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Gather 'round, everyone — class is starting.There are a lot of components that go into making up your phone. There's the display, processor, RAM, storage, battery, cameras, etc. All of these pieces come together to create for a cohesive device that you use and interact with every single day, but there's another component that's just as important — apps.The apps on your phone determine what you can and can't do with it. Apps you download from the Play Store allow you to access social media platforms, check the weather, make video calls, play games, you name it.Downloading an app is easy and simple enough, but every single one comes with a slight catch that you need to be aware of.In this article, we're going to talk about everything you ever wanted to know about Android app permissions — what they are, how they can be misused, and how they differ in certain Android versions.What Android app permissions areBefore we can dig too much deeper into this topic, we need t...

Best answer: Yes, as long as you have a Kaspersky security solution, you should be using the extension. It provides additional information to keep you safe while browsing the web.Get the whole security package: Kaspersky Total Security 2020 (From $50/year at Kaspersky)Get the extension for free: Kaspersky Security Cloud - Free (Free at Kaspersky)Included with KasperskyMany people have become adept at identifying threats online, whether it's a sketchy website or a suspicious download. Of course, the people that would take advantage of you or your information are learning and adapting as well. The Kaspersky Protection Chrome extension can directly monitor the sites and links open in Google Chrome while you browse and can flag known threats. This extra information remains unobtrusive and provides great additional information.The extension can also look for problems on sites and block things like keyloggers, phishing attempts, and even block advertising banners. The best featu...

Have you looked at your schedule recently and noticed it's pretty empty for the next month or so? Time to fill it up with some binge-worthy TV. If you're a new customer, you can sign up for the Sling TV Premium Pass that not only includes all the channels in Sling Blue or Sling Orange but will also give you a month of the premium channels Showtime, Starz, and Epix completely free. The regular Sling channels cost $30 a month, and the three premium channels would cost an extra $24 on top of that as an add-on. In fact, after you sign up the monthly cost will revert to $54 a month if you don't cancel by the end of the free month.With this pass you can sign up for Sling Orange or Sling Blue. These are both packages that include more than 30 channels in addition to your three premium channels mentioned above. For the most part you get a lot of the same stuff, but the differences are pronounced enough that you'll want to pay attention to your choice. For example, if you want ESPN and Disn...

Way back in 2018, Fitbit introduced its Charge 3 fitness tracker, a sleek and simple fitness tracker that monitors everything from activity to 24/7 heart rate, sleep, and exercises. This year, Fitbit followed up with the newest iteration called the Fitbit Charge 4 that adds a host of new features, namely built-in GPS.But if you don't really need GPS, or you're okay bringing your smartphone along with you in order to track pace and distance, the Charge 3 is still a pretty viable choice to consider. There are a lot of features the two fitness trackers share.Here's a look at what makes the Charge 4 different and why the Charge 3 might suit just fine, depending on which features and functions are a priority for you.Why Fitbit released the Charge 4There are three major upgrades with the Charge 4 compared to the Charge 3. The first is the built-in GPS. With this feature, you can leave your phone at home while you go for a run or morning walk and still track your route with real-t...

Microsoft added its name to SwiftKey and added support for Emoji 12.What you need to knowSwiftKey is now called Microsoft SwiftKey.The name change rolled out to SwiftKey Beta last week and is now in the public version of the app.The update that brings the name change also brings support for Emoji 12.Microsoft purchased SwiftKey in 2016.SwiftKey is now known as Microsoft SwiftKey, adding Microsoft's name to the app after being purchased by Microsoft four years ago. The name change appears on the Google Play listing for SwiftKey but hasn't rolled out to the iOS version yet. The name change appeared on the beta version of SwiftKey last week, and is now on the public version of the app.In addition to adding Microsoft to the app's name, SwiftKey now supports Emoji 12.0 and has a new icon. Vishnu Nath, partner director of PM Microsoft Mobile & X-Device experiences, shared the news of the name change and update on Twitter.Our @SwiftKey is now officially branded Microsoft ...

