Latest from Android Central

Sony is gearing up to release the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.While development on the PlayStation 5 has likely been going on for years, Sony has officially confirmed that it's in the works and is on its way for the holidays. Here's everything we know about the PS5 so far.PS5 designPS5 specsPS5 backward compatibilityPS5 next-gen DualShock controllerPS5 user interfacePS5 virtual reality supportOfficially named the PlayStation 5PS5 Unreal Engine 5PS5 launch gamesPS5 gamesPS5 costThe PS5 may be revealed soonThe PS5 releases Holiday 2020PlayStation 5 What form will it take?According to a report from the Financial Times, sources familiar with Sony's plans have stated that the PlayStation 5 "might not represent a major departure from the PS4, and that the fundamental architecture would be similar." Mark Cerny, lead system architect of the console, went on to confirm as much in his interview with Wired.This indicates that Sony is not working on a stream...

Google continues to build out Android's accessibility features.What you need to knowGoogle has improved Android's accessibility apps in respect of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.The pre-existing Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier apps get useful and meaningful updates.The company has also rolled out a new Action Blocks app for reducing day-to-day cognitive load on impaired users. Google is improving support for Android users with extended accessibility needs this week to acknowledge Global Accessibility Awareness Day. To that end, it's launching one app, and updating two others.The first of those is Action Blocks. Action Blocks is a new app made to simplify common actions for people with cognitive disabilities. These actions could include calling family, checking the weather, reading the news, anything that's done day to day."Create an Action Block for any action that the Google Assistant can perform, like making calls, sending texts, playing videos, and controlli...

Several more titles that players can stream.What you need to knowNVIDIA GeForce Now has added support for another batch of games.There are 17 titles, including Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition.There's also a couple of games being added day-and-date with their release on Steam.In a press release, NVIDIA shared that 17 more games are getting support for GeForce Now later today. This includes Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition, as well as a couple of games like launching directly into the streaming platform. Here's the full list of games being added:Hunting Simulator 2ObservationREZ PLZThe Wonderful 101: RemasteredAmnesia: A Machine for PigsDivinity: Original Sin Enhanced EditionDriftland: The Magic RevivalFuriGUILTY GEAR Xrd -SIGN-Jagged Alliance - Back in ActionKingdom: ClassicLords Of The FallenMight & Magic Heroes VII – Trial by FireOccupy White WallsSyberia 3Wargame: Airland BattleX RebirthNVIDIA has been steadily adding new games ...

While everyone is stuck at home, many YouTube channels are seeing higher viewing figures than ever before. If you have considered becoming a professional video maker, now is the time to act. The Complete Content Creator Bundle for YouTube helps you get started, with 10 courses from top instructors. It's worth $1,592, but you can get the training now for just $39.99.YouTube has always been a great place to build an audience or promote a brand. But to make a mark, you need to understand the fundamentals of filmmaking and how to promote your content. This bundle provides the perfect introduction with 50 hours of instruction.Along the way, you learn how to edit videos with Final Cut Pro X, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Camtasia. You also learn how to optimize your videos for search, take advantage of YouTube recommendations, and monetize your content through sponsorship. The training even looks at how you can turn YouTube into a sales funnel for your service or product.You'll l...

Here's the information you need to know.Google and Apple partnered to launch their COVID-19 exposure tracking and notification system on May 20, raising a lot of questions in the process. People want to know how the system works, what it will mean to individuals, where and how data is stored and shared, and so much more.Here's all of the information you need to know about Google and Apple's new COVID-19 exposure tracking system.What is this system, and what is an API?Google and Apple created the Exposure Notification API. It is designed to help the process of contact tracing, which has the goal of tracking the movement of an infectious disease between people to slow its spread. Public health agencies are often in charge of contact tracing, employing hundreds or thousands of people to track known infected persons and then inform others who may have become infected, so that they can quarantine themselves and prevent further spread. Obviously this is top of mind given the ongoin...

With headphone jacks now a relic of the past, chances are your next headphones/earbuds will connect to your phone wirelessly instead of with an ancient cable. A lot of you have probably already moved on to Bluetooth gear by now, but for those that haven't, getting used to Bluetooth and all of its quirks can be a bit confusing at first. If you just bought a pair of Bluetooth headphones but can't figure out how to get them paired with your phone, here's what you need to know.Products used in this guidePure Android: Google Pixel 3a ($350 at Best Buy)Block out the chaos: TaoTronics ANC Headphones ($50 at Amazon)How to turn on Bluetooth on your phoneBefore you can pair anything with your phone, you need to make sure that its Bluetooth connection is turned on. That may sound like a daunting task if you've never messed with your Bluetooth settings, but thankfully, doing so is quite easy.Swipe down from the top of your screen to see your notification panel.Swipe down again to ...

