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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.The travel industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak. Thousands of aircraft are parked due to the low passenger loads, and hotel occupancy in the U.S. and abroad has plunged to historic levels. This has left airlines and hotel groups scrambling to find new income streams in order to secure fast cash. One of these is selling airline miles and hotel points with a discount or bonus — this gives the airline an immediate cash injection as travelers are essentially prepaying for future travel at a discount.There are several good buy-miles deals going on right now; for example, IHG is selling IHG Rewards points at 0.5 cents per point and Air Canada is selling Aeroplan miles with a bonus for ...

Marton Barcza is here to talk about his new app, Crrowd. It's a community for crowd-sourced tech reviews and questions you might have about a gadget. He also chats with Daniel and Jerry about the best selling Android phones and why they aren't necessarily the ones that get the most press coverage.They discuss what it will take for MediaTek to rise up as a true competitor to Qualcomm, a delay of the next Android 11 public beta, and the viability of LG's Velvet smartphone.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:crrowd.comTechAltar - YouTubeRedmi Note 8 was the best-selling Android smartphone in Q1 2020 | Android CentralThe Android 11 public beta is being delayed until June 3 | Android CentralGoogle is finally doing something about its incoherent messaging strategy | Android CentralLG Velvet is now official with Snapdragon 765 SoC, 48MP triple-camera set...

Many homeowners are moving to a more hands-on security setup because excellent products that are easy to set up are readily available. Just mount it, plug it in, and your home is good to go. We think the Ring Alarm Home Security System is the best you can buy because of its great features, amazing Amazon Alexa integration, and easy setup, but there are plenty of others that might fit your needs. Here are some smart home systems that can get you started.Best for Alexa: Ring Alarm Home Security (2nd Gen)This five-piece Ring Alarm security system comes with a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, keypad, and range extender. You can control it all from one central location — your phone. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, that's even better. You'll be able to do it solely through your voice and check your system through any Alexa device.The tight integration with Alexa is because Amazon owns the brand, but the Ring app for your phone also works well for those who aren...

Best answer: Most people will be best off with the Pixel 3a XL purely based on its larger screen and longer battery life. The standard Pixel 3a is compelling as a compact phone, but it may feel cramped for many people and its battery life is questionable — you can get so much more for about $20 extra in the Pixel 3a XL.Our pick: Google Pixel 3a XL ($380 at Amazon)Compact pick: Google Pixel 3a ($360 at Amazon)What's the difference between the Pixel 3a and 3a XL? Just like the original Pixel 3 and 3 XL, there isn't much that differentiates the two mid-range Pixel 3a models other than size — but that is, of course, a difference that requires some thought when choosing which one you should buy. Both the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL are built with the same materials and design touches and operate on the same platform internally with the same specs and capabilities. There are just a few different line items that are different to align with the differences in size. Category...

There are plenty of incredibly cool smartphones on the market right now. From the latest and greatest iPhone to a series of Samsung and LG models that make it easy to keep in touch and watch shows on the go, there's certainly no lack of options when it comes to selecting a smartphone that's right for you.The only problem is that the average lifespan of a smartphone in today's world is a mere two years—meaning that countless phones are tossed in the garbage or abandoned in order to make way for the latest and flashiest model that offers at best a handful of new features that you don't really need.Enter the Teracube Smartphone. As the world's most eco-friendly smartphone, this powerful all-in-one sidekick comes with an all-day battery, gorilla glass screen, octa-core processor, and tons of storage space—along with a 4-year warranty that ensures it will be able to stand the test of time.Featured in leading tech publications including Engadget, Digital Trends and Tech Radar, the T...

Happy Mother's Day! It's a bit different this year, of course, but I hope you get a chance to honor, if possible, the person who brought you into this world, and if you have one, the partner who's helping you get through it.I wanted to write this week's column about how connecting with family during the pandemic has been fraught and confusing but ultimately rewarding as we all learn to grapple with the dysfunction of platform dependency and standards fragmentation. But that's not really interesting — we've all settled on Zoom, for better or worse, and I've managed to convince many of my friends to use Duo, which is a pretty good product.But the truly mindblowing news this week was Google's admission that its flailing messaging strategy needs a complete overhaul, starting with a consolidation of products under one team, led by the man, Javier Soltero, who built Outlook Mobile over at Microsoft. While Google isn't actually going to create a single messaging service for consumers ...

While you might not initially think that you need voice control in the kitchen, it can be a game-changer. Your hands are probably dirty while you're in the kitchen cooking up a storm, or, you're busy multitasking as you prepare a meal. Imagine still being able to adjust songs on your playlist, pause a recipe video you're following to grab the ingredient you need or find out how many ounces are in a gram without having to tap the screen on your phone. There are plenty of products you can use in the kitchen that come with Google Assistant built-in. Here are some great ones to consider.Your guiding chefGoogle Nest Hub Smart DisplayStaff pickImagine having your own assistant in the kitchen. While this smart display can't stir sauce or chop veggies, it can playback cooking videos for you to follow along with, let you add items to a shopping list, play music, do measurement conversions, set timers, and more, and it's all controllable with your voice.$80 at Best Buy$79 at Walma...

