Latest from Android Central

After being stuck inside for weeks on end, you may be starting to run low on ideas for ways to stay entertained. Despite some countries and states reopening businesses and public spaces, social distancing is still important, and if you're looking for something fun to do while you're at home, LEGO is always a fun choice to spend time on. However, as it is with puzzles and Nintendo Switch consoles, you may have some trouble finding certain sets in stock right now.LEGO building kits are like 3D puzzles. You receive a set of instructions and with color-coded pieces, the process is simple enough that builders of all ages can take part in the fun. There are even LEGO Duplo sets for the tiniest builders out there and LEGO Creator Expert sets for those looking for a real challenge. If you're looking for the best sets to try out, the guide below takes you through nine of our favorites that you can get your hands on right now — sorry, LEGO Hogwarts Castle.What is LEGO VIP and how do I si...

We all appreciate the ability to get our workout done at home, especially when at-home workouts are rapidly gaining in popularity (and necessity). As much as we want to get our sweat on in the comfort of our own living spaces, the truth is, some of us just don't have a ton of room. That's why we created this list of the best low-profile exercise machines for home gyms. Our favorite is the LifePro Waver Vibration Plate because it offers a complete full body workout on a small, easily storable, vibrational plate. However, you can't go wrong with any products that made this list. These machines were designed with smaller spaces in mind, so you can do big workouts in compact places.Best Overall: LifePro Waver Vibration PlateYou can build muscle and improve your overall fitness and flexibility with this low-profile waver vibration plate. Just jump on the platform to instantly start sculpting the body and booty of your dreams. This waver creates a full body vibration that stimulates ...

There is only one sure way to have access to the wonderful (and buggy) bleeding edge of Android: buy Google's own phone.The last thing any sensible person should want to do is use beta software on their phone. Your phone is a treasure trove of personal information that should be kept safe by tried and true software, not a test version that has none of the guarantees that come from using software that's been vetted, tested, and held back for more vetting and testing.But a lot of people just don't care and, like me, really want to see what Google has in store as soon as possible. To scratch that itch, there is the Android Beta Program and a Google Pixel phone. I love the smell of beta software in the morning.Sure, there will be other phones that participate in the Android 11 beta. We'll see those announcements as we move into the "proper" consumer beta on June 3. But there is also a good chance you'll need to jump through some sort of hoop or have to wait until an Android ph...

MIUI 12 brings a lot of visual tweaks and fine-tuned control over privacy settings.MIUI continues to be one of the most popular Android skins around, with over 400 million users around the world. Xiaomi being the number one handset manufacturer in India means there are over 100 million MIUI users in India alone, and in recent years the Chinese manufacturer made decent strides in optimizing the skin for a global audience.MIUI 11 was introduced back in October 2019, and just six months later Xiaomi is rolling out MIUI 12. The update is now live in China and will be making its way to the global MIUI build starting May 19. Even though it has just been six months from the release of MIUI 11, Xiaomi was able to add a host of new features to MIUI 12 to make it stand out. It's clear from using the ROM that Xiaomi focused its attention on optimization and tweaking the overall look of the UI. As a result, animations are smoother, visual elements are more modern, and the interface as a whol...

Microsoft apparently hasn't learned that a billion Windows 10 customers don't want a Windows-powered Chromebook clone.Microsoft's Chief Product Officer of Windows and devices Panos Panay had some important things to say recently. Of course, because the world is stuck at home those things were shared via a blog post instead of what would have been something with a little more pizzazz with people at hand, but the message still came through loud and clear: Microsoft is trying (again) to take the fight to Chromebooks. Third time's the charm.The gist of it all is that even though Windows RT was bad, Windows 10S was a failure, and while people actually are excited about Windows 10X and dual-display devices, Chromebook sales hurt the bottom line hard enough that everything is being shifted to make the future of Windows more like Chrome OS. Single screen clamshells are now the focus instead of dual-display hardware, and there appears to be a major shift to the cloud to make it all b...

Wi-Fi 6 was designed with the future of routers in mind. As more people work from home in the wake of coronavirus, holes in our Wi-Fi are more annoying than ever. As our homes get smarter, we have more connections than ever that need to check in consistently and reliably. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to bring more capacity to a network and even allows for greater speed with a lot of devices. Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems have come down in price, and the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is one of the best choices for most people.Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk MK62The Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System from Netgear takes on compact AC-only mesh systems with its compact housing and understated design. Measuring only 4.8 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, each router has a smaller footprint than a CD case. This compact design makes this mesh system one of the easiest to integrate into a home.While you do give up some speed compared to the larger and more expensive mesh systems, the AX1800 speeds should be more tha...

