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From settings and Smart Lock to apps and extensions, make this Chromebook home!A Chromebook is amazingly quick to set up, but there's a difference between setting a laptop up and really settling in with it. I've been working full-time from a Chromebook for three years and after leapfrogging from review unit to review unit last year, I think I've gotten it down to a science. If your new Chromebook feels new and awkward and not as fun as you were expecting, let me help you make this your new computing home.Adjust your keys and trackpadTurn on Smart LockCustomize your dockInstall a text expanderLearn the secrets of your keyboardChange up the browser's lookAvoid overworking with Night LightGet h-appy with Google PlayExpand your Chromebook with microSDMake each new tab an adventureAdjust your scroll and function keysThis first tweak is going to sound a little weird, but bear with me for a minute. See, when you're using a touchscreen and a touchpad on a Chromebook, it ...

Kicking off the next generation of wireless.All of the major U.S. carriers are hard at work on their 5G strategy. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have launched 5G networks and are aggressively expanding those networks through 2019. 5G service not only provides faster speeds but also reduced response times allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more services that rely on instant connectivity should become possible.VerizonSprintT-MobileAT&TFrequencies and coverage Carrier Bands Verizon n261 (28GHz) Sprint n41 (2.5GHz) T-Mobile n71 (600MHz) n260 (39GHz) n261 (28GHz) AT&T n5 (850MHz) n260 (39GHz)Building a 5G network is a balance between capacity and coverage. With the high-frequency bands, known as mmWave, seen on all but Sprint, carriers get access to huge chunks of spectr...

A look back at one of 2018's best phones."Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."Ferris Bueller said it best back in 1986, and that sentiment applies perfectly to the Android landscape. It feels like new phones are coming out every single day, meaning your current phone is probably a lot older than you may think.The Galaxy Note 9 was released back in August 2018, meaning it's quickly approaching its second birthday. In regards to smartphones, that's basically a lifetime. The Note 9 is no longer a hip and modern phone we actively recommend people buy, but if you still have the device yourself or are simply interested in learning more about it, that's what this article is for. Without further ado, here's everything you need to know about the Galaxy Note 9 in 2020.Looking back at the Note 9Read and watch our reviewsOne UI 2 is now availableCheck out these tips and tricksNeed accessories? Look hereThe Note 10 is the cur...

We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.The best Android gamesRPGsShootersPuzzle GamesPlatformersStrategy GamesSimsRacing GamesSports GamesAugmented RealityThere are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many of them are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app.If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories, which you can find in a handy jumplist that will take you directly to the page of your choice.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library, or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so yo...

An ultra-smart robot vacuum that can identify and navigate around obstacles like shoes or animal droppings. If that wasn't enough, it can also adapt and learn.Vacuuming is, without a doubt, the chore that I despise the most. It isn't a difficult task, but if I'm not consistent, my house can quickly look messy. That's why I absolutely love having a small machine that quietly and reliably vacuums up the debris from my floors on its own. However, some units are far better than others. If you don't purchase a reliable one, you'll just end up chasing it around the house and making sure it doesn't fall down the stairs or suck up anything it shouldn't.With that being the case, I'm always eager to test out a new robot vacuum when I get the chance. I had the pleasure of testing Roborock's new S6 MaxV for several weeks. This robot vacuum is the first one to boast a dual-camera and ReactiveAI, which Roborock states allows it to identify objects in its path and effectively vacuum around them...

After holding several of its past events in Jacksonville, Florida, the UFC is finally returning to Las Vegas for UFC 250 which will be held at the promotion's UFC APEX. There won't be any fans in the crowd though as the event is closed to the public but once again the UFC is delivering a stacked card at a time when most other professional sports have yet to resume operations.At UFC 250, Amanda "The Lioness" Nunes will attempt to be the first UFC fighter ever to successfully defend world titles in two weight classes while holding both belts at the same time when she defends her women's featherweight title. Her opponent, Felicia "Feenom" Spencer is one of the UFC's top women's featherweight fighters despite the fact that this is only her fourth fight in the promotion. While still somewhat new to the UFC, Spencer previously held the Invicta FC title for the women's featherweight division.The odds for UFC 250's main event are clearly in Nunes' favor as many consider her to be the gre...

There is no shortage of great VPN providers out there, and NordVPN happens to be among the best. Normally when something is at the top of its class that means it costs more, but that doesn't have to be the case here. You can actually get some pretty great deals and discounts on NordVPNs service without trying too hard.With nearly 5,900 servers spread across 59 different countries, there's a lot to like about NordVPN. It's one of the best options out there for unblocking Netflix in various regions, and has great security features.Today's best NordVPN deals Plan Length Discount Monthly Cost Total Price 1 Month 0% $11.95 $11.95 at NordVPN 1 Year 41% $6.99 $83.88 at NordVPN 2 Years 58% $4.99 $119.76 at NordVPN 3 Years 70% $3.49 $125.64 at NordVPNWhen looking at VPNs, security is always at the front of our focus as we test them. We have a full NordVPN review that breaks down all of the key parts, but as a whole the service offer...

