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by Samuel Contreras on (#50ZS9)
During the coronavirus outbreak across the US, it's clear that not everyone will be able to pay their bills on time and this includes their phone service. Luckily, Chairman Pai of the FCC has asked carriers and internet providers across the nation to pledge to keep people connected, even if they are unable to pay their bills.If you are thinking this means free phone and internet service, it does not. These are programs to help people that might not be able to pay right away. You'll still need to pay the total amount before everything is said and done.Stay informed with our coronavirus updates so you know what to expect. You can also make the most of your time at home by working from home.Which carriers are waiving fees?A large list of internet providers including some of the largest in the nation have signed on to keep service active for people that may need some extra time to pay their bills. On the phone side, this includes all major carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T...
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Updated | 2025-07-15 19:30 |
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by Jared DiPane on (#50ZSA)
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are used in a variety of different ways these days. Some use them for personal gains, like spoofing locations and securing connections, while others need them in order to be able to access important work-related files and sites. With how much of our day is spent connected to the internet, and how much sensitive information is sent around, it's vital that you keep your connections secure. If you aren't totally sure on the benefits, here's more about what a VPN is and why you should consider one.Best Business VPNsPermiter 81: Our top pickEncrypt.me: Two user minimumExpressVPN: Great for individualsNordVPN Teams: Most secure optionVyprVPN: Fastest of allPureVPN: Reliable & affordableWith a VPN, your data is funneled through a provider's server and then gets to the destination, which helps mask what's going on and prevent people from being able to get into it. With some recent health concerns around the Coronavirus, more and more co...
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by Sean Endicott on (#50ZN3)
Video games are amazing, but they usually don't do a great job of burning up physical energy. That's where VR and the Oculus Quest come in. If your kids are stuck at home and are bouncing off the walls, you can let them blow off some steam with the Oculus Quest. These games will get your kids and the family jumping, dancing, and spinning around.Note: When you let kids use VR, remember to take breaks for ten minutes every hour. You can check out more guidance on letting your kids use VR in this guide.â Featured favoriteBeat SaberBeat Saber is an incredible game for all ages. It has a low learning curve and different skill levels, so anyone can enjoy it. You swing digital sabers at blocks to the beat of music. It feels like a bit of a mixture of Guitar Hero and Star Wars.$30 at Oculus StoreSolving mysteriesThe Curious Tale of the Stolen PetsStaff pickThis is a charming puzzle game that's a bit different than the other entries on this list. Rather t...
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by Roy Delgado on (#50ZN5)
Netflix started out as a service focused on movies, but now fans tend to think of great shows first. Netflix has so many great TV shows that it can be hard to know where to begin. You might have a lot of time on your hands all of a sudden, and want to watch shows on Netflix that you know are worth your time on the couch. Here are the best 21 Netflix shows in 2020, separated by original series and library shows.Best Netflix Original SeriesNetflix is the gold standard for streaming service original series. It now has an excellent original show empire, from the co-produced Lilyhammer, to its first big in-house hit with House of Cards, and beyond.We're not in Hawkins anymoreStranger ThingsStaff pickStranger Things has racked up love from fans, critics, and Netflix, as the show has delivered attention and views. Dive into the supernatural, conspiracies, and the Upside-Down with local, small-town kids and the superpowered Eleven.Watch on NetflixBreads & Cakes &a...
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by Joe Maring on (#50ZN7)
Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are all the rage these days, and rightfully so. For some people, however, Bluetooth headsets that are less bulky and only focus on delivering a great hands-free phone call experience are a better purchase. Especially if you're now working from home, a headset is an easy way to stay on top of your work in a distracting environment. We think the Plantronics Voyager Legend is the best overall choice, but there are plenty of other options on this list worth considering.Best Overall: Plantronics Voyager LegendThere's a surprising amount of Bluetooth headsets still kicking around in 2019, and among them all, we think the best pick for most people is the Plantronics Voyager Legend. The Voyager isn't the most premium Bluetooth headset out there, but we think it offers the best overall experience and value.Plantronics' design for the Voyager Legend is simple and minimalistic in all the right ways. It hooks over your ear with ease, and thanks to Smart S...
