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by Ara Wagoner on (#51DYG)
Chromebooks are lightweight, require no real upkeep, and are durable as all get-out because they're designed for businesses and schools. It's only logical to go Chrome if you're in need of an easy computer for your kid or your grandma, especially now that most are touchscreen and all support Android apps. When looking for a Chromebook, Walmart has done impressively well cultivating a nifty market of direct sales and third-party vendors to help give you a wide selection and excellent sales. These are the best the retail giant has to offer today.Stylus Savvy: Lenovo 500e Chromebook 2nd GenLenovo makes some of the best Chromebooks on the market, and while the lower tier 300e and 100e education Chromebooks have been sold out in most places the last few weeks, the 500e 2nd Gen is still available from Walmart, giving us a great option for kids who like to doodle and sketch. What separates the 300e and 500e is that the latter comes with a built-in EMR stylus that can be used for ann...
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| Updated | 2026-03-19 10:32 |
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by Ara Wagoner on (#51DSX)
There's nothing like a good keyboard to turn the average user into a prolific communicator.Keyboards may be one of the most important choices you make on your phone. They will shape the speed and accuracy with which you use your phone to communicate, and because keyboards can see everything you type from passwords to social security numbers, it's important to have a keyboard you trust and like. To that end, here now are the four keyboards we trust and like the most to help us tweet, text, and type up our articles in a crowded bar.GboardSwiftKeyChroomaFleksyGrammarly KeyboardOpenBoardGboard: King of the keyboardsGboard has been top of the Android keyboard mountain, and the reasons are clear: great predictions courtesy of machine learning, easy access to gifs and sticker packs such as the Disney Stickers collections, and a dictionary tied to your Google account, so it follows you everywhere.They keep adding all the smart features that Android users have enjoyed fro...
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by Alex Dobie on (#51DSZ)
Neither Huawei nor the U.S. government is budging. So what happens next?If just about any manufacturer besides Huawei had faced such extreme restrictions on its software, its smartphone division would be facing a guaranteed death sentence. Yet here we are, nine months on from Huawei's initial placement on the U.S.'s "entity list," and the company's consumer device arm is very much alive and kicking. More than that, in fact -- it's pushing ahead with building out its own ecosystem, and has recently launched what might well be the best smartphone camera of the year in the Huawei P40 series.As a recap, Huwaei's smartphone software challenges are about more than just not having Google's applications and storefront preloaded on its new phones. Google services are ubiquitous elsewhere, of course, but the larger issue has to do with the under-the-hood bits and bytes that help other manufacturers' apps work, which live inside Google Play Services. Think: single sign-on for apps like Skys...
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by Nick Tylwalk on (#51DMG)
Why pay for Diamonds when you can get them for free?Premium currency in free-to-play mobile games goes by a lot of names depending on what you're playing, but diamonds are definitely a favorite gemstone for a lot of titles. Diamonds with a capital 'D' are the currency that matters most in The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, and Netmarble would probably not mind at all if you spent a few dollars to buy them from time to time.Buying premium currency is fine if that's your thing, but getting Diamonds for free is a lot more satisfying, not to mention a little easier on your virtual wallet. Assuming that sounds good to you, keep on reading, as there are a handful of methods for racking up Diamonds without saying goodbye to any of your dough.What are Diamonds used for anyway?If you need something important in The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, there's a good chance you can buy it with Diamonds. Tapping on the 'Shop' icon on the game's main nav bar will take you to the in-game st...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#51DG4)
Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best overallLenovo Chromebook C330$299 at Amazon$280 at LenovoLast year's Lenovo is still the best Chromebook to buy.This zippy little Chromebook can last 10 hours and won't weigh down your backpack during an all-day excursion.Lenovo Chromebook C330 FeaturesBright 11.6-inch touchscreenTrue 10-hour battery lifeExcellent performance for the price4GB RAM, 32-64GB storageBalanced weight and sizeBright, shimmery 2-in-1 designThe best Chromebook balances size with productivity, style with substance, and panache with a price. It's a Chromebook that anyo...
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by Alex Smith on (#51D7T)
Disney+ may have plenty of new and exclusive content to watch, but if you're anything like me, the real reason why you're a member has to do with the service's wide selection of older shows and movies. Whether you lovingly dub yourself a 90's kid or if The Mickey Mouse Club was more your thing, Disney+ is full with characters and stories to bring you back to your childhood.From Disney Channel Original Movies to TV shows and of course beloved animated films, Disney+ actually has so much content it can be tough to find something to settle on watching. Instead of getting lost with all the options, consider starting your journey back to the old days by checking out some of the best nostalgia-inducing shows and movies on Disney+ below.What is Disney+ and how do I sign up?Before we get to the list below, if you aren't familiar with Disney+ or have been holding out on signing up, now's the time to learn more and get a subscription started. It brings pretty much the full collection of ...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#51D0G)
Should you trust the Board? It's all about perspective.Control was easily my Game of the Year in 2019, so there was no doubt in my mind that I would be getting its expansions, a decision unusual for me because I almost never buy DLC. The Foundation, the game's first story-based DLC, continues Control's penchant for weird horror with its own signature brand of humor while we delve deeper into the Oldest House. It doesn't break the mold and completely change up the formula, nor does it deliver a ton of new content, but instead delivers on everything that made the base game so great.Despite some repetitiveness with the missions, The Foundation does exactly what it needs to: give you more beneath the Oldest House for you to explore while expanding upon the world introduced in the base game. Plus, the stakes are higher than ever. The Astral Plane is bleeding into the Bureau, and it's only a matter of time before it destroys everything.Oldest HouseControl: The Foundation ...