When words are not enough, emoji are always there to help us say what we mean through complex symbology! Emoji are awesome little glyphs that can be combined, communicated, and interpreted a million ways and counting. Whether you just want to send a ? to your grandkids or prod ? your kids to clean their rooms, here's how to open the emoji on the keyboard you're most likely to encounter on an Android phone.Keyboards used in this guideGoogle's own: Gboard (Free at Google Play)Great alternative: SwiftKey (Free at Google Play)How to access emoji on Gboard or SwiftKeyOpen any communication app like Android Messages or Twitter.Tap a text box such as a texting conversation or Compose Tweet to open the keyboard.Tap the smiley face symbol next to the space bar.If you don't see a smiley face, long-press the comma for Gboard or the enter for SwiftKey.The first page of emoji you normally encounter is recent emoji or the face emojis. You can drag your finger up or dow...

We'll be waiting a short while longer to learn what EA has in store.What you need to knowEA was planning to hold EA Play Live, a digital showcase, on June 11.EA Play Live has been delayed until June 18.This move is intended to show support for the ongoing protests against police brutality.Earlier this year, EA announced EA Play Live, an all-digital showcase of announcements, including new games. EA Play Live was set for June 11 at 4 p.m. PST. Due to the ongoing protests against racial inequality and police brutality, EA announced today that the showcase is being delayed. EA Play Live will not begin on June 18 at 4 p.m. PST.pic.twitter.com/6NSTb4cxqE— Electronic Arts (@EA) June 5, 2020While there are no specifics known regarding what'll be featured at the event, it's possible we might finally see the Star Wars: Maverick game that leaked earlier this year.Multiple other events have also been delayed including CD Projekt Red's Night City Wire event for Cyberpunk 2077...

Let's talk about one of 2020's most anticipated smartphones.Starting in 2016 with the release of the original Pixel, Google's lineup of Android phones has been marketed towards people looking to buy premium, high-end flagships. That notion has continued to hold true, but in May 2019, Google decided to try something a bit different with the release of the Pixel 3a.The Pixel 3a was the first mid-range Pixel phone to be released by the company, and it was an instant hit. Critics and consumers alike were immediately drawn to the 3a, thanks to its offering of great specs, solid build quality, and outstanding camera performance — all for less than $400.We were absolutely smitten with the Pixel 3a here at AC, and now, the rumor mill is buzzing with information regarding its successor. From specs, design, features, and more, here's everything we know about the Google Pixel 4a.There may only be one modelThe design is pretty interestingMid-range specs are expectedThere looks ...

Samsung Galaxy smartwatches offer a range of watch styles that can suit many different situations. Still, the ability to download apps to customize your watch further is one of the best reasons to get a smartwatch. Below are some of the best apps you can download from the Galaxy Store for your watch.Go customFacerStaff pickFacer is an app that has been around for years, offering nearly any style of watch face you can imagine. There are classic-looking options to futuristic ones and everything in between. The app is free, and so are some of the options within the app. However, some may have a cost, but great work is worth paying for.Free at Galaxy StoreGood tunesSpotifySpotify is one of the most popular music services around, and Samsung Galaxy watches have direct access, with an app made for your wrist. You can stream and control your full Spotify library, including playlists you've created. Now you can leave your phone in your pocket when you want to get ...

Chromebooks are such handy computing devices. They're generally affordable, are available with excellent keyboards and screens, and last for years thanks to automatic security patches and updates to the operating system. If you have a Chromebook, you can expect to receive automatic updates to the Chrome OS operating system every six weeks or so. However, if you think you may have missed an update for some reason, or if you just want to double-check which version you're running, that's easy to do. I'll show you how in the steps below.How to check the Chrome OS version on your ChromebookClick on the settings menu in the lower right corner of the screen.Click on the settings icon (gear) at the top of the settings pop-up menu.Click on About Chrome OS on the bottom left of the Chrome OS settings menu.You should see the version number just below the About Chrome OS section.Click on Check for updates to make sure you have the most current version of Chrome OS. If there is a new...

Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)High-definition quality$90 at AmazonProsHigher HD resolutionDual stereo speakersLonger battery life than Fire 7USB-C charging portConsHeavier than Fire 7More expensive than Fire 7Doesn't have wireless charging feature of more premium HD 8 PlusThe Fire HD 8 is just a little bit more than the Fire 7 in almost every way. Its screen is slightly bigger and sharper, it has dual stereo speakers instead of a mono speaker, it has twice the RAM and nearly twice the battery life, and yes, it weighs a little bit more. All that being said, it is almost twice as expensive as the Fire 7.Amazon Fire 7 (2019)Thin, light, and durable$50 at AmazonProsPowerful tablet for a small priceHands-free Alexa is finally includedLight and thinDurableConsLower resolution screenOnly mono speakerThe Amazon Fire 7 tablet is undoubtedly one that will be an excellent gift for someone who's looking for a tablet that isn't too pricey but without it...

