Latest from Android Central

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley cited, in particular, Google's "poor record on privacy."What you need to knowSenator Josh Hawley has written to Sundar Pichai and Tim Cook.He says that he has serious concerns about Apple and Google's COVID-19 contact tracing program. He wants both CEOs to be personally liable for the privacy of its users.Senator Josh Hawley has written to the CEOs of both Apple and Google, demanding that they should be 'personally liable' if their respective companies stop protecting user privacy within its COVID-19 contact tracing technology.In the letter, dated April 21, 2020 he writes: Your recently announced project to respond to COVID–19 by tracking when and where Americans interact with each other raises serious concerns. Especially because of Google's poor record on privacy, I fear that your project could pave the way for something much more dire. The possible implications this project could have for privacy are alarming. For example, your materi...

The TaoTronics TT-BH060 SoundSurge 60 active noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones is down to $34.99 through the TaoTronics website when you use the code BH060MM. We have seen the SoundSurge 60 go as low as $40 elsewhere, but those deals usually required a combination of codes and on-page coupons and other sort of stacked discounts. This one is a llittle easier, a little cheaper, and it comes with free shipping. The headphones normally sell for between $50 and $65.These are the sort of headphones you can keep with you and take anywhere. Whip them out anytime you have a few minutes to listen to music and don't want to be disturbed (like during the commute to work). They are designed to be portable, too. They have an adjustable headband with ear cups that can be rotated up to 90 degrees. They come with a carrying case that your headphones fold nicely into as well.These SoundSurge 60 headphones were updated recently to include Bluetooth 5.0. That's one of the more advanced iterations...

Best answer: The best way to use solar power is to pick up a portable battery pack with a solar panel built-in or a solar panel array with USB ports built-in for charging. Both of these options will help to keep your phone charged by harnessing the power of the sun.Pack up the sun: FEELLE Solar Power Bank ($40 at Amazon)Seek out the sun: BigBlue 28W Solar Charger ($76 at Amazon)The sun is your friendPhones are essential to people for all sorts of reasons, but they're pretty much worthless if they have no juice. A typical way to power these slabs of technology is by plugging them into an outlet at your home or office, possibly with a battery pack that was charged the same way. However, this option fails if the power is out or you're away from an outlet.There are alternative ways to get power to your phone cleanly and away from the electrical grid. One of those options is to use the power of the sun, and it couldn't be easier. There are ways of powering your entire home with...

Creating a sustainable economy is about much more than making better products; it's about doing what's best for the people and the planet too.Android CentralEarth Day 2020: A guide to making better tech decisions in the era of climate changeThe single most eco-friendly thing you can on Earth Day is ... Is wireless, wired charging, or 'Fast Charging' more efficient?This fantastic smart plug is an Earth Day essentialFairphone 3 review: The most repairable phone everAn interview with Fairphone about making a sustainable gadgetBest 'green' tech products and accessoriesBest eco-friendly phone accessoriesHow to recycle your old phoneWhat happens to a phone when you sell to a recycling company?8 ways to reuse an old Android deviceHow to charge a phone using solarAbout those companies you thought were eco friendly ...iMoreEarth Day 2020: A comprehensive guide to how our technology affects the worldAre tech companies leading the charge for eco-friendliness?All the...

Technology and sustainability were mutually exclusive terms for quite a while, but these days, we're getting better about learning how to get the accessories we need for our phones without having to completely sacrifice our devotion to greener living. These cases, chargers, cables, and more are sustainably made, compostable, and/or made with renewable materials. Here are the most eco-friendly accessories you can buy for your smartphone today.Beautiful adaptabilityNimble Wireless Convertible StandStaff pickThis wireless charger is covered in fabric made from recycled water bottles and hemp, can be used as a flat wireless charger or a stand, and comes in no-plastic packaging made of recycled scrap paper. There's also an extra USB port for charging another device.$60 at NimbleNatural and lightweightRUIHAI Eco-Friendly Wooden Cell Phone StandThis simple phone stand is made of sustainable Walnut wood, with a drop-dead simple design and lightweight that should keep your...

While most major sporting events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the league's next season this fall. Before then though, the general managers and other NFL team officials will have a chance to choose which college players will join their ranks in the league's first ever virtual draft.New York City was the home of the NFL Draft for 50 years until the league began to hold the event in a new location each year back in 2015. This year's draft was originally scheduled to be held in Las Vegas before the decision was made to implement a virtual selection instead. Now the general managers of all 32 teams will make their picks either online or over the phone from their homes.To make its virtual draft a reality, the NFL is working with its longtime partner Microsoft who has created a modified version of its Microsoft Teams application which will be used for most of the communication between the league and its teams, includi...

