Feed androidcentral Latest from Android Central

Favorite IconLatest from Android Central

Link https://www.androidcentral.com/
Feed http://www.androidcentral.com/rss.xml
Updated 2025-07-14 11:46
OnePlus' next flagship phone might support 65W charging speeds
OnePlus 8T Pro could possibly be the company's first phone to ship with a 65W charger.What you need to knowA new OnePlus charger with support for 65W charging speeds has received TUV Rheinland certification.The certification suggests the successor to the OnePlus 8 Pro might support 65W wired fast charging.OnePlus 8T series is expected to debut sometime in the second half of the year.OnePlus' latest flagship phone, the OnePlus 8 Pro offers one of the fastest wireless charging solutions on the market currently. Its Warp Charge 30 Wireless technology can charge the phone from flat to 50% in just 30 minutes. When it comes to wired charging, however, OnePlus' Warp Charge 30T is slower than rival solutions from a few other companies.New evidence discovered by the folks at MySmartPrice now suggests OnePlus' next flagship could offer significantly faster wired charging speeds compared to the OnePlus 8 series phones. TUV Rheinland has certified a new 65W OnePlus charger, which wil...
LG Velvet is now official with Snapdragon 765 SoC, 48MP triple-camera setup
Sadly, there is no word on global availability yet.What you need to knowThe mid-range LG Velvet is now official.It comes with a 6.8-inch OLED display and runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 765 chipset.The phone is now available from all major carriers in South Korea for KRW 899,800 ($734). LG today formally launched its mid-range Velvet smartphone in South Korea. As revealed by the company last month, the Velvet is the first phone use its new design language that it will be bringing to all its phones going forward.The new LG Velvet sports a 6.8-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a tall 20.5:9 aspect ratio. The phone is powered by a 7nm Snapdragon 765 5G chipset, which has been paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB UFS 2.1 storage. As revealed by LG last month, the phone has a "Raindrop" camera setup on the back, featuring a 48MP primary camera. The setup also includes an 8MP ultra-wide angle-camera and a 5MP depth sensor. As for selfies, the phone comes with a 16MP fro...
Here's what you need to know about OnePlus' Warp Charge 30T and 30 Wireless
Warp Charge is one of the best fast charging standards available, and it now has 30W wireless charging.OnePlus rolled out Dash Charge back in 2016 with the OnePlus 3 and 3T, with the 20W charging standard allowing devices like the OnePlus 6T to go from zero to 60% charge in just 35 minutes. Starting from the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition, however, OnePlus has switched to the Warp Charge moniker while offering even faster charging speeds.OnePlus is quoting charging speeds going from flat to 50% in just 20 minutes with Warp Charge, and a full charge in under an hour. Warp Charge has been standard on all OnePlus phones for over a year, and on the OnePlus 7T, OnePlus introduced an updated version of Warp Charge called Warp Charge 30T that's able to deliver a 30W charge for longer, allowing the phone to top up from zero to 70% in just 30 minutes.And with the OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus is finally rolling out wireless charging. Dubbed Warp Charge 30 Wireless, the wireless charging standard d...
Amex offers $200 credit to some Business Platinum cardholders
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.American Express, Chase, and Citi have all announced card benefit updates with additional perks and bonuses on dozens of card products. These announcements last week came in response to changing spending behaviors brought on by the global pandemic.For Amex, the updates are particularly appropriate for both The Platinum Card® from American Express as well as The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, two travel-focused cards that are not exactly the most relevant when few people are actually on the move.The "Appreciation Credit" offerIn addition to individual offers for cardholders who call on the phone, Amex is also emailing select cardholders with offers of retention bonuses. These "a...
Daily Coronavirus updates: Tinder is getting video dating from next quarter
The coronavirus has spread to 181 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic has proved particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 3.75 million and fatalities of over 263,000 globally.The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It has transformed how we live and work, and how we connect with our friends and families. Tech brands are doing their part to assist, with Google teaming up with Apple to build a coronavirus tracking tool.Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting not only the tech industry, but also the world at large.May 6, 2020: Tinder is going to add video dating features shortlyGlobal COVID-19 cases have crossed 3.75 million, with 79,200 new cases registered over the last 24 hours. The U.S. has been hit particularly hard, with the country's tally going...
TikTok, Spotify, New York Times, and others apps face outages across the US
The issues seem to have started around 6:30 PM ET.What you need to knowThe internet seems to be having some difficulties at the moment.Several apps are experiencing outages across the U.S., as well as in some parts of Europe and Australia.Those affected include Spotify, TikTok, the New York Times, Pinterest, and more.The internet gods are angry at us — or maybe everyone staying at home and watching YouTube finally broke the internet. Either way, a number of users are reporting difficulties with accessing a wide variety of apps, some of which include Spotify, The New York Times, Pinterest, and TikTok.Downdetector's stats for Spotify, for example, report a peak of 36,633 reports at 7:11 PM Eastern Time. Pinterest and PUBG have similarly garnered heights of 6,386 and 1,275 complaints within the last hour or so. The troubles all seem to have begun at 6:30 PM ET, suggesting an infrastructural issue is likely to blame.It's something related between the Facebook SDK for iOS ...
What do you need for a 120Hz TV and PS5?
