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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...

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,...

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...

Twenty past winners of the show do battle to win two million dollars.It's now 20 years since Survivor hit TV screens, pitting groups of strangers together in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves while also completing challenges.To mark the 40th Season, this latest instalment of the show will be bringing back a select 20 of the 38 previous winners of the show.They'll be battling it out to win a bumper $2 million prize - a figure that CBS claims is the biggest in reality TV history. The competitors will once again be heading to a remote part of Fiji with Jeff Probst returning as host (and producer). Also making a reappearance is the controversial Edge of Extinction twist that was introduced in Season 38 which saw contestants remain in the show after they have been voted off.One notable omission however is the show's first ever-winner, and arguably most infamous contestant, Richard Hatch, who has been left out by producers in contr...

Another week of challenges leaks!Fortnite Chapter 2- Season 2 is officially here, and players are already diving in to try and unlock its many Battle Pass rewards. Just like when Fortnite Chapter 2 launched, weekly challenges have been overhauled for Chapter 2 - Season 2, with every challenge for the week being unlocked from the start.Epic has also tweaked the way to view challenges, allowing players to see in what general area of the map they can be completed. At the end of the day, though, they're still a set of tasks to complete to help you power through the Battle Pass. As is the case every week, the challenges for the fifth week of Chapter 2 - Season 2 have leaked, giving us a good idea of what we'll have to do in order to gain more XP.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the following list.Forgot to leak these, whoops.Week 5 Challenges: pic.twitter.com/pxxH23qOFJ— FireMonkey • Fortnite Intel 🎄 (@iF...

If you're getting a physical copy of this ambitious remake, it might be delayed.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy 7 remake is scheduled to release on April 10.Due to the spread of Coronavirus, physical delays of the game may occur.The digital release will not be impacted.Final Fantasy 7 remake is coming soon, but unfortunately, if you're grabbing a physical copy, you might be waiting to get your copy. Square Enix has provided an update on Twitter, stating that due to the spread of Coronavirus, physical shipments of this game might be delayed.Release update information. #FF7R pic.twitter.com/oZ6XXBX5hR— FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (@finalfantasyvii) March 18, 2020Things will likely vary on a case-by-case basis, but we'll be sure to update with any other statements from Square Enix. Square Enix is also planning to provide another update on March 20, which will contain more information on the situation. Still, if you're getting the game digitally, you don't need to worry...

When your budget maxes out at $400, the Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can get. That's because it offers the same core experience as the higher-end Pixel 3 that preceded it. You get the same software and features, and the exact same camera experience. The only shortcomings come in the hardware and a couple of the specs — a fine trade-off to save hundreds of dollars.Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a strikes a good balance between hardware, specs, and experience. Yes, it's made out of plastic, but it's really well executed. Yes, it has cut specs compared to the Pixel 3, but it fits right in with the phones at this price. Its features, too, match the competition, but unlike the other phones, the Pixel 3a has great Google software that's filled with nice little features and guaranteed to get updates for years.However, what sets the Pixel 3a apart from the competition at this price is its camera. Where it's completely acceptable for a sub-$400 phone to have an "ok...

Having a microphone and camera active is one of those things that you probably want to only happen when you want it to happen. It's important to make sure your privacy settings are in order here since every Chromebook has both a mic and a camera. Thankfully, it's also easy to do once you know where to look.Products used in this guideGoogle's Newest Laptop: Pixelbook Go ($650 at Amazon)Finding the settingsBy default, your Chromebook is set to ask you when a web page wants to use the mic and camera. That's good because the setting is buried in the "advanced" section of the settings page. But you still might want to have a look to see what sites you've allowed or blocked and change things if they need to be changed. The settings are the same no matter which Chromebook you're using.Open your Chromebook settings by clicking the gear icon in the system tray.Open the Privacy and security section. Click Site settings and you'll see a list of individual things that can be chang...

