Latest from Android Central

Minis never really caught on like Bitmoji or Memoji, Google is getting rid of them.What you need to knowGoogle prepares to kill Minis from the Gboard app.Minis were a personalized emoji feature for Gboard, akin to the popular Bitmoji or Apple's Memoji.Gboard was updated earlier this year to include an emoji kitchen feature.Google is set to kill off Minis, a feature of the Gboard app that debuted a couple of years ago. While no official announcement has been made, an APK teardown of a recent Gboard beta by XDA sees the new string "Note: Minis will go away soon" added to the code.Minis were somewhat of an overlooked feature that never had the cultural appeal of Apple's Memoji. Gboard's Bitmoji integration also meant that it was easier for users to make use of the more standard personalized emoji than whatever Google was cooking up.Awkwardly seguing off the word cooking, Google's new emoji kitchen seems like a suitable replacement for Minis. It's not quite as personalized ...

Android 11 comes with a brand-new power button menu with easier access to smart home device control.Google has rolled out the first public beta of Android 11 for the Pixels, and one of the more interesting changes is around the power button menu. Android 11 has a redesigned power button menu with the "Power off," "Restart," and "Emergency" buttons moved to the top of the screen.But the big change includes the tiles that take up most of the screen. These tiles let you easily control smart home devices in your home, and they give you a quick visual indicator on the status of various IoT devices. If you've left the lights on in the garage, for instance, you'll be able to see it from here and quickly turn them off.A short press on a tile will toggle a device on or off, and a long press will pull up additional options. For instance, long pressing on a smart light will let you change the brightness or color straight from the menu, without having to dive into the Google Home app. I di...

Android 11 introduces a fun new way to chat with your friends and family.The first public beta of Android 11 is here, and we've rounded up all the new features. Things don't look very different from Android 10 in terms of the broad visual aesthetic, but Google made a few welcome changes to notification management.The goal with Android 11 is to prioritise ongoing conversations, and to that effect you'll now see a dedicated conversation category at the top of the notification shade. The best part is that the conversation notifications aren't limited to Android Messages but also work with WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and other messaging apps. The feature works with one-on-one chats as well as group texts.There are a few additional options: you can set the priority of the incoming notification with a long-press, with the ability to choose from Priority, Alerting, and Silent. And if you don't want a particular conversation to show up in the dedicated section up top, you c...

Oculus Quest is Facebook's last piece of hardware in its first generation of VR devices. It has six degrees of freedom, movement tracking so you can game throughout an area and two Touch Controllers, which facilitate a wide range of gameplay. The Oculus Quest now has over 100 games available, ranging from first-person shooters to musical saber swinging titles. We marked the latest titles with "new," and at the top of the list, so you can keep track of all the latest games.New titlesAvailable nowSupported Oculus Go gamesConfirmed future titlesTeased future titlesNewStrike!Premium BowlingNewThis bowling title aims to deliver realistic bowling physics in VR. It features multiple oil patterns, oil that wears out, and variations in lane conditions from day to day.$20 at Oculus StoreBattle in darknessGloomy EyesNewAfter the sun went dark, zombies rose from their graves. While humans and zombies clash, a human girl and a zombie boy fall in love in this ...

The Father's Day deals are already flowing, and now Tello is joining in the mix with a pretty great offer. The MVNO carrier is offering those who switch between now and June 22 the first month of service for just $14. That's right, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data for just $14 for the first month, and then it goes up to $39 per month for unlimited everything after that each month.Tello Father's Day Promo$14 at TelloFor a limited time only, you can switch to Tello and get your first month of service for just $14.This offer is only valid for new customers, but it doesn't lock you into any conctract and there are no hidden extra fees with it. You can bring your own compatible phone if you want, or pick up something new, depending on your personal preference.If after the first month you decide that unlimited data is too much for you, or you don't need unlimited talk, you can fully customize your plan to something that works better. With 1GB of data each month and ...

Could it really be possible that the best free VPN is the best VPN choice for you? It sure can! By now you've likely heard the phrase Virtual Private Network or VPN, but you may not have already signed up and started using one. A VPN can add an extra layer of security to your phone, tablet, PC, and even gaming console. They've become increasingly popular over the past few years, and for good reason.Best Free VPNsHotspot Shield: Top pick for 2020ProtonVPN: Unlimited bandwithTunnelBear: User friendlyWindscribe: Earn extra free dataHide.me: No data logs at allSpeedify: Did we mention fast?SurfEasy: Built in to OperaIt's hard to live these days without entering some type of sensitive data online. Be it your banking details, passwords, social security number, or just a home address, you probably don't realize how much personal data you use online daily. Unfortunately public Wi-Fi confections, like the ones at airports, Starbucks, etc are not protected, and someone with bad...