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by Joe Maring on (#50ZEN)
The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has everything you could want from a 2020 flagship. There's a powerful Snapdragon 865 processor, multiple rear cameras, and a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display. That display is one of the main reasons to pick up the S20+, but if it happens to get scratched or shattered, the experience won't be the same. Prevent that from happening by picking up a screen protector. Trust us; you want one.Complete packageCaseology Film Screen Protector (2-Pack)Staff PickAfter picking up the Galaxy S20+, chances are you don't want to spend a ton of money on a screen protector. Thanks to Caseology, you don't have to. This package gives you two protectors at a great price, in addition to an impressive feature-set. The protectors are crystal clear, scratch-resistant, compatible with the in-screen fingerprint sensor, and can self-heal themselves.$11 at AmazonTour de forceDome Glass Whitestone Screen ProtectorWe know that Dome Glass's protector won't be for every...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#50ZEP)
The Galaxy S20 comes with its own plastic screen protector, but it's not of great quality. If you want the best possible experience, you'll want a better quality screen protector that also works with the ultrasonic screen protector. It's still early days, though, so stay tuned for lots of new additions in the weeks and months ahead.The gold standardWhitestone Dome Glass (2-Pack)Incredible protectionGlass screen protectors can be more finicky with the Galaxy S20 because of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, but the UV curing system Whitestone uses is one we know works. It's expensive, to be sure, but it also holds really well to the phone and lasts a long time.$70 at AmazonAmerican-madeArmorSuit MilitaryShieldStaff pickThis oleophobic film protector comes in compact roll and uses a wet application to avoid bubbles and misalignments. ArmorSuit is also one of the few screen protectors made in the USA, if you prefer to buy domestic.$8 at AmazonName brand protect...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#50ZEQ)
I am so excited for the PlayStation 5, but this backward compatibility situation is a mess.Backward compatibility was a staple on Xbox One, so of course Microsoft is doubling down on this philosophy with the Xbox Series X. Considering the overwhelmingly positive response that backward compatibility has gotten, Sony appeared to be poised to adopt that same type of program on PlayStation 5 (PS5). All comments seemingly indicated that backward compatibility would be a major feature on the PS5, but judging by Mark Cerny's canceled GDC talk, which was streamed online Wednesday, this doesn't appear to be the case.Cerny mentioned that 100 of the most popular PS4 titles were being tested for backward compatibility on PS5, but this confused some people who didn't know if that meant that only those 100 titles would playable on PS5 or if those were just the games being tested at the moment. An official post on the PlayStation Blog did not assuage fears, and only added to the confusion. ...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#50Z6D)
With Sony having gone well past 30 choices for controller color options, both in standard releases and limited editions, it can be hard to keep track of what is still available out there. Even finding a basic white second-generation controller can be difficult as colors are starting to be discontinued. Some of the limited edition controllers solely came in console bundles making pre-owned your only option, that is, short of buying a new console. But we have you covered; these are all the DualShock 4 controllers you can still get your hands on.★ Lovely Limited500 Million Limited EditionThe 500 Million Limited Edition PS4 controller was made to commemorate the sale of 500 million PlayStation consoles. This controller is quite possibly the most beautiful DualShock controller we will ever see. It features a deep translucent blue casing with complimentary rose gold lettering and PS button. It's sold out at several retailers, but there is still stock available if you know where...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50Z6F)
The new UI matches what's found on iOS and Android.What you need to knowGoogle has modified the UI for its automatic webpage translations in Chrome, powered by Google Translate.The new design features a tabbed interface.It brings the desktop UI more in line with the current iOS and Android designs.Google is making a slight change to the UI of the Google Translate widget you'll see automatically translating webpages in a foreign language when using the Chrome browser. As Techdows reports, the company has updated the Translate "bubble" with a new tabbed UI, that's quite similar to what's now found on Chrome for iOS and Android.When Chrome detects a foreign language, the Translate bubble will show up in the URL bar. Clicking on it reveals the new, tabbed UI shown above. It'll show the language that the page is in as one tab, and if you want to translate the page into another language — say English — you simply click on the tab for that language.In addition, the three...
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by Jason England on (#50YW4)
Switch to standard definition when HD is not needed to prevent breaking the internet.What you need to knowEuropean Union Commissioner Thiery Breton is urging people to switch to SD quality when streaming Netflix to save the internetNetflix CEO Reed Hastings and Breton have already spoken once on the matter and will discuss it again today.During the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people are sheltering in place, putting a strain on the internet while they work remotely, stream content, or stay in touch with friends and family.If you're like many of us around the world right now, you're staying at home as much as possible due to the coronavirus. Whether you're practicing social distancing or self quarantining, it's just the smart thing to do. As a result, we're finding a lot of hours in the day and night we need filled with something to do.Enter streaming services, many of which have free trials to take advantage of, in case you don't already subscribe. Without a doubt, N...
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by Alex Dobie on (#50Z6H)
HTC isn't the heavy hitter in the smartphone space that it used to be; in fact, the company hasn't released a consumer-facing phone since 2018. However, its existing lineup is still worth looking into, especially now that each phone is available for a fraction of its original price. Here are the best ones you can grab right now.Best overallHTC U12+Staff pickThe U12+ takes after its predecessor the 11+ with a 6-inch, 18:9 LCD panel, a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, a whopping 3500mAh battery, and Android 9 Pie running Sense UI. It features dual cameras, one wide and one telephoto, along with Digital Buttons that replicate true power and volume buttons with haptic vibrations, and comes in three striking color options.$439 at AmazonRunner upHTC U11Despite being nearly three years old, the HTC U11 is still a solid phone with respectable specs like a Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 5.5-inch display. The U11 was also the first phone to feature Edge ...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#50Z6K)
The legend himself is coming back.What you need to knowThe next update for Ghost Recon: Breakpoint is called Deep State.This content drop is bringing Sam Fisher from the Splinter Cell series.Ghost Recon Breakpoint: Deep State is set to release on March 24. Sam Fisher is back. No, not in a new Splinter Cell game but he's again being called in to help the Ghosts. In a new story adventure in Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, players will again get the chance to work with this legendary operative. We don't know many details right now but the update is called Ghost Recon Breakpoint: Deep State.You can check out the teaser trailer for Ghost Recon Breakpoint: Deep State below. In it, you'll get to hear Michael Ironside once again voice Sam Fisher, as he goes over some of the recent events in Ghost Recon: Breakpoint, amusingly addressing many player complaints.Ghost Recon: Breakpoint is set to arrive on March 24. We don't know exactly what else is included in this new mission but fo...
