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Making your home smarter seems to be all the rage these days. There are smart speakers, smart TVs, and other accessories that let you control your life with your voice. One of the most significant conveniences in a home can come from installing smart locks, so you never have to fish a key out again and can manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.Best Overall: August Smart Lock ProThe Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don't need to replace your keys to use it. You can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple's HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi.That included bridge is key to this pick's value, as many other connected smart locks require you to purchase a hub separately. We like the 24/7 acti...

Best answer: Yes; a mesh system or a mesh capable router makes the most sense for most people. A mesh system costs a little more upfront, but it allows for growth down the line.Router features with a mesh ecosystem: Linksys MAX-STREAM MR7350 ($150 at Amazon)Compact and simple to use: eero ($249 at Amazon)Wi-Fi that grows with youThe original home routers were rather simple in that they took an incoming internet connection from a modem and broadcast a wireless signal. Back when Wi-Fi was in use by fewer people and fewer devices took advantage of it, things like interference weren't much of an issue. Not only that, but 2.4GHz signals were also more than adequate, and the lower frequencies could travel much further than 5GHz.Today, most of us are always within range of multiple Wi-Fi hotspots, and we've come to expect Wi-Fi to handle a ton of traffic, often in excess of 100Mbps. Just think about how many devices you connect in your household daily. To achieve higher speeds, r...

It now plans to reopen its offices on Labour Day.What you need to knowGoogle has decided to delay the reopening of its offices in the U.S.The company had initially planned on resuming on-campus operations at some locations starting July 7.Owing to a spike in COVID-19 cases, however, that date has now been pushed to September 7.Despite its plans to reopen some of its offices from July 7, Google has now decided to keep its offices shut for at least two more months, as a spike in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. forced the company's hand.Back in May, CEO Sundar Pichai had informed employees that the company would gradually resume on-campus operations, initially on a limited, rotating basis, starting with those who needed access to specialized equipment. Those plans have now been derailed, however, as Bloomberg reports.Chris Rackow, Vice President of Global Security, said in a new company-wide memo: While conditions do vary from state to state, we need to see that the U.S. ou...

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.As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue, U.S. spending habits have shifted dramatically from even earlier this year. While road trips are sputtering back to life, travel overall is still dramatically down.Since April, credit card issuers have been quick to catch on, adding in new limited-time bonus categories, annual-fee reductions, and other credits that could be used from home. These changes were intended to keep certain cards — especially travel rewards cards — to be top of mind for those that hold them.Just last month, Chase announced a slew of benefit updates for two of its most popular cards — the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve. Those perks includ...

With the 4th of July only a few days away, now's the perfect time to start looking for a deal on a new laptop, 4K TV, or another expensive purchase you've been meaning to make in the last few months. B&H's 4th of July sale is one that's live right now so you can find that new TV or PC you've been looking for and save a few hundred bucks on it in the process. Of course, B&H has plenty of other tech on sale too, from smart home devices to streaming media players, along with tons of cameras and accessories. Plus, standard shipping is free for most items, with expedited shipping free on most orders over $49.Unlocked smartphones are on sale during B&H's 4th of July sale too. For instance, this OnePlus 6T device is not only $200 off right now but also includes a Ting Sim Card Kit that gives you $60 worth of prepaid phone service free-of-charge.Anyone looking for a new TV should consider the Samsung TU8000 75-inch 4K Smart TV. This is the latest model to come from Samsung an...

Arcades may be a relic of the past in 2020, but that doesn't mean arcade-style gaming is dead. Arcade1Up machines bring the fun of arcade games to your home with mini cabinet designs that are reminiscent of popular arcade cabinets yet in a smaller size that makes it possible for anyone to own one. Thanks to a limited-time sale at Walmart, the price on two of these machines is much lower than usual. While supplies last, you can pick one up for as low as $99.99 and save $100 off the regular price. Shipping is free.Two different models are on sale at Walmart today, and it's likely these prices won't last long at all. The first is this Space Invaders Arcade1Up Machine. At $100 off its normal cost, that marks one of the lowest prices we've ever seen on one of these machines. The second model, Centipede Arcade1Up Machine is on sale for the same price of $99.99.Arcade1Up's Countercade machines measure 18 inches high and are best suited to be placed on a counter or table of some sort. Un...

Your Raspberry Pi 4 doesn't have any internal storage of its own so all of the software, including the operating system, runs off the SD card you supply. That means it's essential to find the right card; one that's fast enough, robust enough, has enough storage, and won't break the bank. You can use any SD card, but here's a list that will help you get the most out of your Pi.Best all aroundSamsung EVO+ 32GBStaff PickSamsung's 32GB EVO+ card ticks all the right boxes when it comes to using it in your Raspberry Pi 4. It's fast enough, hits the maximum native format size, and it's nice and inexpensive. If you're not sure which card to get, pick this one.$9 at Amazon$12 at Best BuyMore storage for the proSanDisk Extreme Plus 64GBIf you need more space, the 64GB version of SanDisk's Extreme Plus card is a great option as long as you correctly format it using the FAT32 file system. If you need the extra space, it's worth it.$24 at Amazon$25 at Best Buy$28 at...