Even if you aren't a developer, this is still pretty cool.What you need to knowGoogle is updating Android Studio with new tools for app development on different display typesA freeform testing environment makes it possible to test Chrome OS compatibility without a Chromebook.A foldable emulator is being worked on, allowing devs to see how their app will look on a folding phone in real-time.Alongside the release of the Android 11 Beta, Google published a bunch of developer-focused videos to talk about what's new for all things in the world of Android development. One of the videos is titled "Screens - large, small and foldable," and it's meant to bring developers up to speed on the growing market of folding phones and how to adapt their apps for them.Much of the video is focused on going over best practices for adapting app layouts for larger and smaller display sizes, but there are a couple of exciting tidbits worth sharing.Firstly, the Android Studio is getting a n...

Whether you're off to a wet and wonderful vacation in some tropical locale or just want to go swimming in a pool, a waterproof pouch is an easy way to protect your phone from electronics' biggest enemy: water. IPX8 cases are widely prevalent and come in many styles, colors, and sizes to accommodate phones both big and small. Since they're usually big enough for a driver's license and some cash, too, they quickly go from unitasker to waterproof mini-purse. Whatever you're looking for in a waterproof pouch, you can probably find it in one of these.Float to the topMpow Floating IPX8 Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-pack)Staff pickThese Mpow pouches are floaters! While not ideal for divers or snorkelers, floating dry bags like these are great for a weekend of fishing or boating. They make sure your phone doesn't sink to the bottom of the river/lake/ocean but stays afloat and is easily retrievable should it go overboard. I use one and you can easily type on your phone while it's hous...

The newest version of Android is finally here.It's been delayed again and again, but the Android 11 Beta is finally here, and it's available now for your Pixel phones. Unlike the four developer previews, installing the Android 11 Beta is relatively easy — it just takes a visit to Google's Android beta portal and toggling it on for your particular phone.But that doesn't mean you should necessarily do it — the beta is still unfinished and may have showstopping bugs, or some of your favorite apps may not work. If you're worried about that, but still want some of that Android 11 hotness, I'd skip the first beta and wait a few weeks until the second or third one is released.How to download and install the Android 11 BetaInstalling using the Android Beta programInstalling using the Android Flash ToolInstalling using the Android Factory ImagesWhat comes next with Android 11?Which phones can download the Android 11 Beta?There are eight phones from Google currently gett...

Microsoft continues to make it easier to control your smartphone from your Windows 10 PC.What you need to knowControlling your smartphone's audio with the Your Phone app on Windows 10 is now generally available.The feature works with Android devices running Android 7.0 and PCs running the Windows 10 October 2018 Update or later.You can switch between multiple sources of audio in the Windows 10 app's dropdown player.Microsoft's Your Phone app for Windows 10 can now control media, including songs and other audio files, on your smartphone. The feature initially rolled out in preview in April but is now generally available. Microsoft announced the general availability of the feature alongside Windows 10 Insider preview build 19645.With the feature, you can control most audio or music apps that support media controls in Android's notification center. You can switch between multiple sources using the dropdown menu and see the track currently being played in the Your Phone app. ...

These are the phones that can run the Android 11 Beta.Google announced the first public beta of Android 11, and for now, the program is limited to the Pixels. Google opened up the beta program to 12 third-party OEMs last year, but you'll have to wait a little longer to try out the upcoming version of Android if you're not using a Pixel.It is likely the program will include the likes of OnePlus, Nokia, Xiaomi, Realme, LG, and Vivo but for now these are the phones that are eligible for the Android 11 Beta:Google Pixel 2Google Pixel 2 XLGoogle Pixel 3Google Pixel 3 XLGoogle Pixel 3aGoogle Pixel 3a XLGoogle Pixel 4Google Pixel 4 XL Basically, all Pixels aside from the first-gen Pixel and Pixel XL can run the Android 11 Beta. If you have an eligible device, just head to the Android 11 page and enroll your device. Alternatively, you can use the Android Flash Tool to manually flash the bet build to your Pixel.I'll update the list once we know more about availability on th...

Get the lowdown on what's new and changed.After months of patiently waiting, Google finally released the first build of the Android 11 Beta on June 10. The public beta follows four previous developer previews, each of which were intended exclusively for use by developers.The launch of the public beta indicates that Android 11 is now stable enough to be used by anyone that's interested, and if you happen to go ahead and download it on your phone, there's a lot for you to check out.Whether you're interested in the hallmark features Google's talking about or the smaller changes that may go unnoticed, we've rounded up everything that's new in the Android 11 Beta that you should check out. There's a lot to talk about, so without further ado, let's dive right in.Conversation notificationsChat bubblesScreen recorderPower button UIOn-device Voice AccessNew media controlsOne-time permissionsAuto-reset permissionsWireless debuggingNew conversation tab in notification tray...