Google's Pixel 3a XL is a more affordable version of the excellent Pixel 3 XL that launched in October 2018. The Pixel 3a XL's plastic design isn't nearly as fragile as the regular Pixel 3 XL's glass one, but picking up a case for it is still a swell idea. If you need some helping finding one you like, here's a roundup of our favorites.Old reliableSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickIf you regularly read our case roundups, you'll know that we're big fans of the Spigen Rugged Armor. This case doesn't look very flashy, but it nails the basics at a price you'll love. It offers ample drop protection, is built well, and adds very little thickness to the 3a XL's body. All-in-all, there's not much to complain about.$11 at Amazon$13 at eBayThin, colorful, cheapAnccer Colorful SeriesGive your Pixel 3a XL some essential protection without compromising its design with the Anccer Colorful Series. This case features an ultra-thin 0.3mm design, comes in six gorgeous colors, and...

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.Modern chicAugust Smart Lock Pro + ConnectStaff pickThe 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.$200 at AmazonSmart yet simpleAugust Smart LockThe standard Smart Lock doesn't support HomeKit, even when attached to an...

The video conferencing app's sudden success has been accompanied by increasing concern about its security standards.What you need to knowZoom CEO Eric Yuan this Thursday announced that his company was acquiring Keybase.The latter is a cybersecurity startup with an expertise in encryption.The goal of the acquisition is to help Zoom implement end-to-end encryption in its own platform.Zoom's unprecedented growth spurt as a result of the ongoing pandemic hasn't been without its challenges, chief among them being the lacking state of its security architecture. To allay those concerns, the company this week announced its intention to acquire Keybase, a cybersecurity startup that specializes in secure, encrypted communications.The accompanying press release reads: We are proud to announce the acquisition of Keybase, another milestone in Zoom's 90-day plan to further strengthen the security of our video communications platform. Since its launch in 2014, Keybase's team of exce...

You no longer need to be an obsessive germaphobe in order to understand and appreciate the importance of good hygiene. Thanks to the unexpected outbreak of the coronavirus, the entire country has been forced to remain extremely vigilant when it comes to going outside and interacting with the world, and washing your hands twelve times a day can only go so far if you're constantly touching surfaces that have been potentially infected.The Safe Touch N Go: Contact-Less Keychain Tool will help keep you and your family safe by drastically reducing the amount of contact you have with everything from doors and buttons to countertops and ATM machines, and right now it's on sale for over 65% off at just $19.99.This simple tool is made from naturally antimicrobial brass that eliminates up to 99.9% of the germs and pathogens it comes into contact with—allowing you to stay germ-free when you're forced to go outdoors.With an ergonomic hook design that also doubles as a useful keychain, the...

As an introvert by nature, one of the things I love most about smart doorbells is the ability for me not to have to get off of my keister and answer every knock or ring at the front door. All I have to do is ask Alexa to show me who is at the front door. We've compiled a list of great smart doorbells that work with Alexa, but my favorite is the Ring Video Doorbell 3. There are plenty of good devices on this list, so be sure to check them out and see what might be the best fit for your situation.Best Overall For Alexa: Ring Video Doorbell 3It may seem a cop-out to pick a Ring product as my top choice, but the fact is that since Amazon purchased the smart home products company, it has been churning out quality products that work well with Alexa. Once again, the company took what was popular and successful from the previous generation device (the Ring Video Doorbell 2), and made some tweaks to make it even better.The Ring Video Doorbell 3 brings 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi support, advanced m...

More versatile cameras versus more balanced colorsThere are few features more important in a modern smartphone than the cameras, particularly when you're spending somewhere in the ballpark of $1000 on your phone. The Galaxy S20+ is one of the top-ranking phones of early 2020, with excellent cameras and hardware, but its steep starting price of $1200 puts it out of reach for some consumers.The LG V60 by comparison feels like a deal at "only" $900, and offers many of the same features — plus some bonuses like LG's excellent Quad DAC and a Dual Screen attachment. The cameras are comparable as well, with a similarly large main sensor and matching ultra-wide and time-of-flight sensors, though interestingly LG ditched the telephoto sensor this year.We took both phones out and shot a variety of photos to see how each camera compares in different scenarios.Daylight photos Galaxy S20+ (left) / LG V60 (right) — click to view larger. Broad daylight is rarely an ...