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

While the flagship Android tablet market is sparse, the same can't be said for the budget market as there are quite a few great choices. When it comes getting a great value, you can't do much better than the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1, especially if you are a fan of Samsung's products or its design language.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1Not everyone needs to pay flagship prices for a tablet with a flagship-like design, and that's what you get the Tab A 10.1. This tablet sports a sleek and slim design that looks good while being light enough to not tire you out if you hold or carry it for a while.When it's time to throw a movie or YouTube video on, you'll get (close to) room-filling sound with the dual-Dolby Atmos rated speakers. The expandable storage means that you can fill this tablet up with your favorite content, perfect for when there's no Wi-Fi. Plus, with up to 13 hours of battery life, the Tab A 10.1 will just keep chugging along throughout the day.Unfortuna...

With a stand-out performance from Avengers star Mark Ruffalo that sees him play dual roles, I Know This Much Is True looks set to be one of the most talked about new shows during lockdown - read on to find out how to watch the miniseries online from anywhere in the world.Adapted from Wally Lamb's best-selling novel and directed by A Place Beyond the Pines' Derek Cianfranc, the unflinching drama sees Ruffalo play both Dominick Birdsey as well as his identical twin Thomas.Construction worker Dominick is struggling to take care of his unpredictable brother - a paranoid schizophrenic whose behaviour has become increasingly dangerous,With Dominick also trying to manage his mother's failing health, the weight of the pressure plunges his own life into crisis.Starring alongside Ruffalo Ruffalo, are Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, Rosie O'Donnell, Archie Panjabi, Juliette Lewis, Kathryn Hahn and Imogen Poots.Read on for full details on how to stream I Know This Much Is True no matter where ...

Best answer: No, Mint Mobile doesn't offer 5G support in its plans. Some users, however, are reporting 5G connectivity with T-Mobile 5G compatible phones and Mint Mobile is selling 5G capable phones on its site.LTE service on T-Mobile's network: Mint Mobile (From $15 per month at Mint Mobile)T-Mobile 5G service: Google Fi (From $20 per month at Google Fi)5G capable and available unlocked: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1000 at Best Buy)Thank the T-Mobile networkMint Mobile is based on the T-Mobile network and currently uses the full LTE network for its phones. While many T-Mobile based MVNOs have started to offer 5G connectivity to customers with compatible phones on the nationwide 600MHz 5G network (Google Fi is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile's network and has already begun to enable 5G on compatible phones), Mint Mobile has yet to make that commitment.There is no doubt that Mint Mobile will eventually support 5G, especially given T-Mobile's continued development of its next-generatio...

The Harman/Kardon Citation One smart speaker is going for $99.99 at Best Buy. You can get this deal in black or gray, so grab the one that best blends with your decor. The smart speaker sells for as much as $230 at Best Buy, and the next best price is around $150 at B&H. This is a great price for a speaker that has rarely dropped anywhere near this price before. The savings are a part of Best Buy's deals of the day, so grab it before the price disappears.Smart functions and all that are great, but you need to know if your speaker lives up to its name as a speaker, right? Well the Citation One has a 0.79-inch tweeter and a 3.5-inch woofer with 40 watts of power for great, well-balanced sound. It also supports multiple audio formats, including FLAC and WAV for high-resolution audio. You'll be able to fill a decent-sized room with sound, and these speakers are capable of a multi-room setup so you can set your whole house thumping by playing music everywhere.Beyond great sound, y...

Still stuck at home, doing your thing remotely? Doing your best to avoid contact with others? Chances are you're probably doing a lot more food delivery, and chances are those delivery fees are costing you. Well, save a little money today thanks to Best Buy's Deals of the Day, which features a $50 DoorDash gift code on sale for only $40. Spend that extra $10 on some more breadsticks or a soda or something. Best Buy doesn't usually do deals like this. In fact, the last time we saw a DoorDash discount it was on eBay and it was only 10% off compared to today's 20% off.This is a gift code, not a gift card. You don't get anything physical for this purchase, but on the other hand you also get to benefit from it immediately. Redeem the code pretty much as soon as you buy it and you'll get $50 in your DoorDash account. You can also send the code to someone else as a gift. Maybe Mom could use some food delivery on Mother's Day.If you've never used DoorDash before, it's just a way to order...