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by James Bricknell on (#51D0J)
The Illithid are back and they are ready to conquer all of the Forgotten Realms.When you think of truly iconic Dungeons and Dragons videogames the first name that will always come to mind is Baldur's Gate. There are others — Neverwinter Nights comes to mind — but none of them hold the hallowed place in people's hearts like the Baldur's Gate series.It's taken a long time, but Wizards of the Coast, the owners of D&D, have finally agreed to allow a company to get its hands on the rights to the franchise. Larian Studios — the creators of the hugely popular Divinity: Original Sin series — has been given the reigns, and asked to create a true successor to the RPG we all know and love.What is Baldur's Gate 3?Baldur's Gate 3 story, gameplay and featuresIs Baldur's Gate 3 a sequel?What edition is Baldur's Gate 3?Will Baldur's Gate 3 be on PS4?Will Baldur's Gate 3 havemultiplayer?Baldur's Gate 3 release dateLarian's finestDivinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edi...
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by Alex Smith on (#51CVV)
We're usually the biggest supporters of the cordcutting lifestyle, though with the current pandemic the world has on its hands, now is one of the worst times to not have access to a live news channel on your television at home. Updates are coming every few hours, and with how quickly information is changing, it's so important to have the most up-to-date info on the virus.Hulu is helping its current subscribers out by offering a live stream of ABC News for free. Access is open for all subscribers, so whether you're on a Limited Commercials, No Commercials, or a Hulu with Live TV plan, you'll be able to watch ABC News at any time of the day. This 24/7 livestream of the channel can be found by navigating to the Hulu Picks section at Hulu.Free for membersABC News now streaming on HuluHulu just made the ABC News live TV channel available to all of its subscribers for free! The livestream is accessible via the Hulu Picks section whether you have a base Hulu plan, the No Commercials...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#51CPA)
Chinese brands are leading the race when it comes to hardware, design, and more importantly price. Huawei's absence is good news for its competition.I know most people reading this will be from the good ole' U.S.A. but not everyone. If that sounds like you, let me say I'm sorry stupid laws have robbed you of what looks like the best Android phone you can buy right now that's missing everything which makes Android great. I'm speaking about the Huawei P40 Pro, of course.The Huawei P40 Pro is the best phone you won't want to buyI'm not going to rehash it again, but the tl;dr in case you need it is that Huawei is on the U.S. Entity list which means other companies that wish to do business inside the U.S. cannot do business with Huawei unless they are granted a waiver. That means Google can't provide things like Google Play or Gmail on top of the free open source parts of Android.As you can expect, this has hurt Huawei's sales in the west tremendously. Huawei was never a big p...
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by Joe Maring on (#51CHE)
A trio of flagship killers is on the way.In just a handful of years, OnePlus has established itself as one of the most exciting players in the U.S. smartphone market. 2019's OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T stand out as two of our favorite phones of the entire year, and for 2020, it looks like OnePlus is getting ready to wow us yet again.There's a lot of talk and buzz regarding the upcoming OnePlus 8, and based on what we know so far, it's shaping up to be one heck of a phone. From a 120Hz display to wireless charging, there's a lot in the pipeline.Whether you're interested in specs, design, or how much the OnePlus 8 will end up costing you, here's everything you need to know!OnePlus is preparing three versionsThe designs have been revealedLet's talk specsAn April announcement is likelyHere's how much you'll payLet's not forget about the OnePlus 7TKiller flagshipOnePlus 7T$499 at OnePlusStill one of the best deals aroundEven with the new OnePlus 8 lineup looming on...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#51CDP)
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, fitness services, 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 nowMonument Valley 2: One of the best mobile games is free right now. Monument Valley 2 features gorgeous visuals, intricate puzzles, and a soothing soundtrack. The puzzle game usually costs $5, so grab it for free right now. Monument Valley 2 on the Play Store. Mini Metro: What's it like to build a subway system from scratch? That's what you're tasked with in Mini Metro. There ar...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#51CB2)
There are a few things you can do to get better wireless performance from your router.If you're working from home for the first time, it can be a lot to get used to. It's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed, and the last thing you want to deal with is an unreliable internet connection. A stable Wi-Fi signal is an absolute necessity when you're working from home, and it's particularly infuriating when you're in the middle of a video call and your router decides to glitch out.Facing issues with your router or aren't getting the bandwidth you're paying for? There are a few things you can do to make things better. Let's get started.See if you're actually getting the advertised speedsBefore we begin, the first thing you should do is see what sort of bandwidth you're actually getting from your router. Go to a site like Fast.com, measure the bandwidth, and see if it lines up with what you should get. Fast is owned by Netflix, and is a good indicator of the actual bandwidth that's ...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#51C3R)
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.Grab 100,000 bonus miles with Delta's new offer before it's gone.What you need to knowDelta is currently offering a welcome bonus for its business credit cards.New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles.All three offers are set to end on April 1, 2020.For businesses that frequent Delta airlines for all of their business's travel needs, the airline is currently offering welcome bonuses on all three of its new line of business credit cards. The offers span across three Delta business credit cards and introductory bonuses range from 70,000 bonus miles all the way up to 100,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles.However, ...