Google's cranking Android up to 11.Last year's Android 10 update was a big shift for the operating system. Not only did we get the long-awaited dark mode and important changes to app permissions, Android 10 also marked Google's departure from dessert names and ushered in a new Android logo/brand.Android 10 was a year of growth and maturity for the operating system, and those same principles are being carried over to Android 11. We're still a few months out from the final build being available for everyone, but with a developer preview now out in the wild, we have a good idea of where Google wants to take Android in 2020.Ready to learn all about what Android 11 is packing? Here's everything you need to know!The public beta is outTons of messaging improvementsPermissions keep getting betterWe have a built-in screen recorderAdapting Android to different displays5G is a big focusYou can download it right nowThe final build is coming in Q3The Pixel 4 is first-in-line fo...

Android 11 is now one OTA update away.What you need to knowAs of June 10, you can now download the Android 11 Beta on your Pixel phone.The beta adds chat bubbles, easier access to smart home controls, and revamped permissions.Google's also pushing a "Modern Android Development" initiative with new developer tools.To say that 2020 has been a rough year would be the understatement of the century. Various events have uprooted just about every sector on the planet, including the consumer tech space. After canceling Google I/O and then the virtual Android Beta Launch Show that was scheduled for June 3, Google has now quietly dropped the Android 11 public beta with very little fanfare.Starting today, June 10, you can head to the Android Beta Program website, enroll your Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, or Pixel 4 into it, and download Android 11 to start playing with it right now. A lot of what you'll find in the beta are things we've been talking about with the various developer pr...

Coming to CA and CO today, and nationwide July 15!What you need to knowThere's a brand new way to compete in Strava.Local Legends is a new feature that measures the number of efforts a person makes on a segment.Regularity and persistence are the keys to staying on top! Strava is today announcing a brand feature called Local Legends, which measures consistency and commitment to a segment, rather than speed.The feature is "a new, inclusive way for Strava Summit subscribers to compete on local segments", focusing on "consistency and commitment", rather than an athlete's speed. To become a Local Legend, you need to record the most number of efforts on a segment over the course of a 90-day rolling period. So rather than being rewarded for the fastest time, you'll be rewarded for cycling or running the same route regularly. The Local Legend for a particular segment gets a "Laurel Crown" reward and will remain the Local Legend until someone else records more segment efforts....

It's 2020, and flagship smartphones are all nearly a thousand dollars or more. But as high-end phones get more expensive, cheaper phones are getting better. Phones under $300 are beautifully designed, with great screens, super-long battery life, excellent cameras, and awesome speakers. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you.Best Overall: Moto G PowerYear after year, Motorola stands out as one of the best companies to watch for delivering good, cheap Android phones. 2020 saw the release of the Moto G Power, and if you're in the market for an affordable smartphone, it's hard to do much better than this.The Power name is a reference to the phone's best feature — battery life. With a 5,000 mAh battery crammed inside, you can easily get two or three days of use on a single charge. In a world where it's the norm to throw your phone on the charger every single night, being able...

The Galaxy Watch 3 is also set to make a debut alongside the Buds.What you need to knowSamsung's bean-shaped earbuds are reportedly being branded the Galaxy Buds Live.A new report says they're set to make their debut in July. They will be launched alongside the upcoming Galaxy Watch 3.As we head towards the summer, it's time for Samsung to announce and launch its products for the rest of the year. While we expect the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, Galaxy Fold sequel, and Note 20, Samsung is also launching a couple of low-key accessories as well. According to a report from Sammobile, the company is set to debut its ban-shaped Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Watch 3 next month in July, although both devices will officially go on sale in August alongside the launch for he former flagship devices.As a refresher, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the upcoming sequel to be Galaxy Watch. Samsung is presumably skipping over the Watch 2 branding as it's already sold a Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 ...

Get ready for another exciting trip to Tamriel.Ever since Skyrim's launch in 2011, Elder Scrolls fans have been clamoring for a new game to sink their teeth into. It's fair for them to do so, with us having yet to receive a mainline Elder Scrolls game on a next-generation console. And no, The Elder Scrolls Online — despite its wholesome charm and awesomeness — simply doesn't count.Luckily, at E3, Bethesda finally broke radio silence on The Elder Scrolls 6. Here's everything you need to know.What is The Elder Scrolls 6?The Elder Scrolls 6 would be, you guessed it, the sixth mainline game in the Elder Scrolls universe. For the uninitiated, Elder Scrolls games tend to be open-world RPGs that feature the classic Bethesda formula: critical decision making, rich and deep lore, massive breathtaking open worlds, memorable characters, and some of the most fun sidequests you'll find.Elder Scrolls followed this formula even in the earliest days when technology wasn't fully sup...

Google knows you. It saves your browser histories, keeps tabs on your YouTube preferences, and if you have a mobile device, Google is able to ping it. Chrome sends this information to its partners who then reach out to you with targeted ads. Couple that with the anticipation that soon Chrome will no longer support popup blockers and other privacy extensions to stop this much tracking and it may be time to part ways with this browser. Here are a few alternatives to Chrome to try out.Most customizableVivaldiStaff pickVivaldi has a similar feel as Google Chrome because it uses the same Chromium base code. It imports your settings, histories, and bookmarked pages from your Chrome account so you don't have to manually enter everything in. It's the most customizable web browser, down to the position and look of the browser tabs, and offers a bit more security than Chrome. Google Drive is still accessible from this browser and most Chrome extensions also work with Vivaldi.Free...

