Latest from Android Central

It is set to launch later this summer.What you need to knowSamsung has teamed up with SoFi to launch Samsung Money by SoFi.Samsung Money by SoFi brings a cash management account and a Mastercard debit card within Samsung Pay. The account rewards users for saving by offering a higher interest and in-network ATM fee reimbursement at over 55,000 locations in the U.S.Samsung today introduced a mobile-first money management experience called Samsung Money by SoFi. It brings a Mastercard debit card and a cash management account with exclusive Samsung Pay benefits, in partnership with San Francisco-based fintech company SoFi.Sang Ahn, Vice President and GM of Samsung Pay, said in a statement: Samsung's goal is to make everyday life better by putting powerful tools in the hands of Galaxy users. Samsung Money by SoFi is our biggest move yet to help users do more with their money. Samsung Pay is already the most rewarding shopping and payments experience driven by numerous inno...

Go farther with fitnessSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2$280 at Best BuyProsOptional LTETwo size optionsBuilt-in GPSA lot of fitness perksDigital rotating bezelConsElectrocardiogram feature not active yetApp selection could be betterMore expensive with LTEOne of the biggest advantages of buying the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is that it offers optional LTE. Keep in mind that you'll pay more for this perk, but if you want to stay connected when you're on the go, this is a great feature to have. You also have built-in GPS, automatic exercise recognition, heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and mobile payments.Classy as can beSkagen Falster 3$295 at SkagenProsSleek, classy designNew Snapdragon Wear 3100Built-in GPSGoogle AssistantFinally, a built-in speakerConsShort battery lifeOnly one size optionLacks LTE connectivityThose who are familiar with Wear OS might prefer the Skagen Falster 3. While LTE connectivity isn't present, this wat...

Chatting it up with the AC forums.The past few days have been filled with lots of info for the upcoming Galaxy Note 20 series. Leaked CAD renders for the Note 20 and Note 20+ were both recently shared, giving us an early idea as to what the two phones will look like.Unsurprisingly, the phones look to share a lot of the same DNA with the S20 lineup. There are large displays with hole-punch cutouts, glass backs, and sizeable camera bumps.Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what some of our members have to say about these leaks. Mike Dee 05-25-2020 12:32 PM “ I hope the colors aren't as boring as the S20 series. That won't stop me from buying but I prefer flashier options. Reply donm527 05-25-2020 03:45 PM “ If dimensions are correct... A little bigger than the Note 10+ by a couple of mm ...

Eye-tracking, wireless PC streaming, and a 4K display for under $1,000.Pico is pivoting to an enterprise-only strategy with its second-generation Neo VR headsets. The Pico Neo 2 and Pico Neo 2 Eye are standalone VR HMDs (head-mounted displays) that were unveiled earlier this year at CES 2020 but are now available for purchase. The Pico Neo 2 retails for $699, while the Pico Neo 2 Eye ups the ante with eye-tracking for $899. Both headsets can be purchased from Pico's website.Both models feature identical specs and a near-identical design, with the only differentiating factor being eye-tracking. The Pico Neo 2 sports Tobii eye-tracking, the same technology found on the more expensive HTC Vive Pro Eye, which is a huge advantage for Pico since the Neo 2 family also supports VR connectivity with PCs. That, effectively, makes the Pico Neo 2 Eye the least-expensive way to get business-class eye-tracking with both standalone and PC-powered options.Since the rest of the specs are the sa...

This is my Android phone. There are many like it, but this one is mine.There are a lot of ways that people like to paint the differences between an Android and an iPhone: Google vs. Apple, chaotic vs. organized, cheap vs. overpriced. To my mind, though, there's no better way to distinguish the two than by simply looking at their respective home screens. iPhone home screens all look the same: pages of app icons and a wallpaper.Androids can play that tune, too, if you're lazy. But if you're willing to take just a little bit of time, you can make the home screen of your Android phone look like anything you want.I'm prone to spending hours and hours fine-tuning detailed themes and trying to get things set up just so — much to the dismay of my editors — but don't worry, you don't need hours to make your phone uniquely yours. You just need a spark of creativity and a few of the assets from my robust theming toolbox.Wallpapers set the toneThe fastest way to personalize you...

The Note line is falling deeper into obscurity with no stand-out features to bring on new customers.We're expecting the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20+ to be announced by the end of August, just a few months away. And the rumors we have to work with are pointing to another year where the Galaxy Note does little to justify its existence, beyond simply having the tried-and-true S Pen stylus. Now I recognize that the S Pen, in itself, is a selling point for longtime Note fans. But it also seems clear at this point that Samsung isn't really picking up any new Note fans, particularly since the Galaxy S line has expanded to sizes matching Notes.Samsung's last two generations of the Galaxy Note have frankly been snoozers. The Galaxy Note 9 introduced new wireless S Pen functions, but nothing fundamentally groundbreaking on the stylus front, and most importantly not substantially different from the Galaxy S9+. Then the Galaxy Note 10 series simply added more fringe wireless S Pen features,...