If you are debating which mesh Wi-Fi system to get for your home, I highly recommend the eero lineup. Not only does eero have quality routers and an easy-to-use app, but it also has some additional services that you may find extremely valuable, such as the eero Secure and Secure+ subscriptions. One of the most useful features here is the ability to limit the content and exposure to devices and individuals on your network, including delivering a measure of control over web browsing. I'll show you how to set this up in the steps below.Products used in this guideMesh internet: eero Mesh WiFi System ($249 at Amazon)Extra control: eero Secure (From $3/month at eero)How to safeguard your browsing with eero SecureOpen the eero app on your smartphone.Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner (the 3 lines).Tap on eero Secure.Scroll down and toggle the Network Security switch to on. This will restrict access to sites that are known for malicious content, viruses, bots, et...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many are worried of the economic impacts that the virus may have on people's jobs and their ability to pay their monthly bills. One such common expense is the monthly credit card payment.Thankfully, the following credit card companies have announced they are offering assistance programs to their cardholders in case you are going through financial hardship due to the virus.American ExpressAccording to a new report by The Points Guy, American Express is waiving interest, late fees, and offering payment options to its cardholders. The company released the following statement when asked if it would be helping customers during this time: "Yes, Am...

Make your Android app experience a good one.Our phones are pocket-sized supercomputers with professional-grade cameras and battery for days, but without the apps to take advantage of it, what would be the point? There are millions upon millions of Android apps that transform our phones from shiny glass slabs into productivity powerhouses, and over the last year, these are the apps that have seized the day and made our lives easier, faster, and better.Work smarter, not harderWho needs a personal assistant when you have services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available wherever you go? These types of apps aim to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of your day-to-day life to make things easier. From automation to smart home products, and everything in between, these apps allow you to get work done with some help.With you everywhereGoogle AssistantFrom Assistant Routines in Google Clock to the vast expansion of Assistant-compatible smart home devices, ...

This sure beats downloading tools and running a command line.Getting early Developer Preview software on your Pixel has always been a bit of a task, requiring downloads and some knowledge of how a command line works. But now Google has a new tool you can run right in your computer's web browser to flash Android 11 on your Pixel. All you need is a USB cable and a little time on your hands, and you can be up and running in several minutes. Here's how you get it done.Getting your phone ready to flashThe Android Flash Tool supports flashing Android 11 onto the Pixel 2, 2 XL, 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4 and 4 XL.Before you can plug in and flash, you have to have your phone set up to accept the commands and software from the phone. This requires enabling developer settings, USB debugging and OEM unlocking.Go to your Settings and scroll down to System and tap About Phone.Tap on the Build number seven times until a dialog box says "you are now a developer."Go back to the System menu a...

Shipping might be affected by restrictions, but you probably won't notice for a while.The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) currently ravaging the globe is affecting all areas of our lives. Already, events have been canceled and many countries have slipped into lockdown, confining residents to their homes. Amazon has announced a suspension of non-critical warehouse shipments through April 5.Mainstream shipping companies like FedEx and UPS will be making adjustments to how they do things to prevent transmission, too."FedEx Express continues to operate inbound and outbound flights to and from impacted areas as local conditions and restrictions allow, and we are taking recommended precautions in terms of pilot, team member and customer health and safety," FedEx said in a statement to Android Central. "The safety and well-being of our team members is our top priority. We are closely monitoring guidance by the World Health Organization and other public health organizations, and taking pr...

An intense game for you and your friends.What you need to knowCrisis VRigade is an intense action VR game that's only available through SideQuest.Despite being denied for sale on the Oculus Quest store, it has still amassed over 80,000 installs.Crisis VRigade is now adding a cooperative mode to have multiple people tackle its challenges.Crisis VRigade is an interesting game, as it has quite a large following of happy fans, and seems to be a great match up for the Oculus Quest and its wire-free tracking capabilities. However, as reported by UploadVR, the title has been rejected from the Facebook Oculus Store twice now, meaning it has had to resort to other means.The game is available through SideQuest, which allows Quest owners to sideload games onto their headsets that wouldn't be available through normal means. Using this method, Crisis VRigade has become the most-downloaded game for SideQuest, with over 80,000 downloads accrued. In light of this success, the team behind...

There's some guaranteed games but we're not sure what else is going on.What you need to knowMark Cerny, lead architect for the PlayStation, held a talk today on the specs of the machine.Cerny mentioned that "almost all" of the top 100 games on PlayStation 4 will run on PlayStation 5.Exactly how many games will run overall is not currently clear.During PlayStation's "The Road to PS5" presentation today, lead architect Mark Cerny talked about the specs of the PlayStation 5 and what developers can expect from the console. While it's been known for some time that the PlayStation 5 would be backward compatible with PlayStation 4 games, there's a few things right now that aren't clear.During Cerny's talk, he mentioned the different compatibility modes the PlayStation 5 hardware can be set to, allowing compatibility with PlayStation 4 titles. Cerny then stated that "We recently took a look at the top 100 PlayStation 4 titles, as ranked by play time, and we're expecting almost al...

