounts we've seen on this kit.For those looking for a home security system with cameras that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, look no further than the eufyCam E. This wireless security system features three IP65 weatherproof-rated cameras that can run for a full 365 days on a single charge, and up to three years in Standby Mode. Each camera records in 1080p too and lets you watch live footage using an app on your phone. With the single add-on camera priced at $160, this isn't exactly an inexpensive system to get into so it makes ...

40.8 million handsets were shipped in April.What you need to knowChina's Smartphone shipments have seen a big increase in April.They are up 17% compared to last year.It could signal that companies like Huawei are seeing a resurgence in demand following COVID-19.The latest figures from China suggest that smartphone shipments were up 17% in April compared to this time last year, pointing to a possible recovery of the market following the COVID-19 pandemic.As Reuters reports: Smartphone shipments from China's factories to vendors rose 17% in April compared to the same month a year ago, according to government data released on Tuesday. The numbers suggest an early domestic rebound for smartphone makers such as Apple Inc and Huawei Technologies and a potential return to normalcy in China for the broader consumer hardware market in the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak.The report states that some 40.8 million handsets were shipped in April, up from 34.8 million ...

Flash photography is more complicated than simply pointing it at a subject and shooting, and serious photographers often maintain control over where they want the light to go. That's not the case when using the LED flash on a smartphone, and it's only one reason why you shouldn't use it when snapping photos.The light is too weak and slowThe flash didn't travel far in this photo because it illuminated subjects closest to the cameraCompare a camera lens to that of a smartphone, and the physical and optical differences are extensive, to say the least. But in that instance, software can close the gap to help create effects, like bokeh, macro and long exposure, among others. HDR (high dynamic range) has also been of great help when executed properly.There's no such thing for a phone's onboard flash. It's just a basic, tiny LED that blares out in only one direction and offers almost no recourse for illumination strength. It's not unlike a strobe light that quickly appears and dis...

It could be powered by a Snapdragon 765 chipset, just like the LG Velvet.What you need to knowLG is said to be working on a phone with a rotating screen.It is apparently codenamed "Wing" and is going to be powered by a Snapdragon 7 series chipset. The phone is expected to have a 6.8-inch main display and a secondary 4-inch screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio.Earlier this month, LG introduced the Velvet, its first phone to adopt an all-new minimalist design language and run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765 chipset. According to a new report from ETNews, LG is working on another premium mid-range phone powered by a Snapdragon 7 series chipset. The main selling point of the upcoming phone will reportedly be its rotating screen.The upcoming mid-ranger is said to be codenamed "Wing" and will have a similar 6.8-inch main display as the LG Velvet. It will feature a secondary 4-inch screen under the main display, with a 1:1 aspect ratio. The phone's main screen will rotate horizontally to...

Roborock has been making a name for itself in the robotic vacuum market, but it's on a non-stop mission to keep doing more. In addition to its recent introduction of the Roborock S6 MaxV and S6 Pure, the company is launching the H6, a stick vacuum ready to clean every inch of the house and then some.The Robock H6 looks to compete with some of the best stick vacuums on that market by combining high performance with thoughtful features and helpful extras. The vacuum includes many attachments that make it capable of cleaning all around the home and has powered brushes that can take it even further.Roborock H6A superior clean$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 go without.At the heart of the Roborock H6 is a powerful vacuum. The motor is ...

120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that's continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung's Galaxy S series.One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren't always the most interesting, but there's no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.For 2020, Samsung is launching a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they're bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy ...

The ecosystem of smart home devices that work with Amazon's Alexa smart voice assistant is vast, and one of the most popular categories of smart home products is smart lighting. With so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which ones work well, or which ones work well with Alexa? My top choice is the Philips Hue White Ambiance Bulb, because it is an industry-leading product, has a massive ecosystem of other Hue products it will work with, and it plays well with Alexa.Best Overall: Philips Hue White Ambiance BulbChance are that when you think about smart lights, the brand that comes to mind first is Philips Hue. The product line was introduced way back in 2012 and has arguably maintained its status as the dominant brand in the smart lighting space to this day.Even though Philips Hue makes a lot of different smart lighting devices like bulbs, light strips, and even lamps, I wanted to focus on an easy entry point into this rather expansive ecosystem. The Philips ...