With $1,000 flagships being the new normal, Android device makers need to match Apple when it comes to software updates.The iPhone X set the stage for $1,000 flagships back in 2017. Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 wasn't far behind, with the phone launching at $929. Ever since then, phone prices have been regularly trending upward, and the latest Android flagships now start off at $1,000. The regular Galaxy S20 retails for $1,000, with the Galaxy S20 Ultra starting off at $1,400. Then there's the Verizon-exclusive Motorola Edge+ which also costs $1,000, and even Xiaomi is getting in on the action with the Mi 10 Pro, which retails for €999 ($1,080) in the UK.Sure, the corresponding hike in prices is attributed to improved hardware, with phones these days sporting much better displays with high refresh rates, larger camera modules with dedicated telephoto lenses, and 5G connectivity. The new connectivity standard alone has led to a $100 to $200 increase in prices from the previous genera...

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 drops the Cloud Cam down to just $29.99 while supplies last. That saves you $90 off its original price of $120.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 month or $69.99 a year and going up to $19.99 a month or $199.99 a year, depending on your needs. You can try out this plan free for...

CatchUp's voice calling doesn't need video capability, or a Facebook account to use.What you need to knowFacebook is releasing a new app.It's called CatchUp, and is designed to help friends and families in the U.S. make phonecalls.The calls are audio-only, and users can flag when they are available to make a call.A new app from Facebook called CatchUp is being tested, and it's designed to help friends and families in the U.S. coordinate phone calls.As reported by TechCrunch: Facebook's internal R&D group, NPE Team, has today launched a new app called CatchUp that makes it easier for friends and family in the U.S. to coordinate phone calls or set up group calls with up to 8 people. While there are a number of group chat apps available to users today, what makes CatchUp unique is that the calls it enables are audio-only, not video, and it flags when users are available. In addition, CatchUp won't need a Facebook account to use the service — the app works with your...

Samsung and Huawei have also started working on 6G.What you need to knowXiaomi CEO Lei Jun has confirmed that the company has shifted its focus to 5G phones for the Chinese market.Along with an increased focus on 5G phones, the company is said to have started work on 6G as well. It could take nearly a decade for 6G to become a reality. Yesterday, Xiaomi launched the Redmi 10X in China, its most affordable 5G-enabled smartphone yet. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has now revealed that the company is going all-in on 5G and has already started working on 6G (via GizChina).Speaking to China's Xinhua News agency, Jun said that the company has begun doing preliminary research on 6G. However, Xiaomi isn't the only smartphone maker to have started working on 6G. Huawei and Samsung both confirmed last year that they have started working on the next-generation cellular technology. In addition to 6G, Xiaomi is also working on satellite internet and how it could work with smartphones.Jun also ...

Whether you're using your phone at night or just have sensitive eyes, the blue light filter on your Samsung Galaxy phone is a great way to instantly reduce any strain or discomfort you might feel while looking at your screen. While you can treat it as a simple on/off toggle, there are a few settings you should definitely check out.How to turn on the blue light filter on your Galaxy phoneFirst thing's first, we want to make sure we're on the same page when it comes to knowing what your Galaxy phone's blue light filter is.Part of your phone's display uses blue light to produce all of the apps, games, and videos you consume on it. Studies show that blue light can be dangerous and irritating to your eyes, however, which is why you might have a hard time falling asleep after using your phone right before bed.A blue light filter does exactly what the name suggests — filters out the blue light from your phone's display so that it's less strenuous on your eyes. Enabling this featur...

Woot's having a huge sale on Anker tech essentials and accessories with prices starting as low as $9. From Bluetooth speakers to charging cables, power banks, and more, this sale has a good variety of products to help you stay prepared in any situation. You can even score free shipping by logging in with an Amazon Prime account.Anyone looking for a new pair of headphones has a few discounted options to choose from in today's sale, like the Soundcore Vortex Wireless Headphones. These over-ear headphones feature Bluetooth so you can listen to your music wirelessly and last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. You'll receive an 18-month warranty with the purchase too, and at just $42.99, today's deal saves you almost $30 off their usual price.Another pick in the sale is something everyone should keep in their vehicle: a car charger. You can choose between a few different options in today's sale with the most affordable being this 42W PowerDrive USB-C Car Charger on sale for $17.99...