If you're going to measure SpO2, try to do it right.We've all witnessed the run on commodities like toilet paper, beans, and even rice that has taken place over the last few weeks. Still, one type of item that is becoming increasingly difficult to find has kind of surprised me. Which item is that you ask? Pulse oximeters. These are medical devices that can measure the oxygen levels in your blood, or your SpO2, as it is more commonly known.If you're wondering why this is important, you're either blissfully unaware, or you've been really good at socially distancing from the news. You see, the ongoing virus that caused this global pandemic is particularly aggressive towards those with weakened immune systems and compromised breathing abilities, and it is these folks who may have lower concentrations of blood oxygen. So it is understandable that more people are trying to equip themselves to better track and monitor their health during this scary time.Since pulse oximeters are in sh...

NordVPN users can start using the WireGuard VPN tunneling protocol on all platforms starting today.What you need to knowNordVPN is now rolling out the WireGuard VPN tunneling protocol on all platforms.WireGuard offers significant speed benefits to existing VPN standards like OpenVPN. The VPN provider started integrating the standard last year on Linux, and it's now available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac as well. NordVPN is using a double NAT system to ensure privacy, and you can start using the new protocol right away by switching to the NordLynx standard. If you're using a VPN to protect your privacy while browsing, there's a good chance that your VPN provider is using either OpenVPN or IPSec to create a secure tunnel. These two protocols have been a mainstay for a while now, but they have their drawbacks, particularly when it comes to end-to-end encryption.Over the last 12 months, WireGuard has emerged as an alternative to the OpenVPN standard. WireGuard offers cl...

The latest update doesn't come with any new feature.What you need to knowSamsung has begun rolling out a new software update for the Galaxy S20 series phones to fix the green tint issue.Apart from the green tint fix, it appears the update does not introduce any major changes. The update is currently rolling out only in Germany. Earlier this week, Samsung quietly pulled the bug-ridden April software update for the Galaxy S20 Ultra after several owners complained that it introduced a green tint and a few other issues. As per the folks at SamMobile, an update to fix the green tint issue has now started rolling out for the Galaxy S20 series phones.The latest software update for the Galaxy S20 series arrives as version G98xBXXU1ATD3 and is currently rolling out to users in Germany. In the next few days, however, the update is likely to expand to a few more countries. Going by the update changelog, it looks like the new update doesn't come with any major changes other than the...

Amazon's Cloud Cam Security Camera is designed to let you keep an eye on any room of your home no matter where you are, and for just one day only, you can snag one for your home at its best price in history. Woot's limited-time deal brings the first-generation Cloud Cam down to just $49.99 while supplies last. That saves you over 50% off its original price of $120, though it's important to note that this model is not compatible with Amazon Key like the most recent model is.This indoor camera has notifications for when it spots activity, a 1080p HD video stream, night vision, two-way audio, and much more. You have access to the last 24 hours of motion alert clips for free and the free Cloud Cam app will push notifications based on the settings you select. Also, the Amazon Cloud Cam can now respond to specific sounds, such as a baby's crying or glass breaking. If you want to save your recorded clips for a longer time, Amazon offers a few different Cloud Cam Plans, starting at $6.99 a...

Samsung Galaxy S20True flagship$1,000 at SamsungProsGorgeous 120Hz AMOLED displaySnapdragon 865 chipsetIP68 dust and water resistance15W wireless chargingOutstanding camerasConsExpensiveNo 3.5mm jackWith upgrades across the board, the Galaxy S20 redefines flagships in 2020. The stunning 120Hz AMOLED screen is the best you'll find on any phone today, the cameras have picked up a host of new features, and you'll find the latest internal hardware. Combine that with the fact that the phone is ideal for one-handed use and it's easy to see why the S20 is one of the best phones of the year.OnePlus 8Just the basics$699 at OnePlusPros90Hz AMOLED panelSnapdragon 865 chipsetClean software with fast updatesDecent camerasConsNo 3.5mm jackNo wireless chargingNot enough valueThe OnePlus 8 has Qualcomm's latest silicon and a larger 4,300mAh battery, but in most regards, this is the same phone that we got six months ago in the 7T. The fundamentals a...

Vivaldi browser is packed with features and protects your privacy.What you need to knowVivaldi's Android browser is now out of beta, and it is available for download on the Play Store.The browser is picking up native ad blocking and tracking protection with the release. With a lot of features on offer and a clean interface with a toolbar at the bottom, Vivaldi's mobile browser is definitely worth a look. Vivaldi is one of the most feature-rich desktop browsers around, and the browser just got updated to 3.0 with plenty of new additions, including built-in tracking protection and ad blocking. The Vivaldi browser also has a robust note-taking client, great tab management, a native screenshot utility, and it even comes with a clock that lets you set timers. If you're new to Vivaldi, the level of customization on offer when you're setting things up for the first time is unmatched.Vivaldi is bringing most of these features over to its Android browser, which has been in beta fo...