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by Joe Maring on (#50Z6N)
Whether you want an easy way to check the weather, control smart home devices, stream music, or any other multitude of things, Google Assistant speakers are the way to go. They come in many shapes, sizes, and prices, but no matter which one you buy, you get the same core experience. If you're in the market for your first Assistant device or need another for your growing collection, here's a list of our current favorites — including the Google Nest Hub as our top overall choice.Best Overall: Google Nest HubKicking off our list, let's talk about the Google Nest Hub and why it's our favorite Google Assistant speaker currently on the market. If your ideal speaker strikes a good balance of design, features, and price, the Nest Hub is perfect.Starting with that first point, this thing looks great. The fabric base is available in a bunch of fun colors, and the way the screen is positioned on it gives off the impression that it's floating in mid-air. The quality of the 7-inch scree...
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by Michael Allison on (#50Z6P)
Essential was shut down in February this year, these renders show off what could have been.What you need to knowKevin Hoffman, a lead designer at Essential, shared images of upcoming projects.These include the Essential PH3 and Essential GEM, devices the company had been working on for a launch later in 2020.Essential was shuttered in February 2020.Andy Rubin's Essential was shut down in February 2020, but we still have a chance at seeing what the company was cooking up for a summer launch if all had gone as planned.Kevin Hoffman, a former Essential designer, shared images of the Essential GEM and Essential PH3, devices which could have launched as the Essential Phone 2 and/or 3 if the company hadn't closed down. Of the PH3, Hoffman comments: Essential PH3 was a project I led as a designer in an effort to create an inclusive phone with contemporary tech & aesthetic, at a low price point. The design was constrained to low BOM costs using a preexisting OLED dis...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50Z6R)
The data could act as an early indicator of the coronavirus' spread.What you need to knowKinsa has used its smart thermometers to map illness around the U.S.The visualization shows fever-related illnesses.An atypical uptick in a given region could represent evidence of the coronavirus' spread.Kinsa, a health-tech company that makes smart thermometers, recently released its "Health Weather Map," which uses data from its thermometers to map the prevalence of fever-inducing sickness across the United States. Take a look at its map of observed illnesses across the country.While that's a lot of sick people, it's important to note that this is also flu season. So, many of these cases are what you'd expect this time of the year. More telling is the company's map of 'atypical illnesses,' which shows how much higher the rate of illness in a given region is compared to Kinsa's expectations based on previous data:This data shows an unusually high rate of illnesses in pockets a...
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by Alex Dobie on (#50YW2)
Finnish firm unveils Nokia 8.3 5G, Nokia 5.3 and Android Go-powered Nokia 1.3.HMD Global has today taken the wraps off new Android devices that were originally to be unveiled at the cancelled Mobile World Congress show last month. Leading the pack is the company's 5G standard-bearer, the Nokia 8.3 5G. Powered by Qualcomm's high-mid-tier Snapdragon 765G platform, the €599 phone offers a balanced feature set, global 5G support in a single model, and future-proofing for standalone 5G networks.The phone's chassis follows Nokia's established design language, with an attractive reflective glass rear in "polar night" blue and circular camera module. That rear camera hump houses a quad-camera setup that's impressive for the price. The star attraction is a 64-megapixel main shooter with Zeiss optics, and that's backed up by an 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with large 1.4-micron pixels, capable of being pixel-binned down to 2.8-micron equivalent size in 3MP video mode.Nokia 8.3 5G spec...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#50YW6)
Best answer: Most Chromebooks on the market today have 4GB of RAM and that is indeed enough to get by. If a model you're considering has options for 8GB of RAM, though, I'd highly recommend it now that Chromebooks are getting significantly longer support lives.4GB is enough: Lenovo Chromebook C330 ($250 at Amazon)8GB is better: ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 ($645 at Amazon)What is RAM?RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Think of it as a container where the things you're doing on your Chromebook — both what you can see and what's happening behind the scenes — can store and retrieve data randomly. That means it can access any byte of that data without affecting the preceding or trailing bytes. That makes it fast, because the location of the data you need has no effect on the time it takes to read, write or overwrite it. With no moving parts, there are no mechanical limitations on access times.RAM is also volatile — once the integrated circuits lose their power, the data d...
