Latest from Android Central

The JBL Link View with Google Assistant 8-inch smart display is down to $99.99 at Best Buy. That's $200 off the regular price, which you can still find at retailers like Target. We have seen it drop as low as $95 before, but today's sale is only $5 off that mark and that's the lowest it has ever gone. The savings at this price do not last very long, so grab it while you can.Our review of the Link View gave it 4.5 stars and called it the "best-sounding smart display yet." The review went on to add, "Its design may not be as functional or aestheticly pleasing as its competition, but when you add together the excellent sound quality, video camera, HD display, and snappy software performance, that one gripe quickly fades into the background."This is both a smart speaker and a very good 8-inch display. It has Google Assistant inside so you can control the speaker with your voice. That lets you ask questions or control your smart home without using your hands. If you need to use your h...

How do I back up my photos and video?You have all these awesome photos and videos on your phone, but what happens when you decide to buy a new phone or your on-device storage becomes too full to take any more? Since some phones these days don't give you the option to back up to a microSD card, that leaves one solid option: back it all up to the cloud!There are a few incredibly easy-to-use apps that let you store your photos and videos in the cloud.How to back up your photos and videos to the cloud using Google PhotosHow to back up your photos and videos to the cloud using Google Drive and Google OneHow to back up photos and video to the cloud using DropboxHow to back up your photos and videos to the cloud or your computer using Google PhotosGoogle Photos is one of the best ways to store, backup, and view your photos if you have a smartphone. It will also seamlessly upload them to your Google account storage. If you don't have it for some crazy reason, get it. It's a...

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.Chase wants to make this a little easier for Reserve customers.What you need to knowChase is giving Reserve cardholders a credit towards their annual fee.The company will give $100 fee credit to customers.It will be applied automatically for customers with a renewal date of April 1 – July 1, 2020.In an effort to assist its Reserve cardholders during the coronavirus pandemic, Chase has announced that it will be offering customers a credit towards their annual fee.If your Reserve card's renewal date falls between April 1st and July 1st, you will automatically receive a $100 credit towards your annual fee. A spokesperson from Chase said that the customers will be notified of the credit an...

The Pixel 4a is currently rumored to arrive in only one size.What you need to knowGoogle is rumored to be launching a Pixel 4a in or around May.Just before launch, a white Pixel 4a XL back cover has just made its way to eBay.The 4a is now said to be coming in a single-size, making it likely that this reflects canceled plans.Google is said to be launching a Pixel 4a pretty soon, and a photo of what is purported to be the XL version of that has just shown up on an eBay listing. To be clear, it's a white replacement back cover for the Pixel 4a XL. It's a little out of left field, and the design is a little bit different from the Pixel 4 and 4a when it comes to the camera bump as it retains the diamond shape of the former while adopting the larger holes of the latter.Given that the current word on the street is that the Pixel 4a will ship in a single-size only and that it'll be in two colors — black and blue — it's probable that this shell reflects Google's original pla...

Samsung made yet another beauty with the Galaxy S20+, so I understand not wanting to hide its splendor inside a bulky, blocky tank of a case. That said, this is also a very expensive phone that's completely wrapped in glass, so please, please, please protect your gem of a phone with a clear case. There's no reason not to when they look this good!Grippy clear caseCaseology Solid Flex CrystalStaff pick$11 at Amazon$15 at CaseologyCaseology's take on the classic clear TPU case adds some subtle sculpting for air cushions around the corners and is remarkably grippy even without texturing. Microdots inside also help prevent splotching.Plant-based protectionTech21 Pure Clear$32 at Tech21 $40 at Amazon Tech21 makes the PureClear case with sustainable, plant-based materials, while also making it durable and drop-resistant. It also has a BioShield that's supposed to keep your phone clean and germ-free.Ruggedly handsomeESR Air Armor$11 at Amazon$16 at ESR...

There's some updates on the way for this asymmetrical multiplayer title.What you need to knowResident Evil Resistance is an asymmetrical multiplayer game included with the purchase of Resident Evil 3.Capcom has revealed a roadmap showing the monthly updates that will be adding more to the game.The contents of most of these updates are currently unknown. Resident Evil Resistance may not be getting the same attention as the Resident Evil 3 remake it's included with but Capcom isn't leaving it high and dry. Today, Capcom shared a roadmap of updates that players can expect over the next few months.Brave survivors and sinister masterminds: Take a peek at our Resident Evil Resistance title roadmap. Jill Valentine will be available as a survivor starting April 17th, but rest assured that more content is coming over the next few months! pic.twitter.com/wxdWyBy7G4— Resident Evil (@RE_Games) April 9, 2020Jill Valentine, the star protagonist of Resident Evil 3, is coming as a ...