Its partnership with UPS will also continue.What you need to knowWaymo says it's suspending its taxi service to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.The exception to this rule will be the company's fully driverless vehicles, which will keep operating for now.The move comes after signs of unrest among its drivers about having to continue working despite the increasing risk of infection.As the coronavirus infection grips the nation and the world, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber have been taking measures to reduce human contact via their services. Their upstart, driverless competitor, Waymo, on the other hand, is shutting its services almost entirely.A new blog post by the company reads, "We're pausing our Waymo One service with trained drivers in Metro Phoenix for now." The Alphabet subsidiary's doing the same with its trials in California. Though the company's cars can drive themselves, most of its rides still require a trained driver to be in the car in order ...

Google Stadia edges out Sony's machine.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a game streaming service.It's getting a lot of interesting games in the coming weeks to months. It's more powerful than the PlayStation 5, but less than the Xbox Series X. You can purchase a Stadia bundle for $130 through the Google Store. Today, Sony released the official specifications for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). According to the company, from what it seems, the graphics processing unit (GPU) has a peak output of 10.28 teraflops (TFLOPs). However, the Xbox Series X and Google Stadia beat the machine.There were rumors floating around, some even from very credible sources, that Sony was targeting more than 10.7 TFLOPs, but that's clearly not the case. The Xbox Series X comes in at 12.155 TFLOPs, Stadia is at 10.7 TFLOPs, and the PS5 is at 10.28 TFLOPs. Since all three use next-generation AMD architecture, it's possible to compare their GPUs.Hopefully, as the months ago by, developers will b...

Everything you need to know about DP2 🤓.We're still quite a few months out from Google releasing Android 11 to the masses, but in the meantime, we have its string of Developer Previews to play with. On March 18, the latest Developer Preview 2 was unveiled and made available for devs that need to work with the new software ahead of launch.Developer Preview 2 doesn't bring a lot of user-facing changes to Android, but if you take a peek behind the curtain, you'll find a healthy dose of tweaks and adjustments that are worth talking about.So, without further ado, here's everything you need to care about that's new in Android 11 Developer Preview 2!Notification historyBuilt-in screen recorderRevamped wallpaper UIImproved face unlock security5G state API Foldable hinge detectionBetter call screeningScoped storage migrationVaried refresh rate settingsResume on bootIt works with the Android Flash ToolView your entire notification historyOne of the few UI changes i...

Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will pack a custom RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 TFLOPs with 36 compute units clocked at 2.23GHz. It can support 8K resolution and ray tracing.Build your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 and up at Amazon)PlayStation 3 vs PlayStation 4 graphicsIt was notoriously difficult to develop for the PlayStation 3 because of its CPU, and though this was apparently the case on purpose so developers would be challenged to push its limits, that didn't make it a good thing. Sony used the RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' capable of 400 gigaflops (0.4 teraflops) for the PlayStation 3's GPU and a custom eight-core Cell Broadband Engine for the CPU, which also carried some of the graphics-related work that the console performed. This architecture was completely different from the PS2 and required a significantly greater amount of effort to develop for.Sony opted for a CPU and GPU that was much easier for developers to work with in the PlayStation 4 — a cust...

Best answer: Utilizing a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) means faster load times and better performance in all of your games.Speed and storage: Western Digital Blue 1TB SSD ($115 at Amazon)What's the difference between an SSD and HDD?Both an SSD and HDD are components of a PC that deal with storage and dictate how fast information can be read. In an SSD, data is stored on flash-memory chips and it has no moving parts whatsoever. An HDD, on the other hand, uses mechanical moving parts to read and write information.Why are SSDs better?Because an SSD utilizes flash-storage as opposed to magnetic tape and mechanical parts like an HDD, the former tends to be faster, smaller, and quieter. Everything you see on screen when you play a video game is data and information that needs to be rendered nearly instantaneously to ensure a smooth experience. SSDs have a much easier time doing this.How will an SSD benefit PlayStation 5 games?In an interview with Wired,...

Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will include an 825GB SSD. This is less than the Xbox Series X's 1TB SSD, but Sony has good reason for the odd number that we'll get into below.Thousands to choose from: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Hello solid-state driveWe know that the new PS5 is being built with an 825GB solid-state drive (SSD) instead of the traditional HDD. Not only will this upgrade give us a much faster system but it also gives us a starting point to deduce how much storage the basic launch build will offer.The PS4 and storage sizeAt launch the original PlayStation 4 came with the option of 500GB for the basic build or, if you had extra spending money, 1TB. This was the standard again at the launch of the PlayStation Slim in 2016. However, Sony has now discontinued not only the original PS4 but the 500GB Slim variant as well. The smallest storage unit now offered is 1TB for the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro. This increases up to 2TB internal storage...

