Feed androidcentral Latest from Android Central

Favorite IconLatest from Android Central

Link https://www.androidcentral.com/
Feed http://www.androidcentral.com/rss.xml
Updated 2025-11-06 21:18
No, the OnePlus 8 Pro doesn't have an 'x-ray' camera
Let me teach you how infrared light works.Update: OnePlus has released a statement on the color filter camera, saying it's planning to release a software update that changes the "photochrom" mode's functionality in order to address new-found privacy concerns.You may have heard that people have discovered the OnePlus 8 Pro's dedicated "color filter" camera has a bonus feature: it can see through (some) plastic. The capability, generally now being dubbed as an "x-ray camera," has picked up steam and of course immediately switched gears to privacy concerns after some discovered it can partially reveal what's behind thin clothing as well.Let's set things straight: the OnePlus 8 Pro's color filter camera is not an "x-ray" camera, nor is it actually designed to let you see through objects. This would be pretty cool, from a technical perspective, particularly if OnePlus actually knew this beforehand (it didn't) — but sadly, there's a much more mundane explanation.The color filter ...
Podcast Addict returns to Play Store after COVID-19 suspension
Podcasts about COVID-19 exist, therefore Podcast Addict is a Covid-19 app.What you need to knowPodcast Addict pulled from the Google Play Store as a result of new COVID-19 rules.Google currently bans apps from "referencing COVID-19" unless they are endorsed by public health agencies.Some podcasts which can be accessed on the app do reference the virus and associated disease, triggering the ban.The Play Store's policies currently warn "any apps referencing COVID-19, or related terms, in any form in their metadata will only be approved for distribution in the Play Store if they are published, commissioned or authorized by [official government entities and public health organizations]."While it has helped clean up the Play Store from genuinely misleading apps, one podcast app—Podcast Addict—has fallen victim to an obtuse (or particularly robotic) reading of it.Here's the notification I got this morning... pic.twitter.com/UJF20ZnaPw— Podcast Addict (@PodcastAddict) Ma...
Save 79% on a 2-year CyberGhost VPN subscription, get 2 extra months free
If you want to protect your privacy and shield your sensitive information, you ought to invest in a VPN. Fortunately, it's not super expensive to get set up with a reliable VPN, especially with deals like this one on CyberGhost. It's currently offering a savings of 79% on its VPN service when you sign up for its 2-year subscription and you also get two extra months thrown in for free.You'd regularly pay $12.99 for its service month-to-month and its annual plan usually lowers that to $5.99. However, with this deal, you're effectively paying just $2.53 per month over the course of the 26 months. It's billed as an up-front payment of $66 and is one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself with a VPN for the long term. The deal expires soon, though.You've probably heard of VPNs before, but you might not yet have installed one. If you do any amount of shopping online or if you tend to find yourself hooked up to a public Wi-Fi network like when you're working at your favorite co...
How to change the Side Key function on your Samsung Galaxy S or Note phone
Samsung's latest phones, starting with the Note 10, have a multi-function "Side Key" that replaces the dedicated Bixby button. We primarily know it as a power button, but it can also have other functions for both double-press and long-press actions. It's super easy to set up and use — here's how.How to change the Side Key function on your Samsung GalaxyGo into your settings.Scroll down to advanced features and tap side key.You can make one selection for a double-press of the side key.You can leave it for quick-launching the camera.You can set it to open Bixby Home.Or you can set it to open a specific app.Notably, you can't set the side key to open Google Assistant.Separately, you can make a selection for a press-and-hold of the side key.You can wake Bixby into "walkie talkie" mode, where you can give a command and then release the button.If you set it to Bixby, you can access the power-off menu by holding power and volume down.Alternatively you can leav...
The Dark Souls series has crossed 27 million copies sold
The Chosen Undead fall over and over, accomplishing great sales.What you need to knowThe Dark Souls series consists of three games that began with the release of Dark Souls on September 22, 2011.The latest entry, Dark Souls III, was released worldwide on April 12, 2016.FromSoftware, the developers of the game, have confirmed that the Dark Souls series has sold over 27 million copies.Additionally, 10 million of these copies are from Dark Souls III.The Dark Souls games have, to some extent, become a part of everyday nomenclature for gaming. How many times have people endured near-limitless variations of "it's the Dark Souls of x" making its way into discussion? As such, with three mainline games and multiple re-releases, it should come as no suprise that the series has sold very well.Today, FromSoftware, the developers of the games, shared that the Dark Souls series has crossed 27 million copies sold.The DARK SOULS series has sold over 27 million units to date. We are in...
Everything you need to know about the Google Pixel 3a!
The mid-range Pixels are here.If there's one thing Google's Pixel series is known for, it's the camera performance. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL capture some of the best photos of any smartphone we've ever seen, and when you combine that with a clean software package and guaranteed software updates, you end up with a really solid phone. Unfortunately, a starting price of $800 is just too much for some people to fork over.Enter the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. With these two phones, Google aims to offer the same core experience found on its flagship Pixel phones but with much lower prices thanks to cheaper materials and specs.Whether you're eager to buy the Pixel 3a or just want to learn more about it, here's everything you need to know!See our reviewGoogle made two modelsCheck out the specsLet's compare them to other phonesThe phones are made out of plasticWe love the new Purple-ish colorThe Pixel 3a's camera is incredibleAndroid 10 is now availableGet ready for the Pixel 4aAc...