Fitbit's Premium subscription service provides in-depth insights, analytics, and guided plans to help you take the data collected by your Fitbit device and translate that into action plans for a healthier body and mind. However, the service isn't right for everyone, and if you signed up and now regret it, it's pretty easy to cancel. We'll show you how below.How to cancel Fitbit Premium on the webIn your browser of choice, log in to your account at coach.fitbit.com.Click on your name at the top right of the page.Scroll down and click on Settings.Scroll further down and click on Subscriptions and Payments.Here you can click on your plan and cancel it, effective the end of its term.If you are still within your free trial period, you will follow the same steps listed above.Note that if your free trial has expired, all sales are final and non-refundable. So if you signed up for a month-to-month plan, you'd only be out the $9.99 for that month. However, if you signed up ...

The complete pictureRing Video Doorbell 3 Plus$230 at AmazonProsPre-Roll video2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi 1080p HD videoAdvanced Motion DetectionConsNo Google Assistant integrationA bit priceyThe Ring is bringing you some new features with its Video Doorbell 3 Plus. The addition of Pre-Roll video gives you four seconds of video before the detect event. This is very helpful in getting a better idea of what happened leading up to the notification from your doorbell.A solid upgradeRing Video Doorbell 3$200 at AmazonPros2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi 1080p HD videoAdvanced Motion DetectionLess expensiveConsNo Pre-Roll videoNo Google Assistant integrationThe Ring Video Doorbell 3 carries all of the same upgrades as the Plus version, aside from the higher price tag and the Pre-Roll. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a quality upgrade over Ring Video Doorbell 2 due to the addition of the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi and Advanced Motion Detection.The Ring V...

Even with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram becoming extremely popular in the messaging space, chances are you still rely on old-fashioned SMS texting to stay in touch with certain people. All Android phones come with a texting app out of the box, but a quick search on the Google Play Store will reveal a multitude of alternative texting apps that are worth checking out. Should you happen to download one of these and are eager to make it your new default texting app, here's what you need to do.Please note that the following steps and screenshots were done on a Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 10. The exact flow of everything might look a little different depending on what phone you have, but the core steps should remain the same.How to set your default texting app on AndroidTexting apps for Android are a dime-a-dozen, with options like Textra, Pulse, and others offering enhanced features and customization tools that most default ones don't offer. Heck, you can even use the Facebo...

There's more to come in the City of Dreams.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 was originally scheduled to release in April 2020.It was then delayed to September 17, 2020.In a recent investor call, CD Projekt Red confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will get as much DLC as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.While Cyberpunk 2077 is already promising a deep world for players to explore and spend a ton of time in, that world is going to expand in the months after launch. In a recent investor call (which was translated by VGC) CD Projekt Red confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will be receiving just as much DLC as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.When asked about when this DLC would be announced, CD Projekt president said to expect "A similar scenario to The Witcher 3," which would mean details are coming a couple of months before the game's expected launch. For additional context, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt had 16 smaller pieces of DLC, ranging from costumes to individual quests. The game also received two ...

Here's what LG's got cooking up for 2020.With so many phones that are released during a given year, it only makes sense for some of them to slip between the cracks. Other companies gets fiercer, prices get more competitive, and those that aren't truly amazing often get left to the wayside.Unfortunately, that seems to have been the case for LG for the last few years. The company makes solid devices, but a handful of quirks or missteps keep them from achieving true greatness.2020 is here, and this time around, we're expecting to see the LG G9 (or a successor to the G8 by a different name). Is this the year LG will finally be able to turn things around? Here's everything we know so far about the phone.Meet LG's "natural" designThe G-series name might be outLet's talk specsWhat about Air Motion and Hand ID?A May 15 launch is possibleThe LG G8 is still worth a lookUnderdogLG G8$700 at AmazonOne of 2019's most overlooked phonesNot very impressed with what we're...

Handy new buttons that are easier to press, and a portfolio updated with 2020 design aesthetics.What you need to knowRing Alarm second-generation features a sleek new design with new, easier to use keys and simpler functionality.All five of Ring Alarm's individual products have received sleek new looks that are slimmer and sleeker than ever.Ring Alarm second-generation DIY kits start at $199 and begins shipping on April 29, 2020.The original Ring Alarm system was pretty pedestrian looking by all counts. Resembling many other budget alarm systems at the time, Ring at least offered a great ecosystem to tie into, but the second-generation Ring Alarm system rectifies those sad looks with a chic new minimalist design. Widely-spaced circular keys and a new dedicated row of emergency buttons make signaling for help as simple as the press of a button. It's also now far easier to control your system thanks to dedicated buttons for Away, Home, and Disarm.But it's not just the keypa...

The largest update adds new quests and characters.What you need to knowFallout 76: Wastelanders was first announced at E3 2019.The update adds non-playable characters into the game, alongside new quests. Wastelanders was supposed to launch on April 7, but it's been delayed till April 14. You can purchase Fallout 76 for $16 at Walmart. Fallout 76: Wastelanders was revealed back at E3 2019 but has since been delayed a number of time. Bethesda teased that some random characters and a reputation system would be added, but it was unclear what the scope of the changes would be. Today, the developer released a launch trailer for Wastelanders, confirming that it was going to launch on April 14 on Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4. We're happy to present the launch trailer for Wastelanders – the largest update for Fallout 76 to date – releasing entirely for free on April 14 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Wastelanders brings a new beginning to Appalachia for first-t...