Now more than ever, it's important to practice good hygiene and to combat germs as effectively as possible. One of the best tools for this job is a package of Lysol/Clorox wipes, but thanks to ongoing fears over the Coronavirus, cleaning products like these disinfectant wipes are becoming more and more difficult to find.Amazon: Select options availableWalmart: Limited onlineTarget: In-store shoppingWalgreens: Check your local storeOffice Depot: Buy in bulkAmazon is often the go-to retailer for cleaning products, but right now, it's not the best place to look. Stock is basically nonexistent at this point, with bottles of Lysol selling for over $200 and Clorox going as far as to pull its advertising from Amazon as a result of the temporary outages.Thankfully, you aren't completely out of luck. If you're out of Lysol wipes and need to buy more, you have a few different options worth considering. We don't recommend buying more than you need as to not further contribute to...

Best answer: A teraflop measures the compute power of a system. For a console like the PlayStation 5, a 10.28-teraflop GPU means the ability to deliver much more immersive and life-like visuals.Game on: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)What is a teraflop?Sony has shared more details on the PlayStation 5, and the upcoming console will feature 10.28 teraflops of GPU power. That's nearly six times as powerful as the original PlayStation 4 and over 2.5 times the power of the PlayStation 4 Pro.Microsoft's Xbox Series X, meanwhile, is confirmed to have a 12 teraflop GPU. With console manufacturers touting teraflop figures as a key differentiator for their console, let's take a look at what a teraflop actually is, and why it matters for gaming. In a nutshell, a teraflop is the ability to process one trillion floating point operations per second.A FLOP is an acronym for floating point operations per second. Floating point operations include irrational numbers ...

Sony is finally ready to share more information on the PlayStation 5.Sony revealed the PlayStation 5 logo earlier this year, but after that there hasn't been anything in the way of official details. Microsoft, meanwhile, has served up a wealth of information on the Xbox Series X, including full specs, marquee features, and launch titles.Sony is finally remedying the situation. The company detailed all of the PlayStation 5 specs in a livestream — which was done in lieu of a physical event due to the coronavirus — that you can rewatch below.PlayStation 5PlayStation 5: Everything we know so farPS5 vs. Xbox Series X: How they comparePS5 Specs: What's in the next-gen PlayStationWill PS4 games work on the PlayStation 5?...

Just like DP1, this isn't meant for regular use quite yet.What you need to knowGoogle has announced Android 11 Developer Preview 2.Notable updates include better support for foldables, improvements to call screening, and additional updates to scoped storage.Developer Preview 2 is not intended for daily use, but can be installed using the new Android Flash Tool.Even with the COVID-19 Coronavirus continuing to disrupt daily life in and out of the tech world, it hasn't stopped Google from rolling out the latest build of Android 11. On March 18, the company took the wraps off of Android 11 Developer Preview 2.Developer Preview 2 doesn't bring any major user-facing changes compared to Developer Preview 1, but there are a lot of behind-the-scenes improvements that are worth talking about. First and foremost, this latest preview introduces better compatibility with foldable phones and 5G networks. The new hinge angle sensor API makes it easier for developers to detect the hinge ...

There be dragons ahead, so use caution.It's that time of year again, though earlier than ever before: a developer preview of the latest version of Android is available, called Android 11. And while Google explicitly says that only developers should install it, many of us want to see what the company is planning for the next big update, set to be released sometime this summer.Top 10 features in Android 11 you need to know about right nowGiven that this is a developer preview, there are going to be missing features and bugs, so you shouldn't expect a fully working experience. But if you're curious about what's next, here's how to download and install it, plus answers to a few questions you may have.Update, March 18, 2020: Google has released the second Android 11 developer preview for Pixel phones. It's still aimed primarily at developers, but there will be far fewer bugs, and newer features, this time around.What phones support Android 11 Developer Preview?Pixel 4 XLPixe...

