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Updated 2025-11-06 23:03
Need GPS in your smartwatch or tracker? Check out these options.
Whether you're a casual or professional athlete, GPS is often one of the most sought-after features when buying a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Depending on your budget and what other features you're seeking, there are some great options out there, but you'll often have to pay more for the privilege. If you're serious about tracking your activities and want all of the details plus built-in GPS, we'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It has plenty to offer, especially if you're a highly active individual who's committed to detailed fitness tracking.Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicIf you enjoy exercise just as much as you enjoy tracking it, you'll love the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It comes with built-in GPS that's reliable and accurate. It also promises at least seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode. You'll get a total of six hours in continuous GPS mode with music playing, which is more than enough juice to track even your most active day of workou...
Samsung could soon launch a Snapdragon 865-powered foldable for $1,100
Its relatively affordable price tag could help make foldable phones a lot more popular.What you need to knowSamsung could be working on an "affordable" foldable phone called the Galaxy Fold Lite.The phone is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor and feature a smaller outer display than the Galaxy Fold.Just like the Galaxy Z Flip, it is expected to lack 5G support.Samsung's Galaxy Fold, despite being an impressive engineering feat, has failed to achieve commercial success. The biggest reason behind that is the phone's steep $1,980 price tag. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, which isn't quite as impressive as the Fold in terms of specs, has managed to grab a lot more attention from consumers, thanks to its significantly more affordable price tag. If a new rumor is to be believed, Samsung could launch an even more affordable foldable smartphone later this year.I have some info on the Galaxy Fold Lite. -Galaxy Fold Lite 4G-256GB storage-Mirror Black, Mirror Purple-Displa...
Lack of updates for Mi Mix 3 5G highlights Xiaomi's continued software woes
Xiaomi's 2019 5G flagship is stuck on Android 9.0 Pie, and it doesn't look like it will be updated to Android 10.Xiaomi introduced MIUI 12 last month in China, and is set to introduce the global version of the ROM in the coming weeks. MIUI 12 comes with a host of exciting new features and much-needed privacy controls, and will be rolling out to devices starting next month.But one device that has fallen by the wayside is the Mi Mix 3 5G. The phone debuted last year to much fanfare as Xiaomi set its sights on the 5G segment in European markets, but lackluster sales have dampened those ambitions. As a refresher, the Mi Mix 3 5G was announced at last year's Mobile World Congress, and featured a 3800mAh battery and the Snapdragon 855 along with the Snapdragon X50 5G modem.Xiaomi announced 5G partnerships with Vodafone, TIM, Three, Orange, and Sunrise, and the Mi Mix 3 5G went on sale in May 2019 for €599 ($645). A year later, the phone is still on Android 9.0 Pie, and it doesn't l...
How to watch Disney Family Singalong Volume 2 right now
Keeping the kids entertained while schools are closed and the world focuses on social distancing hasn't been easy. Luckily, the Disney Family Singalong is back with a whole new slate of stars and performances for little ones to look forward to, along with host Ryan Seacrest.The first Disney Family Singalong aired on April 16 and featured stars like Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Demi Lovato, and Christina Aguilera singing covers of classic and modern Disney tunes, from The Lion King's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" to Frozen's "Let It Go". Volume II comes just three weeks later and is scheduled to feature performances by Halsey, Shakira, Idina Menzel, Miguel, Keke Palmer, and Donald Glover, among others.If you haven't seen the first Disney Family Singalong, you'll want to catch up on that now!The Disney Family Singalong: When & whereThe second Disney Family Singalong premiered on Mother's Day and was hosted by Ryan Seacrest. It's now available on both Disne...
Bonuses galore: These are the 8 best cards for groceries during coronavirus
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.Changes in grocery spending are the biggest shifts in consumer behavior that we've seen during the coronavirus pandemic. Along with an uptick in online grocery deliveries, there has been an increase in grocery spending relative to other purchases. Credit card issuers have responded to these changing spending patterns, with temporary grocery bonuses and statement credits.For those of us with an arsenal of cards to choose from – especially with so many new grocery bonuses recently announced – it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out which card to use for grocery spending right now. It's time to break down these bonuses.Cards that provide the most value nowWith credit card companies scramb...
It's not just you — Slack is down around the world [Update: Back up]
Slack was down for a few hours, but the issue has been resolved.What you need to knowUsers across the world are unable to connect to Slack right now.Slack's status dashboard shows the problem originated around 7:30 pm ET. The company is now trying to fix the issue, but there's no timeline on when it will be resolved. Update: Slack fixed the issue, and the service is back to normal.Original story follows:Slack is down right now, with users from all around the globe unable to connect to the service. The problem originated at around 7:30pm ET on May 12, and isn't limited to one region. I'm not able to log in to the service from India, with Slack returning a 503 error (service unavailable).Slack's status dashboard details the outage: "Users are unable to connect to Slack. We are investigating and will provide an update shortly." The company posted an update that some users may be able to connect to the service, but that it is still investigating the issue: Some custom...