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by Michael Allison on (#50YW8)
Google is preparing to address a critique of the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.What you need to knowGoogle is working on a "require eyes to be open" setting for face unlock.It has finally been spotted in Android 11 DP 2.If patterns hold true, it will debut with the June Pixel feature drop.Google's more secure face unlock arrived with Android 11 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) yesterday, and if patterns hold, it may be coming with the next Pixel feature drop.To recap, Google's Pixel 4 and 4 XL ship with face unlock enabled, but critics have noted that they can be used without the user having their eyes open. This meant that sleeping or even unconscious users could have their devices accessed without them noticing.In response to that, Google said in a statement: We've been working on an option for users to require their eyes to be open to unlock the phone, which will be delivered in a software update in the coming months. In the meantime, if any Pixel 4 users are concerned that someone ...
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by Jared DiPane on (#50YWA)
The coronavirus is impacting people across the world in various ways, and in many countries and states schools are being shut down, which means parents are looking for a way to help kids continue to learn. Luckily, there are a lot of online learning websites that can be used from the comfort of your own home, and many of them offer free trials. While you are busy working from home, you'll want to keep your kids busy as well.School districts are working hard to get plans in place to continue education for kids even when they aren't in the school, but if you are looking for something to get started on right now, we've identified a few different options that are worth checking out.Best Online Learning Websites for KidsABCmouse: 30-day trial + 49% off annualReading IQ: 7,000 books with 30-days of free accessAdventure Academy: One month free, 49% off annual planRosetta Stone: 20 languages, 3-day trialUdemy: Lots of coursesFunbrain: No account neededEach of these options...
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by Android Central on (#50YWC)
Spring is just around the corner. Know what that means? It's (hopefully) the end of freezing weather in your part of the country, a chance to get outside to bask in Mother Nature, and, of course, the perfect time for some household cleaning! Whether you count yourself among the 76% of Americans who partake in spring cleaning annually or not, here are five smart cleaning tools currently available in the Android Central Digital Offers Shop that can help streamline this year's spring cleaning and make the entire process painless.Plus, you can save an extra 20% on each of these deals when you use the code ELICTO20P at checkout!1. Elicto Everybot RS500 Robotic Spin Mop & PolisherThe Elicto Robotic Spin Mop is a convenient cleaning device that eliminates dirt and dust on your floors, tables, and windows. This extremely easy-to-operate device — simply tap a button or use its remote control — reaches areas of your home that are usually overlooked, such as underneath beds and c...
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by Rebecca Spear on (#50YWE)
When you live in a busy household, keeping everything clean isn't the easiest thing to do. That's why having a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba 960 is so appealing. You'll be able to focus on other tasks or simply allow yourself to relax for a moment while the vacuum does work for you. We've done the research and have gathered the best robot vacuums on the market to fit a variety of homes. See which one works for you.Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 960Using this robot vacuum's Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll be able to control it using the iRobot HOME App, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. It uses visual navigation and mapping to clean every section of your floors. You can also tell it not to clean a specific area. The included sensors warn the device if it is getting near an obstacle or if it's about to fall down a flight of stairs.You can schedule this device to begin cleaning at specific times. We recommend programming the unit to work when your home has the least amou...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#50YWF)
Chromebooks are great computers for a lot of different uses, but they are almost tailor-made for education. They're designed to perform well even with modest specs, software is hard to break, corrupt, or infect, and if a student breaks a laptop, they just need to log in on any other laptop in the school system to get back to work. There are a lot of great options to choose from, but our top pick is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214.Best Overall: ASUS Chromebook Flip C214The ASUS Chromebook Flip C213 was one of the best Chromebooks for education for the last two years, but it was due for an update. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is an update that is worth the wait. This model is slightly slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, even with a slightly bigger battery. The 11.6-inch screen is still easy to see in a wide array of angles — and even in direct 3 PM Florida sunshine — and the zinc alloy hinge allows you to rotate the screen around 360 degrees into tent or tablet mode as n...
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by Jared DiPane on (#50YHB)
With the Coronavirus making its way across the globe, online shopping can truly be a lifesaver. Whether it's knowing someone who got sick, your employer has shut down, or your child has to stay home from school, there are a number of ways the virus has begun to impact daily life. As people continue to socially distance themselves from others, as recommended by the CDC, this means that deliveries become even more important to getting everyday essentials. One place many rely on is Amazon, thanks to its amazing Prime delivery speeds, but right now those speeds are slowing down. That means you'll want to shop now to make sure you'll receive anything you need as soon as possible.Products to considerInstant Pot: Better cooking at homeFire TV Stick: From $40Fire Tablet Kids Edition: On sale nowEero Mesh Wi-Fi System: Stronger internetToilet paper: Hard to findLogitech K840 Keyboard: Mechanical for lessHand sanitizer: Make your ownGatorade: Stay hydratedPet supplies: Don't forge...