Google Meet is great, but Zoom has a few key advantages.Video conferencing apps have been an essential tool for a lot of companies for a while, but thanks to recent global events, they've exploded in popularity like never before.There are numerous apps out there that you can use for video calling, two of the most popular being Zoom and Google Meet. These are apps focused on enterprise/business use, and each one has its own set of pros and cons.We want to take a closer look at one of those apps, specifically, Zoom. Zoom has undoubtedly become the most talked-about app in this niche, with companies all over the world turning towards it as their digital meeting place of choice.What makes Zoom so great? The service certainly isn't perfect, but depending on where your needs lie, there are a lot of key advantages it has that make it so appealing. Here are six of our favorites.Up to 500 people per callHands-down, one of the biggest reasons to use Zoom is if you have a lot of p...

Keeping the kids entertained while schools are closed and the world focuses on social distancing hasn't been easy. Luckily, the Disney Family Singalong returns this weekend with a whole new slate of stars and performances for little ones to look forward to, along with host Ryan Seacrest.The first Disney Family Singalong aired on April 16 and featured stars like Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Demi Lovato, and Christina Aguilera singing covers of classic and modern Disney tunes, from The Lion King's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" to Frozen's "Let It Go". Volume II comes just three weeks later and is scheduled to feature performances by Halsey, Shakira, Idina Menzel, Miguel, Keke Palmer, and Donald Glover, among others.The Disney Family Singalong: When & whereThe second Disney Family Singalong premieres on Mother's Day this weekend. Join host Ryan Seacrest at 7p.m. EST this Sunday, May 10 on ABC as the next batch of stars sing their renditions of beloved Disney ...

After being delayed back in April due to the coronavirus, UFC 249 is back on and we have all the details on how you can watch the highly anticipated event online or on TV in the U.S., Canada, UK and Australia.UFC 249 was originally scheduled to take place in Brooklyn, New York but the UFC had to relocate the event to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. However, while the event is back on, there won't be any fans in attendance for Saturday's fights for safety reasons.The venue may have changed and fans won't be crowded around the octagon but many of the fights originally scheduled for UFC 249 will be included on the new card. The biggest change though is that Tony Ferguson will now be taking on Justin Gaethje in the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship as Khabib Nurmagomedov is unable to leave his home country of Russia due to its coronavirus travel restrictions.Ferguson is known for his incredible cardio and pressure while Gaethje's kill or be killed me...

Sling TV has been offering one of its best deals in history over the past month. Its 'Happy Hour Across America' promotion gives everyone free access to the service between the hours of 5 p.m. and midnight EST every single day, and there's no credit card or billing information required when you sign up. Just simply enter your name, email, and zip code, and start streaming.With Sling's Happy Hour promotion, you gain access to all of the features of the Sling Blue plan, normally priced at $30 per month. That includes over 45 live TV channels, full TV show seasons and movies on-demand, and even cloud DVR access, and since you don't have to enter any billing info when signing up, there's no risk of being charged whatsoever.It's been nearly a month since the Happy Hour event started, and Sling just announced that May 15 will mark the end of the promotion. That leaves less than a week to check out the service for free. If you're stumped on what to watch, we've compiled a list of some o...

Amazon Echo and Google Home/Nest smart speakers have crossed over from the early adopter phase to each finding a place within the mainstream culture. Both are functional, but if you're like me, you still might not be convinced which company's voice assistant is right for you. That's why I've got both Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible speakers set up in my home. If you find yourself in the same boat, it may be essential to buy smart home accessories that are compatible with both AI assistants, and these smart plugs are a great place to start.AI-powered energy monitoringCurrant Wifi Smart OutletStaff pickCurrant's WiFi Smart Outlet comes with two individually controllable outlets, but the most crucial part is the ability to build a Bluetooth mesh network of smart plugs. Currant's two-outlet smart plug offers the ability to see detailed breakdowns of your energy usage by the hour, day, month, or year. Additionally, Currant uses artificial intelligence to identify energy us...

It's important to keep a few months of expenses saved up in case of emergency, and having an expensive phone bill doesn't make that easy. That's where Visible comes in. For only $40 per month, Visible customers gain access to Verizon's 4G LTE network along with unlimited data, minutes, and messages. There are no contracts or additional fees to worry about either! You can end the service at any time with no penalties.Now, thanks to a limited time offer, Visible is offering a free 2-piece Nimble Charging Bundle when you purchase any qualifying Google Pixel device and port-in your previous number while signing up for the service. That includes devices like the latest Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL, the affordable Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL, and both of the original Google Pixel 3 models. Visible allows you to buy the devices outright or pay for them monthly.The Nible Charging Bundle features Nimble's 5-Day Fast Portable Charger and Wireless Charging Convertible Stand, valued at $...