Ideal lifestyle smartwatchGarmin Venu$300 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSMusic storageBright AMOLED touchscreenGarmin PayConsShorter battery lifeLacks advanced running featuresIn addition to built-in GPS and health/activity tracking, you'll also enjoy some other wonderful perks on the Venu. This smartwatch boasts a colorful touchscreen, music storage, Garmin Pay, on-screen workouts, and more.Runner's dream watchGarmin Forerunner 245 Music$296 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSMusic storageSuperior battery lifeAdvanced running featuresConsLacks touchscreenNo altimeter or Garmin PayThe Forerunner 245 Music is specifically made for runners. That means you'll get more than standard workouts and health/activity tracking. Some examples include training status, training effect, and training load.Picking out a smartwatch isn't as easy as it seems, especially when there are so many to choose from, like the Garmin Venu and the Forerunner 245 Music...

As we get closer to 5G networks on our cell phones, it's essential to have speeds that are faster than that when we are at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises speeds of up to 10Gbps by combining those 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to provide a better experience. The next cog in the wheel is finding the best Wi-Fi 6-compatible router, and we have found the best ones for you to consider.Smarter homesTP-Link Archer AX6000 RouterStaff PickIf you are looking for a regular router, chances are you've taken a look at some of the offerings from TP-Link. The company has moved into the Wi-Fi 6 era with the AX6000 router. This router includes eight antennas attached to the base which aims to provide a "powerful" Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, without needing additional routers.$270 at Amazon$270 at Best BuyBudget Wi-Fi 6Netgear 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX15)Let's face it, most people don't need a ton of Wi-Fi speed but that doesn't mean they won't benefit from Wi-...

They're also adding a family mode with fun video effects and masks.What you need to knowGroup calls will be coming to Duo on the web in the coming weeks, initially as a Chrome preview.A new family mode lets you draw and apply video filters in Duo calls. Those same filters and effects are coming to regular Duo calls as well.Google rolled out web support for one-on-one calls through its Duo video calling service last year, but today it announced that group calls on the web will finally be rolling out in the coming weeks.Starting as a preview on Chrome, group calls on the web will be introduced alongside a redesigned Duo layout that allows you to see more people at once on your screen. In addition, anyone with a Google account will be able to join Duo group calls simply by using a link.Google is also adding a new family mode to Duo, which lets you draw on the screen for others in the call to see, or apply video effects and masks. You can access family mode from the ove...

Keeping your digital library up-to-date with your favorite shows and movies is always a smart idea. With streaming rights being traded from service to service, you never know when you might lose access to something if you're just watching on Netflix or another streaming service. Take Friends for instance. The show was taken off Netflix on January 1 earlier this year and hasn't been available on any streaming sites since. It's set to debut on HBO Max once the service goes live for audiences later this month, but if you don't want to pay $15 per month, there's a better option to consider today.iTunes has the complete series of Friends on sale for just $49.99 for a limited time. This is one of the lowest prices it's ever reached, and for over 230 episodes, that's like paying just 21 cents each. The collection includes all ten seasons in digital HD.Shows and movies purchased at iTunes can be viewed using the Apple TV app, which means you don't need an Apple or iOS device to watch. Th...

What are those random strings of letters mean?These days with most people working from home, video conferencing is all the rage. Some platforms require you to create an account, while others let just about anyone join in, provided they have an invitation from the meeting organizer. The way Google Meet handles this is through meeting codes. We'll explain what these are, and just what you are supposed to do with them.Explaining Google Meet codesNow that Google is opening up Google Meet to non-enterprise G Suite users (a.k.a. the rest of us), more people are starting to use the service to connect with colleagues, friends, and family. As they do, many are noticing these strange looking alpha codes associated with the meeting invitations they receive.What are these random text strings? Basically, they are an arrangement of random letters that make up a unique code, providing access to a scheduled meeting or one that is already underway. The meeting codes are typically appended ...

You can play some great old RPGs on Android.Role-playing games are wonderful, story-driven experiences that complement the mobile gaming experience nicely. Despite the relatively tiny mobile screens we're used to (yes, 5.7 inches is still small by gaming standards), RPGs allow us to get lost in fanciful worlds for a while.In the case of some games, especially those ported over from PC, that "while" could be 20, 30 hours, or even more! This makes the best RPGs worth their price in the Google Play Store. There are some duds in there, so we've hand-picked the best of the best to save you the trouble of digging.If you're looking for more than just RPGs, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android games out there!BattleChaser: NightWarFinal Fantasy Chrono TriggerEvoland 2Arcane Quest 3Crashlands Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnThe Bard's TalePocket MortysStar Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicDragon QuestEterniumDungeon Hunter 5Neverwinter N...

