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It can be really frustrating when you want to watch a particular TV show or movie via a streaming platform like Netflix, but you then find out that you can't access it in your country or region.But that's where using one of the best VPN options can help, as they allow you to circumvent pesky geo-restrictions by connecting to servers in other countries. So if there's a Netflix program that is only available via Netflix Australia, simply find an Australian server and connect to it.Many of the best VPN providers enable you to access geo-restricted TV shows, movies and music via different streaming services. However, you may be wondering which platforms actually work with VPNs? Read on to find out.Which streaming services work with a VPN?The short and easy answer is loads. Depending on the VPN provider you choose, you'll be able to access a wide variety of streaming services. For example, ExpressVPN (which is our pick for the best streaming VPN of 2020) provides access to streaming...

The Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan white noise sound machine is down to $32.16 when you clip the 30% off on-page coupon. This coupon only applies to the white version. The black version is still discounted to a fairly low price of just $35.21. It's not quite as low but a good discount nonetheless. The white noise machine normally sells for around $45 and often goes as high as $50. The price drop on the white machine is around the lowest we have ever seen it go and about $4 better than the last deal we shared.White noise machines are so good if you're like me and have trouble falling asleep. Does every little sound keep you up? Do you wish you could drown out your own thoughts, popping up with all those moments of regret from 20 years ago that you'd otherwise forgotten about just long enough to keep you from closing your eyes? They're also very handy for children, who can often be soothed to sleep by the random sounds. I'm not really sure why that works, but our son definitel...

The Moto G9 Plus will have a much more design compared to its predecessor.What you need to knowLeaked renders showing off Motorola's upcoming Moto G9 Plus and Moto E7 Plus phones have surfaced.The Moto G9 Plus will come with a hole-punch display and a quad-camera setup on the back.Moto E7 Plus, on the other hand, will have a waterdrop notch display and dual rear cameras.Perennial leaker Evan Blass revealed a few key specs of Motorola's upcoming Moto E7 Plus earlier this week. Blass has now posted official renders of the Moto E7 Plus and Moto G9 Plus on his Patreon page.The Moto G9 Plus renders reveal a somewhat familiar design with a hole-punch cutout on the top-left corner of the display. On the back of the phone, we find a quad-camera setup featuring a 64MP main sensor. Unlike recent Motorola budget phones, however, the Moto G9 Plus will not have a fingerprint sensor embedded in the batwing logo at the rear. Instead, the phone is likely to come with a side-mounted finge...

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.Some things just work well in threes and the travel world is no exception, from the ME3 (Middle East 3) airlines to the main three airline alliances.One other trio loved by many of us is the Chase trifecta — the Chase Sapphire Reserve (or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card), the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Used together, these cards offer a powerful combination of earning rates, welcome bonuses and perks.Thanks probably in part to Chase's competitive offerings, we've seen Amex step up its game by introducing new cards and adding benefits to existing products. During the pandemic, too, there have myriad limited-time perks.A couple of years ago, Amex refres...

Samsung's largest phone to date is the Galaxy S20 Ultra. While some people might be against the idea of adding any extra bulk to an extra-large phone, a wallet case is the most sensible option since it provides complete protection while also letting you store some daily essentials right with your phone. These are the best wallet cases for the Galaxy S20 Ultra you can buy today.Luxurious leatherSnakehive Vintage Leather WalletStaff Pick$38 at AmazonSnakehive used genuine leather for its folio wallet cases, and they always look and feel lovely. It's available in several beautiful colors, including the teal model featured above. Because it's made with European full-grain nubuck leather, these cases only get more beautiful as they age.Carry your cardsOlixar Flip Wallet Cover$13 at AmazonOlixar offers a faux-leather wallet case that's perfect for the working professional on a budget. The design is slim and sleek with just two card slots on the front cover, ...

"We're aware of some issues right now and are checking them out! We'll keep you posted."What you need to knowYes, Spotify is having issues right now.The platform says it is aware of issues with streaming. Users are having issues streaming songs online, but synced songs on devices seem to be unaffected. Update, August 19 (11:37 pm ET): Spotify says all issues have now been fixed.Reports suggest Spotify may be experiencing an outage stopping users from streaming songs on the platform. At this stage, offline, synced music doesn't seem affected.According to The Verge: Spotify is currently experiencing an outage affecting song playback. The problems first started around 8 AM ET and are currently preventing a large number of Spotify users from playing songs properly. Songs will play only for a few seconds before they pause and the Spotify client displays the error "can't play the current song."Downdetector is showing a large number of reported issues in the last hour,...