Razer Opus review: Fantastic sound, amazing price
A mature approach to an incredibly exciting set of headphones.The high-end headphone market is more than a little crowded these days, and very few of these products are worth the $300+ price tag you see when wandering through an electronics store. The few truly excellent headphones stand out, and they're the names you head just about everyone recommending. As a result, it's more than a little difficult to break into this space with a new set of headphones.This did not discourage Razer in the slightest, and it's not hard to see why. Breaking into markets that are more than a little crowded and being successful seems to be what this company was made to do. Its gaming hardware has taken the world by storm, its laptops continue to reshape the industry, and now there are these headphones. Unlike the other two success stories, Razer knew it couldn't just bust in and be loud to get attention. The people who buy these headphones are a little older than your average self-professed hardcor...
Kaspersky vs. Bitdefender: Which anti-virus is best?
Clean interfaceKaspersky Anti-Virus$20/year at NeweggProsSimple user interfaceEasy setupPerformance focusedVPN data includedCloud threat detectorConsPrivacy concernsMore expensiveKaspersky delivers a lightweight antivirus service with a clean user interface. Scans are easy to perform and can even be deployed from the web with My Kaspersky. Some nice extras such as a virtual keyboard and a threat scanner are also nice to have.Great featuresBitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020$15/year at NeweggProsNice web interfaceDetailed applicationQuick scansFile shredderVPN data includedConsHigher resource usageSettings a bit more confusingBitdefender Antivirus Plus offers quick and full scans, as well as real-time protection. You also get in-browser protection as well as some additional programs like a file shredder, a secure web browser, and access to your security software online or in an app.Both of these products do what they set out ...
Google is 'super committed' to its hardware, including Pixel phones: CEO
Despite fumbles and stumbles, Google keeps its eye on the long game.What you need to knowAlphabet CEO Sundar Pichai explains the company's reasoning for making their own hardware.For smartphones and other hardware, the company has long-term plans which it remains fixated on.The past few years have marked an intergation with both the HTC team and the Nest hardware team, effectively acting as a stage setter.Google's Pixel line has been a bit of a hot topic since a report via The Information revealed that each new Pixel was selling less than the previous iteration, including the Pixel 3a which reportedly sold less than the Pixel 3. The report also carried with it pieces of palace drama, including the exit of the Pixel camera lead and the dissaifaction of Google's Rick Osterioh with the Pxel 4's battery.Despite those reports, Alphabet's CEO Sundar Pichai says that the company will be forging ahead with its hardware pursuits.In an interview with The Verge, Pichai explained:...
Google Chat begins integration with classic Hangouts
Google Chat can now be used for people outside of your domain.What you need to knowGoogle has started transitioning Hangouts users over to Google Chat.G Suite users with Chat enabled are now able to message external users on classic Hangouts.Google promises a full transition to Google Chat from Hangouts by late 2020.Google is beginning to transition away from classic Hangouts to Google Chat fully. The first such changes are coming to current Google Chat users who will now be able to communicate with Hangouts users who are still on classic Hangouts.Google explained on Tuesday: Starting on May 26th, you'll be able to start conversations in Google Chat (previously known as "Hangouts Chat") with people outside of your domain. You'll be able to do this by either sending a direct message or adding them to rooms. Beginning today, conversations with external users in classic Hangouts will also appear in Chat as new messages are sent.Despite this, Chat still isn't a consu...
Amazfit Ares is a sub-$100 smartwatch with up to 14 days battery life
It is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.What you need to knowHuami's Amazfit brand has launched a new sports-focused smartwatch called the Ares.It comes with a 1.28-inch square display and offers 70 sports modes.The Amazfit Ares will be going on sale in China starting June 1 for 499 yuan ($70).Fitbit rival Amazfit has launched an affordable new sports-focused smartwatch that offers a bunch of useful features and excellent battery life.The new Amazfit Ares sports a 1.28-inch square color display with 176 x 176 resolution and a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on top. It offers 70 sports modes, including cycling, swimming, hiking, and more. The smartwatch also includes a PPG heart rate sensor and sleep tracking support.Along with being able to track a wide range of physical activities, the Amazfit Aeri promises long battery life as well. Huami claims the Aeri can deliver up to 14 days of battery life under normal usage and up to 90 days with Bluetooth and hear...
Why you should double down on credit card points right now
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.We're big proponents of utilizing transferable point currencies here at TPG. Programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards provide valuable flexibility when it's time to use your points — one of the main reasons they fall in the upper echelon of our monthly valuations.However, there are many reasons why someone would focus on other reward programs. If you're a hub captive, you may be interested in earning miles with a specific airline, and if you're planning to book a future trip to a specific resort, your attention may be on earning hotel points. This is especially true with new incentives from Chase and Amex to spend on your cobranded credit cards.Higher loyalty...
Protect you company's devices with an antivirus program
Businesses are a big target for internet threats, especially ransomware. Don't make the mistake of using a program designed for home use — you won't get the same level of security and it will create a lot of lag on your network as multiple devices and people attempt to use it. Instead, I recommend using Bitdefender Small office Security, the business antivirus solution by the best antivirus developer. This program stops threats before they have a chance to download and attack your network, and includes tools to protect you from identity theft and data breaches. Here are a few more business antivirus software specifically designed for companies with less than 50 employees.Best Overall: Bitdefender Small Office SecurityBitdefender is at the top of the antivirus industry because of how well it stops malware before it even has the time to begin downloading. Since it recognizes more threats than any antivirus software, Bitdefender instantly scrubs threats away so there isn't any n...