New regions promise new secrets to find and demons to butcher.What you need to knowDoom Eternal is the latest shooter from id Software and Bethesda Softworks.Some campaign DLC packs are in the works.The Doom Twitter account shared a couple of screenshots from the upcoming DLC.There's no release date for the DLC packs at this time.While Doom fans continue to wait for news of the Doom Eternal DLC packs, a small teaser has been released. The official Doom Twitter account shared two new screenshots, showing a couple of the environments that'll be featured in the DLC. One appears to be a massive rig out at sea, while the other looks like part of the Makyr world. You can see both screenshots below.Both screenshots are from the first upcoming DLC pack, so it looks like the Slayer will be traversing multiple areas again. There are two campaign add-ons currently planned, both releasing sometime within the first year of Doom Eternal. We'll be sure to share an update when we lear...

The two phones were originally slated to receive the update in "early 2020."What you need to knowSony Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus have started receiving the stable Android 10 update.The update brings a bunch of new features, including a system-wide dark mode, new gesture navigation, and smart replies.It comes with the March 2020 Android security patch as well.In November last year, Sony had revealed its Android 10 update roadmap, promising to update the mid-range Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus phones to the latest version of Android in "early 2020." Four months after rolling out Android 10 to its flagship Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 phones, Sony has finally released the update for the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus.As per Xperia Blog, the update arrives as version 53.1.A.2.2 and is currently rolling out only in Russia and select European countries for both single and dual SIM variants of the two phones. The update brings all the Android 10 features such as a system-wide dark mode, new ge...

Looking into a 4K TV to use with your Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra can be confusing. There are tons of options out there, each with their own little quirks. There are fantastic TVs at the high end of the market, but those cost thousands of dollars. If you don't have that much room in your budget, don't sweat it: there are many cheaper TVs out there that can deliver a satisfying picture.Clearly SmartLG UN7300PUFStaff pickLG remains one of the main providers of quality panels at every level of the TV industry and the UM7300PUF is no different. LG's claim to fame is its custom tone mapping technology, which analyzes each scene to deliver the most accurate picture possible. Alongside the excellent 4K HDR panel, the new webOS release includes smart assistant support from the likes of Google Assistant.From $397 at Amazon$400 at Best BuyNo extra cablesVizio M-SeriesThe Vizio M-Series is interesting in that these TVs have Chromecast built-in, so you wouldn't even need ...

Having an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is pretty important when you're an Xbox gamer. Not only can you access all the features of Xbox Live Gold like online multiplayer and free monthly game downloads, but you also score Xbox Game Pass in the process. With over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 games to play whenever you choose, gone are the days of having to buy a $60 game for something new.Right now, new members can score a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1. The membership usually costs $14.99 per month, though today's deal is even better than that as Microsoft is also extending all members the chance to sign up for a six-month Spotify Premium subscription for free.To score your free six months of Spotify, you'll just need to activate the offer separately via the Game Pass Ultimate Perks section on the console or the Game Pass Ultimate app once you've signed up. Current and previous subcribers of Spotify are not eligible for this offer. If you've alr...

MIUI 12 beta testing could begin in India by the end of this month.What you need to knowXiaomi will be launching the global version of MIUI 12 on May 19.It had launched MIUI 12 in China last month. The latest iteration of Xiaomi's custom Android skin brings a refreshed UI design, enhanced dark mode, new animations, security improvements, and more.Xiaomi introduced the latest iteration of its MIUI Android skin at the Mi 10 Youth Edition launch event in China last month. It revealed all the key new features of MIUI 12 at the event and also confirmed a release schedule for Mi and Redmi phones in China. Xiaomi has now started teasing the global launch of MIUI 12 on Twitter.Mi fans can figure out the answer. How about you?This is a very important message! If you get the answer, remember this important day. #MIUI #MIUI12 pic.twitter.com/3WVDJDTYCm— MIUI (@miuirom) May 7, 2020The MIUI 12 launch date was revealed by the company with a simple math puzzle, the answer to which...

It's like having the classroom right in your home.What you need to knowGoogle is enhancing Search with new AR models that lets users explore models in incredible detail.All you need to do is search for one of the keywords on your phone and select the option to view in your space.Google's list of Search-integrated AR is growing rapidly, with this round of additions helping students better explore scientific subjects.Google is enhancing its world-class search engine in a big way today by offering new augmented reality (AR) experiences right inside of Search. The best part is that you won't even need to download an extra app in order to find these experiences. Simply search for any of the new categories on Google.com on your phone and click the 'View in 3D' button, followed by 'View in your space'. What transpires is a pretty incredible set of technologies that work in harmony to bring life-sized human skeletons, 3D muscular systems, and even larger-than-life animal cells to y...

