Latest from Android Central

While shirts and sneakers are fun ways to show your pride, if you want to show yours off this Pride month — and all year long — put your pride somewhere that's always within reach, eye-catching, and modern: your smartphone! The Galaxy S10 and its horizontal camera module give you a sizeable expanse on the back for bold colors and strong statements, and these cases take full advantage to create a unique and fabulously awesome look for you to rock while out and about.Pride 2020Apple's LGBTQ supportCompanies and LGBTQ orgsRepresentation in video gamesMovies still have a long way to goBest LGBTQ TV momentsInclusive gamesLGBTQ YouTubersSteven Universe opened the doorBest of LGBTQ on NetflixPopSocket PrideRewatch the best Pride paradesAndroid + Pride t-shirtsLGBTQ Twitch streamersVirtual Pride month from homeLTGBQ TV & movies on Disney+Pride on Amazon Prime VideoApple + Pride t-shirtsMay the Pride be with youLightsaber RainbowStaff pickNerdy Pr...

The doorbell camera is finally compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.What you need to knowArlo's Video Doorbell has gained Google Assistant support.You can easily connect the Arlo Video Doorbell to the Assistant using the Google Assistant app on your Android phone or iPhone. The video doorbell already offers Amazon Alexa integration.The Arlo Video Doorbell, which is among the most advanced video doorbells on the market right now, has gained Google Assistant support (via Engadget). Until now, the Video Doorbell only offered Amazon Alexa integration.With Google Assistant support, you can now receive notifications whenever someone presses your Video Doorbell and send various commands from any of your Assistant devices. You can also ask the Assistant to show the live feed from your front door.To connect your Arlo Video Doorbell to the Google Assistant, open the Assistant app on your phone and head to Assistant settings. Next, select Home control and add you...

With tens of millions of users, WhatsApp is the marquee app on KaiOS — and it is steadily getting new features.We haven't really talked about KaiOS a lot here, but the operating system is now installed on over 100 million phones, making it the third-largest mobile operating system in the world. KaiOS is a fork of Firefox OS that's designed for feature phones, and over the last three years it has seen a meteoric rise because of devices like the $15 JioPhone in India and Nokia's 8110.While entry-level Android phones have gotten much better over the years — particularly with the introduction of Android Go — there are still tens of millions of users who turn to feature phones for their affordability. And with KaiOS, feature phones now come with a web browser, a dedicated app store, and even Google Assistant baked in.Then there's WhatsApp. The Facebook-owned messaging platform made its debut on KaiOS last year, and is now pre-installed on KaiOS phones globally. WhatsApp alread...

You don't need to be a professional climate scientist to know that the Earth is in trouble, and reducing your home's carbon footprint should rank high on your 2020 resolution list if you want to do your part and help save the world.The only problem is that making even minor changes to your energy consumption usually requires changes to your utility routine that are both costly and headache-inducing—until now.Arcadia drastically reduces the barrier to entry when it comes to using and supporting clean energy sources, and when you sign up today you'll receive either a $20 Amazon gift card or four standard LED bulbs at no cost.Unlike other clean energy platforms that require you to either switch utility companies or invest in expensive solar panels, Arcadia allows you to keep your existing utility plan while automatically connecting you to a variety of clean energy sources.After scanning your area for a list of available clean energy companies, Arcadia gets to work connecting you...

After eight years, we will finally have a chance to learn the truth about Lance Armstrong's doping scandal from the former professional road racing cyclist himself in ESPN's latest 30 for 30 documentary film, LANCE.The new four-hour documentary will air in two parts on ESPN with Part 1 having aired on Sunday, May 24 and Part 2 releasing this weekend on Sunday, May 31st. There will also be two versions of LANCE, one with strong adult language which will air on ESPN and an edited version that will air simultaneously on ESPN2.LANCE will feature interviews from Armstrong himself along with a collection of family members, teammates, friends, rivals and journalists who will all reflect on his historic rise to fame and his subsequent downfall following 2012's doping scandal. We'll also learn new details about Armstrong's battle with testicular cancer, his recovery and the work that went into earning seven consecutive Tour de France titles.From acclaimed director Marina Zenovich, LANCE...

Daniel Bader is joined by analyst Anshel Sag and our own Android Central writer, Nick Sutrich, for a special episode examining the current state of VR gaming and applications. They also look ahead towards the future as consumers continue to embrace affordable, portable VR devices.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Anshel Sag (@anshelsag) / TwitterNicholas Sutrich (@Gwanatu) / TwitterNearly half of all VR headsets sold in 2019 was an Oculus Quest | Android CentralOculus sales spiked in the lead-up to Half-Life: Alyx - The VergeOculus just bought Beat Saber developer Beat Games | Android CentralIs Supernatural VR worth the subscription cost? | Android CentralBest Hand Tracking Games for Oculus Quest in 2020 | Android CentralHP Reverb G2 brings four-camera tracking to its next-gen Windows Mixed Reality headset | Windows CentralBoz on Twitter: "As w...