The AirPods Pro are great, but you don't have to spend anywhere near $250 to score a worthwhile pair of in-ear true wireless earbuds. Anker's Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro come in at $100 less than their Apple competition on any given day, and they've even been recommended by multiple Grammy Award-winning producers for their in-studio performance. Thanks to a current sale at Best Buy, you can snag a pair today for only $129.99. That saves you $20 off their usual cost of $149.99 and brings these headphones back to one of the lowest prices they've ever reached.The Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro true wireless earbuds feature a state-of-the-art design which integrates a customized Knowles balanced armature and an 11mm dynamic driver for enhanced audio you'll have to hear to believe. The result of all of Anker's finetuning is an expansive soundstage that lets you hear every instrument and every nuance of the music you're listening to. There are also four built-in microphones with cVc 8.0 noise reduc...

Catching up with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie is easier than ever now that The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney+. Earlier today, Disney announced that the all-new The Simpsons short Maggie Simpson in 'Playdate with Destiny' will be joining the rest of the series on the platform starting tomorrow, April 10. Disney+ will be the only place to watch until further notice, so if you're wondering how to sign up, how much Disney+ costs, or how you can watch for free, check below.You may have already seen the new short if you were lucky enough to catch Pixar's film "Onward" in theaters last month before they were closed to the public. Pixar films are unique in that each one is paired with an animated short film which plays before the movie in theaters, and Maggie Simpson in 'Playdate with Destiny' was the short attached to Onward screenings. Onward is already streaming on Disney+, so if you haven't gotten a chance to watch just yet, it's a nice choice to follow up with once...

Most of us depend on our phones to keep track of the time. Whether you need to use it as an alarm, timer, or just want to have a look and see what time it is, our phone has become the de facto watch of the 21st century. As such, it's that much more annoying when the time on it gets messed up. If your Android phone is showing the incorrect time, here are a few tips on how to fix it and get your life back on schedule.The following screenshots and steps were done on a Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 10. Some UI elements might look different depending on the phone you have, but the core flow of everything should be mostly the same.How to manually set your phone's timeBy default, your phone picks up the time automatically based on its cellular/Wi-Fi connection. This usually works perfectly fine, but for a multitude of reasons, it is possible to trip it up now and then.Should that happen, it's very easy to turn this automatic detection off and just set the time manually.Open t...

Best answer: Yes, Sony has confirmed a new controller in the form of the DualSense, what looks to be the next iteration in its DualShock line of controllers, though it is not called the DualShock 5.Current iteration: Sony DualShock 4 ($65 at Best Buy)What can we expect?Sony has already announced that the PS5 DualSense controller, will feature haptic feedback technology and adaptive triggers. First, we're adopting haptic feedback to replace the "rumble" technology found in controllers since the 5th generation of consoles. With haptics, you truly feel a broader range of feedback, so crashing into a wall in a race car feels much different than making a tackle on the football field. You can even get a sense for a variety of textures when running through fields of grass or plodding through mud. The second innovation is something we call adaptive triggers, which have been incorporated into the trigger buttons (L2/R2). Developers can program the resistance of the triggers s...

RevolutionPS5 DualSense controllerLearn more at PlayStationProsLight bars movedAdaptive triggersHaptic feedbackUSB-C chargingBuilt-in microphoneCreate buttonConsSymmetrical thumbstick layoutTriggers are not as ergonomicLight bars might drain battery The DualSense doesn't completely revolutionize the DualShock lineup, but it is Sony's biggest departure in design in well over a decade. The hand grips are more ergonomic than the DualShock 4's and it adds haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to make it more tactile and add a level of immersion that wasn't present on its predecessor.EvolutionXbox Series X controllerLearn more at XboxProsImproved ergonomicsImpulse triggersShare buttonAsymmetrical thumbstick layoutHybrid 8-directional D-padCompatible with Xbox OneConsAA batteriesMicrosoft's philosophy appears to be "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Xbox Series X controller is almost identical to its predecessor apart from a f...

The internet can be a scary place, especially for children. However, it can also be an excellent tool to help a child explore the world and learn valuable skills. As a parent, keeping your kid safe is paramount while they expand their curious minds. There are laws in place to prevent children from opening a Gmail account, but Family Link from Google is an excellent tool to help your child be safe on the internet. Setting up an account for a child of any age is a relatively straight forward process.How to create a Google account through Family Link if your child doesn't have a Google accountDownload the Family Link app on your parent device.Remove any existing accounts on your child's device.Open the Family Link app on your device.Select No when asked if your child already has a Google Account.Enter your child's name and additional info on the next two screens.After you input your kid's info, create a Google user name and password for your child.Next, you'll be asked to g...