Head over to BuyDig and get the Google Nest Hub Max at its regular $199 price and you'll get a free Nest Mini smart speaker, which goes for around $29 or more just about everywhere, including Google's store. Not only is that some nice savings, but these two devices can work together to extend your voice control over your smart home across your house. You'll be able to talk to Google Assistant from multiple rooms.Read our review of the Nest Hub Max smart home display. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and a "The Best" badge. Russell Holly said this is "for people who are sold on the smart display experience from Google and want something a little more useful." He added, "you get a great speaker with a phenomenal display and a genuinely useful video chat experience."The Nest Hub Max works with all things Nest and more than 5,000 smart devices. Use it to listen to music from your favorite streaming apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. Use it to watch recipe videos while ...

Upgrading to the Xbox One X just became a bit more affordable. Select retailers have the 1TB console bundled with Jedi: Fallen Order on sale for just $299.99 this weekend, saving you $100 in the process, though the best place to buy right now is Target. RedCard holders score 5% off every purchase at Target to bring the total down to just $284.99.Not a Target RedCard holder just yet? It's free to sign up for, and with the debit card option, there are no fees or interest to worry about — ever. You'll even score free 2-day shipping on your purchases. There's really no reason not to have one if you shop at Target even occassionally. The credit card option does include fees and other stipulations you'll want to look into if you're interested in that one.Other retailers who have the bundle on sale for $299.99 include Best Buy, GameStop, and Microsoft.The Xbox One X console features a 1TB hard drive and comes with one Xbox Wireless Controller. With the Xbox One X, your games are pow...

Best answer: The Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power are now available for purchase as unlocked devices from Best Buy, B&H, and Motorola's own website. If you'd prefer to buy the phones through your carrier, availability differs slightly between the two models.For creatives: Moto G Stylus ($300 at Motorola)Massive battery: Moto G Power ($250 at Motorola)You can buy unlocked models of the Moto G Stylus and G Power at a few different retailersIf you're interested in buying the Moto G Stylus or Moto G Power, we recommend getting an unlocked model. This is simply a version of the phone that isn't tied to a specific carrier, meaning you can use it on whatever phone service you currently have and bring it with you somewhere else should you happen to switch providers down the road.Unlocked models of the G Stylus and G Power are widely available at the following retailers:Best BuyB&HAdditionally, you can also buy the phones directly through Motorola.Motorola has confir...

To be the best VPN service doesn't mean you can't also be the cheapest VPN service. There are a lot of VPN providers out there offering plans at a variety of different price points, some of which even have free VPN plans. Normally, when it comes to services and subscriptions the best ones are on the more expensive side, but when it comes to VPNs that isn't the case. You don't have to go broke each month or pay a huge upfront cost to get a great VPN, some of the best VPNs are actually pretty cheap.Best Cheap VPNs RankedSurfshark: Under $2 per monthNordVPN: As low as $3.49 per monthIPVanish: Starting at $3.25 per monthHotspot Shield: Less than $3 per monthExpressVPN: From $6.49 per monthYou'll want to weigh out all your options here, but when it comes to cheap VPNs that are really affordable, we recommend Surfshark VPN for a number of reasons. At under $2 per month it's really hard to beat what it offers, so be sure to follow along below for more!You'd be surprised just...

Wish you had a pair of Bluetooth earbuds but don't want to pay a fortune? Grab the JLab Audio JBuds Air true wireless earbuds for just $39.99 today at Best Buy. That's $10 off the regular price, which is what they're going for elsewhere at retailers like Walmart. The deal today is a temporary one as part of Best Buy's deals of the day. This deal only applies to the black version as the white earbuds are still selling for $50.Sometimes you just need a pair of earbuds to put through the paces. Something you can take to the gym that'll stay in your ears and not get ruined by sweat or heavy use. You don't need all the bells and whistles, but you definitely need some solid audio and few interuptions to your workout. That's where these headphones excel.The JBuds Air use Bluetooth 5.0 technology. That means not only do you get the wire-free convenience of Bluetooth, but the latest Bluetooth tech improves power efficiency and latency. You'll get fewer interruptions this way, so you can l...

I'm sure I'm not alone here, but aside from losing a child momentarily at the supermarket, I've never been more scared recently than when I thought I lost my phone. You may think that's hyperbole or a ridiculous commentary on modern times but just think about all that is on our phones these days — credit card and banking information, family photos, business information, and more. Thankfully the big players like Google and Samsung have built-in features that let you locate your phone, ping it, and even erase its data if need be. I'll show you how to use both Samsung's Find My Mobile and Google's Find My Device to keep tabs on your devices so that you have control, even when they're out of your possession.How to set up Find My Mobile on your Galaxy phoneI strongly encourage you to check to make sure that you have enabled Find My Mobile on your Galaxy phone so that if you do lose your device, you can quickly locate it. Here's how to make sure you're covered.Search your device f...