Comission-free investing site RobinHood is partnering with iHeartMedia for a live virtual telethon event in support of New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19. Hosted by Tina Fey, the hour-long event is set to feature appearances by some of New York's biggest actors, musicians, chefs, and more.During the telethon, donations will be raised for Robin Hood's relief and recovery efforts that help to serve those most heavily affected by the current crisis. Along with Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, the telethon will also feature special celebrity guests like Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon, Lin Manuel Miranda, Barbara Streisand, Jennifer Lopez, and Chris Rock, among others.Rise Up New York! telethon: When & whereThe Rise Up New York! is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. EST. on Monday, May 11 and will last for one hour. There are a number of radio stations airing the show's audio broadcast live, while TV channels like ABC News Live, CNN, and MTV will air the live televi...

Tweets that serve up misleading information are now at risk of being removed.What you need to knowTwitter will begin taking action against COVID-19 misinformation with a new labeling system.It will apply labels on tweets sharing disputed or misleading information and may delete them in severe cases. The system will work retroactively, applying to tweets made before the announcement as well.As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to fuel the rise of conspiracy theories and fake news, Twitter will now warn users if a tweet they are viewing will contain health misinformation. Posts and tweets have been circulating on social media, espousing miracle cures, warning about microchipped vaccines, and linking 5G to the virus — among other conspiracies. While some of these have been benign, others have the ability to cause real harm, and have already done so. Twitter's Site Integrity and Public Policy team heads made the announcement today, saying: Earlier this year, we introduced...

The update should be available for everyone by mid-May.What you need to knowMotorola has finally announced its Android 10 update for the Motorola RAZR.It adds more functionality to the secondary display, My UX, and other features.Android 10 will be available for everyone by mid-May.Leading up to the launch of the Motorola RAZR earlier this year, there was a lot of hype for Moto's nostalgia-filled foldable. Upon the device's launch, however, that excitement quickly turned to frustration as users grappled with its questionable durability, disappointing cameras, and the fact that it shipped with Android 9 Pie in the year 2020.One of those issues is finally being addressed, with Motorola announcing its official rollout of Android 10 for the phone. MrMobile himself was able to get an exclusive look at the update, which you can see in video form above. If you prefer reading over watching, however, here's a quick rundown of what to expect.All of the usual Android 10 goodie...

Put on your thinking hat with these strategy games for Android.We're rounding up some of our favorite strategy games on Android for the deep thinkers out there. These are more than just simple puzzles games — these require careful planning and forethought to emerge victoriously. You'll find some great replay value in games like these as well since the same strategy won't always work twice.Strategy gamers, pop on your thinking caps and get downloading these outstanding Android games. And if you're looking for our favorite games in other genres, we have those, too.TropicoMindustryThe Escapists 2: Pocket BreakoutHoledown Civilization Revolution 2The Battle for PolytopiaXCOM: Enemy WithinMushroom Wars 2Fire Emblem: HeroesPandemic: The Board GameVaingloryHearthstoneGwentLegends of RuneterraStar CommandBad NorthROME: Total WarTropicoRunning a whole country is hard, but it helps when you're a dictator and can run everything just how you like it. This is Tro...

With schools across the world closed due to social distancing measures, ensuring your child continues to receive a good education at home is crucial. Luckily, there are a number of sites that make learning fun for kids and help to keep them occupied while their usual school routine is on hiatus.ABCMouse and Adventure Academy are two great examples that mix a carefully designed curriculum for children of various ages with online games and puzzles, and right now you can score a one-year membership to either service for only $45 when you sign up before May 15. Both of these services usually cost $10 per month, but today's offer brings the monthly cost down to just $3.75 each.ABCMouse is perfect for kids from as young as just two years old up through kids in the 2nd grade. Meanwhile, Adventure Academy is a better resource for your older children and intended for those in 3rd grade through 8th grade. There's also the sister site Reading IQ which supports reading levels from preschool ...

A composer of Assassin's Creed games long gone by is returning for Ubisoft's latest.What you need to knowJesper Kyd worked as a composer for Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood and Revelations.Kyd is returning to compose for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, alongside Sarah Schachner and Einar Selvik.Assassin's Creed Valhalla is slated to arrive at some point in Holiday 2020.While Assassin's Creed Valhalla is looking to move the franchise forward in many ways, a composer who worked on the series several games ago is returning. Jesper Kyd, well-known for his work composing for Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Assassin's Creed: Revelations, is returning to help compose the soundtrack for Assassin's Creed Valhalla.As seen here on the German Uplay storefront, Jesper Kyd is listed as one of the composers for the Assassin's Creed Valhalla soundtrack, alongside Sarah Schachner and Einar Selvik. Schachner is no stranger to the franchise, having worked as the composer o...