Nubia's second gaming phone to feature a 144Hz display.What you need to knowNubia has launched a new gaming-focused mid-ranger with a 144Hz AMOLED display.The Nubia Play is powered by a Snapdragon 765G chipset and packs a large 5,100mAh battery with 30W fast charging.It will be going on sale in China from April 24 for a starting price of 2,399 yuan ($340). ZTE launched the world's first smartphone with a 144Hz display last month, called the RedMagic 5G. The company has now launched a more affordable 5G gaming phone with a 144Hz display and slightly less impressive tech specs.The Nubia Play sports a 6.65-inch FHD+ AMOLED display panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, built-in fingerprint sensor, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate. Under the hood is a 7nm Snapdragon 765G chipset, coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB UFS 2.1 storage.On the back of the Nubia Play is a quad-camera array with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sens...

The vanilla Motorola Edge is also expected to be unveiled at the company's "E-vent" later today.What you need to knowAll the key specs of the Motorola Edge Plus have been confirmed ahead of the phone's launch later today.The Edge Plus will have a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a Snapdragon 865 processor. It will also feature a triple-lens camera system with a 108MP primary camera and a large 5,000mAh battery. Motorola is set to unveil its new flagship phone called the Edge Plus at a virtual event at 12PM ET today. Just hours before the phone's official unveiling, its pricing and key specs have been confirmed by a blog post spotted by the folks over at Droid Life.The new Motorola flagship will feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with curved edges and a 90Hz refresh rate. Like most other 2020 Android flagship smartphones, the Edge Plus will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB UFS 3.0 storage.In...

Facebook invests wants to bring small businesses to WhatsApp, and it's looking to achieve that by investing in Jio.What you need to knowFacebook just became Jio's largest minority shareholder by shelling out $5.7 billion to acquire a 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms.Jio has transformed India's telecom market in the last four years, and now has 388 million subscribers. Facebook says the investment in Jio will allow the social network to 'open up commerce opportunities for people across India.'Ultimately, Facebook wants to bring Jio's small business platform to WhatsApp, enabling users to make purchases directly on the messaging service. Facebook just made a major play in the telecom industry by investing $5.7 billion to pick up a 9.99% equity stake in India's Jio Platforms, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Jio. Jio fundamentally altered India's telecom industry in the last four year, and with 388 million subscribers, it is now the leading cellular network in the country....

Four years ago today Prince passed away, and tonight to celebrate and honor him, you'll be able to tune in and watch Let's Go Crazy: A Grammy Salute to Prince. The event was originally recorded on January 28, just two days after the Grammys 2020 took place, and is finally being released for everyone to watch. It's hosted by Maya Rudolph, and the actress and comedian will even perform with her Prince cover band during the event. The band is called 'Princess'.In addition, there will be a bunch of other popular names taking the stage to commemorate in Prince's honor, including Beck, Usher, John Legend, and more. The Grammys said: "The night will also feature a historic joint performance by several of Prince's most celebrated musical friends and collaborators, including his GRAMMY Award-winning band The Revolution, GRAMMY nominee Sheila E.—who, alongside Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is a co-musical director of the special—and the Prince-formed funk band Morris Day And The Time."...

The show will go on, despite the German government's restrictions preventing any events with more than 5,000 participants.What you need to knowIn a series of new tweets, the organizers of IFA 2020 announced that the show's physical event has been cancelled due to Germany's restrictions on social gatherings.It will continue online and will likely be very different from past years, with the organizers referring to an "innovative new concept."The German government's coronavirus rules outlaw any events with more than 5,000 attendees.IFA 2020 will not follow in the footsteps of MWC 2020, Google I/O 2020, E3 2020, GDC and so on and so forth — the full list of events canceled due to the ongoing pandemic is far too long for me to list here. Heck, even Coachella has been postponed this year. But not IFA. Messe Berlin and gfu, the organizers of the massive consumer electronics trade show, took to Twitter earlier today to announce that "IFA Berlin is set to go ahead in 2020."#IFA2...

Globalization of the smartphone world has leveled the playing field dramatically, with most phones nowadays being made available internationally. But there are some notable exceptions, and if you're in the U.S. you don't get your choice of every phone out there. These are the best devices you can get in the U.S. today — from the highest end with the Galaxy S20+, down to dramatically more affordable options.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S20+Our previous top pick here was the Galaxy S10+, and everything Samsung did this year with the S20+ made it an easy recommendation in its place. The S20+ makes improvements across the board, with a bigger and better display that has a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a larger 4,500mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and a new Snapdragon 865 processor. It's 5G capable as well, which isn't a huge deal now but will become more important later in 2020.The biggest move up is in the cameras, with a new array all around. The new sensors are larger, letting ...

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...