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by Jason England on (#50YHD)
According to IDC data, Vivo ranks second in 5G phone sales in China.What you need to knowLiu Hong, Vice president of Vivo, says that 5G phones could drop to as low as $212 by the end of 2020.Xiaomi announced the Redmi K30 5G running a Snapdragon 765G in December of 2019 for only $284.Once Qualcomm starts rolling out its 5G capable Snapdragon 600 series, it could lead to more affordable 5G phones.This is the year that 5G could really start to gain some traction. Not only are we seeing carriers roll out service to more and more cities, but manufacturers are also pumping out more 5G capable phones. Unfortunately, 5G isn't cheap, the latest 5G enabled Samsung Galaxy S20 starts at $1,000.However, just because you want to take advantage of the latest 5G speeds, doesn't mean you'll have to break the bank. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is far from your only option. Last December, we saw Xiaomi's sub-brand release the Redmi K30 5G for only $284. Now, in a recent interview, Liu Hong, vice...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#50YHF)
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.Earn elevated rewards on grocery store purchases.What you need to knowChase has announced its new bonus categories for its Freedom cardholders.Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on purchases at grocery stores.The elevated rewards will run from April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020.Every three months, Chase changes the bonus categories that they are offering for its cardholders of the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimted cards. The company has announced the next categories that will receive elevated rewards, and extra cash back on groceries is on the way.Between April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020, Chase Freedom cardholders will earn 5% cash back on the following categories:Grocery ...
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by Peter Cao on (#50YHH)
Both sets of earbuds are great for their own reasons. However, it's undeniable that they're both super convenient.All around beastSamsung Galaxy Buds+$149 at AmazonProsUSB-C and wireless charging caseExcellent comfortGreat sound Great for Android phonesLonger battery on budsConsCall quality isn't greatOnly IPX2 water resistantIf you own an Android phone and don't care for phone calls, the Galaxy Buds+ are better than the AirPods in almost every other way.Call KingAirPods (2nd Gen)$169 at AmazonProsWireless charging caseOne-size-fits-all design maximizes comfortExcellent microphone for callsGreat for iPhone usersLonger battery life (with case)ConsUses Lightning for wired chargingLacks water resistance ratingSound quality is OK at bestThe AirPods lose half of its features on non-Apple devices but they still perform decently well otherwise, especially if you take a lot of phone calls.Both sets of earbuds have a lot in common and...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50YHJ)
Fitbit's app and devices can help you remember to practice self-care.It's still early on in the coronavirus pandemic here in the U.S., and folks are just getting used to the idea of working from home, keeping indoors more than ever, and the concept of self-isolation. Even those of us who are introverts and have worked at home for years are chaffing at these increased restrictions. It can be hard for all of us to remember during this trying time that it's so important for our physical and mental well-being to continue to practice self-care — indeed, now more than ever.I've been a Fitbit user for nearly four years now, and part of the reason I've stayed with the company and platform for so long is that in addition to its excellent fitness trackers, the company has a thoughtfully-designed app with tons of great options for tracking personal health data. There are also features (mostly free) for analyzing that data, setting reminders for health and fitness activities, and competing...
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by Babu Mohan on (#50YHM)
Associates at the warehouse have been sent home with full pay.What you need to knowAmazon today confirmed the first coronavirus case in its warehouse in Queens.The individual has been quarantined, and the warehouse has been temporarily shut down. Workers at several Amazon warehouses across Europe have also contacted the virus. Amazon today confirmed the first case of coronavirus infection in an American warehouse. A worker at its Queens delivery station, who tested positive for the virus, is now in quarantine.Corona Virus in Amazon warehouse.All eyes on Queens, where Amazon has ignored workers and now has its first case.COVID19 lives a day on cardboard and up to three days on plastic.Amazon wants to put 100,000 more workers into warehouses. Workers have been sounding the alarm https://t.co/bJtrQd2VU8— rafael (@rafaelshimunov) March 19, 2020An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to the folks at The Atlantic that the Queens delivery station has been temporarily closed for "...
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by Christine Persaud on (#50YHN)
Smart home tech is a great way to liven up your home and automate certain aspects of your life, and that extends to the bedroom as well. Whether you have trouble sleeping or could use technology to help you wake up, picking up some smart gadgets can enhance your bedtime experience and make you look forward to catching some ZZZs and waking up for each new day.Best smart displayGoogle Nest HubThe Home Hub is an excellent smart display that can work as an alarm clock, a music and video streaming device, and a control center for your smart home gadgets. Ask it for the weather and traffic reports in the morning, and to read the daily news headlines to you as you get ready to start your day.$130 at Best BuySmall, affordable speakerAmazon Echo DotIf you don't need a smart display but still want a convenient way to control your smart home and get vocal responses to things like the weather, traffic, and your daily calendar appointments, the Echo Dot is one of the cheapest so...
