Latest from Android Central

ASUS' new kits are the first to have been launched after the Google Meet rebrand.What you need to knowASUS has rolled out new Google Meet hardware kits.The kits come with a Google Meet Compute System, an external speaker, a 4K UHD camera, and a touch screen control panel. ASUS' new videoconferencing kits will go on sale in 28 countries starting next month for a starting price of £1650 ($2,022).ASUS has launched a new Google Meet videoconferencing solution designed for enterprise customers (via 9to5Google). The new ASUS Google Meet hardware kits come in three combinations: Starter Kit, Small/Medium room kit, and Large room kit.ASUS' new kits include a compact Google Meet "compute system," a touchscreen control panel, 4K UHD camera, and an external "speakermic." While the Small/Medium kit includes all four accessories, the Large room kit lacks the 4K UHD camera. The Starter kit lacks a touchscreen control panel but includes a remote control that can be used to join and ex...

It's time to get back to basics.The OnePlus 8 Pro, starting at $900, is no longer representative of the classic OnePlus phone that earned the company its early recognition. Even the OnePlus 8, at $700, is pushing the limits of what a traditional OnePlus fan is willing to pay for one of its phones. If you jumped on the OnePlus bandwagon a few years ago because of its solid phones with almost too-good-to-be-true prices, the OnePlus of 2020 is basically unrecognizable.OnePlus is now in the same situation as so many other companies: it needs to fill in the newly-created void underneath its ever-more-expensive flagship phones with a value-focused offering at a lower price. But in the case of OnePlus, it's even more necessary because of just how rapidly its phones increased in price. If you, like most people, only upgrade your phone every two years, you bought a OnePlus 6 for only $530 — and are now being asked to spend 30% more on a OnePlus 8, which isn't its top-end model like th...

Microsoft has developed a "thin client" version of Windows that seems a lot like Chrome OS. But there are plenty of differences that matter.Back when the world first saw the Microsoft Surface Duo (a folding device that runs Android) and the Surface Neo (a larger two-screen laptop-style device that runs Windows), there was a lot of talk about their software.Most of the conversation was about the decision to put Android on a Microsoft-branded device, but the really interesting news was a new version of Windows dubbed Windows 10X that was designed from the ground up to run on light hardware and dual displays.Microsoft has shifted course a bit, and now Windows 10X is going to be released with single display clamshell devices (think netbook but better quality) first, which puts them in direct competition with Chromebooks. For some, these thin-client Windows laptops will be a better choice, and for others, a Chromebook will be the one to buy. The difference is in the details.The be...

It will also include a periscope zoom lens.What you need to knowVivo's upcoming X50 flagship phone will have a humongous gimbal-style camera lens.It is rumored to be the first phone to come equipped with Samsung's new ISOCELL GN1 camera sensor.The Vivo X50 series will be launched in China on June 1. In February this year, Vivo showcased the Apex 2020 concept phone with an in-display selfie camera and 60W wireless charging support. In addition to these headline features, the Apex 2020 also included a 48MP main camera with a gimbal-like lens structure, claimed to offer a 200% improvement in stabilization performance compared to OIS systems.Vivo is now teasing (via The Verge) the X50, which will be the first phone to come equipped with the revolutionary new stabilization technology. The company has posted two videos on its Weibo page today, showing off the gimbal-style camera lens on the back of the phone. Even though Vivo hasn't officially confirmed it yet, the X50 is rumor...

Different people have different priorities.Your phone can say a lot about you and your personality. The features that matter the most to you largely determine what phones you should consider when looking to upgrade; the Pixel 4 takes amazing photos, for example, but it's off the table if you need all-day battery life.We asked around the Android Central staff to see what each of our writers look for in a phone, and what phones should be on your radar based on your needs.Alex Dobie CameraLousy battery life? Pick up a power bank. Slow connection? It's not hard to wait a couple of extra seconds for your stuff to load. Bad camera? Well, you're SOL.There's no substitute for a capable, high-quality camera array in your smartphone. A bad photo is bad forever, after all. A modern flagship phone should offer at least three options — covering wide, ultrawide, and telephoto photography — along with a dedicated computational night mode for lower-light snaps. For me, having all the...

If you have young kids, you know that they're always asking to play with your smartphone. And while you may be all about restricting screen time, sometimes you just need to keep them occupied while you concentrate on responding to a work email, or finishing that conversation with a close friend. For those times, it's great that Samsung has built a whole sandboxed experience for children into their Galaxy phones called Kids Home. I'll show you where to find it, how to use it, and how to tweak the settings to what you deem appropriate for your little ones.How to manage parental controls with Kids Home on a Samsung Galaxy phoneSwipe down from the top of your home screen to access the quick settings menu.Swip over to the second page of quick settings.Tap on Kids Home.Read the introduction, and tap on Start.Read the introduction, and tap on Add Samsung Kids icon so you can access this feature from your home screen or app drawer, in addition to the quick settings menu.Tap Next....