The cameras built into modern smartphones today are quite powerful, but if you're looking to improve your mobile photography skills even further, you'll want to shop Moment's $20 Phone Case Sale. Moment is home to smartphone lenses that help to give your device's camera a new perspective, and select Moment cases are built to keep the lens you choose attached securely.Most of Moment's smartphone cases sell between $40 and $50 regularly, though today nearly all of the options you'll find at Moment are down to just $20 each right now. Whether you want a case that allows you to attach a Moment lens or you're looking for something traditional, there are choices for various smartphones including Apple iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, and even OnePlus 6T cases. Moment also includes free standard shipping with your order today.The sale gives you an additional way to save on today's purchase and drop the price of each of Moment's cases even lower. If you can't seem ...

It's also extending the return period for all purchases between March 1 and May 31 to sixty days.What you need to knowSpigen has announced that all proceeds for purchases made using one of the company's branded web stores will be donated toward COVID-19 relief.The company has partnered with Direct Relief to provide medical equipment for healthcare workers using the money.It's also providing an extended return period for purchases made during the current crisis.Accessory maker Spigen's cases may be designed to be tough as steel, but their hearts certainly are soft as silk (being cooped up in the house apparently makes me quite the cheeseball writer). The company just announced that it will be donating 100% of proceeds from sales made via all of its branded web stores to help with COVID-19 relief.The company has partnered up with Direct Relief to provide equipment to healthcare workers fighting the disease in front lines in hospitals and urgent care centers. The company's a...

The JBL Flip 5 portable Bluetooth speaker is down to $89.99 in a variety of colors at Best Buy. This is actually a manufacturer's discount, so you can find it going for this price at several retailers. Check out Walmart and Target among others for more ways to grab this speaker at its discounted price. The Flip 5 normally sells for around $120 or more, and today's deal matches the lowest we have ever seen.The JBL Flip 5 is designed so that it can come with you and play your favorite music no matter what you're doing. It is IPX7 rated to survive water, whether that means some drops of rain or you drop it in a puddle. It'll still work like nothing happened. It has a durable design with a racetrack-shapded driver that delivers powerful audio.Thanks to the Bluetooth technology, you can pair just about any capable device with the speaker. It can work up to 33 feet away, too, so you can pair from across the room. Great when you just need to share your new favorite song with the group. ...

Sometimes you don't want to play a game by yourself; sometimes you want to have a good time with a friend. For the purposes of this list, we stuck to games that don't typically fall under the category of competitive multiplayer shooters like Call of Duty, Battlefield, Rainbow Six Siege, and more. The games below give a great cooperative experience without the threat of random strangers mowing you down and possibly ruining the fun.Best co-op games for PS4★ Featured favoriteBorderlands 3Love or hate the series' trademark humor, Borderlands is one of the best franchises out there when it comes to co-op play. Borderlands 3 introduces four new Vault Hunters with a variety of character builds so that even if you and your friends are playing as the same character, no two will ever be alike. Whether you play as a mystical Siren or digi-cloned ex-hitman, you'll need some friends if you want to help save the galaxy.$25 at Best Buy$20 at AmazonDouble the badassBord...

Once affected, your phone may remain non-functional until you take it to a Samsung service center for a hardware replacement.What you need to knowThe Android 10 update for the Galaxy A70 is bricking some phones.The reports seem to be concentrated in the Netherlands at this time.The only solution to the problem may be a trip to the Samsung service center and a replacement PCB.While Samsung has been doing a relatively good job in recent years of updating its phones, it may have moved a little too fast this time around. As SamMobile reports, the Android 10 update to the Galaxy A70, which started rolling out last month, is reportedly bricking some phone, at least in the Netherlands.The issue stems from the fact that the company used two different types of PCBs for modulating charging on the phone. Unfortunately, while Samsung's Android 10 update is correctly configured for the newer variant, it seemingly does not address the older PCB. As a result, once the update is applied,...

Until now, the service was only available in two countries.What you need to knowGoogle's automated Duplex calling service is now available in Australia, Canada, and the U.K.Until now, Duplex was only available in the U.S. and New Zealand. Google had launched Duplex for a limited number of Pixel owners in the U.S. in late 2018. Google's automated voice-calling technology Duplex has quietly expanded to three more countries. As spotted by VentureBeat, the support page for Google My Business Help has been updated with new phone numbers for Duplex in Australia, Canada, and the UK.Google Duplex was launched in late 2018 as an early beta for a small number of Pixel owners in the U.S. After being available exclusively to Google's Pixel phones for about six months, the automated AI-powered calling service was finally made available to all Android as well as iOS devices in April laast year. Six months later, Google expanded the service internationally as part of a limited pilot in ...

