Latest from Android Central

If you're looking for more ways to stay entertained in self-isolation, then you can't go wrong with Amazon Kindle Unlimited. Especially if you can try it out for free. A two-month trial of the all-you-can-read eBook service is yours for the low, low price of $0 for a limited time giving you endless reading material for the next several weeks stuck indoors. The deal is only available for new or former Kindle Unlimited users and expires at the end of June.The subscription service normally costs $9.99 a month, so you're saving $20 with this deal. Last July, Amazon gave away three months of the service to its Prime members but unlike that offer, this deal does not require you to be a Prime subscriber so anyone can get in on it.Kindle Unlimited gives you access to over a million titles, spanning from technical documents to cookbooks to fantasy novels to nonfiction. Even some audiobooks are included. Need a self-help book? Want to re-read the Harry Potter books for the seventeenth time...

One-time permissions are getting upgraded in a big way.One of my favorite features of Android 10 is the one-time permission for location services. What that means is that whenever you run and app that requests your location, you have the choice to grant it, deny it, or say it can do it just this time. If you go with the third option, the app will need to ask again the next time it wants to know where you are.That's a pretty important privacy feature. I don't care if Google Maps, for example, knows where I am. Chances are I only opened the app so I could navigate from one place to another, and knowing where on earth I am located saves me the step of entering it. But I don't see why I need to let Twitter know where I am. Or a game. Or any random app that ties your location to its ad network.The one-time permission model is getting an expansion with Android 11, and the camera and microphone will also have the option. That's as big or bigger when it comes to privacy as it is for lo...

Officials also called out China and Russia for their roles in spreading fake news.What you need to knowThe EU wants Google, Facebook, and Twitter to do more to fight fake news.Two officials called on the firms to provide monthly reports to the bloc. They also called out China and Russia for their roles in spreading fake news. Two EU officials have called on Google, Facebook, and Twitter to provide monthly reports on their fight against fake news.As reported by Reuters: Facebook, Google and Twitter should provide monthly reports on their fight against disinformation, two senior EU officials said on Wednesday as they called out Russia and China for their roles in the spread of fake news. The comments by EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell and the European Commission's Vice President for values and transparency Vera Jourova underscore the bloc's concerns about the prevalence of misleading news on COVID-19 and the attempts by foreign actors to influence Europe.In...

How COVID-19 has shaped the future of trade shows and physical eventsIt feels like just a few weeks ago that I was on the phone with Delta's customer service line, reluctantly canceling my flight to Barcelona for what would have been MWC 2020. Looking back, I guess it wasn't that much longer.MWC was one of the trips I was most looking forward to this year, not just because it was an opportunity to spend a week in beautiful, coastal Spain, but because each year, Mobile World Congress is the most impactful mobile-focused trade show in the world. Countless companies fly in from all corners of the world to show off their new devices, concepts, and wireless technologies — it's a fascinating event for anyone with even the slightest interest in mobile tech.You already know this story by now, but MWC was one of the first major events worldwide to be shut down in fear of COVID-19. Since then, plenty of other events have followed suit, but much to my surprise, two other major trade...

The Galaxy S9 series is expected to start receiving the One UI 2.1 update next week.What you need to knowThe much-awaited One UI 2.1 update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has started rolling out.It brings a few Galaxy S20 features such as the new Single Take mode, Quick Share, and Music Share. The One UI 2.1 update also comes with the June 2020 Android security patch. Samsung has finally started rolling out the One UI 2.1 update for the Galaxy Note 9. The update is currently rolling out to users in Germany, but is likely to expand to other markets within the next few weeks. As per the folks at SamMobile, it arrives as version N960FXXU5ETF5 and weighs in at 1.2GB in size.Unsurprisingly, the update does not bring all the new Galaxy S20 software features that Samsung rolled out to its 2019 flagship phones in March. It only adds Quick Share and Music Share features to the 2018 flagship phone, along with a few new camera features.You get the Galaxy S20's Single Take Mode, AR ...

As more and more companies come out with their own version of true wireless earbuds, there still remains a spot for a major contender to lead the market for Android devices as Apple does for iOS with its AirPods. The Samsung Galaxy Buds wireless earbuds hope to take the reigns, and today you can see if they're worthy or not for just $89.99 via Amazon. This one-day deal drops them to a new low price for a limited time, saving you $40 on their retail price.If you own a Samsung Galaxy S10 or just upgraded to one of Samsung's new S20 devices, these earbuds would pair perfectly. They're capable of lasting for up to 6 hours on their own and an additional 7 hours using the included charging case. Tuned by AKG, these headphones not only sound great but look great too. Plus, they're water-resistant and feature an Ambient Aware mode which lets you control how much outside noise you hear. They're compatible with both Android and iOS devices and come with a variety of ear tip and wing tip size...