Google+ is finally shutting down for good.What you need to knowGoogle Plus is finally shutting down and being replaced with Currents.The service had migrated to be an enterprise exclusive one in 2019.Currents is rolling out from July 6.After being shut down in 2018 and shunted into the enterprise, Google+ is finally shutting down for real next month (via The Verge) as Google replaces the service with a new Currents app (not to be confused with the other Google Currents)."Currents is a G Suite app that enables people to have meaningful discussions and interactions across your organization, helping keep everyone in the know and giving leaders the opportunity to connect with their employees," the G Suite team said. After a long beta testing period, it's now coming to vanquish Google+ one last time. For enterprise users who used the old service, Google will make the transfer as seamless as possible with all posts and data being migrated and all URLS being redirected to th...

The tech industry is an exciting and lucrative place to work. But how do you get hired without coding skills? The answer is you become a project manager. This lucrative career is open to anyone, and there is always a demand for new talent. The Project Management Certifications Tests + Courses Bundle helps you get started, with courses working towards preparing you for three top certification exams. It's worth $199.70, but you can pick up the training now for just $24.99.From Apple to Zynga, virtually every top company relies on project managers to oversee day-to-day operations. As a certified professional, you can find work in just about any industry and earn $105,000 a year on average. You don't need a college degree.Through 41 hours of content, this training bundle helps prepare you to pass the exams for three of the most important professional certifications: PMP, CAPM, and PMI-RPM. Adding these certifications to your résumé is sure to impress recruiters (and your boss), a...

Most Windows 10 computers come with Windows Defender installed and running in the background. It keeps the vast majority of viruses or malware from ever having a chance to infect your PC. It is possible, however, that a PC might not have been properly updated or may have had inadequate protection installed. Whatever the reason, you still have some options to scan your PC clean up your Windows 10 PC manually.Products used in this guideProtect against future threats: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus ($30 at Bitdefender)Basic protection: Bitdefender Free (Free at Bitdefender)You need antivirus softwareTo get your PC cleaned up, you'll need to get an antivirus program installed and running and perform a scan. For most people, enabling Windows Defender and running an offline scan will be able to take care of any threats. Still, if you have a particularly stubborn infection, you may need to start your PC in safe mode. For most people, making sure Windows Defender is set up at its defa...

Finally, smart bulbs won't be so darn dim.What you need to knowThe new E27/A19 size bulbs feature double the brightness of other Hue bulbs at 1600 lumens (100W equivalent).It's expected that these new bulbs will retail for €25/$20 and should debut around the end of June.These are warm-white only at 2700k color temperature and cannot change color.If you're the proud owner of any brand of smart lightbulb, it's entirely likely that you've considered them to be a bit dimmer than you'd like. While the Philips Hue line of smart bulbs has, historically, been one of the "smartest" solutions you can buy, there have been little to no real options for obtaining anything with Hue functionality that's brighter than around 800 lumens (60W equivalent). That all looks to be changing with a new refresh of the warm white series of E27/A19 size Philips Hue lightbulbs.Smartlights.de was able to obtain a listing showing that a new 1600 lumen (100W equivalent) E27/A19 bulb is being made and ...

Father's Day is just around the corner, and with everything going on in the world right now, it's harder than ever to find time to figure out a great gift for dad and find it in stores. Luckily, Woot is having a sale on reusable NFL and Father's Day face masks that can help keep dad stylin' and reppin' his favorite team, or a message about how awesome of a dad he is. These face masks come in two-packs for just $10.99 each, meaning you'll be scoring each one for just over $5 apiece. Plus, Woot offers free shipping when you log in with an Amazon Prime account.The reusable face masks on sale at Woot come in a variety of different styles. You could grab a two-pack of NFL-themed masks that say Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota, New England, Pittsburgh, and other city names representing the top teams in the country. Each mask is washable and made of a single layer of fabric. They're non-medical grade and one-size fits most. Plus, wth soft breathable moisture wicking fabric, they're ...

The United States erupted in protests last week upon the news of George Floyd's murder, and as the nation grapples with its entrenched systemic racism and lack of accountability for those in law enforcement, many are looking for stories of hope alongside the knowledge needed to fight the power that upholds such a cruel standard for black American citizens. Books like "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi and "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism" by Robin J. DiAngelo have shot up bestseller charts as those seeking to make a change strive to learn more and disarm the harmful prejudices which have run amok in the country for far too long.Films are another way society can share differing perspectives with each other and bring light to the injustices which our country perpetuates. Right now there are several available to rent for free on digital retailers such as iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon, including award-winning film Selma and the recently releas...

