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Facebook had acquired a 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms for $5.7 billion earlier this year.Update, July 15 (7:30 am ET): Google confirms $4.5 billion investment in Jio Platforms.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly in "advanced talks" to acquire a stake in Reliance's Jio Platforms.The search giant is looking to invest about $4 billion in Jio Platforms. Jio is India's leading cellular network, with nearly 400 million subscribers. In April this year, Facebook invested $5.7 billion in Jio Platforms, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Jio, India's leading cellular network. A report from Bloomberg Quint now claims Google is in "advanced talks" to acquire a stake in Jio Platforms.Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication says the search giant has been discussing an investment of around $4 billion in Jio Platforms. A formal announcement is expected to be made within the next few weeks.As noted by Bloomberg Quint, Google would become the fourteenth...

Look past the name and use this tool to automate so many things you do every day.Bixby is used as a punchline more than as a smart assistant, and for the most part, it's justified. But there's another "Bixby" feature that doesn't have anything to do with Bixby at all: Bixby Routines. And interestingly, unlike most of Bixby, Routines is an amazing feature that more people should be using — but most don't even know it exists.Bixby Routines was introduced with the Galaxy S10, and it didn't get much attention at the time — probably because it's a bit mechanical and requires lots of manual set up, rather than being something that happens automatically and intelligently. Nonetheless, everyone with a Samsung Galaxy phone from the last couple of generations should be trying out Bixby Routines — there's a great chance you'll find something useful it can do for you.How to use Bixby Routines on Samsung Galaxy phonesBixby Routines is similar to the likes of Tasker or IFTTT, in that...

Jio Glass is claimed to provide best-in-class Mixed Reality services for a truly immersive experience.What you need to knowReliance Jio is working on a 5G solution using 100% homegrown technologies.Jio plans to offer its 5G solution to carriers in other countries as a completely managed service.The company also announced its first mixed-reality glasses called "Jio Glass."Reliance Industries, which is India's largest private company, today announced that it is working on a homegrown 5G solution that will enable it to provide a "world-class 5G service" in the country. During the company's annual general meeting, the company also revealed plans of launching mixed-reality glasses called "Jio Glass."The 5G solution, which is claimed to use 100% homegrown technologies and solutions, will apparently be ready for deployment next year. Reliance Jio plans to begin testing its 5G service in India as soon as 5G spectrum is made available. Since Jio uses an all-IP converged network, ...

The biggest phone has the biggest shoes to fill — and is (mostly) up to the task.Samsung's Galaxy S line is usually pretty easy to figure out as "the same phone in different sizes" — but the Galaxy S20 Ultra actually stands out as a different phone entirely. It's considerably bigger than even the S20+, and its unique rear camera setup needs to be evaluated separately from the other two S20 models.That was true when they were launched, and it's equally true now as we near the half-birthday of the Galaxy S20 lineup. With over five months since the Galaxy S20 Ultra launch, it's time to re-evaluate and see if it's still worth the high price tag. That's particularly true as we approach the launch of the new Galaxy Note 20 series, which will largely be based on the Galaxy S20 Ultra's foundation.At a glanceSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra ...

With the amount of data we keep around these days, you can never have enough storage space. Whether you want a capacious microSD card for a phone or Nintendo Switch, a hard drive for easily moving a lot of data around between machines, or to build your own media server, today's Amazon daily deal featuring sales from SanDisk and WD has got you covered.In this sale, you will find thumb drives, portable hard drives, solid state drives, SD and microSD cards, and more all ranging from a few gigabytes to multiple terabytes. And all going for super low prices.In recent years, the prices of microSD cards have been falling so it's never that expensive to pick up a high-capacity card. However, this sale offers some steep discounts that are worth considering on cards from 128GB to 1TB in size. The models on sale today are from SanDisk's Ultra and Extreme lines which will work great in all manner of devices, from security cameras to phones, tablets, and the Nintendo Switch. There's a 128GB m...

You're probably well aware of Amazon's lineup of devices by now. The company makes a whole host of Echo smart speakers, Fire TV devices and tablets, Kindle e-readers, among other things, and these devices have become super popular thanks to their affordable prices. Today only, you can save even more on Amazon devices at Woot thanks to a limited-time sale that drops starting prices as low as $19.99.Some of the devices are offered in new condition which means the only thing you're missing out on is paying full price. Others are used or refurbished to look and work like new, with shorter warranties, so it's worth paying close attention to that before you place an order.Possibly the best deal in the sale is on the latest Echo Dot. The 3rd-gen model goes for up to $50 at Amazon, but is down to only $24.99 today at Woot. With the Echo Dot you can control your smart home gear, as well as have measurements converted, find out the local weather, set timers, stream music, and more. If you'...