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 second opinion review: Almost there
Samsung's premium fitness smartwatch is beautiful, fast, and has some serious smarts — but also just misses the mark.Samsung has been making smartwatches for quite some time and even had one of the launch devices for OG Android Wear back in 2014 with the Samsung Gear Live. However, that was a long time ago in the world of tech, and Samsung has since transitioned to its own wearable OS with Tizen. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 represents the manufacturer's peak offering for smartwatches — and it's beautiful.While the watch itself is a polished piece of hardware with a gorgeous display, enough weight to feel premium, and its capacitive navigation ring, is something to behold — the software, though capable, sometimes feels undercooked.Tizen offers a lot of customization, sometimes to the point that it can feel overwhelming. Indeed, it takes a fair amount of digging through the settings on the device and the phone app to get things the way you want them. If you are willing to tak...
Sony is planning 'a compelling lineup of titles' to be revealed for PS5
Growth in subscription services, with the tantalizing promise of games to come.What you need to knowSony held its Corporate Strategy Meeting for 2020 today.In the meeting, Sony announced that PlayStation Now has crossed 2.2 million subscribers.Sony also stated it would soon be revealing "a compelling lineup of game" for the PlayStation 5.The PlayStation 5 is still slated to release in Holiday 2020.Today, Sony held its Corporate Strategy Meeting for 2020 and there are a few interesting items of note specifically for the PlayStation division. To start, PlayStation Now (PS Now), Sony's cloud gaming subscription service, has reached 2.2 million subscribers as of April 2020. Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida stated this growth was primarily due to "changing our price and strengthing our catalog of games, including the addition of many AAA titles."PS Now previously purported 700,000 subscribers in March 2019, hitting 1 million subscribers in September 2019 after the price was lowered...
This GoPro Hero8 Black action cam bundle from Costco is down to $290
If you're been looking to upgrade to the GoPro Hero8 Black action camera, now's your chance. Costco has a unique bundle that combines the Hero8 Black with The Handler floating hand grip, a spare battery, a carrying case, and a 32GB microSD card all for just $289.99. The Hero8 by itself has been selling at $300 since its $100 price drop we reported on a month ago. The Handler sells for around $22 at B&H, a spare battery costs about $20 at Best Buy, and the case and microSD card are worth about $10 total. So you're getting around $50 worth of free stuff plus the $10 discount on the camera itself, giving you $60 worth of value here. The deal does require a Costco membership.The Hero8 just released last fall and it offers some good improvements over the previous generations. More so than ever, the GoPro is designed to travel with you. It's a more pocketable design and has folding fingers at the base so you can easily swap mounts. The side door makes changing out the rechargeable ba...
How much more would you be willing to pay for for more convenience?
Great valueAmazon Echo Buds$130 at Best BuyProsGreat active noise reduction (ANR) performanceHands-free AlexaGood, bass-heavy soundExcellent comfortSome EQ customizationConsMicro-USB for chargingLacks wireless charging caseCase is a bit largeThe Amazon Echo Buds have a large feature set considering their price. They have a great, customizable sound, long battery life, and have support for hands-free Alexa.More convenienceGoogle Pixel Buds (2020)$180 at Best BuyProsLong battery lifeIntegration with Google Assitant & AndroidUSB-C and wireless charging caseCompact charging caseGood, bass-boosted soundConsLacks active noise cancelation (ANC)No EQ customizationCan be uncomfortable after several hours of useMore expensiveThe Pixel Buds are more convenient than the Echo Buds. If you're okay with the non-customizable sound, and worse comfort, the Pixel Buds offers you a smaller overall footprint, USB-C, wireless charging, and hands-f...
MIUI 12 global update: Here's when it is coming to your Xiaomi phone
Xiaomi will roll out the MIUI 12 global update from June. Here's when your phone will receive the update.MIUI 12 is now official, with Xiaomi's latest skin offering an array of new features. Some of those features include an improved system-wide dark mode, AI-assisted calling features, Dynamic Always-on Display, new visual design, tweaks to system animations, and much-needed privacy fixes.Xiaomi has detailed plans for the rollout of the global MIUI 12 update, with the build set to roll out to phones from the end of June. Xiaomi is also kicking off a beta program for MIUI 12 in global markets starting next week, so if you're interested, you can sign up and get started with the MIUI 12 global beta.Here's when your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phone will receive the MIUI 12 global update.MIUI 12 global update: When it is rolling out?A tentative MIUI 12 update schedule has been shared by the MIUI team, and this gives us an indication as to when your phone will likely receive the upda...
Do you wish there were more compact Android phones?