Most Googlers can continue to work from home through the end of the year.What you need to knowGoogle plans to open its offices in several cities starting July 6.By September, Google hopes to increase occupancy at its offices from 10 percent to 30 percent. It has also announced a $1,000 stipend for employees to buy equipment and furniture for working from home. In early March, Google instructed its workforce across the globe to start working from home amid coronavirus fears. Roughly three months later, the company has decided to reopen its offices with a gradual, phased approach.Starting July 6, Google will open its office buildings in various cities, giving a small number of its employees "the opportunity to return on a limited, rotating basis." To ensure the safety of its employees, Google will have strict health and safety measures in place at its offices and aim for roughly 10 percent building occupancy.The rotation program is expected to be further scaled by Septemb...

The annual event for all things Blizzard won't be held this year.What you need to knowBlizzCon, Blizzard Entertainment's annual event, won't be held in 2020.This decision was reached after Blizzard evaluated the state of the world with the ongoing pandemic. There may however be a replacement event sometime in early 2021. Another big event in 2020 is being canceled. Today, Blizzard Entertainment announced that BlizzCon 2020 is canceled due to the the state of the world and the ongoing pandemic. While this news will certainly be disappointing to Blizzard fans, it certainly isn't surprising, with other events in 2020 such as GDC, E3 and others all being canceled. Meanwhile, Gamescom 2020 has shifted to an all-digital presentation.There is still some hope for a Blizzard event though. In the announcement, Blizzard explained that it is discussing some kind of online event that could "channel the BlizzCon spirit" in a safe way. That said, it won't happen until early 2021 at the ...

The seventh and final season of The 100 has arrived. After months of unending war and terror on the ground, followed by over a hundred years in Cryosleep and the discovery of a new planet, season seven picks up right where the last left off as Clarke, Bellamy, Raven, and the rest of the crew seek to put an end to the malicious Primes, find Octavia, and uncover the secrets of the mysterious anomaly.The 100 was one of the few shows filming this year to finish production right as the TV industry was shut down in mid-March, so there won't be any delays in airing the season. Below we've compiled all the ways you can watch the show live wherever you are so you don't risk having any of the biggest moments spoiled.The 100 Season 7: When & whereSeason 7 of The 100 airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on The CW in the U.S., with the first episode premiering on May 20. Episodes can be watched the day after they air for free on The CW's website, though if you're hoping to watch the show ...

Trying to find the best VPN is a struggle on its own, but when you then mix in trying to find the best deal on a VPN you find yourself down a whole new rabbit hole. Odds are you've heard a lot about VPNs and are already aware of the reasons that you need one, but now you need to find the best price, right? We've looked through deals on hundreds of different VPN providers and have brought only the best options to the table here to make things easier for you.Best VPN DealsExpressVPN: 49% off annual sub + 3 months freeIPVanish: $200 off + 250GB SugarSync freeNordVPN: Save 70% on 3-year planPureVPN: 7-day trial for $1PIA VPN: 2 months freeSurfshark: From 7 cents/dayFastestVPN: Lifetime access for $20More Deals: Tunnelbear, Cyberghost & moreOdds are that you have heard of VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, before but may not have signed up for one just yet. There are some common misconceptions about VPNs, especially that they are super expensive, but that's not at all...

The full immersion experience, where your physical world is replaced by the virtual one, has a lot to do with hearing sounds from all around you. Being able to hear from any direction is a big deal for you to know when to turn your head. If you can hear the real world too, it will just take away from the experience. The higher quality the headphones, the better the immersion is in the VR World. If you're looking for headphones to upgrade the PSVR experience we've found the perfect options for you to consider.Sony's bestPlayStation Gold WirelessStaff pickThese headphones support 7.1 surround sound, so you'll never miss a thing. They also have an internal noise-canceling microphone to make sure your friends can always clearly hear what you're saying when you play together. If you prefer a wired setup, these headphones rock a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can plug them in physically.$69 at Amazon$100 at Best BuyRunner upCOWIN E7 Wireless HeadphonesThese headphones wi...

For the first time in nearly nine years, Americans will return to space in our own rocket via a mission being called the Demo-2. It's being conducted by Elon Musk's space exploration company SpaceX, and the 2-person crew includes NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley who have been aboard previous trips to space. NASA is making it easier than ever to watch as the shuttle blasts off.SpaceX Launch: When & wherePending acceptable launch conditions, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is to takeoff at 4:33 p.m. EDT this Wednesday, May 27. There is a 60% chance of favorable conditions as of Tuesday morning, though if the mission is scrubbed, the next two potential launch dates are set for Saturday, May 30 at 3:22 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.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 Discovery and Science Channel (beginning at 2 p.m. EDT), streaming on servic...