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Bluetooth headphones have fallen to $44.99 at Newegg. All you have to do to score the silver model at that price is enter coupon code 93XPQ79 during checkout. Shipping is free.This one-day deal is one of the best we've seen for this colorway with the code take $20 off their regular price at Amazon. The saving only applies to the silver version with the black model going for just $5 more at Amazon when you clip the coupon on its product page there.The Soundcore Life Q20 are some of the best noise-cancelling headphones out there, especially if you're on a budget. They use an active noise-cancelling system that helps eliminate ambient noises. Whether that happens to be children screaming, an airplane's engine, or some other obnoxious sound you want to get rid of, you can focus on just your music with the Q20.You'll also get some Hi-Res Audio with the large, custom-designed 40mm drivers that produce exceptional sound. The high frequencies can reach up t...

Chatting with the AC forums.Now that reviews of the Galaxy Note 20 are live, everyone across the internet is getting a feel for whether or not it'll be a good purchase for them.The Note 20 Ultra is a darn good phone, but with an incredibly high price and no must-have features compared to other flagships that are out there, it may be a tough sell for some folks. This is made even more true when you consider that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is also coming out soon.What we've seen so far of the Z Fold 2 is seriously impressive, and compared to the Note 20 Ultra, will be a much more exciting phone. Some of our AC forum members recently shared their thoughts on the upcoming foldable, saying: Victor Hernandez Jr 08-18-2020 12:55 AM “ I am currently one, wasn't impressed with the note 20. who else held out? Reply Notefan161 08-18-2020 05:18 AM...

It's time to take your tunes wireless, and the Aukey EP-T21 true wireless earbuds let you do just that without shelling out a ton of cash in the process. These Bluetooth earbuds normally sell for just under $30, though today you can snag a pair for as low as $20.99 when you clip the coupon on its product page.With this deal, you'll be scoring them at 30% off and a fraction of the price that brand name true wireless earbuds like the Apple AirPods sell at. The 30% discount only applies to the black version of the earbuds, though the white colorway does have a 20% on-page coupon right now.These Aukey true wireless earbuds let you listen to your music wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable wireless connection. Its smart touch controls let you just tap the earbuds to pause or play your music, or answer an incoming call using the built-in noise-cancelling microphones. Aukey includes various sizes of ear tips with these earbuds so you can customize them for a better fitYou'll be a...

The Huion New 1060 Plus graphic drawing tablet is down to $53.59 on Amazon. Just clip the 20% off on-page coupon to get it down to that price. The deal is also helped by a price drop from its regular price around $80. So you're really getting two discounts here to hit a new low for the tablet. While out of stock at Walmart, you can see it normally sells for $70 there.This drawing tablet has 8,192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity. That means no matter where you press or how you press, the tablet will detect your movement. You'll get smooth, accurate lines that let you create your art however you want. It has a resolution of 5,080 LPI and a report rate speed of 233 RPS.Along the left side of the tablet are 12 express keys, and along the top are 16 soft keys. You can use these keys and customize them how you see fit. Trigger the keys to open different programs or execute certain functions so you end up with an experience fully tailored to your needs.This tablet is an upgrade ove...

BlackBerry-branded smartphones had struggled to keep up with the modern smartphone market ever since Apple debuted the iPhone.What you need to knowBlackBerry-branded phones are returning, the company announced today.BlackBerry will team up with OnwardMobility and FIH to build new BlackBerry phones for the North American and European markets. The first BlackBerry phone from this partnership is coming in the first half of 2021.BlackBerry is set to make a return in 2021 with a new 5G smartphone. Towards this goal, the company will be partnering up with Foxconn subsidiary FIH Mobile and OnwardMobility to reach enterprise users in the U.S. and Europe.BlackBerry will be playing to its strengths here, so the new phone will come with a physical keyboard. There'll also be 5G on board, and the company will be pushing this as a phone for business professionals.Peter Franklin, CEO of OnwardMobility, said: Enterprise professionals are eager for secure 5G devices that enable prod...

Some of us need them, many of us want them, but few are offered.A dual-SIM phone — one where you have two different lines of service available (almost) at once — can be a very useful thing. It allows you to have a business number and a personal number on the same device and you can use two carriers to make sure you always have coverage. They're a common thing in many parts of the world, but rare for phones marketed to the United States.You might think that these reasons sound great and are wondering why you can't just head to the T-Mobile store and grab a new Galaxy Note 20 that's dual-SIM capable. You're not alone. It all boils down to two things — an actual need and the fact that U.S. carriers don't like the idea.The U.S. mobile market is differentIn the States, there are three nationwide carriers as well as many smaller regional carriers that mostly piggy-back on them. These are fully private (and largely unregulated when it comes to business practices) companies e...

True flagshipMotorola Edge+$1,000 at MotorolaProsSleek and premium designOutstanding displayBattery life is fantasticGreat camerasHas wireless charging and a headphone jackConsVery expensiveExclusive to Verizon in the U.S.Setting out to craft its highest-end smartphone in years, Motorola created the Edge+. It's designed to compete with the best of what Samsung and Apple have to offer, and it does a darn good job. The Motorola Edge+ has fantastic hardware, a truly stunning display, and all of the high-end specifications you could ask for. Assuming you're OK with the high price and exclusivity to Verizon Wireless, it's 2020's sleeper hit.Premium for lessMotorola Edge$700 at AmazonProsCurved display is stunningAMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rateExcellent performanceLong-lasting batteryUnlocked for all carriersConsBad camerasNo wireless chargingCheaper buildThe goal of the Motorola Edge is simple — offer 80% of the Edge+ exper...