There are some caveats, however.What you need to knowJason Rubin, VP of special gaming initiatives at Facebook, says that there is interest in making the Quest/other Oculus products more powerful.Users can expect to see more AAA titles within the next year or so.Whether that can be accomplished without cloud computing is unclear at this time.The Oculus Quest is a great, consumer-ready VR headset with one small issue: its catalog. While there are a lot of games and apps to choose from, there aren't any large titles that you can take advantage of. For that you'll need one of the more powerful, PC-connected headsets.However, that may be changing soon. Jason Rubin, the VP of special gaming initiatives at Facebook (the company that owns Oculus), told Protocol earlier this week that users can expect AAA products in the future, although he didn't provide an exact timetable."There's a segment of the gaming market that wants VR and is very interested in VR, but is waiting for VR...

Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best overallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$260 at Walmart$287 at Amazon$309 at CDW$320 at LenovoThe best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10-hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsWhile last year's C330 skimped on ports, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 (also known as the C340-11) f...

What is Ghostwire: Tokyo? This new IP shown at Bethesda's E3 2019 is still as mysterious as it is creepy, but that just has us more intrigued.At Bethesda's E3 2019 press conference, they showed off two entirely brand new IPs — one of them was called Ghostwire: Tokyo. Creative director Ikumi Nakamura took the stage with a level of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity that immediately charmed the audience, and deeply contrasted with the level of creepiness and dark aesthetic beauty of the trailer she led into. Whatever Ghostwire: Tokyo is, the concepts for it presented in a CGI video look incredible.But that's exactly the question — what is Ghostwire: Tokyo? Details are scarce at the moment post-E3 press conference, and we're not likely to see much more from this title for a little while. But in the meantime, here are the bits we do know about this strange new game:What is Ghostwire: Tokyo?What is the story of Ghostwire: Tokyo?Ghostwire: Tokyo trailer?Ghostwire: Tokyo ga...

Facebook is making using Messenger on Android and iOS safer.What you need to knowFacebook is making Messenger more secure with safety alerts.It'll also alert minors when talking to strangers who are over-18, as well as automatically ban adults who have inappropriate conversations with children. The company confirms that these safety features would work with full encryption when it rolls that out later.Facebook is rolling out safety alerts fo Messenger on both iOS and Android going forward."As we move to end-to-end encryption, we are investing in privacy-preserving tools like this to keep people safe without accessing message content," Facebook's Jay Sullivan, Director of Product Management, Messenger Privacy and Safety said, "We developed these safety tips with machine learning that looks at behavioral signals like an adult sending a large amount of friend or message requests to people under 18. This ensures that the new features will be available and effective when Messe...

Take some Stark Industries suits out for a spin ahead of the full game.What you need to knowThere's a new demo for Iron Man VR available now.If you play the demo, you'll get a free skin for use in the full game.There's also a new PSVR bundle that includes the game. The bundle is set to release alongside Iron Man VR on July 3, 2020.After initially being indefinitely delayed due to the ongoing pandemic, Iron Man VR from Camouflaj is on the way. If you want to try it out before release, you're in luck, as there's a demo available on the PlayStation Store. There's also a new trailer which you can check out below.Here's what the demo includes:Malibu tutorial missionInteractive Stark Jet cinematic starring Tony, Friday & Pepper PottsOut of the Blue Stark Jet gameplay missionFlight Challenge optional missionAdvanced Combat Challenge optional missionIf you download and play the demo, you'll also get the Molten Lava Armor Deco for use in the full game. Still, if...

5G is the next big technology and every carrier wants in on that action. Except for on AT&T's 5Ge network, seeing 5G on your device means that you are using the newest and fastest wireless technology available. The only problem is that every carrier has a different plan for implementing it. Verizon, for example, is making sure it's at the front of the pack in terms of deployment and overall speed.Understanding how each carrier will deploy 5G can be confusing but we've been keeping tabs on all of them. Here is everything you need to know about Verizon's newest and fastest wireless network.When will my area even get 5G?Which devices should I get to be 5G ready?Which plan do I need for access?What tech is Verizon using?Does it do home internet?Is 5G worth it for most people?The 5G GalaxySamsung Galaxy S20+ 5G$1200 at SamsungA beautiful and fast phoneOne of Samsung's fastest and most capable phones, it comes equipped with a fast CPU, 12GB of RAM, a large 4,50...