The 4G-enabled Snapdragon 730 version of the Galaxy A71 is the perfect mid-range phone.Samsung released the Galaxy A71 earlier this year, with the phone featuring a fresh new design and upgraded internals. The Galaxy A series has grown from strength to strength in recent years, and the Galaxy A51 was the best-selling Android phone globally in Q1 2020.That's a huge milestone for Samsung, particularly when you consider that the Galaxy A51 isn't even that great. It has a vibrant display and modern design, but the chipset doesn't hold up in day-to-day use and the camera is average at best. A 4G-enabled Galaxy A71 for $400 would be Samsung's answer to the iPhone SE and Pixel 4a in the U.S.This is where the Galaxy A71 comes in. The A71 has robust internals, an even bigger screen, outstanding battery life, and great cameras, and the best part is that the phone is launching in the U.S. later this year. Only one downside; the variant that Samsung is releasing in the U.S. is the 5G-...

It lets owners set up a single online store for both Facebook and Instagram!What you need to knowFacebook has launched a brand new e-commerce tool, Facebook shops.It's designed to help small businesses set up a single store for both Facebook and Instagram.It's totally free! Facebook has this week announced a new e-commerce tool, Facebook shops, which will allow business owners to set up an online store on both Facebook and Instagram for free.Facebook announced the move in a blog post, May 19, which states: Right now many small businesses are struggling, and with stores closing, more are looking to bring their business online. Our goal is to make shopping seamless and empower anyone from a small business owner to a global brand to use our apps to connect with customers. That's why we're launching Facebook Shops and investing in features across our apps that inspire people to shop and make buying and selling online easier.Facebook shops will let businesses set up a s...

This is a bigger deal than losing Google Mobile Services.This has not been a great week for Huawei. The U.S. extended the trade ban with the manufacturer for another year, preventing Huawei from doing business with most U.S. entities. Huawei was put on the U.S. Entity List a year ago, cutting off the Chinese manufacturer's access to U.S. businesses. A direct result of the ban was losing out on Google Mobile Services (GMS), including the Play Store.But Huawei launched phones anyway over the course of 2019, with the Mate 30 series and more recently the P40 series offering an alternative to GMS in the form of AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services. But a new development puts Huawei's phone business — not to mention its network infrastructure unit — in jeopardy. According to a new report, Taiwanese chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) cut off access to Huawei and is no longer taking new orders. Without TSMC, Huawei just cannot manufacture Kirin chipsets ...

The Note 20 Plus may still feature a periscope zoom lens with 'less impressive' digital zoom.What you need to knowA new rumor claims the Galaxy Note 20 Plus will not have the same 100X "Space Zoom" feature as the Galaxy S20 Ultra.The Galaxy Note 20 Plus is rumored to feature a 108MP primary sensor. It is also tipped to come with an "additional sensor" to solve the autofocus issues affecting the S20 Ultra. A report published by Galaxy Club earlier this week claimed the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Plus will come equipped with the same 108MP primary camera as the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Popular tipster Ice Universe has now shared some additional information about the Galaxy Note 20 Plus' camera hardware, claiming the phone will not have the Galaxy S20 Ultra's 100X "Space Zoom" feature.Note20 series no longer retains 100X zoom function— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) May 19, 2020As our very own Andrew Martonik noted in his review of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, the much-hyped feature has ze...

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.Lots of rewards credit cards have built-in credits that help justify the annual fee. Those credits may be big (hello there, $300 annual travel credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®), or they could be small (we're looking at you, $10-per-month American Express® Gold Card dining credit), but in all cases, you're better off using the credits you have available to you than letting them go to waste.In a normal world, it's easy enough to put most of these built-in credits to use. For example, you can use the Sapphire Reserve's travel credit on virtually any travel charge on the card (even parking or subway tickets) and you can even pick up a slice of basically free-to-you cheesecake at the Cheesecake ...

The Pixel 5 could be Google's first 'premium' mid-range smartphone.What you need to knowGoogle may not release a Pixel phone with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset this year.Instead of the flagship Snapdragon chipset, the Pixel 5 might feature the mid-range Snapdragon 765.The Pixel 5 is expected to launch this Fall with a starting price of $699.In March this year, a teardown of the Google Camera app had suggested the Pixel 5 may not be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 processor. More evidence suggesting the same has now surfaced, courtesy of the folks at XDA Developers.XDA Developers found a new reference to an upcoming Pixel device in the pre-installed EUICCGoogle APK in Android 11 Developer Preview 4. The reference includes Google's codename for the Snapdragon 765 chipset, corroborating the evidence found in March. However, the reference doesn't confirm that it will be the Snapdragon 765 chipset that will power the Pixel 5. The upcoming phone could also be powered b...