The company had also begun updating the Galaxy S20 series last week.What you need to knowSamsung today released, and then suddenly pulled, the July 2020 security patch for its last generation flagships.The update had initially begun rolling out in more than 20 countries.There's no word yet on why the rollout was stopped or when it'll resume again.Just days after the company made the July 2020 security patch available for its latest flagships, Samsung had also begun showing some love to its flagships from last year. That is, until the company decided to suddenly stop the rollout, as SamMobile reports.Unlike the Galaxy S20 update from last week, the S10 patch included just security fixes and no new features. When it was still rolling out, it was available in more than 20 countries across Europe.Samsung has yet to provide an explanation as to why it suddenly pulled the update or when Galaxy S10 users can expect to see it available on their devices again. The most likely ca...

The pen is mightierGalaxy Note 10+$900 at Amazon$900 at Best Buy $900 at Walmart Pros256GB of expandable storageThree powerful camerasMultipurpose S Pen toolIncredible edge-to-edge displayGreat battery life and fast chargingConsNo headphone jackLow-light camera quality is weakThe Galaxy Note 10+ has a long-lasting battery, three powerful cameras, and of course, the mighty S Pen. It's still one of the best Android phones around, and beats out the iPhone with tweakable software, expandable storage, and lightning-fast charging.Over the garden walliPhone 11 Pro Max$1099 at AppleProsWorks well with other Apple productsThree powerful camerasDual SIM capable with eSIMSeamless transitioning between lensesImproved Face IDConsNo headphone jackStarts at just 64GBThe iPhone 11 Pro Max is Apple's biggest, most powerful phone yet, with three great cameras and the promise of all-day battery life. You'll need to pay extra for worthwhile storag...

Samsung has released another lineup of sleek and sexy smartphones that you're going to want to show off and keep protected at the same time. For the Galaxy S10, one of the best accessories you can buy is an awesome clear case. It will protect your phone from any unsightly scratches or other damage while letting the phone's color and unique design elements shine through.Clearly greatSpigen Liquid CrystalStaff pickIf you want ample protection from a case that doesn't cover up all the fine details of the S10, you'll want to get the Spigen Liquid Crystal. It offers protection against scratches and drops, is shock absorbent, and is easy to apply and remove. It also offers the best value for a clear case.$9 at Amazon$21 at WalmartCrystal clear protectionX-Doria Defense Shield SeriesX-Doria's Defense Shield proves a clear case can be ruggedly handsome, too, drop tested to 10 ft and rock-solid in the hand with a clear back and a colored bumper. The Black and Red bumper v...

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a truly gorgeous phone thanks to its nearly bezel-less display and stunning glass back, but as with all of Samsung's flagship handsets, you'll want to outfit it with a case to ensure its good looks for years to come. Whether you're buying the S10 on discount these days or your original case is falling apart, here are the cases we recommend getting today.Redesigned favoriteSpigen Neo HybridStaff pickSpigen's Neo Hybrid has long been one of our favorite phone cases. It has an iconic design, offers excellent protection, and is easy on the wallet.From $14 at Amazon$14 at eBayThinnest you can getTotallee Thin CaseOne of the best thin cases on the market comes from Totallee. Not only is this case astonishingly thin, but it also offers ample coverage against wear and tear.$7 at Amazon$35 at WalmartMore than a caseSamsung LED Back CoverThe Samsung LED Back Cover is quite unique. The case offers good drop protection, but its real highl...

This marks an escalation in the U.S. government's campaign against both Chinese tech firms.What you need to knowThe FCC has now designated Huawei and ZTE as national security threats.This move prevents telecoms providers from using federal funds when purchasing equipment from either of the two.FCC Chair Ajit Pai pointed to close ties with the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinse military when explaining the body's decision. Huawei and ZTE have now been designated as national security threats by the FCC in a move that will be perceived as an escalation in the trade conflicts between the U.S. and China. This designation bars all U.S. telecoms providers from using the FCC's Universal Service Fund to spend on any equipment purchased from either company, whether it relates to procurement or repairs.In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said: With today's Orders, and based on the overwhelming weight of evidence, the Bureau has designated Huawei and ZTE as national secur...