It's been a few years since Samsung debuted Bixby, and the dreaded Bixby button, alongside the Galaxy S8, and the company took until 2019 to provide a way to remap it. This remapping feature is now available on all phones that have the Bixby (or side) button, from the Galaxy S8 on up to the S20 models. Here's how to do it!Products used in this guideCurrent favorite flagship: Galaxy S20+ ($1,000 at Samsung)A noteable handset: Galaxy Note 10+ ($1,100 at Samsung)What does remapping do?Remapping means you can now launch any app you want by single or double-pressing the Bixby button on the left side of your Galaxy phone. If you want to load the Google app, or the camera, or whatever you want, you now can!How to remap the Bixby buttonOpen Settings.Scroll down and tap Advanced Features.Tap Bixby key.Select Double press to open Bixby.Enable Use single press toggle.Tap inside Use single press area. Tap Open app.Tap on the Settings button (cog icon).Select the app yo...

Start counting your bullets, it's the wild west in space.What you need to knowBorderlands 3 is getting four DLC expansions alongside the free updates.Two DLC packs have been released and the third has been revealed today.It's called Bounty of Blood: A Fistful of Redemption and is releasing on June 25.As you might guess, it's themed entirely around westerns.Borderlands 3 first released back in September 2019 and the team at Gearbox Software has been busy working on DLC, both paid and free. Two major DLC packs have been released so far and while the previous DLC took players to a realm of cults and tentacles to celebrate a wedding, the next one up is very different.Titled Bounty of Blood: A Fistful of Redemption, this DLC is heavily inspired by Westerns such as 3:10 to Yuma and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. On a frontier world, the Vault Hunters will encounter the Devil Riders, a gang that uses experimental Saurian mounts. There's plenty of unique things to do, from help...

The optics of a slow launch are worse than a month of lost sales to Google.We initially expected to see the new Pixel 4a launch in May, coinciding with the Google I/O conference. Then, I/O got cancelled, and rumors pointed to an early June launch. Now, the latest information from noted Apple (and now Google) leaker Jon Prosser points to a mid-July release. And the reasoning given makes sense: it's economical, not technological.Pixel 4a Was originally May, then got pushed to June, now pushed again. “Just Black” & “Barely Blue”Current plan for announcement:July 13 BTW - just 4G. (Sorry to kill the 5G rumors)Seems like they’re ready to ship. The decision is mostly based on market analysis.— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) May 21, 2020No, there doesn't seem to be any issue with the Pixel 4a's hardware, or its software. There probably isn't a problem with performance or some radio certification. And we knew it wasn't going to have 5G. Prosser points out something that m...

With all the usual live events and games cancelled for the time being, sports fans are clamoring for a great match and Turner Sports is about to provide with a live golf competition and charity event starring a few of the most well-known athletes in the world. Headlined by golf icons Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the game will also feature two of the NFL's greatest players in history: Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.Woods and Manning will go head-to-head against Mickelson and Brady in a Best Ball format on the front nine and a Modified Alternate Shot format on the back nine. Along the way, there will also be a few on-course challenges to help raise funds for charity. WarnerMedia and the golfers will collectively make a donation of $10 million to benefit COVID-19 relief efforts with donations sent to several national and local beneficiaries, including DirectRelief.org, the American Red Cross, Save Small Business, and the ALL IN Challenge.The Match: Champions for Charity: When &am...

If you are physically able to, standing while working — even in short spurts — is one of the best things you can do for your health. The trouble with standing desks is that they are often expensive and replace otherwise perfectly good office furniture. Thankfully, many affordable and flexible standing desk solutions will work great in your existing workspace, or just about anywhere around your home. Our favorite overall is the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 because it sits on top of an existing desk or tabletop, and it is incredibly spacious, sturdy, and adjustable.Best Overall: VariDesk Pro Plus 36"VariDesk is one of the most well-known manufacturers of standing desks, but in addition to the stand-alone electronic and manual desks, it also makes several desktop units that you can place on existing workspaces. Out of these, my favorite is hands-down the Pro Plus 36. The unit consists of two levels — an upper section for your laptop and/or monitor(s), and a lower area for your mouse...

Hand tracking is finally making a name as a solid feature unto itself.The Oculus Quest is a standalone virtual reality (VR) headset that doesn't require any cables to be connected to your PC. The device has received a number of new features in recent months, but hand tracking may be the most significant. With firmware version 17, when controllers are not detected, the Quest will display a digital version of your hands as it detects them, allowing players to interact with menus and games as if their hands were in the virtual world. Oculus has deemed the feature to be good enough for retail games and is now allowing paid games to be released on the Oculus Store.Menu navigationYou can interact with the Oculus Quest menu from the Library to the Store. Just point at and pinch whatever you want to select. The same applies to fast-forwarding or rewinding trailers in the Oculus Store.Oculus servicesSelect apps like the Oculus Browser, Oculus TV, photo library, and more wo...