Google introduced dark mode to its mobile platform with Android 10 last year.What you need to knowGoogle is finally adding a dark theme to its eponymous search app.It'll be available on iOS 12, iOS 13, and Android 10. The rollout starts from now through the end of the week. Dark mode, after rolling out in Android officially last year with Android 10, has been making its way slowly to all of Google's apps. Now, it's the turn of the eponymous Google app to grab the popular feature. Google announced the update today, explaining that dark mode would work with both Android 10's and iOS 13's default system settings. For iOS 12 users, Google will offer the option to change it with an in-app toggle as the operating system lacks a system-wide dark theme.Starting today & fully rolling out this week, dark mode is now available for the Google App on Android 10 and iOS 12/13. By default, the Google App will reflect your device’s system settings in Android 10 & iOS 13. If th...

Right now, it's just a prototype.What you need to knowThe helical sensing matrix (HSM) using E-textiles are currently in the prototype phase.Interactions can be done via pinching, sliding, twisting, and other ways to control various devices and programs Fiber optic strands can be woven into the fabric to give visual feedback through light.Google has been experimenting with fabrics for a while — remember the Project Jacquard jacket from Levi? Not to mention all of the fabrics that have made their way into the lineup of smart speakers and phone cases. Now, Google is looking at ways to add media and other controls to fabric-wrapped cords.In a post to the Google AI Blog, prototypes for a helical sensing matrix (HSM) using E-textiles are shown off. HSM is essentially braided fabric with "smart threads" woven in that contain capacitive characteristics — meaning you can touch the cord to make things happen on your devices.Thinking of something like the cord for a spe...

We all love our tablets, but sometimes you just want to set it and forget it rather than carrying it around or looking for a surface to balance it on. That's where wall mounts come in, providing both a tasteful and practical answer that looks right out of your favorite sci-fi. Our favorite is the Koala Mount 2.0 by Dockem, with its minimalist design and easy, one-step installation. Here are the best wall mounts for Fire Tablet available today.Best Overall: Koala Mount 2.0 by DockemThe Koala Mount 2.0 by Dockem is the best option for anyone who wants a no-fuss, no-muss way to stick their Kindle Fire on a wall without too much hassle. With a sleek, minimal, and unobtrusive design, the Koala Mount is an easy one-step installation that can be moved around your space wherever you need it next. Simply slide your Kindle Fire into the mounting brackets and enjoy. There's no need to fuss with your electrical system or knock holes in your wall.It's also one of the more affordable optio...

A new season-long challenge is here for players to undertake.What you need to knowApex Legends Season Five has begun.Season Five is introducing Quests, with the first one being called The Broken Ghost.This quest will run over the course of the season as players try to find nine different parts of an artifact.Finding the artifact parts will unlock new pieces of lore.With Apex Legends Season Five kicking off, Respawn Entertainment is introducing a new event to shake things up with Quests. The first of these Quests is The Broken Ghost. Players can undertake weekly Hunts, delving into King's Canyon at night to recover nine fragments of an artifact. Successfully completing these Hunts will unlock the story of The Broken Ghost.You can go on weekly Hunts by yourself or in a squad but in order to get the rewards, you'll need to have unlocked the missions yourself. If you recover all nine pieces of the artifact, Respawn states you will "uncover a secret that the Outlands might no...

Those of us who have felt the crushing weight of the ban hammer comes down upon our fragile skulls know the pain it can cause. There are few things as sad as pulling up to your favorite digital hangout only to find that you are no longer allowed inside. If you've turned on your PlayStation 4 and discovered that you've been banned from the PlayStation Network, then take a look at the advice below.Identify your error messagesIf you cannot connect to the PSN you will be provided with an error message. While the details given are somewhat sparse, it can give you an idea of where you stand. Start by writing down your error message and comparing it to the list below.8002A227: You cannot use PlayStation®Network with this account.8002A231: Your PlayStation®Network account has been suspended.80710016: For more information, go to WS-37397 Error Code (most often means PSN doesn't like something about your IP).WS-37337-3: This PSN account has been temporarily suspended.WS-37368-7: T...

Private virtual networks, or VPNs, are an invisibility cloak for your Android device while online. It keeps your info, like IP address, location and personal data hidden so cookies and internet trackers can't log your browser or app use history. VPNs are also helpful when trying to connect to TV streaming apps while you are traveling outside of your come country.The best VPN for Android devices is ExpressVPN. It has the most servers in the most locations worldwide but has 100Mbps download speeds, the fastest available of any VPN service. You get unmatched customer support, easy to use apps, and more as well.There are a lot of VPN providers out there, each of them offering something a little different in an attempt to stand out above the others. While ExpressVPN is our top pick for most people, that doesn't mean it ticks every box for every person. It's not the cheapest, not the fastest, may not have the most servers, but that's where you need to decide what the most important part ...