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by John Levite on (#51AYP)
You know, you're not the only one dealing with change during this self-isolation. Your animals really don't understand why you keep hanging around all day and why you've worn the same shirt since Monday. And like always, they really want you to stay on top of the food situation. Lucky for you, you don't have to make trips to the grocery store and risk ruining your excellent social distancing work. There are plenty of pet food delivery services online that can bring the food right to you. Some of them even have specialized meals and automatic shipping orders.ChewyGet started with ChewyChewy offers automatic shipments, customer service, and savings up to 10% on every order.Best Pet Food Delivery ServicesChewySpot & TangoNomNomNowPetcoSmallsPetFlowChewyWith Chewy, you can set up automatic shipments. Basically, look through the hundreds of available brands or pick from your favorite top brands, like Purina or Blue Buffalo. You can also add to your order...
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by Andrew Martonik on (#51C3S)
There aren't a ton of great Android tablets out there, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 offers the best overall Android tablet experience of the bunch. It has a big screen, high-end specs, tons of features, a stylus, and support for a full keyboard. It's expensive, and not the right pick for anyone who wants a smaller and more portable tablet, but as an all-around device, it can't be beaten. For those who have different needs (or budgets), there are a few other picks that work well as media consumption devices and won't break the bank.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy Tab S6The most important things to have in a full-size Android tablet are a great screen, loud speakers, robust build quality, and software that makes use of the extra screen size. That's what makes the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 the best Android tablet — it has a combination of everything.Its spec sheet leaves little to be desired, with a super-fast Snapdragon 855 processor, 6GB of RAM, plenty of storage and well-optim...
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by Adam Oram on (#51C3T)
Photos are amazing to have on display as they remind you milestones or memories in your life, but time is often the limiting factor when it comes to getting your photos organized and selecting the best ones to print and display. You might find you now have an abundance of free time now that you are working from home and self-isolating, so what better way to spend it than pruning your digital library and sending your favorite photos to print?There's an abundance of services that print photos, canvases, mugs, and even directly onto glass frames, making it really easy to put your best photos on display. There's perhaps too much choice, actually, meaning it can be hard to know where to start. that's why we've rounded up the best online photo printing services below.Best Online Photo Printing ServicesSnapfish: Best all-rounderPrintique: Best photo qualityAmazon Prints: Ships free with PrimeFracture: Print on glassShutterfly: Happiness guaranteeWhiteWall: Gallery qualityMixboo...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#51C3W)
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.Grab 100,000 bonus miles with Delta's new offer while you still can.What you need to knowDelta is currently offering welcome bonuses for its consumer credit cards.New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles.All four offers are set to end on April 1, 2020.If you are a fan of Delta, the company is currently offering four limited-time welcome bonus offers for all four of their new consumer-focused credit cards. The offers span across Delta's credit card lineup, and welcome bonuses range from 15,000 bonus miles all the way up to 100,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles.However, you don't have much longer to take advantag...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#51BVV)
While you're fully immersed inside your virtual world with PlayStation VR, there's no reason you wouldn't want to share it with everyone else, right? Twitch is the biggest platform on the planet for gamers to broadcast their adventures to friends, family, and complete strangers. Streaming VR is a little different to a regular console game, mostly because you have no vision of anything that's going on outside the headset. You can't see chat, you can't monitor your stream and things like that. But it's still a great way to share gameplay from the PlayStation VR. If you're keen to get started, here's what you need to do.How to stream directly from the PlayStation 4On the dashboard, go to Settings.Scroll down to Sharing and Broadcasts.On the next screen go to the bottom and select Link with Other Services.Select Twitch.Go to twitch.tv/activate on your browser and enter the code you're shown on the screen.When directed back you'll be informed your PlayStation Network accou...