Google announced this feature almost a month ago, but it took a while to become fully available.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out the Google Play to YouTube Music transfer tool widely.YouTube Music's transfer tool was announced last month, but few users had access to the initial release.The transfer should take under half an hour to complete once initiated.Google is killing off Google Play Music at the end of the year, and its YouTube Music transfer tool means that users aren't going to be left in the lurch when the new feature launches, at least in theory. The tool was announced earlier in May, but is now being made available widely.Reports from DroidLife and posts on r/YouTubeMusic show wider access to the new tool, and I've been able to access it as well while writing this post. Using the transfer tool is fast and convenient, with all songs (including uploads) albums and playlists making the leap in just over 20 minutes.YouTube Music is finally ready to take...

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars is returning for its fifth season and once again we'll get to see 10 past queens return to the runway for a chance to claim their spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.According to award-winning host and executive producer RuPaul, season 5 will be a bit different from past seasons as it will feature a new twist. In season 5, only the main challenge winner will lip sync for her legacy against a Lip Sync Assassin which will be a notable contestant from a previous season. If the All-Star wins the lip sync, she'll get the power to eliminate a fellow queen and win a $10,000 jackpot cash prize. However, if the Lip Sync Assassin wins, the eliminated queen will be determined after a vote by the rest of the contestants.The ten queens competing in this season's competition are:Alexis Mateo (Season 3, All Stars 1)Blair St. Clair (Season 10)Derrick Barry (Season 8)India Ferrah (Season 3)Jujubee (Season 2, All Stars 1)Mariah Paris Balenciaga (Season 3) Mayhe...

The Galaxy S20 comes with its own plastic screen protector, but it's not of great quality. If you want the best possible experience, you'll want a better quality screen protector that also works with the ultrasonic screen protector. It's still early days, though, so stay tuned for lots of new additions in the weeks and months ahead.American-madeArmorSuit MilitaryShieldStaff pickThis oleophobic film protector comes in a compact roll and uses a wet application to avoid bubbles and misalignments. ArmorSuit is also one of the few screen protectors made in the USA if you prefer to buy domestic.$11 at Amazon$10 at eBayName brand protectionInvisibleShield Ultra Clear+InvisibleShield is very proud of its work, but beyond the scratch and shatter resistance, there's another critical reason to consider the Ultra Clear+. There's an anti-microbial treatment built-in, helping keep your phone from getting you sick from the germs that hide on our phones.$30 at Amazon$30 at ZA...

Amazon's lineup of Alexa Built-In phones is a great option for Amazon-heavy users that prefer Alexa over Google Assistant. Whether you pick up a Motorola One Action, Sony Xperia 1, or any of the dozens of other options, you'll be getting a great deal on a new phone, but it's not quite the same as buying an unlocked phone elsewhere. Amazon preloads its Alexa Built-In phones with, as the name suggests, several Amazon apps and services.Our favorite Alexa Built-In phonesBalling on a budget: Motorola One Action ($350 at Amazon)Flagship pick: Sony Xperia 1 ($950 at Amazon)Uninstalling preloaded appsLuckily, many of the Amazon apps that come preloaded on Alexa Built-In devices are completely removable without any hassle. You can uninstall most of them — including apps like Prime Now and IMDb — the same way you'd uninstall any other third-party app.From the home screen, swipe up to open the app drawer.Find the app you wish to uninstall, then touch and hold the icon.Tap ...

Query tiles could speed up searches for common terms.What you need to knowGoogle is testing query tiles in Chrome.Query tiles are little search chips on the home page of the browser, serving as search shortcuts for popular topics.Search app users may find that they already exist in some form on the Google Discover feed.Google is testing query tiles in the canary and developer versions of the Chrome browser, a new feature that serves as a prompt towards what Google thinks you'll most likely want to search when opening the browser.As Android Police reports: The tiles are glorified search shortcuts with images, which let you get to sports news or look for vegetarian recipes by tapping a couple of squares instead of wasting time typing words into the Google search bar. In the US, 13 first-level tile categories are offered: News, Films, Recipes, Fashion, Music, Health, Electronics, TV Shows, Sports, Astrology, Education, Investment, and Automobile. Tapping each one reveals...

The Pixel 4a could be Google's first affordable phone to offer wireless charging.What you need to knowPixel 4a renders published by case maker ESR suggest the phone will arrive with wireless charging support.The renders also reveal a square camera module and a fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone. Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 4a on July 13. Google's upcoming Pixel 4a is expected to be the first major rival to Apple's iPhone SE 2020. While Google hasn't confirmed a release date for the phone yet, it is rumored to be announced on July 13. It is expected to start at just $349, which would make it more affordable than its main rival. Despite a lower price tag, however, the Pixel 4a may still offer plenty of great features to lure consumers.UK-based smartphone case maker ESR Gear has leaked a new set of renders showing the Pixel 4a, hinting at support for wireless charging. While a few previous leaks had given us a clear look at the phone's design, it is the f...