It's no secret that camera quality is near the top of the list when it comes to requirements for a smartphone. And that's the case no matter how much you're spending. Thankfully there are plenty of phones out there that offer solid camera experiences without breaking the bank. The best of the best is the Google Pixel 3a. It gives you flagship camera quality, front and back, for a fraction of the cost — and stands out particularly well at night and for selfies.Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a has almost a perfect copy of the much more expensive Pixel 3's camera, and that's a great thing for everyone. The Pixel 3a's rear camera is super-capable in any lighting and is particularly great in low light thanks to the Night Sight shooting mode. Flip over to the front camera, and you get crystal-clear selfies with a good field of view, auto focus and a good portrait mode.The rest of the phone rounds out well, too. You get Google's clean and always up-to-date take on softwar...

Customization and accessibility features are set to land in Chrome OS over the coming months.What you need to knowChrome OS is set to get an ambient mode as Google adds weather and clock support to new builds of the operating system.Google is also working on customizable cursor colors which will see Chromebooks gain a green cursor option before a white one.Both features are being tested in Chrome OS 85.Google is working on an ambient mode for Chrome OS devices that would let them work a lot more like Nest Hubs when not in use. The feature first spotted in early canary builds of Chrome OS but has been expanded with new weather and clock options (via Android Police) as it prepares to go live for users testing developer builds of the operating system.Ambient mode here, as it does like on Android tablets and phones, lets the operating system turn an idle display (like the spacious one of the Pixelbook Go) into a smart photo frame using Google Photos or Google's own art galler...

Way back in the day, I used to do my own highlights at home with a friend or family member pulling my strands of hair through a cap, adding the color, then removing the cap to reveal a fresh, newly highlighted head of hair. There are lots of kits you can use at home, but the L'Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair Highlights is a great one that will suit both long and short hair and provide professional-looking highlights.Best Overall: L'Oreal Paris Frost and Design Cap Hair HighlightsWhile this kit is designed for long hair that goes beyond your shoulders, it also means that with an additional cap, you would have enough color to add highlights to multiple short-haired persons, making it a full family affair or a fun day at home with the roommates.The no-mess application includes the non-drip formula, mixing tray, gloves, and cap. Available in champagne or caramel color, it includes a toning rinse to finish off the job and keep your newly highlighted hair looking shiny versus b...

Explore, craft, build, scan and mine across the stars with all your friends.What you need to knowNo Man's Sky first released in 2016 on PS4 and PC.Since then, it's come to Xbox One and has received numerous content updates.No Man's Sky is getting cross-play across all platforms starting tomorrow.Developed by Hello Games, No Man's Sky released back in 2016 and since then, there's been several major updates adding new features and things for players to do in the vastness of the open universe.Today, Hello Games co-founder Sean Murray shared the news that No Man's Sky is getting cross-play support. This means players on all platforms can team up and build or fight together across the vastness of space.The update allowing cross-play is set to be available sometime tomorrow. No features will be held back, so you're free to do everything you normally do — except now, there won't be any platform restrictions.Into the heavensNo Man's Sky$30 at AmazonTake flightNo...

What you need to knowLG is reportedly developing a 4G variant of its mid-range Velvet phone with a Snapdragon 845 processor.The 4G LG Velvet is tipped to be 20% cheaper than the 5G-enabled variant. LG is expected to launch the 4G variant of the Velvet in the Middle East and South America. LG took the wraps off the Velvet last month, the first smartphone to feature its new minimalistic design language. While the LG Velvet isn't a flagship-grade product like the V60 ThinQ, it does come with 5G connectivity and supports the company's Dual Screen accessory. Now, a new leak suggests LG is planning to launch a 4G variant of the premium mid-range phone with a two-year-old chipset and a lower price tag.According to Iranian tech site Toranji.ir, the 4G variant of the LG Velvet will be powered by a Snapdragon 845, the same chipset that is used in the LG G7. While it lacks 5G support, the Snapdragon 845 offers similar CPU performance as the Snapdragon 765 under the hood of the LG Velv...

OnePlus introduced a native screen recording option in OxygenOS 9.5 last year. The feature is available out of the box on the OnePlus 8, and there's a lot you can do with the built-in screen recorder. Here's what you need to know about the feature, and how you can get started.How to enable the screen recorder on the OnePlus 8Android 10 doesn't have a built-in screen recording option, but OnePlus added the feature to OxygenOS last year. And like everything else in OxygenOS, you get a ton of customization options that let you fine-tune the recording settings.The screen recorder isn't highlighted out of the box (it's tucked away in the quick settings tiles), so it is possible you may have missed seeing the feature. Here's how to enable the built-in screen recorder on your OnePlus 8:Pull down the notification shade. Pull down once again to reveal all the tiles. Select the Edit icon.Swipe left to go to the next page. Press and hold on the Screen Recorder tile and drag it to...