It's quickly becoming a standard feature that's worth getting excited over.The rollout and expansion of 5G have been interesting to watch over the last year or so. The first time I got to experience 5G for myself was in April of last year, when Verizon loaned me a Moto Z3 for the day, equipped with the 5G Moto Mod, to test out its millimeter wave 5G network in Chicago. Speeds, where I was able to find a signal, were incredibly impressive, but the availability of that signal was hilariously spotty.Of course, things eventually began to improve. About five weeks later, I came back to Chicago to try Verizon's network again and had a much better experience, and I later returned once more to try sub-6 5G for the first time over Sprint's network. This was by far the best experience of three, with far more consistent and reliable coverage, albeit at the cost of slower (though still impressive) speeds.Fast forward to today, and every major carrier has a decently well-established 5G netw...

NBC's new streaming service Peacock finally makes its debut this week with a slate of original content you won't be able to stream anywhere else. Based on the iconic novel of the same name, Brave New World could be the next big streaming hit — that is, if audiences can find it. Luckily, we've compiled a list of ways you can stream the show below.Brave New World Season 1: When and whereThe first two episodes of Brave New World premiere on NBC's Peacock when the service launches on the morning of Wednesday, July 15. The following episodes in the season will air on a weekly basis.Though NBC's Peacock streaming service has a few different tiers available, including a free tier, you will need to be on a Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Ad-Free membership to watch the service's original programming. There is plenty of free content available if you want to try out the service before signing up for a paid membership.How to watch Brave New World from anywhereThe options listed...

The new Calibrate with Live View option helps determine your precise location in dense urban environments.What you need to knowGoogle has started using Live View to calibrate users' location in Maps.To calibrate with Live View, you will need to point your phone cameras at buildings and signs across the street.The new 'Calibrate with Live View' option is now available on ARCore-compatible Android smartphones running the latest version of Google Maps. Google Maps gained a new featured called Live View last year, allowing users to get around more confidently with the help of augmented reality. Google has now quietly introduced the ability to use Live View to calibrate your location in Maps on Android devices (via 9to5Google).It is usually quite challenging to pinpoint a location in dense urban environments, mainly due to low visibility and interference from buildings. Since GPS often "falls short" in urban environments, Google's latest solution uses the camera on your phone ...

125W Flash Charge debuts alongside 65W wireless AirVOOC.What you need to knowOppo has announced 125W wired flash charging, and 65W wireless charging for smartphones.It promises super-fast charging speeds, while remaining within safe thermal limits.The tech is said to be "commercial ready," and should feature in Oppo's next-gen phones.Oppo has today announced its next generation of VOOC charging technologies for smartphones, leading with a super-quick 125W wired charging spec. That's almost double the wattage of the 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 spec used in its current flagship, the Find X2 Pro. The new wired Flash Charge, which pushes up to 20V at 6.25A, can refill a dead 4,000mAh battery to 41% in five minutes, or 100% in just 20 minutes, all while maintaining a device temperature below 40ºC.The charger appears around the same size as the current 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 brick, though with a USB-C port instead of the Type-A connector used in that model. Oppo also promises 65W USB-PD and ...

Widespread outage delaying messages for many users.Update, July 14 (5:20 pm ET): Reports of WhatsApp outages have almost entirely ended, after over an hour of widespread problems.What you need to knowPeople all over the world are reporting a WhatsApp outage, starting around 4 p.m. ET.Biggest sources of issues are Europe and South America.There has been no word or confirmation from WhatsApp on the issue.If you're having issues sending and receiving WhatsApp messages, you aren't alone. Users around the world are reporting outages with the service — including myself. A quick check of popular outage reporting site Downdetector shows a massive spike in reports of issues. Now, about an hour into the large spike in reports of WhatsApp issues, the reports have started to level off, indicating that WhatsApp has started to address the issue.At least on Downdetector, the biggest number of reports of WhatsApp issues are in Europe and South America, though when you think about it ...

Just because the Raspberry Pi 4 is such an inexpensive computer doesn't mean you shouldn't take good care of it. That means you'll want an enclosure of some sort to keep debris out and away from the board as well as provide protection against static shock. Thankfully, like the Pi itself, a great case is just a few dollars; here are the best you can find.Package dealMiuzei Raspberry Pi 4 CaseStaff PickA wonderful acrylic enclosure, a cooling fan, heat sinks, and a 3A power supply make this case deal a steal. You'll have access to all the ports and pins so this one works with any project, too. If you're not sure what to buy, buy this.$17 at AmazonSupercoolingVilros Raspberry Pi 4 Clear CaseThis acrylic case from Vilros is easy to assemble, has a mount for a camera, and cut out channels underneath for maximum airflow. These case channels, combined with the pre-installed fan, will keep your Pi nice and cool no matter what you're trying to do with it.$10 at Ama...