Having a chat with the AC forums.Over the last few years, there's been an ongoing trend of smartphones getting bigger and bigger. Display sizes increase, bezels keep shrinking, and handsets continue to eat up more space in our pockets.Large phones are great for playing games and watching movies, but when it comes to easily using them with one hand, it's a different story entirely.Recently, someone in the AC forums asked for recommendations for a compact Android phone — something that's easier said than done. Here are some of the devices that were recommended to them. the_boon 05-17-2020 11:29 AM “ I don't think there's such thing as a compact phone that's also an endurance beast right now. But an S10e seems pretty good in the battery department, and has just about every feature you could need, in a compact enough package. Reply B. D...
eBay Memorial Day deals: Save big on Bose, Sonos, Dyson, and more
Memorial Day is only a few days away, which means it's time to start shopping all of the deals and discounts that are starting to crop up ahead of the holiday. Among the first to kick off its Memorial Day sale is eBay, offering discounts on a huge variety of products including electronics, tools, home and kitchen appliances, and more. eBay is also offering an extra 20% off with code PICK2SAVE on select home, fashion, and tech items.Limited-time saleeBay Memorial Day SaleeBay's deals are now live so you can stock up on tech, home, and fashion essentials this Memorial Day. Many of these deals won't survive the weekend.See at eBayCelebrate the season by checking out the major discounts on from top brands including KitchenAid, Bose, Sonos, Dyson, and more. You could grab a set of refurbished Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds for $55.99, for example. That's almost $100 off compared to their regular retail price in new condition. Refurbished Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphon...
Clean up around the house with $100 off the Eufy RoboVac 15C robot vacuum
You can get the Eufy RoboVac 15C self-charging robot vacuum cleaner for just $149.99 with code UPGRADE through the Eufy website right now. This is the best price we've ever seen on a new version of the robot vacuum. The last deal we saw was a couple weeks ago when a refurbished RoboVac 15C dropped to around $116 at Newegg, so today you can get it brand new for just $24 more. That's good value. The 15C has been replaced by the 15C Max, but that vacuum's price starts at $260.The 15C is a Wi-Fi equipped robot vacuum. That means you can connect it to your smart home to gain voice control using Amazon Alexa or you can use the free app to control it from your smartphone. If your friendly little robot vac has wondered off somewhere and you haven't seen it in a while, use the app to find it. It might be stuck and need your help! You can also schedule the vacuum with the app and ask it to get to work by talking to it through Alexa.This is a super slim robot vacuum at just 2.8 inches, but ...
IFA 2020 will be the first in-person tech conference following the pandemic
The conference will not be open to the public this year.What you need to knowIFA 2020 will take place as a physical event in Berlin from September 3-5.Unlike previous years, however, IFA 2020 will not be open to the public. The annual electronics show will be run as four standalone events, with a limit of 1,000 attendees for each event per day.IFA had announced last month that its upcoming 2020 conference would go ahead with an "innovative new concept," despite the ban on all events with more than 5,000 participants until October 24 by Berlin authorities. It today announced more details on the new concept, which prioritizes the health and safety of the attendees over everything else.IFA 2020 will take place as an in-person event in Berlin over just three days – from September 3-5. In addition to shortening the duration of the conference, IFA has also made it invite-only. There will be a strict limit of 1,000 attendees per day for each of the four standalone events that ...
Samsung somehow became the best company at releasing unlocked phones
We all appreciate wide retail availability, complete carrier compatibility, and consistent software updates.Samsung built its smartphone empire on a series of restrictive, confusing, and convoluted carrier relationships. For years it made bespoke carrier-specific Galaxy S variants with completely different designs at first, and later different specs and radios to fit the carriers' needs. But after paying its dues for several years, it took its position at the top of the Android pyramid ... and unexpectedly became one of the best companies when it comes to selling unlocked phones.Samsung's launches are, in many ways, confusing, with so many moving parts, but one thing that can't be argued is how well the company handles its unlocked models. Sales, support, network compatibility, and updates are all excellent — and unique among the big companies selling phones in the U.S.First and foremost, Samsung sells its unlocked phones right from the start of availability — there's no ...
Check out the new Limited Edition The Last of Us Part II PS4 Pro
Take this story to the next level with a new console.What you need to knowPlayStation has revealed a Limited Edition The Last of Us Part II PlayStation 4 Pro.The bundle also includes a custom controller and digital copy of the game.It'll release alongside the game on June 19, 2020.Even with new hardware down the pipeline in the form of the PlayStation 5, there's still one more custom PlayStation 4 here to tempt fans. Today, Naughty Dog and PlayStation revealed a Limited Edition The Last of Us Part II PlayStation 4 Pro bundle. This bundle is specially engraved with Ellie's tattoo design from the game. It also includes a custom controller and a digital download of the game.You can check out a short video showing off the console below.The bundle will retail for $399 USD and $499 CAD. In addition to this console, there's also a special Gold Wireless Headset and a Seagate external hard drive on the way.This console is set to launch alongside the game on June 19, 2020....
Should you upgrade your OG Ring Video Doorbell to the new 2nd gen?
Same price, better productRing Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)$99 at Best BuyProsNear Zone helps decrease motion capture false positives1080p videoBetter night visionHigher quality two-way audioEasier to installConsNeed to completely remove from wall to charge batteryNo support for 5GHz networksPoor Google Assistant integrationNarrower camera field of viewRing did something truly amazing. It upgraded its excellent Ring Video Doorbell without upcharging on the price. That makes the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) the best value for a connected video doorbell on the market. Higher resolution video, better night vision, higher quality two-way audio, and better motion detection are here, all without a higher price.Time to say goodbyeRing Video Doorbell (1st Gen)$99 at RingProsCan likely be found for well under MSRPSuper wide camera field of viewConsNeed to completely remove from wall to charge batteryNo support for 5GHz networksPoor Google As...