Amazon Game Studios has released Crucible. It's been getting a lot of play by streamers on Twitch, but many people have been experiencing connectivity issues with the game. Speaking of Twitch, it continues to grow by leaps and bounds as it dominates game streaming.The gang also chat about the remakes of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 and 2, which are being updated to bring the skaters to their current ages.There's more talk about Ghost of Tsushima as Jen recounts her interview with the game's creative director. Rebecca delves into the real-world economic parallels of Animal Crossing. And in some cases, the actual real-world economy of the game.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Crucible currently undergoing connectivity issues at launch | Windows CentralSystem Shock 3 development now supported by Tencent | Windows CentralAs the streaming industry booms, Microsoft'...

Space Force lands at Netflix later this week. The new comedy series co-created by and starring Steve Carell focuses on the establishment of the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces, the Space Force. Carell stars as Mark Naid, the general in charge of the entire operation, while other castmembers include John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers, and Tawny Newsome, as well as recurring stars Jane Lynch, Lisa Kudrow, and more.As with most Netflix shows, all ten season 1 episodes of Space Force are set to debut on the same day at the same time so you can binge them all this weekend or watch one at a time. If you're hoping to watch the series but aren't a Netflix member, we'll get into how you can make that happen below.Space Force Season 1: When & whereSeason 1 of Space Force premieres on Netflix this Friday, May 29, with all ten episodes available to watch beginning at 12 a.m. PST / 3 a.m. EST. The show is a Netflix original, so you won't be able to watch it any...

In a world where even gaming networks are being targeted and compromised by nefarious characters, it never hurts to add an extra layer of protection to our accounts wherever we are able. Two-factor authentication requires you to use a secondary key when logging into your account — so even if someone gets your password, they still can't get into your account easily — and since PlayStation supports Two-Step Verification, you should absolutely use it on your PS4!How to set up Two-Step Verification on your PlayStation 4From the dashboard of your PS4, select Settings.Scroll down and select Account Management.From the Account Management page, select Account Information.Select Security. Scroll down and select 2-Step Verification.Select Set Up Now.On the first Set Up page, enter the cell phone number where you want to receive texts.Select Add.A test SMS message with a verification code will be sent to your cell phone. Enter your two-factor code.Select Activate.With...

Only Android version 9 and below could be exploited by this new method, but it's been fixed in the latest Android monthly security patch.What you need to knowSecurity researchers have found another exploit similar to the original Strandhogg discovered back in December.This version is more sophisticated, allowing it to pose as a legitimate app that users are putting their passwords into permission hijacking.This exploit does not work with Android 10 and has been patched in the latest Android security fixes.Looks like Strandhogg is back with an even more evil twin — and this is coming from someone who is an evil twin herself. Strandhogg 2.0, announced today by security researchers, once again tricks users into thinking that they're putting their passwords into a legitimate app when they're actually putting it into malware. The exploit is a more sophisticated version of the original Strandhogg exploit found back in December that made users think they were interacting with a ...

With E3 out of the picture, Sony looks to do its own thing.There's been a rumored PlayStation 5 reveal event set to take place every month this year, and while nothing has materialized yet, that is set to change. According to VentureBeat's Jeff Grubb, PlayStation allegedly plans to hold an event in early June. His sources indicated that the event was originally planned for June 4, but that appears to have changed by a matter of days.This event is expected to showcase a variety of PS5 launch games, from both first-party and third-party developers. There is speculation that Horizon Zero Dawn 2 will be one of the titles shown, but this has not been confirmed. It's unclear whether Sony will choose to finally show off the PS5 design at this time.Regardless of whether this event actually happens in early June or not, it has to happen sooner rather than later. By all accounts, the PlayStation 5 is still on track for a holiday 2020 release alongside Microsoft's Xbox Series X, the latte...

A phone number-free Duo means a viable Facetime alternative.What you need to knowGoogle no longer requires Android tablet users to register their phone numbers on Duo.Prospective users may now access the service with just a Google account.Google dropped the requirement for phone numbers on the web late last year.Google's video calling app, Duo, has been updated for Android devices to remove a particular bug-bear, the phone number requirement. But first, a caveat, Duo will still ask you for a phone number if you're using an actual phone -- it just doesn't do so if you're using an Android tablet (and presumably a Chrome OS one too).This means that you can sign in to the Duo service with just your Google account and make and receive calls from there. Previously, only users of the Web-app could do so, with Android users being prompted for a phone number before they could register for the service. The update was spotted by the folks over at Android Police.This change for Du...