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by Alex Smith on (#51BVX)
The developments regarding the current coronavirus outbreak across the globe are startling to say the least, and keeping the news on 24/7 is even more of a stressor than it normally is. It's time to turn off the talking heads and all the uncertain reports, but if curiosity is getting the best of you, keep the TV on and check out the movie Contagion.With a Certified Fresh score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, Contagion is a critically-acclaimed film that shows the rapid spread of a lethal virus which covers the globe in a matter of days. The film doesn't just have a star-studded cast giving fantastic performances, but it's also remarkable in its scientific accuracy. Story details show accurate depictions of scientific processes rather than the pseudo-science that you find in most movies from this genre.This disaster movie is nearly as scary as it is tense. Released back in 2011, it features performances by Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwenyth Paltrow, Lawrence Fishburne, Kat...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#51BVY)
When it comes to Android tablets, the choices are many, but there aren't very many "good" tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 bucks that trend, and there isn't a lot of real competition. However, one of the most important things when it comes to buying a tablet is finding the best case, whether you need it to be fashionable or functional. Here are the best cases for your Galaxy Tab S4.Tablet and stylus holderPoetic Lumos X Smart Cover CaseStaff pickWant a protective case that won't turn your tablet into a tank? The Poetic TurtleSkin case offers a little bit slimmer design than most hybrid cases while including heat vents to keep your gaming sessions going, and is touted as being childproof.$8 at AmazonSlim keyboardFintie Slim Shell Keyboard CaseWhen it comes to keyboard cases, some folks don't want all the bells and whistles. That's where the Fintie Slim Shell Keyboard Case comes into play. This is a bare-bones, no-nonsense keyboard case that just works and will ge...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#51BW0)
Amazon Fire tablets are awesome. They're generally hundreds of dollars cheaper than iPads or even other Android tablets, and they are incredibly simple to use. Many families purchase one to share or even get Fire tablets specifically for their children. However, they don't necessarily want to give the kiddos carte blanche to do whatever they want on the devices. I'll show you a few different ways to keep your kids from downloading apps or accessing content without your permission.How to set parental controls on a Fire tabletThe simplest thing to do to prevent your kids from downloading apps or accessing inappropriate content is to put a passcode on your Fire tablet, but honestly, that's not very helpful. Here's a better way.From your Fire Tablet home screen, tap on the Settings app or swipe down from the top and tap on the settings icon.Tap on Parental Controls.Here you can create or manage household profiles (including for children) or toggle on Parental controls.Enter y...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#51BW2)
If you want to expand your Chromebook's storage, you can use an SD card and boom, you've got more space. Chrome's security model treats storage you can remove differently than storage you can't — and not all Android apps can use SD storage for data — but an SD card slot means extra storage space for photos, video, documents or anything else that you need to keep. Whether you need micro, full-size, or something in between, these are your best bets for dependable, affordable storage for your Chromebook.Go microSamsung EVO Select microSD cardStaff pickFrom $6 at Amazon From $28 at Newegg Most Chromebooks today ship with a microSD slot, and the microSD card we like best is the Samsung EVO Select. It's available in 32GB to 512GB capacities. This quick little card is a dependable name-brand.All the sizesSanDisk ExtremeFrom $14 at Amazon From $14 at Amazon SanDisk offers this card in an impressive variety of sizes, all the way up to 1TB, though that card cost...
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by Michael Allison on (#51BW3)
The pandemic is savaging small businesses and communities. Google wants to help.What you need to knowGoogle has pledged over $800 million towards coronavirus crisis response.As part of that, it will apportion $250 million in ad grants for health agencies like the WHO to help educate local communities.It will also fund research into coronavirus treatments like vaccines as well as throw its weight behind the production of face masks and ventilators.As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Google is offering support to help mitigate one of the side-effects, the economic devastation that inevitably befell small businesses as a result of lockdown orders. CEO Sundar Pichai today announced a commitment of at least $800 million to help small and medium businesses, health organizations governments, and health workers.Here's what Google is offering:$250 million in ad grants aimed at helping government health agencies and the WHO more easily disseminate information about the corona...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#51BW4)
Uh oh! It's game night but your D&D group canceled. Fortunately for you, there are other ways to scratch your role-playing itch. If you're looking for some great RPGs for your PlayStation 4 then you don't need to look any further than this list.★ Featured favoriteThe Outer WorldsObsidian is back with New Vegas in space! All joking aside, The Outer Worlds is, in fact, its own entity with only the best parts of our favorite Obsidian games brought back and updated. With this probably being the last Obsidian game we will see on PS4, it's a pretty good way to go out.$34 at AmazonThe Gold StandardThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntStaff pickDon't let its age fool you. Despite releasing in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still one of the best when it comes to RPGs on console. CD Projekt RED created an incredibly immersive fantasy world full of wonder, intrigue, mysteries, and a cast of compelling characters. It really doesn't get better than this, and the graphics h...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#51BJM)
There are a few things you can do to get better wireless performance from your router.If you're working from home for the first time, it can be a lot to get used to. It's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed, and the last thing you want to deal with is an unreliable internet connection. A stable Wi-Fi signal is an absolute necessity when you're working from home, and it's particularly infuriating when you're in the middle of a video call and your router decides to glitch out.Facing issues with your router or aren't getting the bandwidth you're paying for? There are a few things you can do to make things better. Let's get started.See if you're actually getting the advertised speedsBefore we begin, the first thing you should do is see what sort of bandwidth you're actually getting from your router. Go to a site like Fast.com, measure the bandwidth, and see if it lines up with what you should get. Fast is owned by Netflix, and is a good indicator of the actual bandwidth that's ...