Now you see me, now you don't.Sometimes when you take a photo with your smartphone to send to someone or post on social media, you may not need or want to include everyone who was captured in the image. Thankfully, Signal, the private messaging app, has added a new built-in face blurring tool that can preemptively detect faces and allows you to manually blur out individuals who you might now wish to expose. We'll show you how to use this feature in the steps below.Why would you want to blur out faces in your photos?There may be many reasons why you may not want to include everyone's face in a photo. Perhaps you're at a school event for your kid and you don't want to identify other children for privacy reasons, or maybe you're attending a rally or political event and you don't want to potentially get someone (or yourself) in trouble by placing them at a specific place at a specific time. Whatever your reasons may be, it's safe to say that blurring out faces is a feature that can...

The Google Home no longer makes sense in 2020.Back at Google I/O 2016, we all got to see Google's answer to the Amazon Echo — a nice looking, fair-sounding, and awfully expensive bit of fabric and plastic called the Google Home.It was cool because Google Assistant was cool. You could do things like asking about the weather or the current time in some other city, but it also could access your digital Google life and tell you about your calendar, remind you of upcoming events, or even do a web search and read you a condensed version from a Wikipedia page. It was more of a robot assistant than anything we had ever seen before, and it sold really well.In 2020, that original Google Home is no longer being made and is hard to find through an online retailer unless you're buying used. Unlike other Google products that we actually miss, though, nobody needs to buy a Google Home in 2020 or beyond. That's because Google Assistant has become one of those ubiquitous features that you can...

Xiaomi doesn't sell phones in the U.S. yet, but you can get your hands on a range of ecosystem products as well as accessories. From the Mi Smart Plug to the Mi Box S and the Mi 10000mAh Power Bank Pro, these are the best Xiaomi products in the U.S.Smart lightingYeelight LED bulbStaff pickThe Yeelight LED bulb is a great alternative to Hue as it offers a similar quality at a reduced cost. The main difference is that you don't need a hub to connect the bulbs to your Wi-Fi network, lowering the barrier to entry significantly. You'll be able to control the bulbs with Alexa or Google Assistant, and you can customize the intensity and colors from your phone as well. As it's available directly in the U.S., it works over 110V and with E26 or E27 fixtures.$28 at WalmartMake everything smartMi Smart PlugThe Mi Smart Plug is one of the most affordable ways to bring your older appliances online. It might not be expensive, but it has a ton of features. The housing is heat-res...

Reading Mode is one of my favorite features in OxygenOS. The feature makes it easy to read long-form content or books on your OnePlus phone, and it does so by turning the display monochrome — just like an e-reader. Here's what you need to know about the feature, and how you can start with Reading Mode.How to enable Reading Mode on your OnePlus phoneYou can enable Reading Mode by going into your phone's settings, but an easier way is via the notification shade. Here's how to enable the feature:Pull down the notification shade. Pull down once again to reveal all the tiles. Select the Edit icon.Swipe left to go to the next page. Press and hold on the Reading Mode tile and drag it to the quick settings menu. Hit the Back button on the top left corner to save the changes.Now that you have Reading Mode easily accessible, let's take a look at all the options available and how you can make the most of the feature.How to use Reading Mode on your OnePlus phoneReading M...

You may have to wait until next year to get your hands on a foldable phone with S Pen support.What you need to knowSamsung's upcoming Galaxy Fold 2 may not have an S Pen.Samsung is apparently yet to complete development of a cover glass capable of being folded and withstanding the pressure from an S Pen. The company will likely launch its first foldable phone with S Pen support in 2021. A report out of South Korea claimed yesterday that the Galaxy Fold 2 will debut alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G at Samsung's upcoming online-only Unpacked event on August 5. The Galaxy Fold 2 is expected to be an impressive upgrade over the Galaxy Fold, with rumors hinting at a bigger display with the same 120Hz refresh rate as the Galaxy S20 series, and upgraded cameras. As per a new report from The Elec, however, the upcoming foldable flagship will not offer S Pen support.Back in January, leaker Max Weinbach had suggested the Galaxy Fold 2 would arrive in the...

The feature is currently available to users in just three countries.What you need to knowTwitter's stories feature – Fleets is now available to users in India.The feature allows users to post ephemeral tweets in a separate timeline that disappear after 24 hours. It began testing fleets in March this year. Earlier this year, Twitter began testing a Snapchat-inspired stories feature called Fleets in Brazil. Last month, the feature was made available to users in Italy as well. Now, the company has begun testing its own version of stories in India (via TechCrunch). India is among the most important markets for Twitter, as the country has around 55 million monthly active users.Testing, testing…We’re testing a way for you to think out loud without the Likes, Retweets, or replies, called Fleets! Best part? They disappear after 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/r14VWUoF6p— Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) June 9, 2020Manish Maheshwari, Managing Director at Twitter India, said in...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.Editor's note: This post has been updated with current information and experiences.Unexpected overnight stays caused by severe flight delays or cancellations. Buying clothes and other personal items when your checked bags are delayed or missing. Emergency room visits in foreign countries.Sometimes, trips don't go as planned. And, the troubles listed above aren't all that uncommon — my husband and I have dealt with each of these issues multiple times in the last three years while traveling as digital nomads.You can self-insure against these sorts of incidents by simply paying for expenses when they arise. But if things go downhill, you may be stuck with a massive bill. So, some travelers chose ...