The updated shopping, jobs, and recipes activity cards are now rolling out.What you need to knowGoogle is updating its Activity Cards to make it easier to buy something online, prepare a meal, or find a new job.The updated Shopping activity card in Search will now show you the products you have been researching, while the jobs activity card will show new and relevant job postings since the last time you searched. To help users plan their next meal, the recipes activity card has been updated to display more relevant recipes related to your search query. Google added activity cards to Search on mobile last year, making it possible for users to resume their previous searches. The search giant is now updating activity cards to focus on three areas – jobs, recipes, and online shopping.InHan Kang, Product Manager, Search, wrote in a blog post: Activity cards help you pick up where you left off on Search, and now, we're updating them to focus on three areas that are especi...

Best answer: You can get a replacement charger for your Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 directly through Samsung. You can also find chargers for your smartwatch through third-party sellers if you want to save money.Smart and Stylish: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3($400 at Amazon)OEM for you: Samsung Wireless Charging Dock ($30 at Samsung)The back-up option: EMallee Wireless Charging Pad ($12 at Amazon)Here's where you can get a replacement charger for your Samsung Galaxy Watch 3Nothing lasts forever, right? Things break, wear out, or just vanish. Like that favorite pair of jeans you've had for years that finally gave out, you may find yourself in need of a replacement charger for your Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. Fear not, unlike your perfectly worn jeans, we can help replace your charger.Most smartwatches use some form of wireless charging. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 uses Qi wireless charging, although it isn't exactly as your phone uses it. So, you won't be able to use just any wireless char...

No matter how many times Google pulls a Lucy with Wear OS, I keep lining up like Charlie Brown in hopes that this time it'll finally come together.Wear OS watches have long lagged behind Apple Watches and Samsung's Tizen-based watches, with even the best Android smartwatches like the Fossil Gen 5 being best described as "quirky" or "hobbled" by the software. I've been a Wear OS user since the early Android Wear days — I still miss the fat tire on my original Moto 360 — but even I can't ignore how much smoother things are on my Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.Last week, Android Developers made a blog post that we've seen time and time again: there's another big update on the horizon for Wear OS and it's all about making things smoother and easier for users. And I'd love to see if they've actually managed to do it this time, because I'd ditch my Galaxy Watch Active in a heartbeat for one reason and one reason only: notifications are the number one reason I have a smartwatch, and no...

Google says Meet support for Chromecast devices will roll out to everyone over the next few days.What you need to knowGoogle Meet support is now rolling out to Chromecast devices.With Meet support on Chromecast, you can now enjoy your meetings on your TV screen.Meet on Chromecast will use the camera, microphone, and audio from your computer.Earlier this year, Google rolled out the ability to make group video calls using Duo and Meet to Nest Hub Max users in the U.S. and the UK. Now, the company has announced that it is rolling out support for Google Meet on Chromecast devices.In a post on the Chromecast support forum, Google's Grace Yang wrote: We recognize that many schools are moving to distance/remote learning, and we wanted to support this new learning environment for teachers and students. Meet on Chromecast will let you host or join meetings giving you the opportunity to connect with classmates, collaborate on projects, and even attend lectures.If you have a ...

Everyone should have a dash cam these days, right? You never know what's going to happen when you're out on the road. And you never know what the other person is going to say either, honestly. Get all the facts right for every accident or just get every scene of that deer you saw on the side of the road captured in beautiful 1080p video. Relive your favorite road trip memories or save the important incident videos.The Yi Technology smart dash cam is down to $54.99 as a part of Best Buy's deals of the day. These are very temporary sales that will expire at the end of the day if they don't sell out first. This dash cam normally sells for around $65 or more, so you're saving $10 here.The Yi dash cam is built to withstand a lot of punishment, too. It has a shock-resistant construction and a thermally-optimized ventilation system. That means even in an accident or whatever the dash cam will stay sturdy and strong. Plus it won't overheat after extended use.The device records in 1080p...

We're just one game away from the Champions League final as German giants Bayern Munich take on Olympique Lyonnais in this last-four clash. Read on to find out how to watch this crucial match between Lyon and Bayern Munich, no matter where in the world you are.The tournament approaches its climax in Portugal with tonight's semi-final game being played behind closed doors at the neutral venue of Sporting's Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The winner will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday.Five-time Champions League winners Bayern Munich go into tonight's game as clear favorites. The team won the German league at a canter this season, picking up a record eighth consecutive Bundesliga title. FCB also took home the DFB-Pokal for the domestic double.Hans-Dieter Flick's side have not only looked impressive in their home nation, but they have also been a force in Europe, defeating the Premier League's Chelsea 7-1 on aggregate in the round of 16 and humiliating La Liga's...