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by Joe Maring on (#50YHQ)
Let's chat with the AC forums.Taking a look at the smartphone industry over the past few years, we've seen a gradual increase in the size of phones. Year after year and release after release, phones tend to keep getting bigger with no signs of slowing down.Thankfully, there are a few outliers that break up this trend. Most recently, Samsung's Galaxy S20 proved to be the antidote a lot of us have been waiting for. The S20 is comfortable to use with one hand, relatively easy to fit into pockets, and retains the flagship specs of its S20+ and S20 Ultra siblings.Recently, some of our AC forum members got to talking about the S20's size. jettrue 03-13-2020 02:24 AM “ Didn't think I'd say this, I came from the S10 and I like the size, but because the S20 is slightly narrower, it seems too small? I went with the smallest because of price and because I don't want a huge phone anyway. Ultra is out if t...
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by Kelly Peirce on (#50YAA)
2020, we thought you would be better! Most of us are stuck at home right now, but we at least have video games for a little escape. Enjoy a reprieve from the stresses of life with these 10 wonderfully light-hearted, and funny games. They might just brighten your day, and maybe even remind you how to find joy in the little things.★ Featured favoriteUntitled Goose GameIn Untitled Goose Game you play a goose and you do goose things. Honk, swim, steal stuff and honk some more! Who knew tormenting and trolling the inhabitants of a small idyllic village could be so much fun as a goose? HONK.$20 at PlayStationA new startSpyro ReignitedSpyro Reignited lovingly rebuilt and repackaged the classic Spyro trilogy: Spyro the Dragon, Ripto's Rage and Year of the Dragon. The graphics and vocals were recreated based on the original games to stay true to Spyro. Return to this 3D platforming world 20 years later or join in for the first time to help this brave little dra...
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by Sean Endicott on (#50YAB)
Microsoft Teams is now free for NHS staff, enabling communication and collaboration to help patients.What you need to knowNHS staff will be able to use Microsoft Teams for free during the coronavirus outbreak.Workers will be able to instant message and make audio and video calls through Microsoft Teams.Teams is being rolled out between March 16 and March 20 to NHS staff.NHS workers will be able to communicate remotely through Microsoft Teams during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Microsoft announced that Microsoft Teams will be free for all NHS staff to help communication during the outbreak. Microsoft Teams will roll out to NHS staff members that use NHSmail between March 16 and March 20. Staff that aren't NHSmail users can also gain free access to Microsoft Teams by applying to Microsoft directly.Microsoft Teams will enable NHS staff members to communicate with patients who are self-isolating and also helps staff communicate with each other. Ian Phoenix, Director o...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#50YAC)
WhatsApp Web is a great way to extend the features of the messaging platform to the desktop. The web client is easy to set up and use, it has the same visual interface as the mobile version of the app, and messages sync instantly between your phone and the web. Here's how you can set up and use WhatsApp Web.How to activate and use WhatsApp for WebTo use WhatsApp on the web, you'll need to link the web client with your phone. To do so, navigate to web.whatsapp.com on your computer. You'll see a QR code on the page, and you'll have to scan this with your phone to link your account to the web version. Here's what you'll need to do on your phone:Open WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen. Tap the action overflow menu (three vertical dots) on the top right corner. Hit WhatsApp Web. Point the phone at the QR code on web.whatsapp.com.That's all there is to it. Your account is now linked to the web client, and you'll be able to use WhatsApp directly from your browser. Wh...
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by Marc Lagace on (#50YAE)
Distracted driving is completely unacceptable given how flagship phones like the Galaxy S20 are designed with so many hands-free features. All you need is a quality car mount and you can use Google Maps, make calls, or stream music while driving with your hands on the wheel.Our go-to choiceiOttie Easy One Touch 4Staff pickThe iOttie Easy One Touch 4 is a durable and dependable choice for mounting larger phones in a car. You can install it on your dash or windshield, and it features a telescopic and rotating arm that lets you position your phone at any angle. There are also models with an air vent clip and CD slot adapters.$25 at AmazonFor landscape navigationUGREEN Dashboard Clip Car MountIf your dash traditionally doesn't do well with suction or adhesive mounts, UGREEN offers up a dashboard clip that will grip onto the edge of your instrument panel. It keeps your S20 closer to your eyeline as you drive along and in landscape for better layouts while navigat...
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by Babu Mohan on (#50YAG)
The first Narzo series phone from Realme is expected to be unveiled "soon."What you need to knowRealme has teeased a new smartphone series called Narzo.The company says the "unique series" is customized for Generation-Z.Realme's first Narzo-branded phone is expected to be launched soon, although no specific launch date has been confirmed yet. Realme, which started off as an OPPO sub-brand two years back, became the world's fastest-growing smartphone brand in 2019. The company is now looking to further increase its market share in the budget segment with a new smartphone series called Narzo.As per the teaser website for Narzo, Realme's upcoming smartphone series will deliver "max performance" and is customized for Generation-Z. A report from 91Mobiles claims the first Narzo-branded smartphone will be launched in India very soon and is likely to be available in two variants. As of now, however, Realme hasn't revealed a specific launch date.Unique. Extraordinary. Bold.Word...