Xiaomi is finally setting itself up as an ecosystem player in India — here's why that's exciting.Xiaomi's rise in India came on the back of its handset business. The Chinese manufacturer overtook Samsung to become India's largest phone brand in January 2018, and it has carved out a healthy lead over the last two years.But Xiaomi is much more than a phone manufacturer. It sells over 1,000 products across several dozen categories in China — including rice cookers, walkie talkies, screwdrivers, scooters, keyboards and mice, smart lighting, and so much more. The last time I visited a Mi Home store in Beijing, I ended up buying an instant translator, a powered screwdriver set, a flashlight, garbage liners, and a suitcase to store them all. Xiaomi is the IKEA of the East, and it is now looking to bring its ecosystem products to India.Xiaomi is increasingly focusing on the ecosystem to differentiate itself from other brands. And the Chinese manufacturer has a huge lead in this are...

Huawei gives us the most versatile smartphone camera ever, with a catch.It's been half a decade since the first telephoto zoom cameras brought extra versatility to smartphone photography, letting us punch in to pull more detail from our shots without relying on crummy digital zoom. Since then, advancements in tiny telephoto technology have given us 3X and 5X zooms, which, when paired with an ultrawide lens, lets high-end smartphones imitate the range of a dedicated point-and-shoot pretty well.And the technical wizardry required to fit those optics into something that itself fits comfortably in your pocket is no small feat. Periscope cameras of the kind found in the Huawei P30 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra reflect light internally to reach the required range. The next evolution of these bleeding-edge optics is the centerpiece of Huawei's top-tier cameraphone for 2020: the P40 Pro Plus.This is real optical 10X zoom in a phone, and once you've tried it, you'll want it in ever...

The game will include features for those with vision impairments, motion sickness, mobility disabiliites, and more.What you need to knowNaughty Dog announced that The Last of Us Part II will have over 60 accessibility features.A post on the PlayStation blog details all of the features, including some for blind or low-vision players and those with mobile disabilities.The Last of Us Part II will hit PlayStation 4 consoles on June 19. You can pre-order it here.The Last of Us Part II will be a game that's bound to be divisive, but it's sure to be one of the biggest game releases of the summer, and Naughty Dog wants everyone to play it.Matthew Gallant, the lead systems designer at Naughty Dog, published a post on the PlayStation blog on Tuesday that breaks down the over 60 (!!) accesibility features that'll be available in the upcoming game, which is set to hit PS4 consoles on June 19."Building upon the foundations we established with Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, The Last of ...

Family cellphone plans are supposed to make life easier. They're meant to save you money and help you manage your family's data usage, but many family plans fall short. That's not always the case though. Tello is a little different.With Tello, there are no one-size-fits-all family plans. Everything and everyone's plan is customizable. What makes switching to Tello so easy?Every modern phone is compatible with TelloThe biggest expense when moving carriers is the investment in new hardware. Buying a fancy new phone for yourself is costly enough, but it takes a giant chunk out of your funds when you must pick out a phone for everyone on your plan.When you switch to Tello, this isn't a worry. If you own a modern unlocked device or a CDMA phone that's compatible with Sprint, you're good to go. It doesn't matter if you have an Android device or an iPhone.Family plans are customizableYou've probably gone through the trouble of signing up for a family plan before and quickl...

The Moto G Stylus is finally here, and the chances are that you'll want to take advantage of everything this new phone has to offer, especially with the included stylus. However, you don't want to take a chance on a potential disaster happening, leaving you to get your G Stylus replaced. Here are the best cases that you can get for the new G Stylus!Matte and ruggedSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen is arguably the best in the game when it comes to making a low-profile case that is sleek and offers excellent protection. With the Rugged Armor, you'll get a flexible TPU case with a spider-web pattern on the inside to provide better shock absorption. And all four corners are reinforced, as that's usually the first point of impact if your phone falls.$13 at AmazonLightweight and ruggedUAG ScoutThe UAG Scout is a great option for those who want a rugged case that is both protective and lightweight. UAG states that this meets the MIL-STD 810 Military drop-test sta...