Let's have a chat with the AC forums.For anyone that considers themself to be a big Android fan, the topic of fragmentation is one you've likely talked or read about at one point or another. The open-source nature of Android is what allows for such a wide variety of different phones, but it's also the reason why so many of them still aren't running Android 10 or are on outdated security patches.Some companies are better about updating their devices than others, with the most popular Android manufacturer — Samsung — really stepping up to the plate lately to try and do better in these regards.We sent Jerry Hildenbrand into the AC forums to conduct a little experiment, asking people with Samsung phones the following questions:What model of Samsung phone do you have?What country do you live in?What version of Android is your phone running?What's the date on your security patch?Here's how some of our members responded: mustang775...

Sometimes usage-based billing is fantastic.We're all dealing with some crazy circumstances right now, and the coronavirus pandemic has touched most parts of our daily lives. One of the biggest, of course, is not spending much time away from home. And it's in times like these that I see just how great Google Fi's flexible usage-based billing can be — it's saved me $50 per month, and I didn't have to do a thing.While most people — regardless of carrier — have an unlimited data plan nowadays, Google Fi still offers a basic plan that charges $10 per gigabyte of data used in a month, down to the megabyte. I still use this plan, believe it or not, because my data usage tends to fluctuate month to month and I rarely use over 15GB, which is the level where Fi's "Bill Protection" ends. It turns out this is the perfect pandemic phone plan.My billing period ending March 12, which capped off a few weeks of getting settled into a new apartment and traveling, was a heavy month for my...

One of Best Buy's deals of the day includes the Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds down to $94.99 in Titanium Black. This is a great low price and beats out a deal we saw a couple weeks ago by about $5. The earbuds typically sell for around $120 although we can find them going for $100 right now at a couple retailers like Walmart. Best Buy is just skimming a little off the top there to give you some extra incentive.The 65t have dual microphone technology and true wireless Bluetooth stability that helps reduce audio drops. They will last up to five hours on a single charge of the battery with an extra 10 hours of battery life within the charging case itself. That means you can spend most of the day no where near a wall outlet and without a charging cable and still listen to your favorite tunes.These headphones also feature one-touch access to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, which can make your life so much easier when it comes to remembering appointments or dealing with smart...

Simple data savingsMint MobileFrom $15 per month at Mint MobileProsLarge T-Mobile networkCompatible with most phonesSimple plansHotspot on each planConsMax of 12GB of dataOnly one networkOne of Mint Mobile's greatest accomplishments has been making choosing the right phone plan simple. With three data sizes and three duration amounts, it's easy to find out which package works for you. You save money by buying more months at a time making Mint Mobile an even better deal.Great varietyStraight TalkFrom $30 per month at Straight TalkProsChoose from four networksBring nearly any unlocked phoneUnlimited plan availableConsPlans get expensiveHotspot not available with all plans or networksStraight Talk has a large variety of plans starting at just 100MB and going up to unlimited data. You can also use any of the four major carrier networks depending on which one has the best coverage for you or works with your phone. You can even save so...

The TCL 75Q825 75-inch 8 Series 4K HDR Roku TV is down to $1,799.99 through Best Buy. This TV is actually only sold through Best Buy, but its MSRP is $3,000 and it was most recently selling for around $2,600. Today's price is the best we've ever seen and the savings are extremely temporary because this is part of Best Buy's deals of the day. If you've been looking for a great 75-inch screen, look no further.Check out the Cordcutters preview of this TV when it released last year. Nirave Gondhia said, "Why is the 8-series my new go-to recommendation for a TV? Simple — it's a QLED panel. Actually, it's much more than that — it also heralds in a new era in TVs thanks to mini-LED technology, which allows the TV to display much deeper and darker blacks than on any other TV."The mini LED technology 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...

Video doorbells may not be the best "security" device for your home, and some will argue that there's no real point to having one, but I strongly disagree. Ring has been the center of a lot of attention (both good and bad) in the recent months, but the company continues to push new products out, and the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is one of them. It introduces a few features that people have been wanting for a while, and after using it for just a few days I started to really enjoy the experience.I've had several Ring doorbells in the past, and have a house full of Ring cameras and even the Alarm. I swapped out a Ring Video Doorbell Pro to test out the Video Doorbell 3 Plus, and aside from a few annoyances, I am extremely happy with the switch.Let's break this new video doorbell down in a little more detail, and see if it may be a good option for you as well.At a glanceRing Video Doorbell 3 Plus ...