Custom chips are about to mean so much more.ARM announced new CPU designs for 2020 and one of them is something nobody saw coming — a program that would help companies that make processors build specially customized chips targeting specific user-facing improvements.You might have read about how the new Cortex-X1 CPU will be 22% faster than the new Cortex A78 design, but that doesn't do the new Cortex-X program justice. The exciting part of it all is how companies like Qualcomm, Samsung, or even Google could work with ARM and build a chip that's a fully customized reference design. In other words, the people who invented the technology will help make it work for a specific use case. Cores can be big and fast or little and slow — it all depends on how long you want the battery to last.There is no magic involved. A CPU is made of individual processing units called cores. You've heard of dual-core or octa-core processors before, and that simply means that the actual silico...

We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa 2 for a wide variety of styles and uses, including automatic activity tracking, on-screen workouts, Fitbit Pay, music storage, and so much more. It's no wonder that Fitbit continues to be one of the many highly regarded names in the industry with all it has to offer. However, don't worry if that's not your cup of tea. There are quite a few other options to choose from. Whether you're looking for specific software, design, or feature set, you'll be able to find a fitness tracker that checks all the boxes on your wish list.Best Overall — Fitbit Versa 2Fitbit Versa 2 FeaturesHeart rate monitorAltimeter5-day battery lifeSleep trackingMusic playerAmazon Alexa built-inWater resistance to 50 metersAMOLED screenFitbit PayReplaceable bandCompatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows Swapping out the Versa 2 band isn't as easy as some other Fitbit models we've seen. Trying to attach a new band is a bit of a challenge. Not only is the...

Best answer: You don't need any external sensors or any additional hardware to use the Oculus Quest. Everything you need is in the box, and its sensors are built into the headset. The device even now supports Playspace Scanning, which helps you even more to avoid tripping on your environment.Standalone virtual reality: Oculus Quest ($399 at Best Buy)Insight trackingThe Oculus Quest has an array of four wide-angle cameras built into the device. These are in lieu of any external sensors, towers, or cameras that are common among other headsets such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. These cameras help power Oculus Insight, the headset's tracking system that maps out the area you're in real life, tracks your movement, and tracks your Touch Controllers.The Oculus Quest supports six degrees of freedom tracking. This means that the Oculus Quest can track your movement up, down, left, right, forward, and back. As a result, the Oculus Quest can track your movements as you move around ...

Pixel 4's Project Soli opens up new modes of interaction. Not much has been done with it.What you need to knowGoogle has released a developer-focused Soli Sandbox app.The app is intended to allow developers to test out new Soli experiences on Pixel hardware.Soli is expected to leave the Pixel line come the debut of Google's Pixel 5. Google first rolled out its Project Soli-powered Motion Sense with the launch of Pixel 4, as its first showcase of what the technology could offer users in a consumer context. Now, it's released the Soli Sandbox app to spur developer interest in the technology.The app description aptly reads: Soli Sandbox is a way to connect your web prototypes to Soli interactions on Pixel 4. Create a prototype on your computer, and set it in motion with Soli gestures through the Soli Sandbox app. You'll be able to use touchless swipes, taps, and more in your own prototypes!Project Soli, when initially debuted, it only had a few gestures enabled. Googl...

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

America's Got Talent is about to take the stage for its fifteenth season. The nation's favorite talent show competition is returning to NBC this week with a new group of singers, comedians, dancers, and more performers to keep the whole family entertained while social distancing. Despite the production shutdowns which have impacted the TV industry since mid-March, America's Got Talent has been lucky enough to continue auditions virtually — as they say, the show must go on.Season 15 of America's Got Talent features host Terry Crews alongside former judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel, returning judge Heidi Klum, and newcoming judge Sofia Vergara. Parts of the season were filmed earlier this year, and for the first time in the history of America's Got Talent, viewers will watch some auditions without an audience in the room. Other auditions to be aired were conducted virtually after traditional production was halted. With that in mind and the uncertainty around filming the rest of t...

The first mobile chipsets using the new Cortex-A78 CPU design are expected to be announced later this year.What you need to knowARM has introduced its latest mobile solutions aimed at next-generation flagship smartphones.The new Cortex-A78 CPU brings a 20% performance increase over Cortex-A77 based devices.ARM's new Mali-G78 promises 'game-changing' graphics, with a claimed 25% improvement in performance. ARM today unveiled its next-generation mobile computing solution, including two new high-performance CPU core designs and a Valhall-based GPU (via AnandTech).ARM's new Cortex-A78 is designed for high-end devices and promises to deliver a 20% improvement in sustained performance over the Cortex-A77 within the same mobile thermal power envelope. Along with higher performance, the new Cortex-A78 CPU core design is claimed to deliver impressive efficiency improvements as well. ARM claims the Cortex-A78 can provide up to 50% energy savings over devices from 2019 at the same ...