These are some great games!What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a cloud game streaming service.It's gotten a lot of interesting games in that past few months. Today, the company announced even more titles for the service. Outriders, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and more are coming to Stadia soon. Today, Google hosted another Stadia Connect in which it revealed more games coming to the cloud game streaming service soon. Out of them all, Outriders, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Hitman, and Hitman 2 were the stars of the show. Even though these titles are coming to Xbox One and other platforms — or have been available for a while — they're great experiences that should attract more players to Google's service.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the best games from 2019 and if you like Dark Souls, you should definitely pick this one up. The Hitman franchise is excellent and if you purchase Hitman 2, you can also play the first game through it. Though, Hitman is coming to t...

Not just any pair of headphones is suitable to use while you're working out. Even if you don't sweat a ton, moisture can damage headphones which aren't sufficiently water-resistant. Thankfully, plenty of models out there are designed with this in mind, such as the Treblab Z2 Workout Headphones. These over-ear headphones normally sell for $90, but today you can snag a pair on sale for $76.47. This limited-time offer saves you nearly $15 off their usual cost and offers one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on them.Treblab's Z2 headphones feature active noise-cancelling technology to tune out the world around you while you're listening. Bluetooth 5.0 powers the wireless connectivity so you can pair these headphones with devices like your smartphone or laptop with ease. Meanwhile, IPX4 water resistance keeps these headphones protected during your runs in the rain and spin classes. Inside are neodymium 40mm speakers, while swiveling ear-cups help to keep you comfortable for longer li...

The Nest Hello is your window to the outside (you know, aside from the actual windows on your home), and that means it's outside — all the time. It's a good idea to protect it or, at the very least, cover it so that it's not getting weather-worn and scuffed. These are the best covers and wall plates for your video doorbell.Jazz it upElago Google Nest Hello CaseStaff pickThese silicone cases are UV-resistant and come in six colors to add a bit of pizzazz to an otherwise boring-looking device. Elago's cases will protect your doorbell from the elements, and it won't block the camera, microphone, or any other necessary components.$9 at Amazon$12 at WalmartOn a pedestalElago Wall PlateElago's wall plates are a great backdrop to your Nest Hello. They come in four colors and are UV-resistant, double-coated for extra weather resistance, and they help to cover up any marks or holes behind your Nest Hello.$13 at Amazon$12 at WalmartShield from the sunkwmobile Prot...

Spotify is now available in 92 markets globally.What you need to knowSpotify has now rolled out its service to several new European markets, including Russia.The company also announced nearly 100 curated playlists for the Russian market, the 17th biggest for streaming music globally.Some features like podcasts didn't make the leap, with Spotify saying the market was "nascent."Spotify today announced that it would be expanding to 13 new European markets. These include Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.Spotify has paid particular attention to the Russian market, curating what it says is almost 100 playlists across popular genres. The country is the 17th largest streaming market in the world, previously served by Apple Music, Boom, Yandex Music, and YouTube Music most prominently according to a 2019 Statista survey. The addition of Spotify to the market is certai...

It happens to those with even the most spacious of hard drives. Sometimes you just run out of space and some of those old games have to go. Or maybe it's as simple as a terrible game in your library and every time you look at it you are reminded of what a terrible waste of money it was. No matter the reason, there are times where you need to delete some games from your PlayStation 4. There are two ways to do it and both of them are easy as pie. Let's take a look.Deleting games directly from your libraryFrom the main page of your PS4, scroll all the way to the right and select Library.Once in your library, find the game targeted for elimination.Push the Options button on your PS4 controller.A menu will pop up on the right. Scroll all the way down to Delete and select it.You will then be presented with a screen letting you know you're about to delete the game. Select OK and POOF it's gone. Deleting games from the Storage MenuFrom the main page of your PS4, go to ...

Some longtime Paper Mario fans are disappointed by the Origami King because of its move from an RPG experience into more puzzle solving. Ubisoft has confirmed Far Cry 6 for a February 2021 release, and Sony has made a $250 million investment in Epic Games.The gang also talk about Bigfoot, The Loch Ness Monster, and other conspiracy theories in a highly unexpected way.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Paper Mario gameplay and new Bakugan game shown during Nintendo Treehouse Live July 2020 | iMoreUbisoft confirms Far Cry 6 starring Giancarlo Esposito after an earlier leak, release date set for February 2021 | Windows CentralFortnite and Unreal Engine 5 owner Epic Games receives $250 million investment from Sony ahead of PS5 launch | Android CentralSony investing money in Epic Games makes a lot of sense ahead of the PS5 launch | Android Central...

Google's Fitbit purchase is being probed by the EU over data privacy concerns.What you need to knowGoogle has pledged not to use user data from its Fitbit purchase to target ads.Consumer advocacy groups expressed concern that the company would use its purchase to shore up its ads business, prompting an investigation by EU antitrust regulators. Google purchased Fitbit in 2019 for $2.1 billion, but government probes have slowed finalization.After Consumer advocacy groups urged closer scrutiny of Google's Fitbit acquisition, the EU began to take a harder look at that deal. The primary concern, as per the advocates, was that Google would use Fitbit's data to more effectively deploy ad targeting and further its dominance in the digital ads sector. A new report from Reuters indicated that Google would be able to avoid antitrust probes on its Fitbit deal if the company pledged to not use user data to target ads. Google has now made that commitment., leaving the EU's regulators un...