If you're tired of walking around with an old, outdated, or busted smartphone, Amazon's latest sale on Samsung Galaxy devices can help put a new phone in your hands at up to 31% off right now. Of course, with prices discounted by as much as $200 off the usual cost, these deals won't remain in stock forever so be sure to shop soon if you're interested.Galactic SavingsFactory unlocked Samsung Galaxy smartphone saleAmazon's having a sale on factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy devices this week with discounts of up to $200 off. You can even score a pair of Galaxy Buds+ with the purchase.Prices VarySee at AmazonThere are a variety of recent Samsung Galaxy models included in today's sale, like the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite, the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G, and the Samsung Galaxy S10+. Each of these phones is factory unlocked and ready for use on both GSM and CDMA networks. That means you can use them with most major cellular networks including Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. ...

Whether you're tired of losing your keys, you're already in the process of automating your home, or you're setting up a B&B, a vital part of the process is choosing a smart lock that fits your needs. There are plenty of different smart locks to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. However, we recommend the August Smart Lock Pro for most people since it's super easy to set up and comes with everything you need.Best Overall: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)Unlike many of the other smart locks that you'll find on the market, it isn't immediately apparent when you have an August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed on your front door. That's because the device only gets installed on the interior of your home, so the front, so there's no indication of it from your front porch. The latest model is still a little bulky but is much smaller than previous generations.One of the things that makes this particular lock so great is that buyers don't need any additional bridges whe...

The creative wheels are already spinning — but don't expect to hear anything for a while.What you need to knowNaughty Dog has been working on a sequel to The Last of Us for several years.The Last of Us Part II is scheduled to release on June 19.According to a new interview with creative director Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog's next game might be The Last of Us Part III.While The Last of Us Part II isn't quite here yet, that hasn't stopped speculation and discussion of whether or not it'll be the last game in the franchise. Now, we can at least safely say another game in that universe is possible. In an excellent interview by Sam White at GQ Magazine, creative director Neil Druckmann explains that the team's next game might be The Last of Us Part III — or it could be a new IP."As you start wrapping things up, creatively there are fewer and fewer responsibilities and my mind can't help but think about the next thing," Druckmann says. "So, yeah, the next thing could be a P...

Google's best year of sales was in 2019.What you need to knowA new report from IDC says the Pixel line sold more phones than OnePlus in 2019.The growth was attributed to Google's Pixel 3a release, as well as the line expanding to new markets.The Pixel 3a and 4 lines still sold fewer units in their first two quarters than the preceding Pixel 3. The Google Pixel line had its strongest performance since launch in 2019, a tweet from an IDC analyst said today. The line shipped over 7.2 million phones last year, overtaking competitors like OnePlus for the same calendar year.. @Google continues to expand the #Pixel portfolio and sales are growing. In 2019 shipments grew 52% YoY to reach the highest volume ever, with strong performances in the USA, Western Europe and Japan. It now ships more units than @oneplus but it is still far from reaching Top10 pic.twitter.com/qY66isF9vN— Francisco Jeronimo (@fjeronimo) June 9, 2020While it may be puzzling to see the Pixel line's sales...

Google's Pixel Buds, despite being critically acclaimed, have been met with reports of bugginess from buyers.What you need to knowGoogle will start rolling out updates to fix issues with the Pixel Buds.A few users have reported spotty Bluetooth connectivity and a static hissing noise.The first update will come out this week to fix issues with static.Google has offered a mea culpa to Pixel Buds buyers as it starts preparing updates aimed at addressing quality issues. On Reddit and the Google Product forums, users have expressed concerns with the buds, citing issues relating to its Bluetooth stability, the presence of hissing and static while playing audio, and out of sync audio.A Google employee this week chimed in let users know that they were heard. Today, Google has promised concrete fixes, the first of which will be coming this week. Pixel Buds will get a firmware update to version 296, intended to decrease "the audio hissing / static noise."In the coming weeks, Googl...

Thanks to Bitcoin, cryptocurrency is no longer a foreign concept to many people. Then again, even though it has entered mainstream consciousness, it doesn't necessarily mean that the public is already familiar with how it truly works, as well as its potential to generate so much revenue. If you're one of those folks who are still confused as to what crypto really is, the Complete Stock & Cryptocurrency Investment Toolkit Bundle is an excellent springboard to achieving success with investing digital money — and investing in general.Equipped with 11 courses spread across over 50 hours of premium content, this training bundle will take you on a deep dive into all things crypto, so you can grow your wealth and pad that checking account. Taught by experts like Chris Haroun, a hedge fund founder and venture capitalist and Theo McArthur, an experienced cryptocurrency trader and investor, expect to learn things like how the stock market works, identifying potential selling signals on...