Smart Lock is Android's best-kept secret for working from home
Working from home means only having to put in your password once a day.Smart Lock is already one of Android's best-kept secrets, allowing you to keep your phone unlocked when you're paired to a trusted Bluetooth device or carrying the phone on your person. It's something Android borrowed from Motorola and then upgraded six ways to Sunday, and while you're working from home, Smart Lock will become your best friend, especially if you're also using a Chromebook.See, when I'm working from home, there's always something to pull me away from my computer just long enough to put it to sleep — grabbing a snack from the kitchen turns into doing dishes, for example — and then coming back and having to log in again, and then again in 20 minutes when I get lost in thought, and then in another 20 minutes after that, and then another 20 minutes after that.Smart Lock lets me avoid that nonsense and get back to work faster on both my phone and my Chromebook.Smart Lock: The best thing Andr...
Walmart's new $99 Onn Pro tablet has a USB-C port and runs Android 10
The Onn Tablet Pro comes in 8-inch and 10.1-inch sizes.What you need to knowWalmart has launched new 8-inch and 10.1-inch Onn Tablet Pro models.Both variants run Android 10 out of the box and feature a USB Type-C port.The 8-inch variant is priced at $99, while the 10.1-inch model is $129.Walmart has quietly launched two affordable new Android tablets to take on Amazon's Fire tablet lineup in the U.S. The two new tablets offer several upgrades over the Onn tablets launched last year, along with an updated design.The $99 8-inch Onn Tablet Pro sports an 8-inch HD LCD display and is powered by a 2.0 GHz octa-core processor, paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It also features 5MP front and rear cameras, and promises up to 10 hours of battery life. What sets the Onn Tablet Pro apart from most of its rivals, however, is the presence of a USB-C port. It also runs the latest version of Android out of the box.The 8-inch Onn Tablet Pro's main rival is the updated Fire H...
Samsung's The Frame 4K TV is a work of art on sale from $580 today only
TVs all kind of look the same these days, and not in a good way. They add a lot of visual clutter to a room, particularly when not in use, and with some of the sizes they come in these days, they really dominate the room they are in. That's a problem Samsung set out to solve with its The Frame. Instead of being a blank black slab, it's a 4K UHD TV set that, when not in use, transforms itself into a work of art and today only Woot has select factory reconditioned 2018 and 2019 models on sale starting at $579.99.Though these TVs aren't brand new, they've each been inspected directly by Samsung to ensure they're in like new condition and properly working. Samsung even includes a 90-day warranty with the purchase. Log in with an Amazon Prime membership for free shipping, or start a free 30-day trial.The unique feature of Samsung's Frame TV lineup is its Art Mode. When you aren't using the TV, it basically becomes the frame of a work of art (hence the name). You can choose your favori...
Your photos can look better at night or low-light
One of the hardest photos to perfect is the low-light or night shot. Too many variables work against you from the start, which is especially true when dealing with the limitations of a smartphone.It's much easier to ruin a photo in those conditions, where a dearth of light and creeping camera noise often pose major challenges in capturing something good. But all is not lost if you take the right steps to consistently improve output whenever the lights dim and night falls.Use Night modeIf your phone has something like this, you may have already gone through half the battle. There are different names for it, depending on the phone. It's Night Sight on a Pixel, Night Mode on a Huawei device, Bright Night for Samsung, and Nightscape for OnePlus.These modes aim to emulate long exposure photography — the kind that would otherwise require a tripod and patience. In these modes, the phone uses HDR (high dynamic range) and other software processing to capture a compilation of image...
Up your home security with $130 off this Arlo Ultra 4K camera system
You may have kitted your house out with a bunch of smart home tech, but have you spared a thought for your home security system? Instead of settling for an old or unreliable alarm, you really ought to upgrade to something like Arlo's Ultra camera system — especially with discounts of up to $130 via Woot right now. The UHD Arlo cams heave seen a few discounts since their release, but the deals at Woot today are among the best we've seen with the 1-camera starter kit down to $259.99 and add-on cameras going for just $189.99.The biggest upgrade over the previous Arlo Pro 2 is in the resolution. This is Arlo's first security camera to have 4K resolution and HDR image processing. Arlo believes users will be able to use the resolution to pick up on critical details they may have otherwise missed, like license plate numbers or clothing, when identifying suspicious activity.The cameras have a 180-degree field of view, automatic zoom and tracking, dual microphones, and more. The Ultra a...
Samsung’s new 50MP ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor offers Dual Pixel autofocus
Samsung claims the sensor boasts DSLR-level autofocus speeds.What you need to knowSamsung has announced a new 50MP image sensor with large 1.2μm pixel size.It is the first Samsung image sensor to come with both Dual Pixel AF and Tetracell technologies.Samsung has already started mass producing the new ISOCELL GN1 sensor. Samsung today announced the ISOCELL GN1, a new 50MP image sensor that offers Dual Pixel technology for snappy auto-focusing and Tetracell technology for impressive low-light performance.The new ISOCELL GN1 is a 50MP sensor with 1.2μm pixel size, marginally smaller than the 1.22μm pixel size of Sony's 48MP IMX689 sensor. It uses Samsung's Tetracell pixel-merging technology, which bins four pixel signals into one to double the sensor's pixel size to 2.4μm. The technology enables the sensor to capture bright and detailed photos in low-light situations at 12.5MP resolution.Yongin Park, executive vice president of sensor business at Samsung Electronics, ...