The Amazon Echo Plus (2nd Gen) and Echo Studio are more than just conduits for music and Alexa commands. Each device has a Zigbee smart home hub hiding within that plump, plush exterior, and that makes it compatible with thousands of smart home devices that might otherwise need a special hub to function. These are the best smart home devices to pair with one of Amazon's smart speakers, whether they use Zigbee or just have Alexa compatibility built-in. Many of these devices also work directly with all of the other great Echo devices through Amazon's Certified for Humans program.Light it upPhilips Hue Starter KitTechnically, Hue lights can be used without a Philips Hue bridge thanks to Zigbee hub inside the Echo Plus. However, you'll still need a Hue Bridge to get full functionality. This 4-bulb starter kit has everything you need to take full advantage of Hue's advanced features.$200 at Amazon$200 at Best BuyAffordable illuminationTP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb...

After a few golden years of fantastic entries, most mobile sports games have succumbed to the freemium model. There are few quality titles available that just let you jump into the game without having to deal with player cards, pointless upgrades, or waiting for 'stamina meters' to refill. Nearly all the top mobile sports game franchises have switched over to a team-building system that requires you to unlock (or buy) card packs to upgrade your team. But there are still great games to be played. We've tried to cover the five major North American sports here — football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and, ahem, soccer — with the best available options for each.Be sure to note which games are more sim-based for the hardcore sports fan, while others offer more arcade-like option for casual players.The best sports game for AndroidNBA 2K20$2 at Google Play StoreStaff PickNBA 2K20 is a rare premium sports title for Android that doesn't rely on microtransactions and loot...

The Concrete-colored Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 portable Bluetooth speaker is down to $69.99 at Best Buy. These speakers sell for $100 normally, and you'll still find them going for that price pretty much everywhere else including Amazon and B&H. In fact, most of the available color options are still going for that price at Best Buy. This Concrete version seems to be unique to Best Buy, too, as it's not available at the major places the Wonderboom 2 is sold. So this is Best Buy discounting its own special speaker just for you.The Wonderboom 2 was just released late last year, and we haven't found a whole lot of deals on it since it basically came out at full price around Black Friday. Our review from Alex Smith gave it 4 stars out of 5 and a Recommended badge. He said the speaker "is not just a durable travel speaker but also a superb option for listening at home" and added "if you're looking for a booming Bluetooth speaker that takes up minimal space, can last all day long, an...

"Remove China Apps" sprung into the limelight this week before being yanked from the Play Store.What you need to knowGoogle deleted Remove China Apps from the Play Store this week.The company has come out to publicly defend its decision.The app would have encouraged behavior that Google sees as not in the best interest of the Play Store's community.Google earlier this week pulled an app "Remove China Apps" from the Play Store. The app was created to help users identify apps that came from Chinese developers or organizations and delete them, potentially inflaming anti-China sentiments.Responding to the online controversy around the deletion, Google's Play Store team came out to publicly explain the move on its blog: We also recently suspended a number of apps for violating the policy that we don't allow an app that "encourages or incentivizes users into removing or disabling third-party apps or modifying device settings or features unless it is part of a verifiable sec...

The Anker Soundcore Pro+ 25W Bluetooth Speaker is on sale for $47.99 when you use the code 93XPK64 while at Newegg. The speaker is part of Newegg's daily collection of deals called Shell Shockers and is set to expire at the end of the day. The code takes $42 off the price, so it's going for $90 without that.Amazon is the only other reliable retailer selling this speaker, and you can get it for a similar price there. There's an on-page coupon that brings it down to $54.99 total from the regular $90 price. Newegg's deal is still better of course.For its size, the Soundcore Pro+ generates some booming audio with 25W power. It has four professionally-tuned drivers and a digital signal processor that ensures flawless audio at every layer. Because of that you can expect to fill up a room or use this speaker at your next party for sure. It even has Anker's exclusive BassUp technology, which you can choose to have on or off. It adds a layer of depth to the soundscape, bumping those low f...

NVIDIA updated its Shield TV consoles in 2019, and the new tube and Pro models are still the best Android streaming devices for gamers. There are so many great ways to play games on your Shield, from the growing collection of Android TV games available through the Google Play Store as well as AAA PC games streamed through NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service. If you want a controller or two for some couch multiplayer, you'll be happy to know that alongside its own excellent controller, the NVIDIA Shield TV offers Bluetooth support for other great gaming controllers.Specially designed by NVIDIANVIDIA Shield ControllerStaff PickThe NVIDIA Shield controller is designed to take full advantage of all that the NVIDIA Shield can do, with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and a headphone jack, along with dedicated volume and Android system controls. It was released alongside the 2017 edition for the Shield TV but still works with the new model.$60 at Best Buy$60 at B&H Phot...

Let's chat with the AC forums.If you're in the market for a new Android phone, it's often hard to go wrong with one from Samsung. The company's Galaxy S and Note flagships are consistently some of the easiest to recommend for most people, offering things like great displays, performance, cameras, etc.For some folks, however, Samsung phones are a tough sell because of their software. We've come a long way from the dark days of TouchWiz and the Samsung Experience, with One UI offering a cleaner aesthetic and plenty of features. Even with the various improvements we've seen over the years, Samsung's take on Android just isn't for everyone.Someone in our AC forums recently asked what people through about Samsung's current software setup — specifically, how it handles bloatware. Morty2264 06-03-2020 08:35 AM “ I was in the same boat as you until I bought my first ever Samsung phone (the S10) in O...