Hardware is only a part of Google's massive business, and Pixels are just a tiny slice of hardware.Anytime the CEO of a massive company in our industry speaks, we hang on every word — we had the opportunity to do just that with CEO of Alphabet and Google, Sundar Pichai, thanks to a fresh interview with The Verge. It's a well-timed interview, from our perspective, given the recent news of a shakeup in the top ranks of the Pixel team — and thankfully Pichai spoke specifically about Google's hardware business: The last couple of years have been a major integration phase for us because we've combined our Google hardware efforts with Nest. We absorbed the mobile division of HTC. So it's been a lot of stitching together. And we have a wide product portfolio, too. So it's definitely been a building phase. We're super committed to it for the long run. Hardware is hard. And it definitely has components, which take real time to get it right, thinking about underlying silicon or dis...

The ASUS Chromebox 3 is the best Chromebox you can buy right now. It's available in several configurations, but all models feature a true M.2 SATA SSD for years of worry-free storage and upgradability should you need it. If you're more interested in Chromebooks for using Chrome OS on the go, Check out the best Chromebooks where you'll find something that fits you and your style.Best Overall: ASUS Chromebox 3The Chromebox 3 is ASUS' newest model, and it's one of the company's best ever. You can get the base model for less than $300, but we think the N019U model, with a faster processor and more memory, hits the sweet spot of price versus features — all for just a couple hundred bucks more. All models come with a full set of ports for connection to monitors or televisions — including current-generation USB-C ports — so you can use your favorite mouse and keyboard or an external storage drive filled with movies.The ASUS Chromebox 3 is a Chromebox for the whole family that'...

A Galaxy S20 built with mmWave support arrives on Verizon.What you need to knowVerizon is launching an mmWave compatible Galaxy S20 this June.It ships in a Verizon exclsuive Cloud-White shade.The wallet busting $1000 price tag is is also present, with the option of a $41.66 24-month payment plan.Samsung and Verizon are launching a new version of the Galaxy S20 this June. Equipped with mmWave 5G or what Verizon calls 5G Ultra Wideband, it'll be given the unfortunate name of the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW. Verizon already offers the Galaxy S20 Plus and S20 Ultra with mmWave support, so the smaller Samsung phone means there's a size and spec option for all hand and wallet sizes if you're a Verizon customer.Why Sub-6 is better than mmWave for the immediate 5G futureAs for the internals of this device, it's the same as the already really well-specced Galaxy S20 we've known for a while. When reviewing that model earlier this year, Android Central's Ara Wagoner noted: Speak...

Unreal Engine 5 was announced this week and demoed on PlayStation 5. The gang also talk about a pair of upcoming games: Ghost of Tsushima for PS4, and Paper Mario: The Origami King for Switch.The fighting game tournament EVO 2020 will take place online this year. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is absent from the roster — possibly due to reliability issues with playing via the Internet? Or maybe because it's just a quirky game compared to more traditional fighters?Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:PlayStation 5 showcases 9 minutes of Unreal Engine 5 footage | Android CentralI don't care whether PS5 or Xbox Series X has better graphics, and neither should you | Android CentralGhost of Tsushima for PlayStation 4: Release date, trailers, gameplay, and everything you need to know | Android CentralPaper Mario: The Origami King — Release date, price, rumors, and ...

With Disney parks and theaters around the world closed for the moment, now's the perfect time to start growing your digital movie library. Right now, some of Disney's best animated movies are 50% off at digital retailers like iTunes and Vudu so you can add to your collection at a discount. Iconic films like Aladdin and Cinderella regularly sell for up to $19.99, though right now they're on sale along with several other Disney greats for just $9.99 each.Most of the films on sale at iTunes can be found here. If you're not accustomed to using iTunes, you should know that any movies or shows you buy there can be viewed using the Apple TV app, and the app is available on more than just Apple devices. You can download it on streaming devices and some smart TVs for instance.Any Disney fanatic should take this opportunity to add some of these films to their collection if they're not there already, as we rarely see Disney films on sale for this price. While other films may drop as low as ...

Imagine being paid to dream up new worlds and bring them to life — that would be fun, right? It might sound like a fantasy, but this is precisely what game developers do every day at work. With loads of opportunity for new talent and indie developers, now is a great time to break into the industry. The Official Unity Game Development Bundle provides 44 hours of essential training, and you can get it now for only $25.For anyone who enjoys gaming, becoming a professional developer is a natural move. This career offers salaries up to $80k according to Glassdoor, and many indie developers earn much more.This bundle helps you master Unity, a popular engine used to power titles such as Monument Valley, Super Mario Run, and Flappy Bird. Through four in-depth courses, you discover how to use the software and craft games with C# code.The training starts from scratch, helping you master the fundamentals of programming. Each course includes multiple projects, meaning you pick up rea...