Screensavers are something many folks are familiar with from an early age, whether it be from a personal computer or a phone. It's that animation or picture that overlays on top of an unchanging display once you leave your device alone. The visual image of a 3D maze on Windows XP is what comes to mind for me. Unfortunately, Sony went with a different, more boring but more practical way with screensavers. This is really a power saver. Here is how to turn it on.How to Enable or Disable your PS4 'screensaver'Go to your PlayStation 4 Settings menu.Select Sound and ScreenStart Screensaver sets the idle time before the screensaver starts — 5, 15 or 30 minutes.Select Do Not Start if you want to disable the screensaver.This will enable (or disable) your PS4 to dim the attached screen after a certain amount of time. By default, your PlayStation is set to dim the screen after 15 minutes of inactivity. It's a nice way to save a bit of power and you might even feel a little more g...

Rolling out today to some users and more widely in the coming weeks.What you need to knowSlack has a major UI redesign rolling out to users on the web and the desktop apps.The new design has cleaned up menus, settings, and more, while also adding some new features, such as sidebar sections to group together channels, DMs, and apps.There is also a new mobile app redesign in the works, but there is no word on when it will be released.Due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, people all over the world are being asked to work from home. As a result, many are adjusting to a new work environment and tools to make collaborating with others easier outside of the office. What could be a better time to launch a new and improved design for one of the best workplace communication apps?Slack is used by millions worldwide by major corporations to help them work together and stay productive. However, it has drawn some criticism over features being hard to find and an overall ...

If you are physically able to, standing while working — even in short spurts — is one of the best things you can do for your health. The trouble with standing desks is that they are often expensive and replace otherwise perfectly good office furniture. Thankfully, many affordable and flexible standing desk solutions will work great in your existing workspace, or just about anywhere around your home. Our favorite overall is the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 because it sits on top of an existing desk or tabletop, and it is incredibly spacious, sturdy, and adjustable.Best Overall: VariDesk Pro Plus 36"VariDesk is one of the most well-known manufacturers of standing desks, but in addition to the stand-alone electronic and manual desks, it also makes several desktop units that you can place on existing workspaces. Out of these, my favorite is hands-down the Pro Plus 36. The unit consists of two levels — an upper section for your laptop and/or monitor(s), and a lower area for your mouse...

Board games might be an old school way to stay entertained, but there's a lot to be said for gathering around the dining room table, dealing the cards or rolling the dice and starting a board game adventure. We're presenting a selection of games that we think represent the best of both old classics and modern options, including our overall best choice, Sequence which combines the fun of playing cards with the board game format.Best Overall: SequenceSequence is a great game that combines the fun, luck, and excitement of playing cards with strategic board game gameplay. We love this as although the original version is said to be suited to ages seven years old and up, younger children can play along with old siblings or parents.No game of Sequence is ever the same as although your aim remains to get five chips in a row on the board, the cards you have will be everchanging. This set includes 104 playing cards and 50 crowning chips in each red, blue, and green.Pros:Great mix ...

As most of you are probably aware of at this point, we're currently living in a world where it's more important than ever to stay on top of our health and wellbeing. With the COVID-19 Coronavirus continuing to spread and the regular flu season still in full effect, providing your body with all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs is critical right now.Walmart: Mostly in-store purchasesTarget: Brought to your carWalgreens: Check your local storeCVS: In-person availabilityUnfortunately, as you might have noticed, products you can normally buy with ease are now hard to come by as everyone is stocking up for their own self-isolation plans. This includes things like toilet paper, Lysol wipes, and — yes — Emergen-C.Emergen-C (or any Vitamin C supplement) is a fantastic way to boost up your immune system and keep your body healthy with so many germs floating around. If you're having trouble finding Emergen-C, here are the stores that still have some in stock for you to ...

The coronavirus has spread to 108 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic is proving particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 169,000 and fatalities of over 6,500 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 also put a major dent in the airline industry, and is causing panic-buying across the globe, leading to severe food shortages.The coronavirus has also had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting the tech industry.March 18, 2020: U.S. government closes Canada border for non-essential travelThe U.S. government is readying a massive $1 trillion stimulus, including $250 billion in direct checks to Americans. A government plan to combat t...

Samsung's latest phones come with incredible video-centric features like ultra-smooth OIS and, in some cases, even 8K capture with native editing tools. No matter how good that built-in stabilization is, it's hard to beat a real gimbal for smooth and steady video, which counters against any shaky hand movements. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is cost-effective, compact, and easy to use, but it's far from your only option.Best Overall: DJI Osmo Mobile 3The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is the easiest way to quickly jump into shooting stable video without having to worry about carefully calibrating each axis of your gimbal. While you can fine-tune the axes a bit, the motors inside are strong enough to correct for almost any imbalance, and the Osmo's adjustable clamp can expand out large enough to fit any phone — even the Galaxy S20 Ultra (though thicker cases may give you some trouble).DJI makes it easy to shoot stunning-looking video not just with great stabilization, but with built-in preset ac...