An improperly coded image can somehow crash the Android System UI.WARNING！！！Never set this picture as wallpaper, especially for Samsung mobile phone users!It will cause your phone to crash!Don't try it!If someone sends you this picture, please ignore it. pic.twitter.com/rVbozJdhkL— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) May 31, 2020What you need to knowThere's a photo of a sunset making the rounds because when set as a wallpaper, it will brick some Android phones.The image has an improperly coded Google color profile, which causes the Android System UI to crash from an out of bounds error.For some phones, you can reboot into safe mode and reset the wallpaper to something else, but for others, you'll have to go into the bootloader and completely factory reset the phone.Today in "2020 is just the weirdest timeline", there's a cursed wallpaper making the rounds and crashing the Android phones of fools idiotic enough to not heed the warnings that accompany the image, seen to t...

If you're shopping for someone who is a huge PlayStation 4 fan and you're not entirely sure what that means, know that you are not alone. Shopping for a gamer isn't always the easiest thing in the world. It's doubly hard if they're the type to go out and buy the latest game the first day it's available. If your PlayStation 4 fan has switched to shopping digital, you may not even be able to see what games they have without tipping them off. So what do you do for gifts?Custom comfortStaff PickASTRO Gaming C40 TR ControllerThis controller is expensive, there is no denying that, but the Astro C40 TR is pretty amazing too. With the number of customizable parts on this controller, the c40 TR can be just about anything you want it to be. This flexibility is a massive boon considering how much personal preference comes into play on controller layouts. PlayStation opted for a symmetrical design on the DualShock, but most find asymmetrical to be more ergonomic. The C40 TR lets the ...

I have this vivid memory from the early days of 2020 that won't subside.It was January 6, before CES officially began, and I was at the Cosmopolitan hotel looking at Fossil's new smartwatch offerings. The demo was finished and I was standing on this expansive balcony overlooking the city, a fake Eiffel Tower looming to my right. I was claiming a minute just for me, while inside my coworkers were chatting away contently. It was one of those really nice moments that you have to intercede on your own behalf to remember, to crystallize it so that, whatever happens in the future, you can draw upon it for reinforcement.I've been drawing on it a lot lately, as the world seemingly crumbles around me. I'm safe and healthy and in no immediate danger, and for that I'm incredibly thankful. And I'm also angry. The slow burn of this year, the shelter-in-place of it all, spilled out into the streets in recent days, first as a trickle and then, over the past couple nights, as a deluge.Now ther...

The world's reliance on PDF files knows no bounds. Ideal for sharing and sending everything from business reports and term papers to images and screenshots, PDFs remain one of the most widely-used and reliable ways to share valuable information regardless of your specific operating system.The only problem is that these files are also incredibly difficult to work with and edit, and attempting to do even simple things like add text or adjust an image can be a headache-inducing nightmare.Enter Cisdem PDF Manager Ultimate, an incredibly powerful and easy-to-use app that allows you to edit, merge, split, convert and sign PDFs without all the hassle.With Cisdem in your digital toolbox, you'll be able to sidestep the usual madness that comes from working with PDF files, all thanks to an intuitive and streamlined interface that makes it easy to edit PDFs the way you would on a regular word processor.You'll be able to batch-convert PDFs to Word, RTFD, Keynote and other popular formats, ...

Right now Amazon has a great deal featuring a Ring Video Doorbell Pro and the Amazon Echo Show 5 on sale for $179. Both items are certified refurbished and work like new. If you were to buy these individually refurbished, the Ring video doorbell would cost you $180 by itself. The Echo Show 5 goes for around $60 as a refurb, so you're saving $60 just compared to that. Brand new versions of the Ring device and the Echo Show 5 would run you almost $320.These two devices make a great pairing. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch compact display and Alexa built right in. You can use it to control your entire smart home, but you can also use Alexa to check in on your Ring device and see who's at the door. Thanks to the Video Doorbell Pro's built-in speakers and mic, you can talk to visitors without leaving your kitchen. You can also get alerts sent straight to your device any time the Ring Video Doorbell Pro detects motion or someone rings the doorbell.Outside of checking on the front door, ...

Best Buy has a whole new set of deals of the day, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro true wireless earbuds are part of the savings. Get a pair for $129.99, which is down from the usual price of $150 and a match for one of the lowest we've seen this year. The last time we saw them go any lower than this was back in February when they dropped to $120. You can also find today's drop on Amazon, and that sale includes the white versions.These earbuds have eight hours of playtime per earbud, and you can use the earbuds independently to extend that use. The charging case they come with adds another three full recharges before you ever need to plug into a wire to juice back up. With a quick charge of just 10 minutes inside the case you can get an extra two hours of playtime. Plus, the charging case can be recharged via USB-C or a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, giving you plenty of options for keeping these batteries topped off. RAVPower has a wireless charging pad on sale for $5 o...