Cas Holly joins the show once again to chat with Carli and Jen about Cyberpunk 2077, microtransactions within Pokémon games, brushing your teeth, and more.Most importantly, they take a sobering look at the pervasiveness of sexual misconduct in the video game industry and why the business side of what we love is due for a reboot.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Ending sexual assault in the video game industry requires a total reboot | Android CentralUbisoft to investigate accusations of sexual misconduct | Windows CentralTwitch to issue 'permanent suspensions' and more following multiple sexual misconduct allegations | Windows CentralCyberpunk 2077 lets you hop into memories in new Braindancing gameplay | Windows CentralPokémon Unite and Pokémon Café Mix show microtransactions shouldn't be on the Nintendo Switch | iMore...

It's also waterproof.What you need to knowPolar this week announced its cheapest fitness tracker yet, the Polar Unite.The $149 fitness tracker comes with waterproofing and built-in GPS.The watch also boasts personalized workout guides, heart-rate monitoring and more.Weighing 32 grams, the Polar Unite is the company's newest fitness tracker — and it's pretty light on your wallet, too. Going for $149, it's the company's cheapest fitness watch yet. For that price, you get a waterproof watch with built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and what the company claims is a "truly personalized" fitness guide that'll track "your sleep, recovery, fitness level, and training history to recommend tailored workouts each day.""Polar is dedicated to making fitness make sense. There are plenty of fitness wearables on the market, but typically you're forced to choose between practicality, price and performance," said the company's Chief Marketing Officer. "With Polar Unite, w...

We spend a lot of time talking about high-end wireless headphones like the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 — and for good reason, they're incredible products — but nothing says you have to spend a lot just to get some good headphones for casual listening. Panasonic, Monoprice, COWIN, and even Google all make great wired and wireless headphones to fit almost any budget.Best sound qualityStaff pickAudio-Technica ATH-M40xIf you're looking for great sound for a low price, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are unbeatable. In terms of sound quality, they sound very natural with a wide soundstage. Nothing fancy, just wired over-ear headphones that sound good, especially for the price.$99 at Amazon $97 at Walmart $99 at B&HSmartest headphonesGoogle Pixel USB-C EarbudsFor better or worse, most phones these days ship without a headphone jack, so USB-C earbuds are your best bet for portable wired audio. Google's Pixel Earbuds support 24-bit digi...

Barcelona are back in action tonight as they face Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou. Don't miss a kick by following our Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid live stream guide below.Barça remain in second place in La Liga after dropping points at Sevilla and Celta Vigo. Their last result really put their El Clasico rivals Real Madrid in the driving seat in this year's title race and the Blaugrana cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to keep the pressure on Real.Atletico will be no pushover tonight, however. Los Colchoneros are right behind Barcelona in third place in La Liga, though there are 11 points between the two sides. Diego Simeone's men have won four of their five games since Spain's lockdown was lifted including a rousing 5-0 victory at mid-table Osasuna. Atletico look destined for Champions League football next year, though it's not yet guaranteed so the team will want to continue picking up points.This La Liga clash is bound to be entertaining regardless of the r...

Top-flight Italian football continues tonight as league leaders Juventus head to Serie A strugglers Genoa. Don't miss a kick of the action by following our live stream guide below.Juventus have bounced back from their Coppa Italia disappointment at the hands of Napoli. The Bianconeri have won both Serie A games since the defeat in the cup final, scoring six goals in the process. Genoa, on the other hand, have taken only one point from the available six in their two games back after the unscheduled season break.Juve were also in great form before the lockdown having only been defeated three times in 2020. They also beat Derby d'Italia rivals Inter 2-0 in their last game before the season was put on hold due to the pandemic. They currently sit at the top of the Serie A table, though Lazio are hot on their tails.In contrast, Genoa are in the lower echelons of Serie, currently sitting in 16th place with just 26 points. The Grifone have won just three league games in 2020 and are no...

Google already does this with regular living animals, now we can see the terrible lizards of long ago.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park to your living room with AR.Google has also added effects like growling and roaring to increase immersion.It works on any ARCore enabled phone. With ARCore, Google has supported viewing augmented reality versions of common animals like wolves and horses in Search, but now it's adding the scaly dinosaurs that we all know and love.As part of a partnership with Universal, it's bringing some of the most fun dinosaurs from Jurassic Park to your garden with AR.Google says you can view the following dinosaurs with AR; Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Triceratops, Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Pteranodon, and Parasaurolophus. Google even adds effects like roaring and stomping to increase immersion.Ignoring that Pteranodons aren't dinosaurs, one of the largest issue...

Does it allSamsung Galaxy Note 10$1100 at AmazonProsGorgeous, bezel-free AMOLED displayFour rear camerasGreat battery lifeExpandable storage via microSDS PenConsMore expensiveBad track record for software updatesDisplay is only 60HzThe Galaxy Note 10+ is one of the most expensive Android phones you can buy, but it's also one of the best. The hardware of the phone is top-notch, the AMOLED display looks fantastic, and the battery life is more than reliable. Add that together with powerful cameras and everything that comes with the S Pen, and you end up with one heck of an overall package.Camera champGoogle Pixel 4 XLFrom $780 at AmazonPros90Hz display is butter smoothOutstanding camerasMatte glass backFace unlock is ridiculously fastGuaranteed software updatesConsExtremely weak battery lifeNo expandable storageMany apps don't work with face unlockThere are some things the Pixel 4 XL does really well. It takes insanely good pic...