You might need a workaround if you want to play Naughty Dog's latest in a couple of countries.What you need to knowThe Last of Us Part II is not available on the PlayStation Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates storefronts.According to PlayStation Support, this is because it has been banned by the "competent authorities" in charge.The Last of Us Part II is set to release on June 19, 2020.While The Last of Us Part II is just a few weeks away from release, it appears that it won't be available in every PlayStation storefront around the world. As spotted by VG247, Reddit user Ghostechful got in touch with PlayStation Support, who stated that the game was not available on the Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates storefronts because it "...is banned by the competent authorities of the country."It's worth noting that the PlayStation Arabia Twitter account is still advertising the upcoming State of Play showcase for The Last of Us Part II is coming on May 27 at 4:00 p.m. EST, wh...

Voice Match will make your Assistant guided purchases more secure.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant will now work with Voice Match to authenticate your orders.The feature is currently being tested. Voice Match authentication is restricted to digital purchases made through Google Play, though the company notes that it varies per country.Google is making it more secure to pay with your voice with Assistant-enabled devices. It has added Voice Match authentication to Assistant, allowing the service to confirm that it is the account owner (or another authorized user) who is making the purchase. It's much like how you can add the option for a fingerprint or a pin to Google Play purchases made conventionally on a phone or tablet. Google has also rolled out a recent update to its Voice Match service, allowing for more precision-guided voice recognition in anticipation of this change."When you authorize payments with Voice Match, you can make purchases with your Google Assis...

Knocking down another barrier to simple universal messaging.What you need to knowT-Mobile now has a full standards-based RCS implementation for cross-carrier advanced messaging.Full RCS chat features are now available to customers chatting with people on other carriers globally.Nearly 40 phones T-Mobile sells support RCS Universal Profile.T-Mobile has led the charge in the rollout of RCS messaging features in the U.S., and has now reached a big milestone with an announcement that it is now using a complete standards-based RCS implementation. This has the important effect of meaning T-Mobile customers can now have rich RCS chats with people on other carriers around the world that also comply to the standard.Every country and carrier that supports Google RCS Now if you're a T-Mobile customer, you know you have all of the tools to use RCS chat.One of the biggest ongoing issues with RCS messaging is its cross-carrier compatibility, with different carriers using their o...

The best streaming VPN will let you get access to video online, no matter where you are. That means the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube and more can all have their geo restrictions dodged so you can get your streaming video fill.That sounds illegal. Well, in some cases it can potentially put you at risk and we're not here to condone getting a VPN to unblock UK BBC iPlayer when you're a U.S. resident, for example. But if you're a UK resident and TV license payer traveling overseas then you have every right to unblock access so you can catch Sherlock's latest capers.A VPN will allow you to appear somewhere you are not so that you can access the home grown shows and movies a streaming service offers, geo restricted, to that one country. It'll also keep you anonymous while doing that.How does a streaming VPN get me access?A VPN, or virtual private network, works by bouncing your signal through another server, using an assigned IP address. All that means y...

Fill your free time with some binge-worthy content. Right now you can get the Sling TV Premium Pass for just $20 for the first month. Not only is that $10 off the regular price, but this special deal also includes the channels Showtime, Starz, and Epix for free that first month in addition to the dozens of other channels you get with Sling Blue or Sling Orange. The three premium channels would usually cost an extra $24 as add-ons. The $20 deal applies to either Sling Orange or Sling Blue, and each service has plenty to offer. However, you can also combine the two with this deal and get Blue and Orange for $35 instead of the usual $45.The price will jump after that first month, so be aware of the time on your subscription. Binge while you can and decide for yourself if you want to keep going.As mentioned before, the regular Premium Pass includes either Sling Orange or Sling Blue. These are both packages that include more than 30 channels in addition to your three premium channels ...

It's part of a strategy to create an entire ecosystem of devices.What you need to knowIn a recent interview, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau said his company is re-focusing efforts to create cheap phones once again.It's part of a new strategy to create an ecosystem of connected OnePlus devices.More premium phones like the OnePlus 8 Pro aren't going away.If you're a long-time OnePlus fan, chances are the company's last couple of releases have been somewhat disappointing. Devices like the OnePlus 7 Pro and OnePlus 8 Pro have proven to be excellent phones that cost considerably less than ones from Samsung and Apple, but their prices have still been noticeably higher than the days of the original OnePlus One and OnePlus 2.You wouldn't be wrong in thinking that recent OnePlus phones have lost sight of what made the company so appealing in the first place, and thankfully, it looks like OnePlus is well aware of that. In a recent interview with Fast Company, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed t...