Wink announced that it was moving to a subscription-only model earlier this month, but customer backlash forced them to consider.What you need to knowWink has delayed its plans to move all customers to a paid plan by May 13, 2020.The company had planned to end its free-service and move to a $4.99 plan, announcing this with only a week's notice.It was subsequently met with backlash on its social media pages are users revolted. Wink announced earlier this month that it would be moving to a subscription-only service. Priced at $4.99 a month, it would come into play from May 13, 2020. The company also planned to disable existing Wink Hubs for users who didn't pay for from that date, effectively moving all its customers to either a paid plan or nothing.As you can imagine from the ratio, customers weren't very impressed by this. We’re moving to a monthly subscription on 5/13 in order to better serve our users. This will enable us to continue providing the functionality custom...

Memorial Day is coming up quick, and a ton of sales are already live for the occasion. Rosetta Stone is another company that's starting its Memorial Day sale before the big weekend even begins. Subscriptions to its single language and unlimited language plans are now on sale through May 26. You can choose a 3-month membership to any single language for just $35.97, or purchase an unlimited language plan starting at $95.88 with the 12-month option. Lifetime and 2-year plans are on sale as well.While the single language option is great, having a Rosetta Stone Unlimited membership lets you learn any of the 24 languages that Rosetta Stone provides material on. It allows you to switch back and forth between languages and focus on the ones you actually want to learn. It's also the most affordable way to join overall, as you can grab a membership for its 2-year plan at what amounts to just $5.99 monthly or even pay for a lifetime subscription priced at $199. The total cost of whichever su...

Pro-level performanceScuf Vantage 2$200 at GameStopProsCan swap between D-pad and control discCompanion app lets you store preferencesSwap look with removeable faceplateEasily adjustable volumeBetter battery lifeConsHigh priceSlightly heavierFaceplates cost extraThe Scuf Vantage 2 can be pulled apart, changed up, and programmed to let you adjust it for a wide variety of games and playstyles. You have to pay a high price to get it, however.Play with styleScuf ImpactFrom $150 at ScufProsComes in an enormous variety of stylesAdjustable triggers speed weapon firingCheaperExtenders help players with larger handsConsGrip can be uncomfortableNo companion appLess customizationWeak battery lifeThe Scuf Impact is for players who want a controller that looks awesome and handles well, particularly when playing shooters.Scuf is one of the best manufacturers of video game controllers, catering to esports professionals and enthusiast...

The sixth annual Red Nose Day hosted by Comic Relief US returns to NBC this week. Red Nose Day has always been designated to help raise funds and awareness for millions of children who live in poverty across America and the world at large. With a fun mix of entertainment and fundraising, Red Nose Day will kick off with a special "Celebrity Escape Room" show featuring host Jack Black along with stars like Ben Stiller, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Adam Scott.Red Nose Day: When & whereThe three-hour Red Nose Day event kicks off on NBC this Thursday, May 21 and is set to air between 8 and 11 p.m. EST. "Celebrity Escape Room" gets things started with a one-hour special at 8p.m. EST, while the 2-hour Red Nose Day Special will begin right afterwards with music performances, comedy, short documentary films, and more.There are a few different places to watch all of Red Nose Day's special programming live, including on the NBC website, Sling TV, and Hulu with Live TV. While NBC'...

Grab the GoPro Fusion 360-degree camera on sale for $249 at B&H. This price is $50 off the same price at most retailers. Best Buy has the next best price at $280. We have seen this camera go as low as $200 before, but the last time that happened was a month ago, so this is the best deal around at the moment.With a 360-degree camera you can capture video and photos of all the stuff happening around you. It's one of the most unique ways to capture moments. The videos can reach up to 5.2K resolutions and the photos use an 18MP sensor. You can then use your smartphone to turn the videos into 1080p from any angle or crop the photos into standard resolution, too.The Fusion is compatible with a wide range of Apple and Android devices, and you can use your phone to create and share the footage you've captured using the free GoPro app. You can even use your 360-degree footage in virtual reality to fully immerse yourself or your friends in the memory. Don't just capture the memory, rel...

Creative director Jason Connell talks about why there aren't traditional waypoints, why the team went with stealth, and the game's many inspirations.Players recently got an extended look at some of the gameplay and customization in Ghost of Tsushima in an 18-minute State of Play dedicated entirely to Sucker Punch's upcoming title. I had the chance to speak with Creative and Art Director Jason Connell about how the team is adapting to its new work-from-home environment, how they balanced its stealth and combat gameplay, how the Guiding Winds came about, what players can expect from its pacing and progression, and more.War-torn landGhost of Tsushima$60 at Best BuyThe way of the GhostIn Ghost of Tsushima, Jin must decide what honor and principles are worth sacrificing to defeat the unstoppable Mongol invaders. Will you challenge everyone in your path or silently take them out by way of the ghost? The choice is yours.Android Central: Was it daunting to work on a new I...