Astropad is the maker of Luna Display, the #1 solution to turn your iPad into a wireless display. Tens of thousands of people around the world already enjoy the magic of Luna Display for Mac. Now, they're bringing that same magic to Windows!Luna wirelessly extends your desktop to your iPad, so you can have untethered productivity, from home to the office, and everywhere in between. Simply plug in Luna, launch the apps, and your devices will automatically connect! Luna will be available for USB-C and HDMI.To celebrate joining the Windows community, the makers of Luna Display are giving away a Dell XPS 13 laptop! Commonly called "the perfect laptop", the Dell XPS 13 features a beautiful 13.4" full HD display, a screaming 10th-Gen "Ice Lake" Core i7 Intel processor, 16GB of LPDDR4x memory, and 256 GB SSD all wrapped in a stunning design.The PrizeOne winner will receive a FREE Dell XPS 13 laptop and a FREE Luna Display unit when it launches for Windows!The GiveawayEnter usi...

When you are driving somewhere remote, it's always a good idea to have a back-up plan. With the JumpSmart 37,000mWh Portable Vehicle Jump Starter Kit, you can easily bring your car back to life and keep your phone powered. It's now only $89.99 when you use the 25% discount code LIMITLESS25.https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPwJ5MhoEgANamed an Editor's Choice at CES 2018 and 2019, this 3-in-1 device is the ultimate emergency tool to have in your trunk. It measures only 10 inches long, but this beast holds enough juice to start an eight-cylinder 5.0L engine.You simply open the flap at one end of the device, and attach the supplied smart cables. An alarm will sound if these are not hooked up correctly, helping you to avoid accidents.Even so, jumping a car in the dark can be tricky — so the JumpSmart has a built-in flashlight that delivers 330 lumens. In addition, you can use the device as a regular power bank, so you can easily juice up your phone in a pinch.Along with cars, you c...

Shooting with your Android camera is usually great, but third-party apps can pack a punch in places you didn't even know you needed! From manual controls to real-time filters, to creative extras and so much more, you can achieve a lot more than you think you can with your phone photography by shooting with a third-party camera app.Best overallProCam XStaff pickProCam X has a fantastic layout that switches from a clean, simple auto mode to a manual mode that's full of controls like focus modes and exposure compensation. You can shoot slow-mo and time-lapse video, and there's a built-in intervalometer for shooting stop motion and long exposures.$5 at Google PlayBest for video recordingFiLMiC ProGone are the days where you must have a DSLR if you want to record excellent videos. Our smartphones are more capable than ever, and if you are serious about shooting video with your phone, you'll want FiLMiC Pro. The app can record in different resolutions and aspect r...

Take your craft to new levels of immersion in an upcoming update.What you need to knowDreams is a game-building game from Media Molecule.Dreams released earlier this year after a very lengthy development cycle. PSVR support is coming to Dreams on July 22 as part of a comprehensive update.A few months ago, Media Molecule shared the news that Dreams would be receiving PlayStation VR (PSVR) support in the near future. Today, we finally got a release date for when to expect this update. Dreams is getting PSVR support on July 22. You can take a look at this new mode in action via a trailer below.Media Molecule has included a new All Aboard VR introduction module that'll help players understand how to use Dreams in PSVR. It's important to note that you won't be required to be in PSVR to build games for PSVR. Games built for PSVR will also have a comfort rating that'll indicate how smooth an experience you'll be undertaking. This update will also include some new gadgets tha...

Avatars made their U.S appearance in May, and now Facebook is bringing it to India.What you need to knowFacebook has launched its take on Bitmoji, Avatars, in India..The company had started testing the feature in a select few countries last year.Avatars were made available in the U.S. and UK in May.Facebook's Avatars, the company's take on Bitmoji, have just made their debut in India. The company started trying them out last year, before making them broadly available in May.Now, it's brought them to India, one of Facebook's largest markets as it continues to bring them worldwide. Avatars are fun and easy to set up with Facebook making it easily customizable. Finding them isn't entirely clear at first, but once you know what you're looking for, it's easy to start."There's been a ton of work put in to this from the product and design perspective to find out, with how many people on Facebook, how to make this as representative as possible," Facebook Avatars communication ...