New Nest Aware pricing announced last fall finally arrives
No more nickel-and-diming based on just how many cameras are in your home.What you need to knowThe new pricing structure announced at the "Made By Google" event in October are rolling out.This means that all of your Nest devices will be covered under a single Nest Aware subscription, but you might lose some third-party app integration if you migrate to the new plan.You'll now have to choose for the whole house whether you want 30-Day or 60-Day access to recordings and whether you need continuous recordings, which now require Nest Aware Plus.Nest has long had a slight disadvantage compared to its competitors when it comes to its cloud security subscription. While most cost the same whether you had 1 camera or 10, Nest made you pay for Nest Aware for each camera separately. At the Made By Google event last fall, Google announced it was revising this strategy to instead have Nest Aware cover all the devices in your home — because after all, why punish the people who are alre...
Google is rolling out a new search experience for Google Earth
The upgrade includes data layers, quizzes, and more.What you need to knowGoogle Earth is getting a fresh coat of paint.The search experience for the service is receiving a massive upgrade, with both UI and functional features.The changes are already live on the web, iOS, and Android apps.Google Earth has been the recipient of a lot of love from Google in the past few months. Having brought the starry sky to the mobile app after years, the company has now turned its sights to improving the overall experience, especially as it relates to search.A new blog post from the Google Earth term indicates the search experience has been almost entirely revamped. It now includes personalized search history, featured content, and what the company considers 'must-see views.' Check out the new desktop search below:The differences become far starker when comparing the before and after pictures from the mobile apps, courtesy of Google: The mobile revamp features a similar theme,...
These are the best Android smartwatches you can buy
Right now, the best smartwatch for Android users is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's optimized for Samsung phones but runs well on all Android devices and has all the smartwatch and fitness features you'd expect. It's compact and lightweight but still offers good battery life. But if you're not into that one, the good news is that there are so many other amazing options from Fossil to Garmin to Fitbit and more.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2You don't have to use a Samsung phone to enjoy the benefits of owning a Samsung smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 provides the most well-rounded wearables experience for Android users right now. It's compact and lightweight but features an extremely sharp and vivid touch display that's easy to navigate and fun to use thanks to the new capacitive bezel. The Tizen OS is smooth and battery-friendly, unlike Google's own Wear OS, and while the app selection isn't massive, the core tenets are there, like Spotify, Stra...
Here are all the game events to check out in place of E3 this year
When the ESA is away, the publishers will play.E3 2020 was cancelled but that isn't stopping various parts of the gaming industry from rallying together and figuring out new events. Of particular note is Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest, which is acting as a wider umbrella for several different announcements. There's already been a couple of game events so far this year, but we're looking ahead to the future. Naturally, we'll also be updating this list as more events and showcases are announced.Summer Game Fest showcase and interview — May 13, 11:00 a.m. ESTWe don't what this will be but there's a showcase and interview with Geoff Keighley happening on May 13 at 11:00 a.m. EST. Keighley referred to this event on Twitter as "...one of the more important moments this summer."State of Play: Ghost of Tsushima gameplay — May 14, 4:00 p.m. ESTSony is bringing back the State of Play format to show off the upcoming Sucker Punch blockbuster Ghost of Tsushima. This show will beg...
Score the entire Walking Dead comic series on sale digitally for only $18
Humble Bundle is holding an insane sale on The Walking Dead comic series this week. There are several tiers you can choose from, though the best catches you up on the entire series (volumes 1 through 32 specifically) for only $18. The bundle also includes a handful of bonuses to keep you busy reading over the summer. In total, you'll be scoring over $450 worth of comics for less than $20, and there's no telling how long it will be before we see a deal this good on the series again — if ever.This is an insane offer if you've been wanting to read The Walking Dead series. As a fan of the show, waiting for the next season to come out is always brutal - yet I didn't want to pay over $10 per volume to catch up on the comic series either. This deal is a no-brainer for those who've almost bought previously, plus it's all digital so you don't have to find space in your room for a large collection of heavy books. You'll thank yourself later during your next move to a new home.Humble Bund...
These are the best smart lights for gaming
Smart lighting isn't just limited to turning your bulbs on and off from your phone or changing their colors. With the right smart bulbs, you can even soup up your gaming rig with lights that follow the rhythm and beats of your games, turning your entire room into a living visualizer.Bulbs for your lampsPhilips Hue White and Color AmbianceStaff pickIf you don't already have an elaborate smart lighting rig, why not start simple with a couple of bulbs? The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance kit comes with two bulbs that connect directly to Wi-Fi, no hub needed. Philips Hue partners with gaming brands like Razer so that your lights can match the changing colors of your Chroma-powered peripherals.$90 at Amazon $90 at Best BuyAmbient glowPhilips Hue Light StripJust like the light bulbs, Philips Hue's LightStrip Plus can connect with Razer Chroma devices like Razer's RGB gaming mice and keyboards and match their colors to give a unique ambience to your room. You can st...