You can't be with your friends, but you can stream with them.What you need to knowSpotify has released Group Session, a new feature that'll make it easier to share a music experience with friends from a distance.Aimed at Premium subscribers, group features will allow two or more users to control a single queue.It's currently in beta and will continually evolve over time.Spotify is launching Group Session, a feature of the app that will let Premium users stream music with each other. It was spotted in testing last year but will now be made available broadly going forward.As reported by 9to5Mac, the company made the announcement this morning: Today, Spotify is launching a beta version of Group Session, an evolving feature that allows a group of two or more Premium users in the same space to share the control for their listening session with others via a Spotify Code. In addition to real-time listening, the feature will offer shared queue control and collaboration for th...

If you want to excel in life, you need to learn Excel. No, seriously. That may seem like a bold statement to make, but mastering how to use the spreadsheet app pays off. For one, it can help you land a fatter paycheck or even a promotion. For another, it can turn you into a productivity machine, as proficiency in Excel also means you can be adept in analyzing data, building charts, accounting, and so much more.Then again, given that Excel is a complex program, you may be stumped as to how to navigate it, especially if you're not too familiar with it. Luckily, you can get the training you need from eLearnExcel: The 2020 Excel Certification School Bundle, which features 60 hours of premium training designed to turn you into a data master.To the uninitiated, eLearnExcel is the International Academy of Computer Training's eLearning company specializing in the online training of Excel. It s used and trusted by the world's leading companies, including Microsoft, Facebook, HSBC, and KPM...

Google Pixel 3aIncredible value$360 at AmazonProsSame great rear camera as Pixel 3Astounding value for moneyHeadphone jackStereo speakersConsNo wireless chargingNo IP ratingPlastic buildThe Pixel 3a is particularly interesting because it brings the Pixel 3's excellent camera to the mid-range segment. That means you get the same image quality as a true flagship for much less. You also get the same great software experience, and it still offers incredible value even a year after launch.Google Pixel 3Discounted flagship$400 at AmazonProsGreat for one-handed useDual front camerasIP68 resistanceWireless chargingSleek metal buildConsNo headphone jackWeak battery lifeShorter software update lifespanIf you're looking for a small phone with top-notch hardware at a sub-flagship price, the Pixel 3 is a good competitor to the 3a. You're getting better hardware and IP68 resistance, but it's otherwise starting to show its age. This is now a near...

Sit down and get comfy — we've got a lot to talk about.Starting in 2016, the Fall season has become one of the most exciting times in the Android space. Sure, Samsung, OnePlus, and other companies are usually down with their announcements at this point in the year, but come mid-October, that's when Google gets to show off its latest and greatest flagships.The Pixel 4 and 4 XL were the big stars for 2019, and they're both packing a serious punch.Google's offering a lot of new tech with the Pixel 4 series, including things like dual rear cameras, 90Hz displays, and its Soli radar system for the first time. These are some of the biggest upgrades we've ever seen for the Pixel lineup, and as such, we have a lot to talk about.Check out our full reviewThere are two models —4 and 4 XLGet familiar with the specsPitting the Pixel 4 against the competitionThe 90Hz display is a big dealGoogle joined the dual camera clubLet's talk about SoliThere are three colorsWe should men...

Tello is making cellular service affordable for everyone with a range of plans to meet various budgets, and thanks to the company's latest deal for new and existing subscribers, you'll score double the data and twice the amount of minutes on the plan you choose through May 29! Tello's plans are already competitively priced compared to other service providers, and today's offer really helps blow the others out of the competition. New members will even receive a $15 account credit when signing up by May 19! That can be used towards the future purchase of a phone or put towards your monthly bill.There's no need to stay locked into paying for an expensive service provider anymore while companies like Tello Mobile exist. Tello is an affordable, prepaid service which uses Sprint's network and has a variety of plans for less than $20 monthly. The best part is that you're never locked into a contract and there are no fees to worry about; you only pay the cost of the plan you choose.One o...