Samsung's The Frame 55-inch 4K HDR smart TV is just $1,149.99 at Best Buy today. The same TV goes for around $1,400 at other retailers like B&H and Walmart. We have seen this TV go as low as $1,098 recently, but today's sale is pretty close to that and still way lower than the usual cost.The unique feature of this set is its Art Mode. When you aren't using the TV, it basically becomes the frame of a work of art (hence the name). You can choose your favorite art, even buy some of the ones available to support local artists with the Samsung Art Store that has an entire library of content to pick from. Customize what is and isn't shown, too. The TV has a built-in motion sensor that detects you entering the room and begins to display the pieces you've selected. That way it serves a purpose even if you're not planning to watch any shows.Since the show is designed to look like a painting, it makes sense that the TV comes with a No Gap Wall Mount as well. Hang the TV so when it's di...

Return can now be made through May 31, 2020.What you need to knowAmazon customers in the U.S. and Canada who purchased an item between March 1 and April 30 will now have a longer time to return them.Customers in several European countries are also eligible for the same extension; however, their eligibility period is even longer, starting on February 15.In either case, the extended deadline for returns is May 31, 2020.As we all struggle with the grim realities of living in lockdown, it may be harder to return items bought online. Amazon has decided it wants to help out and is now extending the return windows for items purchased between March 1 and April 30 for all purchases made in the U.S. or Canada to May 31, 2020.Several European countries are also included, though they get an even longer eligibility period starting from February 15 and ending on April 30. The ultimate deadline is the same, however: May 31, 2020. The company's statement reads: We're temporarily ext...

After many leaks, a launch seems to be imminent for this budget Pixel.What you need to knowThe Pixel 4a's retail boxes have leaked confirming the design of the upcoming handset.The circulation of the retail boxes has been interpreted as an indicator of a nigh imminent launch.Google's Pixel 4a was presumed to be launching at the now-canceled Google I/O.Google's Pixel 4a has been the subject of very detailed leaks, showcasing nearly every aspect of the device. Now, a new leak indicates the launch might finally be around the corner. An image shared online (via TechDroider) captures the retail boxes of the upcoming 4a, showing off the same design language as other Pixel boxes and confirming the design aspect of the leaks.More importantly, the presence of retail boxes is a clue that the Pixel 4a is on the cusp of launching, perhaps in a month or so.The Pixel 4a is the followup to the fan-favorite Pixel 3a, it's adopting Google's new design language and ditching the dual-to...

It's time to put your Prime membership to work. While supplies last, the Google Nest Hub is on sale at Woot for just $69.99 exclusively for Amazon Prime members. You'll need to login with your Amazon Prime account to be able to add this item to your cart and checkout; by doing so, you'll also be scoring free shipping in the process. Today's deal saves you $60 off the Nest Hub's regular cost of $130.Another Google deal available today brings the Google Home down to $49 at B&H.Google Nest Hub is a Google smart home device with a screen, allowing you to see as well as hear the information you ask the Google Assistant about. It has a 7-inch touchscreen display, two far-field mics, and an ambient light sensor to ensure the display color and brightness fit in with its surroundings. The screen makes it more useful for visual tasks like checking your calendar, following along with recipes in the kitchen, watching YouTube, seeing the weather forecast, and more, as well as all of the r...

It may have been out for a few years, but the original Google Home is still one of the best Google Assistant smart speakers out there thanks to its balance of design and sound quality. Plus, you can get one for only $49 today at B&H making it even more affordable. Considering it usually sells for $99, you're saving half with this limited-time deal and scoring it for the best price we've seen it hit in a long time. The deal is retailer-wide, so you can pick up a Google Home at this price at Adorama, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, as well as directly at Google.Google Assistant is the brains within the cylinder and can accomplish all sorts of tasks for you. Just ask and Google will answer. Check the weather, stream music, get traffic information, hear the news, make phone calls, control compatible smart home devices, and more.There are a bunch of devices that work with Google Assistant and there's so much that Google Assistant can do. If you're all-in on the Google and Android ecosy...

Even though the Galaxy A51 sports the same specs as the A50, the design itself has been overhauled. This brings us a gorgeous new look and feel that you won't want to have damaged during your time with it. That's why we have found the best cases that money can buy for the A51.Slim and ruggedSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen's Rugged Armor is a constant favorite for many due to its shock absorption and flexibility. There are raised edges around the display and camera bump to protect against accidental scratches. Plus, the buttons offer tactile and solid feedback, so you'll know you're actually pushing them in.$11 at Amazon$16 at MobileFunKeep it classy32nd Classic Series Leather WalletSometimes, you need a case that is both fashionable and functional. The 32nd Classic Leather Wallet falls under both categories with a built-in card slot and a pocket for some cash. The case also magnetically closes, so it won't accidentally open, leaving the display subjecte...