No more accidental taps to kick you out of the app.What you need to knowNetflix has updated its Android app to include a screen lock option.This new feature will strip the player interface of all controls so as to prevent accidental triggers.It was rolled out via a server-side update over the past week.While we're all at home watching Netflix, the company has just improved its Android app with a neat little quality of life feature. It's added a new screen lock feature that locks the player UI and strips all action buttons like play/pause, scrubbing and so on.Instead, the focus is placed on the content being played. You won't accidentally skip half an episode while sneezing, and you can disable the lock by double-tapping your screen.The feature was delivered via a server-side update (spotted by the folks over at 9to5Google) and should now be available on Android phones. It's a small change, but one that'll make Netflix more pleasant to use.Netflix: Everything you need ...

The company is reportedly turning to Samsung as its foldable display supplier.What you need to knowXiaomi is reportedly working on a clamshell foldable of its own.Reports out of Korea suggest that the Chinese giant is tapping Samsung for the foldable display.Unearthed patents, meanwhile, suggest a design incorporating a pop-up camera.Two of the most conspicuous innovations relating to smartphone design over the last couple of years have been the advent of foldable smartphones — of course! — and the use of pop-up cameras to enable bezel-less screens. While the latter trend has become somewhat less popular in recent months, one of Xiaomi's upcoming phones may be poised to marry the two design concepts.As XDA Developers reports, Xiaomi is among the first smartphone makers to take Samsung up on its offer of using its 'Ultra-Thin Glass' technology as the foundation for their own foldable phone aspirations. Citing sources in the components industry in Korea, ZDNet Korea rev...

Powerful and versatileEufy RoboVac 15C Max$260 at EufyProsLong battery lifePowerful suction powerWorks with Alexa and Google AssistantEasy-to-use appRelatively quietConsNo floor plansThe Eufy RoboVac 15C Max offers powerful performance, excellent battery life, and works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It also has an advanced three-brush cleaning system to ensure that all dirt and debris is picked up when it cleans. Its large 0.6L dustbin ensures you don't have to empty it every few minutes.Brand name recognitioniRobot Roomba 675$299 at RoombaProsWorks with Google Assistant and Amazon AlexaGood battery lifeThree stage cleaning systemConsSmaller capacityLower suction powerNo floor plansThe iRobot Roomba 675 doesn't have the suction power or the capacity of the RoboVac 15C, but it does still offer Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Plus, it has the brand name recognition that some might appreciate and excellen...

Available now!What you need to knowEpic Games announced it was putting Fortnite on the Google Play Store.The game had previously been available as a direct download through Epic. In a statement, Epic said that "disadvantages" Google places on outside apps has forced the change.When Fortnite originally released for mobile devices, the game was not made available for the Google Play Store. However, Epic announced today that Fortnite would be put on the Google Play Store going forward, with the game officially available in the store now for Android users.After a couple of years of being available only through Epic Games, Fortnite is now available on the Google Play Store.Previously, Fortnite was kept away from the Google Play Store in a seemingly purposeful attempt. In 2019, Epic told The Verge that it had asked Google for an exemption on its 30% cut that the company collects for in-app purchases. Google didn't grant them any such exemption, so Fortnite never appeared on...

The Galaxy S10 has got a great, big, beautiful screen with some new tricks inside — like that fancy ultrasonic fingerprint sensor — but those tricks make buying a screen protector all the more important and all the more difficult. See, that in-screen fingerprint sensor can't tolerate any air bubbles or gaps between the screen and the screen protector, so your best bets are plastic film protectors or the Whitestone Dome Glass, which is one of the only tempered glass screen protectors we can find that plays nice with it.Has it allZAGG InvisibleShield VisionguardStaff pickZAGG offers everything with its InvisibleShield screen protector, including impact and scratch protection, a built-in blue light filter, and a smudge-resistant coating.$31 at AmazonThe power of UVWhitestone Dome GlassHands down, the Whitestone screen protector is one of the best around. It has an in-depth installation, but the end result is nothing short of amazing.$45 at Amazon$52 at eBayS...

Supply of PS5 will probably be limited at launch, but demand might be as well depending on the price. Working conditions are reported to be getting better at Rockstar Games, which is some legitimately good news.The gang share tips on playing the Animal Crossing Stalk Market to get rich on turnips. They also talk about availability of Nintendo Switch consoles and how you can avoid the scalpers.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:PS5 supply will reportedly be more limited at launch than PS4, not likely delayed to 2021 | Android CentralRockstar Games reportedly improves working conditions | Windows CentralDon't buy an overpriced Nintendo Switch from scalpers — You can still get a regular priced console | iMoreAssassin's Creed history: The full story (so far) | Windows Central...