Now that we're in 2020, you should really consider picking up a smart robot vacuum. They've been around for a few years at this point and while they have been pretty expensive in the past, there are a bunch of affordable options out there now that are pretty fantastic. One such option is the Eufy RoboVac 30C Max.This model regularly sells for around $300 at Amazon, but today only you can pick one up for just $209.99. This is one of its best direct price drops to date, though it won't stick around for long.Though there are tons of robot vaccum cleaners to choose from these days, this particular model features the strongest suction of any model Eufy has released yet. It operates quietly and the slim design won't take up much space. You can control the vacuum with a free app on your smartphone or by using it in conjunction with a smart home helper like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Use the app or your voice to schedule routines, start a cleaning spree, find your robot pal, and m...

When the ESA is away, the publishers will play.Update: June 5, 2020 Updated with a dedicated section for past events, as well as the latest news.E3 2020 was cancelled but that isn't stopping various parts of the gaming industry from rallying together and figuring out new events. Of particular note is Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest, which is acting as a wider umbrella for several different announcements. There's already been a couple of game events so far this year, but we're looking ahead to the future. Naturally, we'll also be updating this list as more events and showcases are announced.IGN Summer of Gaming — June 8 to June 24IGN is holding its own event called Summer of Gaming, which has plentiful reveals, gameplay and developer interviews. This event kicks off on June 8.The Escapist Indie Showcase — June 11On June 11, The Escapist is presenting over 70 indie games, including new reveals and developer interviews.PS5: The Future of Gaming — June 11, 4:00 p.m....

The app was supposed to be ready by mid-May, and was meant to be a "key part" of the UK's response.What you need to knowMatt Hancock says the NHS contact tracing app will be launched "when the time is right".The app has been delayed from mid-May, and is still on trial in the Isle of Wight. That trial was only supposed to last three weeks, and the app is supposed to be a key part of the UK response. Matt Hancock has told The Telegraph that the NHS will launch its contact tracing app "when the time is right", even though that was weeks ago.A new report today states: Hancock told The Telegraph on Wednesday that "the app is progressing but we'll launch it when the time is right". He added that the app is the "cherry on the cake" of the government track and trace system, and very much complementary to human contact tracing efforts.As the report notes, the app was rolled out for trial on May 4 on the Isle of Wight, a test run that was supposed to last three weeks. The tr...

With everything going on in the world, sometimes it's nice to be able to just dive into a book and get lost for a little. As the weather gets nicer, people will be spending more time outside, and that's when a Kindle comes in handy. Right now, you can pick up the 8th-gen ereader in refurb condition for just $41.99 when you use coupon code THRIFKINDLE during checkout. Normally, Daily Steals sells this for $54.99, so our code will save you $13 extra.The 8th-gen model features a nice 6-inch display, but does not have a backlight. There's no glare when using it outside like you'll experience when reading on your phone or iPad, and you can get away with charging it just once a month. It can hold tons of books, so you don't need to worry about finishing one and having nothing else to read.Daily Steals offers a 30-day warranty with the purchase, and you can also add an extended warranty for the Kindle during the purchase process if you want to. Grab one of these now, before the discount...

OnePlus strives to offer flagship-level devices at more affordable prices than manufacturers like Samsung or Apple, and the OnePlus 6T is an excellent example. This powerful smartphone normally sits just under $550 in price while retaining many of the same features you'd find in a device that regularly sells for upwards of $1,000 instead. Now, thanks to a limited-time sale at B&H, you can pick up a 128GB OnePlus 6T from just $299.99. That's around $250 off its retail price and less than a refurb model goes these days, though you only have until tomorrow (or until sold out) to take advantage of this deal.Along with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, this smartphone includes premium features such as a fingerprint sensor built-into its display and 16 + 20MP dual cameras that can take some great night shots. It's equipped with a Snapdragon 845 processor as well.While there may be a few compromises between the OnePlus 6T and a more expensive device such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, y...

Between the refined layout and Google Assistant, there's no need to pick up your phone while driving ever again.2020 has been a ridiculous year in so many ways, but if there's a silver lining to be had, it's that I've finally managed to convince my family that driving home was a better idea than flying. Being in a pressurized can with 100-200 people that have been god-knows-where for three hours — and being in an airport with thousands more for hours before that — just doesn't sound like a wise decision at the moment.When I first moved to Florida, I drove my CR-V while my parents drove the U-Haul, but at least then we were a convoy and there was someone not driving to find gas, restaurants, and rest stops to stop at every couple of hours. This time, I was going to be on my own for the most part; family still called and checked in every few hours, but for most of my drive, my only companions were my downloaded library of YouTube Music and the faithful interface of Android Auto...