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by Michael Allison on (#51BJP)
Xiaomi's 2020 flagships finally roll into Europe.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced the global availability of its Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro.The company has also added a new Mi 10 Lite, aimed at making 5G more accessible.The Mi 10 Lite starts from ₤349, while the bigger Mi 10 series will start from ₤799.Xiaomi has announced the global availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 series. It's also added a new member to the family, the Mi 10 Lite 5G.Let's start on the more recent one — the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite. As its name implies, it's a 'lite' version of the Mi 10, but that doesn't mean Xiaomi plans to shortchange you. The company will be equipping this with the very powerful Snapdragon 765G processor — rumored to sit in both the LG G9 and Pixel 5 in addition to the Nokia 8.3. Around the front, you'll find a 6.57-inch AMOLED TrueColor display (but no 90Hz refresh). The camera also seems to be similarly beefy, with Xiaomi adding a 48MP quad-camera. Specs rarely say anything sub...
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by Android Central on (#51BJR)
Nobody likes to think about car insurance. Aside from the inevitable headaches that arise from dishing out an exorbitant amount of money each month to a company whose positive ads can't make up for the inconvenience of finding the right policy, wading through all of the red tape that accompanies most policies can be a unique nightmare all to itself.So why not take control of the one thing you have full authority over when it comes to car insurance by picking the perfect provider and plan based on your unique needs and budget?The Zebra allows you to do just that, by letting you quickly compare every available auto insurance plan so you can lock in the best rates and deals in minutes.Unlike most sites that claim to help you shop for insurance coverage, The Zebra adheres to a strict no-spam policy in order to ensure that your personal information is never sold to third parties, and their unbiased algorithms allow you to compare rates and plans from hundreds of insurance providers all...
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by Alex Smith on (#51BJT)
The massive amount of premium content on Disney+ easily puts it at the top of the list when it comes to best new streaming services. Whether you're a fan of animated Disney classics, Marvel films and TV shows, National Geographic content, or the Star Wars saga, the service is nearly essential for those who have cut the cable company out of their life and are looking for something to help take its place.Disney+ Free TrialHow do you get a Disney+ free trial? Sign up today!How long is the Disney+ trial? 7 daysWhat can you watch with Disney+ trial? Everything!How much does Disney+ cost after trial? From $6.99/moHow to cancel Disney+ after free trialWhile Disney+ might not have as wide a selection as Netflix does, it's chock-full of family-friendly content including a large majority of Disney's TV shows and movies new and old alike. Disney+ even premieres exclusive content which you won't be able to watch anywhere else, and the best part is that with an active membership, ...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#51BJV)
When it comes to finding a great speaker to pair with the Echo Dot Kids Edition, the choices are almost endless. You can go the traditional route by using 3.5mm auxiliary cables, but where's the fun in that? These Bluetooth speaker options will speak perfectly to your child's style, and a few of them also speak to a parent's practicality.WaterproofAltec Lansing IMW257 Mini H2OStaff pickThe Altec Lansing IMW257 is likely the best option for a Bluetooth speaker to pair with the Echo Dot Kids. No, you might not be taking it to the pool, but it will resist accidental spills and comes in a myriad of colors.$15 at Amazon $30 at WalmartSquishy EarsAEO Portable Bunny Bluetooth SpeakerThe ears are squishy and the little 😄 eyelashes help this cute and compact speaker turn the adorability factor up to 11. The silicone is easy to grip and carry around the room or around the house to keep the place hoppin'!$25 at Amazon $25 at NeweggBig SoundDOSS SoundBox XS Touch...
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by Adam Oram on (#51BJX)
Chances are, you're spending a lot more time at home than you would regularly right now. The situation's not ideal, but you could turn your self-isolation time into something positive by learning a new skill or becoming an expert on a topic you've always been interested in but never had the time to research fully.Online learning service The Great Courses Plus gives you the resources to from anywhere with tons of different courses to choose from. Right now, you can even score a 30-day free trial there giving you plenty of time to dig into a few topics while you're stuck at home before you decide to commit. If you choose to keep subscribing, it's then just $19.99 monthly or $10 a month if you subscribe quarterly.Always be learningThe Great Courses PlusThe Great Courses Plus is an online streaming service that offers unique perspectives from engaging experts at the top of their fields. Try out an entire month of courses for free.Free Trial at The Great Courses PlusIf you're ...