The Galaxy S20 Ultra was the second most popular 5G phone during the period.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy S20+ was the most popular 5G-enabled smartphone in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2020.It accounted for a 40 percent share of all 5G phones shipped in the U.S. during the quarter. Samsung grabbed a whopping 94% share of the U.S. 5G smartphone market during the January-March period.A report from The Korea Herald had claimed earlier this month that Samsung held 34.4% of the global 5G smartphone market in the first quarter of 2020. The latest research from Strategy Analytics has now revealed that Samsung continued to dominate the U.S. 5G smartphone market in Q1 2020.Samsung's Galaxy S20+ was the best-selling 5G smartphone in the U.S. during the quarter, accounting for an impressive 40 percent share of the market. The Galaxy S20 Ultra, despite its $1,400 price tag, was the second most popular 5G phone in the U.S. in the January-March period, with a market share ...

YouTube Music continues to improve as Google Play Music shuffles off this mortal coil.What you need to knowGoogle is testing a new tab for discovery in YouTube Music.The tab will sit alongside the Up Next and Lyrics tab in the new Player UI.Google recently announced a transfer tool to YouTube Music as it plans to make that its only streaming service going forward. Google has been improving the YouTube Music app ever since it repositioned it as the successor to Play Music two years ago, and now, as Play Music prepares to be shuttered completely, the company is testing out a new feature that'll help improve discovery.Spotted on Reddit via the folks at XDA Developers, Google is adding a new 'Related' tab next to the new Lyrics and Up Next tabs introduced with last month's YouTube Music update. While the appearance of the tab varies across users, the gist of it is that the app would show you related artists, albums, or playlists. It already has a precursor to this recommend...

What you need to knowAmazon Prime Day 2020 now likely to happen in September.It will still be a two day event.Amazon hopes to have more inventory and better fulfillment by then.There have been a few reports that suggested Amazon would be delaying its annual Prime Day event this year, and now a new one from The Wall Street Journal indicates that it will be happening in September. It was fairly obvious that with the retailers current supply chain and delivery restraints that Prime Day would not happen in July as it normally does, but many thought it would take place in August.September is two full months later than it normally takes place, and puts it just two months before Black Friday and the 2020 holiday shopping season. Amazon warehouses are already under a lot of additional strain, and up until just a few weeks ago it wouldn't even allow 3rd-party sellers to ship items into warehouses. Stock levels are low, orders are high, and Prime deliveries are delayed all over the p...

Chatting it up with the AC forums.In just a few months, it'll be time for Samsung to take the wraps off of the Galaxy Note 20. It may seem like the S20 just launched the other day, but that's how fast this industry moves.There's still a lot left to learn about the Note 20, but some early speculation and rumors are starting to piece the device together. We're expecting two different models, flagship specs, and possibly a release in August or September. That's about it.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about the Note 20, referencing some of the latest reports that have come out. bhatech 05-19-2020 10:13 PM “ Early design preview https://twitter.com/UniverseIce/status/1262554030850445312?s=19 Reply mustang7757 05-19-2020 10:16 PM “ Don't look much different from Note 10+ ex...

Matt Hancock had previously said the app would roll out in mid-May.What you need to knowThe UK's contact tracing app has been delayed until June.Deployment was supposed to take place in mid-May.It is reported that developers need time to iron out problems, of which there are many. A report suggests that the UK's NHS contact tracing app has been delayed until June.As reported by The Guardian, health secretary Matt Hancock had previously stated the app would roll out in mid-May, however, it doesn't seem to be ready: NHS insiders said the deployment of the tracking app currently being trialed on the Isle of Wight would not take place until next month as developers iron out problems. "This is a complicated thing to do and get right," one source said. It is the latest in a string of slippages that have followed Hancock's declaration. By the end of last week, the launch date moved back to the end of the month, and on Monday Downing Street said it would be ready "in a f...

Stadia may not be perfect, but the game streaming service from Google does still have a lot to offer — especially with its Stadia Pro membership. Your $10/month membership gives you access to a couple of key perks, including 4K gameplay at 60FPS and free games every month that you get to keep as long as you continue to pay your monthly fee. If you aren't sure how to go about claiming these free games, here's what you need to know.Products used in this guideCloud gaming: Stadia Pro ($10/month at Stadia)Perfect pairing: Google Pixel 4 XL (From $900 at Best Buy)How to claim your free Stadia Pro gamesOpen the Stadia app on your phone.Tap Store on the bottom navigation bar.Scroll down until you find Stadia Pro games.Tap See all.Tap the game you want to claim.Tap Claim.Just like that, you've claimed a free Stadia Pro game. Congrats!As mentioned above, you get to keep these games for as long as you have a Stadia Pro membership. With new games added every month, y...