Refined intelligenceSkagen Falster 3$295 at AmazonProsClassic watch stylingsGoogle Assistant built-inGoogle Play Store accessOnboard GPSMicrophone and SpeakerConsNo LTE optionOne size optionNo chance for electrocardiogram (ECG)The Skage Falster 3 is a modern-looking smartwatch with some traditional-leaning style to it. Packed with great tech to ensure that even though the watch may look traditional, it's anything but inside. Plus, it has all the power of Google behind it from the apps to the Google Assistant.Beautiful technologySamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2From $228 at AmazonProsSleek and minimal styleOptional LTECapacitive bezel for navigation5 ATM water resistanceTwo size choicesConsElectrocardiogram (ECG) still not activeLimited appsBixby is no replacement for Google AssistantThe Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a gorgeous looking watch with minimal bulk. The screen is vibrant, and the digital bezel surrounding it is a fun option...

5G connectivity is now available to millions of people in the United States thanks to improved support from phone makers and sub-6 5G networks. T-Mobile and AT&T have used low-band 5G to offer similar coverage to LTE with improved capacity while continuing to build a high-capacity millimeter-wave (mmWave) network. T-Mobile has the best overall 5G network thanks to its wide sub-6 coverage alongside its mmWave network.Best overall: T-MobileAccording to T-Mobile, its 5G network now covers more than 200 million people. This is mostly thanks to T-Mobile's low-band 600Mhz spectrum that offers excellent coverage and speeds comparable to fast LTE. T-Mobile is also continuing to improve its 5G network with Sprint's mid-band 2.5GHz spectrum in addition to its own high-band mmWave spectrum.With this setup, T-Mobile can achieve greater capacity to dense urban areas while offering strong coverage in suburban and rural areas. You can check out T-Mobile's 5G coverage, and if you have a ...

Fast Travel Games is taking a stab at the VR horror genre in a terrifying popular universe.What you need to knowWraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife is a VR horror game that takes place in the World of Darkness universe.The game is a narrative-driven, exploration-focused game that will utilize specific characters and settings from the Wraith: The Oblivion role-playing game.Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife will be launching on all major VR platforms, with a gameplay debut in late August at Gamescom Now.Fast Travel Games, the developers behind popular VR titles like Budget Cuts 2 and Apex Construct, is switching up its formula a bit this time around and is taking a stab at creating a VR horror game in an established universe. Known as Wraith: The Oblivion - Afterlife, Fast Travel Games' first VR horror game pits players in the proverbial shoes of a wraith; a character that has recently died and found themselves in the midst of a grim and terrifying afterlife.Best Accessories fo...

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, seriously.Today's Best Cheap VPNs For YouSurfshark: Less than $2 per monthNordVPN: As low as $3.49 per monthIPVanish: Starting at $3.25 per monthHotspot Shield: Under $3 per monthExpressVPN: 49% off + 3 mo. freeYou'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!Yo...

Good news regardless of platform.What you need to knowBungie talked in-depth about the future of Destiny 2 today.This included the news that Destiny 2 is being upgraded for free on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.If you already own Destiny 2 content on Xbox One or PlayStation 4, you'll receive the next-gen version for free.During today's stream on the future of Destiny 2, one of the many aspects discussed was how the game would continue on next-generation platforms. Bungie revealed that not only would Destiny 2 run at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second but players who already own the game won't need to rebuy it.Destiny 2 supports Smart Delivery on Xbox Series X, meaning Xbox One owners will get a free upgrade. PlayStation 4 owners will similarly be able to carry over their purchases and will receive a free upgrade on PlayStation 5.Bungie detailed a fair bit of the future for Destiny 2, including the Season of Arrivals and the names of planned expansions through 2022...

Destiny 2's future is stronger than ever.What you need to knowDestiny 2 is a first-person shooter from Bungie.It's getting a new season today that focuses on The Darkness. Three new expansions were also revealed up until 2022. The game will run at 4K 60 FPS on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Today, Bungie released the "Season of Arrivals" for Destiny 2. During the livestream, the team also discussed upcoming content like future expansions until 2022 and how the game will just be called Destiny going forward. We've broken down all the major announcements here.The next expansion is called Beyond Light and focuses on another black The Darkness pyramid on Europa. It's the birthplace of the Exo class and you meet a new character called Hermes. The content allows you to equip The Darkness as a weapon and discover the true nature of the black pyramids and The Traveler. Beyond Light launches on September 22, and you'll be able to preorder it today.It's unclear where this st...

Samsung's Galaxy S10 Lite gave us an early look at what the design of the Galaxy S20 lineup would look like with the camera hump on the back and Infinity Display. The real story here, however, is that this smartphone shows that Samsung knows how to provide a flagship-level experience without breaking the bank. Even so, you'll need to keep your investment protected because this phone just looks that amazing. These are the best cases to choose from!Tested and trueSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen's been in the case game forever, and the Rugged Armor is the de-facto choice for many. The case offers Spigen's "Air Cushion" technology, along with a slim TPU design and interior spider-web pattern for improved shock absorption. With raised edges, your Galaxy S10 Lite is sure to withstand any scratches that could potentially be caused if you didn't use the Rugged Armor.$13 at Amazon$16 at MobileFunFour different materialsCocomii Luxe ArmorThose wanting a unique ca...