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by Christine Persaud on (#51BJZ)
While fitness and activity trackers and smartwatches are designed mostly for helping you track activities and sports, many of them can also come in handy to track your sleep. And no company does this quite as well as Fitbit. Most of its trackers can not only sense when you fall asleep and report how long, but also log detailed sleep data that can provide insight into your quality of sleep, not just duration. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to track your sleep using a Fitbit and how to interpret the data.Products used in this guideActivity tracker: Fitbit Versa 2 ($199 at Amazon)The mobile app: Fitbit App(Free at Google Play) How to start tracking sleepBefore you get started, be sure to have your Fitbit synced up with your device. You can also access your account via Fitbit's website. However, if you want to have the info right at your fingertips, syncing is a cinch. Here's how to sync and catch your Zs.Download the Fitbit app from the respective app store and open it...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#51BK1)
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.One of the best business cards out there just got even better.What you need to knowAmerican Express has modified the welcome offer for its Business Platinum card.Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 in qualifying purchases.This offer now has a lower spend requirement to get the full points.The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has long been a staple as the go-to credit card for businesses everywhere. According to The Points Guy, it was even their Reader Award Winner last year. Now, the welcome offer for this card has gotten even better.Starting today, approved cardholders can 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on qualifying ...
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by Alex Smith on (#51B7Q)
Getting to stay home from work or school for a while may sound like a breeze, but boredom can set in quick — especially for younger children. Luckily, Disney's new streaming service Disney Plus is full to the brim of movies and shows, but spanning decades worth of content can be a tad bit overwhelming if you're not so sure what you'd like to watch.We've already shared a list of some of the best shows and movies to watch on Disney+, but if you've already watched the options there, we have even more suggestions to consider below. Today we're pointing our focus towards content featuring man's best friend.These dog-starring films and TV shows are sure to be a hit in your household, and the best part about Disney+ is that it not only includes most of Disney's classic animated features, like 101 Dalmatians and Lady and the Tramp, but also live-action remakes of some of those films and documentary series you won't be to watch anywhere else.What is Disney+ and how do I sign up?If y...
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by Michael Allison on (#51B7S)
It's no replacement for a doctor, but it's better than nothing.What you need to knowAlexa can now help you decide what to do if you think you've contracted coronavirus.The digital assistant can respond to a limited number of queries and ask screening questions in other to give best advice. The assistant will also help sing for 20 seconds in regions like the UK and Canada to optimize handwashing.Amazon's Alexa will now help you answer your coronavirus (COVID-19) queries from the comfort of your living room. For American users, it will deliver into guidance from the CDC when educating you.It is crucial to note that like the CDC's own self-checker bot released this week, it cannot diagnose you — only a hospital can. Rather, it can offer you advice based o your symptoms, allowing you to decide what steps to take next.Here's what Alexa can do for users worldwide, as per Amazon: Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, our Alexa health team bu...
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by Adam Oram on (#51B7V)
Over at Best Buy, you can snag a free $15 Best Buy gift card when you buy a $100 Hulu gift card. If you're already paying for Hulu every month, that's basically $15 free to spend on anything else of your choosing at Best Buy. Both of the gift cards are delivered digitally by email so you can put them to use straight away. You'll see the digital Best Buy card automatically added to your cart for the sweet, sweet price of $0.You can redeem the Hulu gift card against your own account to save you paying monthly or give it a gift to someone else who hasn't yet experienced the joy of endless media streaming. Netflix works on a bunch of devices and there's a ton of content on there to keep you entertained with an ever-changing library.Similar to Netflix, Hulu gives its users on-demand access to a library that contains thousands of movies, TV shows, and original programs crafted exclusively for Hulu.The cheapest plan costs $5.99 per month, and while you get access to all of the shows H...
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by Samantha Nelson on (#51B7X)
If you want your PS4 to have the latest software updates, they are pretty easy to find. The PlayStation 4 can be set to automatically download and install updates while in rest mode, which should let you jump right into gaming rather than waiting around staring at a progress bar. Unfortunately, there have been some serious problems with new firmware, which has even bricked consoles. If you want more control over your updates and keep this feature turned off, you'll need to install new firmware manually. Here's how to find out if you need an update.How to make sure you have the latest PlayStation 4 firmwareBefore you get started, make sure to turn on your PS4. If your console was already on or in rest mode, close any software you have open. If you've been playing a game, be sure to save first! You'll need to be connected to the internet, which should happen automatically if you've ever done that on your console before. Here's what you need to do.If you're not sure if you're on...