The Exynos variants of the Galaxy S20 series phones are not affected.What you need to knowA number of Galaxy S20 owners are reporting issues locking on to a GPS signal in Google Maps and other similar apps.The issue appears to be limited to the Snapdragon 865-powered variants of the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and S20 Ultra. Samsung hasn't issued any statement regarding the issue yet. Samsung's Galaxy S20 series phones are currently among the most impressive flagship Android smartphones money can buy. However, they aren't without issues of their own. Soon after its launch, several reviewers found that the 108MP primary camera on the Galaxy S20 Ultra was plagued with auto focus issues. Since the issue was only software related, it was fixed with a software update.Now, a number of Galaxy S20 series users are reporting (via XDA Developers) issues locking on to GPS in navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze. The issue has been reported by users on Twitter, Reddit, as well a...

They start at $80 and can offer as much kid-friendly content as any other device.So, your company decided you will be working from home for a while at the same time your school district has shut down. Good! Keeping groups of people who have been exposed to other groups where someone might be coughing Coronavirus all over the place is a smart move.But it might not seem like such a good decision if you've got a little tyke or two with a full tank of energy and nowhere to drain it. You've made sure they had a good breakfast and got them outside for a bit of sunshine and fresh air, but it's still early, and they're in the room still going strong while you have to get some work done and you're ready to call it quits and bury your face in your hands. I've been there with three kids that are all within four years of each other in age. It can be crazy.Here's a secret, though. It's one I wish I had access to when my kids were still kids: the Amazon Fire HD tablet. Maybe you'll go with t...

Sprint customers will soon be able to enjoy expanded roaming access to the Magenta carrier's network.What you need to knowT-Mobile has announced that it is expanding its network capacity across the U.S. for two months to support people working from home amid the COVID-19 crisis.The carrier is deploying 600 MHz spectrum from companies such as Comcast, Dish, and a few investment firms. As long as you have a compatible device, you should be able to see capacity improvements within the next few days. With an aim to support millions of Americans who are now working and schooling from due to the COVID-19 outbreak, T-Mobile has announced that it is expanding capacity for 60 days by deplying 600 MHz spectrum borrowed from companies like Comast and Dish, who are currently not doing anything with their spectrum holdings.Neville Ray, President of Technology for T-Mobile, said in a statement: In trying times like this, we understand how important it is for people to remain connec...

Outstanding sound at the expense of some features.You can spend a lot of money on headphones if that's your thing. But as phones shift towards wireless audio instead of offering a headphone jack (no, it's not coming back), that bit of extra money usually means more features and functionality like ANC or a featherweight build rather than delivering over the top audio quality.That's where Drop's (formerly Massdrop) partnership with THX differs. The Drop + THX Panda headphones lack some basic features you might expect from other models in its price range and instead focuses on being the best sounding pair of headphones you'll find. And the company gets it mostly right.Amazing soundDrop + THX Panda Headphones Bottom Line The Drop + THX Panda Headphones are one of the best sounding pair you can buy today, thanks in part to the...

If you don't want to bust your wallet, this is a reasonable option.When I'm looking for a headset, the most importanty consideration for me is device compatibility. Is this going to work across all, or at least most, of what I use? If so, then other secondary features may not be as important. This is the first time I've personally used a Tribit headset, and I'm pleased to report that for the most part, it is a good headset, especially considering the price.There are some comfort concerns for longterm use if you wear glasses or if you have long hair. But overall, if you want a wireless headset without breaking your bank, this is certainly one to consider. It's easy to carry wherever you need it, it's adaptable for whatever your work setup is, and the wired quality makes it a solid choice for when you're playing games.At a glanceTribit QuietPlus ...

Desperate times, desperate measures.What you need to knowUS government officials are exploring how to use location data to combat the coronavirus pandemic.It is reported that they have spoken with both Facebook and Google. It has been theorized that location data from smartphones of US citizens could help track and map the spread of infection.US government officials are reportedly holding talks with tech companies including Facebook and Google over the prospect of using location data from phones to track and map the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.As reported by The Washington Post The U.S. government is in active talks with Facebook, Google and a wide array of tech companies and health experts about how they can use location data gleaned from Americans' phones to combat the novel coronavirus, including tracking whether people are keeping one another at safe distances to stem the outbreak.The report claims that location data from smartphones could be used by pub...