Google Docs on Android is getting the @mentions popularised by Twitter.What you need to knowGoogle is making it easier to work collaboratively on its mobile suite of apps.It's adding a clearer comment interface, as well as an @ mention support for comments.The update is available to all users; G Suite or otherwise.Google Docs has grown into a contender for Office's place as the de facto online productivity suite, and the company's improving its support for collaboration with update to its mobile apps.Here's what Google says is new:Larger, clearer interface to make it easier to see comments and their context in a document. Shortcuts and gestures to help you quickly scroll through and respond to multiple comments. Quick access button to reply, "@" mention someone, and assign action items. This update to the commenting interface will come to Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets for Android. As more and more users are working remotely, making it easier to deliver feedba...

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.Summer is upon us and every state has at least partially reopened. While travel is slowly picking up again, it's fair to say that many people will choose to stick closer to home this summer and embark on road trips instead of taking the skies.It probably goes without saying that points and miles are best for first-class flight redemptions and high-end hotel stays. However, with a little bit of research and planning, you can still get terrific use from them with road trips. Your road trip can also be a great opportunity to quickly rack up a significant amount of points and miles for when you are ready for that more exotic vacation.Saving money on your rentalUnless you're using your own car, the f...

Let's hope it's available at launch.What you need to knowDestiny 2 is a popular first-person shooter from Bungie.The game was upgraded for PlayStation 5. Destiny 2 is also being upgraded for Xbox Series X. Both consoles support 4K resolution and 60 FPS. Updated June 9, 2020: Bungie confirmed that Destiny 2 will run at 4K resolution and 60 FPS on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The game will also get cross-play sometime in 2021.Destiny 2 is an incredibly popular first-person shooter and it looks stunning on Xbox One X. However, despite the fact that it runs at native 4K resolution, it still renders at 30 frames per second (FPS). However, it seems like that's about to change when the next-generation machines roll out.Today, Bungie confirmed that Destiny 2 would be upgraded for next-generation machines. Hopefully, this means that the title will render at 60 frames per second, or higher, on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. However, only time will tell. It's unclear how...

A look back at what Pie brought to the table.Every year sees the release of a new Android version, and in 2018, we got Android 9 Pie.Android Pie was a notable update for a few different reasons. Not only did it introduce things like gesture-based navigation and an upgraded UI, but it was also the last Android version to come with a tasty dessert name.We may not talk about Android Pie a lot these days, but that doesn't take away from its importance at all. Here's everything you need to know about the software here in 2020!Check out our Pie reviewThe Pie update cycle is overGestures were a big dealPie introduced a lot of featuresAndroid 10 is now availableDon't forget about Android 11Pure AndroidGoogle Pixel 4 XLFrom $818 at AmazonFrom $900 at Best BuyGet the newest Android update ASAPIf you want to make sure you're first-in-line for Android updates as they become available, the Pixel 4 XL is the phone for you. It's currently running the latest build of An...

When it comes to getting a refund for a digital game on PlayStation 4, your mileage may vary. Technically, you won't be given a refund on a digital game that you've already downloaded or played unless the content is faulty. This is usually up to PlayStation Support's discretion — and whether or not the game is riddled with bugs. Still, if you've purchased a game and find that you don't want it, you have up to 14 days to request a refund. Because Sony practically sends you in circles trying to figure out how and where to request a refund — redirecting you to the same pages over and over — we've figured out a quick way to do it.How to request a refund on a PS4 gameGo to support.playstation.com/s/contact-support.Have your information ready, including your PSN ID, email address associated with the account, date of birth, and the name of the game you'd like refunded.In the window that opens up, select Request A Refund.Another page will pop up. Do not select any of the link...

It may sound like dark sorcery, but it's a simple setting on most phones.Custom text message tones might seem like a small feature, but they can be immensely useful. A custom text message tone can tell us to respond to one notification among a sea of default notification tones. A gunshot can mean the boss is texting you after hours again and you can ignore him, while a whip crack means your wife is texting you, and you should really check it right now. Whether you're using Google Messages — the default SMS app on most phones — a manufacturer version like the Samsung Messages app, or one of our favorite third-party SMS texting apps like Textra or Pulse, setting a custom text tone for a contact or conversation is easy to do. However, you might find the setting in different places, depending on your app or phone.How to set custom text tones on Google MessagesHow to set custom text tones on Samsung MessagesHow to set custom text tones on Pulse SMSHow to set custom text tones ...