QR code support is expected to become available for all beta testers within the next few days.What you need to knowThe latest beta version of the WhatsApp for Android app adds support for QR codes.You can now share your contact info with your friends using a QR code. The QR codes can be scanned from within the app to add new contacts.WhatsApp has introduced a nifty new feature with the latest beta version of its app for Android. The feature, which is currently available only for beta testers, lets users quickly add new contacts by scanning a unique QR code.As per WABetaInfo, the feature is available through a server-side update in the latest WhatsApp beta v2.20.171. If you have signed up for the WhatsApp beta testing program, you should be able to find it by heading to Settings. You can view your QR code by tapping on the icon next to your name. In addition to viewing your QR code, you will also be able to scan other QR codes from the "Scan Code" tab. Aside from the camer...

The Galaxy S20 has one of the best displays on the market. Not only does it tout a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, but it's also incredibly bright, vibrant, and responsive. One of its best features is the Always On Display, which makes use of the S20's AMOLED panel to show notifications and other info even when your screen is otherwise off.How to enable Always On DisplayBefore you can start tweaking your S20's Always On Display, you'll need to turn it on. It's easy to set up, and it adds a lot of utility to your phone when it's sitting idle.Open the Settings app.Tap Lock screen.Tap the toggle next to Always On Display to turn it on.Once Always On Display is enabled, you can tap on the option in the Lock screen settings to access its various options. By default, the Always On Display only shows after you tap on the screen as a power-saving measure, but it's called Always On Display; you might as well set it to always be shown!You can also choose to display relevant informat...

You can create a Messenger room from the DMs screen, and invite anyone to join.What you need to knowInstagram now supports integration with Facebook Messenger Rooms for video calling.It means you can launch a video call with up to 50 people directly from Instagram.Creating a room is simple, and can be found in the DMs section of the Instagram app.Instagram has announced integration with Facebook's Messenger Rooms feature, which supports calls with up to 50 people. This means you can now launch video calls directly from within Instagram.In a Tweet yesterday evening Instagram said: An easy way to video chat with up to 50 of your favorite people? Yes please Starting today, you can create @messenger Rooms on Instagram and invite anyone to joinAn easy way to video chat with up to 50 of your favorite people? Yes please ?‍♀️ Starting today, you can create @messenger Rooms on Instagram and invite anyone to join ? pic.twitter.com/VKYtJjniEt— Instagram (...

The Sony WF-SP800N and AirPods Pro are both true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelation (ANC). Though, one set of earbuds trade ANC performance for battery life, while the other have excellent ANC but worse battery life.Battery life for daysSony WF-SP800N$200 at Best BuyProsLong battery lifeIP55 dust and water resistanceGreat, customizable soundSuperb comfortUSB-C for chargingConsLacks wireless charging caseCase is biggerOnly decent ANC performanceThe WF-SP800N trade great ANC performance for much longer battery life and IP55 dust and water resistance, making them a great workout companion for Android users.Can't hear youAirPods Pro$250 at Best BuyProsWireless charging caseGreat battery lifeClass-leading ANC performanceGreat comfortConsLightning for wired chargingIPX4 water resistanceNo customization on AndroidLacks any sort of EQThe AirPods Pro feature class-leading ANC performance, superb comfort, and an excellent micr...

Not sure if your phone will get Android 10? You've come to the right place.Android 10 is upon us, and whether you're excited about its new permission settings for apps or the glorious dark mode, there are plenty of reasons to be eager for it to arrive on your phone.However, as with all Android updates, there's a difference between when Google launches the final build and when the new software actually arrives on your smartphone. Today, we'll be taking a look at all of the major Android phone makers and breakdown when exactly you can expect an Android 10 update for your device.Google PixelSamsungLGHuaweiMotorolaNokiaOnePlusOdds & EndsGoogle PixelLet's start with Google's own phones, the Pixel series. Android 10 has been guaranteed for every existing Pixel device, with the full list being as follows:Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XLPixel 3 / Pixel 3 XLPixel 2 / Pixel 2 XLPixel / Pixel XLAs of September 3, 2019, Android 10 started rolling out for all of these hand...