The base storage for the Galaxy S10 lineup is 128GB — which is a remarkable number considering it was nothing more than a pipe dream for smartphones storage five short years ago. However, these days with downloading movies and recording 4K super slow-mos, 128GB doesn't go as far as it used to. This is where microSD cards come in, and these are the best ones to use in your S10.Reliability is keySamsung EVO Select 128GBStaff pickThis is my favorite microSD card on the market and is the card sitting in my own Galaxy S10. This is the second (or maybe third) phone that I've used it in because it doubles your S10's base storage.$21 at Amazon$39 at Newegg4K readyPNY Elite-X 128GBPNY's 128GB card is arguably the best value you'll find for a name-brand microSD of this capacity. I've had PNY cards last the better part of five years, so chances are this card will outlive your Galaxy S10.$22 at Amazon$49 at WalmartValue pickSanDisk Ultra 64GBIf you just need a l...

New pricing comes with a handful of ViacomCBS channels.What you need to knowYouTube TV's monthly price is jumping by $15 to $65 per month.New pricing lines up among the higher tier of TV streaming services.The price goes into effect immediately for new subscribers, but current subscribers have until July 30.You knew it was going to happen — it was just a matter of when. YouTube TV's price is going up $15 a month to $64.99.The change is effective immediately for those signing up to YouTube TV for the first time, and it'll hit current customers on their next billing cycle.The increase certainly wasn't unexpected, given that YouTube TV is adding 14 new ViacomCBS channels this summer — and a smattering of them are available starting today.From the YouTube Blog: As we continue to evaluate how to provide the best possible service and content for you, our membership price will be $64.99. This new price takes effect today, June 30, for new members. Existing subscrib...

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.Amex wants you to save on the everyday items.What you need to knowAmerican Express is running multiple offers across its cards.Many of the offers focus on popular spending categories.The offers save both consumers and businesses money for spending on essentials.Amex Offers is a program built into American Express credit cards that many people either don't know about or forget exists.While everyone knows what kind of introductory offer a credit card may be advertising, Amex Offers saves you money on a number of different spending categories and at specific merchants. While a welcome offer can save you money or earn you rewards when you initially sign up for a credit card, Amex Offers cont...

The perfect cure for a rainy day or your morning commute.Not everyone wants to commit hours of their day to playing games on their phones. That's why casual games exist! These games have proven wildly successful, championed by iconic mobile games such as Angry Birds and Candy Crush Saga. They're designed to be played on the go and at your own pace — as laid back or competitive as you want.Most casual games are free, offering in-app purchases and some ads. Some may cost you a dollar or two, but they're worth it. We've collected some of our favorites from the past, along with some newer games that are great to keep on your phone for a little gaming break during your day.The gamesSuper Mario RunAlto's Odyssey The Battle for PolytopiaReignsTwo DotsSmash HitBlekPiano Tiles 2Candy Crush SagaFruit Ninja FreeAngry Birds 2New Words With FriendsBattlelands RoyaleMini MetroCall of Duty: MobileSuper Mario RunEveryone's favorite turtle-stomping plumber is bac...

The Elecrow CrowPi2 Raspberry Pi Laptop and STEM education platform is a Kickstarter crowd-funding project that lets you choose how much you want to invest, and you will be rewarded based on the amount you give. If it's just an interesting project to you and you don't necessarily want any reward, you can give as much as you can afford. But if you'd actually like to try out the CrowPi2 you will need to give at least around $170 (the rewards are in Hong Kong dollars, so HK$1,310). That will get you the CrowPi2 basic kit that includes the laptop, a TF card with the customized system, and several motors, connectors, and other components. It does not include the Raspberry Pi motherboard, though, and that'll cost at least around $240. You can back the project with even more to get even higher rewards, including two Deluxe Kits if you go above $619.The CrowPi2 is a very interesting device that is dedicated to STEM learning both through coding and software and hardware and engineering. You...

Bluepoint Games is remaking the title that started a genre so the world might be mended.For years, there's been a lot of speculation as to exactly what Bluepoint Games, the studio behind several successful remasters and remakes, was working on. That mystery has ended, as during a recent PlayStation 5 showcase, it was revealed that Bluepoint Games is working on a remake of FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, modernizing this Gothic title for the PlayStation 5.This is no mere remaster, with everything being rebuilt from the ground up to take advantage of a new generation's hardware. Here's everything you need to know about this remake.Jump to:What is Demon's Souls?Gameplay and featuresCheck out the trailerIs it PS5 exclusive?How about some comparison pictures?When is the release date?What is Demon's Souls?Demon's Souls is a game originally developed by FromSoftware for the PS3. A colorless fog has overtaken the kingdom of Boletaria and a lone warrior makes their way ...