Chromebooks continue to grow in popularity due to their portability, lower price point compared to other laptops, and improvements to Chrome OS. These have truly become laptop replacements, but it's always important to protect your investment. We have found the best Chromebook sleeves that you can get.Bare bonesAmazonBasics Laptop Sleeve CaseStaff PickThe AmazonBasics Laptop Sleeve case is great for those who want a no-nonsense laptop sleeve. There are no additional pockets, and this sleeve's size ranges from 7 inches up to 17.3 inches, depending on the size of your Chromebook.$9 at AmazonAll the pocketsTimbuk2 Stealth FolioTimbuk2 makes fantastic backpacks for your technology, and the Stealth Folio does the same if you want something more portable. This Sleeve will not only house up to a 13-inch Chromebook, but it has an array of pockets for your accessories. There are even pen slots and a few specialized hooks to keep your cables organized.$49 at Amazon...

Get ready for drops!What you need to knowThe Twitch Rivals SuperGames Finals will take place tomorrow.Fortnite will be giving out in-game items through the Twitch Drops program.Watching for 30 minutes gives you a chance at the Drops.Throughout the week, Twitch has been partnering with a variety of streamers and professional athletes to present the Twitch Rivals SuperGames. With the Finals for the event set to take place tomorrow, players can earn some exclusive in-game Fortnite items by watching thanks to Twitch Drops.For those unaware, Twitch Drops is a program that Twitch has that allows players to earn rewards by simply watching streams. On Twitch's browse page, you'll see a small mark under games that have Drops enabled, and those are the specific streams and games that you can earn rewards from.Twitch Drops are on deck for Twitch Rivals SuperGames ft @FortniteGame Finals on April 22!For a chance at Drops, link your Epic & Twitch accounts and watch 30 minutes ...

Your home is about to become a lot cooler. Select Google Nest smart thermostats are on sale today at B&H with prices discounted by up to $50 while supplies last. B&H even includes free expedited shipping with the purchase to get your new thermostat to you within just a couple of days.Two models of Google Nest thermostats are on sale today, including the Google Nest Thermostat E that's now down to $139 and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat which is on sale for $199.The deal on the Nest Thermostat E is the better of the two. Though they both allow you to control your AC from anywhere in the world, the Nest Thermostat E comes in at $60 less and doesn't see this price as often. There are some key differences between the two, though nothing that truly makes the Nest Learning Thermostat a more worthwhile pick over the more affordable model. Be sure to take a look at this comparison guide for a full look at their differences.What you get with the Nest Thermostat E is the abi...

Lenovo's inexpensive new phones get even more affordable.What you need to knowThe Moto G Power and Stylus are now available on Google Fi.There's a $50 discount if you choose to buy them outright.Alternatively, you can sign up from $8.30 for a payment plan.The Moto G Power and Moto G Stylus are now available to purchase on Google Fi.Buyers can grab a $50 discount if they purchase it outright and activate a new line bringing the price points down to $199 for the Moto G Power and $249 for the Moto G Stylus. Alternatively, they can sign up for monthly plans which range from $8.29 for the Power to $10.38 for the Stylus.While the G Power and G Stylus are Lenovo's newest mid-range efforts, they don't command equal value. Sure, they both have pretty good battery life, attractive designs, and good displays — but the lack of NFC is disappointing in 2020, and slow charging means you'll spend more time waiting for both phones to get up and running if that long battery dwindles....

Wireless Bluetooth headphones have become increasingly popular over the last several years. The best wireless headphones have support for great, high-fidelity sound. That's why the Sony WH-1000XM3 are our best overall pick. They feature good sound quality, long battery life, and are comfortable for long-term use — and their noise cancelation is second-to-none.Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM3By far, the most significant feature of the XM3 is their class-leading active noise canceling (ANC). Not only does it make traveling much easier by completely drowning out things such as planes and trains; the XM3 are excellent at blocking out higher-pitched sounds as well. The ANC you get out of the XM3 is legitimate, and it sometimes feels like you're in an empty room. The ANC works seamlessly with how comfortable the headphone is. No matter your head shape or head size, the XM3 will more than likely feel super comfortable on your head and will be comfortable for hours (and we mean hours on...

At this point, you're probably tired of reading articles that remind you that you need to wash your hands. And while yes, it is incredibly important to rid your hands of germs to avoid getting sick and spreading bacteria to others, you also ought to pay attention to the things you own that need sanitizing, too. The CDC notes that high touch items and surfaces like keyboards, tablets, and your very own smartphone can be breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria. In fact, your phone is so filthy that it can even be dirtier than a toilet.Instead of just wiping your phone clean with disinfectant wipes, take it a step further by using something like the SaniCharge Phone UV Sanitizer.Sanicharge is an all-in-one tool designed to eliminate germs breeding on your smartphone. It does away with heat and chemicals and uses intense UV-C light to safely kill any bacteria or viruses that are on every nook and cranny of your phone. It can also clean anything else that fits inside the case, inc...