Not all Bluetooth headphones are created equal, but there are some that will please your ears.I consider myself an audiophile, which means I have an unhealthy addiction to headphones. A few years ago, I would have never used a pair of Bluetooth headphones because of the loss of sound quality compared to a wired pair was too much for my ears to handle. Bluetooth headphones will never sound as good as the best wired headphones, but things have improved so much that now I own several pairs.There are two things that make a set of Bluetooth Headphones sound awesome, and both are important — one doesn't do much good without the other. Those two things are the internal DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and its amplifier, along with the streaming audio codec. Huge advancements in both are what have made the difference.The DAC is the hardwareSpeakers, even the small ones inside a pair of headphones, can't make a soundwave our ears can hear using a digital audio file. Most music is...

OnePlus Scout can also help you with math problems and provide weather updates.What you need to knowA new unified search feature called OnePlus Scout is now rolling out to users in India.OnePlus Scout lets users search for apps, files, music, contacts, and more from a unified search bar.There is no word yet on whether the feature will be made available in markets outside India.OnePlus has quietly added a new feature called "OnePlus Scout" to users in India with the latest update for the OxygenOS launcher app. The feature, which was first revealed in an APK teardown performed by the folks at XDA Developers in June, allows users to quickly look for anything on their phones from a unified search bar.You can use OnePlus Scout to find apps, files, music, contacts, and more. Additionally, you will also be able to search for locations, restaurants, and nearby places. The unified search feature is currently rolling out to users in India with v4.7.2_200818175549 of the OnePlus ...

Google is combining its high-definition satellite imagery with a new 'color-mapping algorithmic technique' to bring more detail to users.What you need to knowGoogle Maps is getting new visual improvements that will allow users to better understand the landscape of an area.In addition to natural features, Maps will soon show you the accurate shape and width of a road 'to scale' in select cities. The new visual improvements will begin rolling out to users globally this week. Google Maps is getting a few new visual improvements that will give users a more colorful and accurate view of an area. When you zoom out on Google Maps, you will now see a new "natural features" view, which will let you easily distinguish features such as lakes, beaches, deserts, rivers, and oceans. Google says Maps now offers the most comprehensive views of natural features on any map app. The new "natural features" view will be available in 220 countries and territories starting this week.Sujoy Baner...

POCO once again proves that you don't need to pay over $500 to get top-notch hardware.The market for value flagships is growing, and today in our POCO F2 Pro review, we're exploring another entry that could be one of the best yet. POCO transformed the value segment with the F1 back in 2018. The value on offer made it stand out from other value flagships, and the phone itself is still going strong in 2020. Following its trailblazing debut, POCO was relatively quiet for 18 months, with the only other device coming out of the brand being the X2. But with that device aimed at the budget segment, it wasn't the value flagship that POCO fans were waiting for.With the POCO F2 Pro, we now have a true successor to the F1. The phone shares the same core tenets — uncompromising hardware and great value — but this time, you also get a gorgeous design, a vivid AMOLED panel, Snapdragon 865 chipset, retractable camera module, and a massive 4700mAh battery with 30W wired charging. The F2 Pro ...

There are a lot of options out there for protecting your snazzy, new, super-sized Samsung phone, and if you're a fan of Samsung's unique design style, a clear case for the Galaxy S20 Ultra might be the perfect fit. Whether you want a sleek clear case for scratch-protection or a rugged clear case that can go the distance, here are the best clear cases for the S20 Ultra.Clearly protectiveArmadilloTek CyberRanger SeriesStaff Pick$10 at AmazonThis is the first year ArmadilloTek has branched out into a durable clear case, and I'm digging the style here. You can get it in clear with orange or red bumper accents, or in a smoky gray.Clear but sturdyRingke Fusion X$12 at Amazon$13 at WalmartThis rugged clear case combines a sturdy plastic backplate with a grippy and serious-looking bumper that hugs the Galaxy S20 Ultra and uses air cushions to protect it from shattering corner drops.Sleek styleSpigen Liquid Crystal$6 at AmazonThe Liquid Crystal has been ...

All those free Nest Minis are coming in handy.What you need to knowGoogle is making it more convenient to own multiple Nest speakers.A new update rolling out today will offer more powerful multi-room audio.Nest Hubs and other Google Assistant smart-displays will get the new multi-room control today, while the Google Home app will get it in a fall update.Google is updating Nest smart home devices with more powerful and dynamic multi-room support. Previously, users could pair Nest devices for stereo audio or manually create a multi-room speaker home grouping. Going forward, it'll be able to be done dynamically. If you have a Google Assistant-powered smart display like the Nest Hub, you'll be able to tap the icon at the bottom of the screen to open up the multi-room control interface and add/remove devices as you move through your home.Here's how Google suggests users can use the new capabilities: Move music from one room to another: Stream transfer lets you easily move ...

