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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.While some TPG readers are considering booking trips down the line — in some cases, even this summer — many continue to stay close to home, with outings limited to restaurant pick-ups and unavoidable grocery store runs. All the while, credit card annual fees become due, leaving customers to question whether or not it makes sense to continue paying them, especially for premium perks they can't use.Earlier this month, American Express added a slew of limited-time benefits aimed at making the issuer's lineup more appealing for would-be travelers currently stuck at home. These included very generous statement credit options available with certain cards, including The Hilton Honors American Express A...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closed captions are great for those who need them to enjoy what's on the television. Captions you can adjust to meet your needs are even better.It's easy to talk about accessibility. Actually following through is where it counts. And to that end, there's a surprising feature tucked inside the HBO Max app on Android TV.Head on to the top and enter into your profile section, and you'll see a section called "Closed Captioning." Scroll on over to it and you're greeted with a bunch of options for changing how captions look. And we're not just talking about size here. We're talking fonts. We're talking colors. We're talking backgrounds and opacity. We're talking about style. So if you want drop shadows on your captions, you can have them. If you want full opacity, it's yours. If you want the window to be green and the text red, have at it. If you want to read things in a script font instead of something more socially acceptable, the world's your oyster.And you'll get an example of ...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.In the midst of the uncertainty caused by the novel coronavirus, Chase appears to want to keep its customers loyal by lowering the annual fee on one of its most popular cards.In April, Chase announced that Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders with an annual fee renewing through July 1 would receive a $100 statement credit towards their annual fee.Today, Chase updated that policy, announcing that any Sapphire Reserve renewal between July 1 through the end of 2020 will process at $450. Those with renewal dates between April 1 and July 1 will still see a $100 statement credit, which hasn't changed. Note that this doesn't apply to new sign-ups – only renewals.This news comes amid Chase launching a...

Let's chat with the AC forums.If you're in the market for an Android handset but don't have a lot of cash to spend, picking up an older flagship can be a great way to get quality features and specs while staying on a budget. For example, if you're eyeing the Galaxy S20 but can't stomach its $1000 price tag, you may be better off considering the S10 or S9.Recently, someone in our AC forums asked if it was still worth picking up the Pixel 2 XL here in 2020. Here's how our other members responded: Morty2264 05-27-2020 01:52 PM “ I still think the Google Pixel 2 line is a great deal today. What is the price? If you can get the 2 XL at a bargain, go for it! Keep us posted on what happens! Reply SactoKingsFan 05-28-2020 01:18 AM “ Wouldn't get the 2xl unless it was dirt cheap. It's about to be 3 ye...

OnePlus will re-enable the Photochrome filter after it tweaks the feature to fix the "x-ray camera" problem.What you need to knowOnePlus is rolling out a new OxygenOS update to disable the color filter camera on the OnePlus 8 Pro.The company had previously claimed that the camera would be disabled only on HydrogenOS.OnePlus is expected to re-enable the color filter camera within the next few weeks.OnePlus disabled the color filter camera on the OnePlus 8 Pro on HydrogenOS for users in China earlier this month, after it was discovered that the camera could "see through" thin layers of plastic and clothing. The company recently clarified that it had no plans of disabling the camera on OxygenOS and that it would instead roll out an update for the global versions of the OnePlus 8 Pro to "offer the Photochrome filter while limiting other functionality that may be of concern."Surprisingly, however, the company has now started pushing a new OxygenOS 10.5.9 update (via 9to5Goog...

The Vantrue N2 Pro 1080p dual dash cam is down to $142.99 as part of Newegg's Shell Shocker deals. These are temporary deals and new ones get released every day, so expect this price to not last long. The same dash cam goes for $200 at other retailers including Amazon. We have seen it go lower in the past but not since last year, so if you're looking for a really strong dash cam right now (and everyone should have one because you never know what's going to happen the next time you drive), then this is the best price on a great model.This is a dual dash cam capable of capturing both the road ahead of you and the inside of your car. The front-facing camera can record in 1440p at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60 fps. Other features include a 170-degree wide angle lens, night vision, motion detection, and a Time Lapse function that lets you control changes over a long period of time. The front-facing camera has a unique HDR video system that helps balance the light and dark areas. T...