Fireball is everything I want from a tabletop RPG app, and I can't wait to play it in SeptemberAnyone who has played a game of Dungeons and Dragons knows how hard it is to play Dungeons and Dragons regularly. From crazy world-changing things like lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders to mundane things like the babysitter letting you down, it can be incredibly hard to get together around a table and play for four hours.Of course, the modern world does offer digital alternatives — virtual desktops like Roll20, or just using Hangouts or Skype — but none of them are truly mobile. You still need to be sat at a computer to play, which can be almost as difficult as playing the game in-person.A new app that's gaining traction on Kickstarter seeks to end the problems of timing and aims to make the Dungeons and Dragons experience genuinely mobile. It's called Fireball, and it looks fantastic.Editor's note: For full disclosure, I am a backer of this Kickstarter campaign.Roll f...

New look, new tricksRing Alarm (2nd Gen)From $199 at AmazonProsKeypad looks and works better than everNew emergency responder keys are criticalGreater compatibility with a range of windows and doorsEasy DIY installationGreat Alexa integrationConsBase kit only covers a single door or windowRing Alarm (2nd Gen) is an excellent revision to an already excellent DIY alarm system. It retains all the ease and connectivity of the original but features snazzier looks, a refined keypad with easier to press keys, new quick keys to call emergency responders, and redesigned contact sensors that are compatible with more windows and doors and are even smaller.An easy DIY solutionRing Alarm (1st Gen)From $179 at AmazonProsSaves a few bucks over the 2nd genEasy DIY installationGreat Alexa integrationConsKeys on the keypad are a bit too close togetherDifficult to know when a sensor is first paired to the unitDated looksWhen Ring launched its firs...

The Bose SoundTouch 10 smart wireless Bluetooth speaker can be yours for just $99.95 at Bose's eBay store. The deal only applies to the black model, but it saves you half compared to its retail price and beats out the next best prices at Walmart and Best Buy.The Bose SoundTouch 10 is a wireless music system that's small enough to fit on your desk, your countertop, or even take it with you when you're out and about. The sound it produces, however, is large enough to fill any room in your house with its 30W of power.The speaker system has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can access all of your favorite streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, and others. You can use any of your mobile devices to stream music directly to the system. Just download the SoundTouch app on your phone and work through that program to get your new speaker to play from any popular streaming service. You can pair with new devices super easily, too.Connect the SoundTouch 10 to your smart home ecosystem and yo...

Sonos is finally taking a stand.Sonos has always been Switzerland, neutral to a fault. Until recently, the company's decision not to create its own audio content has left it relying on companies like Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and others to provide music, podcasts, and talk radio for its millions of customers, most of which get that same content through other apps and connected speakers.The value of Sonos speakers has always been about pairing wireless speakers that sound great, and can create incredible whole-home listening experiences, with practically any audio service someone feels like listening to. But that leaves Sonos selling its users hardware alone, which these days isn't enough in a world where Google, Apple, Amazon, and others all make connected speakers that natively integrate their own streaming music services. Value-add is where it's at.So today Sonos is launching Sonos Radio, a set of features, including ad-supported radio stations from partners like iHeartRad...

Best overallMoto G Power$250 at Best BuyProsUp to three-day battery lifeMore useful camerasClean, intuitive softwareCompatible with all U.S. carriersBacked by a warrantyConsOnly available in blackMore expensiveHands-down, the Moto G Power is one of the best budget phones you can buy right now. It's plenty fast, takes respectable pictures, and having a battery that can last up to three days on a single charge is magical. Anyone can buy the phone thanks to its compatibility with all U.S. carriers, and it being backed by a warranty adds greatly-appreciated peace of mind.Solid alternativeMoto G8 PlusFrom $245 at AmazonProsHigher-res 48MP rear cameraAction Cam is great for content creatorsLarge 4,000 mAh batterySame great Moto softwareLower priceConsDoesn't support Sprint or VerizonLacks a proper warrantyThe Moto G8 Plus is cheaper than the G Power despite offering nearly identical specifications, making it a really enticing purcha...

The merger begins bearing fruits for customers.What you need to knowSprint customers are beginning to reap the benefits of the T-Mobile merger.Shared 5G and LTE networks mean Sprint devices like the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G now have better connectivity for more mobile users.T-Mobile is also expanding its 5G coverage around the U.S., as well as bringing mid-band spectrum to areas like New York and Philadelphia.T-Mobile has begun accelerating the rate of 5G adoption in the U.S. just weeks after it successfully completed its merger with Sprint.The carrier is expanding its 5G base with Detroit, St. Louis, and Columbus, Ohio getting access to the next-gen standard.For regions that already have 5G access, it'll be improving the service. It has now brought 2.5 GHz mid-band spectrum to parts of Philadelphia with parts of New York City slated for later. The benefits of this to customers as an increase in speed as well as an increase in network capacity. T-Mobile says that the mid-b...