Huawei's P30 Pro New Edition launches in June from £699
Huawei's P30 Pro returns. Again.What you need to knowHuawei is launching the P30 Pro New Edition again.It's the first Huawei 'flagship' this year to ship with Google apps.The company says this is to celebrate the one year anniversary of the P30's launch. Huawei is once again relaunching the P30 Pro after an initial relaunch last year to add a new finish. Unlike all other Huawei phones released this year, the P30 Pro stands apart from them by being able to use Google's apps and services.Huawei made the announcement today (via Android Police): The new fan-favourite smartphone will provide users with increased RAM to 8GB, expanded ROM to 256GB, as well as the return of the award-winning Leica Quad Camera. After setting a new standard in DxOMark scores, in August 2019, the European Image and Sound Association (EISA), a group comprising of 55 of the world's most respected consumer electronics magazines, named HUAWEI's P30 Pro the "EISA Best Smartphone 2019-2020". The ...
How to stream Taylor Swift's City of Lover concert live from anywhere
Just because live events are cancelled for the time being doesn't mean you're out of luck when it comes to seeing your favorite artists perform this year. Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms have been taken over with live and pre-recorded performances from some of the world's most talented performers, and now one of the biggest shows to date is about to hit ABC: Taylor Swift's City of Lover concert.Recorded back in September of last year, the show took place in Paris at the L'Olympia Theater where Swift performed 16 songs from various albums, including live performance debuts of Lover tracks like "Death by a Thousand Cuts", "Cornelia Street", and "The Man" as well as radio hits like "I Knew You Were Trouble", "Love Story", and "Shake It Off". While there's no word on whether the televised performance will include every song, the show is sure to bring some relief to Swifties upset by Taylor's upcoming Lover Fest dates being rescheduled from this summer to 2021.Taylor Swift's...
How to fix PlayStation 4 controller jitters
One relatively common issue with DualShock controllers seems to be the jitters. It's as if your controller has had too many cups of coffee. If you are experiencing this issue, you will find that input from your sticks (usually the left) will start to stutter. When you push the stick forward, instead of seeing smooth movement on the screen, you'll see a movement that starts and stops with no rhyme or reason. Have no fear. Before you toss that dual-stick in the trash, let's take a look at what you can try to remedy your problem.Products used in this guideBlow out the dust-bunnies: 2-Pack Dust-Off Compressed Air ($16 at Amazon)Adieu dust: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cloth 24-pack ($15 at Amazon)Grime be gone: Babyganics Alcohol-Free Sanitizing Wipes ($10 at Amazon)Get crafty: Joystick Wireless Controller Rocker for Playstation 4 PS4 Controller ($7 at Amazon)Small Philips: Dynamite Screwdriver ($5 at Amazon)The whole package: Plusivo Soldering Kit ($18 at Amazon)Its getting hot in...
Instagram's new account tools ramp up war on bullying
Instagram's new tools will make it easier to tackle bullying on the social network.What you need to knowInstagram's new tools will grant users more control over their account.From today, users will be able to mass delete comments and control who can tag or mention them.The company is also testing a pinned comments feature. Instagram today launched a selection of tools that would make it easier for users to retain control of their accounts. Specifically, users now have more control over what comments are displayed under their photos and who can tag or mention them.As per the Instagram team: First, we're launching a new feature to help people manage multiple unwanted interactions at once. We know it can feel overwhelming to manage a rush of negative comments, so we've been testing the ability to delete comments in bulk, as well as block or restrict multiple accounts that post negative comments. Early feedback has been encouraging, and we've found that it helps people, e...
Best cases for Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablets
I use my Fire HD 8 tablet just about every day, whether it be to watch a show on Amazon Prime, look up a recipe, or simply surf the net. It's an amazing little device, but as with any tablet it can easily get broken, which is why you'll want to purchase a quality case for it. I've collected the best cases for the Fire HD 8 tablet so you can determine which one best fits your needs.All around protectionFintie Tuatara Magic RingStaff pickThere's a reason why this is one of the most popular cases on Amazon. Not only does it feature a handle that converts into a kickstand, but it also has a built-in screen protector. It will protect your tablet from scratches and bumps at all angles. Since it comes in six different colors, you can choose the look you like best.From $30 at Amazon From $20 at FintieBudget buyFintie Silicone CaseFor thrifty shoppers who don't like to spend more than they need to, this silicone casing is the perfect option. It offers plenty of protection ...
Top 5 features announced at Google I/O in the last five years
A lot can happen in just a few years.If you're an Android fan, May is usually a super exciting month. It's when Google I/O takes place, which is Google's big developer conference where we learn all about the latest version of Android and other projects the company is working on.This year, however, things are different. Google I/O 2020 was canceled as a result of the global health pandemic our planet is facing, meaning no big and flashy event like we're used to.In light of that, we thought it would be fun to take a look a the last five years of I/O announcements and call out the five biggest ones. Without further ado, here's what sticks out to us the most!Google Photos (2015)Today, Google Photos is established as one of the best products from Google in years. It's featured-packed, free to use, and pretty much the best place for cloud photo storage. Given all of that, it's hard to believe it's only been around for five years.Google Photos was first unveiled at I/O 2015 ...
Google I/O would have started today, here’s why it’s such a wonderful event
Today would have been the Google I/O 2020 keynote. I know this because, despite being deleted from Android Central's shared calendar weeks ago, a phantom notification appeared on my laptop last night reminding me of that fact.Google's done a good job erasing this year's Google I/O from the internet. If you go to the dedicated website for the event, it succinctly sums up why it and basically every other live event scheduled since mid-March has been cancelled: Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities — and in line with recent "shelter in place" orders by the local Bay Area counties — we sadly will not be holding I/O in any capacity this year. Right now, the most important thing all of us can do is focus our attention on helping people with the new challenges we all face. Please know that we remain committed to finding other ways to share platform updates with you through our developer blogs and community forums. ...