North is said to have been looking for a buyer since early this year.Update, June 30: Google has officially purchased North.What you need to knowA new report claims Alphabet will soon acquire Canadian AR glasses maker North.Google's parent company will apparently be paying $180 million to North. The Canadian startup's biggest claim to fame are the Focals smart glasses, which were launched in February 2019.When Google Glass was first announced eight years back, many of us thought it would eventually replace smartphones. Just a year later, however, the hype around it fizzled out. If a new report is to be believed, Google's parent company, Alphabet, could soon try its luck with smart glasses by acquiring North.According to The Globe and Mail, the Canadian startup is now in the final stages of an acquisition from Google's parent company. Alphabet will apparently be paying about $180 million to North.The company started off as Thalmic Labs in 2012 and rebranded itself as N...

Clean air is a guarantee with Dyson's latest air purifier — and you also get an innovative fan system that delivers powerful cooling.Dyson has proven that it can innovate when it comes to vacuum cleaners, and in recent years the manufacturer branched out into other areas. With air pollution becoming an increasing problem in Asia and other parts of the world, Dyson rolled out its first air purifier back in 2015.Of course, you may be wondering at this point if you actually need an air purifier. Air quality is getting increasingly worse in major cities across the world, and an air purifier is now a necessity in most Asian countries because of high particulate matter. But even if you live in an area that doesn't have particulate pollution, there are a lot of common allergens, pollen, and airborne pathogens that can cause diseases like the flu. Air purifiers have taken on an increased significance in 2020 because of the coronavirus.Like all Dyson products, the first-gen Pure Cool ...

It's not ideal being stuck indoors, especially for kids, but they don't have to be bored. Right now, Amazon is offering $30 off its kid-focused Kindle devices that should help to keep your little ones entertained without going outside.Now down to $79.99 — a match for its best-ever price — the Amazon Kindle Kids Edition features a 10th-generation Kindle e-reader inside a kid-friendly protective cover with a full year of FreeTime Unlimited access and a two-year worry-free guarantee. That's actually the best part about the deal, as it means Amazon will replace the e-reader free-of-charge with no questions asked if it's ever damaged or broken within that two-year timespan.The new Kindle Kids Edition is one of Amazon's newest child-friendly devices. It is perfect for children who love to read, and it could actually save you money in the long run. With the FreeTime Unlimited subscription, your child will have access to read thousands of popular books and series, including the Harry...

Hateful speech may be protected, but no company is required to host it.YouTube has banned channels owned by Stefan Molyneux, Richard Spencer, David Duke, and others today for violating the company's 2019 rules about hate speech. In a message to The Verge, a YouTube spokesperson said these channels were banned because they repeatedly alleged that protected groups were inferior.YouTube has strict policies governing hateful speech, and after updating its rules in 2019 to "better address supremacist content" over 25,000 channels have been removed from the service.As expected, the offenders aren't taking this lightly. Spencer suggests that "this seems to be part of a systematic, coordinated effort" and Molyneux states that YouTube "just suspended the largest philosophy conversation the world has ever known."I don't know anything about any coordinated effort and have never taken part in a global philosophy conversation. But I do know that I don't like censorship and I still think ...

Lenovo's Smart Clock with the Google Assistant was designed to do much more than just wake you up in the morning; it can help control compatible smart home devices, stream music, check the weather, and more, and while it's normally priced at $79.99, you can snag one right now for only $39.99 on sale at Best Buy. That's one of the best prices it's ever reached and matches the deal we saw on the device during Black Friday last year, though today's offer at Best Buy is good for just one day only.This smart clock lets you voice control it with simple commands. Just say "Hey Google" to set customized alarms, stream music, listen to audiobooks or the radio, and more. It's equipped with a 4-inch touchscreen that can show you weather and traffic infomation for your area, album art for currently playing music, and even video feeds from compatible smart home devices you might own like the Nest Cam. It has already received a badge of Recommendation from us here at Android Central too, in part...

You can never have enough space for data these days! Whether you're building your own media server, need a microSD card for a security camera, or want something for transferring files from one machine to another, 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, microSD cards, and more all ranging from a few gigabytes to multiple terabytes. And all going for super low prices.Prices for microSD cards have been continually dropping over the past several months meaning they are never that expensive these days, but with this sale you make the most of excellent deals on microSD cards from 128GB to 400GB in size. The models on sale today are SanDisk's Ultra line which will work great in all manner of devices, from security cameras to phones, tablets, and the Nintendo Switch. There's a 256GB card down to $31.99 which is a great value or, if you want something larger, the 40...

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 August.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 ti...

Both phones come with a single 13MP camera on the back.What you need to knowXiaomi's entry-level Redmi 9A and 9C smartphones are now official.The Redmi 9A comes with a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, a single 13MP rear camera, and a 5000mAh battery. Redmi 9C features a slightly more powerful Helio G35 chipset and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Xiaomi Malaysia today quietly announced the Redmi 9A and Redmi 9C entry-level phones. Both phones are powered by MediaTek chipsets and promise excellent battery life.The new Redmi 9C comes with a 6.53-inch HD+ display featuring a waterdrop notch cutout with a 5MP selfie camera. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 octa-core chipset, paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. The phone has a single 13MP camera on the back and packs a massive 5,000mAh battery. It also comes with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.Redmi 9A, on the other hand, runs on a slightly less powerful MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, clubbed with 2GB of RAM and 32GB s...