What you need to knowSpotify is removing its 10,000-song library limit.Users have been requesting this change for six years.Users can download 10,000 songs on five devices for offline listening.Spotify is the leader in music streaming with over 130 million subscribers. That's the number of paid subscribers, up from 100 million last August. And given that there are over 50 million tracks to choose from, Spotify's seemingly-arbitrary 10,000-song library limit has been a long-term source of consternation for the company's many voracious collectors.Now, Spotify is removing that limit completely, making it possible to save as many songs or albums into one's library as desired. This may seem like a small thing — who has a collection that large, anyway? — but as the service makes it ever-easier to "heart" a song or album, which in turn makes the recommendation algorithm more effective, users were finding themselves hitting that 10,000-song number more and more often.Spotify ...

A great feature on some smartwatches is the battery-saving feature known as raise to wake. It's a wonderful option to have, whether you use the always-on display option or not. By enabling this feature, you can have your watch become "active" as soon as the device senses it's been lifted. Activating the watch can show live data on your watch face or make the device ready for your input. Regardless if you want the feature always enabled or just in certain situations, changes are only a few easy steps away from either with the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or via the watch itself.Products used in this guideReady when you are: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 44mm (From $300 at Best Buy)The control center: Galaxy Wearable (Free at Google Play Store)How to enable raise-to-wake through the Galaxy Wearable appLet's look at the taps needed to turn on the raise-to-wake feature using the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.Ensure your phone and watch are connected via Bluetooth.O...

A pilot of SwissCovid is now available to several thousand people in Switzerland.What you need to knowThe first contact tracing app based on Apple and Google's technology has gone live.SwissCovid is now being piloted in Switzerland.It is available to several thousand employees at some hospitals, key workers, civil servants, and the army. The very first contact tracing app powered by Google and Apple's exposure notification APIs has gone live in Switzerland.FAQ: What is the Google-Apple COVID-19 (coronavirus) Exposure Notifications system?As announced on Twitter by EPFL yesterday, 'SwissCovid' is now undertaking a large scale pilot, with hopes that it will pave the way for public availability by mid-June.As of today, employees at @EPFL, @ETH_en, @vbs_ddps and some hospitals and cantonal administrations can download the digital proximity tracing application #SwissCovid. This large-scale pilot paves the way for public availability by mid-June. https://t.co/E9hl43g8Ca #CO...

The first phones powered by MediaTek's new Dimensity 820 chipset.What you need to knowThe Redmi 10X series is now official.Redmi 10X is the most affordable 5G phone yet, starting at just 1,599 yuan ($224). Both the Redmi 10X 5G and 10X Pro are powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 820 chipset and come with a 48MP main camera.Redmi today unveiled its new 10X series of smartphones in China. The Redmi 10X series includes the 10X 5G, 10X Pro, and the 10X 4G. While the Redmi 10X and 10X Pro are all-new phones, the 10X 4G is just a rebranded Redmi Note 9.Redmi 10X and 10X Pro feature a 6.57-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a waterdrop notch at the top and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. The two phones are powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 820 chipset, which was announced just last week.In the camera department, the standard Redmi 10X has a triple-camera setup on the back with a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Pro model has a more impressive qua...

The Galaxy S20 is one of the most beautiful phones ever made, but it's also made of slippery metal and scratchable glass. If you're worried about scratching up that new expensive phone, there's no time like the present to grab yourself a great case to protect your shiny new flagship when your order shows up.Mesmerizing colorsCaseology ParallaxStaff pick$14 at Amazon$25 at CaseologyThis hybrid honey of a case has a lot in common with the Spigen Neo Hybrid, but it's got better color combos for that great protection, including a new new teal "Aqua Green" that is even more alluring in person than the renders do justice.Get a gripSpigen Liquid Air$12 at Amazon$20 at SpigenKeep your carbon fiber classics and give me the Liquid Air any day of the week. The diamond pattern covering the back is just deep enough to add real grip while still feeling slim and sleek in the hand.Durable and diamond clearRingke Fusion X$10 at Amazon $11 at eBay The Fusion X ...

Here's the lowdown on Samsung's newest Note.Every year, there are certain phones we just can't help but get excited about — one of which is the Galaxy Note. From the first Note that debuted in 2011 up to last year's Note 10, Samsung's stylus-equipped flagships are regularly some of the most interesting to hit the market.Samsung revamped its naming convention this year with the Galaxy S lineup, going from the S10 to the S20. We're expecting something similar for the Note lineup, meaning 2020 will see the launch of the Galaxy Note 20.From the latest specs, leaked renders, pricing rumors, and more, here's everything you need to know!We're expecting at least two modelsGet ready for a familiar designSpecs? Here's what we knowThere won't be a physical launch eventLet's discuss pricingDon't overlook the Note 10Today's NoteGalaxy Note 10+From $950 at Samsung$900 at Best BuyPlenty of specs and features for years to comeWhile we are excited to see what Samsung...