Chromebooks can do a lot right out of the box. However, if you want just a little more, you can install Linux apps to most newer models (see the full list here) and have access to a complete catalog of desktop-class applications.Products used in this guideGoogle's newest: Google Pixelbook Go (From $850 at Amazon)How to enable LinuxYour Chromebook already runs Linux because Chrome is its own Linux distribution, but it's a very locked-down version without access to most Linux tools and programs by default. Luckily, turning everything on is easy.At the bottom right of your system tray, click on the clock.Select the gear icon to open the settings.Scroll down until you see "Linux (Beta)" and choose Turn On.Read and follow the simple on-screen prompts and wait for things to finish. This could take 10-15 minutes.Once the terminal window opens, you are ready to type Linux commands. You can always find the Linux terminal in your app drawer if you choose to close it now.A...

Best answer: Yes, if you have an unlocked phone that is compatible with T-Mobile's 5G network, you can access 5G with Google Fi where there is coverage.One of the best networks with 5G: Google Fi (From $20 per month at Google Fi)5G out of the box: Samsung Galaxy S20 5G (From $800 at Samsung)Flexible data and coverageT-Mobile's nationwide 5G network on its low-band 600MHz spectrum has helped it shoot to the top in 5G available in the U.S. It has also allowed all of its customers including most MVNO users to get access for no additional cost.Google Fi isn't fully a T-Mobile MVNO. It makes use of Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular for its network. You can bring two types of phones to Google Fi: Designed for Fi phones and Compatible with Fi phones. Designed for Fi phones will be able to access all of the available networks but currently, only work with 4G LTE connections. If you want to use 5G you will have to use a Compatible with Fi phone such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G. ...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.While Blizzard announced Diablo IV at Blizzcon this year, it also dropped a lot of information about Diablo Immortal. Immortal is set to combine the feel of a Diablo game with the added benefit of an MMO experience — all on mobile. Not only will the game be a fully-fledged Diablo game, but there will also be a ton of extras. It'll be also be the first full Diablo game designed from the ground up to be played on a mobile device.Here is everything we know about the game so far.What is Diablo?What type of game is Diablo Immortal?What Classes are there?Is Diablo Immortal free to play?Are there microtransactions?What is the control system like?What is the release date for Diablo Immortal?Hell unleashedDiablo ImmortalSee at Google PlayDiablo Immortal is a fully realized entry to the Diablo series. With the added benefit of an MMO experience, Immortal looks set to be amazing.What ...

Amazon's search algorithm has been hijacked by bad actors.What you need to knowEarbud product listings on Amazon's online storefront have been hijacked and vandalized.Product images have been replaced with images displaying strong racist language.The results are believed to be the result of a security breach playing off of current political tensions.Searching for AirPods right now on Amazon? Don't. Product listings for search results related to Apple's popular earbuds have been hijacked, with product images replaced by banners showing off strongly racist language.While we have chosen not to embed images of the language used, the message can be seen in screenshots on social media (which we have been able to verify independently).It's not clear exactly how this happened, but all signs point to a security breach aimed at exacerbating current racial tensions in the United States.At the time of writing, Amazon has yet to speak about the breach publicly. We have reached out...

After several delays and a few fights in Florida, the UFC is returning to Las Vegas! The next UFC Fight Night will go live on May 30 with a headliner featuring former UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley and the #6 ranked welterweight Gilbert Burns. The fight will take place at UFC Apex, a brand-new production facility dedicated to all things UFC. Not only is this notable for being the first fight to take place at Apex, it's also important because the fight will feature a smaller 25-foot Octagon instead of the regular 30-foot space for fighters. The idea here is to have more fights that end in finishes instead of decisions. It will definitely keep the fighters closer together, and hopefully that means more action.Woodley vs. Burns is an interesting matchup. Both fighters have similar records at 19-4-1 and 18-3 respectively. Woodley weighs about 15 pounds more and has a longer reach and leg reach, but we'll see how the smaller fighting space impacts his ability to keep Burns at a d...

GboardGoogle greatnessFree at Google PlayProsSyncs to Google account automaticallyExcellent prediction and layoutEasy-to-navigate settingsWider support for sticker packsConsSwipe to delete words is great, but could use an undo button when it goes too farSlower to get symbols beyond , and .Google's keyboard is beloved by millions of users on Android and iOS, and while it's great for getting your words out quickly and accurately, getting non-standard symbols out will slow any great thought or Twitter rant to a crawl. Gboard's predictions are top-notch, but the prediction layout takes getting used to.Microsoft SwiftKeyFor particular typistsFree at Google PlayProsBetter customization of size/layoutSwipe from the period key for quicker punctuationMore expansive theme galleryClipboard copy-paste of multiple recent itemsConsMore convoluted settings menuDoesn't support outside sticker packsSearches using BingSwiftKey has had a long and stori...