There's simply never been a better time to work from home. Thanks to the unexpected outbreak of the coronavirus and subsequent quarantine, millions of Americans have been forced to forgo their usual office routines and adapt to an entirely new approach to life—making this the ideal time to turn that business idea into a full-fledged reality.Regardless of whether you're just interested in making a little money on the side as part of a passive income or you're looking to start the next Google or Facebook, the 2020 Ultimate Work From Home Starter Kit Bundle will give you the skills and tools you need in order to get started, and it's available for over 95% off at just $39.99.This 16-course bundle is packed with over 400 lessons that will introduce you to the essentials of everything from freelancing and copywriting to management and team building.You'll learn how to earn both passive and active incomes as a writer in a variety of mediums and genres, how to create captivating copy ...

There's an app for everything — even saving some money every month on your phone bill!Everyone likes to save a little cash when it comes time to pay the monthly cell phone bill. Once you've done all your homework and found the plan that's best for you from the company that offers the best service there are still a few things you can do to make sure you're not spending too much on things you don't need or want. Like everything else, there are apps for that!Here are five apps that can help you trim a little fat from your monthly phone bill. My Data ManagerYou should only be paying for the data you need. While some carriers like Google's Project Fi only bill for the exact amount of data you use each month, most companies don't give credit for data paid for but not used. That means paying for the right amount is pretty important.Ways to monitor how much data you use are probably built into your phone, but the best way to make sure we use any software utility is to make i...

Modern lifestyle watchGarmin Venu$297 at AmazonProsAttractive AMOLED displayPulse Ox sensorBody Battery energy monitorMusic storageGarmin PayConsShorter battery lifeMore expensiveNo advanced running featuresif you consider yourself a smartwatch enthusiast, there are certain features you look for when shopping for a new wearable. Some examples might include a crisp display, mobile payments, music storage, and attractive design. The Garmin Venu has it all and then some.Runner's paradiseGarmin Forerunner 645$238 at AmazonProsLightweight, workout-friendly designCompatible with Garmin Running PowerAdvanced running dynamicsWeek-long battery lifeGarmin PayConsMusic version costs moreLacks Pulse Ox sensorNo AMOLED screenAs a runner, there are just some things you can't live without, like a proper running watch. The Forerunner 645 is overflowing with essential features, like multiple sport modes, advanced running dynamics, and much m...

If you've been working from home and looking for ways to improve your workspace, you don't want to miss this one-day sale at Woot. A selection of monitor stands, standing desk risers, and other office essentials are on sale today only with prices up to 50% off while supplies last. Shipping is free with Amazon Prime, or $6 per order.It's important to keep your home office comfortable, and if you're busy sitting down for hours every day, a desk riser could be the perfect pickup to make sure you get your body moving throughout the day. Today's sale has a bunch to choose from with prices starting as low as $79.99. These risers are designed to sit on your existing desk so you don't need to do a lot of re-arranging or buy an entirely new desk. With this Sit to Stand Desktop Riser on sale for $79.99, you save $35 off its usual cost.A few of the desk risers in the sale are electric too, such as this Black 32-inch Electric Desk Riser that's now down to $119.99 from a regular price of $230...

After being stuck inside for weeks on end, you may be starting to run low on ideas for ways to stay entertained. Despite some countries and states reopening businesses and public spaces, social distancing is still important, and if you're looking for something fun to do while you're at home, LEGO is always a fun choice to spend time on. However, as it is with puzzles and Nintendo Switch consoles, you may have some trouble finding certain sets in stock right now.LEGO building kits are like 3D puzzles. You receive a set of instructions and with color-coded pieces, the process is simple enough that builders of all ages can take part in the fun. There are even LEGO Duplo sets for the tiniest builders out there and LEGO Creator Expert sets for those looking for a real challenge. If you're looking for the best sets to try out, the guide below takes you through nine of our favorites that you can get your hands on right now — sorry, LEGO Hogwarts Castle.What is LEGO VIP and how do I si...

We all appreciate the ability to get our workout done at home, especially when at-home workouts are rapidly gaining in popularity (and necessity). As much as we want to get our sweat on in the comfort of our own living spaces, the truth is, some of us just don't have a ton of room. That's why we created this list of the best low-profile exercise machines for home gyms. Our favorite is the LifePro Waver Vibration Plate because it offers a complete full body workout on a small, easily storable, vibrational plate. However, you can't go wrong with any products that made this list. These machines were designed with smaller spaces in mind, so you can do big workouts in compact places.Best Overall: LifePro Waver Vibration PlateYou can build muscle and improve your overall fitness and flexibility with this low-profile waver vibration plate. Just jump on the platform to instantly start sculpting the body and booty of your dreams. This waver creates a full body vibration that stimulates ...

There is only one sure way to have access to the wonderful (and buggy) bleeding edge of Android: buy Google's own phone.The last thing any sensible person should want to do is use beta software on their phone. Your phone is a treasure trove of personal information that should be kept safe by tried and true software, not a test version that has none of the guarantees that come from using software that's been vetted, tested, and held back for more vetting and testing.But a lot of people just don't care and, like me, really want to see what Google has in store as soon as possible. To scratch that itch, there is the Android Beta Program and a Google Pixel phone. I love the smell of beta software in the morning.Sure, there will be other phones that participate in the Android 11 beta. We'll see those announcements as we move into the "proper" consumer beta on June 3. But there is also a good chance you'll need to jump through some sort of hoop or have to wait until an Android ph...