Best Netflix VPN in 2020
The best Netflix VPN could be the difference between you actually watching what you want and sitting in a dark room wishing your subscription wasn't going to waste. This is what geo restrictions do — they block access to content when you're in the wrong place.Best Netflix VPNs available right nowExpressVPN: Overall best pick for everyoneCyberGhost: Easiest of all to useNordVPN: Great performance for streaming NetflixSurfshark: Most affordable option aroundIPVanish: Easy to use & great supportHow can I be in the wrong place? Well, if you're trying to access a U.S. Netflix show while overseas, in a place that doesn't have the rights, then you'll find yourself locked out. That means you'll only be able to watch whatever is available in the place you find yourself. If you want to see the British Royal family in The Crown show, when on your visit to London, then this is ideal. But should you want to catch a US only movie which doesn't have the ok for UK viewing, then y...
Doom 64 arrives on Stadia today; Doom Eternal owners can get it for free
Play Doom, but at its roots.We're almost two months out from the Doom Eternal and Doom 64 releases across major consoles and PC, but now Stadia players can get in on the complete action.Google announced Tuesday that Doom 64, the remastered rerelease of the game from the Nintendo 64, is now live on Stadia. Players can get it for just $5 on the Stadia store, but if you purchased Doom Eternal on or before April 3, you can get it for free.Doom Eternal owners should receive an email with a code that they can redeem on the Stadia store. From there:Go to stadia.google.com.Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.Go to your Stadia settings.Click on redeem code.Enter the code from your email.Enjoy the game! (Or don't, we won't judge.)Doom 64 is mostly a remaster of the original game, but with a couple added twists. Of course, the graphics have been updated (our own Asher Maden clocked it to run at 60 FPS on his Xbox One X), but there is also a whole...
Climb the career ladder with this 12-course Microsoft Office training
Being at least somewhat familiar with the incredibly popular and ubiquitous suite of Microsoft Office programs has become all but a prerequisite for landing virtually any job in the modern world. But if you're looking to start or further a truly exciting career in an increasingly data-driven and interconnected world, you're going to need much more than just a baseline understanding of Excel and Word.The All-In-One Microsoft Office Professional Suite Certification Prep Bundle will transform you from a Microsoft Office novice into a full-fledged pro so you can outpace the competition and land the career of your dreams, and it's currently available for over 95% off at just $34.99.Usually priced at nearly $2,500, this comprehensive training package comes loaded with over 70 hours of content that will walk you through both the basics and more advanced elements of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more.Regardless of your previous experience with these essentia...
No need for controllers with these awesome Oculus Quest games
The Oculus Quest is an amazing piece of technology, but did you know it can automatically track your hands instead of just using the Oculus Touch controllers? While it's convenient to browse through the Oculus menus with just your fingers, playing games is a lot more fun. To get started, sideload apps to your Oculus Quest using Sidequest before you begin. For the best results, always play in a well-lit room for optimal hand-tracking performance. The brighter, the better. We cannot stress that enough.★ Featured favoriteHand Physics LabStaff PickDeveloper Dennys Kuhnert of Holoception fame has been working on this incredible collection of hand-tracking experiments since Oculus opened up the development floodgates a few months ago, and the results are nothing short of revolutionary. Simply put, there's nothing on the market that even competes with the accuracy, interactivity, or imagination as Hand Physics Lab. The only thing we can hope for is that all of these conc...
Remasters of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 have been announced
Get your tricks on later this year.What you need to knowTony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 were originally released in 1999 and 2000 respectively.Today, a remaster for both games was announced via Summer Game Fest.Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 remasters are set to release on September 4, 2020. First released in 1999 and 2000 respectively, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 are critically acclaimed skateboarding games. They were originally developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. Today, during a Summer Game Fest stream, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 and 2 remasters were announced. You can check out the announcement trailer below.Both games are included in one package for the remaster, which was developed by Vicarious Visions. Amusingly enough, before the Summer Game Fest stream was live, Tony Hawk himself started texting people telling them the remasters were on the way.Tony Hawk is sending texts that say that a Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 remaster...
Iron Man VR is flying onto PlayStation 4 this July
Step into the suit of this iconic superhero over the summer.What you need to knowIron Man VR was delayed back in April.It is now expected to release on July 3.It will feature an original story inspired by the movies and comics.Maybe indefinite delays aren't so bad after all. Iron Man VR was delayed back in April alongside The Last of Us Part II due to the current global pandemic. Sony would eventually announce that The Last of Us Part II was coming in June, but it did not also reveal a new release date for Iron Man VR at that time. The company has now announced that Iron Man VR is soaring onto PSVR on July 3.Don't expect to play through any scenarios found in the movies or comics. The story in Iron Man VR is apparently entirely original and has been built from the ground up. You shouldn't worry about it not feeling like an Iron Man story though, because the studio is still pulling inspiration from the comics and movies.Iron Man VR was pulled from pre-order pages aft...