No one wants to be sporting a busted phone, but with how easily phone screens can break, it's a good idea to take any precautions you can. You probably already have a screen protector and a case on your phone, but if you regularly use your phone one-handed, a PopSocket is the next accessory you need to own.Whether you're new to popsockets or you're looking to switch out the style of one you already have, you won't want to miss the PopSockets Warehouse Sale going on this week. It's taking up to 50% off over 150 PopSocket accessories, and you'll save an extra 25% off most items once you add them to your cart and head to checkout. Most of the items are PopSockets, but there are a few other accessories like phone mounts that are easy to install in your vehicle and hold your phone using a PopSocket.There are a few reasons why PopSockets are the perfect accessory. You can add a secure and stylish edge to your phone. They work as a grip and a phone stand. Take better selfies, prevent dr...

PlayStation 4 owners have no shortage of choice when it comes to storage expansion. Popping out the internal drive is fairly easy, but if you don't want to go through the trouble there's an alternative. Just plug a USB hard drive into your console and you'll instantly you have all the storage you could ever need. All you need is to pick the right drive for your needs. Here are some solid options available to you today.Best in size and reliabilitySeagate Game Drive 2TBStaff pickThis Seagate drive is super thin and can fit just about anywhere. Not only that, but it's officially licensed by PlayStation and has a perfect design that will fit right in. This edition comes with 2TB, but for only $25 more you can get an extra terabyte.$83 at Amazon$83 at Best BuyBest size for the buckSeagate Portable ExpansionSeagate's portable options for hard drives come with some of the best prices. You can snag a 1TB hard drive for $50, a 2TB for $65, or a 4TB for $90. For $7 more, y...

Not sure what to get dad for Father's Day? Woot is having a one-day sale on portable JBL Bluetooth speakers where you could score just the right gift for dad, and with discounts up to 44% off, you might even find something worth grabbing for yourself while you're at it. These powerful Bluetooth speakers are truly made for the music lovers out there, and thanks to today's sale, you can grab one for as low as $74.99 right now. You'll want to shop quick as one option has already sold out and the others could follow at any moment.The most affordable speaker in Woot's sale today is the JBL Flip 5, priced at $74.99. Today's deal saves you nearly $50 off its regular cost of $120 and lets you choose between camo, grey, green, and yellow models. The JBL Flip 5 offers over 12 hours of playtime on a single charge and features IPX7 waterproof protection so you can bring it to the pool or the beach and listen without worrying about ruining it. You can even pair multiple speakers together for lo...

Cost-friendly powerhouseAmazfit T-Rex$140 at AmazfitProsOnboard GPSDurable, rugged design20-day battery lifeOver a dozen sport modesAffordable fitness watchConsToo bulky for someLacks app supportBands aren't interchangeableAmazfit might be a lesser-known name in the wearable world, but its product line continues expanding with new watches, including the T-Rex. You'll have onboard GPS, health/activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and nearly three weeks of battery life. You'll get it at a super low price, too.Advanced fitness techCasio Pro Trek$218 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSGood app supportHighly capable fitness tracking suiteInnovative dual-layer displayBattery saving modes are helpfulConsMore expensiveLacks heart-rate sensorWear OS can be buggyThe Casio Pro Trek lineup is as robust as ever. The WSD-F30 runs on Wear OS and is definitely worth considering. It's large and in charge, to say the least. You'll ha...

Lenovo's Smart Clock with the Google Assistant was designed to do much more than just wake you up in the morning; it can help control compatible smart home devices, stream music, check the weather, and more, and while it's normally priced at $79.99, you can snag one right now for only $39.99 on sale at Best Buy. That's one of the best prices it's ever reached and matches the deal we saw on the device during Black Friday last year, though today's offer at Best Buy is good for just one day only.This smart clock lets you voice control it with simple commands. Just say "Hey Google" to set customized alarms, stream music, listen to audiobooks or the radio, and more. It's equipped with a 4-inch touchscreen that can show you weather and traffic infomation for your area, album art for currently playing music, and even video feeds from compatible smart home devices you might own like the Nest Cam. It has already received a badge of Recommendation from us here at Android Central too, in part...

After nearly a decade of hitching rides to space with rockets from other countries, NASA will be sending two astronauts back to the International Space Station from U.S. soil. This mission, called Demo-2, is a joint task between NASA and Elon Musk's SpaceX company. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will be returning to space, and NASA is making this event easier to watch than any previous one.SpaceX Launch: When & whereThe launch was originally scheduled to happen on Wednesday March 27, though the mission had to be scrubbed and pushed back to Saturday, May 30 at 3:22 p.m EDT. As with all launches, this is totally dependent on the weather at that exact moment, though the conditions are favorable for it happening. Should the launch not occur then, the next possible launch date is Sunday May 31 at 3 p.m. Eastern.The Demo-2 mission will send Behnken and Hurley to orbit on a 19-hour journey to the ISS and viewers will be able to watch right from their TVs at home on ...