OnePlus 8 Pro’s color filter camera will soon be temporarily disabled
The company will tweak how the sensor works before re-enabling it.What you need to knowOnePlus will disable the OnePlus 8 Pro's color filter camera with an upcoming update.It was recently discovered that the color filter camera is capable of seeing through plastic and certain types of cloth. OnePlus says the camera will be re-enabled in the future after it fixes the "x-ray" problem.Earlier this month, a few OnePlus 8 Pro users on Reddit discovered that the phone's color filter camera is capable of seeing through thin layers of plastic. Unsurprisingly, the discovery raised privacy concerns, as the camera is also capable of partially "seeing through" certain types of clothing.OnePlus has now announced on Weibo that it will be rolling out a new HydrogenOS update for the OnePlus 8 Pro to disable the color filter camera. The update is expected to be pushed out within a week. Even though OnePlus hasn't officially confirmed it yet, we can expect a similar OxygenOS update to roll...
OnePlus 8 Pro vs. Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro: Which should you buy?
OnePlus 8 ProFast like no other$899 at OnePlusProsStunning 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED displaySnapdragon 865 chipset with 5G IP68 dust and water resistance30W wired and wireless chargingClean software with fast updatesDecent camerasConsNo 3.5mm jackThe OnePlus 8 Pro comes with a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display backed by the latest internals you can get today. There's also IP68 water resistance and 30W wireless charging, and you get a clean software without any bloatware in OxygenOS along with timely updates. Combine that with much better cameras and the OnePlus 8 Pro makes a great case for itself in the high-end category.Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro108MP goodness€999 at XiaomiProsVivid 90Hz AMOLED displaySnapdragon 865 chipset with 5G 108MP camera with 8K video 50W wired / 30W wireless chargingConsNo IP ratingMIUI is still glitchyNot available in the U.S. The Mi 10 Pro combines a 90Hz AMOLED panel with the latest internal hardware and 50W wired as well a...
Patent reveals Google may be working on a gesture-centric Pixel Watch
The implementation looks very similar to a 2016 demo for Project Soli.What you need to knowGoogle may be developing a Soli-powered smartwatch.Newly published patents show the company has been working on a gesture-centric smartwatch.The Pixel 5, meanwhile, may ditch Motion Sense and the Soli chip entirely, according to at least one rumor.One of the most unique aspects of the Pixel 4 was, without doubt, its Motion Sense gesture navigation system that allowed the phone to pick up your hand gestures from a distance. While an interesting novelty, it ultimately failed to gain much traction among Pixel owners, all while being a significant drain on the phone's already abysmal battery life, and reports suggest the company may drop the feature with the next-generation Pixel phone entirely.Still, the technology is impressive from a technical standpoint, and a lot of effort did go into Google's efforts to build the Soli chip that powers the experience. It's possible the company may ...
Disney's Head of Streaming leaves to become CEO of TikTok
One of the biggest dealmakers at Disney has left to get a CEO position elsewhere.What you need to knowKevin Mayer has resigned from the Walt Disney Company to become CEO of TikTok.Mayer was the head of Disney's Direct to Consumer & International division and was the head of streaming at the company.The move comes months after Mayer was passed over for Disney CEO when Robert Iger stepped down in February.Before leading DCI, Mayer was chief strategy officer, helping orchestrate Disney's purchase of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm, BAMTech (the service which powers ESPN+ and Disney+), and 20th Century Fox.This has been a very bizarre year for everyone, but especially for Disney leadership. Longtime CEO Bob Iger stepped down in February — but then almost immediately retook most of the CEO from newly-christened CEO Bob Chapek — and people have been bouncing around (and out of) the leadership structure of the company far more in the last 9 months than they have in the previo...
The best microSD cards for your Amazon Fire tablet
Whether you have a Fire tablet for yourself or your kids, you've probably noticed that the internal storage doesn't go very far. You can quickly fill it up with some games, a few apps, and media, which is a bit disappointing. Instead of trying to figure out what to delete and how to micro-manage the storage, why not make things easier and add a 64GB SanDisk microSD card so it can hold more?Our top brand name pickSanDisk 64GB MicroSD CardStaff pick64GB is often the sweet spot for a lot of folks when it comes to microSD cards. It's plenty of room for apps, music, and games without spending too much.$13 at Amazon$14 at eBayCheap and cheerfulSamsung 32GB EVO Plus MicroSD CardIf you only need a little extra space on your Fire Tablet, this 32GB card from Samsung offers fast transfer speeds and durability at a super-low price.$9 at Amazon$8 at eBayA budget beautySilicon Power 64GB MicroSD CardLike the idea of a 64GB card but want to spend as little as possibl...
Following new Huawei attack, China mulling moves against Apple and Qualcomm
The Chinese government is considering both restrictions on, and investigations against, U.S. companies operating in China.What you need to knowChina is mulling over retaliatory measures against the U.S., following its move to cut off Huawei's access to crucial semiconductor suppliers.Reports suggest it's considering launching investigations against U.S. companies.Apple, Boeing, Cisco, and Qualcomm have all been named as potential targets.The trade war between the U.S. and China may be slated to become far more damaging soon. Following the announcement of new rules by the Trump administration that effectively prevent non-U.S. chipmakers — like Taiwan-based TSMC — from supplying Huawei, China is considering retaliatory measures against U.S. companies in response.The Global Times reports that the Chinese government is considering a range of legal measures targeting U.S. companies, including launching investigations into them or otherwise restricting their ability to oper...