While many people are happy taking snaps, some of us strive for something more artistic. The Pro Photography & Photoshop 20 Course Bundle helps you take your creative skills to the next level, with over 119 hours of video tutorials for just $39.99.Now that smartphones all have amazing cameras, literally everyone has the opportunity to take great images nowadays. To stand out from the crowd, you need to understand shooting technique and hone your work in the digital darkroom.Whether you are thinking about turning pro or just getting started, this bundle of 20 courses provides a great education in photography. Delivered by an expert instructor, the training covers every aspect of the creative process.On the practical side, the Photography Master Class helps you get the most out of your camera. Through 65 video tutorials, you learn about settings, lenses, different types of light, and composition. A separate course teaches you the specifics of wedding photography.The rest of t...

Best answer: Final Fantasy 7 is the only PlayStation Classic game available on the PS4, so you won't be able to play any of the other titles without owning a different console.Play on your PS4: Final Fantasy 7 ($16 at PlayStation Store)The original console with 20 games: PlayStation Classic ($74 at Amazon)There is only one game availableFinal Fantasy 7 is the only PlayStation Classic game also available on the PS4. You can download it via the PlayStation Store to get the original feel of the legendary JRPG, though if you prefer modern graphics and gameplay over nostalgia you might be better off checking out the Final Fantasy 7 Remake.Sony offers hundreds of PlayStation One games through the PlayStation Store that you can play on your PS3, PlayStation Portable, or PlayStation Vita. If you don't already have one of those older consoles and still want to play some old school games, you might just want to pick up the perfect tool for the job.An affordable bundleNow tha...

Make sure your new copy of Kaspersky Anti-Virus is safe to download and install.Kaspersky Anti-Virus is one of the best computer protection programs around, and has been thoroughly tested by several third-party labs and in our own in-house tests, too. The best place to purchase a copy of Kaspersky Anti-Virus is from Kaspersky itself. However, you can often find deals through other vendors. The trick is finding a trustworthy one, so you don't accidentally purchase and download malware instead of a legitimate copy of Kaspersky. Here are a few vendors from whom it is safe to buy antivirus software.Before you buyKaspersky Anti-Virus is only one of several computer protection programs offered by Kaspersky. Its Internet Security, Total Security, and Mobile Security programs are all just as effective at stopping malware from infecting your devices. The most significant difference tends to be in the number of extra security tools included in the program. For example, Anti-Virus doesn't...

Swipe to change tracks is a nice-to-have feature that YouTube Music didn't originally carry over from its predecessor.Update, July 14 (01:30 PM ET): Swipe to change tracks is now widely available.What you need to knowSome YouTube Music users are reporting the presence of a new swipe to switch track feature in the app.Other music apps like Google Play Music supported the gesture in the past.While not all users had it at first, Google appears to be rolling it out widely. YouTube Music is trying out a new swipe to change tracks gesture. Recently spotted by people over at the eponymous YouTube Music subreddit, the feature works exactly as you'd imagine. You swipe your finger on the album art, and the next track comes into view.Though Pixel 4 users have a variant of this where motion-sense was used switch tracks, this is a bit more conventional. Like all YouTube Music features, it seems to be a server-side activated feature, so no apk version will automatically trigger it ...

The best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents, and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best OverallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$320 at Amazon$310 at Lenovo$259 at WalmartThe best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10-hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsWhile last year's C330 skimped on ports, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 (also known as the C340-11) features a USB-A and USB-C port on each side of the machine, larger v...

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.For most people, learning how to maximize credit card rewards requires stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. That might mean applying for your first ever credit card or even your first premium card, but one of the most beneficial decisions I made early on in my journey was getting comfortable applying for and utilizing business credit cards.My specific businesses have morphed over the years, from part-time tutoring in college to freelance writing, but business credit cards have remained a core part of my points and miles strategy. Here are a few reasons I love business credit cards in general, as well as the specific ones I can't live without.The advantages of business cards...

Google says a series of new titles will premiere on Play Pass later this year.What you need to knowGoogle Play Pass now offers 150+ new apps and games, all without ads or in-app purchases.In addition to the monthly subscription, users can now sign up for an annual Play Pass subscription at $29.99.Play Pass is also expanding to nine new markets, including Australia, Canada, and the UK. Google today announced a bunch of new updates to its Play Pass subscription service, which lets users access hundreds of apps and games for a single monthly fee. The latest updates, according to Google, will make it easier for users to get started with Play Pass.Over the past few months, Google has been adding new titles to the Play Pass catalog every month. It recently added The Almost Gone from Playdigious and is set to release more exciting titles such as The Gardens Between and Kingdom Rush later this year.Google is also introducing a new annual subscription option for Play Pass, p...