Best answer: To support 120Hz refresh rates, a television needs an HDMI 2.1 port. Though Sony has not confirmed whether the PS5 features such a port, it will have to in order to output 120 frames per second (FPS).Connect it: SecuOMax HDMI 2.1 cable ($13 at Amazon)For the living room: Samsung 55-inch Q80R ($1,298 at Amazon) Cheaper alternative: Sceptre 24-inch Curved 144Hz Gaming Monitor ($155 at Amazon)What is the difference between HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1?HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface that transmits video and audio data. The bandwidth capacity of HDMI 2.0 is around 18 Gbps (gigabits per second) whereas the bandwidth capacity of HDMI 2.1 is around 48 Gbps. This means that HDMI 2.1 can transmit more data faster than HDMI 2.0 can.What resolution and frame rates can HDMI 2.1 support?HDMI 2.1 supports up to 10K resolution and 120FPS, although not necessarily at the same time. On PS5, you might see games run at 4K/120FPS, but odds are the higher t...
Protect your precious Pixel 3a with perfectly priced cases!
The Pixel 3a brings the Pixel experience to a far, far wider audience with the same Google style and a much more friendly price point, and I've loved rocking mine these last few months. While it looks very similar to the Pixel 3, it's a bit taller and thicker, so you'll need a case specially made for it. The good news is that there are plenty available, and here's the best of the best you can find today!Like nothing's thereSpigen Thin FitStaff pickSpigen is one of the most trusted names in case makers, and its Thin Fit case is one of the best it has to offer. It's incredibly slim and lightweight, has a scratch-resistant design to keep your 3a safe from daily use, and works great with magnetic car mounts.From $10 at Amazon$13 at eBayFirst party feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric cases feel wonderful in hand and come in a small assortment of colors, and since Google makes them, they feel every bit as premium as their price tags. Available in Carbon, Fog, and Sea...
Kevin Durant, Master & Dynamic offering limited-edition audio products
What you need to knowTwo new limited-edition products have been announced.Neither will go on sale; instead, there's a free giveaway on Instagram.Try to win a free pair starting on May 7.Two of the hottest names in personal audio and basketball have teamed up in a fun, new way. New York-based Master & Dynamic and Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant have announced the launch of two new audio products that celebrate the ever-growing connection between basketball and music. The limited-edition Nike x Master & Dynamic products are inspired by Durant's Nike Zoom KD13 footwear designs.Both the MW65 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones and MW07 Plus True Wireless Earphones are being reimagined in the KD13 Hype and Chill colorways and won't be available for purchase. Instead, Master & Dynamic will host a giveaway through its Instagram account starting Thursday, May 7. Through its account.According to Master & Dynamic founder Jonathan Levine: Our offices are hal...
The May 2020 security patch is heading to the Galaxy S10, Z Flip and A50
The Galaxy S20 series received the update last week.What you need to knowThe May 2020 security patch is now available for the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy A50.The S10 series' rollout includes both the U.S. and Europe, while only European users have received Z Flip and A50 updates thus far.The update has already been rolling out to the Galaxy S20 series, Note 10 series, and Galaxy Fold over the last week.A far cry from its reputation just a few years ago, Samsung often beats Google in delivering the relevant security patches to its phones these days. This was the case for the May 2020 patch for not only its latest flagships, the Galaxy S20 series, but also for the Note 10 series and the Galaxy Fold.While Google did eventually catch up and roll out the update for thePixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4 family of devices, Samsung wasn't far behind and just two days later, has begun yet another batch of updates, this time pertaining to the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Z Fli...
NFC just learned a new trick — wireless charging
Just don't expect it to charge your phone any time soon.What you need to knowThe charging rate via NFC will be slow at 1W max.This new charging method will allow smaller devices to take advantage of wireless charging.Since NFC charging won't require an additional antenna for power transfer, it could help keep the cost of implementation down.Wireless charging isn't new; however, in recent years, it has seen some changes. Now, NFC — yes, the thing that helps you make mobile payments — is getting in on the wireless charging game.The NFC Forum recently approved the Wireless Charging Specification (WLC), that enables wireless charging capabilities of Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips. Before getting too excited, know that the charging rate will be slow, only up to 1W, so it won't be a viable power source for your phone. However, devices such as a smartwatch or wireless earbuds could make use of this. According to Koichi Tagawa, chair of NFC Forum: The NFC Forum's Wi...
The new Sonos Arc has Dolby Atmos, arrives June 10 for $799
There are also new Sonos 5 and Sonos Sub refreshes.What you need to knowThe Sonos Arc is a new smart soundbar, coming June 10 for $799.It has 11 amplifiers, eight woofers, and three tweeters, along with four microphones.It's the first Sonos product to support Dolby Atmos.It ships alongside the updated Sonos 5 and Sonos Sub.Sonos's new S2 app launches on June 8.Sonos usually hosts a flashy unveiling event for its new speakers, offering a chance for reporters and analysts, along with lifelong fans, to experience the products before they're available to the wider public. When I traveled to New York to try out the Sonos Move, I was able to see its many prototypes, and how rigorously the company tested its water and heat resistance under very extreme conditions.Now, with a pandemic keeping us all home, there's no flashy event, no trials, no people. But there's a comprehensive new website and a specially-prepared 30-minute podcast in its stead. Why? Because Sonos knows that t...