Mobile gaming has been permanently changed, thanks to this incredible controller.Gaming on your phone sucks. No game has the same input system, virtual buttons on your phone never work the way they should, and the physical size of the phone makes it easy for your hands to cramp after extended use. If you have to turn your phone to landscape to play it, there's a good chance it's not going to be fun for particularly long. You can connect an Xbox controller over Bluetooth and dock your phone into it with a special clip, but those controllers take up a lot of space in a bag and will never fit in your pocket.Razer had a solid solution for this last year in its Junglecat controller, which split the traditional gamepad in half to be mounted on either side of your phone like a Nintendo Switch. The only real flaw in that Bluetooth controller was its physical limitation, it only really supported three or four phones. To really take off, something needed to work with basically everything...

Choosing a phone with a great camera is only part of the equation. The apps that you use with it — and after the fact — are equally important. But once you've taken the photo, how do you make it better? These are the best apps that help you get the most out of your photographs.Tweak and edit everythingSnapseedStaff PickGoogle's Snapseed is one of the most accessible photo editing apps for Android, with a wide range of features for experienced users and newcomers alike. The range of features is diverse. It has everything from basic automatic color and contrast enhancement, to cropping and sharpening, to selectively adjusting color properties within a particular radius.Free w/IAP at Google PlayBetter than you thinkGoogle PhotosGoogle makes editing photos a breeze. The app has several non-destructive (meaning you can undo them if you don't want them) tools so you can quickly and easily make changes and share them to various social networks. Plus, with Auto ...

A new series grants insight into the minds behind this classic title.What you need to knowPlayStation has announced a new podcast series dedicated to The Last of Us.The first episode is available now, with new episodes releasing every Tuesday over the next eight weeks.The July 7 episode will focus on The Last of Us Part II.Today, PlayStation announced The Official The Last of Us Podcast Series. The podcast is being hosted by Christian Spicer, a comedian and huge fan of The Last of Us.The first episode of this podcast is available and you can check it out right here. It features a discussion of the original game with Neil Druckmann and Anthony Newmann from Naughty Dog, as well as Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker, the performance capture actors for Ellie and Joel respectively.A new episode of the podcast will be released every Tuesday over the next eight weeks.Upcoming guests on the podcast include various developers at Naughty Dog, composer Gus San and other fans or cast me...

Let's talk about OnePlus's first "Pro" device.If you want an Android phone that delivers a high-quality experience without an outrageous price tag, OnePlus handsets are often some of the easiest to recommend. This has been the case ever since the original OnePlus One became a thing back in 2014, and it still holds true here in 2020.In 2019, OnePlus's first release of the year was the OnePlus 7 Pro. It was a successor to 2018's OnePlus 6 and 6T, and it marked a noticeable shift for the company towards a more premium user experience and an even higher price tag.If you're interested in learning a bit about the 7 Pro's backstory, want to catch up with our reviews of the phone, or need some tips on how to get the most out of it, this is the article for you.Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about the OnePlus 7 Pro in 2020!Here's a OnePlus 7 Pro history lessonCheck out our reviewsAndroid 10 is now availableWe've got some tips and tricksThere are plenty o...

Phones are expensive, but they don't have to be that expensive.Everyone wants a high-end phone, but the problem is bringing yourself to actually pay the high prices required for one. Some people are happy to pay retail, but others are looking for a deal — and one of the ways to find discounts is to look for refurbished phones.However, as you'd expect, buying a refurbished phone isn't as simple as walking into a store and asking for one — it takes a bit more research and understanding. To help you navigate it, we have all of the information you need right here to make a good choice in buying a refurbished phone.What does 'refurbished' mean?Even though we see "refurbished" thrown around a lot, that doesn't mean it's necessarily a standardized term. You may often see it used interchangeably with "recertified," "reconditioned," or just "open box," or "pre-owned." No matter the exact word, it generally refers to a product that was manufactured to sell as new, but for whate...

"We are combining the best parts of heritage and technology."What you need to knowMaster & Dynamic has once again partnered with Leica Camera AG.They're releasing two brand new sets of headphones. There are new Active Noise-Cancelling wireless headphones, and true wireless earphones too. Master & Dynamic has today announced new wireless headphones and earbuds in partnership with Leica Camera AG.In a press release the company stated: Master & Dynamic has added two new sound tools to the "Master & Dynamic for 0.95" collection, originally launched in 2017. Created in partnership with the legendary camera company Leica Camera AG and their high-end accessories brand 0.95, the new headphones and earphones are inspired by the iconic design and unrivalled craftsmanship of the world's fastest aspherical lens, the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH.The new products are MW65 Active Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones in matte black metal with black leather and...