Google Pixel 3a XLNexus reborn$380 at AmazonProsOutstanding valueSame camera as the 3 XLHeadphone jackThree years of software updatesConsNo unlimited original photo uploadsNo water resistanceNo wireless chargingThe Pixel 3a XL is the "lite" version of the 3 XL, and while it has a mid-range chipset and is missing out on some features, it has the same rear camera as its costlier sibling. The result is that you get the same fantastic camera on a phone that costs less than the Pixel 3 XL. Oh, and the phone also has a headphone jack.Google Pixel 3 XLAll the extras$425 at AmazonProsHigh-end hardwareExcellent front and rear camerasIP68 water resistanceWireless chargingThree years of software updatesConsMore expensiveNo headphone jackAverage battery lifeThe Pixel 3 XL is Google's late-2018 flagship, and in many ways still feels modern. The display is large (although a bit dim), you get solid internals, wireless charging, IP68 resistance, a...

Let's all pour one out for the ghost of E3 as more and more developers announce their own showcases.What you need to knowIn lieu of an E3 showcase since the event was cancelled, Ubisoft is hosting its own digital showcase on July 12.This showcase is set to feature "exclusive game news, reveals, and more."Ubisoft did not name any particular games that are set to be shown.After E3 was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, Ubisoft announced that it was exploring alternative methods to reveal what the company has in store for us. We now know that we can expect such an event on July 12. The publisher announced that Ubisoft Forward will be a fully digital showcase featuring game news, reveals, and more.Save the Date! Join us July 12 for Ubisoft Forward, a fully digital showcase with exclusive game news, reveals and more ? Stay tuned... #UbiForward pic.twitter.com/JLYEyF1YnL— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) May 11, 2020This takes place about a month after E3 was initially planned...

A new studio looking to the future.What you need to knowGravity Well is a new independent studio founded by Respawn Entertainment veterans Drew McCoy and Jon "Slothy" Shiring.They are aiming to build a team around 80-85 people at peak, while still developing AAA games.Gravity Well is developing games exclusively for next-generation hardware and PCs.Since its acquisition by Electronic Arts in 2017, Respawn Entertainment has been delivering critically-acclaimed games including Apex Legends and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Meanwhile, Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella is now studio head of both Respawn and DICE L.A, the latter of which will soon be renamed.Still, with some of its members leaving, opportunity emerges and now, there's an exciting new independent studio on the scene. Gravity Well is a completely new team founded by some Respawn Entertainment veterans, including former Executive Producer Drew McCoy and Jon Shiring."We are starting a studio because of how we wa...

Let's talk about one of 2020's most anticipated smartphones.Starting in 2016 with the release of the original Pixel, Google's lineup of Android phones has been marketed towards people looking to buy premium, high-end flagships. That notion has continued to hold true, but in May 2019, Google decided to try something a bit different with the release of the Pixel 3a.The Pixel 3a was the first mid-range Pixel phone to be released by the company, and it was an instant hit. Critics and consumers alike were immediately drawn to the 3a, thanks to its offering of great specs, solid build quality, and outstanding camera performance — all for less than $400.We were absolutely smitten with the Pixel 3a here at AC, and now, the rumor mill is buzzing with information regarding its successor. From specs, design, features, and more, here's everything we know about the Google Pixel 4a.There may only be one modelThe design is pretty interestingMid-range specs are expectedThere looks ...

Best answer: Google Meet is compatible with most desktop systems, Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, and even some Linux systems like Ubuntu. There are also apps available for Android, iOS, and iPad OS.Stay Connected: Google Meet (Free at Google Play)Easy to use on desktop or mobileGoogle Meet was originally developed as part of the G Suite, and as such, it was made with as few barriers to use as possible. Beyond the normal Mac and Windows compatibility we expect to see for a video conferencing service, Google Meet is also compatible with Google's Chrome OS, as well as several versions of Linux that are based on Debian, the most popular being Ubuntu.Google Meet does not require a desktop client or a browser extension to be installed, you only need to visit meet.google.com from one of the following browsers:Google ChromeMicrosoft EdgeMozilla FirefoxApple SafariIn order to get HD video on your call, you'll need at least broadband speeds and a computer with at least a 2nd-gen I...

Food Network is mixing comedy and cooking with its latest show Amy Schumer Learns to Cook. Comedian and actress Amy Schumer is bringing audiences inside her kitchen as she and her husband Chris Fischer prepare various dishes and cocktails. Fischer happens to be a professional chef, so while Amy might be making snide comments with cocktail in hand throughout each episode, there will still be some great tips to bring into your own kitchen.With weekly episodes focused on meal ideas like 'breakfast time and late-night eats", "lunch break and pasta night", and "brunch and taco night", the series is sure to feature plenty of great eats and how-to tips. Our guide below will take you through everything you need to know if you want to stream the show as it airs live.Amy Schumer Learns to Cook: When & whereAmy Schumer Learns to Cook premieres on Food Network on Monday, May 11 at 10 p.m. EST. New episodes will air on the following Mondays at the same time.How to watch Amy Schumer Le...