BlackBerry started the smartphone craze and Apple changed how we use them. Android has its roots in both and that's what makes it great.It all starts back in 2002 when a company called Danger builds a device called the Hiptop — a.k.a. the T-Mobile Sidekick for everyone in the U.S. Yes, there were "data-driven" devices in Japan, and companies were making PDAs, but the smartphone craze can be traced directly back to the Sidekick.Ironically, the Sidekick wasn't a smartphone and even back then nobody claimed it was anything other than a great way to send messages and have fun playing Rockets and Rocks even though it did feature a robust (by 2002) standards suite of productivity tools like an online calendar and a day planner. But people loved them, and two companies took notice: Microsoft, which bought Danger and went on to build the Kin as a failed direct successor, and BlackBerry who decided that the idea could be done better and people would love it even more.A look at early...

Enjoy the in-car apps you need without the hassle.Android Auto went through a makeover in 2019, and the new-look platform has been a big improvement ever since. Starting with the app launcher that lays out apps in a grid, plus a new font that's easier to read at a glance — especially if you're using Android Auto on a non-touchscreen head unit. Here's how to find your way around every time you look at it.Getting around the Android Auto interfaceThe most important visual point of the interface is the app drawer because it holds several functional implications. The top four apps on the first line are anchored there like a "dock" specifically designated for maps, music and phone. You can select which music apps you prefer to use, in case YouTube Music and Podcasts aren't your preferred choices, but it will usually pin the ones you use most on its own.Below that are all the other apps you have that are compatible with the platform. Some of those listed below, like Calendar...

Zoom is rolling out new GCM encryption, beginning May 30.What you need to knowZoom is rolling out GCM encryption across its platform this weekend.That means if you want to keep using Zoom and joining meetings, you need to update.If you can't update the desktop client, you can use the mobile app or the web client insteadPopular video-conferencing app Zoom has announced that users must update their desktop client after this weekend in order to continue joining meetings, as it rolls out GCM encryption for all Zoom meetings.Zoom announced that it would begin enabling GCM encryption on May 30, at 01:00 PDT. The update is a really welcome boost to Zoom's security, which was found to be lacking following the app's meteoric rise thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst not as good as end-to-end encryption, GCM, or (Galois/Counter Mode) is a higher-quality security system, perfect for video conferencing, because it uses a stream cipher, rather than a block cipher. Zoom's update not...

"We'll be back with more on Android 11, soon."What you need to knowAndroid 11 has been delayed.An event and beta release were scheduled for June 3.The development team says "now is not the time to celebrate", and says more information will be available "soon."This morning, Android Developers has announced via Twitter that the beta of Android 11, along with a June 3rd reveal event, has been postponed.Likely in a display of solidarity, and mindful of the current social climate (it did not mention any specific subject), the developer team tweeted: We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate. We are postponing the June 3rd event and beta release. We'll be back with more on Android 11, soon.We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate. We are postponing the June 3rd event and beta release. We'll be back with more on Android 11, soon.— Android Developers (@AndroidDev) May 30, 2020G...

ExpressVPN Why choose ExpressVPNIt's one of the biggest names in VPN services out there with wide coverage, superb customer support, and fast speeds. Honestly, it's the one to beat.Works withMacWindowsAndroidiPhone & iPadLinuxRoutersBest VPN forNetflix, Hulu, and streamingGamingTorrenting and downloadingSecurity and privacySee at ExpressVPNProsSuperb 24/7 live chat customer serviceFast connectionsLots of international locationsNetflix unblockingConsNot the cheapestLimited to five devices simultaneouslyExpressVPN is one of the longest standing virtual private network services out there and is widely regarded as one of the best VPN services. Based in the British Virgin Islands, the company started back in 2009 and prides itself on operating a no logging policy meaning data is kept super...

12-hour time is really common here in the U.S., but in many other parts of the world, 24-hour time is used. There are a lot of reasons why you may want to switch to 24-hour time, and whatever they are, this is how you do it on an Android phone.How to change your Android clock to 24-hour timeI used a Google Pixel 4 (running Android 10) for this guide, so depending on the phone you're using, things might look a little different. With that said, the process should be mostly the same.Open the settings on your phone.Scroll down and tap System.Tap Date and time.Tap the toggle next to Use 24-hour format.And that's all there is to it! With that out of the way, the time on your Android phone will now abide by 24-hour rules.Our top equipment picksPure AndroidGoogle Pixel 4From $627 at AmazonFrom $799 at Best BuyStock Android with the best cameraGoogle's Pixel 4 is still the de-facto choice for many who want a combination of a fantastic camera to go along with stoc...

One of the easiest ways to add some flair to your new Android phone is by setting a custom wallpaper. You can choose from the selection of default wallpapers that came with the phone, use a photo from your gallery, or download a cool wallpaper. Diving into your phone's settings lets you set a custom image for both the lock screen and home screen together or individually, but the process for swapping in a new home screen wallpaper is straightforward no matter which phone or launcher you use.Changing your wallpaper on a Pixel or stock AndroidChanging the wallpaper is mostly the same across all Android phones, but some slight differences are depending on the phone That makes it simple to remember, and easy to do, when you upgrade to a new Android device.Tap and hold the home screen.Tap Styles & wallpapers from the drop-down menu.Choose from the collections of wallpapers included with your phone, or from third-party applications.Tap the wallpaper you want to use. Adjus...