Clean audio is one of the most important aspects of a successful stream. If your sound quality is horrible, it's hard for views to subject their ears for an entire stream. Check your volume levels, use a pop filter for those sharp sounds, and, most importantly, make sure you have a quality microphone. They need not be expensive to start, but you get what you pay for. Here are some of the best microphones for Twitch.All around qualityHyperX QuadCastStaff PickThis easy-to-use USB microphone marks all the boxes: Anti-vibration mount, tap-to-mute sensor, convenient gain adjustment. And with four selectable polar patterns, no matter what you are streaming, you will sound great.$140 at Amazon$140 at BestBuyTake it proBlue Spark SLThis XLR microphone takes things to the next level. You can expect this large-diaphragm studio condenser to give clear, transparent sound. Expanding on the original Spark, the Spark SL has a high-pass filter and -20dB pad to offer greate...

LG's upcoming V-series flagship phones will likely use the same design language.What you need to knowLG has revealed a new minimalistic design language for its upcoming smartphone.Key highlights of the new design language include a "Raindrop" camera and front-back symmetrical curves.The phone will also offer a more natural feeling in the hand, thanks to the new "3D Arc Design." For the last few years, LG hasn't made any significant changes to the design of its flagship phones. Even though the number of cameras on the back has increased, the design language has remained mostly unchanged. The company's next phone, however, will feature a completely new design.Cha Yong-duk, head of LG's Mobile Communications Design Lab, said in a statement: Our upcoming smartphone will draw on the rich history of classic LG designs which have always been distinctive at first touch. This handset will be a first-look at the competitive edge we will be bringing to every LG smartphone going ...

Google says Zoom does not meet the security standards for apps used by its employees.What you need to knowCiting security vulnerabilities, Google has banned its employees from using the Zoom app.Multiple security flaws in Zoom came to light recently, after its user base grew from 10 million to 200 million amid the COVID-19 crisis. Google employees can still use Zoom to connect with friends and family through a web browser or via mobile. Last week, Elon Musk's SpaceX banned its employees from using the Zoom app over privacy and security concerns. As per a report from BuzzFeed News, Google too has now banned its workers from using the popular video conferencing app on their devices, which happens to be a competitor to its Meet app.In an email sent to its employees last week, Google warned that the Zoom client installed on their corporate computers would stop working starting this week. A Google spokesperson told BuzzFeed News that the company has "long had a policy of not a...

The coronavirus has spread to 181 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic has proved particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 1.3 million and fatalities of over 76,500 globally.The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It also put a major dent in the airline industry, and is causing panic-buying across the globe, leading to severe food shortages.The coronavirus has also had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting not only the tech industry, but also the world at large.April 9, 2020: Google bans Zoom usage over security fearsZoom has emerged as the go-to videoconferencing service over the last two months, but a spate of privacy and security issues...

We've rounded up the best games, audiobooks, ebooks, movies, and sports content that's free right now.With everything that has been going around the world in recent weeks, we all need an outlet. Thankfully, there are dozens of free resources that provide a distraction from the chaos.We've rounded up all the games, movies, audiobooks, e-books, and learning resources that are free right now. Whether you're looking to unwind with an audiobook or shoot some zombies in an online first-person shooter, you'll find something of interest in the list below.All the games that are free right nowGoogle Stadia: Google has launched the free tier of its Stadia game streaming service, and is offering two months of Stadia Pro for free to those signing up. The free version is limited to 1080p resolution, and consists of nine games right now, including GRID, Destiny 2: The Collection, and more. All you need to do is sign up on Stadia's site and start playing on your browser or on a TV over Chro...

That's ... that's a lot of paid subscribers.Disney today announced that its Disney+ streaming service now has more than 50 million paid subscribers globally. That number comes just five months after its launch in the United States.The latest milestone for the streaming service that comprises not just Disney content but also Star Wars, the majority of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pixar and National Geographic, shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, given that it managed 10 million subscribers after its first day, and it closed out 2019 with just over 26.5 million subscribers."We're truly humbled that Disney+ is resonating with millions around the globe, and believe this bodes well for our continued expansion throughout Western Europe and into Japan and all of Latin America later this year," Kevin Mayer, Chairman of Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International, said in a press release. "Great storytelling inspires and uplifts, and we are in the fortunate position of be...

The Galaxy S20 Ultra is a premium phone in just about every regard. It has a colossal AMOLED display with a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate, powerful camera system with zooming capabilities up to 100x, and a giant 5,000 mAh — just to name a few of the highlights. If you want to make your experience of using the phone just a little bit nicer, it's worth picking up a leather case. Not only will this ensure protection for the S20 Ultra during daily use, but it'll also make sure it looks good while doing so.Perfect pairingSamsung Leather CoverStaff PickBeing the most expensive S20 model out there, the Ultra deserves a leather case that's every bit as premium and high-end as it is. If you ask us, the leather case that meets those standards is the official Samsung Leather Cover. Offered in six gorgeous colors, this case gives you genuine leather that looks incredible, a microfiber lining to protect the phone, and aluminum buttons that feel great to press.$50 at Samsung$5...