It may take a few days for the latest version of the Google Camera to be rolled out for all users.What you need to knowGoogle Camera version 7.4 has now started rolling out.The latest version of the Google Camera app brings 8x zoom for videos on the Pixel 4 series phones.It also adds a video resolution toggle that lets you quickly switch between 1080p and 4K. In March this year, a leaked Google Camera 7.4 APK had suggested Pixel smartphones could finally gain support for 4K 60fps video recording. The Google Camera version 7.4 is now rolling out to users, but sadly, it does not enable 4K 60fps video recording.The latest version of the Google Camera app enables video recording at up to 8x zoom level on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL. Until now, video recording on the two phones was limited at a maximum 6x zoom level. However, you will not be able to record videos at 8x zoom when using the "auto" or "60fps" frame rate options. Google Camera 7.4 also adds a video resolutio...

Lean into your family's smartphone addiction to bring everyone together.If the past few months of social distancing and quarantine have taught this introvert anything, it's that I really miss get-togethers with friends and family. Even silly things like Friday night trivia at a local bar or playing Cards Against Humanity with friends in the neighborhood sound like extravagant getaways to me right now.My family has been pretty good about making time for fun when we can during this gloomy period, and we've even cracked open the occasional old board game like Monopoly or Sorry a few times. Still, as classic as those games are, they've just become tired. Since we've all been cooped up working from home or preparing for final exams, we just want something fun, fresh, and not overly mentally taxing to entertain us. Thankfully, we've discovered the Jackbox series of family-friendly video games. These games have not only brought us closer together during our downtime, but they've taken a...

The Arlo Q wired 1080p security camera has dropped to $89.99 with code 93XPK68 on Newegg. This is a Newegg Shell Shocker deal. These deals change every day, so you'll want to grab it while you can. The Arlo Q is $130 without that code and it sells for around $120 to $130 at most retailers including Amazon and Best Buy. The camera is shipped and sold by Newegg and includes free shipping, although the earliest you'll get it with the free option is June 11.This camera allows you to live stream 1080p HD video from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet, or computer, while its enhanced night vision ensures you can see clearly even in total darkness. You can set it to record when motion or sound is detected and then access your recordings from anywhere using the Arlo app. The camera features a built-in microphone and speaker so you can talk back and forth with people using the app as well.Arlo allows you to keep seven days of footage and audio in the cloud for free. You do...

Meet the two cheapest Moto phones of 2020.What you need to knowMotorola has just announced the Moto G Fast and a new model of the Moto E.The Moto G Fast is basically the Moto G Power with less RAM/storage and a smaller battery.Pre-orders are open now and official sales begin on June 12.This past April, Motorola ushered in its new budget phones of 2020 with the Moto G Stylus and the Moto G Power. Both are solid Android handsets that deliver quality experiences at low price points, and today they're joined by two more additions — the Moto G Fast and a new model of the Moto E.The Moto G Fast is now the third Moto G phone Motorola's launching in the U.S. this year, and it's essentially a repackaging of the Moto G Power with a couple of lower specs. The "Fast" branding is supposed to reference the Moto G Fast's snappy performance, but it's actually shaping up to be the slowest of the trio. It has the same Snapdragon 665 chip found in the Power and Stylus, but its RAM is decr...

Samsung Health is the fitness tracking app pre-installed on your Galaxy phone, and all things considered, it's pretty great! Whether you're using it in conjunction with a Galaxy Watch or on its own, the app has tools for tracking your daily activity, food, sleep, weight, and more. If you're new to Samsung Health and need some help getting your profile all set up, you've come to the right place.Products used in this guidePowerful Galaxy: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1000 at Amazon)Get in shape: Samsung Health (Free at Google Play)How to set up Samsung Health on your Galaxy phoneOpen the Samsung Health app on your Galaxy phone.Tap the circle icon if you agree to get notifications (this is optional).Tap Continue.Tap Start to back up your data to your Samsung account.Tap the three lines in the upper-left corner.Tap Profile.Tap Gender.Select your gender.Tap Next.Select your birth date.Tap Next.Select your height.Tap Next.Select your weight.Tap Next.Tap the ⓘ ico...

One of the best VPN providers is back with another awesome deal and this time it is offering lifetime savings that you won't want to miss. For a limited time, you can sign up for IPVanish's monthly plan and save 59%, dropping the price down to just $5 per month.This deal is worth considering for a few reasons. Firstly, the 59% discount puts IPVanish in cheap VPN territory with a monthly price of $5. You also don't have to pay upfront for a year or two years like many other VPN deals; it's just $5 for each month you want to use the service, for as long as you want to use it for. That also means that the 59% discount is available for life if you want — it'll remain for as long as your account is active. To sweeten the deal a little further, IPVanish will also include 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no extra cost to you.A VPN can be used for a number of different purposes, from securing your connections while on public Wi-Fi to spoofing your location to make it easier to acces...