Explore the world of Linux without being tied to a desktop computer
If you're looking for an alternative to a laptop running Windows or MacOS you'll find there are a few options available with the Linux operating system. Most of the big name computer manufacturers aren't making Linux laptops, so it's helpful to know exactly what smaller companies have available. Thankfully, there are some great options from smaller players who have great reputations when it comes to standing behind their products.Pure PowerLenovo Business 330SStaff PickLenovo is targeting the enterprise power user who wants Linux with the powerhouse that is the 330S. With an Intel Core i7, 20GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and Linux Mint 64-bit, this is a developer's dream machine. The 1080p display is its only drawback.$1,375 at Amazon$1,045 at NeweggOne Sexy BeastDell XPS 13 Developers EditionDell offers a Ubuntu-powered version of the amazing 13-inch XPS model, and it's stunning. It's also filled with top of the line specs like a 13-inch 4K display, an Intel i7 CP...
Google Authenticator enables account transfers with new update
A new interface also visually ushers the app into 2020.What you need to knowGoogle has updated its Authenticator app with a new account exportation feature.Simply put, you can now transfer your accounts between different devices without needing to set up Google Authenticator again.The update seems to be Android only for now.Google has finally updated its Authenticator app with a new makeover for 2020 (via Android Police), redesigning the app for our longer and narrower screens as well as throwing in a true-black theme for AMOLED displays out there.More importantly, Google has now added an account export tool, letting users export (and import) any already set-up accounts after verifying their identity via pin, fingerprint, or face unlock. It would then generate a scannable QR code, which you would scan on the new device to complete the transfer.Previously, users had to manually re-setup all of their 2FA accounts every time they changed phones, a process that could deter ...
These are the best phones for playing PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is a graphics-intensive game that demands a powerful phone. If you want the best results and get more Chicken Dinners, you're going to need a phone for that truly stands out from the pack, and in 2020 that's the OnePlus 8 Pro. Not only is it a great phone packed with the latest internals and a 120Hz AMOLED display, but you also get the best software on Android right now.Best Overall: OnePlus 8 ProPUBG Mobile has been developed to run pretty well on old and new phones alike, but you'll need a phone with admirable specs to run it at the highest graphics settings. The OnePlus 8 Pro fits the bill, with 8GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 865 chipset both delivering enough memory and processing power for great gaming performance.OxygenOS continues to deliver a simple and speedy software experience that allows for customization, including the Fnatic gaming mode, which offers fine controls for avoiding distractions while gaming. You can limit notifications to alarms and calls o...
Fortnite to host Party Royale with performances from deadmau5 and others
Get ready to party!What you need to knowFortnite's newest "party royale" game mode has been announced.The premiere will take place on Friday, May 8, 2020.Fans can look forward to virtual performances Dillon Francis, Steve Aoki, and Deadmau5. Last week, Fortnite brought a brand new game mode into the title with the introduction of "party royale," a mode that has no guns and strictly exists as a space for players to kick back and have some fun in. Today, Epic Games announced that the premiere show for the mode will take place this week, and include performances from Dillon Francis, Steve Aoki, and Deadmau5.The premiere will take place on Friday, May 8, at 9 pm ET. According to Epic Games, the three legendary artists will host back-to-back-to-back sets live at the game's big Main Stage area. Players in the game can hang out, party up with friends, or simply sit back and enjoy the live music opportunity.Fortnite now has over 350 million registered players! In April, playe...
Master Adobe's top design tools for just $49
The economy is changing. As more and more people see their roles reduced or lose their jobs due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the workforce is forced to get more creative. If you fear you may soon be out of work, one of the best things you can do is start learning skills that will keep you in-demand. For instance, graphic designers are fully capable of running remote freelance businesses while companies navigate this economic downturn.Don't know anything about graphic design? Check out The 2020 Adobe Graphic Design Certification School, now on sale for $49.This three-course bundle is offered by the International Academy of Computer Training (IACT), Ireland's largest and most experienced IT training company. They've worked with Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and Intel, and have taught more than 500,000 people in-demand skills. Their Head of Graphic and Web Design, Neil Gordon, leads these three courses on Adobe's top programs: Photos...
Muscles aching from working from home? This tool can help big time
All this talk about working from home sometimes sounds like a dream setup. You get to work in your pajamas, do away with your agonizing commute, and take naps during the day. But what they don't tell you is that working from home also makes you susceptible to body aches and muscle pains as you make do with a makeshift office space. Many of us are stuck using our dining tables or even working from couches for most of the day.When you find that the pain is becoming unbearable to the point that it's difficult for you to be productive, you can use the Backmate Power Massager to zap all the aches away. Featured on Outside, Men's Journal, and Human Kinetics, this massager utilizes percussive vibration to deliver intense, long strokes that result in effective muscle therapy.Check it out:In case you didn't know, percussive vibration is a natural pain reliever that helps eliminate muscle soreness and stiffness, as well as increase circulation and range of motion. In addition to using it ...