You can look forward to some "exciting new and upcoming features" for smart home devices.What you need to knowGoogle will be hosting a "Hey Google" Smart Home Virtual Summit next week.The search giant will be diving into some new and upcoming features for both smart home developers and users at the event.The "Hey Google" Smart Home Keynote will begin at 13:00 ET on July 8.Google has announced that it will be holding a "Hey Google" Smart Home Virtual Summit next week to share new and upcoming features for smart home developers and users. Since the Google I/O had to be canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the summit will provide an opportunity to the company to be able to engage with developers and users "in person."Michele Turner, Product Management Director of the Smart Home Ecosystem, will be sharing Google's recent smart home product initiatives in the keynote, which is set to begin at 13:00 ET on July 8. Turner will also share new tools that have been de...

Looking to buy a NAS in 2020? Start here.What you need to knowSynology is rolling out four new models in its Plus series: DiskStation DS220+, DS420+, DS720+, and DS920+.All four models feature upgraded hardware and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. The DS420+, DS720+, and DS920+ also offer two M.2 slots for SSD caching. All four models are now available.If you're in the market for a new network-attached storage (NAS) enclosure, Synology is the ideal place to start. The brand offers everything from budget options aimed at home users to enthusiast models designed for small businesses, and now Synology has unveiled its 2020 portfolio.The brand is launching new variants of four models in the Plus series, with the DS220+ a particularly great option for first-time buyers, and the DS720+, DS420+, and DS920+ targeted at the enthusiast segment. All models include upgraded connectivity options and huge performance upgrades, so if you already have a NAS enclosure and are looking to upgra...

Guitars have come a long way in even just the decade or so that I've been playing. There are seemingly endless choices for virtually any player at any skill level, price range, and style of playing — and in particular, there are way more great options for someone's first or second guitar than there were when I started out. Whether you're looking to pick up a guitar for the first time or give the same gift to someone else, these options should be on your radar.Best Overall: Sterling Cutlass SSSI might be a bit biased, given my love for the high-end guitars from Sterling's parent brand Music Man, but I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better guitar for under $300 than the Cutlass SSS. The SSS suffix denotes that this particular model comes loaded with three single-coil pickups, making it easy to achieve that famous Strat-like sound while still retaining the versatility needed to create a sonically unique profile of its own.With the Cutlass, you'll get 22 frets on a beaut...

Karaoke night is about to get a lot more fun.What you need to knowSpotify will roll out real-time lyrics support this Tuesday on its mobile apps.The lyrics support will be powered by the well-known lyrics provider, Musixmatch.The company had been testing the features in four markets over the past year, but will now expand it to 24 new ones, bringing it to a total of 26 supported countries.Spotify is set to upgrade its mobile apps with a long-requested user-feature, real-time lyrics support. Unlike the version of the feature in Google's YouTube Music app, real-time lyrics are more fun and immersive. They will scroll across the screen in time to the music, allowing a user to keep track of what is being played and even sing-along if they'd like.Via TechCrunch who broke the story, saying: Tomorrow, the company will announce the launch of its new lyrics feature in 26 worldwide markets across Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. This will be the first time lyrics have ...

Over the years, water-resistance in phones has gone from being a luxury reserved only for top-end phones to a standard feature that's expected of any even remotely expensive gadget. In 2020, you really can't go wrong with any of these waterproof phones, like the excellent OnePlus 8 Pro.Best Overall: OnePlus 8 ProThe OnePlus 8 Pro is as impressive and well-designed as any smartphone can be. If you know anything about the company's phones, you'll be happy to know the 8 Pro doesn't upend the traditional OnePlus formula. Instead, it takes it to its logical place in the world of 2020 smartphones with more features and a higher price. Plus, for the first time, that means additions like IP68 resistance.The hardware goes head to head with any phone out there, and it's punctuated by the best display OnePlus has used. It's bright, colorful, and has a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Inside there are exceptional specs, leading to fantastic performance thanks to the OxygenOS software tha...

It reminds us of the Nintendo Virtual Boy — except much smaller and decidedly greener.What you need to knowFacebook Reality Labs will be showing off a new VR prototype headset at SIGGRAPH 2020.This new prototype headset utilizes a pair of holographic lenses to significantly shrink the size and weight of the headset down.Current limitations of the technology include a narrower FoV and the ability to only transmit green light at this small size.Facebook has pumped more money into virtual reality research than any other company in the world, and it regularly shows in their prototype products. From advanced hand-tracking to pancake-flat VR glasses, and even lenses that can focus on multiple layers of depth, the work at Facebook Reality Labs feels nothing short of magic at times. This latest VR prototype headset is no exception, as it utilizes holographic lenses to shrink the VR headset down to the side of an ordinary pair of sunglasses.Facebook Reality Labs announced this n...