Nanoleaf's Memorial Day sale is taking 10% off modular smart lighting kits
Memorial Day is only a week away, which means it's time to keep your eyes peeled for all the great deals and discounts that are heading our way over the next few days. This year, Nanoleaf is one of the first to get its sales started. Now through May 31, you can save 10% on select Nanoleaf smart lighting kits at Best Buy and you'll even score free shipping with the purchase.Nanoleaf's kits come with a number of LED panels that you can arrange however you see fit. Maybe you want them in the shape of a letter, a heart, or a random pattern — it's up to you. Expansion kits are on sale this month as well, so while the starter kit may not have as many panels as you need to fully realize your design, you can add on more panels whenever you choose. Plus, they can not only be mounted to your wall but to your ceiling too for some insane design possibilities.Once your panels are installed, you'll be able to control them using an app on your phone, with your voice, or even using hand gestur...
All these games support cross-by for Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift
What's better than finding a game you love, finding a game you love and only having to pay for it once to play it on two devices. Many popular games support cross-buy between the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift. If you buy any of the games in this collection for one platform, you'll get them on the other without having to spend another penny.Shoot to the musicPistol WhipStaff pickThis rhythmic shooter brings the action to you. You shoot, dodge, dance, and defeat enemies to the rhythm of the music to feel like you're in an action movie.$25 Oculus StoreSeeeeet hut!2MD: VR Football UnleashedYou can immerse yourself in VR football with this game. You throw the ball with your Touch Controller, draw plays to run, and play against AI on the gridiron.$15 at Oculus"Accounting"Accounting+This comedic game is just about everything other than accounting in an office. It takes you to a series of virtual worlds where you go on a humorous adventure.$12 at Ocul...
Learn the ins and outs of Wall Street and trading with this 8-pronged bundle
Just because you're not some hotshot Wall Street dude doesn't mean you can't already rake in tons of revenue from trading in the U.S. market. Just take it from the recently viral Redditor who turned a small investment into a million-dollar gain overnight, as well as Travis Rose, a self-taught trader and investor who put together a set of courses to help aspiring traders find success in the stock market just like him.If that happens to be you, you can learn everything there is to know about trading in the Wall Street Survival & Stock Trading Guide Bundle currently on sale.This bundle features 13 hours of premium instruction, spread across eight courses that are easy to follow and understand. You begin by learning how the stock market works and setting up your very own investing account. Once you've got all the basics down, you'll move on to more advanced concepts that can help you become a successful trader.You'll learn how to create a trading plan to minimize your risks, pr...
The best smart locks that support Google Assistant
If you want to go all-in with smart home gadgets, smart locks are absolutely worth investing in. Not only do they keep your home safe and secure, but they can be also be controlled remotely and allow you to give other family members or friends access to them easily. Here are the best ones that can be controlled using Google Assistant!Google Assistant's best friendNest x Yale Smart LockStaff pickThis smart lock can be controlled from anywhere through Google Assistant, and ties in beautifully with other Nest products with automated features like disabling your Nest Secure alarm when you come home. It can unlock automatically with your phone and has a backup number pad.$280 at Best BuyBudget choiceAugust Smart Lock (3rd Gen)August's third-generation smart lock is a real treat. It unlocks automatically with your phone and has a deadbolt thumb turn on the front so you can still use it manually from inside. Just keep in mind you'll also need to pick up the August Connec...
The map in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is 'a bit larger' than in Odyssey
Larger or smaller or maybe even both.What you need to knowAssassin's Creed Valhalla is the next major entry in the Assassin's Creed series.According to producer Julien Laferrière, the map for Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a bit larger than in Assassin's Creed Odyseey.Assassin's Creed Valhalla is set to release in Holiday 2020.Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the next big RPG from Ubisoft in the long-running Assassin's Creed franchise. Exactly how big is it though? That's a bit confusing. According to Julien Laferrière, producer on Assassin's Creed Valhalla, it's bigger than Assassin's Creed Odyssey. I would actually say in terms of range it is probably a bit larger than Assassins Creed Odyssey. I do not have the exact figures at this stage, but we have not only created the whole country, which is in this case England, but also to a good part of Norway too. There are other secret worlds, which I can not speak about today, which contributed to the size of the game. It's not ...
Google's Pixel 5 may ditch Project Soli and Motion Sense
Google seems set to drop a failed idea.What you need to knowGoogle's Pixel 5 may ditch the Soli radar chip.Project Soli powered the Motion Sense feature of the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.It also drained battery and added little benefit to the phone's experience as a whole.With the Pixel 4, Google brought a new feature -- Motion Sense -- to the Pixel line. Powered by the innovative Project Soli, Motion Sense added a layer of mystique to the Pixel 4. You'd be able to control your phone from a distance. It's a fancy feature undercut by the inconvenient fact that a smartphone is 99% of the time located in your hand, but you have to give Google points for trying. With the Pixel 5, Google seems set to drop that feature, according to the folks over at 9to5Google (via The Next Web.)In yesterday's show, we also touched on some things we're hearing about Pixel 5 from sources — specifically that it will likely leave behind hobbies like Soli— Stephen Hall (@hallstephenj) May 15, 2020A...