The feature should be available in Q3 2020 in South Korea.What you need to knowThe Ministry of Food and Drug Saftey in South Korea has given the Software as a Medical Device approval to the Samsung Health Monitor app.Utilizing the sensors of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 allows for cuffless blood pressure monitoring.A traditional blood pressure cuff is required first to calibrate the watch initially.Traditional blood pressure measuring methods can be cumbersome and difficult to track. Samsung is hoping to make the process much easier with its Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Samsung Health Monitor app.In a post to the Samsung Newsroom, it was announced that the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drugs Safety (MFDS) has given the Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) label to the Samsung Health App. This allows for cuffless blood pressure monitoring by the Galaxy Active Watch 2 when paired with the app. While the watch is compatible with iOS and Android devices, the blood pressure f...

The JBL Jbuddies Studio wired headphones are down to $14.89 at Target in purple and blue. You can also head to the JBL website for a Blue/Pink combo and a Navy/Red combo that are both $5 off as well. Unless you're ordering $35 or more worth of stuff, you'll want to order it for in-store pickup at Target to avoid the shipping fee. JBL offers free 2-5 day shipping.Worried about your kids' inability to handle cables? Save $10 on the wireless version, too. These have 13 hours of playtime using Bluetooth 5.0 technology and a rechargeable battery.Over-ear design with comfy Faux Leather cushions and padded headband offer all-day comfort for all ages, from grade school tykes to teens.These are headphones designed specifically for kids ages six and up. The over-ear fit and stylish colors work for all ages, including younger kids and teens. They have passive noise isolation to help your kids focus on the music they're listening to. The stainless steel headband is adjustable, and the ear ...

GPS-enabled trackerFitbit Charge 4$150 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSActivity/health tracking7-day battery lifeSwimproof designMobile paymentsConsLacks smartwatch featuresSmaller, less vibrant displayIf you're set on having onboard GPS and don't mind a smaller grayscale display, the Charge 4 is a great pick. The compact size is ideal for fitness enthusiasts who don't want a bulky device on their wrist. You'll enjoy activity/health tracking, 5 ATM water resistance, and seven days of battery life.Feature-filled smartwatchFitbit Versa 2$200 at AmazonProsColorful AMOLED touchscreenActivity/health tracking5-day battery lifeSwimproof designMobile paymentsConsLacks built-in GPSMore expensiveIf you're looking for the perfect combination of fitness tracking and smartwatch features, the Fitbit Versa 2 will win this round. It may lack built-in GPS, but it does offer detailed tracking metrics, Amazon Alexa, music storage, mobile payments, and ...

Google had planned to make this change later, but the coronavirus pandemic sped up the timeline.What you need to knowGoogle is making retail listings free on Google Shopping.The changes roll out from the end of April in the U.S., coming globally before the end of the year.Google had planned to introduce thee changes eventually, but the coronavirus pandemic forced an acceleration of the timeline. Google will now start letting businesses list their inventory online for free on Google Shopping. Previously, it would have charged businesses for a product listing on the Shopping page, soon listings will be done for free. Merchants will still have to pay if they want to be promoted, but it's now free to be listed and surfaced organically if a customer searches a relevant term.Google's president of commerce, Bill Ready explained the move in a blog post: Beginning next week, search results on the Google Shopping tab will consist primarily of free product listings, helping merc...

You're probably spending way more time at home these days, so it might be the right time to upgrade that old TV you've been hanging on to. This one-day sale on the Westinghouse 43-inch smart Roku TV at Best Buy is not one to be missed if that sounds like you. The 43-inch smart TV is down to just $199.99 today only, saving you $80 off its full cost of $280. There's always the chance of this TV selling out before the sale ends too, so you shouldn't delay if you're interested.Cutting the cord becomes so much easier with a TV like this 43-inch 1080p Roku TV from Westinghouse. Its integrated smart features let you access all your favorite streaming services without needing a separate streaming device plugged in. Just connect it to your home's Wi-Fi network and you'll be able to download and watch Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and much more.It's even compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control if you have a device like the Echo Dot or Go...

Haven't upgraded to the Xbox One X yet? This is the best time to do it. The prices right now are dropping low because we're not too far away from an all-new generation of consoles. But who cares about those when you can get 4K gaming and 4K movies right now? Woot is offering the factory reconditioned Xbox One X console on sale for only $229.99 today, saving you $70 off the usual cost of a refurbished model; brand new consoles sell for $400 these days.As these consoles are labeled as factory reconditioned, that means Microsoft has inspected, tested, and restored each one where necessary so that they're in "like-new" condition. You receive a 90-day Microsoft warranty as well just in the rare case you end up being sent a console which doesn't work properly.The Xbox One X console features a 1TB hard drive and comes with one Xbox Wireless Controller. With the Xbox One X, your games are powered up thanks to its 6 teraflops of graphical processing power and 8-core Custom AMD CPU. It eve...