Having a chat with the AC forums.The Android smartphone market is one that can be difficult to keep up with. Year after year, companies push out new handsets with subtle or major tweaks compared to its predecessor. Whether it be slimmer bezels, a slightly thinner body, or a new style for a camera bump, many of these changes are often in the design department.A new design is one of those things we've come to expect for every new phone release, but is it something we actually want or need? YouTuber Juan Bagnell recently posted a video talking about this very topic, arguing that there's something to be said for Apple's decision to keep reusing and recycling the same design for years at a time.As you might expect, this is something that got a lot of our AC forum members talking. Here's what some of them had to say in response to the video: methodman89 05-24-2020 04:34 PM “ If people would stop buy...

ARPGs — or action role-playing games — are a fantastic genre, including such greats as the Diablo series. Though the term is technically ambiguous, the other meaning being used to describe an RPG with a focus on live-action combat (think Dark Souls), traditional ARPGs have been around for a very long time. Though the Diablo franchise is considered by many to be the king of the genre, they have been many greats that I daresay equal, or surpass, Blizzard's offering, such as Titan Quest and Grim Dawn.And while we have Titan Quest on Android — a mostly solid port, in my opinion — my new mobile ARPG of choice is Anima (stylized as "AnimA"), a straight-up Diablo clone that isn't afraid to admit it. Even the font is extremely similar, if not outright the same, as the iconic one found in Blizzard's hit franchise.To be honest, the story for Anima doesn't matter all that much to me. Sure, it keeps me slightly interested as I go on, but the real draw of an ARPG is the loot. Oh b...

Most Memorial Day sales are now over, but Marshall still has a discount available on its flagship Major III Bluetooth headphones. These on-ear wireless headphones regularly sell for $149.99, though right now you can pick up a pair for only $79.99 in your choice of Black, White, or Brown while supplies last. That saves you $70 off their usual cost, and you'll score free shipping at Marshall with the purchase as well.Marshall's Major II Bluetooth headphones feature aptX codec support for upgraded audio quality and a 30-foot wireless range. The equipped 30mm dynamic drivers have been custom tuned for enhanced bass response, smooth mids and crystal clear highs, while the built-in battery lets you listen for up to 30 hours on a single charge. They take about three hours to recharge fully using the included microUSB cable.Meanwhile, an integrated multi-directional control knob lets you play, pause, shuffle, and adjust the volume of your music. It even lets you power the headphones on o...

However, older OnePlus phones with 90Hz displays will not be able to run the game at 90 fps.What you need to knowThe OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are the first smartphones to be able to run Fortnite at 90 fps.OnePlus says it worked with Epic Games for months to bring 90 fps to Fortnite on the OnePlus 8 series phones.OnePlus 7, 7 Pro, 7T, and 7T Pro users will only be able to play Fortnite at a maximum of 60 fps. OnePlus' latest flagship phones – the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are now the first smartphones to be capable of running Fortnite at 90 frames per second.Pete Lau, OnePlus founder and CEO, said in a statement: OnePlus and Epic Games have created one of the best Fortnite experiences ever on a smartphone. The OnePlus 8 Series delivers a smooth, high framerate Fortnite gameplay experience – that even current generation console game systems can't match. OnePlus creates the best devices for mobile gaming through our industry leading display, speedy performance, and overall user...

Best answer: Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is still a great buy. With all the new smartwatches coming out these days, it can feel difficult to keep up. Let us not forget the original Galaxy Watch Active is only a year old. It's still an outstanding piece of tech with plenty to offer at a fair price. That being said, the second edition is packed with premium features that some users might appreciate.Affordable fitness companion: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active ($150 at Best Buy)Premium features: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 ($280 at Best Buy) A highly capable smartwatchWhen choosing a smartwatch, you want to be sure that it has the features you're looking for. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is overflowing with health and activity tracking perks, which makes it ideal for fitness fans. It can automatically detect and record seven exercises with tracking for 39 more. You've also got built-in GPS, so mapping your route on a run is a breeze. Some other benefits include sleep ...

Years after the debut of Google Glass, Apple is likely to show us its version later this year. But what exactly will they do?Smart glasses are not only a thing from the movies that you can't wear at the theater — they actually exist. Google debuted its Google Glass Explorer program in 2012 as an experimental product that you had to sign up for a chance to buy, and since we've seen smart glasses from companies ranging from Panasonic to North to Snapchat. But despite that proliferation, it seems that very few people want them or even really care about them.So why, eight years after Google Glass, is Apple releasing its own smart glasses? And we know they are: code for the product was accidentally included in an official developer tools release, and YouTuber John Prosser has a load of details on exactly what to expect and when. Apple really is doing this.But Apple is doing it a bit differently than we've seen before. That's the benefit of watching eight years of smart glasses evo...