Play as your favorite Marvel heroes and save the world from horrific evil.The Marvel Cinematic Universe brought to life our favorite comic book heroes like never before. Due to its success, we've seen the team grace nearly every form of media recently. Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics, along with several other studios lending a hand, were tasked with creating a new video game to do the Earth's Mightiest Heroes justice.Avengers, reassemble!Save the planetMarvel's Avengers$60 at Amazon $60 at Best Buy $60 at WalmartAn ever-expanding online gameAfter a horrific event leaves San Francisco in ruins, the Avengers have been disbanded. However, an even bigger evil threatens the planet five years later, and it's up to you to assemble the crew and save the world once again.Jump to:What is Marvel's Avengers?Which characters are in it?What's the story?What's the gameplay like?Is it connected to Spider-Man on PS4?Does it have platform-exclusive content?It will not h...

Facebook's slow rebranding of Oculus is sure to upset quite a few people.What you need to knowAll new Oculus users will need a Facebook account in order to sign up with the service, starting in October 2020.Existing Oculus users will be able to use their Oculus accounts for another two years before being required to migrate.Oculus accounts are sunsetting on January 1, 2023.Users who don't want to migrate their existing accounts will still have basic functionality after January 2023.Since the purchase of Oculus by Facebook in 2014, the social media giant has been slowly but surely adding its name and services to the Oculus entourage. This latest announcement from Facebook further curtails Oculus accounts, which used to be the way to use an Oculus device without bringing Facebook into the equation. Starting in October 2020, all new Oculus users will be required to sign in with their Facebook account and will no longer be offered the option to create an Oculus account.Exist...

The Jiggle Physics crew offer their take on Epic Games vs. Apple, Google, and anti-competitive behavior in general. They also mourn the delay of Halo Infinite but discuss why it may turn out to be a good thing.Some high level employees have been fired by Ubisoft for abusive behavior, but it remains to be seen if the company will affect significant change in their corporate culture. The gang finish with listener questions and talk about what they've been playing. Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Fortnite has been removed from Apple's App Store | iMoreEpic Games is suing Google following Fortnite's removal from the Play Store | Android CentralFrom the Editor's Desk: Who to root for in the Epic/Apple/Google slap-fight | Android CentralFortnite fiasco: Three multi-billion dollar companies drag phone users into a battle royale | Android CentralHere's why Halo...

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.Even though many people have put travel on hold for the time being, that doesn't mean the desire to rack up points and miles for future redemptions has stopped. In fact, many (myself included) have used this time spent at home to save up rewards for an amazing trip down the line.For those who are interested in storing up points with Southwest, new sign-up bonus offers across all three personal cobranded Southwest credit cards could help you hit your goals.The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card now all have this same sign-up bonus offer:Earn 65,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purch...

If you're trying to reach more customers and maximize your website's engagement online, you need an in-depth understanding of the latest SEO methods and ad platforms.The SEO & Social Media Ads Certification Bundle will get you up to speed with everything you need to know, and it's on sale for over 95% off at just $29.99.With six courses and six hours of content, this bundle will teach you how to expand your business by reaching your target audiences, using Instagram ads, engaging with new potential users, and much more—all through training that's easy to understand regardless of your experience level with marketing.Give your brand or website the attention it deserves with the SEO & Social Media Ads Certification Bundle for just $29.99—over 95% off its usual price today.Prices are subject to change....

Most Oculus Quest owners know you connect your Quest to your PC to play PCVR games. However, you may not know that linking up to your PC also lets you transfer files back and forth between your headset and computer. Doing so enables you to download films, music, pictures, game mods, and other content to your device. Below, we walk you through the process of transferring files to (and from) your Quest.Products used in this guideSimple cable solution: AmazonBasics USB Type-C ($8 at Amazon)Wireless VR: Oculus Quest ($399 at Oculus)How to connect your Quest to your PCConnect your Quest to your PC with a USB-C cable. If your PC has its own USB-C port, you can use the USB-C cable that comes with the Quest itself. You will see the Quest pop up on your explorer.Put your Quest on your head.Within the Quest, you will be prompted whether you want your PC to be able to access your Quest files. Confirm yes.On your Windows PC, you will now have access to explore your Quest as if i...

Google highlights new ways people can use their voice on Android.What you need to knowIt's now easier to send audio messages on Android phones with Google Assistant.Google has now added the "Hey Google, send an audio message" command to Assistant on Android.You can send these audio messages on supported apps like Google Messages or WhatsApp.Google today highlighted a few capabilities for the Google Assistant service on Android, some of which are new-ish, one of which is completely new.The new feature is faster, kind of more natural access to audio messages. Instead of opening a messaging app and holding down the microphone icon, you can simply ask Google Assistant to compose and send an audio message with just your voice."You can now send audio messages with Google Assistant on Android smartphones — without holding down the little mic icon," Google announced, "To get started, just say, "Hey Google, send an audio message" or "Hey Google, send an audio message to Paul s...