Google earlier brought this direct sharing first to Photos for individual images in late 2019.What you need to knowGoogle introduced direct sharing for pictures Photos last year, now it's making it available for Albums.Google Photos users will be able to share albums directly to other Google user accounts. Google says the feature is rolling out this week.Last year, Google introduced a new direct sharing feature for Google Photos. With direct sharing, users could share a single image to another user's account into what could then become a message thread right in the Google Photos app. It was basically a mini-messaging app in Photos, and now Google is expanding the functionality to include direct sharing of albums."Today, we're bringing a similar experience to shared albums. Rolling out this week, when sharing an album, the default option will be to share with a specific person or people via their Google account. This gives you more control over who's added to the album," G...

-If you own a modern gaming console, chances are you already have a usable Bluetooth controller. That's because most newer console controllers either use Bluetooth as standard or include it for use on other platforms. That means, yes, it's possible to use a PlayStation 4 controller on your Android phone, tablet, or TV device. We're here to show you how.Products used in this guideIn case you don't have one: DualShock 4 controller ($64 at Amazon)How to do the thingSet it upOn your Android device, ensure your Bluetooth is turned on by opening settings and heading to the Bluetooth menu. Make sure the phone is in scan mode.With the controller, simultaneously hold the PlayStation button and the Share button for a few seconds. The controller's light will begin blinking to let you know it's in pair mode.Back on the phone, look for a device named Wireless Controller in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices. Tap that device to begin the pairing process.The controller's light ...

We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.The best Android gamesRPGsShootersPuzzle GamesPlatformersStrategy GamesSimsRacing GamesSports GamesAugmented RealityThere are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many of them are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app.If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories, which you can find in a handy jumplist that will take you directly to the page of your choice.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library, or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so yo...

Buying a OnePlus phone is easier than ever this year.The OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are two very compelling Android phones. Both tout gorgeous AMOLED displays, incredibly fast performance, reliable cameras, you name it. If you're in the market for a new handset, both the 8 and 8 Pro are well worth your attention.Should you find yourself wanting to buy one of the phones for yourself, it's important to know where you should go to do that and where you can get the best deal.Below, you'll find a full breakdown of where the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are being sold, what sales/promotions are being offered, and what you need to do to take advantage of them.OnePlusAmazonT-MobileVerizonOnePlus Buy directUnsurprisingly, one of the best places you can buy the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro from is directly through OnePlus itself. While OnePlus has expanded the retail and carrier availability of its phones more than ever with the OnePlus 8 series, buying on the OnePlus website continues to be a...

Competition makes for better products, and the Android ecosystem is more competitive than ever. The best of the best right now is the OnePlus 8 Pro, bringing a great combination of hardware quality, specs, display, cameras, and software to a palatable price for a high-end phone. If you want a new Android phone at any price range, we've done the research to separate the great from the good, and the good from the bad. This list will help you make your next purchase easier.Best Overall: OnePlus 8 ProThe OnePlus 8 Pro is impressive and well-designed as any high-end smartphone can be. If you know anything about OnePlus phones, you'll be happy to know it doesn't upend the traditional OnePlus formula. Instead, it extends it to its logical place in the world of 2020 flagships with more features and a higher price.The hardware goes toe-to-toe with any phone out there, and it's punctuated by the best display OnePlus has ever used. It's bright, colorful and has a 120Hz refresh rate. Ins...

Get up to speed on Samsung's Android interface.Ever since the first Galaxy S phone, Samsung's been known for heavily customizing Android. When you buy a Samsung device, its software looks distinctly different from what you'd find on a Pixel, OnePlus, Nokia, etc.Samsung's evolved its custom software a lot over the years, with the biggest change happening in November 2018 with the announcement of One UI. One UI is how Samsung now markets its Android interface, and since that initial debut, One UI has matured into something quite powerful.Ready to learn all about One UI and see just what it has to offer? Here's everything you need to know!So, what is One UI?Here are some tips and tricksAt its core, it's still AndroidWhat phones is it available on?The bestSamsung Galaxy S20$800 at Samsung$800 at Best BuyGreat software meets excellent hardwareThe Galaxy S20 is one of the best phones Samsung has ever made. Right off the bat, it impresses with a gorgeous AMOLED...