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

There is no word yet on whether the U.S. Galaxy A51 5G variant will feature the same chipset.What you need to knowThe Galaxy A71 5G headed to Verizon will apparently feature the Snapdragon 765 chipset.In South Korea, the Galaxy A71 5G is powered by Samsung's in-house developed Exynos 980 chipset. The Verizon variant of the Galaxy A71 5G is expected to go on sale by late June or early July. Samsung launched its 2020 lineup of A-series smartphones in the U.S. last month, including the mid-range A51 5G and A71 5G. While the international variants of the Galaxy A51 5G and A71 5G are powered by an Exynos 980 chipset, a new report from XDA Developers claims the Verizon-bound variant of the A71 5G will be powered by Qualcomm's 7nm Snapdragon 765.The Galaxy A71 5G has been listed as the "samsung_a71xq" on a publicly accessible database of upcoming Verizon devices. Interestingly, the "x" in the device codename means it is 5G-enabled, while "q" means it is powered by a Qualcomm Sna...

It may arrive with a significantly larger display than its predecessor.What you need to knowAlleged CAD-based renders of the Galaxy Note 20 have surfaced online.The renders reveal a flat Infinity-O display and a similar rear camera module as the Galaxy S20 Ultra.Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 series is expected to debut at an online-only Unpacked event in August. The very first CAD-based renders of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 20 have appeared online. The renders come from tech accessories store Pigtou, in collaboration with tech leaker xleaks7. However, the source doesn't have a proven track record when it comes to leaks, so we suggest taking these renders with a grain of salt.If these renders are to be believed, the Galaxy Note 20 will not have a curved display like its predecessor. Instead, the phone will have a flat display panel with a tiny centered hole-punch cutout. On the back of the phone, we find a quad-camera setup that looks nearly identical to that of the S20 U...

The Mi 10 has a lot to offer, but the 108MP camera alone isn't enough to give it an edge in this segment.When you think of Xiaomi in India, the first thing that comes to mind is its Redmi phones. Although Redmi is now a standalone entity, Xiaomi and Redmi are synonymous in India, and that has been the way for the last five years. While Xiaomi is a major smart home player in China — where it sells over a thousand connected products — in India its focus has primarily been on phones.That has changed in recent years as Xiaomi introduced its TVs, air purifiers, water purifier, and the Mi Box streaming box in the country, but the brand is still recognizable as a budget phone manufacturer. Xiaomi became the largest phone manufacturer in India two years ago on the back of strong sales in the entry-level and budget segments, and it has managed to stave off Samsung and Vivo to retain that title.Xiaomi is now trying to shed this budget connotation. The brand now wants to be seen as a ...

Which film will it be?What you need to knowChristopher Nolan partnered with Epic Games to unveil the newest Tenet trailer in Fortnite.After the event, Geoff Keighley announced that one of Nolan's films will air in full on the game.No word on what film will stream or when exactly it will air has been revealed.Tonight, Christopher Nolan and Epic Games partnered together to bring Fortnite fans the latest trailer for Nolan's upcoming film, Tenet, in a new world premiere. After the event, Geoff Keighley — who organized the event — took to Twitter to reveal that sometime over the summer, Nolan will be bringing one of his incredible films to Fortnite in a special full-length screening.According to Keighley, the film will stream sometime in the summer and be completely free for fans. It's likely that the film will be showcased in Fortnite's new Party Royale mode, which is a mode that has no guns and strictly exists as a space for players to kick back and have some fun.J...

Having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work, every time you head off to sleep, or every time that low battery warning chimes is as annoying as it is outdated. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker PowerWave 15 PadStaff pick$40 at Amazon$40 at Google ShoppingThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as supported. It's a sleek look and powered by USB-C rather than Micro-USB.Best for GalaxySamsung Wireless Charger Duo Pad$50 at Amazon$80 at SamsungThis is the perfect charger for those invested who have a Galaxy smartwatch. The pad will also support 7.5W for iPhones and standard 5W charging on top of 10W charging for Galaxy phones.Affordably futureproofYootech 15W Metal F...