The stock controller for the PlayStation 4 is good, but there are a lot of options out there that offer a different experience. If you can afford it, your current best bet is the Scuf Vantage 2. It's customizable, can be used wired or wireless, and it handles well. But we have options based on your budget and what you're looking for, whether you're a competitive gamer, have kids who want to play, or just want something with a more comfortable grip.Best Overall: Scuf Vantage 2Scuf's Vantage was already a favorite of professional gamers, and the Vantage 2 just upgrades the experience. Released in October, the new version gives players near-total control over their experience by changing both the physical layout of the controller along with programming the button configurations.While the controller is pricey, you're getting a bunch of extra components that make the cost more reasonable. The Vantage 2 comes with two extra thumbsticks you can swap out based on your preferred pla...

The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) is hands down one of, if not the, best Android TV set-top box you can buy, offering a great mix of features for cord cutters and gamers alike. However, all that greatness comes at a fairly high price. If you're looking to save some money on your next streaming box, your best bet is the Xiaomi Mi Box S, but we've rounded up a couple of other options as well.Best Overall: Xiaomi Mi Box SThe Xiaomi Mi Box S is the best option for those wanting the full Android TV experience at a lower price point. Featuring decent specs and compatibility with 4K TVs, this is an affordable option for anyone looking to stream content from the most popular services available from the Google Play Store — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, and so on.Given the price and the compatibility, it might seem like a no-brainer but the Xiaomi Mi Box S does have some shortcomings. While it offers support for 4K content, it struggles to stream in 4K without considerable...

While social media marketing gets loads of attention, Google is still the most important source of traffic to any website. But how exactly do you reach the top of the results page? SSEOZI is a platform that helps you optimize your site, with a range of tools for finding and fixing SEO problems. It's simple enough for beginners, yet powerful enough for experts. Right now, you can get lifetime access for just $25.https://www.youtube.com/embed/HXIA11yjk4ATo produce relevant results, search engines analyze every single aspect of each page. If any part of your website doesn't shape up, you'll have a hard time claiming the top spot on the results page — and that link attracts nearly a third of all available clicks.Search engine optimization can seem like a complicated process, but SSEOZI makes it simple. This powerful suite of tools shows you where you rank on Google and Bing, where your competitors rank, and what is holding you back.SSEOZI also helps you identify what people are ...

Most stock keyboards on Android are pretty great, but whether you're after more customization options, want a new layout, or anything else in between, switching to a new keyboard takes just a few taps and a little bit of patience. Need some help figuring this out? Here's a step-by-step guide on exactly what this process looks like.Products used in this guideThe Google phone: Google Pixel 4 (From $627 at Amazon)How to download a new keyboardFirst thing's first, you need to download a new keyboard from the Play Store. Let's get that knocked out.Open the Google Play Store on your phone.Search "keyboard".Choose whichever keyboard you want to download (we're using SwiftKey for this example).Tap Install.How to change your keyboardNow that you've downloaded a keyboard (or two) you want to try, here's how to start using it.Open the Settings on your phone.Scroll down and tap System.Tap Languages & input.Tap Virtual keyboard.Tap Manage keyboards.Tap the t...

Nest makes some of the best smart thermostats, security cameras, and self-installed home security systems out there, but it comes at a price. Some of the equipment can be on the expensive side, which means that you may not be able to have as much of it in your home as you'd like, but we are here to help make it easier to afford more. At times, you can find some pretty sweet deals on a variety of Nest's most popular items, but if you aren't looking for them you may not notice them.Best Google Nest Deals Available NowNest Thermostats: from $140Nest Routers: starting at $149Nest Secure: as low as $250Nest Cameras: from $238Smart Speakers & Displays: starting at $40Whether it's a direct price drop, coupon code, or bundle deal, we've scoured the internet to find all of the best deals around Nest's hardware that are available right now and rounded them up. We will keep this page updated with the best deals we can find, so if you frequently find yourself looking for more o...

With over 3,000 servers spread across 160 locations in 94 different countries, ExpressVPN offers one of the largest networks of any virtual private network (VPN) provider out there and this is one of the many reasons it is our top pick for the best VPN. It also has apps for all major platforms including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux as well as detailed manual setup guides for Apple TV, Fire TV, Playstation, Chromebooks and more.However, one of ExpressVPN's best features is its customer support. The company has agents standing by 24/7 to solve common issues such as how to download its apps, how to establish a VPN connection, which protocol to use and more over live chat. If you run into a more complicated issue, you can file a support ticket describing your issue and even attach pictures to your message to get the help you need.ExpressVPNSee latest price at ExpressVPNExpressVPN is a top pick in our eyes for many reasons. Sign up today and see how it works for yourself...