MIUI 12 brings a lot of visual tweaks and fine-tuned control over privacy settings.MIUI continues to be one of the most popular Android skins around, with over 400 million users around the world. Xiaomi being the number one handset manufacturer in India means there are over 100 million MIUI users in India alone, and in recent years the Chinese manufacturer made decent strides in optimizing the skin for a global audience.MIUI 11 was introduced back in October 2019, and just six months later Xiaomi is rolling out MIUI 12. The update is now live in China and will be making its way to the global MIUI build starting May 19. Even though it has just been six months from the release of MIUI 11, Xiaomi was able to add a host of new features to MIUI 12 to make it stand out. It's clear from using the ROM that Xiaomi focused its attention on optimization and tweaking the overall look of the UI. As a result, animations are smoother, visual elements are more modern, and the interface as a whol...

Microsoft apparently hasn't learned that a billion Windows 10 customers don't want a Windows-powered Chromebook clone.Microsoft's Chief Product Officer of Windows and devices Panos Panay had some important things to say recently. Of course, because the world is stuck at home those things were shared via a blog post instead of what would have been something with a little more pizzazz with people at hand, but the message still came through loud and clear: Microsoft is trying (again) to take the fight to Chromebooks. Third time's the charm.The gist of it all is that even though Windows RT was bad, Windows 10S was a failure, and while people actually are excited about Windows 10X and dual-display devices, Chromebook sales hurt the bottom line hard enough that everything is being shifted to make the future of Windows more like Chrome OS. Single screen clamshells are now the focus instead of dual-display hardware, and there appears to be a major shift to the cloud to make it all b...

Wi-Fi 6 was designed with the future of routers in mind. As more people work from home in the wake of coronavirus, holes in our Wi-Fi are more annoying than ever. As our homes get smarter, we have more connections than ever that need to check in consistently and reliably. Wi-Fi 6 is designed to bring more capacity to a network and even allows for greater speed with a lot of devices. Wi-Fi 6 mesh systems have come down in price, and the Netgear Nighthawk MK62 is one of the best choices for most people.Best Overall: Netgear Nighthawk MK62The Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System from Netgear takes on compact AC-only mesh systems with its compact housing and understated design. Measuring only 4.8 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, each router has a smaller footprint than a CD case. This compact design makes this mesh system one of the easiest to integrate into a home.While you do give up some speed compared to the larger and more expensive mesh systems, the AX1800 speeds should be more tha...

Google's Pixel 3a XL is a more affordable version of the excellent Pixel 3 XL that launched in October 2018. The Pixel 3a XL's plastic design isn't nearly as fragile as the regular Pixel 3 XL's glass one, but picking up a case for it is still a swell idea. If you need some helping finding one you like, here's a roundup of our favorites.Old reliableSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickIf you regularly read our case roundups, you'll know that we're big fans of the Spigen Rugged Armor. This case doesn't look very flashy, but it nails the basics at a price you'll love. It offers ample drop protection, is built well, and adds very little thickness to the 3a XL's body. All-in-all, there's not much to complain about.$11 at Amazon$13 at eBayThin, colorful, cheapAnccer Colorful SeriesGive your Pixel 3a XL some essential protection without compromising its design with the Anccer Colorful Series. This case features an ultra-thin 0.3mm design, comes in six gorgeous colors, and...

Making your home smarter seems to be all the rage these days. There are smart speakers, smart TVs, and other accessories that let you control your life with your voice. One of the most significant conveniences in a home can come from installing smart locks, so you never have to fish a key out again and can manage guests easier. These are the best smart locks that support Amazon's Alexa voice assistant.Modern chicAugust Smart Lock Pro + ConnectStaff pickThe Smart Lock Pro is a stylish lock that works with most existing deadbolts, meaning you don't need to replace your keys to use it. You can lock and unlock the door with an Alexa command, or the door can automatically unlock as you approach it with your smartphone. It supports smart home standards like Z-Wave Plus and Apple's HomeKit and includes a Connect bridge that allows it to work over Wi-Fi.$200 at AmazonSmart yet simpleAugust Smart LockThe standard Smart Lock doesn't support HomeKit, even when attached to an...

The video conferencing app's sudden success has been accompanied by increasing concern about its security standards.What you need to knowZoom CEO Eric Yuan this Thursday announced that his company was acquiring Keybase.The latter is a cybersecurity startup with an expertise in encryption.The goal of the acquisition is to help Zoom implement end-to-end encryption in its own platform.Zoom's unprecedented growth spurt as a result of the ongoing pandemic hasn't been without its challenges, chief among them being the lacking state of its security architecture. To allay those concerns, the company this week announced its intention to acquire Keybase, a cybersecurity startup that specializes in secure, encrypted communications.The accompanying press release reads: We are proud to announce the acquisition of Keybase, another milestone in Zoom's 90-day plan to further strengthen the security of our video communications platform. Since its launch in 2014, Keybase's team of exce...