We love just how flexible the Chrome browser and Chrome OS feature set is. From the myriad extensions to web apps, to how useful it makes devices like Android phones and Chromebooks, Chrome OS is feature-packed. One of the most valuable tools that Chrome has to offer is the Chrome Remote Desktop, which allows you to access your computer (Mac, PC, Linux) from anywhere in the world using your Android or iOS phone, or another computer or tablet running Chrome and the Remote Desktop app. We'll show you how to set this feature up so that you can access your own files from far away, provide remote tech support, or receive remote tech support.How to set up Chrome Remote Desktop on a Mac, PC, or Linux computerIf you're planning to access another computer from your Chromebook, you'll need to set up Chrome Remote Desktop on that computer.Open the Chrome browser on the computer you wish to access remotely.Type in remotedesktop.google.com/access.From the Remote Desktop site, click on ...

When it comes to the best Stadia controller that distinction goes to the Stadia controller. While there may be better controller options out there, the Stadia controller is what will give you the most complete Stadia experience, including allowing you to play on your television through Chromecast Ultra. Since you can use any Bluetooth controller with Stadia, we've come up with some of the best picks, ranging from best for most people to something that will be affordable for everyone.Best Overall: Stadia ControllerWhile other controllers may offer more compatibility and customization, if you want to get the most of Google Stadia, you'll need the Stadia controller. Built like a normal gaming controller, the Stadia controller has a few key features in it that can take your gaming on Stadia to the next level.The Stadia controller comes equipped with two buttons that other controllers won't: the Share button and the Google Assistant button. The Share button allows players to insta...

The Pixel Buds aren't perfect, but they're awfully close.I've lost count of the number of true wireless earbuds I've tried over the past year, but it's well over 20. Some, like the superlative Jabra Elite 75t, are memorable. Others, like Mobvoi's awful TicPods 2, are only memorable for their flaws.Most true wireless earbuds, fall somewhere in the middle. They're good, not great, excelling in key areas and disappoint in a few notable ones. Even my beloved Elite 75t's are often criticized for spotty connectivity and poor quality control, though I've yet to experience any of those downsides.I say this as a preamble to Google's excellent but divisive Pixel Buds. Ostensibly the successor to the 2017 wired version, they were shown off at Google's October 2019 hardware event alongside the Pixel 4 series and the Pixelbook Go. We knew they were coming the following spring, but given the tepid response to the Pixel 4 and the limited appeal of the Pixelbook, the not-Nest part of the hardw...

Right now over at Woot you can get a 2-pack of the Google Home Mini 1st-generation smart speaker on sale for $39.99, and you can take an extra $5 off that price if you're an Amazon Prime member. Since Amazon Prime is also the only way to avoid Woot's $6 mandatory shipping fee, that's really a total of $11 you're saving just on the deal itself. Not to mention the 2-pack is already a discount if you consider the same two speakers would normally cost around $60 at a retailer like Best Buy. All-in-all, that's $25 in savings you're getting from Woot.This is the 1st-generation smart speaker which has since been replaced by the Google Nest Mini. That smart speaker is significantly more expensive, though, and currently retailing at $50 apiece, which makes a 2-pack $100.The Home Mini is one of the best ways to get Google Assistant throughout your home in the form of a compact smart speaker. You can play music, listen to audiobooks, get news and weather updates, control other connected sma...

Don't accept less for your aging phone.Upgrading to a new smartphone is often an expensive endeavor, especially if you're buying the latest and greatest flagship that's just come out. Phone prices seem to go up every single year, meaning that the decision to go out and actually get that hot new phone doesn't come lightly.There are some ways you can make a big purchase like this easier to approach, the most effective being that you sell your current phone so you have extra money for that big purchase.Samsung makes some of the most popular smartphones on the planet, and today, we're going to assume you have one and are looking to upgrade it to a newer model. There are a couple of key ways to go about this, some resulting in you making more money than you would with others.Without further ado, here are a few tips on how to sell your Samsung Galaxy phone and get the best price for it!How to trade-in your Galaxy phone with SamsungRight off the bat, we want to talk about Sams...

The OnePlus Buds will offer better battery life than the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ and Google Pixel Buds.What you need to knowOnePlus has revealed that its upcoming true wireless earbuds will offer up to 30 hours of battery life.The earbuds themselves will deliver over seven hours of continuous use. The OnePlus Buds are set to debut along with the OnePlus Nord on July 21.OnePlus will be unveiling its first-ever true wireless earbuds at its upcoming AR launch event for the OnePlus Nord smartphone. A day after confirming the name of the upcoming earbuds, OnePlus today shared some more details about the OnePlus Buds in a forum post.The OnePlus Buds will have the upper hand over Samsung's Galaxy Buds+, Apple AirPods, and other popular true wireless earbuds in the battery life department. OnePlus says its first-ever true wireless earbuds will provide up to 30 hours of battery life. The earbuds themselves are claimed to offer up to seven hours of continuous listening time on a sing...