Android 11 is on the way — here's everything you need to know
Google's cranking Android up to 11.Last year's Android 10 update was a big shift for the operating system. Not only did we get the long-awaited dark mode and important changes to app permissions, Android 10 also marked Google's departure from dessert names and ushered in a new Android logo/brand.Android 10 was a year of growth and maturity for the operating system, and those same principles are being carried over to Android 11. We're still a few months out from the final build being available for everyone, but with a developer preview now out in the wild, we have a good idea of where Google wants to take Android in 2020.Ready to learn all about what Android 11 is packing? Here's everything you need to know!Developer Preview 4 is outTons of messaging improvementsPermissions keep getting betterWe have a built-in screen recorderAdapting Android to different displays5G is a big focusYou can flash it right nowThe final build is coming in Q3The Pixel 4 is first-in-line f...
Is a 120Hz TV worth it for gaming on PS5?
Best answer: No. At least not yet. Televisions that officially support 120Hz are incredibly expensive right now since the technology hasn't been widely adopted yet. However, you can get gaming monitors that support up to 144Hz for much cheaper in comparison.Perfect for desktop: Sceptre 24-inch Curved 144Hz Gaming Monitor ($155 at Amazon)Big screen: Samsung 55-inch Q80R ($1,298 at Amazon) What does 120Hz mean?In regards to televisions and monitors, hertz (Hz) is the frequency at which a screen redraws a scene in one second. When you see a television labelled as supporting 60Hz or 120Hz, it means that the refresh rate of the screen is 60 or 120 frames per second (FPS). The higher the refresh rate, the smoother movement looks. That doesn't always bode well for movies or TV, but it works well for games.A frame rate up to 120FPS would mean games run smoother than ever. You;ll notice less choppiness during fast-paced scenes with a lot of movement onscreen. This can make or break...
Samsung and Google team up to bring RCS to Galaxy phones
Google's RCS isn't locked to Messages anymore.What you need to knowSamsung has worked with Google to enable RCS in Messages.Users of the Samsung Messages app will no longer need to rely on carrier-based RCS so long as Google supports RCS in their country or region.Samsung's Messages app is the first non-Google made app to work with Google's RCS implementation.Samsung is enabling RCS support for more Galaxy phones in partnership with Google, the company announced in late April."Samsung is bringing support for Google's Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Galaxy smartphones to make your conversations more seamless. The two companies have been working since 2018 to bring the features to Samsung devices," Samsung said, in April, "the Samsung Messages app with RCS allows users to do more, including chat over both Wi-Fi and mobile data, send and receive high-resolution photos and videos, receive read receipts, and create feature-rich group chats. The Messages app is also availa...
Save some cleaning time and $100 with the Eufy RoboVac 30C robot vacuum
The Eufy RoboVac 30C 1500Pa robot vacuum cleaner is down to $179.99 with the code MKTCV97259J3 at Newegg. This deal is coming directly from the official Anker store, which owns the Eufy brand. The deal matches one we've seen a couple times before, but we haven't seen it drop this low in a few weeks. The code takes off $100, and you get free shipping.The RoboVac 30C is smart with built-in Wi-Fi and can connect to your smart home ecosystem. Use the EufyHome app and either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control the robot vacuum with your voice. The less effort you need to put into cleaning your floors the better, right? The app can be used to set routines and tell the robot vacuum when to get to work.Eufy's RoboVac 30C has a tiny 2.85-inch body so it's small enough to fit under a lot of furniture. It comes with boundary strips, too, so you can keep it out of areas you don't want it to go.The RoboVac has BoostIQ technology to automatically increase suction power when that extr...
Here's how Google just changed the Android 11 release schedule
Things have changed in the short term, but are sticking to the plan for the final release.Without a Google I/O conference to align with, and plenty of other obstacles in the world right now, Google has decided to shift the release timeline of Android 11. We don't yet know if the end launch date has been "delayed" per se, because we never had so much as a month that it'd be released, let alone a specific date. But we know that things have been adjusted fromt he original plan — here's how it changed.When Google first announced the start of the Android 11 Developer Preview program, things were slated to follow the path shown below:Three "Developer Preview" releases focused on finishing underlying APIs for developers to write apps against, followed by three "Beta" releases with more user-facing features included, and a final stable release some time in Q3 (aka by the end of September). With this layout, Google would lock in final APIs for developers in May, and presumably be we...
Enable swipe gesture navigation on your Samsung Galaxy phone
I've been using gesture navigation on my smartphones since the iPhone X came out, and I was thrilled when some Android OEMs like Samsung and OnePlus started adding in their own interpretations before it was introduced at an OS level in Android 9 and perfected with Android 10. If you have an older Samsung Galaxy phone and have not enabled gesture navigation, or weren't aware of all the customizations and settings you can tweak, you're in for some fun surprises! We'll show you how to get gesture navigation set up and configured to your liking in the steps below.How to enable gesture navigation on your Samsung Galaxy phoneOpen the Settings app.Tap on Display.Scroll down and tap on Navigation bar.Tap on Full screen gestures.Now you'll be able to do a half swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the multitasker or swipe left or right along the bottom of the screen to switch apps.If you want to customize your gesture settings further, do the following:Under Full sc...