Every game confirmed for the PS5 (so far)
Keeping track of new games before the PS5 arrives.The PlayStation 5 (PS5) still has yet to launch and we don't have a definitive idea of what the launch lineup looks like. Still, games are starting to be confirmed for Sony's next-generation gaming machine. As such, we've compiled all the games so far that have been announced for PS5.A little bit of clarification is needed here before we start. Because the PS5 is backward compatible with "almost all" PlayStation 4 (PS4) games, we're listing games that specifically include listed PS5 support. Some of them are exclusive in some capacity, some will be Sony Worldwide Studios titles, some are next-generation hardware only, and others are available on current systems. There are also options, particularly the newer games, that may take advantage of the Dualsense controller. Here's a list of every game coming to PlayStation 5 that we know of.Assassin's Creed ValhallaBluepoint's unknown gameDiRT 5GodfallGods & MonstersLord of t...
Keep devices powered up with two packable AUKEY products
I work out of a backpack six months out of the year. Since power outlets aren't always accessible, I rely on power banks to keep my gear in working order.Power banks weigh in on the hefty side. For all their added bulk, they have never delivered enough oomph to keep my devices going when I'm traveling. And wall chargers are iffy too. Most I've tested are built for one device only, which means I have to load my pack with numerous cables and chargers. Not fun! Those chargers that do have more than one port are weighty, missing a foldable plug, or take up too much real estate.After years of lugging around not-so-portable power banks and wall chargers, I've found a solution that works for me with AUKEY. It's not perfect, but it's the closest setup I've found that works for me.How I'm making AUKEY workMy goal is to keep a light pack. To do that, I need to carry as few items as possible, and they all need to fall into the featherweight category. For me, that means one charger tha...
How to transfer your Google Play Music library to YouTube Music
After almost two years of Google Play Music and the revamped YouTube Music existing side-by-side with no clear path forward, Google is finally ready to bring long-time Play Music fans over to YouTube Music without disrupting their streaming habits. As of May 12, a new transfer tool is rolling out to users that allows you to bring over all of your songs, playlists, and more from Play Music to YouTube Music. Here's how it works!Products used in this guideStream it all: YouTube Music Premium (From $10/month at YouTube)Pure Google: Google Pixel 4 XL (From $599 at Amazon)If you don't see the transfer feature in your YouTube Music app quite yet, don't worry. This is a staged rollout, meaning it could be a few days before the option is available to you. Once it is, check back here to learn how to use it.How to transfer your Google Play Music library to YouTube MusicOpen the YouTube Music app on your phone.Tap the Let's Go button under the Play Music banner.Tap Start Transfer...
Rumor: Nokia 9.3 PureView will be capable of capturing 8K video
Not all 2020 flagship phones support 8K video recording.What you need to knowThe Nokia 9.3 PureView could be HMD Global's first phone to offer 8K video recording.It is also rumored to come with enhanced "Pro" and "Night" modes. The phone is expected to debut at a dedicated event in late August or early September. Last month, a report published by the folks at NokiaPowerUser shed light on the camera specs of the rumored Nokia 9.3 PureView 5G. The publication has now come up with a new report, which reveals some key camera features of the upcoming flagship.As per the new report, Nokia 9.3 PureView might be capable of recording videos at up to 8K resolution. HMD Global is apparently working on finalizing the camera and editing algorithms for 8K video recording, even though it is "still considered to be an experimental feature."Along with 8K video recording, the next Nokia flagship phone might also come with improved "Night" and "Pro" camera modes. The enhanced Pro mode on ...
It's the beginning of the end for Google Play Music
Google Play Music is set to shut down by the end of the year.What you need to knowThere's now a transfer tool to bring your Google Play Music library to YouTube Music.Google is no longer letting new customers sign up for Play Music Unlimited.Play Music will be completely shut down at some point in 2020.Google's current offering for music streaming is a bit messy, and it's been that way for a while. Google re-launched YouTube Music back in August 2018 with the ultimate intent to have it replace Google Play Music, but ever since then, both services have continued to exist side-by-side.YouTube Music has far fewer bugs and a lot more features since that initial launch, and now, Google's ready to start winding down Play Music — kind of.Starting today, May 12, you'll find a new transfer tool in the YouTube Music app that allows you to move all of your songs, playlists, and more over from Google Play Music to YouTube Music. Simply go to the Library page in the app, tap Tra...
Save your eyes and your battery on dark mode on your OnePlus phone
If you've got a modern(ish) Android phone with an OLED screen, you may be aware that dark mode is a thing that not only looks cool but can also save you some battery life. You see, OLED panels don't activate any pixels when representing "black" — instead, black represents what it really is, the absence of light. By not activating large swaths of pixels, you inevitably save battery life. While it's not as simple as a quick settings shortcut like on Samsung Galaxy phones, enabling dark mode on a OnePlus phone is still darn simple.How to enable dark mode on your OnePlus phoneOpen the Settings app.Tap on Customization.Tap on Preset Theme.Tap on Nuanced dark.Tap Apply when you see a pop-up asking you to confirm your choice.Make any additional adjustments in the options below.Just note that once you change the theme, any customizations you made previously with regards to accent colors, icon packs, etc. will have to be reconfigured. But have no fear, that can all be don...