Let me teach you how infrared light works.Update: OnePlus has released a statement on the color filter camera, saying it's planning to release a software update that changes the "photochrom" mode's functionality in order to address new-found privacy concerns.You may have heard that people have discovered the OnePlus 8 Pro's dedicated "color filter" camera has a bonus feature: it can see through (some) plastic. The capability, generally now being dubbed as an "x-ray camera," has picked up steam and of course immediately switched gears to privacy concerns after some discovered it can partially reveal what's behind thin clothing as well.Let's set things straight: the OnePlus 8 Pro's color filter camera is not an "x-ray" camera, nor is it actually designed to let you see through objects. This would be pretty cool, from a technical perspective, particularly if OnePlus actually knew this beforehand (it didn't) — but sadly, there's a much more mundane explanation.The color filter ...

Podcasts about COVID-19 exist, therefore Podcast Addict is a Covid-19 app.What you need to knowPodcast Addict pulled from the Google Play Store as a result of new COVID-19 rules.Google currently bans apps from "referencing COVID-19" unless they are endorsed by public health agencies.Some podcasts which can be accessed on the app do reference the virus and associated disease, triggering the ban.The Play Store's policies currently warn "any apps referencing COVID-19, or related terms, in any form in their metadata will only be approved for distribution in the Play Store if they are published, commissioned or authorized by [official government entities and public health organizations]."While it has helped clean up the Play Store from genuinely misleading apps, one podcast app—Podcast Addict—has fallen victim to an obtuse (or particularly robotic) reading of it.Here's the notification I got this morning... pic.twitter.com/UJF20ZnaPw— Podcast Addict (@PodcastAddict) Ma...

If you want to protect your privacy and shield your sensitive information, you ought to invest in a VPN. Fortunately, it's not super expensive to get set up with a reliable VPN, especially with deals like this one on CyberGhost. It's currently offering a savings of 79% on its VPN service when you sign up for its 2-year subscription and you also get two extra months thrown in for free.You'd regularly pay $12.99 for its service month-to-month and its annual plan usually lowers that to $5.99. However, with this deal, you're effectively paying just $2.53 per month over the course of the 26 months. It's billed as an up-front payment of $66 and is one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself with a VPN for the long term. The deal expires soon, though.You've probably heard of VPNs before, but you might not yet have installed one. If you do any amount of shopping online or if you tend to find yourself hooked up to a public Wi-Fi network like when you're working at your favorite co...

Samsung's latest phones, starting with the Note 10, have a multi-function "Side Key" that replaces the dedicated Bixby button. We primarily know it as a power button, but it can also have other functions for both double-press and long-press actions. It's super easy to set up and use — here's how.How to change the Side Key function on your Samsung GalaxyGo into your settings.Scroll down to advanced features and tap side key.You can make one selection for a double-press of the side key.You can leave it for quick-launching the camera.You can set it to open Bixby Home.Or you can set it to open a specific app.Notably, you can't set the side key to open Google Assistant.Separately, you can make a selection for a press-and-hold of the side key.You can wake Bixby into "walkie talkie" mode, where you can give a command and then release the button.If you set it to Bixby, you can access the power-off menu by holding power and volume down.Alternatively you can leav...

The Chosen Undead fall over and over, accomplishing great sales.What you need to knowThe Dark Souls series consists of three games that began with the release of Dark Souls on September 22, 2011.The latest entry, Dark Souls III, was released worldwide on April 12, 2016.FromSoftware, the developers of the game, have confirmed that the Dark Souls series has sold over 27 million copies.Additionally, 10 million of these copies are from Dark Souls III.The Dark Souls games have, to some extent, become a part of everyday nomenclature for gaming. How many times have people endured near-limitless variations of "it's the Dark Souls of x" making its way into discussion? As such, with three mainline games and multiple re-releases, it should come as no suprise that the series has sold very well.Today, FromSoftware, the developers of the games, shared that the Dark Souls series has crossed 27 million copies sold.The DARK SOULS series has sold over 27 million units to date. We are in...

The mid-range Pixels are here.If there's one thing Google's Pixel series is known for, it's the camera performance. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL capture some of the best photos of any smartphone we've ever seen, and when you combine that with a clean software package and guaranteed software updates, you end up with a really solid phone. Unfortunately, a starting price of $800 is just too much for some people to fork over.Enter the Pixel 3a and 3a XL. With these two phones, Google aims to offer the same core experience found on its flagship Pixel phones but with much lower prices thanks to cheaper materials and specs.Whether you're eager to buy the Pixel 3a or just want to learn more about it, here's everything you need to know!See our reviewGoogle made two modelsCheck out the specsLet's compare them to other phonesThe phones are made out of plasticWe love the new Purple-ish colorThe Pixel 3a's camera is incredibleAndroid 10 is now availableGet ready for the Pixel 4aAc...