When I reviewed the Jabra Elite 75t late last year, I knew they would be my new favorite true wireless earbuds — and I was right. They were comfortable, had great sound quality, solid connectivity, an awesome case, and a long-lasting battery. Plus, the microphones were fantastic for calls, and the case was small enough to fit into a coin pocket for easy transportability.But the Elite Active 75t, a slightly modified version of the originals with a higher water resistance rating and a rubberized coating that makes them less likely to slip out of hands and ears, have actually become my go-to TWEs in 2020. I started with a pre-production pair and have now been using a shipping version since early March, and though they inherit the same software limitations as their less rugged sibling, the Active 75t are still worth the extra $20 if you, um, sweat the longevity.At a glanceJabra Elite Active 75t ...

sepA good headset can transform your gaming experience, allowing you the sound quality you won't get from your TV's speakers while enabling you to communicate with other players easily. As a bonus, they'll let you keep your gaming sessions quiet if you're sharing a space and can look pretty awesome. Our favorite option compatible with your PlayStation 4 is the SteelSeries Arctis 7, a wireless headset that's visually stylish, has a long battery life, and has industry-leading sound quality. We've also rounded up some other choices depending on your priorities and budget.Best Overall: SteelSeries Arctis 7Let's be honest; gaming headsets tend to be gaudy. You've seen the unwieldy ones that light up in every color imaginable and look like they can be used as bludgeoning weapons. That's not to say they aren't good headphones, but they certainly aren't the most stylish. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 benefits from its sleek design. You won't be embarrassed to wear this one no matter the occ...

Downloads have already topped 656 million, and there's still a month left in the quarter...What you need to knowHealth and Fitness app downloads have skyrocketed in Q2 of 2020.Downloads have reached 656 million, 47% more than last quarter, and there's still a month left.The rise is of course down to consumers rethinking their health regimes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.New data from Sensor Tower has revealed that downloads of apps in the Health & Fitness category have skyrocketed due to COVID-19.In its most recent report, Sensor Tower data has revealed that downloads of the apps are already up by a record 47% in Q2 compared to last year, and there's still a month left to go. Estimates show that around 656 million apps have been downloaded, blowing away Q1, typically the best performing period of the year thanks to the January fitness boom. The report notes: This represents the largest Y/Y increase ever for Q2 and comes amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and lockdow...

It will apparently debut sometime the third quarter of the year.What you need to knowA new rumor claims Xiaomi is working on a phone with 12x optical zoom and a whopping 120x digital zoom.The phone is also tipped to be powered by an unannounced Snapdragon 775 chipset.It could possibly be a successor to last year's Mi Note 10. Xiaomi's Mi Note 10 was the world's first phone to feature Samsung's ISOCELL Bright HMX 108MP camera sensor. According to a new rumor, the company could be working on a successor to the Mi Note 10 with some major upgrades under the hood.As per tipster Xiaomishka, Xiaomi is working on a phone with an impressive periscope camera module with 12x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. The Mi Note 10 uses a 5x optical zoom lens, while Huawei's P40 Pro Plus offers a 10x optical zoom camera. The phone's 12x optical zoom camera definitely sounds promising, but we're not all that excited about the 120x digital zoom capability. Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra, which o...

While phone makers might try and make things difficult, rooting an Android phone doesn't require any exploits of software glitches.Very few people root their Android phones in 2020. While I'm sure some people will disagree, you just don't need to do it anymore unless you bought a phone with really crummy software from a company that won't give you the software updates you feel you deserve. I'm not saying rooting a phone is a bad thing — in fact I feel that once you paid for a phone, you should be able to do anything you like to it — just that Android is no longer bad enough to make rooting a necessary evil.But there are enthusiasts that feel very differently, and while they make up just a fraction of a fraction of the two billion Android users, rooting can be frustratingly difficult sometimes. This becomes even more apparent when you see an iOS jailbreak that only requires you to download a file or visit a website or plug your phone in and run a program on a computer. It's th...

No matter if you work from home or are drowning in homework, a good desk lamp is a great way to tie your entire workspace together. Better yet, a desk lamp that can charge your phone adds a beautiful level of functionality that any workflow can benefit from. Without further ado, these are our favorite desk lamps that also serve as phone chargers.Fast wireless chargingTaoTronics TT-DL13B LED Desk LampStaff pickThis first desk lamp from TaoTronics has a very modern design that's super sleek and highly customizable. The LED light has five color modes and seven brightness levels that can be changed at any time using the touch controls at the base. The design is also customizable as it can be swiveled and adjusted at various angles from the base directly or from the lamp itself.$40 at AmazonThe simple choiceLimelights Brushed Steel LampLimelights' lamp has a much more traditional design that's simply timeless. The fabric lampshade is available in a variety of colors, a...