Chatting with the AC forums.In-screen fingerprint sensors are now the norm for high-end smartphones, but just a couple of short years ago, they were a completely new feature that we had to get used to.The technology continues to be pretty hit-or-miss depending on what phone you're using, but the cool factor of having biometric authentication hidden underneath the display is still pretty cool.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about their thoughts on in-screen fingerprint sensors, saying: Bodestone 06-08-2020 04:24 PM “ OK, so I have only had my 10 for a month or so but I can't be the only one who still just presses the sensor every now and then when the phone is in front of them to feel the sense of satisfaction of how easy it is to log in to the phone now. You have your thumb print at holding angle, you forefinger at straight on and 45 degrees for when it is lying on the de...

The front camera cutout has been a defining feature on Android phones for the last two years. With manufacturers switching to bezel-less designs and larger screens, the notch became a mainstay on all devices. If you're not a fan of the cutout, there is an easy way to hide it. Here's how to do so on your OnePlus phone.How to hide the camera cutout notch on your OnePlus phoneMost OnePlus phones over the last two years have featured a cutout for the front camera module. If you're using the OnePlus 7 Pro or the 7T Pro (or the 7T Pro McLaren Edition), you don't have to worry about a camera cutout as the phones have a retractable motor for the front camera, leading to an all-screen front without any blemishes.Unfortunately, the notch is back on this year's devices, with both the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro featuring a hole-punch cutout that's in the top left corner of the screen. If you're using OnePlus' latest phones or are on the OnePlus 6, 6T, 7, or 7T, here's how to disable the camera cu...

The entry-level phone also supports 18W fast charging.What you need to knowXiaomi has quietly launched the Redmi 9 in Europe.The Redmi 9 comes with a Helio G80 chipset, quad rear cameras, and a 5,020mAh battery.It will be going on sale in Spain from June 18 for a starting price of €149. Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand today launched its latest entry-level smartphone in Spain, dubbed the Redmi 9. The phone is a solid upgrade over last year's Redmi 8 in many areas and comes with a slightly more attractive design as well.The Redmi 9 sports a 6.53-inch FHD+ display with a waterdrop notch at the top, housing an 8MP selfie camera. It is powered by MediaTek's gaming-focused Helio G80 chipset, paired with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage.Unlike the Redmi 8, which has a dual-camera setup at the rear, the Redmi 9 has a quad-camera array. The phone features a 13MP main sensor, an 8MP wide-angle lens, a 5MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor. Keeping the lights on is an impressive...

A controversial change that originally was slated for Android 10 becomes mandatory for all new apps in August 2020 and every app targeting Android 11: Scoped Storage. Here's what you need to know about it.When Android 10 was still in its early beta days, Google had plans for a big change in the way that apps could access the files and folders in your phone's external storage (things like photos that you or other apps placed in the /data/media folder, not the SD card present in many Android models).This change was known as Scoped Storage, and its purpose was to kill the abuse of the READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permissions that so many apps and developers like to request.These changes were originally slated to apply to every app on a phone running Android 10 or later, but because of developer backlash Google changed course and only required the use of Scoped Storage for apps that target Android API level 29, which is Android 10. But with Android 11 Scoped Storage is back, and Google is...

CEO Kevin Mayer spoke with the EU's Thierry Breton on the matter.What you need to knowTikTok is joining the EU's fight against fake news.CEO Kevin Mayer spoke with Thierry Breton on the matter.Breton invited TikTok to join the EU's code of conduct, and it is reported that Mayer has accepted.TikTok is to become the latest platform to join the EU's fight against fake news after CEO Kevin Mayer pledged to do more in a call with Thierry Breton.Breton, the EU's digital chief, tweeted that he had a "good conversation" with Mayer stating: Good conversation with Kevin Mayer, CEO of #TikTok Entertaining millions, TikTok has a role to play against #disinformation, especially in the fight (COVID-19) I invite major platforms to subscribe to the EU #CodeOfPractice to address the spread of fake news & improve transparency.Good conversation with Kevin Mayer, CEO of #TikTok Entertaining millions, TikTok has a role to play against #disinformation, especially in the fi...

If you're looking for more ways to stay entertained in self-isolation, then you can't go wrong with Amazon Kindle Unlimited. Especially if you can try it out for free. A two-month trial of the all-you-can-read eBook service is yours for the low, low price of $0 for a limited time giving you endless reading material for the next several weeks stuck indoors. The deal is only available for new or former Kindle Unlimited users and expires at the end of June.The subscription service normally costs $9.99 a month, so you're saving $20 with this deal. Last July, Amazon gave away three months of the service to its Prime members but unlike that offer, this deal does not require you to be a Prime subscriber so anyone can get in on it.Kindle Unlimited gives you access to over a million titles, spanning from technical documents to cookbooks to fantasy novels to nonfiction. Even some audiobooks are included. Need a self-help book? Want to re-read the Harry Potter books for the seventeenth time...