Setting up a smart home security system isn't as difficult as you might think. The Blink XT2 Smart Security Cameras make watching over your home easy with live video feeds that you can check in and watch at any time using an app on your smartphone or tablet. They're suitable for use indoors and outside and even include a built-in microphone and speaker so you can talk with anyone on the other end of the camera.Right now's a stellar time to think about setting up Blink XT2 cameras in your home as Amazon is currently offering $95 off the 5-camera Blink XT2 security camera kit. Not only that, but you'll also receive a free Echo Show 5 smart display valued at $90 with the purchase. That brings your total savings up to $185. The cameras work hand-in-hand with the Echo Show 5 so you can see, hear, or speak with visitors using your new smart display.Each Blink XT2 smart security camera offers an extended battery life of two years just using two AA lithium batteries. That means there is ...

If you want to get the most out of your favorite music or podcast, noise-canceling headphones are the way to go. They block out ambient noise around you, making it easy to focus on what's playing — something that's especially useful when flying, working at a coffee shop, or just being out in public. We've rounded up eight of the best ones you can get for less than $100, including the Soundcore Life Q20 as our top overall pick.Best Overall: Soundcore Life Q20Anker's Soundcore brand has been at the forefront of a lot of budget-minded audio gadgets, and the Life Q20 headphones are another reminder of why Soundcore is one of the most compelling players in the game.Using a hybrid active noise cancellation system comprised of four ANC microphones, an internal feedback microphone, and an external feedforward microphone, the Soundcore Life Q20 can block up to 90% of ambient noise. That's primarily focused on the low and mid-end of sound frequencies, allowing the Q20 to effectively ...

SwiftKey Beta's new feature makes it easier to edit textWhat you need to knowMicrosoft SwiftKey Beta for Android now has cursor support.The feature allows you to hold the spacebar and drag left or right to move the cursor through text.The feature is popular on other keyboards.Microsoft SwiftKey Beta for Android just got an update that brings cursor support to the digital keyboard. The feature allows you to press and hold the spacebar and then drag along the spacebar to move the cursor through text.Here's Microsoft's description of the feature from the app's store listing. We've added cursor control to your Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard. Try it out by tapping and holding the spacebar to move the cursor We hope you'll love it!The ability to move the cursor by holding the spacebar and dragging left or right is a popular feature on some other keyboards. It should be a welcome addition to SwiftKey if it rolls out to general availability.SwiftKey BetaFree at Google...

Samsung's lineup of Galaxy Buds are some of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy on Android or iOS, but that's even more true if you use a Galaxy smartphone. The buds sound great, are comfortable and convenient, and can be charged on the go. But what happens if your Samsung Galaxy Buds Live charging case or Galaxy Buds/Buds+ charging case gets lost, misplaced, or damaged? We'll show you what to do to get a replacement.How to replace the charging case for your Samsung Galaxy Buds, Buds Plus, or Buds LiveIf it's lost, try finding it firstThis seems obvious, but hear us out. Retrace your steps, try to remember where you last had the case, and work back from there. Hopefully, it couldn't have gone far!While the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app does have a feature that allows you to ping your Galaxy Buds themselves, it doesn't work to locate the charging case. This is because there is no speaker in the case from which to play a pinging noise.Reach out to customer serviceLost ...

Disabling Samsung Pass is a good idea depending on if you already have a password manager. A good password manager can be a real life-saver. Not only can it protect your important login credentials from those hiding in the dark corners of the web, but it can spare you the headache and hassle of manually entering that information in time and time again. If you enabled Samsung Pass but are tired of its constant prompts, or if you just want to try another password manager, we'll show you how you can disable this service and move on to something else.What is Samsung Pass?Samsung Pass is a proprietary, password management app by Samsung that is built-in at the system settings level and is included on newer Galaxy phones and tablets by default as part of One UI. Users have to enable the feature (often at the prompting of system notifications when filling in online passwords). Still, not everyone realizes that you can just as easily disable the service, and even use another password m...

Curious children are the cutest, but they can also be a bit of a handful with their constant questions about why the sky is blue and how whales can float and why is Earth. Now, thanks to the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition speaker, Alexa can start fielding questions for you while always providing 100% kid-friendly answers. While the Echo Dot Kids Edition regularly sells for $69.99, right now you can snag one bundled with an Echo Glow smart lamp for only $49.99 and save 50% off the usual cost of both products in the process.Today's deal allows you to choose between either Blue or Rainbow models of the Echo Dot Kids Edition. An entire year of FreeTime Unlimited is also included with your purchase, which gives your child access to age-appropriate books, music, games, cartoons, audiobooks, and more — some of which can be accessed using the Echo Dot.This smart speaker is pretty similar to the latest Amazon Echo Dot, with the main differences being its paint job and parental controls. H...