Everyone who works in an office space, be it a corporate cubicle farm, a mom and pop shop, or a home office, knows that having a good office chair can make all the difference towards good posture and chronic pain. Unfortunately, not all of us have tons of cash lying around to invest in a $1,400 Herman Miller Aeron chair. We've compiled a list of some of the most affordable office chairs that you can find on Amazon, all $100 or less.Best OverallSmugDesk Mesh Black Desk ChairStaff PickThis chair from SmugDesk has a ventilated mesh upper section with a ventilated headrest. There's also lumbar support, padded armrests, and a high-density foam seat. It gives you the best of leather and a mesh chair in one.$93 at AmazonBest Basic ChairAmazonBasics Classic Leather ChairDon't let this chair's low price and "basics" moniker fool you. It's padded for hours of comfortable seating and comes in three colors to match any decor.$77 at AmazonSpartan SupportDevoko ...

A solid upgrade over last year's Galaxy M21.What you need to knowThe Galaxy M21 is the latest addition to Samsung's Galaxy M series lineup.It comes with a massive 6,000mAh battery and has a 48MP triple-camera setup at the rear.The phone has been priced at ₹12,999 ($175) in India. Samsung today introduced the newest addition to its Galaxy M series smartphone lineup in India, dubbed the Galaxy M21. The Galaxy M21 is the successor to the hugely popular Galaxy M20 that Samsung had launched last year.The new Galaxy M21 has been priced at ₹12,999 ($175) for the 4GB/64GB version. It will be available for purchase in India via Amazon starting March 23. Samsung will also offer a 6GB/12GB version at a later date.The Galaxy M21 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a U-shaped notch at the top. Powering Samsung's latest budget phone is an Exynos 9611 octa-core processor, which has been paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB storage.It ha...

Join the virtual reality (VR) family with your very own PlayStation VR (PSVR) system. The PSVR has one of the easiest setup instructions for beginners and has a light headset that comfortably fits glasses. With an ever-growing list of titles coming out each month and plenty of genres to catch your interest, you won't get bored of this console anytime soon. If you're looking to save money, but still want a headset of your own, here are some of the best bundle options I was able to find that come with some of the best games!No physical copiesPlayStation VR Meg PackStaff pickThis bundle comes with five digital games for the PSVR for the same price as a bundle that only comes with two physical games! You get VR Worlds, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Skyrim VR, Doom VFR, and Wipeout Omega Collection. On top of this, it also includes the PSVR headset and PS Camera. Move controllers are sold separately.$265 at AmazonGet sillyTrover Saves the Universe! and Five Nights at Freddy's ...

Qualcomm will assist Imint in developing power-efficient and AI-based video enhancement solutions optimized for its Snapdragon mobile platforms.What you need to knowImint has partnered with Qualcomm to develop next-generation video enhancement solutions for smartphones.The two companies will be working together to come up with a suite of AI-based video enhancement solutions. Imint's new Vidhance solutions are optimized for smartphones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset. Last month, Swedish video technology company Imint announced its latest video enhancement solutions for multi-camera smartphones. The company has now announced that it is collaborating with leading chipmaker Qualcomm to develop a new generation of AI-based video enhancement solutions.Andreas Lifvendahl, Chief Executive Officer of Imint, said in a statement: By teaming up with Qualcomm Technologies, Imint is able to leverage their core technology to bring a new generation of Imint video enhanc...

OnePlus rolls out its first logo redesign, with the company switching to a new font and a curvilinear design.What you need to knowOnePlus rolled out a new logo, the first time it changed its brand identity.The new logo has a curvilinear number 1, and a new font for better readability. OnePlus is also updating its visual identity with the new logo and switching to a fresh color palette that includes cyan, green, magenta, indigo, and yellow. OnePlus has debuted its new logo, and while the company isn't straying too far from its previous design, it is making a few changes to make it stand out. The biggest change is the number "1," with the brand shifting to a curvilinear design.As for the visual identity, the company notes that it retained a classic OnePlus look but with a "more balanced feel:" The logo introduces a new curvilinear "1" that is easier to read while adjusting the weight of the logotype for better overall balance. The "+" in the surrounding box has also bee...