Over 8 million Redmi Note 8/8T phones were shipped in the first quarter of the year.What you need to knowThe Redmi Note 8/8T was the best-selling Android smartphone in the first quarter of the year.Samsung's Galaxy A51 was the second most popular Android phone during the January-March period. The Redmi Note 8 series recently crossed the 30 million unit sales milestone globally. Xiaomi announced earlier this week that it had clocked 30 million sales of Redmi Note 8 series phones. The standard Redmi Note 8, as per data from Canalys, was the sixth most popular smartphone globally in the fourth quarter of 2019. Canalys has now released new data, which reveals the popularity of the Redmi Note 8/8T grew further in Q1 2020.According to Canalys, iPhone 11 was the highest-selling smartphone globally in the first quarter of the year, with sell-in shipments estimated at 18 million units. Among Android phones, the Redmi Note 8/8T took the No.1 spot, while Samsung's Galaxy A51 was...

We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.The best Android gamesRPGsShootersPuzzle GamesPlatformersStrategy GamesSimsRacing GamesSports GamesAugmented RealityThere are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many of them are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app.If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories, which you can find in a handy jumplist that will take you directly to the page of your choice.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library, or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so yo...

Sidewalk Labs will be using the ideas developed over the last two-and-a-half years to solve big urban problems.What you need to knowAlphabet's Sidewalk Labs is abandoning the Quayside waterfront project in Toronto.Sidewalk Labs had to make the difficult decision due to the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19. It had announced the high-tech smart city project in 2017 in partnership with Waterfront Toronto. Alphabet's urban innovation organization Sidewalk Labs had announced a joint effort with Waterfront Toronto to develop a "high-tech city" on Toronto's eastern waterfront in October 2017. Unfortunately, Sidewalk Labs has decided to abruptly scrap the project due to the coronavirus pandemic.Sidewalk Labs CEO Daniel Doctoroff wrote in a post on Medium that it has become too difficult for the company to make the project financially viable due to the "unprecedented economic uncertainty" caused by the pandemic. While Sidewalk Labs is walking away from the ambitious project...

Xiaomi's true wireless earbuds look a lot like AirPods, but they're much more affordable and deliver better sound.Alongside the Mi 10 and the Mi Box 4K, Xiaomi has introduced its true wireless earbuds in India. The Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 deliver incredible audio quality at an affordable price point.The design is identical to AirPods, but you do get a lot of standout features. Here's what you need to know about Xiaomi's true wireless earbuds.Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Design and detailsThe Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 have huge 14.2mm dynamic drivers, edging out the new Pixel Buds (12mm) and the Jabra Elite 65 (6mm) by some margin. Xiaomi says it tuned the audio for Indian customers, and that it has been doing so for its audio products for some time now.There are two mics on each earbud: one at the top, and the other at the bottom on the stalk itself. The mic at the bottom picks up your audio for calls, and the other one listens to ambient noise in your surrou...

There's another new gaming phone in town and it's a pretty interesting piece of hardware.What you need to knowBlack Shark 3 and Black Shark 3 Pro are launching officially in Europe.Available to order from May 8 on Black Shark's own store.Coming to Amazon in UK, France and Spain from May 18.Having been revealed in Asia earlier this year, Black Shark is bringing its latest gaming smartphones, the Black Shark 3 and Black Shark 3 Pro to Europe officially. Available to order from Black Shark's own store from May 8, prices start at a pretty reasonable £539 for the regular model and there's a ton of interesting features.The first is the mechanical triggers available on the Black Shark 3 Pro. These are a part of what Black Shark calls the "Master Control" system, and they pop up out of the phone automatically when you're playing a game. When you're done, they go back into the frame, and what's neat is that if you drop the phone they'll retract automatically so they don't snap of...

With the Mi 10 and its 108MP camera, Xiaomi is setting its sights squarely on the Galaxy S20 Ultra in India.Xiaomi dominates the entry-level and budget segments, but the brand hasn't really focused its attention on the high-end segment in India. The Mi Mix 2 debuted over two years ago, but it did little to move the needle for Xiaomi in India.Xiaomi is once again turning its focus to the high-end category with the Mi 10. The brand's 2020 flagship is now making its debut in India, and it is a big deal for the brand considering this is the first time in over two years that customers in India will be able to pick up a high-end Xiaomi phone.The high-end segment is highly contested in India, with OnePlus in particular seeing a meteoric rise over the last three years. So let's see what the Mi 10 has to offer, and whether it has what it takes to gain mainstream momentum in India.Xiaomi Mi 10 DetailsThe Mi 10 is packed with the latest hardware money can buy today. There's a 6.67-inc...