We'll be waiting a while for Arkane Lyon's next immersive sim.What you need to knowDeathloop is an immersive sim being developed by Arkane Lyon.It was revealed to be a timed PS5 launch exclusive that would release in Holiday 2020.Arkane revealed today that Deathloop is being delayed into Q2 2021.Arkane Studios' Deathloop was revealed earlier this year to be a timed PS5 exclusive that was set to arrive around next-generation launch in Holiday 2020. Unfortunately, like so many other games this year, this title has been pushed back. Arkane announced today via Twitter that Deathloop is now scheduled to release at some point in Q2 2021.To the community, an update on DEATHLOOP: pic.twitter.com/XveoG6AgoT— DEATHLOOP (@deathloop) August 18, 2020Arkane notes that considering "the health and safety" of the team, combined with how the global pandemic had impacted work, means that polishing Deathloop in time for next-generation launch simply isn't feasible. Arkane also states t...

Want to upgrade your Android experience? Try upgrading your launcher.The way we arrange, organize, and interact with our apps on Android is called the launcher. Launchers usually consist of a series of home screens, where we can arrange app shortcuts and widgets and an app drawer. Every phone comes with a launcher, but when they drop the ball, there are endless third-party launchers that not only pick it up again but knock it clear out of the park. Everyone has their perfect launcher, but if you haven't found your favorite yet, then here are a few launchers we think will satisfy users of every type.The best launchersBest overall Smart Launcher 5Long-term Legacy Nova LauncherSwiss Army Launcher Action LauncherBest Productivity Microsoft LauncherPixel Perfected Lawnchair 2Quick and Simple Niagara LauncherBest Overall: Smart Launcher 5 AC Score 5 ...

The right tool for the wrong time.At one point, I was going to start this review with a sentence like, "Samsung's never really screwed up the Galaxy Note; every version has been better than the last." I got about halfway through writing that sentence and then it all came flooding back — the summer of 2016, when reports of Note 7s catching fire started trickling in. Then came the recall, then the reissue, then the second recall, then the bans. How could I have forgotten, even briefly, something that fundamentally changed Samsung, and the wider smartphone industry, so dramatically?I forgot it for a moment because Samsung's done such a profoundly good job helping us forget it. In the wake of the Note 7 debacle, the company returned the following April with the Galaxy S8, which turned out to be its best-selling flagship ever (and retains that title today), followed by the Note 8 a few months later. A year later, the Note 9 was the first premium Android phone to justify its thou...

Are you looking for the best wireless earbuds for the Galaxy Note 20? Samsung has a lot of excellent options in this category, and the Galaxy Buds Live stand out for the sound quality, stellar battery life, wireless charging, and the unique design. There are plenty of other options across various price points, so let's take a look at the best wireless earbuds for the Note 20.1. Samsung Galaxy Buds Live: Best OverallThe Galaxy Buds Live debuted alongside the Note 20 series, and the unique design of the earbuds makes them stand out. The earbuds rest on your outer ear instead of the inner canal, leading to a much more comfortable fit. The Buds Live share the same fundamentals as the Buds+, and that means you get excellent sound quality, battery life over 10 hours, and a case that charges over USB-C as well as Qi wireless charging mats. Of course, you get perfect compatibility with your Samsung phone as well.Samsung also offers customizable gestures, and if you're looking to buy ...

Anker's Soundcore Liberty 2 True Wireless Earbuds are down to just $59.99 in refurbished condition via Anker's official store at Newegg. These earbuds normally go for $100 brand new and $80 refurbished.This is one of the lowest prices we've seen for the Soundcore Liberty 2 since their release, though the deal is available today only. To get that low price, all you have to do is enter coupon code 93XPQ62 during checkout. Shipping is free.Anker's Soundcore Liberty 2 are some of the best affordable true wireless earbuds available. They feature a diamond-coated driver for flawless accuracy and an elastic, bass-maximizing ridge around the exterior to pump up your music a bit further. Using HearID technology, you can create a custom set of EQ settings for these earbuds; it even maps your hearing sensitivity at various frequencies to give you a personalized listening experience. There's also AptX technology for high-quality audio over Bluetooth.These earbuds last for up to eight hours...

The Monoprice Obsidian Speed 85W Power Delivery USB-C wall charger is on sale for $13 on the Monoprice website. Monoprice says this charger regularly sells for around $74, and we can find it going for $45 at Target. Today's deal is a crazy low price either way. Plus, Monoprice offers free shipping so you aren't encurring extra fees that way. There is a warning about slower than usual shipping on the site, so you might not get it very fast.Look, let's get the bad out of the way. You're probably asking yourself why this thing is $13 when it seems so powerful. Well, that's because while the tech on the inside is top notch, the outside isn't great. It uses a plastic casing that may not feel great. However, it is covered by a one-year warranty, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a charger this capable for such a low price.With 85W power output, the charger is good enough for even the more powerful laptops. Especially the USB-C powered ones. It has Power Delivery 2.0, and it's smart eno...