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a truly gorgeous phone thanks to its nearly bezel-less display and stunning glass back, but as with all of Samsung's latest handsets, you'll want to outfit it with a case to ensure its good looks for years to come. If you're planning on picking up the S10, here are the cases we recommend getting.Redesigned favoriteSpigen Neo HybridStaff pickSpigen's Neo Hybrid has long been one of our favorite phone cases. It has an iconic design, offers excellent protection, and is easy on the wallet.From $14 at Amazon$14 at eBayThinnest you can getTotallee Thin CaseOne of the best thin cases on the market comes from Totallee. Not only is this case astonishingly thin, but it also offers ample coverage against wear and tear.From $30 at Amazon$35 at TotalleeMore than a caseSamsung LED Back CoverThe Samsung LED Back Cover is quite unique. The case offers good drop protection, but its real highlight is the customizable LEDs on the back.$29 at A...

Russell Holly rejoins the show for a review of Half-Life: Alyx. The crew also discuss the indefinite delay of The Last of Us Part II, Iron Man VR, along with several other games.Borderlands 3 devs are reportedly not getting bonuses they were expecting from Gearbox, whose CEO is alleged to have a track record of sketchy behavior.Finally, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bunny Day event is not super great. But there are a lot of eggs!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:The Last of Us Part II delayed due to coronavirus pandemic, will release at a later date | Android CentralBorderlands 3 developers are reportedly not getting expected bonuses by Gearbox | Windows CentralHalf-Life: Alyx: Everything you need to know | Windows CentralAnimal Crossing: New Horizons Bunny Day guide — Eggs, recipes, and Zipper T. Bunny | iMore...

Landing on all platforms for free on April 9 at 6am PST.What you need to knowFitBeat is a new song for Beat Saber by Jaroslav Beck, creator of many Beat Saber OST songs.FitBeat is releasing on all platforms on April 9 at 6am PST and is completely free.This is the first new song from Jaroslav Beck since Beat Saber OST3 landed in August 2019. Beat Saber fans can get excited once again, as a brand new original song from composer Jaroslav Beck is making an appearance on all supported platforms tomorrow, April 9 at 6am PST. FitBeat earned its title via a short contest on Twitter at the end of March, which featured a 30-second snippet of the new song and asked fans to give it a name. Jaroslav Beck then livestreamed the creation of his new song a few days later on his YouTube channel, and now the game is fully mapped by the experts at Beat Games and will be included in an automatic update for free.This is the first time we've heard from Jaroslav Beck in a while, who last release...

The Galaxy Note 9 is a premium flagship that you'd be a fool not to keep protected with a case. I love the Spigen Rugged Armor for its low-profile protection and the Speck Presidio Grip for its awesome quality, but there are so many great cases to choose from!Slim and ruggedSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickFor those who don't want to sacrifice pocket space for protection, Spigen's Rugged Armor case is a great option. This sleek, one-piece case is rugged with carbon fiber accents that look great on all phones, but especially big phones like the Note 9. It's made of rugged TPU material and features a matte finish.$12 at Amazon$12 at eBayBest from SamsungSamsung LED View CoverSamsung offers five different case styles for the Note 9, but I'll highlight the LED View case because it's uniquely Samsung and offers the best protection with extra functionality for the Note 9 when it's closed.From $46 at Amazon$52 at eBayMost ruggedSupcase Unicorn Beetle ProThe Unico...

Amazon is a fine contender to having some of the best tablets around. At Android Central, we've been covering and testing tablets for a very long time. It goes without saying that we know what makes a tablet stand out.Amazon Fire 7Thin, light, and durable$50 at AmazonProsPowerful tablet for a small priceHands-free Alexa is now includedLight and thinDurableConsLower resolution screenOnly mono speakerThe Amazon Fire 7 tablet is certainly one that will be a great gift for someone who's looking for a tablet that isn't too pricey, but without it being terrible in the process. Its inclusion of hands-free Alexa will also win over a few individuals. Though, if you're planning to use the tablet for mobile gaming, then RAM and Amazon's app store may be enough to put you off.Amazon Fire HD 8High-definition quality$80 at AmazonProsHigher HD resolutionDual stereo speakersLonger battery life than Fire 7ConsHeavier than Fire 7Limited initial storage o...

The WD Easystore 4TB desktop hard drive is down to $74.99 through the Western Digital online store. The deal comes with free delivery, too. The 4TB of this hard drive is no longer sold in most places, but the 8TB version is going for $200 right now at Best Buy. The WD Elements drive is very similar and the 4TB version of that one goes for between $85 and $100 at places like B&H. So you can see the drop to $75 is unmatched anywhere else even with similar drives.As a desktop external hard drive, the Easystore is not a drive meant to travel with you. It should be sitting on your desk serving as a semi-permanent storage for your media. Because of that, WD also makes it really easy to use these drives to back up your system. Use the WD Backup software and you'll be able to set a schedule that backs up your data regularly.If you just want something for your photos, videos, and documents, use the WD Discovery software to back up all of that information easily. It can also manage you...