The feature is mainly used by businesses to make it easier for customers to contact them through WhatsApp.What you need to knowA security researcher has discovered that phone numbers of WhatsApp users using the 'Click to Chat' feature were indexed publicly on Google Search.The Click to Chat feature lets users chat with someone on WhatsApp even without saving their phone number in their phone. Fortunately, the issue appears to have been resolved by WhatsApp.If you have used WhatsApp's little-known Click to Chat feature, your phone number may have been publicly accessible via a Google search. Athul Jayaram, a security researcher from India, has discovered that the privacy issue in the WhatsApp web portal may have exposed phone numbers of nearly 300,000 WhatsApp users.The Click to Chat feature, which has been around for a long time now, makes it possible for businesses to create a link to allow their customers to send them a message on WhatsApp. Customers can simply click on...

The best VPN for gaming will get you the speed you need to compete online but it'll do that without compromising your security. Not all VPNs are the same so finding the best for gaming is important as you'll want to keep ping times down for the best possible competitive edge online.If you're spending a lot of time gaming online then it makes sense to keep your connection and personal details secure. It's also good to have a layer of defense against potential DDoS attacks that some overly competitive gamers will use as a weapon.Another great feature is the ability to change your apparent location. This means you can play games that might otherwise be geo restricted by country. It also means for anyone on an open connection like at a university, say, you'll still be able to play otherwise blocked games like Fortnite.Speed will usually suffer a little as a result of bouncing your signal about through a VPN. However, we found in our testing that in some cases we actually got faster...

The Explore tab launched on mobile first, and now it's available on the web.What you need to knowGoogle has added the Explore Tab to YouTube Music's desktop app.The Explore tab replaces the Hotlist app as an easier way to discover new music.It made its debut on iOS and Android roughly a month ago. Google has quietly updated the YouTube Music web app to feature the new Explore tab. replacing the old Hotlist section that lived in its place.Google had already killed the tab on Android and later iOS, the web app was just a little slow on the uptake.Users of the web app will find these two new sections: New Releases will feature the latest popular albums, tracks and music videos, as well as brand new content suggested based on your listening history. Moods & Genres will help users find the perfect playlist or genre for any moment, whether you are relaxing, working out, or in the mood for some feel-good music.Google recently unveiled a tool that would allow u...

The value choiceRing Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)$100 at Amazon$100 at Best BuyProsNear Zone helps decrease motion capture false positives1080p videoBetter night visionHigh-quality two-way audioHalf the priceCan be hard-wired or battery-poweredConsNeed to completely remove from wall to charge batteryNo support for 5GHz networksPoor Google Assistant integrationRing did something truly amazing. It upgraded its excellent Ring Video Doorbell without upcharging on the price. That makes the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) the best value connected video doorbell on the market. Higher resolution video, better night vision, higher quality two-way audio, and better motion detection are here, all without a higher price.A more premium productRing Video Doorbell 3$200 at AmazonProsNear Zone helps decrease motion capture false positives1080p videoBetter night visionHigh-quality two-way audioSupport for 5GHz networksEasily removable batteryCan be hard-...

Samsung's jumbo-sized tablet inches close to launch.What you need to knowSamsung's Tab S7+ has just passed Bluetooth certification as it gears to launch.It's expected to be a fairly large 12.4-inch tablet, competing with Apple's iPad Pro for mobile productivity professionals. The Tab S7 and S7+ are expected to launch in July.Samsung's working on a successor to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, but it's likely to make a variant of that model for those who like jumbo-sized tablets to go with their jumbo-sized phones. While previously rumored as the Tab S7+, the branding of the tablet has just be confirmed on its Bluetooth certification page via Sammobile.Earlier reports placed the S7+ as coming with Qualcomm's latest and greatest 865 complete with 5G on board, WiFi 6, large batteries, and USB Type-C fast charging, and a sizeable 12.4-inch display.Sammobile also adds that the S7+ will come with hardware niceties like Samsung's now-staple AKG-tuned stereo speakers, a microSD card ...

Android is all about customization.Don't like your launcher? Get a new one. Don't like your garishly gray keyboard? Change it up! Got the same ringtone as that annoying coworker at the other end of the room? Just don't like the lame, old sounds that came with your sweet, new phone? No problem! We have options aplenty for Android sounds these days, and once you get the hang of these tools, the world is your ringtone.Let awesome ring.How to find and set a custom ringtone through the Zedge appHow to manually add a ringtone file to the Ringtones folderHow to set a custom ringtone in SettingsHow to set a custom ringtone for a contactHow to set a custom notification toneHow to find and set ringtones through the Zedge appThere's a lot of places to find ringtones, but far and away, the easiest is Zedge. Zedge is a customization app that looks to personalize your phone in a number of ways, but most notably with its Ringtone and Wallpaper galleries. Zedge even streamlines the...