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is the best Android tablet available right now. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. It's expensive, and not the right pick for anyone who wants a smaller and more portable tablet, but as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those who have different needs (or budgets), there are a few other picks that work well as media consumption devices and won't break the bank.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6The most important things to have in a full-size Android tablet are a great screen, loud speakers, robust build quality, and software that makes use of the extra screen size. That's what makes the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 the best Android tablet — it has a combination of everything.Its spec sheet leaves little to be desired, with a super-fast Snapdragon 855 processor, 6GB of RAM, plenty of storage and well-optimized software. And because it's a Samsung product, you're getting a best-in-cl...

Here are eight of the best antivirus software solutions currently available. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus gets my top vote this year, but I've thoroughly tested and have no problems recommending each of these programs. The first time I tested the software five years ago, I was very impressed with how fast Bitdefender recognized malware and stopped it before it even had the chance to start downloading. Plus, rather than automatically placing them in quarantine, Bitdefender completely removes most threats from your system the moment they are recognized.Best Overall: Bitdefender Antivirus PlusBitdefender consistently earns high or perfect scores for malware protection from several third-party test labs and in my own tests. It deserves our top spot for the best antivirus software. It stops Trojans, rootkits, ransomware, and worms, and with the safe browser extension enabled, it'll prevent these threats from entering your computer through the internet. Bitdefender also recognizes phis...

The Galaxy Note 10 has an awesome 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. However, if you want to keep your phone looking Day One gorgeous, you'll need one of these best Note 10 screen protectors to avoid any distracting micro-abrasions from spoiling your new phone. Here are the best screen protectors for the Galaxy Note 10.Budget optionIQ Shield Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff pickWe recommend this affordable clear film to anyone looking to save some money. The film is designed to prevent bubbling for an easier application process. Since it comes in a pack, you can give the second one to a family member or hold on to it in case you need to replace the initial one down the road. The kit includes everything you need for a clean installation and will let you use your phone without worrying about scratches.$7 at AmazonA multi-pack of filmSpigen NeoFlex TPU Film (2-pack)For heavy users who put their phones through hell and back, film screen protectors are great for taki...

Excellent use of spaceTicWatch Pro 2020$260 at AmazonProsDual-layered displayGreat battery lifeUS Military Standard 810G durabilitySpeaker and Microphone1GB RAMConsIt's quite largeFewer color optionsMore expensiveThe TicWatch Pro 2020 is a large watch that utilizes that space very well. With a relatively large battery and the dual-layered display technology, you can get anywhere from 2-30 days of usage from the smartwatch. Since there is both a speaker and microphone built-in, you can hear responses from Google Assistant as well as calls when tethered to your phone. The military-grade durability and IP68 dust and water resistance mean your watch can handle almost anything you throw at it.Svelte speedTicWatch C2 +$210 at AmazonProsComfortable sizeThree color choices1GB RAMAffordable priceConsNo speakerBattery life is okLess durableThe TicWatch C2+ is a fantastic all-around watch from its size, speed, and design. The inclusion ...

Check out some new gameplay!What you need to knowAnother gameplay trailer for Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has been released.This trailer showcases a pirate-themed level, as well as some new techniques and items. The game is coming to Xbox One and PS4. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is set to release on October 2, 2020. With Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time set to release later this year, more and more footage of what players can expect to see is being shown, including a brand new gameplay trailer that dives into some new tricks and returning items from the iconic franchise.The latest gameplay trailer comes from IGN, and showcases a pirate-themed level that sees Crash going traveling from the shore of an island all the way into a gigantic cavern filled with treasure. Along the way, players can spot a ton of staples to the Crash Bandicoot franchise, including Wumpa fruit, Nitro crates, and many more.Alongside the returning aspects of the game, developers...

Get ready for the warzone to be even more packed.What you need to knowCall of Duty: Warzone in the battle royale mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.It currently supports up to 150 players in a battle royale match. A new update is introducing a limited time 200 player match.This update is scheduled to go live at 11:00 p.m. PT tonight.If you thought Call of Duty: Warzone was done growing, think again. Today, Activision announced a new limited time 200 player mode that will be included in an update.This update is scheduled to go live at 11:00 p.m. PT tonight. Verdansk was previously limited to 150 players in a match, so the addition of 50 extra players should shake things up, even for battle royale veterans.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has been a phenomenal success, continuing to sell well and top sales charts months after release. Combined with the free-to-play standalone release of Call of Duty: Warzone, this battle royale just continues to grow with no sign of slowi...