Clean up after your pet with bObsweep's robotic vacuum on sale for $200
Today at Best Buy you can grab the bObsweep Pet robotic vacuum cleaner for $199.99. This is one of Best Buy's deals of the day, which is a temporary one-day sale, and applies to both the silver and scarlet colors. The price is usually closer to around $300 or more.If you've got fur babies, you really ought to check out this bObsweep vacuum as it can banish pet hair and dander from your home with limited input from you. The bObi Pet has a 5-in-1 cleaning process that leaves your floors vacuumed and mopped without you having to lift a finger.It has silicone touch sensors and embedded wall sensors to help it avoid obstacles and navigate around your home without bumping into furniture or falling off stairs. Its battery runs for up to 120 minutes between charges and when it starts getting low, bObi Pet even begins to head back to its charging station to juice back up. There are touch-sensitive buttons on the top of the vacuum and a remote control for manually setting the device going,...
Here's how to save up to $700 on the new OnePlus 8 5G right now
The OnePlus 8 is one of the priciest OnePlus smartphones to date, but with Verizon's latest deal on the device, you could get one in your hands for as low as $100 with monthly device payments. Though the phone is regularly priced at $799.99 there, you can save up to $550 off its cost when you trade in an eligible device and add a line on select Unlimited plans.If you're not currently a Verizon member, you'll also earn a $150 prepaid card when you switch to Verizon, port-in your old number, and add the OnePlus 8 to an Unlimited plan. You'll also need to visit Verizon's Digital Rebates Center and enter code VZONEPLUS along with the requested information to complete the prepaid card offer.There are a ton of different devices you can trade-in to score the $550 discount, such as iPhone models as far back as the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy devices such as the Galaxy S6, any Google Pixel device, and select OnePlus phones, among others. You'll receive the full $550 discount by adding your n...
The 2020 Pixel Buds destroy the AirPods (2nd Gen) in nearly every way
Great all aroundGoogle Pixel Buds (2020)$180 at Best BuyProsLong battery lifeGreat sound qualityWireless charging case and USB-C wired chargingExcellent integration with Android devicesGood mic quality for callsConsComfort could be better for long term useNo active noise cancelationOutside of comfort and microphone quality for calls, the Pixel Buds are equal to or better than the AirPods in every way. The Pixel Buds feature better sound, USB-C for wired charging, and a better media control scheme. They work best with an Android phone but work decently well on other devices as well.Call champAirPods (2nd Gen)$169 at Amazon $180 at Best BuyProsGreat mic for calls and video chatsWireless charging case (optional)Excellent comfortConsSound quality isn't as greatLightning for wired chargingNoise isolation is poorThe AirPods feature great comfort (if they fit your ears) and great mic quality for the phone calls. They are great for phone cal...
Daily Coronavirus updates: Tesla resumes production in spite of orders
The coronavirus has spread to 187 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic has proved particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 4.2 million and fatalities of over 286,000 globally.The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It has transformed how we live and work, and how we connect with our friends and families. Tech brands are doing their part to assist, with Google teaming up with Apple to build a coronavirus tracking tool.Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting not only the tech industry, but also the world at large.May 12, 2020: Tesla restarts operations at factory even though shelter-in-place orders are still in effectTesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the car maker's factory in Fremont, California has resumed production even though the Alameda County's s...
The PS5 October 2020 release window was listed in error
We're going to have to keep waiting.What you need to knowA job listing for Sony Interactive Entertainment stated the PlayStation 5 was being released in October 2020.Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed the listing was made in error.The PlayStation 5 is currently scheduled to release sometime in Holiday 2020.If you were starting to get your hopes up that the PlayStation 5 (PS5) release window was being made available today, it's time to crush those hopes. Earlier today, a Japanese job listing for Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) was noticed for stating that the PlayStation 5 would be released in October 2020.According to Famitsu, who reached out to SIE for comment on the situation, SIE responded stating the listing was made in error and there is no update on the release window for the PS5. For now, the PS5 is still set to release sometime in Holiday 2020.Still, we did get a small tidbit of PS5 news today all the same: the reveal of the PlayStation Studios br...
Spotify Kids hands parents more control as it lands in Japan and Germany
Spotify's Kids app remains in beta, but refinement continues.What you need to knowSpotify now gives parents more control over what content their kids can access.In the Kids app, parents can now block certain songs or albums.Spotify Kids will also now be made available in Germany and Japan as the rollout continues.Spotify continues to develop its Kids app, an offshoot of its premium service that's aimed to give parents a child-friendly subset of the streaming giant's library.First, Spotify Kids is getting a bit more global. The beta app rollout is available from today in Japan and Germany, and now the company is now expanding the level of control parents will have over audio content.Spotify says: We believe that parents should have the ultimate say in what their children listen to. That's why starting today, parents can access their kids' "Listening History" as well as block individual songs or audio stories from appearing in the Spotify Kids app. It's an added level...