You no longer need to be an obsessive germaphobe in order to understand and appreciate the importance of good hygiene. Thanks to the unexpected outbreak of the coronavirus, the entire country has been forced to remain extremely vigilant when it comes to going outside and interacting with the world, and washing your hands twelve times a day can only go so far if you're constantly touching surfaces that have been potentially infected.The Safe Touch N Go: Contact-Less Keychain Tool will help keep you and your family safe by drastically reducing the amount of contact you have with everything from doors and buttons to countertops and ATM machines, and right now it's on sale for over 65% off at just $19.99.This simple tool is made from naturally antimicrobial brass that eliminates up to 99.9% of the germs and pathogens it comes into contact with—allowing you to stay germ-free when you're forced to go outdoors.With an ergonomic hook design that also doubles as a useful keychain, the...

As an introvert by nature, one of the things I love most about smart doorbells is the ability for me not to have to get off of my keister and answer every knock or ring at the front door. All I have to do is ask Alexa to show me who is at the front door. We've compiled a list of great smart doorbells that work with Alexa, but my favorite is the Ring Video Doorbell 3. There are plenty of good devices on this list, so be sure to check them out and see what might be the best fit for your situation.Best Overall For Alexa: Ring Video Doorbell 3It may seem a cop-out to pick a Ring product as my top choice, but the fact is that since Amazon purchased the smart home products company, it has been churning out quality products that work well with Alexa. Once again, the company took what was popular and successful from the previous generation device (the Ring Video Doorbell 2), and made some tweaks to make it even better.The Ring Video Doorbell 3 brings 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi support, advanced m...

More versatile cameras versus more balanced colorsThere are few features more important in a modern smartphone than the cameras, particularly when you're spending somewhere in the ballpark of $1000 on your phone. The Galaxy S20+ is one of the top-ranking phones of early 2020, with excellent cameras and hardware, but its steep starting price of $1200 puts it out of reach for some consumers.The LG V60 by comparison feels like a deal at "only" $900, and offers many of the same features — plus some bonuses like LG's excellent Quad DAC and a Dual Screen attachment. The cameras are comparable as well, with a similarly large main sensor and matching ultra-wide and time-of-flight sensors, though interestingly LG ditched the telephoto sensor this year.We took both phones out and shot a variety of photos to see how each camera compares in different scenarios.Daylight photos Galaxy S20+ (left) / LG V60 (right) — click to view larger. Broad daylight is rarely an ...

Ideal lifestyle smartwatchGarmin Venu$300 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSMusic storageBright AMOLED touchscreenGarmin PayConsShorter battery lifeLacks advanced running featuresIn addition to built-in GPS and health/activity tracking, you'll also enjoy some other wonderful perks on the Venu. This smartwatch boasts a colorful touchscreen, music storage, Garmin Pay, on-screen workouts, and more.Runner's dream watchGarmin Forerunner 245 Music$296 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSMusic storageSuperior battery lifeAdvanced running featuresConsLacks touchscreenNo altimeter or Garmin PayThe Forerunner 245 Music is specifically made for runners. That means you'll get more than standard workouts and health/activity tracking. Some examples include training status, training effect, and training load.Picking out a smartwatch isn't as easy as it seems, especially when there are so many to choose from, like the Garmin Venu and the Forerunner 245 Music...

As we get closer to 5G networks on our cell phones, it's essential to have speeds that are faster than that when we are at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises speeds of up to 10Gbps by combining those 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to provide a better experience. The next cog in the wheel is finding the best Wi-Fi 6-compatible router, and we have found the best ones for you to consider.Smarter homesTP-Link Archer AX6000 RouterStaff PickIf you are looking for a regular router, chances are you've taken a look at some of the offerings from TP-Link. The company has moved into the Wi-Fi 6 era with the AX6000 router. This router includes eight antennas attached to the base which aims to provide a "powerful" Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, without needing additional routers.$270 at Amazon$270 at Best BuyBudget Wi-Fi 6Netgear 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX15)Let's face it, most people don't need a ton of Wi-Fi speed but that doesn't mean they won't benefit from Wi-...

They're also adding a family mode with fun video effects and masks.What you need to knowGroup calls will be coming to Duo on the web in the coming weeks, initially as a Chrome preview.A new family mode lets you draw and apply video filters in Duo calls. Those same filters and effects are coming to regular Duo calls as well.Google rolled out web support for one-on-one calls through its Duo video calling service last year, but today it announced that group calls on the web will finally be rolling out in the coming weeks.Starting as a preview on Chrome, group calls on the web will be introduced alongside a redesigned Duo layout that allows you to see more people at once on your screen. In addition, anyone with a Google account will be able to join Duo group calls simply by using a link.Google is also adding a new family mode to Duo, which lets you draw on the screen for others in the call to see, or apply video effects and masks. You can access family mode from the ove...