Globalization of the smartphone world has leveled the playing field dramatically, with most phones nowadays being made available internationally. But there are some notable exceptions, and if you're in the U.S. you don't get your choice of every phone out there. These are the best devices you can get in the U.S. today — from the best overall package in the OnePlus 8 Pro, up to more expensive picks and down to dramatically more affordable options.Best Overall: OnePlus 8 ProThe OnePlus 8 Pro is as well-designed and impressive as any high-end smartphone out there. If you know anything about OnePlus phones, you'll love knowing it doesn't stray from the traditional OnePlus mantra — instead, it extends it up to its logical place in the world of more expensive flagships with more features.The hardware easily goes head-to-head with any phone out there, and it's brought together by the best display OnePlus has ever used; it's colorful, super bright and has a 120Hz refresh rate. In...

Check out the latest trailer!What you need to knowFortnite's newest "party royale" game mode has players hanging out in new ways.The mode has already collaborated with various music artists. The latest collaboration will allow fans to check out the latest trailer for Tenet tonight. Earlier this month, Fortnite brought a brand new game mode into the title with the introduction of "party royale," a mode that has no guns and strictly exists as a space for players to kick back and have some fun. Now, Epic Games is ready to showcase some exclusive footage inside of it, announcing that the latest Christopher Nolan film, Tenet, will see a brand new trailer debut in the mode tonight.The premiere will take place tonight at 8 pm ET, and will run at the top of every hour on the areas big screen. Players who miss out on the initial premiere can likely catch it online, but should they want to watch in the game, just check back every hour or so. It's unknown just how long the trailer...

A galaxy far, far away is coming to your living room again very soon.The recent Star Wars resurgence (thanks to Disney's acquisition of the franchise) and the new sequel trilogy of movies has caused an explosion in the number of Star Wars fans around the galaxy. Many of these newer fans didn't grow up on the original Star Wars, but this generation of younglings can still experience them in other ways. When a dated movie just doesn't cut it, video games can step in to help. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is aiming to do just that.And let's be honest. Adults love the LEGO video game series too.All nine filmsLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga$60 at AmazonA galaxy far, far awayLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will be the first game to compile all nine of the series' main entries into one package. Play as various Star Wars characters as you experience the story in this lighthearted retelling.What is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga?LEGO Star Wars: The Skywa...

Limited edition PlayStation 4s can be hard to find, but that's no surprise – they're limited, after all. These consoles tend to be on tap for the most hardcore of fans who will buy them day one to add them to their collection and ensure themselves a unit. Let's take a look at them!All about EllieThe Last of Us Part II PS4 Pro BundleThis beautiful tribute to The Last of Us Part II sports an ecthing of Ellie's signature tattoo along with a gray matte finish and DualShock 4 controller to match. It's sold out at a lot of stores and weird to come out shortly before the PlayStation 5 is set to release, but it's meant for those collectors who absolutely love Naughy Dog's title. The first game is considered one of the greatest ever made, and the second aims even higher.$400 at Best BuyFor hardcore fansKingdom Hearts 3 PS4 Pro BundleFor those who don't care about the bragging rights of being the "ultimate fan" or who don't care for Funko Pop! Figures, you can still pick ...

Did you know that there are three Echo Show devices currently being sold by Amazon? And that there was something called an Echo Spot? With so many showy Echo devices, which one should you get? We'll talk you through each option to help you decide which is right for your home, although we recommend the new Echo Show 8 above the others because of its great size.Best Overall: Echo Show 8The Echo Show 8 is the newest product in the Echo Show line, and as such, it takes some of the best features from the high and low ends. For example, it is in-between the smaller size of the Show 5 and the arguably unwieldy size of the Show (2nd Gen). It improves upon the sound quality of the smaller Show 5 with double the number of speakers (two 2-inch speakers at 10W per channel vs. one 1.7-inch speaker at 4W per channel). Plus, it has the same 1280x800 display as the larger Show (2nd Gen) for a higher ratio of pixels per inch.The Echo Show 8 continues to build on Amazon's renewed interest in c...