It could take a week or two for the update to become widely available.What you need to knowSamsung is pushing a new software update with some camera enhancements to the Galaxy S20 series phones.The update is available for both the Snapdragon and Exynos variants of the three phones.Currently, the update is rolling out only in South Korea.Samsung began rolling out the May security patch to its latest Galaxy S20 series late last month. Aside from the May security patch, however, the update did not bring much else. According to the folks at SamMobile, Samsung is now pushing a new update for the Galaxy S20 series, which brings a few camera improvements.The new update arrives as version G98xxXXU2ATE6 and happens to be the second update that Samsung has rolled out for the S20 lineup with the May 2020 security patch. While a detailed changelog isn't available yet, a few users on Reddit claim the update comes with en enhanced Night mode. What remains to be seen, however, is if the...

Xbox Game Pass is racking up subscribers.Recently, Sony held a Corporate Strategy Meeting and teased the PlayStation 5 lineup. During the conference, Sony head Kenichiro Yoshida revealed that PlayStation Now (PS Now) passed 2.2 million subscribers. While this is quite the feat for a cloud game streaming service, the figure is around five times less than the current 10 million Xbox Game Pass subscribers.PS Now and Xbox Game Pass cater to two different crowds, but both are becoming increasingly similar. A few months ago, Sony allowed users to download PS Now titles directly onto their consoles. On the other hand, Microsoft announced that Project xCloud game streaming access was going to be part of Xbox Game Pass. This means that there is some overlap already, with even more similarities coming later this year.One of the main reasons Xbox Game Pass is so much more popular is because Microsoft adds Xbox One console exclusives to the service at launch. Xbox Series X console exclus...

There's a secret to everything if you know where to look.You may be the one who takes countless photos on your phone, shooting anything and everything when the mood strikes you. Do you like how they look? Do you think there's something missing? Could you do better if you changed a few things?Unless you're a professional who is already naturally selective when capturing any scene, the answer to all of those is probably yes. The beauty of mobile photography is not only its convenience, but its continuing evolution that makes it easier to shoot in more situations. Don't expect to match what a good DSLR or mirrorless camera can do, but with the right adjustments, your phone's photos will come out looking better.If your photos are looking less than stellar, it usually comes down to one of five reasons.You used your own flash and not someone else'sSee that LED flash on the back of your phone? It's one of the crappiest features your device has for a couple of simple reasons. First...

The actual event date has apparently not been finalized yet.What you need to knowSamsung could launch the Galaxy Note 20 series and the Galaxy Fold successor at an online-only event in August.Given the current situation, Samsung will not be able to hold a physical Unpacked event for its upcoming flagship phones.The exact date of the launch event hasn't been revealed yet.The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has forced smartphone makers to hold online-only events to launch new phones. Major tech industry events like MWC 2020 and Google I/O 2020 have been canceled entirely due to the pandemic, while events like WWDC 2020 and Gamescom are now slated to be held online.A new report out of Korea claims Samsung too has now decided to unveil the Galaxy Note 20 series at an online event. Along with the Galaxy Note 20 series, the Galaxy Fold 2 is also rumored to debut at the same event.The online-only Unpacked event is expected be held sometime in August, although an exact date hasn't...

The amount of data used for first time installs climbed a whopping 34% compared to a year ago, and 52% on the three-year average.What you need to knowCOVID-19 has driven a massive surge in app downloads.According to Sensor Tower data, first time installs increased data usage by 34% compared to the same period last year.Over 596 million GB of data was used to download apps in Q1 2020. New data from Sensor Tower suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has driven a massive surge in first-time app downloads, as more people are staying at home and finding new ways to socialize and entertain themselves.According to the new report, a "sharp rise in consumer adoption of mobile apps during the global COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a significant increase in internet bandwidth consumption around the globe."Sensor Tower data reportedly reveals that the amount of data used to download the top 250 mobile apps globally increased by a whopping 34% in Q1 of 2020 when compared to the same pe...

I'm a bit of a digital neat freak, and I like to keep my apps organized so that I know how to find them. For me, the easiest way to do that is by making sure my phone's app drawer is organized alphabetically. Different Android OEMs approach app drawer organization in different ways, but almost all of them let you customize — at least, a little — to suit your preferences. I'll show you how quick and easy it is to organize the app drawer on your Samsung Galaxy phone so that all of your apps are listed alphabetically.How to alphabetize your Samsung Galaxy appFrom your home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the phone to open your app drawer.Tap on the three-button menu at the top right of the search field.Tap on Sort.Tap on Alphabetical order.That was so easy that you're probably kicking yourself right now that you didn't do this sooner (I know, I was)! If, at any point, you want to organize them a different way, just repeat this process and tap on Custom order. Then...