Reddit is down in some parts of North America and Western Europe
Reports of outages started this afternoon.What you need to knowReddit is down for some users in North America and Europe.Outages started this afternoon, around 1 PM Eastern.Users may experience problems loading the site or app.Having problems with Reddit? You're not alone. Reports of an outage spiked on DownDetector earlier today. As per the site, users have been experiencing issues roughly around 1PM Eastern Time in Western Europe and North America.It's not clear what the specific issue is, but we've seen (and experienced) issues with loading content on the app and site. Reddit support has yet to issue any comment, but we'll update this article when we have more information.Best Reddit apps for Android...
Oculus Quest's Guardian system now warns you when something is in the way
Maybe now you'll avoid jumping into your TV.What you need to knowOculus Software version 17 for Quest brings automatic Playspace Scanning to detects objects that get in the way of your VR experience.Your Guardian playspace will warn you of objects by switching to a mixed-reality mode and highlighting the object in red.The guardian boundary color can now also be customized with a blue, purple, or yellow color.The Oculus Quest is an amazing headset, and one of the reasons it's so great is that it can recognize your play space and help you stay within a safe boundary. But, until now, the Quest could only tell you when you approach the edge of that boundary. Countless numbers of people have likely tripped over furniture, people, or an errant object that got in their playspace, and the new update to the Oculus Quest boundary system can now recognize those obstacles and help players clear them out before disaster occurs.Once you've mapped your playspace out, Oculus Guardian wil...
Every major game delay in 2020
The global pandemic has forced developers to adapt their work pipelines and finish games from home. This has led to multiple delays.This year began with a slew of high-profile game delays, most notably Cyberpunk 2077 and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but then COVID-19 struck and and threw the games industry through a loop. We've compiled a list of every game that's been delayed into 2020 and beyond. Some of these games have been delayed indefinitely while others have release windows or a final release date.We'll continually update this list as more games are delayed.Marvel's AvengersCyberpunk 2077Death StrandingDying Light 2Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles RemasteredGhost of TsushimaGods & MonstersIron Man VRThe Last of Us Part IIMinecraft DungeonsRainbow Six QuarantineSkull & BonesStar Wars Episode I: RacerVampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2Wasteland 3Watch Dogs: LegionGames delayed in 2020Marvel's AvengersMarvel's Avengers was supposed to...
Oculus Quest hand tracking is now generally available
Hand tracking is now generally available for the Oculus Quest, and games can use it later this month.What you need to knowOculus Quest hand tracking is now generally available.Hand tracking has been an experimental feature for a year.Third-party games can include hand tracking starting on May 28, 2020.Oculus announced a slew of updates and bits of information to celebrate the anniversary of the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S. One of the largest changes is that hand tracking is now generally available. The feature has been classified as an experimental feature for the last year but is now fully available on the Oculus Quest. Oculus will start accepting third-party titles that include hand tracking on May 28, 2020.Developers have now had a year to work with the hand tracking SDK, and Oculus has had long enough to improve the feature to roll it out to the public. Later this month, several apps and games will gain hand tracking support. Here's the list that Oculus shares in i...
Amazon Prime Day 2020 happening in August may be a good thing for everyone
If you've tried to order anything from Amazon in the past few months you've likely noticed that the online retail giant is struggling with delivery times and stock levels on various items. Several credible reports have indicated that Amazon's annual Prime Day event is going to be delayed from its usual mid-July timeframe to some point in August instead.As much as we would all love to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, that may just not be what's best right now. While it's not fun for Amazon to delay the event, and pushing it back has a number of risks involved with it, it's likely the best decision that Amazon could make right now.From employee safety to stock levels, and everything in between, Amazon Prime Day 2020 taking place in August is just a smarter overall decision than trying to rush things and make it happen in July. Let's break down when it could happen, why it should be delayed, and more.Amazon Prime Day 2020: When will it happen?If the new reports ...
Game on the go with these phone mounts for game controllers
Smartphones are more powerful today than they ever have been, with some devices offering a better gaming experience than even your desktop computer. On top of that, the mobile gaming platform has expanded so much that the library of games is incredible, so you'll want to use a controller to get the best experience. If you're not tied to a specific ecosystem, the best option for most people is the Razer Raiju Mobile, which works with both Windows and Android.Best Overall: Razer Raiju MobileFor those who want to get serious about mobile gaming, then you'll have to consider the Razer Raiju Mobile. Instead of a mount that clips onto your existing controller, this is an all-on-one system as Razer has created its own gaming controller.The controller itself has all of the necessary buttons you would expect, along with a few extras. On the top of the controller, there are two additional trigger buttons for added ergonomics, and under the left and right grip there are multi-function...
Gamescom Opening Night Live pushed back to August 27
A slight change of plans.What you need to knowGamescom Opening Night Live is a digital show that will conclude Summer Game Fest.It's being produced by Geoff Keighley, host of the Game Awards.Gamescom Opening Night Live is being moved back slightly and will now begin on August 27.While Gamescom Opening Night Live was previously scheduled to begin on August 24, there's been a slight change of plans. Geoff Keighley, host of Gamescom Opening Night Live, shared today that the showcase was being moved back slightly. It'll now begin on August 27, 2020. Gamescom Opening Night Live is the finale to the Summer Game Fest, a series of events collected by Keighley into one large summer-long program.Quick update: @gamescom Opening Night Live will now take place live on August 27 and kick off 3 days of @gamescom 2020. We’re planning a spectacular show that will also be the grand finale of @summergamefest More at https://t.co/KRzKTQeHcs pic.twitter.com/3gVEvG1so7— Geoff Keighley (@ge...
...665666667668669670671672673674...