Keeping your digital library up-to-date with your favorite shows and movies is always a smart idea. With streaming rights being traded from service to service, you never know when you might lose access to something if you're just watching on Netflix or another streaming service. Take Friends for instance. The show was taken off Netflix on January 1 earlier this year and hasn't been available on any streaming sites since. It's set to debut on HBO Max once the service goes live for audiences later this month, but if you don't want to pay $15 per month, there's a better option to consider today.iTunes has the complete series of Friends on sale for just $49.99 for a limited time. This is one of the lowest prices it's ever reached, and for over 230 episodes, that's like paying just 21 cents each. The collection includes all ten seasons in digital HD.Shows and movies purchased at iTunes can be viewed using the Apple TV app, which means you don't need an Apple or iOS device to watch. Th...

What are those random strings of letters mean?These days with most people working from home, video conferencing is all the rage. Some platforms require you to create an account, while others let just about anyone join in, provided they have an invitation from the meeting organizer. The way Google Meet handles this is through meeting codes. We'll explain what these are, and just what you are supposed to do with them.Explaining Google Meet codesNow that Google is opening up Google Meet to non-enterprise G Suite users (a.k.a. the rest of us), more people are starting to use the service to connect with colleagues, friends, and family. As they do, many are noticing these strange looking alpha codes associated with the meeting invitations they receive.What are these random text strings? Basically, they are an arrangement of random letters that make up a unique code, providing access to a scheduled meeting or one that is already underway. The meeting codes are typically appended ...

You can play some great old RPGs on Android.Role-playing games are wonderful, story-driven experiences that complement the mobile gaming experience nicely. Despite the relatively tiny mobile screens we're used to (yes, 5.7 inches is still small by gaming standards), RPGs allow us to get lost in fanciful worlds for a while.In the case of some games, especially those ported over from PC, that "while" could be 20, 30 hours, or even more! This makes the best RPGs worth their price in the Google Play Store. There are some duds in there, so we've hand-picked the best of the best to save you the trouble of digging.If you're looking for more than just RPGs, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android games out there!BattleChaser: NightWarFinal Fantasy Chrono TriggerEvoland 2Arcane Quest 3Crashlands Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnThe Bard's TalePocket MortysStar Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicDragon QuestEterniumDungeon Hunter 5Neverwinter N...

New regions promise new secrets to find and demons to butcher.What you need to knowDoom Eternal is the latest shooter from id Software and Bethesda Softworks.Some campaign DLC packs are in the works.The Doom Twitter account shared a couple of screenshots from the upcoming DLC.There's no release date for the DLC packs at this time.While Doom fans continue to wait for news of the Doom Eternal DLC packs, a small teaser has been released. The official Doom Twitter account shared two new screenshots, showing a couple of the environments that'll be featured in the DLC. One appears to be a massive rig out at sea, while the other looks like part of the Makyr world. You can see both screenshots below.Both screenshots are from the first upcoming DLC pack, so it looks like the Slayer will be traversing multiple areas again. There are two campaign add-ons currently planned, both releasing sometime within the first year of Doom Eternal. We'll be sure to share an update when we lear...

The two phones were originally slated to receive the update in "early 2020."What you need to knowSony Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus have started receiving the stable Android 10 update.The update brings a bunch of new features, including a system-wide dark mode, new gesture navigation, and smart replies.It comes with the March 2020 Android security patch as well.In November last year, Sony had revealed its Android 10 update roadmap, promising to update the mid-range Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus phones to the latest version of Android in "early 2020." Four months after rolling out Android 10 to its flagship Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 phones, Sony has finally released the update for the Xperia 10 and 10 Plus.As per Xperia Blog, the update arrives as version 53.1.A.2.2 and is currently rolling out only in Russia and select European countries for both single and dual SIM variants of the two phones. The update brings all the Android 10 features such as a system-wide dark mode, new ge...

Looking into a 4K TV to use with your Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra can be confusing. There are tons of options out there, each with their own little quirks. There are fantastic TVs at the high end of the market, but those cost thousands of dollars. If you don't have that much room in your budget, don't sweat it: there are many cheaper TVs out there that can deliver a satisfying picture.Clearly SmartLG UN7300PUFStaff pickLG remains one of the main providers of quality panels at every level of the TV industry and the UM7300PUF is no different. LG's claim to fame is its custom tone mapping technology, which analyzes each scene to deliver the most accurate picture possible. Alongside the excellent 4K HDR panel, the new webOS release includes smart assistant support from the likes of Google Assistant.From $397 at Amazon$400 at Best BuyNo extra cablesVizio M-SeriesThe Vizio M-Series is interesting in that these TVs have Chromecast built-in, so you wouldn't even need ...