The TiVo Stream 4K is now available for $49
But can it compete with similar products from Amazon and Roku?TiVo — which once upon a time ruled the digital recording market — has finally made available the TiVo Stream 4K. It's a $49 streaming dongle that it says is "the market's first unifying streamer." The gist, it continues, is that it's "the ultimate streaming device that brings together shows and movies from your favorite platforms, like or streaming, on one screen."If that sounds a good bit like every other piece of streaming hardware, from Android TV to Apple TV to Roku and Amazon Fire TV, well, that's because at the end of the day it does the same thing as all fo them. But TiVo is banking on its user interface and a direct integration with Sling TV to make a difference with customers."At a time when viewers are streaming more than ever across a sea of platforms, TiVo Stream 4K integrates that content with recommendation and search features to make it easier to find, watch and enjoy the best news, entertainme...
Grab the two-camera Arlo Pro 2 wireless security kit on sale for $200
The black Arlo Pro 2 2-camera wireless security camera system is down to $199.99 at Best Buy. This is a security kit that normally sells for around $300, and the drop to $200 matches a low we've seen very rarely.This is a great price for a feature-rich system. Although this version is not quite as robust as the regular Arlo Pro 2 kit, it's also much less expensive. The big difference between these, besides $75, is the one on sale today is not compatible with Apple HomeKit and doesn't have a siren or local storage in the base. You've still got plenty to work with anyway.Thjese cameras are essentially wire free. You can plug them in if you want, which you should probably do if the place you want to set them up is also conveniently located near a power outlet. However, even if you don't the battery will last a long time so you hardly have to worry about it. Plus, the battery recharges easily so you don't have a lot of maintenance with these beyond that.Record all your footage in 1...
Ring's new Video Doorbell is the same as its old one, but better
It's still got the $99 price tag but with a slew of new tricks up its proverbial sleeveWhat you need to knowRing is launching a new version of its original Video Doorbell, this time with the features of the Ring Video Doorbell 3.The new 2nd-gen Ring Video Doorbell retains the $99 price-point of the original and can be used wirelessly or hardwired.Ring is also launching a new solar charger for this new 2nd-gen Video Doorbell for $50.Ring has been on a roll lately with product announcements, and the latest Ring Video Doorbell is going back to the basics. Simple titled Ring Video Doorbell, this second-generation version of the original Ring Video Doorbell keeps the same aesthetics of the original product while adding plenty of features from the Ring Video Doorbell 3 that just launched. Despite the addition of important features, the new second-generation Ring Video Doorbell will still retail for $99.99 — the same price the original Ring Video Doorbell has been selling for....
Can the PlayStation 5 support 120FPS?
Best answer: Supposedly, yes. PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan told CNET that the console would support 4K at 120Hz, but a direct quote was not given in the interview. This interview also took place in June 2019, so any number of things may have changed since then.Take it to the next level: Sceptre 24-inch Curved 144Hz Gaming Monitor ($155 at Amazon)For the living room: Samsung 55-inch Q80R ($1,298 at Amazon) What does "frames per second" mean?What you see as movement on-screen is actually static images displayed in quick succession, thus portraying movement to your eyes (because the human brain is weird like that). Think of it as the technique used to render stop motion. The amount of images displayed in one second is your "frames per second" frequency.30FPS means 30 frames are being displayed across the screen in a single second. The higher the number, the smoother the movement tends to look.On a television, the refresh rate of your screen is measured in hertz (Hz), which is h...
Earn up to 5x on groceries across select Chase-issued travel cards
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.Everyone considering downgrading or canceling their Chase travel credit cards may want to hold off for the time being. Chase just announced that it's adding groceries as a temporary bonus category across the majority of its consumer travel credit cards.Now through June 30, 2020, eligible Chase travel credit cardholders will receive either 5x or 3x per $1 spent on grocery purchases — up to $1,500 per month. The new temporary category includes grocery stores and grocery delivery services.The best part? Superstores like Target and Walmart are generally ineligible for grocery store category bonuses, but Chase is considering both as eligible purchases so long as they have grocery sections. So your st...
Software updates are what set the iPhone SE apart from mid-range Androids
In the case of the iPhone SE, it's what's inside that counts.Ever since Apple announced the much-anticipated second coming of the iPhone SE, tech reviewers on both sides of the iOS vs. Android camp have been dumbfounded by just what a great value the smartphone seems to be. And while it is an impressive specimen in terms of fit, finish, and features, the hardware and appearance of the device are not what make it truly special. They're also not what makes the phone a legitimate threat not only to mid-range Android devices, but ostensibly to the entire Android ecosystem. No, that honor goes to something less obvious, less flashy, less — sexy. The iPhone SE's real allure is all about the software/security updates and support. Period.Some SE backgroundThere had been rumors and speculation about the iPhone SE (2020) for years. Ever since the outsized popularity that the undersized 2016 handset generated, Apple faithful, as well as those still longing for quality, smaller phones ...
Show your colleagues exactly what you're talking about through Google Meet
Whether you're socially distancing or if working from home is the norm for you, a video conferencing tool like Google Meet can be a lifesaver for staying connected and productive. However, sometimes you need a bit more firepower than your smiling face, particularly when you want to show your colleagues what you're talking about. We'll show you the simple steps to share your screen during your next Google Meet session.How to share your screen on a Google Meet call in a browserFrom an active Google Meet call, click on Present Screen at the bottom right of the screen.Choose whether you want to share your entire screen, a specific window, or a specific Chrome tab (this is new).When you're done sharing your screen, click the blue button at the top left of the screen that says Stop, or click on the link at the bottom right of the screen that says or click here to return to the video call when you're ready to stop presenting.That will take you back to the Google Meet window, w...