For some, card games are the ultimate way to relax. Killing time on your morning commute or unwinding at the end of your day playing cards can now all happen on your phone, which is fantastic. You can play solo games, connect with friends or random online opponents over classic card games, or dive into fantasy card games of every kind.Here are some of our favorites now available for Android. When you're all wrapped up here, be sure to check out our Best Android Games!The gamesMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionGin RummyUno!Exploding KittensEvil Apples: You Against HumanityCard ThiefReigns: Her MajestyHearthstoneAscensionGwentLegends of RuneterraShelter FreeMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionMicrosoft single-handedly made Solitare a household name by including it with every version of Windows since 1990. You can now keep yourself distracted on the go with the Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which includes the iconic Klondike version along with Free Cell, Spider, T...

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.While some TPG readers are considering booking trips down the line — in some cases, even this summer — many continue to stay close to home, with outings limited to restaurant pick-ups and unavoidable grocery store runs. All the while, credit card annual fees become due, leaving customers to question whether or not it makes sense to continue paying them, especially for premium perks they can't use.Earlier this month, American Express added a slew of limited-time benefits aimed at making the issuer's lineup more appealing for would-be travelers currently stuck at home. These included very generous statement credit options available with certain cards, including The Hilton Honors American Express A...

Staying apart by two meters is a social good. It's also hard to gauge.What you need to knowGoogle has launched Sodar, an app that encourages effective social distancing.Making use of augmented reality, it is intended to help users visualize a two-meter or six feet radius around themselves.It's available as a web-app on Chrome for Android.Google has launched a new experimental web-app, Sodar. Built to work with Chrome on Android, it's an AR app that's intended to help you keep two meters (or six feet) apart.For a quick recap, as part of state and public health measures to contain the spread of the novel-coronavirus, it has been recommended that individuals going out in public stay two meters apart from each other. This has been dubbed social distancing (the WHO prefers the term physical distancing). Sodar is intended to help you estimate just how far away two meters is by using AR on your environment.Sodar - use WebXR to help visualise social distancing guidelines in you...

PlayStation is holding a showcase for PS5 games and gameplay.What you need to knowPlayStation has revealed a PS5 event called The Future of Gaming.This event will showcase PS5 games and gameplay.It's set to begin on June 4 at 1:00 p.m. PDT. After credible rumors indicated a PlayStation 5 event was on the way, we finally have official confirmation. PlayStation has announced The Future of Gaming, a PS5 event on June 4 at 1:00 p.m. PDT that will bring over an hour of gameplay.You can take a look at a quick teaser video for the event below.In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan stated that "...we are thinking that it is time to give the PlayStation community something new, something different, that can really only be enjoyed on PS5."Ryan also reiterated that the PS5 was on schedule and would launch globally in Holiday 2020.Developing...Load upPlayStation Store Gift CardFrom $10 at AmazonFrom $10 at Best Buy...

Even if you aren't planning on handing down or reselling your old OnePlus phone, it's still a good idea to back it up in case you need to restore your data and settings. Thankfully, Google and OnePlus have made this process extremely easy. I'll show you what you need to do to get your OnePlus phone backed up and ready to restore.How to backup and restore your OnePlus phoneOpen the Settings app or swipe down from the top of your screen to access system settings.Tap on System.Tap on Backup.Toggle on the switch that says Back up to Google Drive.Look to see when the last backup was made, and tap Back up now.Open the OnePlus Switch app.Tap on Backup & Restore.Tap on New Backup.Tap on Backup now.Once your phone has been backed up in the OnePlus Switch app, reopen the app and tap on Restore Backup.Tap on the most recent backup when you want to restore your phone data.Now you've set your OnePlus phone up so that your data is being backed up in Google Drive, and it...

The two companies worked together to produce two "McLaren Edition" phones.What you need to knowMcLaren has confirmed that its collaboration with OnePlus has come to an end.The two companies began working together to release "McLaren Edition" phones in 2018.OnePlus Concept One, which was showcased at CES 2020, was the last product that OnePlus designed in partnership with McLaren. An eagle-eyed Reddit user noted last week that OnePlus was no longer listed on McLaren's partners page, suggesting the two companies would no longer work together to release "McLaren Edition" phones. McLaren has now officially confirmed that its partnership with the BBK-owned smartphone maker has indeed come to its "scheduled conclusion."In a statement sent to Android Authority today, a McLaren spokesperson said: Our partnership with OnePlus, which came to its scheduled conclusion recently, has been a highly successful collaboration between two iconic and innovative brands. Since the start of...

New procedures for games right around the corner.What you need to knowPer a new Eurogamer report, Sony is requiring developers to support PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 starting July 13.Any games submitted beyond that point must run on both sets of hardware. This does not necessarily apply to PlayStation 4 games releasing after July 13, which were submitted to certification beforehand.The PlayStation 5 is set to be available sometime in Holiday 2020.According to a new report from Eurogamer, Sony is requiring developers make their PlayStation 4 (PS4) games compatible with PlayStation 5 (PS5) starting on July 13. Per documentation seen by Eurogamer, any game submitted for certification after July 13 must work without issue on next-generation hardware as well as the current system.This really isn't too surprising, as a game is submitted for certification sometime before it's actually available for purchase. Eurogamer notes that PS4 games submitted for certification before ...