Retractable cameras are making way for 5G antennae this year, and it's all because of Qualcomm.The last two years witnessed a drastic change in smartphone design as device makers waged a war on bezels. We were treated to designs with razor-thin bezels, phones with all-screen displays and retractable front cameras, and we even got mechanical sliders. To put it mildly, it has never been more fun to write about phones.But that's changing this year as device makers struggle to maintain a balance between design aesthetic and delivering the latest features. Qualcomm's decision to go all-in on 5G connectivity this year is playing a huge role in the design of phones. All 2020 flagships powered by Qualcomm have a 5G modem, so even if you don't care about 5G, you will end up paying a premium.The chip vendor's Snapdragon 865 does not come with a cellular modem at all, and it needs an external X55 5G modem for both 5G and 4G connectivity. You won't be able to use the Snapdragon 865 ch...

Your university's IT admin will need to make an application for access.What you need to knowAdobe is temporarily making Creative Cloud free for teachers and students.The offer is aimed at enabling them to continue being productive as they work and study from home.Students cannot individually avail the promo, however, as the application for access needs to be made by a university's IT admin.As universities around the world shut their campuses and organizations ask their employees to work from home, many tech companies are making their products available to educational institutes free for use. Google and Microsoft have both made their large-scale communication and videoconferencing tools free for everyone, and now Adobe is temporarily giving free Creative Cloud access to students and teachers.The subscription, which usually costs $79.49 per month, will give affected students and teachers access to the entire range of Adobe's applications, such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Il...

The feature is currently only available for Android.What you need to knowReal-time transcription is now available for Google Translate.The feature lets you convert long-form audio content into translate text in another language on the fly.It does require an active internet connection to function, however.Having shown off the feature all the way back in January, Google is finally rolling out real-time transcriptions to Google Translate. What this means is that you can take audio in one language and have the app translate it to text in another language on the fly — and without any delays.The app's voice input option already allowed you to speak into the phone and have the speech be translated. However, as a Google spokesperson points out to The Verge, the app previously only worked for shorter content and was not "well suited to listen to a longer translated discussion at a conference, a classroom lecture or a video of a lecture, a story from a grandparent, etc."The Mou...

A successful ecosystem is a happy ecosystem.What you need to knowThe Quest is a standalone, fully-featured VR headset by Oculus and Facebook.It seems to be quite popular, with the headset regularly selling out.Facebook announced in a blog post that over 20 games have passed $1 million in revenue on the Quest.This revenue only includes money made through the Oculus Quest.The Oculus Quest is a standalone VR headset that uses cameras built-in to the headset to provide a full experience without a PC. It's proven to be quite the success, with the number of games available for it expanding rapidly. Facebook and Oculus aren't resting on their haunches either, and are hard at work constantly improving the headset with new updates. In Facebook's game developer news update, we now have some metrics on just how well the Quest has been doing.According to the very informative blog post from Oculusm "More than 20 titles have passed the $1M revenue mark on Quest alone," which is an imp...

Emergency alerts on your Android smartphone are a good thing — even if they are a bit annoying sometimes!Every so often — or frequently, depending on your tolerance level — you get an emergency alert on your phone. That horrible blaring of the emergency tone, the buzzing the vibration motor, and then the grim news. Someone's missing. Or there's a severe weather alert headed your way. Suddenly and without warning, your phone's scaring the hell out of you. It's bad enough during the day, and downright dreadful in the dead of night.And that's the idea.The U.S. carriers have worked with the federal government to come up with a way to push alerts to your Android smartphone to warn you about dangerous weather, missing persons or other matters of grave national importance. The point is they want you to see this information in hopes that it could save your life — or someone else's.Here's what you need to know about these emergency alerts and how you can control them on your A...

Competition makes for better products, and the Android ecosystem is more competitive than ever. The best of the best right now is the Galaxy S20+, bringing an excellent combination of hardware, display, specs, features and cameras into a single package. If you want a new Android phone at any price range, we've done the research to separate the great from the good, and the good from the bad. This list will help you make your next purchase easier.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S20+Before the Galaxy S20 series came out, our top pick here was the Galaxy S10+ — and everything Samsung did this year made it an easy move to recommend the S20+. The S20+ makes improvements across the board, with a bigger display that has a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, larger 4500mAh battery, more RAM, and a new Snapdragon 865 processor. Every Galaxy S20+ is 5G capable as well, which isn't the biggest deal right now but will become more important later in 2020.The huge move up is in the cameras,...