Track your daily activity with $40 off the Samsung Galaxy Fit today only
If you're new-found free time has sparked an increased interest in personal fitness, you need an easy way to keep tabs on your activity and exercise. Thankfully, you can save $40 on the Samsung Galaxy Fit activity tracker at Best Buy today only and do just that. That discount drops it down to just $59.99 in black or white which is one of the best prices we've seen on it to date.In typical Samsung fashion, it has a bunch of wearables that can keep tabs on your daily activity including the Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Active. The Galaxy Fit on sale today represents its entry at the most basic end of the fitness band market. It's meant to compete with the likes of the Fitbit Inspire HR and has many similar features.The Galaxy Fit has a 1-inch Super AMOLED display and a slim, lightweight design. It automatically tracks your daily activity like steps, plus your heart rate and sleep, and it lasts for a full week per charge. It also displays the time and can show you notifications from your ...
Google’s upcoming Chromecast replacement to run Android TV, focus on media
Google will move away from the Chromecast brand as well, dipping into the more successful Nest label.What you need to knowGoogle is set to debut a Chromecast Ultra replacement.This new dongle will re-focus on media over apps amd wlll run the soon-to-be-rebranded Android TV.The company will also look into using the Nest brand on the Chromecast sequel.Google just debuted the Pixel Buds and is set for a launch of the Pixel 4a in the coming weeks, but that isn't the end of the company's short-term hardware releases.9to5Google earlier shared a report of an upcoming Chromecast Ultra successor, and now we have a few more details, courtesy of Protocol.Protocol reports: Google is set to introduce an Android TV streaming device in the coming months, a reimagined dongle with a new user interface that will put a bigger emphasis on individual movies and TV shows as opposed to apps, multiple sources with knowledge of the company's plans told Protocol. The company will likely exte...
Google may be rebranding Android TV back to Google TV
This doesn't mean that Android itself is going to be renamed, though.What you need to knowGoogle is planning on renaming Android TV as Google TV.The renaming would take the platform back to its origins.In 2014, Google shifted its focus from a previous smart TV platform called Google TV to Android TV, which was designed to be closer in nature to the Android operating system.Android TV may soon be the next subject of a string of rebrandings by the Mountain View giant hoping to assert its own name over its products, with 9to5Google citing an inside source that suggests that the company is planning on renaming Android TV as Google TV.The renaming would bring the company's smart TV platform full circle, as the predecessor to Android TV was also called — wait for it! — Google TV. Back then, Google decided to rebrand its revamped smart TV platform to more closely resemble its mobile operating system, both technically and by name. Now, it seems the company wants to decouple t...
Nokia 6.3 tipped to arrive with Snapdragon 675 chipset, quad rear cameras
A successor to the Nokia 7.2 is also on its way.What you need to knowThe Nokia 6.3 will reportedly be powered by a Snapdragon 670 or 675 processor.It is also tipped to have a quad-camera setup with ZEISS-branded optics. The Nokia 6.3 will probably debut alongside the flagship Nokia 9.3 PureView in August or September.Ever since it started making phones using the Nokia brand in 2017, HMD Global has mainly focused on the budget and mid-range segments. While its early mid-range phones such as the Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 8.1 proved to be quite popular, it didn't launch any impressive phone last year. As per a new report, the company is now working on a new budget phone to replace the Nokia 6.2.According to NokiaPowerUser, the Nokia 6.3 will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 670 or 675 processor. While the Snapdragon 670 and 675 are now outdated chipsets, they do offer significant performance and efficiency improvements over the Snapdragon 636 chipset inside the Nokia 6.2.A...
How to customize the alert slider on the OnePlus 8
One of OnePlus devices' more unique traits is the alert slider resting above the power button. This slider lets you instantly switch between Silent, Vibration, and Ring sound profiles to change how your phone handles notifications without ever needing to look at your screen. It's incredibly convenient, and OxygenOS gives you a few options to customize just how those sound profiles work.How to customize the alert sliderThe alert slider lets you change your sound profile on OnePlus devices quicker than on just about any other phone. While the iPhone has had a similar feature since its inception in the form of the ring/silent switch, that only lets you switch between two profiles, with no option to put your phone on a vibration-free silent mode. The OnePlus 8's alert slider works great out of the box, but you can adjust some of its settings with just a few simple steps.Open the Settings app.Tap Buttons & gestures.Tap Alert slider.Under Alert Slider Settings, tap any of the...
Save $10 on Verizon's Prepaid Plans with double data, new phones, & more
Wish you had some more data right about now? Looking to save some money, too? Verizon has a deal you'll be interested in. New customers can save $10 per month using one of Verizon's Prepaid plans, and these plans currently have double the data! While there are several iterations of Prepaid, the $10 a month savings only works on the 16GB and Unlimited versions. If you sign up for Auto Pay, you'll save another $5 off the total, and you can save another $60 by porting in your number. That's money back in your pocket with plenty of data to keep up with everything happening in the world today.Prepay and SaveVerizon Prepaid Phone PlansWhether you want to bring your own phone or grab a new one, you can save $10 on Verizon's prepaid plans, which offer a few other ways to save and double the data when you sign up with a new account!As low as $35 a monthSee at VerizonThis is a limited-time deal. You'll need to activate a new phone (or bring your own) on a $50 or $70 phone plan (ref...