A mature approach to an incredibly exciting set of headphones.The high-end headphone market is more than a little crowded these days, and very few of these products are worth the $300+ price tag you see when wandering through an electronics store. The few truly excellent headphones stand out, and they're the names you head just about everyone recommending. As a result, it's more than a little difficult to break into this space with a new set of headphones.This did not discourage Razer in the slightest, and it's not hard to see why. Breaking into markets that are more than a little crowded and being successful seems to be what this company was made to do. Its gaming hardware has taken the world by storm, its laptops continue to reshape the industry, and now there are these headphones. Unlike the other two success stories, Razer knew it couldn't just bust in and be loud to get attention. The people who buy these headphones are a little older than your average self-professed hardcor...

Clean interfaceKaspersky Anti-Virus$20/year at NeweggProsSimple user interfaceEasy setupPerformance focusedVPN data includedCloud threat detectorConsPrivacy concernsMore expensiveKaspersky delivers a lightweight antivirus service with a clean user interface. Scans are easy to perform and can even be deployed from the web with My Kaspersky. Some nice extras such as a virtual keyboard and a threat scanner are also nice to have.Great featuresBitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020$15/year at NeweggProsNice web interfaceDetailed applicationQuick scansFile shredderVPN data includedConsHigher resource usageSettings a bit more confusingBitdefender Antivirus Plus offers quick and full scans, as well as real-time protection. You also get in-browser protection as well as some additional programs like a file shredder, a secure web browser, and access to your security software online or in an app.Both of these products do what they set out ...

Despite fumbles and stumbles, Google keeps its eye on the long game.What you need to knowAlphabet CEO Sundar Pichai explains the company's reasoning for making their own hardware.For smartphones and other hardware, the company has long-term plans which it remains fixated on.The past few years have marked an intergation with both the HTC team and the Nest hardware team, effectively acting as a stage setter.Google's Pixel line has been a bit of a hot topic since a report via The Information revealed that each new Pixel was selling less than the previous iteration, including the Pixel 3a which reportedly sold less than the Pixel 3. The report also carried with it pieces of palace drama, including the exit of the Pixel camera lead and the dissaifaction of Google's Rick Osterioh with the Pxel 4's battery.Despite those reports, Alphabet's CEO Sundar Pichai says that the company will be forging ahead with its hardware pursuits.In an interview with The Verge, Pichai explained:...

Google Chat can now be used for people outside of your domain.What you need to knowGoogle has started transitioning Hangouts users over to Google Chat.G Suite users with Chat enabled are now able to message external users on classic Hangouts.Google promises a full transition to Google Chat from Hangouts by late 2020.Google is beginning to transition away from classic Hangouts to Google Chat fully. The first such changes are coming to current Google Chat users who will now be able to communicate with Hangouts users who are still on classic Hangouts.Google explained on Tuesday: Starting on May 26th, you'll be able to start conversations in Google Chat (previously known as "Hangouts Chat") with people outside of your domain. You'll be able to do this by either sending a direct message or adding them to rooms. Beginning today, conversations with external users in classic Hangouts will also appear in Chat as new messages are sent.Despite this, Chat still isn't a consu...

It is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.What you need to knowHuami's Amazfit brand has launched a new sports-focused smartwatch called the Ares.It comes with a 1.28-inch square display and offers 70 sports modes.The Amazfit Ares will be going on sale in China starting June 1 for 499 yuan ($70).Fitbit rival Amazfit has launched an affordable new sports-focused smartwatch that offers a bunch of useful features and excellent battery life.The new Amazfit Ares sports a 1.28-inch square color display with 176 x 176 resolution and a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on top. It offers 70 sports modes, including cycling, swimming, hiking, and more. The smartwatch also includes a PPG heart rate sensor and sleep tracking support.Along with being able to track a wide range of physical activities, the Amazfit Aeri promises long battery life as well. Huami claims the Aeri can deliver up to 14 days of battery life under normal usage and up to 90 days with Bluetooth and hear...

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.We're big proponents of utilizing transferable point currencies here at TPG. Programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards provide valuable flexibility when it's time to use your points — one of the main reasons they fall in the upper echelon of our monthly valuations.However, there are many reasons why someone would focus on other reward programs. If you're a hub captive, you may be interested in earning miles with a specific airline, and if you're planning to book a future trip to a specific resort, your attention may be on earning hotel points. This is especially true with new incentives from Chase and Amex to spend on your cobranded credit cards.Higher loyalty...

Businesses are a big target for internet threats, especially ransomware. Don't make the mistake of using a program designed for home use — you won't get the same level of security and it will create a lot of lag on your network as multiple devices and people attempt to use it. Instead, I recommend using Bitdefender Small office Security, the business antivirus solution by the best antivirus developer. This program stops threats before they have a chance to download and attack your network, and includes tools to protect you from identity theft and data breaches. Here are a few more business antivirus software specifically designed for companies with less than 50 employees.Best Overall: Bitdefender Small Office SecurityBitdefender is at the top of the antivirus industry because of how well it stops malware before it even has the time to begin downloading. Since it recognizes more threats than any antivirus software, Bitdefender instantly scrubs threats away so there isn't any n...