Dear Motorola — it's time to start caring about software updates
I want to love Moto phones, but something's gotta give.Updated May 12: Well, folks — it looks like complaining (sometimes) works. Just a day after this editorial was published, Motorola announced that it's now promising at least two major Android updates for the Edge+. Good job, Moto ?.Motorola will always have a soft spot in my nerdy heart. It's a company that's been fundamental for consumer technology, creating the world's first true cell phone back in 1983 and continuing to exist in the mobile tech space all these years later. In regards to Android, specifically, I think back to the days of the Moto X in 2013 and 2014 and how much dang fun those phones were.The Motorola we know today under Lenovo ownership is clearly a lot different from the ghost of Motorola's past, but even so, there's no denying that the company still has what it takes to create damn good products. Whether it be low-cost phones like the Moto G series or the company's recent return to flagships with...
Motorola now promises that the Edge+ will get Android 12
The phone was previously only guaranteed one major update.What you need to knowMotorola has announced that the Edge+ will receive at least two Android OS upgrades.That means the phone will see updates to Android 11 and Android 12.Previously, Motorola was promising just a single update.Later this week on May 14, Motorola officially launches the Edge+ — its first proper flagship phone in years. This is an important device for the company, and thankfully, it's darn good at what it does.One of the major sticking points of the Edge+ is that Motorola was only promising one major Android upgrade, which as you might expect, was seen as a considerable letdown for a phone that costs $1,000. Now, the company is rethinking that policy.On May 12, Motorola announced that it's now promising at least two Android upgrades for the Edge+. Seeing as how the phone ships with Android 10, that means it'll be updated to at least Android 12.Motorola hasn't been known for timely or long-te...
How to install the Android SDK on Windows, Mac and Linux
Everything you need to get started with the Android SDK, and everything you need to know about installing it.Most of us will never need to install the Android SDK. The reason why is right in the name — Software Development Kit. It's built for people writing Android apps who need tools to work with Android from a computer.But those tools can also be handy for folks wanting to do some more advanced stuff. Stuff like manually updating software or rooting their phone. Fastboot and ADB are vital if you're into "hacking" at the Android software. And Google provides it free for everyone.What to choose?There are two ways to get a working set of Android tools on your computer. The easy way is just to install Android Studio. Everything needed to run and use the Android command line tools is part of Android Studio, as well as a way to keep the tools updated. While it's designed for folks who want a complete development environment and includes a code editor, Android emulator, and co...
Singapore introduces highly-invasive, mandatory COVID-19 surveillance
SafeEntry is a mandatory system whereby people scan a barcode to check into locations they visit, such as their place of work.What you need to knowSingapore has seen low adoption of its contact tracing app, and a second wave of COVID-19 cases.As a result, it is introducing a mandatory surveillance operation called SafeEntry.It requires users to scan a barcode using their smartphones when entering certain locations including schools, stores, hotels, and workplaces.Singapore is today introducing tough and invasive new surveillance measures to crack down on a second wave of COVID-19 cases, in part due to a low adoption rate of its contact tracing app.As noted by Forbes: Hit by a second wave of infections and with the take-up of its TraceTogether app hovering at too low a level to make enough of a difference, the city state has moved to the next level, launching a new contact-tracing surveillance program that will strike fear into those groups campaigning against the use ...
These are the best Android apps to use for recipes and cooking help
I have been cooking and baking for years and consider myself a pretty experienced cook. However, there are still plenty of apps I rely on to use in the kitchen for recipes and cooking assistance. Some of them provide some great recipes with star ratings and tips from other home cooks and bakers, while others serve as a perfect digital cookbook where you can store your favorite recipes and even upload your own. Others provide inspiration and even step-by-step videos if you want to follow along to make sure you get every step right. Here are some of the best of the best when it comes to cooking and recipe apps.Best OverallPaprika Recipe Manager 3My hands-down, go-to app in the kitchen is this one, which I have been using for years to store my favorite recipes. It's super-easy to save a recipe from a website without all of the fluff that might come with it, including long, drawn-out intros from the passionate home cooks, ads, and extra detail. This app automatically strips all o...
Sling’s free ‘Happy Hour’ promo is coming to an end, binge while you can
For nearly a month now, Sling TV has been offering free access to its streaming service for everyone in the U.S. between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight EST. This "Happy Hour Across America" promotion has easily been one of the best deals ever offered by a streaming service as streamers don't even need to enter billing details to start watching.Hopefully you've been taking advantage of the free month of service, but if not, there are still a few days left to stream Sling for free before the promotion comes to an end on May 15.Streamer's ParadiseSling TVWith its 'Happy Hour Across America' promotion, Sling TV is offering free streaming access to everyone in the US between 5 p.m. EST and midnight every night. That includes live TV channels like AMC, Bravo, FX, HGTV, Nick Jr., TLC and more, though the offer comes to an end later this week. Subscribe to Sling Blue for as low as $20/month to stream anytime!Free to streamSee at SlingTo start streaming during Sling TV's Happy...
Check out the new PlayStation Studios branding
The new theme for the next generation of PlayStation games.What you need to knowPlayStation has announced a new themed branding called PlayStation Studios.This fancy animation draws inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe theme.PlayStation Studios branding will accompany PS5 games developed by PlayStation. PlayStation has unveiled a new theme to accompany its future first-party efforts. This branding is meant for PlayStation 5 games that are directly developed by PlayStation's first-party studios. You can take a look at the new animation below.In addition to the obvious Marvel inspiration, this animation is oddly similar to the one introduced by Xbox back in 2019. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Eric Lempel, senior vice president and head of global marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment, explained that PlayStation wanted to unite its first-party games under one brand.Lempel also stated that there will be different versions of the logo for packagi...