It's now easier to send photos with Google Messages
Messages is acting more like an IM app than a traditional SMS one.What you need to knowGoogle is testing a new "attach recent photos" button in chat.However, it only pops up briefly after taking a photo.The new button does serve to highlight the speedy and efficient media sharing of Google's RCS-powred chat service.Ever so often we get a reminder that Messages isn't just an SMS app, it's Google's new instant messaging effort. Powered by RCS, Google hopes for this app could rival the likes of WhatsApp and iMessage, and it's adding nifty little features to underscore that. First discovered by the folks over at Android Police, the Messages app in beta will now pop up an "attach recent picture button."Simply put, it's a one-tap shortcut for sending the last photo captured. It doesn't show up if you're using MMS, but it does if you're using RCS i.e chat. The reasoning is clear. Sending multi-media messages via Google's chat is free and can work even over WiFi, while it's proba...
These are the best games for your Android phone
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...
Check out the story trailer for The Last of Us Part II
Ellie is intent on vengeance, no matter the costs.What you need to knowRecently, The Last of Us Part II went gold, finishing development.Today, there's a story trailer for The Last of Us Part II, showing Ellie make a choice.The Last of Us Part II is set to release on June 19.Yesterday, Naughty Dog shared the news that a new trailer for The Last of Us Part II was dropping. Today, the trailer is here. While it's a story trailer, there's no spoilery elements, so feel free to check it out below.Recently, Creative Director Neil Druckmann shared the news that The Last of Us Part II had gone gold, meaning development was finished and discs were now being printed.The Last of Us Part II is set to release on June 19, 2020.RevengeThe Last of Us Part II$60 at Amazon$60 at Best BuyIt can't be for nothingThe wait is almost over. Ellie's harrowing journey looks to take her on the bloody path of revenge, but against what and at what cost, we're not sure of yet. Wha...
Find your stuff with a 4-pack of Tile Mate 2020 trackers on sale for $50
You know what sort of person you are. Are you well organized with labels for everything and the exact knowledge of where all your individual items are at all times? Or are you reading this while lifting your couch to see if that's where your keys wondered off to on their own? If it's the latter, then you should grab four of the Tile Mate 2020 item tracker for just $49.99 at Best Buy. These item trackers normally sell for $60 in a 4-pack, but you can find them going for this price at several retailers including Home Depot. The 4-pack normally sells for around $70, which is what you'll find it at in some places like B&H, so you're saving $20 with today's deal.The Tile Mate 2020 trackers are the perfect device for keeping track of things you're most likely to lose. With four pieces in the pack, you can put one on your keys, one in your purse, attach one to your backpack, and keep another on your cat's collar. Or keep a couple as spares for when you need them.The trackers connect...
Give Beat Saber a break with these excellent rhythm VR titles
You've mastered Beat Saber's Expert+ songs, downloaded and conquered custom songs and transformed into a god of rhythm. Still, this uber-popular title has been out for over two years and slicing up musical blocks has to get repetitive after a while. Thankfully you'll find plenty of other VR games to fill its niche. Whether you're more interested in the nonstop action, daily exercise, hopping music or just slicing and dicing things, we know what your next VR purchase should be.★ Featured FavoriteSynth RidersWhile Beat Saber tires out your wrists with constant swiping motions and other dance titles focus on exercise or striking "real" dance poses, Synth Riders offers an excellent, freestyling alternative. You'll need solid hand-eye coordination to move your hands to match the fast-paced choreographed levels, but you can move your body in whichever way feels natural (or fun) to you. You'll dance through the 30+ core levels, tons of modded custom content levels, and lives...
Cyberpunk 2077 contains first-person sex scenes, genital customization
There's a lot to do in Night City.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 has been rated by the ESRB.According to the rating information, players can customize V with different sizes and combinations of genitals.The game also includes first-person sex scenes.Cyberpunk 2077 is set to release on September 17, 2020.Cyberpunk 2077 has been rated M by the ESRB and there's a lot of gritty stuff you'd expect: heavy weapons ripping foes apart, course language and so forth. Still, the extent of the adult content is interesting, as it confirms the game has first-person sex scenes, alongside allowing V to be customized however you want. This includes different sizes and combinations of genitals.That's not all though, as the rating also confirms that the game includes first-person sex scenes. You can read the full details below. Players can select a gender and customize their character; customization can include depictions of breasts, buttocks, and genitalia, as well as various size...
Woot is blowing out these essential Anker charging and audio accessories
Woot's having a huge sale on Anker tech essentials and accessories with prices starting as low as $9. From Bluetooth speakers to charging cables, power banks, and more, this sale has a good variety of products to help you stay prepared in any situation. You can even score free shipping by logging in with an Amazon Prime account.Anyone looking for a new pair of headphones has a few discounted options to choose from in today's sale, like the Soundcore Vortex Wireless Headphones. These over-ear headphones feature Bluetooth so you can listen to your music wirelessly and last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. You'll receive an 18-month warranty with the purchase too, and at just $42.99, today's deal saves you almost $30 off their usual price.Another pick in the sale is something everyone should keep in their vehicle: a car charger. You can choose between a few different options in today's sale with the most affordable being this 42W PowerDrive USB-C Car Charger on sale for $17.99...