Having an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is pretty important when you're an Xbox gamer. Not only can you access all the features of Xbox Live Gold like online multiplayer and free monthly game downloads, but you also score Xbox Game Pass in the process. With over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 games to play whenever you choose, gone are the days of having to buy a $60 game for something new.Right now, new members can score a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1. The membership usually costs $14.99 per month, though today's deal is even better than that as Microsoft is also extending all members the chance to sign up for a six-month Spotify Premium subscription for free.To score your free six months of Spotify, you'll just need to activate the offer separately via the Game Pass Ultimate Perks section on the console or the Game Pass Ultimate app once you've signed up. Current and previous subcribers of Spotify are not eligible for this offer. If you've alr...

MIUI 12 beta testing could begin in India by the end of this month.What you need to knowXiaomi will be launching the global version of MIUI 12 on May 19.It had launched MIUI 12 in China last month. The latest iteration of Xiaomi's custom Android skin brings a refreshed UI design, enhanced dark mode, new animations, security improvements, and more.Xiaomi introduced the latest iteration of its MIUI Android skin at the Mi 10 Youth Edition launch event in China last month. It revealed all the key new features of MIUI 12 at the event and also confirmed a release schedule for Mi and Redmi phones in China. Xiaomi has now started teasing the global launch of MIUI 12 on Twitter.Mi fans can figure out the answer. How about you?This is a very important message! If you get the answer, remember this important day. #MIUI #MIUI12 pic.twitter.com/3WVDJDTYCm— MIUI (@miuirom) May 7, 2020The MIUI 12 launch date was revealed by the company with a simple math puzzle, the answer to which...

It's like having the classroom right in your home.What you need to knowGoogle is enhancing Search with new AR models that lets users explore models in incredible detail.All you need to do is search for one of the keywords on your phone and select the option to view in your space.Google's list of Search-integrated AR is growing rapidly, with this round of additions helping students better explore scientific subjects.Google is enhancing its world-class search engine in a big way today by offering new augmented reality (AR) experiences right inside of Search. The best part is that you won't even need to download an extra app in order to find these experiences. Simply search for any of the new categories on Google.com on your phone and click the 'View in 3D' button, followed by 'View in your space'. What transpires is a pretty incredible set of technologies that work in harmony to bring life-sized human skeletons, 3D muscular systems, and even larger-than-life animal cells to y...

Head over to BuyDig and get the Google Nest Hub Max at its regular $199 price and you'll get a free Nest Mini smart speaker, which goes for around $29 or more just about everywhere, including Google's store. Not only is that some nice savings, but these two devices can work together to extend your voice control over your smart home across your house. You'll be able to talk to Google Assistant from multiple rooms.Read our review of the Nest Hub Max smart home display. We gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and a "The Best" badge. Russell Holly said this is "for people who are sold on the smart display experience from Google and want something a little more useful." He added, "you get a great speaker with a phenomenal display and a genuinely useful video chat experience."The Nest Hub Max works with all things Nest and more than 5,000 smart devices. Use it to listen to music from your favorite streaming apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora, and more. Use it to watch recipe videos while ...

Upgrading to the Xbox One X just became a bit more affordable. Select retailers have the 1TB console bundled with Jedi: Fallen Order on sale for just $299.99 this weekend, saving you $100 in the process, though the best place to buy right now is Target. RedCard holders score 5% off every purchase at Target to bring the total down to just $284.99.Not a Target RedCard holder just yet? It's free to sign up for, and with the debit card option, there are no fees or interest to worry about — ever. You'll even score free 2-day shipping on your purchases. There's really no reason not to have one if you shop at Target even occassionally. The credit card option does include fees and other stipulations you'll want to look into if you're interested in that one.Other retailers who have the bundle on sale for $299.99 include Best Buy, GameStop, and Microsoft.The Xbox One X console features a 1TB hard drive and comes with one Xbox Wireless Controller. With the Xbox One X, your games are pow...

Best answer: The Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power are now available for purchase as unlocked devices from Best Buy, B&H, and Motorola's own website. If you'd prefer to buy the phones through your carrier, availability differs slightly between the two models.For creatives: Moto G Stylus ($300 at Motorola)Massive battery: Moto G Power ($250 at Motorola)You can buy unlocked models of the Moto G Stylus and G Power at a few different retailersIf you're interested in buying the Moto G Stylus or Moto G Power, we recommend getting an unlocked model. This is simply a version of the phone that isn't tied to a specific carrier, meaning you can use it on whatever phone service you currently have and bring it with you somewhere else should you happen to switch providers down the road.Unlocked models of the G Stylus and G Power are widely available at the following retailers:Best BuyB&HAdditionally, you can also buy the phones directly through Motorola.Motorola has confir...