The 2020 RAZR is a fascinating mix of old and new.The Motorola RAZR from the early 2000s will go down as one of the most popular phones in history. It may not look like much in the year 2020, but in its heyday, the RAZR was darn special.Feeding off people's constant want for nostalgia and with foldable phones spiking in popularity, Motorola brought the RAZR back. However, instead of being an old-fashioned flip phone, the new RAZR is a fully-fledged Android smartphone with a striking folding design.Whether you're interested in the RAZR's specs, how it compares with other foldables, or how much it costs, here's everything you need to know about it!We've reviewed the RAZRW're digging the retro designHere are the specsComparing the RAZR to other foldablesIt's an exclusive to VerizonYou can buy the phone right now2004 is callingMotorola RAZR$1,500 at Motorola$1,500 at VerizonRAZR has returnedThe Motorola RAZR has gone down as one of the most popular phones in...

Android has new features and a more mature name.Android 10 is an incredibly powerful and capable bit of software. Released in September 2019, Android 10 brought about a few major changes to our favorite mobile OS that are still worth talking about to this very day — including the likes of revamped permissions, dark mode, and more.Even with Android 11 on the horizon, last year's update continues to hold up strong as it keeps making its way to handsets around the world.Whether you're interested in learning all about Android 10's many features, what devices it's available for, and much, much more, keep on reading below!Google is done with dessert namesIt's time to bid farewell to the back buttonDARK MODE IS OFFICIALLive Caption is an insanely cool featureApp permissions have gotten an overhaulCheck out the new share menuFoldable phones are natively supportedWhen can I get Android 10 on my phone?Android 11 is coming soonThere's no dessert name — Android Q is jus...

TodoistDe-facto choiceFree (w/ IAP) at Google PlayProsNatural Language ParsingTwo-way Calendar syncingAvailable on all major platformsKarma system keeps task management funConsMust pay to unlock all featuresNo team collaboration featuresTodoist continues to be the to-do app that everyone comes back to after test-driving the new and shiny cars. New coats of paint and a slight overhaul have turned Todoist back into the flexible king of to do apps, without much compromise. That is, if you're willing to pay for it.Microsoft To DoGreat and freeFree at Google PlayProsSimple integration with Microsoft servicesCompletely freeBuilt-in collaboration featuresAvailable on all major platformsConsLimited third-party calendar integrationOnly capable of using Cortana for smart assistant featuresThose looking for a simplistic and free task management app, or one with basic collaboration features, will want to check out To Do. The app checks many...

Irish author Sally Rooney's hit novel Normal People has been adapted into a 12 part series by BBC Three and Hulu and we have all the details on how you can watch the new series online or on TV from anywhere in the world.Set in the small Irish town of Carricklea in Sligo County, Normal People is a romantic drama that tells the story of Connell (played by Paul Mescal) and Marianne (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones) who attend the same high school and later the same college in Dublin.Connell and Marianne's secret relationship is put to the test as they come from very different backgrounds. Marianne is an awkward loner from a wealthy family while Connell is a popular star athlete whose mother cleans houses for living. Connell decides to keep their relationship a secret from his friends at school out of shame but the two end up attending Trinity College together after graduation where they reconcile. The tables turn at university where Marianne becomes the popular one while Connell has tro...

With Google I/O canceled, a debut at the June Android 11 launch makes a bit of sense.What you need to knowThe Pixel 4a will most likely launch in early June.It was previously thought to launch in May, coinciding with Google I/O.The cancellation of Google I/O and the June 3rd Android 11 public beta launch means a June launch of the phone was already more likely.We've seen renders, specs, live photos, packaging, and even a full camera review. The only thing missing is the actual phone. Earlier rumors indicated that it would be arriving soon, with a mid-May launch followed by a late May shipping date, but those have now changed. Tech blog Caschys (via Android Police) which earlier reported a shipping date of May 22nd as per Vodafone Germany's systems now report an altered June 5th shipping date for the Pixel 4a from the same source. In other words, Vodafone's first Pixel 4a shipments will now be delayed by about two weeks.While there's no official reason given for the date c...