Best answer: ExpressVPN allows you to connect five devices simultaneously. You can install it on more devices than that, though you'll need to disconnect one device to activate a connection on another once you hit that limit. Alternatively, you can install ExpressVPN's app on your compatible Wi-Fi router to connect as many devices as you want.Connect your devices: ExpressVPN ($6.67 per month at ExpressVPN)ExpressVPN is our top pick out of all the best VPN services out there, though it's five device limit is actually one of its downsides compared to the competition. For most people, five concurrent connections will be plenty so it's a minor complaint, but other provides allow up to ten simultaneous connections and some, such as Surfshark, even have no limit at all.You can install ExpressVPN's apps across all of your devices and be logged into the same account. You can mix and match which devices have active connections, such as phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, etc., and ...

Zoom-bombing became more prevalent as more of the world moved more online. Video-conferencing apps like Meet and Zoom are predictably making moves to stop it.What you need to knowGoogle will now block Zoom-bombing in Meet with a new requirement barring anonymous users.The bar applies to meetings hosted by any user with a G Suite Education and G Suite Enterprise for Education licenses.Zoom addressed this in version 5.0 a few months ago. Google Meet is getting an update to tackle the scourge of "Zoom-bombing". Taking its name from the eponymous video-conferencing app, Zoom-bombing happens when a conference call is joined by often-malicious and unwanted intruders who disrupt the call with inappropriate content. It became a noteworthy topic as much of our social interaction moved online earlier in the year, and Zoom itself has added a security tool to mitigate it. With this change on Google Meet, any user who is not signed in to a Google account will be restricted from joinin...

Spending over $100 on a pair of true wireless earbuds is pretty unnecessary, and even $50 is a lot for what some earbuds have accomplished for much less. Take the Dudios Tic True Wireless Earbuds for example. These Bluetooth earbuds normally sell for just under $40, and right now you can snag a pair for just $14.49 when you clip the coupon on its product page and then use promo code 45FP35F1 during checkout.At that price, you'll be scoring them at over half off — and at a fraction of the price of brand name true wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods.The Dudios Tic True Wireless Earbuds let you listen to your music wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable wireless connection. Its smart touch controls let you just tap the earbuds to pause or play your music, or answer an incoming call using the built-in microphone. There's a wireless range of up to 33 feet.You'll be able to listen for over four hours on a single charge with these headphones, though with the charging case th...

The OnePlus Nord had a major design change late in the game, but the result is fabulous.What you need to knowOnePlus co-founder Carl Pei showed off the OnePlus Nord to Marques Brownlee during a discussion of smartphone costs.The discussion also dug into what costs what in a smartphone and why some features are so much harder to justify than others.Preorders for the OnePlus Nord start tomorrow in India.We're now a week away from the OnePlus Nord and its AR launch event, but since pre-orders go live tomorrow, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see OnePlus showing off the phone in all its finished glory in a new in-depth video from Marques Brownlee. The actual purpose of the video is to break down costs of certain features and components in a smartphone and how OnePlus decides which of them make the cut for its phones.The video is long, but entirely worth the watch, but the more important takeaways when it comes to the OnePlus Nord are that OnePlus chose to once again sa...

Most budget soundbars can't support Dolby Atmos soundtracks, and those that do often struggle to convincingly recreate the cinematic bubble of sounds you're used to in a theater. Soundbars like the VIZIO 36" 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar, however, manage to achieve an impressive Atmos sound without screaming through your savings. We've tracked down the best "budget" Atmos-compatible soundbars that best straddle the line between quality and affordability.Best Overall: VIZIO 36" 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar (SB36512-F6)The SB36512-F6 is the only soundbar to also justify a place on our best overall Dolby Atmos soundbars list, with specs that almost stack up against devices that cost twice as much or more. Vizio pairs a soundbar with good sound quality with a 6-inch wireless subwoofer and two discrete rear speakers with upward-facing drivers (soundbars without side speakers can only imitate its excellent surround sound). The speakers connect via wires directly to the subwoofer, so make sure you...

Two new charts will cover 'Trending' and 'Top' podcast titles.What you need to knowSpotify is rolling out new podcast charts.Two new charts will show 'Trending' and 'Top' titles. The charts are available in 26 countries including the U.S. and UK.Spotify is rolling out new podcast charts to track both trending and top titles on the platform.As reported by The Verge: The two initial podcast charts will be called Trending and Top. Trending, which is based partially on the speed of growth in listener numbers, includes 50 rising shows, while Top will be the 200 most popular shows overall and will be localized by region. Top, which already exists in a much smaller form currently, can also be separated into categories, like business, comedy, and technology, in certain regions. The charts will be available in 26 countries, including the US, Mexico, the UK, Brazil, and Germany. Both will be updated daily.Spotify says it will use "overlapping systems" to prevent fraudulent a...