The Mi Box 4K could just become the go-to option for those looking for an Android TV-based streaming box in India.Xiaomi is slowly but surely making its foray into the lifestyle segment in India. In 2015, the brand launched the Mi Band series of fitness bands in the country, and in 2016 we got the Mi Air Purifier 2. Then in 2017 Xiaomi rolled out its wireless router (the Mi Router 3C), and 2018 saw the biggest launch yet: TVs. Then in 2019 the brand debuted its Mi Water Purifier in the market.Xiaomi sold over 4 million TVs in India in the last two years, consolidating its position as the number one smart TV maker in the country. While the Mi TV series is obviously an easy recommendation if you want an affordable smart TV that offers great value, not everyone is willing to upgrade their existing TVs just to access streaming services. Xiaomi says that 46% of all TVs sold in the country don't have any smart features at all, with that number translating to 34 million units.Then the...

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.With most of us working from home because of the coronavirus, this may be a good time to do an inventory of your technology and gadgets and consider which might you might need or want to upgrade.If you hold The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, it now comes with a limited-time up to $200 in additional statement credits for U.S. purchases with Dell: $100 in additional statement credits from May 1 through June 30, 2020, and up to $100 in additional statement credits between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2020 — making this perk now worth $400 a year.The credit can be used toward your total purchase at Dell, but if you are looking to truly get something for $0 out of pocket, there are hundreds ...

Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best overallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$300 at Walmart$309 at Lenovo$309 at CDW$320 at AmazonThe best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10-hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsWhile last year's C330 skimped on ports, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 (also known as the C340-11) f...

The fifth and final season of Blindspot premieres on NBC this week. While it's been quite a while — nearly a year — since audiences last saw the thrilling crime drama air new episodes, the long wait finally comes to an end this Thursday, April 30 on NBC. It's time to finally get to the bottom of the mystery, and this 11-episode run is sure to surprise once it kicks off in just a few days.It's easy enough to watch Blindspot Season 5 as it airs live on NBC, but if you don't have cable or an antenna hooked up to your TV, you might be wondering the best way to stream the show that night. Since NBC is a broadcast network that airs locally, you might have some trouble finding it on certain streaming services. Luckily, there are still a few ways to watch including right on the NBC website.Blindspot Season 5: When & whereBlindspot returns to NBC on Thursday, April 30 at 10p.m. EST. This is the fifth and final season of the show, and rather than consisting of 22 episodes like th...

Smart TVs are plentiful, but finding ones that are powered by Android TV can be a chore — especially if you're working with a smaller budget. Cheap Android TVs just aren't that popular in the U.S., but if you do a bit of digging, you can still find some pretty great options. We've done the hard work for you and rounded up our top picks for the best cheap Android TVs available right now in 2020 — our favorite of which is the Hisense 55H8G Quantum Series.Best Overall: Hisense 55H8G Quantum SeriesThe market for cheap Android TVs is more varied than you might think, but among everything out there, there's one model that sticks out above everything else — the Hisense 55H8G Quantum Series. This is one of the newer Android TVs to hit the scene, and it packs quite a punch.Starting first with the display, we'd recommend the 55-inch size, which strikes a nice balance of offering plenty of room for all of your content without being too much. Alternatively, it's also available in ...

They offer 9 hours of playback with noise cancellation and 13 hours without.What you need to knowSony is introducing yet another pair of noise-canceling earphones to the market.The WF-SP800N earbuds are aimed at the fitness market with a combination of active noise cancellation and water/sweat resistance.They'll cost you $199.Sony's WF-1000XM3 earbuds are seen by many as among the best active noise cancellation earbuds out there, but they lack one crucial feature that keeps them from being your go-to recommendation for all types of users: water resistance.For those planning on working ou while listening to music, the new WF-SP800N feature both active noise cancellation and IP55 water and sweat resistance. "Designed for an active lifestyle with an IP55 rating means that splashes, sweat and dust won't stop these water-resistant headphones or your workout. You can even wash them after a tough training session," the company's press release reads.In terms of battery life, th...

Working from home just got a lot easier.The global pandemic has forced a lot of us to adapt to new work methods while we stay at home, and a big part of that is teleconferencing with your coworkers.Google Meet is included as part of your G Suite account, but even those with a personal Gmail account can use Meet for free. However, you will be limited with the number of tools you have access to and each meeting is capped at 60 minutes total. You can find Meet listed under the Google apps after you've signed into your account, or download it from Google Play for your mobile device. Here are all the steps to take in order to set up a meeting with MeetProducts used in this guideDesktop version: Google Meet (See at Google)Mobile app: Google Meet (See at Google Play Store)How to set up a video conference in Google MeetClick the app icon (it looks like a video camera) to open the dashboard and get started.In the upper right-hand corner you will see the settings icon. C...