Similar to the Nest app, you will also be able to view the current status of your smart lock in the Home app.What you need to knowA Google promo video has revealed an upcoming feature coming to the Home app.Users will soon be able to unlock their smart locks right from the Google Home app.The functionality will likely begin rolling out to users sometime within the next few weeks. Google has been posting new videos daily featuring actor and comedian Fred Armisen as part of the "Daily Special" campaign that it kicked off last month. As spotted by Android Police, yesterday's video revealed a new functionality that could soon be available on Google's Home app.As can be seen in the promo video below, Fred is able to unlock his Nest x Yale smart lock simply by tapping and holding on the lock icon in the Google Home app. Similar to the Nest app, the lock icon in the middle will also show users the current status of their smart lock.The Home app has gained quite a few featu...

NVIDIA is bringing its own cloud gaming platform to Chromebooks from today.What you need to knowNVIDIA GeForce Now is a streaming service that allows PC players to stream games they own on various devices.The service is officially launching on Chromebooks via a web-app.Lower-end Chromebooks aren't supported for the time being as NVIDIA looks to create a good base experience first.It felt inevitable, but NVIDIA has announced that its GeForce Now cloud gaming platform is launching officially on Chromebooks by way of a web-app. From today, GeForce Now subscribers will have access to the PC games available on the platform through their Chromebooks simply by visiting the dedicated portal.The timing is definitely right as we enter the back to school season, especially with Chromebooks increasing popularity in this space. NVIDIA recognizes how many students rely on a Chromebook for their education, whether at home or out at school, and is now helping turn them into a proper gami...

Wi-Fi 6 was designed with the future of routers in mind. As more people work from home in the wake of coronavirus, holes in our Wi-Fi are more annoying than ever. As our homes get smarter, we have more connections than ever that need to check in consistently and reliably. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to bring more capacity to a network and even allows for greater speed with a lot of devices. Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems have come down in price, and the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is one of the best choices for most people.Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk MK62The Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System from Netgear takes on compact AC-only mesh systems with its compact housing and understated design. Measuring only 4.8 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, each router has a smaller footprint than a CD case. This compact design makes this mesh system one of the easiest to integrate into a home.While you do give up some speed compared to the larger and more expensive mesh systems, the AX1800 speeds should be more tha...

The Anker Soundcore Pro+ 25W high-definition Bluetooth speaker is down to $59.99 when you clip the $30 off on-page coupon at Amazon. Without the coupon, the speaker is going for $90. It has only dropped near this low a couple times before, but the biggest savings come from coupons like today's. So you may have missed the deals in the past. Here's your chance to save a nice big chunk of change.The Anker Soundcore Pro+ promises very powerful sound. It has 25W power, four professionally-tuned drivers, and a digital signal processor. You get high definition audio delivered flawlessly every time. Plus, Anker uses an exclusive BassUp tech to boost the low frequencies and give you chest-thumping bass every time. The bass will resonate even when the speaker itself is tuned to a low volume.It's also a portable speaker, so you can take it with you. Whether you're having a backyard barbecue or just relaxing by yourself on the porch, you can keep Anker's speaker going for up to 18 hours on a...

Let's chat with the AC forums.In just a few short days on August 21, Samsung will officially launch the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra to the masses. They're the two latest flagships from the company, and as with any major Galaxy devices, they're chock-full of endless features.The Note 20 series, in particular, brings a lot to the table. There's the reduced latency with the S Pen, the new wireless DeX feature, deeper integrations with Microsoft services, and a ton more. Some of our AC forum members recently started talking about the features they're looking forward to the most, with the conversation going as follows: mountainman 08-16-2020 07:46 PM “ I'm looking forward to using the Dex with my TV. No wires. Just checked today to confirm my TV has Miracast compatibility. Also, I'm coming from the Note 8, so I am hoping the low-light camera shots are much improved. And, I want to see for ...

Yes, no, maybe so.It's safe to say that true wireless earbuds are only as popular as they are thanks to the massive success of Apple's AirPods. First unveiled back in 2016, it didn't take long for AirPods to become a worldwide phenomenon. The Q-tip design was made fun of endlessly, and people scoffed at the $160 price tag, but Apple reportedly sold over 60 million AirPod units in 2019 alone.The big draw to AirPods is how seamlessly they work with other Apple devices, and while that's great if you live in the Apple ecosystem, plenty of people do not. There are more than 2.5 billion Android devices on the planet, and if you're among the individuals that have an Android smartphone, chances are you've considered picking up a pair of AirPods even though you don't have an iPhone.You can technically use AirPods with Android devices, but is that an experience that's worth it? It's time to settle that question once and for all.The perks of using AirPods with an Android phoneThis i...