Streaming devices and set-top boxes are becoming major staples in the homes of those who wish to cut the cord or augment their current television viewing experience. While there is no real shortage of available set-top boxes and streaming sticks on the market, there are quite a few that are heads and shoulders above the rest, especially in the Android TV market. Here are some of the best available Android TV boxes on the market.Gaming & StreamingNVIDIA Shield TV (2019)Staff PickThe NVIDIA Shield is a pure powerhouse in the Android TV ecosystem. With hands-free operation, courtesy of either Google Assistant or the Alexa ecosystem, as well as GeForce NOW game streaming, 4K HDR video streaming with Dolby Atmos audio, and access to the full Google Play Store, the NVIDIA Shield is a top pick for anyone looking to bring the Android TV experience home.$150 at AmazonSmall and FunctionalXiaomi Mi Box SXiaomi's Mi Box S isn't the most powerful Android TV box, but ...

Making it truly smartAugust Wi-Fi Smart Lock$250 at AmazonProsFits over your existing lockProximity lock and unlockRemote locking/unlockingDoorSense knows if your door is closedDoesn't need an external hubGreat integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and moreConsNo local smart home network support (Z-Wave, Zigbee, etc.)Shorter battery lifeThe August Wi-Fi Smart Lock isn't just easier to install, it's also the most capable smart lock around. Keep your old lock and gain a host of new smart features with this option.Best with a NestNest x Yale Smart Lock$270 at AmazonProsExcellent battery life Codes for a great backupRemote locking/unlockingIntegrates nicely with other Nest productsConsRequires external hub for Internet connectivityFingerprint magnetPIN pad could be a security issueOnly supports Google AssistantThe Nest x Yale Smart Lock works best when you've already got a Nest smart home. Remote unlocking and deep Google As...

If you've been paying attention to mobile photography trends and specs lately, you've probably come across the term "pixel binning" somewhere along the way. If you're confused as to what it is or what it does for your photos, here's what you need to know.Why pixel size mattersImage sensors on smartphones are limited by the space manufacturers and engineers have to work with. Unlike DSLR and mirrorless cameras that use considerably larger sensors, phones have to be creative in maximizing available space to try to achieve similar results.Since pixels are the dots that make up a digital image, they are doubly important when it comes to how the pixels in an image sensor capture light. Technically speaking, the proper term for the light cavities recording images is "photosites." Still, the industry and marketing lingo tends to sway toward "pixel" to describe these elements, so we'll go with that. The more crammed into an image sensor, the smaller each pixel tends to be.There ...

You know what would really make your gaming PC complete is a new mouse or keyboard to go with it. Especially if you get one from Razer because this gear has the design aesthetic, the custom lighting, and the features to make your gaming sessions that much better. Well, today you can save on a variety of Razer devices including mice, keyboards, and headsets through Amazon's huge limited-time sale. This is a one-day only sale, though, so you'll want to go for it while you can because the low prices won't last forever.This huge sale even includes a version of the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook gaming laptop on sale for $1,449.99. That's $250 off its regular price, and this configuration has never gone on sale before.The laptop has an Intel Core i7 processor, a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q graphics card, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It also has a 13-inch display with 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. It uses Chroma RGB for custom lighting and Thunderbolt 3 for super fast ...

Duo group video calling is available on smart displays from LG, JBL, and Lenovo as well.Update, July 14 (7:00 am ET): The feature is now live in the UK.What you need to knowThe Nest Hub Max can now be used to make group video calls with Duo and Google Meet.Google is rolling out beta support for G Suite accounts, which means you can also host work meetings on the Nest Hub MaxThe new feature will begin rolling out in the U.S. today. One of the most impressive features of the Google Nest Hub Max is its 6.5MP camera, which can be used not just for keeping an eye on things at home, but also for video calls. Up until now, you could only make one-on-one video calls with the Nest Hub Max. Starting today, however, Nest Hub Max owners in the U.S. can make group video calls using Duo and Google Meet.Before you can begin making group calls, you will have to create groups in the Duo app. Once you have created groups, you can initiate a group call using the command "Hey Google, m...

Amazon's Prime Day 2020 event isn't likely to happen in July this year for the first time since it came about. Rumors suggest that Amazon is pushing it back until October, following issues the company faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. While unfortunate, it makes sense for Amazon to delay the event for several reasons. Consumers are affected by the economic slowdown, lots of people lost jobs during the outbreak, and supply chains are still affected by everything. While it would be awesome to have a small sense of normalcy and have Prime Day happen during July, it doesn't look like that's what will happen this year.The delay could potentially change a lot of things about Prime Day 2020, especially with how much closer it pushes the event towards Black Friday and the holiday shopping season. There are a lot of unanswered questions at this point like what is this rumored Summer Sale that people are talking about, when will Prime Day be announced and take place, and should you buy on ...