The OnePlus 8 Pro's color filter camera is disabled out of the box in India, but it will be usable via a future OTA update.What you need to knowThe OnePlus 8 Pro is launching with the color filter camera disabled out of the box in India.The move comes after it was found that the 5MP lens can see through thin layers of plastic and clothing. OnePlus is working on an OTA to fix the issue, and will enable the color filter camera once the fix is rolled out. The OnePlus 8 Pro is set to make its debut in India, and we can confirm that the phone will launch without the color filter camera in the country. The lens will be disabled out of the box, but OnePlus has mentioned that it will enable the 5MP module once it has a fix for the privacy issue where it was found that the lens can see through thin layers of plastic and clothing.It's not a good idea for any brand to offer a camera that can potentially see through thin layers of clothing in any country, and this is particularly tru...

The other carrier variants of the Galaxy S20 only support sub-6GHz 5G networks.What you need to knowVerizon's Galaxy S20 with mmWave 5G support is now on sale.The Big Red carrier is offering a $150 discount on the phone, which will be credited to your account over 24 months. The Galaxy S20 5G UW comes in Cosmic Gray, Cloud Pink, and Cloud White colorways. Just as it had promised, Verizon today started selling the Galaxy S20 5G UW, which is a special variant of the S20 designed for the carrier's 5G Ultra Wideband network. Like the other carrier variants of the Galaxy S20 sold in the U.S., the S20 5G UW has been priced at $999 on Verizon.With a monthly device payment plan, you can grab the Galaxy S20 5G UW for $35.41 per month over 24 months. For a limited time, you can save $150 on buying a S20 5G UW from Verizon with monthly device payments or at its full retail price. Verizon will credit the discount to your account over 24 months.You can also get $1,000 credited to...

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.Editor's note: This post has been updated to include more details provided by Chase.If you've been looking into applying for a Chase credit card recently, you may have noticed some differences in the process. For one, some of Chase's credit cards are not currently showing up on the site. Additionally, other cards are requiring a sign-in before you can apply.Today, I'm walking through some of those changes and how they might affect cardholders looking to apply for new Chase credit cards in the coming months.Removal of some cards from the Chase siteWe've received a few tips from TPG readers that some cards have disappeared from the Chase site. These include the Chase Slate, the United Club Busin...

Based on the 2010 memoir written by New York Times best-selling author, Bruce Feiler, NBC's new drama, Council of Dads hits screens on Tuesday - read on to find out how to watch it, no matter where you are in the world.Written and produced by husband-and-wife team Tony Phelan and Joan Ratner, whose past credits include Grey's Anatomy, the new series follows the life of Scott Perry, a father of five children who is diagnosed with cancer, played by Southland star Tom Everett Scott.Worried that he won't be there to guide and support his children, Scott and his wife turn to six of his best friends to step in as back-up dads, including Anthony, his oldest friend; Larry, his AA sponsor; and Oliver, his surgeon and best friend to his wife, Robin.The cast also features Prison Break and The Walking Dead star Sarah Wayne Callies, and Clive Standen,(Vikings, Taken). Read on for full details on how to stream Council of Dads no matter where you are in the world with our guide below.Counci...

The Galaxy Fold 5G, however, will need to wait a while longer.What you need to knowSamsung is now propagating the June 2020 security patch to Galaxy Fold devices.The update comes mere days after the Galaxy S20, S10, and Note 10 series began receiving the update.The rollout for the 5G variant of the phone, however, has yet to start.Yet another month, yet another security patch for Android devices. This time around, it's the June 2020 security patch, and the latest phone to be graced by it is Samsung's Galaxy Fold. The build number for the update is F900FXXS3BTE1, if that's the kind of thing that interests you (via SamMobile).While this update contains no new features to speak of, Samsung did, just a month ago, port over some of the best new camera features of the Galaxy S20 series — such as Single Task and the Pro video mode — over to the foldable phone.Unfortunately, however, while regular Galaxy Folds should have started receiving the OTA update already, the Galaxy...

Set sails, matey. Booty's awaiting.Ubisoft reintroduced the world to Skull & Bones at E3 2018. Assassin's Creed fans will be familiar with what the game aims to be: a sea-dwelling pirate simulator. That's the high-level definition, but what, exactly, are we getting with this game? That's what we're here to find out. Everything you need to know about Skull & Bones is straight ahead.What is Skull & Bones?Is there a story in Skull & Bones?What is the gameplay in Skull & Bones?Skull & Bones will always change with seasonsAre there microtransactions in Skull & Bones?Sign up for the Skull & Bones betaIs Skull & Bones cancelled?When is the Skull & Bones release date?What is Skull & Bones?We weren't sure what to think of Skull & Bones before Ubisoft's E3 2018 press conference, because at that point we only knew that it was a pirate ship game. Thanks to new info and our first look at gameplay, however, we now have a bit better o...