POCO’s next flagship phone will debut at an online event on May 12
A new mid-range phone called the POCO M2 Pro might also debut alongside the POCO F1 successor.What you need to knowPOCO is holding a global launch event on May 12.It is expected to unveil its new flagship phone at the event. The phone is rumored to be based on the Redmi K30 Pro. POCO had started teasing a "comeback" on Twitter earlier this week, hinting at the launch of the company's next flagship phone. It is now beginning to send out invites to a global launch event on May 12, where it will be taking the wraps off the "second generation of POCO."We focus on one thing that truly matters:We surpass ourselves everyday.We can't wait to reveal the 2nd generation of POCO!#POCOisBACK pic.twitter.com/cCHbpZWKwR— POCO (@POCOGlobal) May 6, 2020Unlike the POCO X2, which was launched earlier this year, the upcoming POCO smartphone will not be exclusive to the Indian market. Going by recent leaks, the phone is going to be called the POCO F2 Pro in Europe and will be based on t...
The Android 11 public beta is being delayed until June 3
You'll be able to watch the livestreamed event on YouTube.What you need to knowGoogle is hosting an Android 11 "Beta Launch Show" on June 3.It'll be an all-digital livestreamed event.The public beta was originally scheduled for this month.In an alternate timeline, next week would see Google I/O 2020 taking place where Google talks about Android 11 and launches the public beta to the masses. Thanks to the ongoing global pandemic, however, there's been a change of plans.After fully canceling I/O back in March, it now looks like the public beta won't begin until June. On the Android Developers YouTube channel, an announcement video was published for the Android 11 Beta Launch Show that's taking place on June 3 at 11:00 AM ET. It'll be a livestream where Google announces the beta, talks about the newest features, and more.The first public beta is when a new Android update usually starts to take shape and most new features are introduced, so it'll be interesting to see how i...
Future EA games can be 'upgraded' to run on next-gen consoles for free
You won't need to worry about your games if you buy current-gen versions.What you need to knowEA has stated that its upcoming games can be upgraded to their next-gen versions for free.It's unclear if this is through Xbox Smart Delivery or another system EA has in place for PS5.Xbox Series X and PS5 are still on track for a Holiday 2020 release.With major AAA games coming out before next-gen and some people being unable to upgrade consoles anytime soon, more and more companies are making it easier to upgrade your existing current-gen games for Xbox Series X and PS5. In a recent earnings call, EA COO Blake Jorgensen confirmed that the publisher's upcoming games could be upgraded to their next-gen versions for free. This year the phasing includes the effect of revenue recognition from the games we are launching for the current generation of consoles that can also be upgraded free for the next generation.It's unclear whether this upgrade will be through Xbox's Smart Deli...
You can score $50 off the brand-new Roborock S6 Pure this week
Roborock's S6 smart vacuum was already a dependable home cleaner, but with the new Roborock S6 Pure, things have gotten even better. And, to celebrate the new product, Roborock is offering a hefty early-bird discount on the S6 Pure, cutting the price down from $549 to $499.Superior suctionRoborock S6 Pure$499 at AmazonThe Roborock S6 Pure uses precision LiDAR navigation and intelligent home mapping to quietly clean your floors. Designate no-go zones, and select which rooms to clean on what schedule thanks to a dedicated mobile app. Carpets are a breeze thanks to an automatic 2000Pa boost in suction.The Roborock S6 Pure already offers compelling capabilities, with comparable features to what the Roborock S6 offered and then some. It still combines an array of sensors and advanced algorithms to map rooms and quickly clean them following an efficient pattern. It can still run for up to 3 hours on a single charge, intelligently topping up the battery if it needs more juic...
Here are the differences between Google Meet and Duo
Best for meetingsGoogle MeetFree / $6 per month at GoogleProsNow free for everyoneWorks natively in a browserEncryption enabled by defaultGrid layout for video callsEasy screen sharing and collaborationConsNeeds a Google accountSome features require paid planGoogle Meet is a fantastic service for large-scale meetings. It works natively in a browser, lets you easily share your screen, has robust collaboration tools, and now offers a grid layout for calls. Encryption is enabled automatically, you can easily record your meetings, and the best part is that it is now freely available for everybody to use.Great for familiesGoogle DuoFree at GoogleProsDesigned for one-on-one communicationRock-solid connectivityEnd-to-end encryption Fun AR filters Now works with 12 participants ConsNot suited for large-scale meetingsCannot add people to ongoing callsGoogle Duo is better suited for mobile video calls or casual conversations. The servic...
What kind of wireless headphones are you using these days?
Getting chatty with the AC forums.The market for wireless headphones is more expansive than ever before. Whether you're looking to buy over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones at any price range you can think of, chances are there's something out there for you.Having so many options to choose from can be great, that is, until you start to feel a little overwhelmed with everything that's available.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about which wireless headphones they recommend picking up right now. Here's what they said: mustang7757 05-04-2020 01:46 PM “ Samsung buds are good Reply j_hansen 05-04-2020 02:16 PM “ You can find the first Galaxy Buds for under a 100 quid and they just got a fair good software update that apparently improved them a lot. Jabra 65t you should be abl...
...646647648649650651652653654655...