One-time permissions are getting upgraded in a big way.One of my favorite features of Android 10 is the one-time permission for location services. What that means is that whenever you run and app that requests your location, you have the choice to grant it, deny it, or say it can do it just this time. If you go with the third option, the app will need to ask again the next time it wants to know where you are.That's a pretty important privacy feature. I don't care if Google Maps, for example, knows where I am. Chances are I only opened the app so I could navigate from one place to another, and knowing where on earth I am located saves me the step of entering it. But I don't see why I need to let Twitter know where I am. Or a game. Or any random app that ties your location to its ad network.The one-time permission model is getting an expansion with Android 11, and the camera and microphone will also have the option. That's as big or bigger when it comes to privacy as it is for lo...

Officials also called out China and Russia for their roles in spreading fake news.What you need to knowThe EU wants Google, Facebook, and Twitter to do more to fight fake news.Two officials called on the firms to provide monthly reports to the bloc. They also called out China and Russia for their roles in spreading fake news. Two EU officials have called on Google, Facebook, and Twitter to provide monthly reports on their fight against fake news.As reported by Reuters: Facebook, Google and Twitter should provide monthly reports on their fight against disinformation, two senior EU officials said on Wednesday as they called out Russia and China for their roles in the spread of fake news. The comments by EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell and the European Commission's Vice President for values and transparency Vera Jourova underscore the bloc's concerns about the prevalence of misleading news on COVID-19 and the attempts by foreign actors to influence Europe.In...

How COVID-19 has shaped the future of trade shows and physical eventsIt feels like just a few weeks ago that I was on the phone with Delta's customer service line, reluctantly canceling my flight to Barcelona for what would have been MWC 2020. Looking back, I guess it wasn't that much longer.MWC was one of the trips I was most looking forward to this year, not just because it was an opportunity to spend a week in beautiful, coastal Spain, but because each year, Mobile World Congress is the most impactful mobile-focused trade show in the world. Countless companies fly in from all corners of the world to show off their new devices, concepts, and wireless technologies — it's a fascinating event for anyone with even the slightest interest in mobile tech.You already know this story by now, but MWC was one of the first major events worldwide to be shut down in fear of COVID-19. Since then, plenty of other events have followed suit, but much to my surprise, two other major trade...

The Galaxy S9 series is expected to start receiving the One UI 2.1 update next week.What you need to knowThe much-awaited One UI 2.1 update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has started rolling out.It brings a few Galaxy S20 features such as the new Single Take mode, Quick Share, and Music Share. The One UI 2.1 update also comes with the June 2020 Android security patch. Samsung has finally started rolling out the One UI 2.1 update for the Galaxy Note 9. The update is currently rolling out to users in Germany, but is likely to expand to other markets within the next few weeks. As per the folks at SamMobile, it arrives as version N960FXXU5ETF5 and weighs in at 1.2GB in size.Unsurprisingly, the update does not bring all the new Galaxy S20 software features that Samsung rolled out to its 2019 flagship phones in March. It only adds Quick Share and Music Share features to the 2018 flagship phone, along with a few new camera features.You get the Galaxy S20's Single Take Mode, AR ...

As more and more companies come out with their own version of true wireless earbuds, there still remains a spot for a major contender to lead the market for Android devices as Apple does for iOS with its AirPods. The Samsung Galaxy Buds wireless earbuds hope to take the reigns, and today you can see if they're worthy or not for just $89.99 via Amazon. This one-day deal drops them to a new low price for a limited time, saving you $40 on their retail price.If you own a Samsung Galaxy S10 or just upgraded to one of Samsung's new S20 devices, these earbuds would pair perfectly. They're capable of lasting for up to 6 hours on their own and an additional 7 hours using the included charging case. Tuned by AKG, these headphones not only sound great but look great too. Plus, they're water-resistant and feature an Ambient Aware mode which lets you control how much outside noise you hear. They're compatible with both Android and iOS devices and come with a variety of ear tip and wing tip size...

Now you see me, now you don't.Sometimes when you take a photo with your smartphone to send to someone or post on social media, you may not need or want to include everyone who was captured in the image. Thankfully, Signal, the private messaging app, has added a new built-in face blurring tool that can preemptively detect faces and allows you to manually blur out individuals who you might now wish to expose. We'll show you how to use this feature in the steps below.Why would you want to blur out faces in your photos?There may be many reasons why you may not want to include everyone's face in a photo. Perhaps you're at a school event for your kid and you don't want to identify other children for privacy reasons, or maybe you're attending a rally or political event and you don't want to potentially get someone (or yourself) in trouble by placing them at a specific place at a specific time. Whatever your reasons may be, it's safe to say that blurring out faces is a feature that can...

The Google Home no longer makes sense in 2020.Back at Google I/O 2016, we all got to see Google's answer to the Amazon Echo — a nice looking, fair-sounding, and awfully expensive bit of fabric and plastic called the Google Home.It was cool because Google Assistant was cool. You could do things like asking about the weather or the current time in some other city, but it also could access your digital Google life and tell you about your calendar, remind you of upcoming events, or even do a web search and read you a condensed version from a Wikipedia page. It was more of a robot assistant than anything we had ever seen before, and it sold really well.In 2020, that original Google Home is no longer being made and is hard to find through an online retailer unless you're buying used. Unlike other Google products that we actually miss, though, nobody needs to buy a Google Home in 2020 or beyond. That's because Google Assistant has become one of those ubiquitous features that you can...