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is now down to $119.99 in refurbished condition at Woot for a limited time only. This deal takes almost $60 off the regular price for a refurb model, and over 50% off the cost of a brand new one, making this one of the best deals we've seen for it this year. Since the models on sale at Woot are certified refurbished, they have each been tested and internally certified by Amazon to ensure they look and work like new. They even come with a 1-year warranty.Ring's Video Doorbell Pro takes the place of your existing hardwired doorbell at home. It's equipped with a 1080p HD camera featuring infrared night vision that lets you view its video feed using an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and you'll be able to do so from anywhere in the world. It's also equipped with a microphone and built-in speaker that allows you to speak with any visitors that arrive at your door. There's an integrated motion sensor as well which can send an alert to your phone e...

There is no word on the price tag yet.What you need to knowSamsung has introduced a "rugged" version of the Galaxy S20 called the S20 Tactical Edition.In addition to a rugged case, the phone also comes with a few additional software features. Samsung says the Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition will be available in Q3 2020 through "select IT channel partners." Samsung has announced a new version of its flagship Galaxy S20 phone tailored for the U.S. army. It says the phone will provide warfighters "with the technology that will give them an edge in the field" and "an easy to manage and deploy mobile solution that works with a broad range of technologies" to federal program managers and executive officers.Unlike the "Active" versions of Samsung's past flagships, however, the S20 Tactical Edition isn't actually an all-new phone. It happens to be a standard Galaxy S20 equipped with a rugged case and software features customized for operators in the federal government and Department ...

It has been recommended to discontinue the '5G Evolution' and '5G Evolution, The First Step to 5G' claims by the NARB.What you need to knowThe National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has recommended that AT&T stop using the misleading "5G Evolution" term for its LTE network.AT&T will no longer advertise its upgraded LTE network as "5G Evolution." The "5GE" icon, however, will not disappear from Android smartphones on its network. For the last two years, AT&T has been receiving flak for its misleading "5G Evolution" branding. The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) has now recommended the carrier to discontinue using the branding for its upgraded LTE network.AT&T has announced that it will comply with the NARB's recommendation, but will continue to use the "5GE" service icon. Its reasoning is that the recommendation only applies to advertising, and therefore the service icon doesn't have to be changed.In a statement sent to Light Reading, AT&T s...

Xiaomi delivers its best phone yet, but MIUI gremlins from years past continue to plague the Mi 10 Pro.Xiaomi knows how to make a good phone; after all, it is the fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer in the world. But the brand owes its success to the entry-level and budget segments, where it is dominant. Xiaomi also makes flagships in the Mi and the Mi Mix lineups, with the Mi phones in particular aimed at the value flagship segment.Factor in devices like the POCO F1 and the Redmi K20, and Xiaomi's value offerings look very crowded. That's why the manufacturer branched out POCO and Redmi as standalone entities, and with those brands now catering to the budget as well as the mid-tier segments, it frees up the Mi moniker to focus exclusively on the high-end category.That's what it is doing with the Mi 10 Pro, its first "true" flagship. The Mi 10 Pro comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end phone in 2020, including the latest internal hardware, 108MP c...

The Pixel 4a's launch has been pushed back to July 13.What you need to knowThe Pixel 4a will be unveiled on July 13, according to a new leak by Jon Prosser.The phone will be available in Just Black and Barely Blue color options. As has been detailed several times, there will just be a regular Pixel 4a this year and no XL version. There's no 5G variant of the phone. We've seen a spate of Pixel 4a leaks over the course of the last week, including a full camera review. A new leak by Jon Prosser gives us more details on when the phone will be available.According to Prosser, the Pixel 4a will be unveiled on July 13, and the phone will be available in Just Black and Barely Blue color options. Live leaks of the phone showed off the Just Black color option, but we didn't see the Barely Blue variant yet. The leak also says there won't be a 5G variant of the phone. Interestingly, it looks like the launch has been pushed back twice, with the phone set to debut in May, and then June...

It'll be a while longer before you can prep the rockets.What you need to knowKerbal Space Program 2 was announced at Gamescom 2019.The game was originally scheduled to release in 2020.It has now been delayed to sometime in Fall 2021. Kerbal Space Program 2 was first announced back at Gamescom 2019, as part of the Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2019. Originally scheduled to release in 2020, it's being pushed back, as the development team announced today that more time is needed due to the ongoing pandemic. As a result, Kerbal Space Program 2 is now scheduled to release sometime in Fall 2021.You can read the full message from the developers below.Heads up Kerbonauts, we've a message from mission control for you.#KSP2 pic.twitter.com/aa1aTEloXG— Kerbal Space Program (@KerbalSpaceP) May 20, 2020Earlier this year, development of Kerbal Space Program 2 shifted from Star Theory to an unnamed internal Take-Two studio located in Seattle, Washington.Take-Two Interactive s...