What you need to know about Factory Reset Protction
Factory Reset Protection helps keep your data safe if your phone is lost or stolen, so you need to wipe your phone before you sell it.Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security method that was designed to make sure someone can't just wipe and factory reset your phone if you've lost it or it was stolen. Starting with Android Lollipop, FRP is "standard" in vanilla Android, and most of the companies making our phones have implemented it in their own models. It's a good thing — it makes a stolen phone harder to use, which makes it less appealing to thieves, and anything that can protect our data on a phone we've lost is welcome.How it worksIt can become a problem if you sell, trade, or even give away a phone without factory resetting it, though. How it works explains why.You have to be signed in with the "owner" account of the phone (the one you used to set it up) in order to factory reset it. That means if you give me your phone, I can't reset it without you being signed in....
Hamilton will make its Disney Plus debut on July 3, more than a year early
In a surprise move by Disney, Hamilton is coming to a television screen near you this summer. Get your Disney Plus memberships ready as the smash hit Broadway musicial is set to premiere on the streaming service this July 3, 2020 as a Disney Plus exclusive.This news comes after Disney has already moved select theatrical releases to its streaming service early; Pixar's Onward reached the service a mere two weeks after its debut in theaters, while Artemis Fowl will be skipping theaters altogether and going straight to Disney Plus.The Hamilton film was originally scheduled for release on October 15, 2021, but audiences will get to see the movie from the comfort of their own homes more than a year earlier than planned thanks to Disney's move. Robert A. Iger, Executive Chairman of The Walt Disney Company said: "No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of 'Hamilton'—an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way. In ...
POCO F2 Pro is here with flagship specs, mid-range price tag
The most affordable Snapdragon 865-powered phone yet.What you need to knowThe POCO F2 Pro is finally official.Just as expected, the POCO F2 Pro is based on the Redmi K30 Pro.It has been priced at just $499 and will go on sale in select markets starting later today.POCO today launched its second flagship smartphone at a global launch event held online. Unsurprisingly, the POCO F2 Pro is not an all-new device but a rebadged version of the Redmi K30 Pro. The standard Redmi K30 was rebadged and launched as the POCO X2 in the Indian market in February this year.The POCO F2 Pro comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ AMOLED display featuring a 180Hz touch sampling rate, but lacks a high-refresh-rate option. While the POCO X2 offers a 120Hz refresh rate, the F2 Pro has a 60Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it runs on Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 865 chipset with LiquidCool Technology 2.0, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage.On the back of the phone is a...
Ring's Video Doorbell Pro is down to $170 with a free Chime Pro
We truly are living in the future with doorbells you can answer from anywhere in the world, from the comfort of your smartphone. But it's not always that affordable to add one to your smart home setup, especially if you want one you can trust. Fortunately, B&H is making it a lot less expensive to install the Ring Video Doorbell Pro bundled with the Chime Pro dropping in price to $169.99. That's $80 less than the doorbell alone and a $130 savings over buying the doorbell and chime separately.Ring's Video Doorbell Pro takes the place of your existing hardwired doorbell at home. It's equipped with a 1080p HD camera featuring infrared night vision that lets you view its video feed using an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and you'll be able to do so from anywhere in the world. It's also equipped with a microphone and built-in speaker that allows you to speak with any visitors that arrive at your door. There's an integrated motion sensor that can send an alert to your ph...
How good/bad is your Galaxy Note 10 battery life?
Having a chat with the AC forums.Believe it or not, it's been almost nine months since the Galaxy Note 10 was released. It seems like just yesterday it was the newest Samsung flagship on the block, but before you know it, it'll be overshadowed by its successor.The Note 10 continues to be one incredible handset here in 2020, but as with any phone, one aspect that tends to degrade over time is battery life. The more you drain your phone's battery and recharge it day after day, its overall endurance tends to lessen.Recently, some of our AC forum members got to talking about their Note 10 and how battery life is holding up for them. j_hansen 05-05-2020 08:40 AM “ I have the Exynos Note 10 plus 5G and consistently get 10 hours SoT Reply blackhawkhot 05-05-2020 09:53 AM “ I think screen refresh rate...
Nomad's leather Pixel Buds case is opulent in all the right ways
A case for your earbuds case? It's not as silly as you'd think.One of the funniest recent trends to me is people buying a case to put on their earbuds case. The rampant popularity of Apple's AirPods can probably be credited for creating this category (ranging from reasonable to way overboard), but now it isn't an AirPods-only affair. Though I've found the idea of buying an accessory for your accessory a bit silly, lately, I've been using Google's new Pixel Buds a ton and was intrigued when I saw that Nomad makes a gorgeous leather case for the new headphones.I've loved Nomad's accessories — particularly its leather phone cases — for a while, so I figured its new leather case for the Pixel Buds was a perfect first foray into true wireless earbud cases.At a glanceNomad Rugged Case for Pixel Buds Bottom line: The Nomad R...
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