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by Asher Madan on (#51B7Y)
This can't be good.What you need to knowGameStop is having a hard time sustaining its business lately.This is due to the rise in digital distribution. GameStop is planning to close another 300 stores this year. This strategy is called "de-densifying" and the company hopes will turn its fortunes around. It seems like GameStop still hasn't been able to turn its business around and in a recent earnings call, said that it was going to shut down another 300 stores this year. According to a report by Comic Book, the company closed 321 stores last fiscal year but it still has 5,500 locations. That's more than what many clothing retailers have if you wanted a comparison.The outlet said the following about the situation. GameStop has announced that it will be closing over 300 stores this year as part of its ongoing effort to 'de-densify.' The news comes way of GameStop's newest earnings call, which also featured a comment from the retailer about a possible PlayStation 5 (PS...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#51B80)
The Galaxy S20 is one of the most beautiful phones ever made, but it's also made of slippery metal and scratchable glass. If you're worried about scratching up that new expensive phone, there's no time like the present to grab yourself a great case to protect your shiny new flagship when your order shows up.Mesmerizing colorsCaseology ParallaxStaff pickThis hybrid honey of a case has a lot in common with the Spigen Neo Hybrid, but it's got better color combos for that great protection, including a new new teal "Aqua Green" that is even more alluring in person than the renders do justice.$14 at AmazonGet a gripSpigen Liquid AirKeep your carbon fiber classics and give me the Liquid Air any day of the week. The diamond pattern covering the back is just deep enough to add real grip while still feeling slim and sleek in the hand.$12 at AmazonDurable and diamond clearRingke Fusion X$8 at Amazon $9 at eBay The Fusion X is one of those cases you'll either l...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#51B81)
If you are one of the millions who already work from home, or one of the now tens of millions compelled to do so due to the recent public health crisis, chances are you're going to need to make some improvements to your personal workspace to optimize for comfort and efficiency. Whether you have a dedicated office space in the house or you've managed to carve out a corner of the dining room, guest room, or bedroom, you're going to want to make sure it's as organized and tidy as possible.Space betweenHomury Wood Dual Monitor StandStaff PickI've used a version of this wooden dual monitor stand for over four years now, and I love it. It gets my 27-inch iMac up at just the right height to view from my preferred chair, and it has enough space on the sides, and storage area underneath, to tuck away most of my desk clutter.From $33 at AmazonHang tightVIVO Dual LCD Monitor MountWhen I worked in an office environment, many of my colleagues had this dual monitor mount ...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#51B82)
The earlier outage was a result of a router failure.What you need to knowYouTube and some of Google's services were out for some time yesterday.The company's SVP of Technical Infrastructure has now taken to Google's blog to reassure everyone that its network can handle the added stress.The outages yesterday were the result of a router failure and not a sign of network overload.Some of Google's services unfortunately went down for a time yesterday, but if you're worried it's a sign of future trouble, the company wants you to rest assured that it can, in fact, handle the excess demand resulting from the explosion of remote work."As the coronavirus pandemic spreads and more people move to working or learning from home, it's natural to wonder whether the Google network can handle the load. The short answer is yes," says Senior Vice President of Technical Infrastructure, Urs Hölzle.Very sorry about that! We had a router failure in Atlanta, which affected traffic routed thr...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#51AYR)
Best answer: An eSIM integrates the functions of a SIM card into a phone's hardware, making it easier and quicker to change phone service. Using an eSIM can also make it easier to manage multiple phone services on one device.A budget phone with an eSIM: Pixel 3a ($299 at Amazon)Unlocked with pure Android: Pixel 4 ($595 at Amazon)What is an eSIM?For most phones sold today and in the past several years, a SIM card is included or provided by your carrier to tell the phone how to connect to the network and what service it gets. These SIM cards look like small memory cards and usually slide into the side of your phone on a small tray. More recently, companies like Google and Apple have started to push an embedded SIM, or eSIM, as a better solution while still keeping a SIM card slot for compatibility.This eSIM can be activated by a carrier to receive service without the need to get a specific SIM card from the carrier. Your eSIM could either be activated remotely by the carrier...
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by Andrew Martonik on (#51AYS)
Being first is actually worth something.A history of the folding phoneGalaxy Z Flip vs. Moto RAZRWhy your next phone should be a foldableWhy your next phone shouldn't be a foldableMore reasons why you should hold off on a foldableOur phones are our most important fashion accessoryThe clamshell foldable is the new 'small' phoneFoldables aren't the 'small' phone you want (yet)All the differences between foldable devicesShould you buy a foldable phone in 2020?Are foldable phones the next big thing?Folding phones are saving us from several years of boring slabsSamsung is leading the charge with foldable phonesThese rectangular slab phones are getting pretty boring, and it's gotten to the point where people are antsy to try something different. We're craving a new type of phone, something to get us excited — and right now foldable phones are the best thing we have to look forward to.Apple innovates in many ways, across more than phones (just look at that new iP...