Grand Theft Auto V selling well? Shocking, I know.What you need to knowTake-Two Interactive has posted its Q4 and end of year results.Multiple games reached new milestones, with Grand Theft Auto V selling over 130 million copies.Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 31 million copies. Borderlands 3 has sold over 10 million copies. Take-Two Interactive has posted its financial results for Q4 and the fiscal year as a whole. Total net bookings for the quarter reached $729, which is up 49% year-over-year. Total net bookings for the year reached $2.99 billion, up slightly from $2.93 billion the previous year.Multiple titles also crossed significant sales milestones. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Grand Theft Auto V has crossed 130 million copies sold, up from 120 million sold in the previous quarter. This places Grand Theft Auto V directly behind Mojang Studios' Minecraft, which recently crossed 200 million copies sold.Another Rockstar Games title, Red Dead Redemption 2, c...

Accessories can allow you to customize your gaming experience, giving you the right tools for various genres or just making it easier to interface with your console. You can certainly get by with just the PlayStation 4 out of the box, but if you're willing to spend a bit of money, this guide will provide you with ways to really unlock the system's potential.Back to basicDualShock 4 Soft TouchStaff pickSure, the PS4 comes right out of the box with at least one DualShock controller, but it's never a bad idea to have a backup. While you're at it, personalize it with one of seven different colors and opt for a grip that will be comfortable for long gaming sessions and stay easy to hold even when your hands get sweaty.$80 at AmazonClean SoundSteelSeries Arctis 7The kids or roommates are sound asleep, but you're in the mood to blast some baddies with a rocket launcher. The solution to your woes is a great set of headphones. With an Arctis 7 SteelSeries headset, yo...

Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best overallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$250 at Walmart$287 at Amazon$309 at CDW$320 at LenovoThe best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10-hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsWhile last year's C330 skimped on ports, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 (also known as the C340-11) f...

After having its season put on hold due to everything going on, Nascar is finally back (kinda). Tonight the cars will burn rubber around the track at Darlington Raceaway in the Toyota 500 without fans. The event is streaming on FS1, and whether you have cable or not you can easily tune in and watch it.This race comes just three days after the "Real Heros 400" that took place this past weekend at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. Tonight's race actually uses the finishing lineup from The Real Heros 400, but it inverts the lineup for the Top 20, and the bottom 20 will start in their finishing positions.What that means is that Ryan Preece will start in the number 1 spot for the night and Ty Dillon will take the second spot.Darlington Toyota 500: When & where?The Toyota 500 takes place tonight, Wednesday May 20 live at the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. The pre-race coverage starts at 5 p.m. Easter, and the actual race begins just an hour later.How to watch the D...

There's only one thing to do at a moment like this: strut!What you need to knowDisney+ is replacing its 16:9 versions of the first 19 seasons of The Simpsons with the original 4:3 content.The streaming service landed exclusive rights to the show last fall.Many of The Simpsons' details and punchlines were cut off with the lost vertical space in the converted widescreen episodes.The Simpsons is one of the longest-running shows of all time, and as such, it was a valuable addition to the Disney+ lineup when it landed exclusivity last fall. There was just one problem: all of the older episodes had been cropped and converted to 16:9.For the first 19 seasons, The Simpsons was aired in 4:3. Cropping the show to a widescreen format cut off important details that were key to many of the show's jokes, frustrating familiar viewers.WOO HOO! We love a prediction for #TheSimpsons, especially coming from @AlJean himself in 2015. Episodes in original 4:3 aspect ratio are coming to #Disn...

New Show in TownEcho Show 8$100 at AmazonProsThe Goldilocks of Echo Show devicesDisable camera and mics with one switch/coverSignificantly cheaper than larger Echo Show (2nd Gen)Uses "Certified with Humans"ConsCan't adjust viewing angles without a standNo Dolby processing built-inFast on the heels of the popular Echo Show 5, the Echo Show 8 fits right in the middle of this expanding product line. It brings a higher resolution screen than the Echo Show 5 and welcomes more media integrations like an exclusive partnership with the Food Network.Show Me MoreEcho Show (2nd Gen)$230 at AmazonProsStunning displayAvailable with a free Echo Flex and smart bulbDolby processing built-inZigbee smart hub built-inConsMost expensive Echo deviceNo physical camera coverMight be too big for someWith its softened corners and fabric covering, the Echo Show (2nd Gen) marked a major design shift for the Echo line. Its large HD display and Alexa integ...

You wanted it, you're going to get it. Next year. On a premium network.The rumors were true. An actual, honest-to-go Justice League Snyder Cut will actually see the light of day. Zack Snyder — director of the original Man of Steel and who first helmed Justice League before having to hand off post-production due to the death of his daughter — confirmed as much today in the middle of a live commentary he was doing with Henry Cavill.And you'll be able to watch it some time in 2021, on HBO Max."I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality," Snyder said in a press release. View this post on Instagram Just had a little chat with Zack Snyder after a man of steel watch party. Ladies and Gents, it finally happened. The Snyder cut will be out next year! Now, I know the...