Having the OnePlus 8 in Amazon's Alexa Built-in phone program is a win-win-win for both companies and their customers.We've covered the new OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro phones rather extensively here at Android Central, and for the most part, we've all loved them. Aside from the prices creeping up in pace with the industry (though still well-below their direct competitors), these phones are arguably the best OnePlus has ever produced. They also deliver features that we as fans have been asking for for years, such as wireless charging, official IP water and dust certification, and some of the best displays in the industry. And yet I feel like one of the most important features of the phone has flown under the radar a bit (it was even glossed over during the company's online launch in April), and that is its tie-ins with Amazon.For the first time ever, OnePlus has partnered with Amazon to offer its unlocked phones for sale on the website. Additionally, the phones will be part of Amazon's Al...

The Echo Look will completely stop functioning on July 24 because Amazon is ending its support for the device. That's sort of a big deal if you ever bought one, and an even bigger deal if you still actively use it. However, there is some good news. It seems that Amazon is sending out emails to some customers trying to make good on the situation. If you've bought an Echo Look in the past, you can add the Echo Show 5 to your cart and use the code ECHOLOOK20 to essentially replace the Look with the Show 5 for free. The code needs to be used by Sept. 24.This is completely a "Your Miles May Vary" type of deal. We do not know if you have to get that email for the code to work. We do not know if this applies to everyone who bought an Echo Look or just a few people. If you've never bought the Echo Look, it definitely won't work for you. And it may be that if you did buy the Echo Look, but you haven't received that email yet and the code doesn't work for you, it may work for you in the futu...

An excellent value that comes with a big catch.When's the last time you thought about buying an Android tablet? If you're like me, it's probably been a hot minute. The market for Android tablets used to be ripe with competition, with plentiful choice available whether you wanted something cheap, ultra-powerful, or just plain weird (I'm looking at you, Sony Tablet P).In 2020, Android tablets just aren't what they used to be. The market is mostly kept alive by the likes of Samsung, Lenovo, and Amazon, with most other companies abandoning the form factor to focus on other projects. Hell, even Google apparently gave up on tablets last year.One of the newest Android tablets on the block is the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, which is a stripped-down version of the Tab S6 from last year — which we hailed as the best Android tablet ever. The Tab S6 Lite does a lot of things right, but a few notable pitfalls and a dangerously close price to the baseline iPad means it's far from the insta-buy ter...

Google and Apple have both offered tools to help you digitally detox from your phone for a few years now in Android and iOS, and other Android OEMs have taken a stab at the idea as well. One of our favorite approaches is Zen Mode by OnePlus. Whenever you feel like you need a break from your phone and all the distractions therein, you can enable Zen Mode to block notifications, restrict access to almost all of your apps, and give you a virtual pat on the back once your downtime is up. I'll show you how to enable Zen Mode and help you get on your way towards a healthier relationship with your phone.How to use Zen Mode on your OnePlus phoneSwipe down to access the quick settings panel.Swipe over to the second screen.Tap on Zen Mode. You can also access Zen Mode by swiping right from the home screen to access the OnePlus shelf on phones prior to the OnePlus 8 series.From the Zen Mode screen, you can select a time limit for your digital detox, from 20 minutes up to an hour.B...

All three models come with a dedicated Google Assistant button.What you need to knowHMD Global has launched three new Android phones in the U.S. with Cricket Wireless: Nokia C2 Tava, Nokia C5 Endi, and Nokia C2 Tennen.The three phones will be available to purchase from Cricket Wireless starting May 29.Nokia C2 Tennen, which is the most affordable of the trio, is priced at just $70.HMD Global has expanded its U.S. carrier portfolio with the launch of three affordable new Android phones: Nokia C2 Tava, Nokia C5 Endi, and Nokia C2 Tennen. All three phones run Android 10 out of the box.The Nokia C5 Endi comes with a 6.5-inch HD+ display featuring a waterdrop notch housing an 8MP selfie camera. It runs on a MediaTek Helio P22 octa-core chipset, paired with 3GB of RAM and 64GB storage. On the back of the phone is a triple-camera setup featuring a 13MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide-angle shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor. It also offers a 4,000mAh battery and comes with a dedicate...

Space Force has landed at Netflix. 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 today 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 anywhere else...

Best answer: Yes, antivirus on Android can provide an extra layer of security for your phone, especially if your phone doesn't get frequent security updates.Scan apps and websites: Kaspersky Internet Security ($12 per year at Kaspersky)Antivirus with smart watch controls: Bitdefender Mobile Secuirty ($15 per year at Bitdefender)Risky apps and websitesMany people have used their Android phones with no security problems with no additional security software for years. While many will be able to continue this trend, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you are a less tech-savvy user or often help one.The first thing is that Android is a bigger target than ever thanks to people moving much of their personal information to their mobile devices. Besides that, phishing scams are more clever than ever and can disguise themselves as notifications of or communications like texts, emails, or even just calls.The second thing is how often your phone gets updated. Andr...