Scheduling tweets was once the exclusive domain of third-party apps and services.What you need to knowTwitter now lets you schedule tweets on the web.The service started testing out scheduling for a select group of users earlier this year.Twitter's web-app has also been updated to include saving of drafted tweets and draft syncing to other instances of the web-app. Twitter has officially announced and rolled out tweet scheduling for its web-app. Tweet scheduling is a feature that does exactly what it purports to do — it allows users to table their tweets to be sent at a specified time after being drafted and is effectively the bread and butter of many social media managers.Before this announcement, users typically had to make use of third-party like Buffer, Tweetdeck, or Hootsuite to create scheduled tweets. Twitter making this feature native means it's more secure and accessible to native, less-savvy end-users. It's likely such tools will still remain necessary on mobi...

Great packageSony WF-SP800N$200 at Best BuyProsLong battery lifeBass heavy, customizable soundExcellent comfortUSB-C for chargingGreat ANC performanceConsLacks wireless charging caseCase is a bit largeThe WF-SP800N feature ANC, customizable sound, hands-free Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and longer buds battery life. However, their charging case is much larger than the Pixel Buds' case.Compact in every wayGoogle Pixel Buds (2020)$180 at Best BuyProsWireless charging case & USB-C wired chargingCompact caseIntegration with Google Assistant and AndroidSolid soundConsLacks EQ of any sortCan be uncomfortable after longer listening sessionsThe Pixel Buds integrate super well with the Google Assistant and Android. They are super compact and feature USB-C and wireless charging. However, they lack ANC and the buds don't last as long as the WF-SP800N.The WF-SP800N offer longer buds battery life and ANC, something the Pixel Buds (20...

Go bigFire HD 10 Kids Edition$200 at AmazonProsLong battery life2GB of RAMUSB-C for chargingGreat sounding dual speakersConsCan be a bit large for some childrenOn the expensive sideAmazon's 10-inch kids tablet offers a great experience for youngsters of all ages. The large HD display and its dual-speakers make watching movies or playing games a joy. Pair that with up to 12 hours of battery life, and your kids will get plenty of playtime from their tablet before having to plug it in.For younger kidsFire 7 Kids Edition$100 at AmazonProsEasy-to-hold sizeLower cost of entryConsDisplay isn't greatSingle speakerOnly 1GB of RAMLess than stellar battery lifeThe Amazon 7 Kids Edition is a solid tablet for young children. The compact size might be easier for some children to handle, while the lower cost of entry makes it a little easier to stomach should something happen to the tablet. However, the lower resolution screen, only up to 7 ho...

From the creators of Bob's Burgers comes a new animated musical comedy series set in the iconic Central Park in New York City. The series, aptly titled Central Park, follows a family who just so happens to live there as dear old dad Owen, played by Leslie Odom Jr., tends to the park as its manager. But when an urban developer comes looking to build over the park with apartment complexes and department stores, the family has to find a way to put an end to her plans or risk losing their home forever.The show also stars the vocal talents of celebrities like Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Stanley Tucci, Daveed Diggs, Tituss Durgess, and more. With season 2 was produced alongside the first season, it's safe to get invested in the series as it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.Central Park: When & whereUnlike many streaming originals, the new series Central Park won't have its entire season all available at once to binge-watch. The first two episodes premiered via Apple TV+ on Frid...

Never settle for lesser cameras.With recent discounts, the Galaxy S20 and OnePlus 8 can both be had for around the same price, and both offer excellent hardware, gorgeous high-refresh rate displays, 5G connectivity, and more. They also both feature triple-camera systems, but you'll get quite a different photographic experience from each phone.The Galaxy S20 features the tried-and-true combination of wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras, touting up to 30x zoom through a mix of digital cropping and AI magic. On the other hand, while the OnePlus 8 offers the same wide and ultra-wide configuration, it features a dedicated macro lens rather than a telephoto, letting you get extremely close to a subject without losing focus.So which phone takes the better photos overall? We took both out and shot in various scenarios to see how each one fares.Daylight photos Galaxy S20 (left) / OnePlus 8 (right) — click to view larger. You get a similarly specced 12MP f/1.8 pr...

Whether you're tired of losing your keys, you're already in the process of automating your home, or you're setting up a B&B, a vital part of the process is choosing a smart lock that fits your needs. There are plenty of different smart locks to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. However, we recommend the August Smart Lock Pro for most people since it's super easy to set up and comes with everything you need.Best Overall: August Smart Lock Pro + Connect (3rd Gen)One of the reasons we like this option so much is that from a street view, no one would know that it was a smart lock. It allows you to keep your handle and lock in place but adds a smart component that's only visible from inside your home. It isn't the most pleasant thing to look at from the inside, but you probably won't be looking at it much. It's a bit expensive. However, this particular purchase comes with a Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, which will let you control your lock using the August app or a voic...