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by Babu Mohan on (#50Y4V)
The phones will launch at an online-only event.What you need to knowXiaomi's Mi 10 series will debut in India on March 31.The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro flagship phones were launched in China last month. They are slated to make their global debut on March 27. Xiaomi today announced that its flagship Mi 10 series phones will be launched in India on March 31. The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro were unveiled in China last month and are expected to be launched in a few global markets on March 27.Mi Fans, wait is over! 🥳#ðŒð¢ðŸðŸŽ ð¢ð¬ ð¥ðšð®ð§ðœð¡ð¢ð§ð ð¨ð§ ðŸ‘ðŸð¬ð ðŒð€ð‘ð‚ð‡ ðšð ðŸðŸ:ðŸ‘🎠ððŒ.Watch Livestream across @XiaomiIndia social media handles. Know more here: 👉 https://t.co/oKPXrAaCYfRT with #Mi10IsHere and #108MP if you are excited. 🔄#Xiaomi â¤ï¸ï¸ pic.twitter.com/P4KkLWFH95— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) March 19, 2020The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro will be the first Mi-branded flagship phones to laun...
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by Jordan Palmer on (#50Y0D)
We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.The best Android gamesRPGsShootersPuzzle GamesPlatformersStrategy GamesSimsRacing GamesAugmented RealityThere are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many of them are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app.If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories, which you can find in a handy jumplist that will take you directly to the page of your choice.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library, or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so you'll always k...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50Y0E)
You can still buy products from the company's online stores, however.What you need to knowFor the safety of its employees and customers, Samsung has decided to shutter its stores in both the U.S. and Canada.The company did not specify when stores would reopen.Samsung's online stores are still fully functional, however, and the company will continue fulfilling those orders.YH Eom, CEO of Samsung Electronics America, announced this week that the company was "temporarily closing all Samsung U.S. stores." The move is a reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, as Samsung says it's prioritizing the health and wellbeing of both its employees and customers through this move.A similar announcement was made by the company's Canadian wing, which is closing all Samsung Experience Stores in the country, effective immediately.Neither announcement gives a timeframe for when stores might reopen, given the rapidly shifting nature of the current situation. Samsung's online stores are, howev...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#50Y0G)
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.One of the best business credit cards just upped its sign-up offer.What you need to knowThe Ink Business Preferred Credit Card just increased its sign-up offer.Earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months.Points are estimated to be worth up to $2000 in rewards.The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase is a favorite among small business owners, and now the card is offering an even higher sign-up bonus than normal.New cardholders can now earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, a 20,000 point increase from the previous offer.Chase is estimating the b...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50Y0J)
DownDetector is showing a peak of 15,000 outage reports in the last couple of hours.What you need to knowSnapchat is currently experiencing issues.DownDetector shows the app's servers have been having issues for the last two hours.The outages seem to be focused in the U.S., but reports coming in from all over the world.It's not just your Snapchat stories that can suddenly disappear without notice. The same thing's happening to the company's servers, as numerous reports of outages flood social media.me typing "snapchat" in twitter to see if snapchat down again or it's just me #snapchatdown pic.twitter.com/EMRv1ZarwB— Saham (@SahamAbdi) March 19, 2020DownDetector shows the outages started around 10 PM Eastern Time, with a peak of over 15,000 reports at around 11 PM.The web service tracker also shows that most of the complaints originate in the U.S. Though, it does seem like the outage is more widespread than that, since some of the reports also originate from Austra...
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by Joe Maring on (#50Y0K)
A trio of flagship killers is on the way.In just a handful of years, OnePlus has established itself as one of the most exciting players in the U.S. smartphone market. 2019's OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T stand out as two of our favorite phones of the entire year, and for 2020, it looks like OnePlus is getting ready to wow us yet again.There's a lot of talk and buzz regarding the upcoming OnePlus 8, and based on what we know so far, it's shaping up to be one heck of a phone. From a 120Hz display to wireless charging, there's a lot in the pipeline.Whether you're interested in specs, design, or how much the OnePlus 8 will end up costing you, here's everything you need to know!OnePlus is preparing three versionsThe designs have been revealedLet's talk specsAn April announcement is likelyHere's how much you'll payLet's not forget about the OnePlus 7TKiller flagshipOnePlus 7T$499 at OnePlusStill one of the best deals aroundEven with the new OnePlus 8 lineup looming on...
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by Joe Maring on (#50Y0M)
120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that's continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung's Galaxy S series.One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren't always the most interesting, but there's no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.For 2020, Samsung is launching a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they're bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy ...