Xiaomi doesn't sell phones in the U.S. yet, but you can get your hands on a range of ecosystem products as well as accessories. From the Mi Smart Plug to the Mi Box S and the Mi 10000mAh Power Bank Pro, these are the best Xiaomi products in the U.S.Smart lightingYeelight LED bulbStaff pickThe Yeelight LED bulb is a great alternative to Hue as it offers a similar quality at a reduced cost. The main difference is that you don't need a hub to connect the bulbs to your Wi-Fi network, lowering the barrier to entry significantly. You'll be able to control the bulbs with Alexa or Google Assistant, and you can customize the intensity and colors from your phone as well. As it's available directly in the U.S., it works over 110V and with E26 or E27 fixtures.$28 at WalmartMake everything smartMi Smart PlugThe Mi Smart Plug is one of the most affordable ways to bring your older appliances online. It might not be expensive, but it has a ton of features. The housing is heat-res...

Reading Mode is one of my favorite features in OxygenOS. The feature makes it easy to read long-form content or books on your OnePlus phone, and it does so by turning the display monochrome — just like an e-reader. Here's what you need to know about the feature, and how you can start with Reading Mode.How to enable Reading Mode on your OnePlus phoneYou can enable Reading Mode by going into your phone's settings, but an easier way is via the notification shade. Here's how to enable the feature:Pull down the notification shade. Pull down once again to reveal all the tiles. Select the Edit icon.Swipe left to go to the next page. Press and hold on the Reading Mode tile and drag it to the quick settings menu. Hit the Back button on the top left corner to save the changes.Now that you have Reading Mode easily accessible, let's take a look at all the options available and how you can make the most of the feature.How to use Reading Mode on your OnePlus phoneReading M...

You may have to wait until next year to get your hands on a foldable phone with S Pen support.What you need to knowSamsung's upcoming Galaxy Fold 2 may not have an S Pen.Samsung is apparently yet to complete development of a cover glass capable of being folded and withstanding the pressure from an S Pen. The company will likely launch its first foldable phone with S Pen support in 2021. A report out of South Korea claimed yesterday that the Galaxy Fold 2 will debut alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G at Samsung's upcoming online-only Unpacked event on August 5. The Galaxy Fold 2 is expected to be an impressive upgrade over the Galaxy Fold, with rumors hinting at a bigger display with the same 120Hz refresh rate as the Galaxy S20 series, and upgraded cameras. As per a new report from The Elec, however, the upcoming foldable flagship will not offer S Pen support.Back in January, leaker Max Weinbach had suggested the Galaxy Fold 2 would arrive in the...

The feature is currently available to users in just three countries.What you need to knowTwitter's stories feature – Fleets is now available to users in India.The feature allows users to post ephemeral tweets in a separate timeline that disappear after 24 hours. It began testing fleets in March this year. Earlier this year, Twitter began testing a Snapchat-inspired stories feature called Fleets in Brazil. Last month, the feature was made available to users in Italy as well. Now, the company has begun testing its own version of stories in India (via TechCrunch). India is among the most important markets for Twitter, as the country has around 55 million monthly active users.Testing, testing…We’re testing a way for you to think out loud without the Likes, Retweets, or replies, called Fleets! Best part? They disappear after 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/r14VWUoF6p— Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) June 9, 2020Manish Maheshwari, Managing Director at Twitter India, said in...

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.Editor's note: This post has been updated with current information and experiences.Unexpected overnight stays caused by severe flight delays or cancellations. Buying clothes and other personal items when your checked bags are delayed or missing. Emergency room visits in foreign countries.Sometimes, trips don't go as planned. And, the troubles listed above aren't all that uncommon — my husband and I have dealt with each of these issues multiple times in the last three years while traveling as digital nomads.You can self-insure against these sorts of incidents by simply paying for expenses when they arise. But if things go downhill, you may be stuck with a massive bill. So, some travelers chose ...

Xiaomi is finally setting itself up as an ecosystem player in India — here's why that's exciting.Xiaomi's rise in India came on the back of its handset business. The Chinese manufacturer overtook Samsung to become India's largest phone brand in January 2018, and it has carved out a healthy lead over the last two years.But Xiaomi is much more than a phone manufacturer. It sells over 1,000 products across several dozen categories in China — including rice cookers, walkie talkies, screwdrivers, scooters, keyboards and mice, smart lighting, and so much more. The last time I visited a Mi Home store in Beijing, I ended up buying an instant translator, a powered screwdriver set, a flashlight, garbage liners, and a suitcase to store them all. Xiaomi is the IKEA of the East, and it is now looking to bring its ecosystem products to India.Xiaomi is increasingly focusing on the ecosystem to differentiate itself from other brands. And the Chinese manufacturer has a huge lead in this are...