There are many reasons to use a VPN in 2020, but one common use case is for streaming media via an Amazon Fire TV Stick or other Fire TV device. Out of the plethora of VPN options, it can be hard to know which to use and you could spend hours trying to decide for yourself which is the best VPN for you. Using a VPN for streaming comes with its own set of considerations, so whether you're looking for a free VPN, cheap VPN, or just the outright best VPN for Fire TV Stick, use this guide to help you figure out which one to go for.Best VPN for Fire TV Stick 2020 at a glanceExpressVPN - Best in class: Fast speeds, Amazon app, easy to useNordVPN - Also great: Reliable, tons of server choice, great supportSurfshark - Affordable option: Speedy, attractive pricingIPVanish - Feature-packed: Fastest server optimisation, remote control supportCyberGhost - Easy to use: Fire TV app, global servers, encrypted What is the best VPN service for Amazon Fire TV Stick?We believe that the...

Google is being investigated about how it sells ad space, but has some compelling evidence that it's not trying to be a monopoly.Google has a lot of services that you're familiar with, like Android, Gmail, Google Maps, and of course, the Google search engine. But since all of those are free, you might have wondered exactly how Google makes money.In 2019, Alphabet — Google's parent company — had over 162 billion dollars in revenue, and the majority of it came from one type of service: advertisements. Google Ads and AdSense are the company's bread and butter. Google Ads are those inline advertisements you see when you search for something using Google.com, and AdSense is the partner program that sites like Android Central use to display ads from Google. Both are worth a pretty penny, which is why regulators in several countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., are taking long, hard anti-trust looks into Google's operations.What many investigators and regulators propose is th...

Mobvoi offers some of the most affordable smartwatches out there and, today only, you have a rare chance to save on its top-of-the-line models at Amazon. Both the 2020 and 2019 TicWatch Pro models are discounted there with prices falling as low as $199.99. Whichever model you go for, you'll be scoring it at its best price to date, though the deals end tonight or when sold out.The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE from 2019 is the most affordable option at just $199.99. Considering it goes for $299 pretty consistently, getting it today scores you a huge savings.It features a 1.39-inch circular screen with a knurled stainless-steel bezel, Gorilla Glass 3, and innovative dual-layer AMOLED/LCD display. You'll also have Google Assistant, NFC for Google Pay, 4 GB of internal storage, 1GB RAM, and it's powered by the Snapdragon Wear 2100. It's also IP68 water-resistant for pool workouts. The cellular connectivity that allows you to stay connected using just the watch with Verizon.We reviewed the Ti...

Facebook had acquired a 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms for $5.7 billion earlier this year.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly in "advanced talks" to acquire a stake in Reliance's Jio Platforms.The search giant is looking to invest about $4 billion in Jio Platforms. Jio is India's leading cellular network, with nearly 400 million subscribers. In April this year, Facebook invested $5.7 billion in Jio Platforms, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Jio, India's leading cellular network. A report from Bloomberg Quint now claims Google is in "advanced talks" to acquire a stake in Jio Platforms.Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication says the search giant has been discussing an investment of around $4 billion in Jio Platforms. A formal announcement is expected to be made within the next few weeks.As noted by Bloomberg Quint, Google would become the fourteenth investor in Jio Platforms if the deal goes through. Just yesterday, chipmaker Qualcomm a...

SoftBank has roped in Goldman Sachs to help review options for ARM.What you need to knowSoftBank is reportedly mulling selling ARM holdings or taking the British chip designer public.SoftBank acquired ARM Holdings in 2016 for $32 billion.More than 95% of smartphone processors are built on ARM's IP. A report from the Wall Street Journal claims SoftBank is exploring the idea of selling British chip designer ARM. SoftBank had bought ARM Holdings four years back for $32 billion.As per the report, the review on ARM Holdings is currently at an early stage. Apart from a full or partial sale, SoftBank is also mulling a public offering of the chip designer. Since it isn't known how much interest industry players might have in the British company, it is possible that SoftBank may ultimately choose to do nothing.The news comes just a few weeks after SoftBank sold $21 billion of its stake in T-Mobile. SoftBank recently said that it is hoping to sell up to $41 billion in assets to h...

The update will also include fixes for the connectivity issues some Pixel Buds owners have been complaining about.What you need to knowGoogle has confirmed that the first "feature drop" for the Pixel Buds will arrive by the end of August.Similar to feature drops for Pixel phones, the first feature drop for the Pixel Buds is expected to bring significant new functionality. In addition to new features, the update is also expected to include a fix for the audio cut out issues reported by several owners. In December last year, Google began rolling out "bigger updates" to its lineup of Pixel phones with feature drops. The first-ever feature drop brought a number of enhancements and new functionality to the Pixel 4 series phones, including automatic call screening, improved video calls on Duo, and the ability to blur the background in photos post-snap.In an interview with Forbes, Sandeep Waraich, senior product manager for wearables at Google, confirmed that the Pixel Buds will...