The PlayStation 4 always has new and exciting titles coming out every month. We've found all of the best for you to check out and listed the rest at the bottom of the page. Here are all the games releasing in June 2020!★ Featured favorite - June 19The Last of Us Part IIStaff pickWhen The Last of Us released in 2013, it immediately catapulted itself into the conversation for one of the best video games ever made. Now, it's highly anticipated sequel is ready to come out, and continue the story of Ellie and Joel as they try to survive in a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangers at every turn.$60 at PlayStationJune 16DisintegrationDisintegration is a brand new, action-oriented first-person shooter, where players will take on the role of Romer Shoal and lead a small resistance force in an effort to save what is left of humanity. Issue commands to your allies, salvage parts and upgrade along the way, and also dive into a multiplayer mode that sees players ...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The games PlayStation is offering this month include two major titles. Check out the list below, start downloading these games on May 5th. Enjoy the price of -free- until July 6, 2020.★ Soar through the galaxyStar Wars Battlefront IIStar Wars Battlefront II has pretty much everything a fan of the franchise could want. Not only is there a new campaign for players to dive into, but there's also online co-op, a ton of online modes, and a bevy of unlockable items that will keep you playing throughout one of the most comprehensive Star Wars games ever made.See at PlayStation Store★ Blast from the pastCall of Duty: WWIICall of Duty: WWII aims to bring players back to what first started the blockbuster franchise that is Call of Duty. Play through the role of a frontline soldier in the campaign, or jump into the multiplayer mode to battle it out against ot...

The update also adds the Epic Games store to OnePlus' Game Space for users in India.What you need to knowOnePlus has started rolling out a new stable OxygenOS update for the OnePlus 6 series.It brings the May 2020 Android security patch, a few bug fixes, and improved system stability. For users in India, the update adds a new Work-Life Balance feature and access to some Epic Games titles from within Game Space. Earlier this week, OnePlus began rolling out new stable OxygenOS updates for the OnePlus 7 and 7T series phones. The company has now started pushing a new OxygenOS update for the OnePlus 6 and 6T phones as well.The new OxygenOS 10.3.4 update for the OnePlus 6 and 6T brings the May 2020 Android security patch to the two phones, along with an updated 4.1.6 launcher version. OnePlus claims the update also fixes the issue with default country in assisted dialing when roaming for users using dual SIM cards.While the update doesn't include any new features, it adds a n...

Unlike the Pixel 4a, the canceled 4a XL would have featured two rear cameras.What you need to knowNew renders showing what the Google Pixel 4a XL would have looked like have surfaced.The renders reveal a hole-punch display and a dual-camera setup on the back. Google is expected to unveil the Pixel 4a on July 13. Unlike the Pixel 3a series, Google's upcoming Pixel 4a series is expected to be available in just a single size. The bigger Pixel 4a XL is said to have been canceled, so a successor to the Pixel 3a XL will not arrive this year. Despite the fact that the phone has been canceled, a replacement back cover for the Pixel 4a XL had leaked online last month, revealing a slightly different design compared to the Pixel 4a. Tech accessories store Pigtou has now teamed up with leaker @xleaks7 to publish renders showing the canceled the phone from nearly every angle. Unsurprisingly, the renders show the Pixel 4a XL would have looked fairly similar to the Pixel 4a. The p...

Come for the value, stay for the blistering performance and four years of software updates.You wouldn't normally associate Apple with value, but that's exactly what the brand is delivering with the iPhone SE 2020. The phone features the A13 Bionic — the same chipset powering the iPhone 11 series — and it has an array of exciting features, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, IP67 rating, and even wireless charging.The best part? The iPhone SE starts off at just $399. That is incredible when you look at just what you're getting here, and Apple is clearly targeting mid-range Android devices with its latest offering. The mid-range segment has seen a lot of growth in the last three years, with the current slate of devices featuring robust hardware, large displays, and multi-day battery life.The iPhone SE bucks this trend. The phone itself retains the same chassis as the iPhone 8, and that means you get a compact 4.7-inch display with large bezels, making it ideal for one-handed us...