Tom Nook's empire grows and with it, Animal Crossing: New Horizons sales.What you need to knowThe March 2020 NPD results have been released.Animal Crossing: New Horizons was the best-selling game of the month.MLB: The Show 20 was the best-selling game on PS4.Every month, the NPD Group releases information on the top-selling games across all video game platforms in the United States. While it doesn't account for worldwide sales, it does provide a good snapshot of one the largest video game markets. Mat Piscatella, an analyst for NPD, has shared the results for March 2020.To start off, Animal Crossing: New Horizons sold amazingly well, taking the best-seller position for the month. Meanwhile, MLB: The Show 20 was the best-selling game on PS4 and debuted at the #3 spot. While the Nintendo Switch was the best-selling console for the month, PS4 sales were up year-over-year.As always, remember that NPD is based on dollar sales, not units sold.Here are the March 2020 results...

Samsung shows that it can build an exciting value flagship, but it's missing the point with the pricing.Samsung is the dominant player in the Android world, and while its flagships continually raise the bar for the industry as a whole, the South Korean brand has failed to make a mark in the mid-range category. Samsung's efforts in this area over the last four years were focused on the Galaxy A series, a series of mid-range devices aimed at a younger audience that offered several features from the Galaxy S series.While there were a few noteworthy models in the Galaxy A lineup, they didn't make a lasting impact in the mid-tier segment. Samsung's foibles have allowed companies like OnePlus to gain momentum in this category, with the manufacturer opening up a huge lead in key markets like India.So for 2020, Samsung is switching up its strategy. The manufacturer is getting more aggressive in the mid-range segment, and the Galaxy S10 Lite is the first salvo. The S10 Lite is an intere...

The resolution of the human eye is believed to be around 500 megapixels.What you need to knowSamsung is working on 600MP camera sensors for smartphones, which will be able to capture more detail than the human eye.In addition to smartphones, Samsung expects such high-resolution sensors to be used in other fields, such as autonomous cars, IoT, and drones.While the 600MP sensor isn't expected to arrive anytime soon, Samsung is rumored to launch a new 150MP camera sensor later this year. In August last year, Samsung announced the industry's first 108MP camera sensor for smartphones. While some of us believe that the 108MP ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor is overkill for smartphones, Samsung thinks otherwise. In an editorial published on the company's website, Yongin Park, who heads the Sensor Business Team at Samsung's LSI division, has revealed that his team is working on a camera sensor that will be able to capture more detail than the human eye.As noted in the article, the human...

With all of the recent privacy concerns regarding Ring devices in the news lately, you might have decided against owning a video doorbell for the time being — but Ring's video doorbells aren't the only options out there. The new Eufy Security Wi-Fi 2K Video Doorbell doesn't let police request your camera footage without a warrant, and it's even a little more inconspicuous than most Ring cameras.Eufy's 2K Video Doorbell is down to $135.99 at Newegg and, thanks to coupon code 4GFSMLV69 taking $28 off during checkout there, it falls to just $107.99. It usually goes for nearer $160 and today's price is one of its lowest to date. It ships free from Anker's official store.Eufy's 2K video doorbell has 2560 x 1920 resolution with HDR and distortion correction, which ensures quality video recordings. With two-way audio, you can hear and speak directly to anyone who approaches your door. The camera uses advanced AI technology and algorithms to detect body shapes and face patterns. The sy...

Galaxy S10 LiteMore for less$650 at SamsungProsSnapdragon 855 chipsetVibrant display48MP camera/32MP selfie camera4500mAh battery Android 10 with One UI 2.0ConsPlastic designNo headphone jackCostlier than the regular S10The Galaxy S10 Lite eschews the metal-and-glass design for a plastic chassis, but it retains the high-end internals. The phone is powered by the same Snapdragon 855 chipset as the full-fledged S10 and S10+, and comes with a 48-megapixel camera, FHD+ AMOLED panel, as well as a 4,500mAh battery. The fundamentals are solid here, but a high price makes it a non-starter in the U.S.Galaxy Note 10 LiteDo everything₹40,999 at FlipkartProsHeadphone jackS Pen Vibrant displaySame 4500mAh batteryAndroid 10 with One UI 2.0 ConsNot launching in the U.S.Older Exynos 9810 chipsetThe Note 10 Lite is an interesting device — on the outset, there's plenty to like here. You get the same S Pen that's found in the Note 10/10+, and the...

With just a single tap.What you need to knowThe Google Photos app could soon allow users to remove audio from their videos easily.Currently, the Google Photos app only lets you do things like rotating a video, trim parts, as well as export frames. The new feature will likely begin rolling out to users sometime later this year.Google Photos may not be the first app that you'd think of for editing a video on your phone, but the app does offer a few video editing tools that can be quite useful if you need to quickly share a video on social media. An APK teardown of the latest version of the Google Photos app for Android by app researcher Jane Manchun Wong has revealed (via 9to5Google) that Google is currently working on adding a new option to allow users to remove the audio from any video quickly.Google Photos is working on the ability to remove audio from videos pic.twitter.com/BDxOapsvgr— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) April 20, 2020Unlike most other apps that offer ...