Snapchat is a fun way to keep up with your friends — everybody loves sending ephemeral photos and videos these days, and Snapchat is the platform that largely started the trend. But every so often, users run into trouble signing in, which can be especially frustrating on an app like Snapchat that gamifies ongoing conversations with Streaks. Luckily, there's usually a simple solution in place, and we have a few things you should look out for, should you run into any issues.Phone used in this guideVersatile cameras: Galaxy S20+ ($1200 at Samsung)Get it for cheaper: Galaxy S20+ ($1000 at Amazon)Check for server outagesIf you're having trouble signing into your Snapchat account, the first thing you should do is check if Snap's servers are down. There are plenty of sites that report on site and service outages; for this example, we're using Downdetector.You can look up the status of any service using Downdetector's search bar, but one of its conveniences is that the site ...

Fitness trackers and smartwatches are capable of collecting so much health data, whether we're working out or just going about our daily lives. Fitbit developed its Fitbit Premium service as a way to help users make sense of all of this information and translate all of that data into actionable insights and plans. We'll show you how you can sign up for Fitbit Premium and start running with your newfound health knowledge.Products used in this guideA premium fitness program: Fitbit Premium ($80/year at Fitbit)Versitile fitness smartwatch: Fitbit Versa 2 (From $199 at Amazon) What is Fitbit Premium?Fitbit Premium offers a number of additional insights and services that build off of the vast amount of personal data collected by your Fitbit tracker. Much of this data is yours to access and act upon as you see fit without an additional cost, but the added analysis and guided workouts, meditations, and health plans are a paid feature. If you are interested in a more detailed brea...

Stadia Pro is going free for a few months!What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a cloud game streaming service.It's getting a lot of interesting games in the coming months. For the next two months, anyone can access it for free due to the coronavirus outbreak. You can purchase a Stadia bundle for $130 through the Google Store. Google Stadia is a cloud game streaming service that launched in November 2019 to a lot of excitement. Unfortunately, the lack of games and technical issues when it comes to resolution and image quality have harmed the reputation of the service.While you may not want to pay $10 a month to try out Stadia, an unproven service even now, you can try it for free for the next few months. Today, Phil Harrison, the Vice President and General Manager of Stadia, said the following in a press release Android Central received. We're facing some of the most challenging times in recent memory. Keeping social distance is vital, but staying home for long per...

Ring is one of the most well-known providers of smart home and home security solutions, and despite a rough 2019, the company has continued to produce some of the best products in this space. Ring has done a much better job of responding to and addressing the increased demand for additional data privacy controls and promises additional customer controls. With a couple of new video doorbells recently released, we thought it was a good time to review what our favorite Ring products were for 2020.Best Video DoorbellRing Video Doorbell 3 PlusStaff PickOne of the best and most popular video doorbells gets even better in 2020. It's battery-powered with improved motion detection and pre-roll recording technology, so you won't miss any visitors with this buzzer.$230 at Amazon $230 at Best BuyBest Indoor CameraRing Stick Up CamLast updated in late 2019, the Stick Up Cam is the true utility player in Ring's lineup. It works indoors or outdoors, can be powered by wire,...

The Anker Nebula Mars II home theater portable movie projector has dropped to $349.99 at Woot. Today's deal matches a price we saw in late March, and that deal was on Woot as well. The problem with Woot is that these deals have a very limited supply and last for only a short time. The other one didn't last a day, and neither will this one. Grab it while you can because the projector is going for $480 anywhere else it's sold.Use your Amazon Prime membership to get free shipping at Woot because otherwise you'll have to pay a mandatory flat fee. Like most places, Woot's shipping has been delayed by the current global issues, so you'll probably have to be a bit patient for this one.The Nebula Mars II can create an HD picture up to 1280 x 720 resolution with DLP IntelliBright tech for a clear image. That image can cover an area between 30 and 150 inches wide. If you don't have a projection screen to use with it, find the whitest, cleaning wall you can to project your movie onto. The t...

Ironlights is a blast to play on the Oculus Quest with what I hope will be a thriving multiplayer scene.The Oculus Quest has a growing library of games with a wide range of genres. While there are already several fighting games on the Oculus Quest, Ironlights is unique. Rather than focusing on smashing and bashing, it slows things down and focuses on strategy and skill. It also toes the fine line between being easy to learn but difficult to master, which is what gives a game staying power.In Ironlights, you fight in duels against AI or people online using one of five classes; knight, crusader, ninja, monk, and duelist. Each has a unique weapon set and requires a different playstyle. You can also customize your armor to fit your playstyle. I mained as a crusader with heavy armor for most of my testing, but due to being locked inside my house for a few weeks, I've had plenty of time to play with all the classes.The creator of Ironlights, E McNeill, let me into the beta to test th...