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by Chris Wedel on (#50XWA)
Best answer: Yes, Disney has an agreement with Samsung to distribute Disney Plus (Disney+) on its smart TVs on models running Samsung's Tizen OS all the way from 2016 to its latest TVs. For older TVs that can't get the Tizen OS app, there's always Chromecast.Marvel on demand: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Cast away: Chromecast ($35 at Amazon)Disney+ is finally here!Disney+ is now available in many places and platforms, including on most newer model Samsung TVs. Basically, if you have a Samsung TV from 2016 or newer that is running Samsung's Tizen OS, then you should be able to download the Disney+ app and watch it natively.This is great news for users who have a relatively recent Samsung TV, as being able to watch natively offers a great experience and means you won't have to go digging through a secondary console device or use your phone as a remote while Chromecasting them.How to watch the Marvel movies in orderWhat's it like watching Disney+ on a Samsung TV?Samsung...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50XWB)
Your Amazon Prime account is setup with a feature called Amazon Household that allows you to share a large handful of your benefits with friends and family. Add another adult to your digital household and enjoy easy features including parental controls for the kids, unlimited storage for photos, and a family library to share books, apps, and games. Here's how to get started!How to add members to your Household in Amazon PrimeHow to manage your content in Amazon PrimeWhat are other shareable benefits with Amazon Prime?How to add members to your Household in Amazon PrimeClick Account & Lists from the drop-down menu located at the top-right side of your screen.Scroll down to your Account Settings.Select the Amazon Household.On the Household homepage, click to Add an adult. Have the adult enter their Log in Information, whether they're a trial member or Prime member.Add up to four children to your household by clicking Add a child.Add up to four teens by clic...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50XWD)
It will also be able to show taps on the screen.What you need to knowGoogle looks to be working on adding the ability to capture device playback to its screen recorder.The feature isn't available in Android 11 Developer Preview 2.However, some code in the SystemUI files shows the feature is currently under progress.If you like sharing videos of your virtual triumphs in mobile games, Android 11 may bring with it a much-needed feature for the default screen recording app in Android.As discovered by XDA Developers, the Mountain View giant is seemingly working on letting you use more than just your microphone for recording audio. The screen recorder will soon also be capable of adding whatever's playing on the phone itself to the screen capture (e.g., game audio or music that you're playing on Spotify).The screen recorder found in the second Android 11 Developer Preview that Google just released has received a bit of a facelift, with a new UI that warns users about captur...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#50XWE)
Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best OverallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$299 at Best Buy (32GB)$320 at Amazon (64GB)The best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10 hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsThe best Chromebook balances size with productivity, style with substance, and panache with a price. It's a Chromebook that...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50XWF)
Whether you're being forced to self-isolate and work from home, or you just want to stay in touch with friends and family, a good video chatting platform is essential. Apple's FaceTime is great but it doesn't work on Android, and Grandma isn't likely to understand install a more enterprise solution like Slack or Zoom. So what to do? Well, there is one really great video chat service that is both free and cross-platform, and that's Google Duo. I'll talk you through how to get Google Duo set up on your Android phone (so that you can then share this with your coworkers, friends, or grandparents).Products used in this guideDynamic Duo dialer: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)Your hearing buds: Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($150 at Amazon)How to get started with Google Duo on AndroidBefore you get started, make sure you have a device that Duo works on. Duo works on Android, iOS, the web, and smart displays like the Nest Hub/Hub Max, Lenovo Smart Display, and JBL Link View. Calls a...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#50XWG)
New horrors await as you try to escape from Raccoon City.The Resident Evil 3 remake is just a couple of weeks away but Capcom is allowing players to experience a taste of that horror ahead of launch. Unlike the "One Shot" demo that premiered ahead of Resident Evil 2 in 2019, you aren't limited in how many times you can play this demo. As a result, it's a good way to familiarize yourself with the new controls and some of the new action-oriented abilities you have — which you'll need against the terrifying threat of Nemesis.The demo goes live on March 19.How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on PS4Open your PS4 homescreen.Scroll down to Games.Select Demos.Scroll until you see the Resident Evil 3 demo. You can also sort by Release date: newest first.How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on desktopGo to store.playstation.com. Log in to your PlayStation account. If the demo isn't being advertised there, use the search bar.The demo is roughly 7.47GB in size,...
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by Anthony J Nash on (#50XNZ)
Start collecting now!Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 2 is officially out now, and one of the most surprising additions to the new season is that of Deadpool, Marvel's iconic hero. Initially spotted in the trailer for Chapter 2 - Season 2, it was revealed that players would be able to obtain a Deadpool skin for completing various challenges in this season's Battle Pass.Before you start, it's important to note that Deadpool isn't in the game just yet, but will be in the future. Because he's likely to be one of the "mystery" skins that get unlocked later in Chapter 2 - Season 2's lifespan, you'll be doing challenges for at least a couple of weeks as you work to unlock him. The first two weeks of challenges are out now, but the fifth week of challenges recently leaked ahead of the weekly update for Fortnite.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the following list.Deadpool Week 5 Challenges https://t.co/HbqFiMoR4T pic.tw...
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