You can sign up to participate from the Fitbit app.What you need to knowFitbit has added a new study in an effort to detect COVID-19.The study can be accessed directly from the Fitbit app.Users can also learn about and opt-in to other COVID-19 studies through the Fitbit app.Fitbit just announced that it has added a new COVID-19 research study to its existing in-app resources on the disease. The company has already been working with leading medical researchers from the Scripps Research Translation Institute and the Stanford Medical Healthcare Innovation Lab to share data from consenting users towards research projects, and now it has added a new in-app study of its own.In a blog post earlier today, Fitibit says that its new study will collect data from users who have been, or think they have been, exposed to COVID-19 or similar ailments. Participants in the study must be over 21, live in the U.S. or Canada, have or have had COVID-19, or have experienced symptoms consistant...

These Google Maps updates offer additional support to people who need it now more than ever.What you need to knowGoogle has rolled out two new community-minded changes to Maps.The first highlights businesses which make accommodations for wheelchair accessibility.The second will make it easier for frontline workers to find hotels and lodging which offer special deals.Google is rolling out two updates to Google Maps that reward more thoughtful business owners. The first is aimed at users with accessibility needs. As part of its Global Accessibility Awareness Day campaign, Google is adding an "Accessible Places" toggle so wheelchair accessibility information will become more prominent in the app. In essence, you'll be able to see if a place is accessible — and to what extent — at a glance. Google will also make it easier for Maps users and business owners to describe accessibility support from Google Maps and Google My Business. Accessible Places is coming to Australia, Ja...

If you're the proud owner of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 or you're planning to buy one soon, make sure to invest in a screen protector while you're at it. They're reasonably priced, they come in convenient multi-packs, and they'll prevent unsightly scratches from ruining your beautiful screen. We've gathered some of our favorites to help you choose.Maximum flexibilityL K Screen Protector (40 mm) 6-packStaff pickThe L K screen protectors for the 40 mm Galaxy Watch Active 2 come in a set of six, and a lifetime warranty backs them. If you're looking for maximum screen coverage for your smartwatch, this is the option for you. The top layer is flexible and has a yellow-resistant, fingerprint-proof coating for a smooth, sensitive touch.$11 at AmazonEdge-to-edge coverageL K Screen Protector (44 mm) 6-packL K also makes a six-pack of screen protectors for the larger 44 mm Galaxy Watch Active 2. They're designed to self-heal minor scratches and bubbles over tim...

Best answer: As of right now, ExpressVPN does not offer any sort of free trial for its service. With the purchase of its one-year plan you do get a 30-day money-back guarantee which will score you a full refund should you not find the service useful or do not understand it.Encrypt your connection: ExpressVPN ($6.67 per month at ExpressVPN)When it comes to VPN providers, very few of them actually offer a free trial of the service. ExpressVPN is one of the ones that does not, though that doesn't mean you have to sign up for a risky long-term commitment to use the service. When you sign up for the six month or annual plan from ExpressVPN you actually get a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that if you don't find the service useful, have trouble getting it running properly, or just discover that a VPN is not for you, you can request a refund within one month of signing up.While it's not exactly the same as a "free trial" because you have to sign up and pay for it to get sta...

Samsung has streamlined its setup process in the last few generations, but there are still several extra steps compared to other phones as Samsung injects its own steps alongside Google's. The process is self-explanatory, but we have all of the information and tips you need to know about as you go through each step.How to set up your Galaxy phoneStart by selecting the language you'd like to use for setup — you can change this later.If you're coming from a Samsung phone, you can skip most of this setup process and restore from that phone. Just open up Smart Switch on your current phone, and follow the prompts on both phones.We recommend doing this with a cable rather than Wi-Fi, which really speeds up the process.Alternatively, if you want to set up fresh or don't have a Samsung phone, continue with step 3.Connect to a Wi-Fi network. You can skip this step and use mobile data, but it's best to use Wi-Fi for initial setup since it uses lots of data.Agree to all of the Sa...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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