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by Adam Oram on (#51AYV)
Spring is here, though you're probably spending way more time indoors this year than in previous years. If that's given you an extra incentive to kick-start your spring cleaning then today's sale on the Goovi Robot Vacuum Cleaner is not to be missed. It has fallen to just $140 as one of Amazon's daily deals but the best part is a further on-page coupon taking an additional $30 off. At $110 shipped, this is the best price we've ever seen on this robot helper by far, though the sale won't last beyond the day.Goovi's Wi-Fi-connected robotic vacuum cleaner features sensors to help it navigate around your home and avoid obstacles like furniture or stairs. It has large wheels to help it roll over carpets and climb over door ledges to get to the mess in different rooms and its low-profile design allows it to get under furniture where traditional stick vacuums might struggle. Its 1600Pa of intense suction picks up dust, crumbs, and pet hair, and there are various cleaning modes to choose f...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#51AYX)
Versatile performanceNetgear Orbi RBK22$190 at WalmartProsFast tri-band Wi-FiThree total Ethernet portsNo additional equipment neededBig 4,000 square feet of coverageConsLarge footprintNetgear's Orbi line has a ton of versatility with the RBK22 sitting in the middle of the range with fast 802.11ac tri-band Wi-Fi and a dedicated backhaul. You also get three free Ethernet ports so you can keep your wired devices connected without any extra hardware.Easy eero expansioneero Beacon$149 at Best BuyProsCompact designSimple setupEasy eero mesh expansion1,500 square feet of coverageConsSlower dual-band Wi-FiNo Ethernet portsEero Beacon is one of the easiest options for expanding an existing eero mesh network. Its compact design sits right against a wall without running any additional wires. It also has an integrated night light, making it a great hallway mesh point.As an upgrade to an existing eero mesh setup, the eero Beacon is a g...
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by Adam Oram on (#51AYZ)
By definition, emergencies are unexpected, which means it's best to prepare for one way ahead of time. Discovering a dead car battery can end a trip quickly, and that's the last thing you want to happen when you're in a hurry or out in inclement weather. With the CarAIDE Car Jump Starter and 18-in-1 Multi-Tool you can be prepared to jump start your vehicle when it needs it all by yourself, and today only you can pick one up at Woot for just $69.99. That's the lowest we've ever seen it go and saves you almost $30 off its current price at Amazon. The deal is only available until the end of the day or until sold out, though.This portable jump starter's 12V/1000A peak current is strong enough to jump start vehicles that have up to 4L gas engines, which accounts for over 80% of family use vehicles. It also works with boats, ATVs, motorbikes, and more. It has an 8000mAh internal battery, and is even equipped with a couple of USB ports for powering up your phone in a pinch.The CarAIDE i...
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by Stephen Warwick on (#51AZ1)
WhatsApp message 'hi' to 07860 064422.What you need to knowThe UK government has launched a coronavirus information service on WhatsApp.Users can text a government number to receive information about the virus.It includes information about symptoms, travel, movement and mythbusters.The UK government has launched a coronavirus information service via WhatsApp to help people access information about the disease.Get official advice and information about #coronavirus directly from the government. WhatsApp message ‘hi’ to 07860 064422. Or tap this link: â–¶ï¸ https://t.co/VdAfnBjnLF#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/93LBS6Hlvi— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 27, 2020The service was initially launched on Wednesday, March 26, however, it bumped into some issues to begin with, providing users with error messages rather than information.The service now appears to be working in the UK.To access the feature in the UK, users need to do the f...
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by Babu Mohan on (#51AZ3)
The original Monument Valley, however, isn't currently free.What you need to knowPopular puzzle game Monument Valley 2 can now be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.The game is usually priced at $4.99 in the U.S. It is expected to remain free for the next seven days. Monument Valley 2, the sequel to the incredibly popular 2014 puzzle game Monument Valley, is now free on the Google Play Store. Surprisingly, the promotion hasn't been officially announced, although it looks like the game is available to download for free in various countries around the world right now.As per the folks at Android Police, the promotion is likely to last for the next seven days. The game is usually priced at $4.99 in the U.S. and £4.99 in the U.K.The promotion comes at a time when billions of people are staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. So if you're looking for a new game to pass the time while coronavirus forces you to stay inside, open the Play Store in your phon...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#51ARR)
Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best overallLenovo Chromebook C330$299 at Amazon$280 at LenovoLast year's Lenovo is still the best Chromebook to buy.This zippy little Chromebook can last 10 hours and won't weigh down your backpack during an all-day excursion.Lenovo Chromebook C330 FeaturesBright 11.6-inch touchscreenTrue 10-hour battery lifeExcellent performance for the price4GB RAM, 32-64GB storageBalanced weight and sizeBright, shimmery 2-in-1 designThe best Chromebook balances size with productivity, style with substance, and panache with a price. It's a Chromebook that anyo...
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by Babu Mohan on (#51ARS)
Samsung was hoping to ship 32 million Galaxy S20 series phones this year.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy S20 series phones are not selling as well as the company had expected.The Galaxy S20 series has only sold 60% of the number of units the Galaxy S10 series achieved within the same amount of time last year.Official sales numbers for the Galaxy S20 series are expected to be announced by Samsung at the end of this quarter. A report out of South Korea had claimed last month that initial sales of Samsung's Galaxy S20 series phones were significantly lower than the company had expected. Now, a new report by Seoul Economic Daily suggests the Galaxy S20 trio has only sold roughly 60% as much as the Galaxy S10 series in the same amount of time on the market last year.While exact sales numbers are not yet available, Samsung is likely to reveal official numbers by the end of this quarter. The information certainly isn't shocking, as the coronavirus pandemic has hit the smar...