Samsung's premium fitness smartwatch is beautiful, fast, and has some serious smarts — but also just misses the mark.Samsung has been making smartwatches for quite some time and even had one of the launch devices for OG Android Wear back in 2014 with the Samsung Gear Live. However, that was a long time ago in the world of tech, and Samsung has since transitioned to its own wearable OS with Tizen. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 represents the manufacturer's peak offering for smartwatches — and it's beautiful.While the watch itself is a polished piece of hardware with a gorgeous display, enough weight to feel premium, and its capacitive navigation ring, is something to behold — the software, though capable, sometimes feels undercooked.Tizen offers a lot of customization, sometimes to the point that it can feel overwhelming. Indeed, it takes a fair amount of digging through the settings on the device and the phone app to get things the way you want them. If you are willing to tak...

Growth in subscription services, with the tantalizing promise of games to come.What you need to knowSony held its Corporate Strategy Meeting for 2020 today.In the meeting, Sony announced that PlayStation Now has crossed 2.2 million subscribers.Sony also stated it would soon be revealing "a compelling lineup of game" for the PlayStation 5.The PlayStation 5 is still slated to release in Holiday 2020.Today, Sony held its Corporate Strategy Meeting for 2020 and there are a few interesting items of note specifically for the PlayStation division. To start, PlayStation Now (PS Now), Sony's cloud gaming subscription service, has reached 2.2 million subscribers as of April 2020. Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida stated this growth was primarily due to "changing our price and strengthing our catalog of games, including the addition of many AAA titles."PS Now previously purported 700,000 subscribers in March 2019, hitting 1 million subscribers in September 2019 after the price was lowered...

If you're been looking to upgrade to the GoPro Hero8 Black action camera, now's your chance. Costco has a unique bundle that combines the Hero8 Black with The Handler floating hand grip, a spare battery, a carrying case, and a 32GB microSD card all for just $289.99. The Hero8 by itself has been selling at $300 since its $100 price drop we reported on a month ago. The Handler sells for around $22 at B&H, a spare battery costs about $20 at Best Buy, and the case and microSD card are worth about $10 total. So you're getting around $50 worth of free stuff plus the $10 discount on the camera itself, giving you $60 worth of value here. The deal does require a Costco membership.The Hero8 just released last fall and it offers some good improvements over the previous generations. More so than ever, the GoPro is designed to travel with you. It's a more pocketable design and has folding fingers at the base so you can easily swap mounts. The side door makes changing out the rechargeable ba...

Great valueAmazon Echo Buds$130 at Best BuyProsGreat active noise reduction (ANR) performanceHands-free AlexaGood, bass-heavy soundExcellent comfortSome EQ customizationConsMicro-USB for chargingLacks wireless charging caseCase is a bit largeThe Amazon Echo Buds have a large feature set considering their price. They have a great, customizable sound, long battery life, and have support for hands-free Alexa.More convenienceGoogle Pixel Buds (2020)$180 at Best BuyProsLong battery lifeIntegration with Google Assitant & AndroidUSB-C and wireless charging caseCompact charging caseGood, bass-boosted soundConsLacks active noise cancelation (ANC)No EQ customizationCan be uncomfortable after several hours of useMore expensiveThe Pixel Buds are more convenient than the Echo Buds. If you're okay with the non-customizable sound, and worse comfort, the Pixel Buds offers you a smaller overall footprint, USB-C, wireless charging, and hands-f...

Xiaomi will roll out the MIUI 12 global update from June. Here's when your phone will receive the update.MIUI 12 is now official, with Xiaomi's latest skin offering an array of new features. Some of those features include an improved system-wide dark mode, AI-assisted calling features, Dynamic Always-on Display, new visual design, tweaks to system animations, and much-needed privacy fixes.Xiaomi has detailed plans for the rollout of the global MIUI 12 update, with the build set to roll out to phones from the end of June. Xiaomi is also kicking off a beta program for MIUI 12 in global markets starting next week, so if you're interested, you can sign up and get started with the MIUI 12 global beta.Here's when your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phone will receive the MIUI 12 global update.MIUI 12 global update: When it is rolling out?A tentative MIUI 12 update schedule has been shared by the MIUI team, and this gives us an indication as to when your phone will likely receive the upda...

Having a chat with the AC forums.Over the last few years, there's been an ongoing trend of smartphones getting bigger and bigger. Display sizes increase, bezels keep shrinking, and handsets continue to eat up more space in our pockets.Large phones are great for playing games and watching movies, but when it comes to easily using them with one hand, it's a different story entirely.Recently, someone in the AC forums asked for recommendations for a compact Android phone — something that's easier said than done. Here are some of the devices that were recommended to them. the_boon 05-17-2020 11:29 AM “ I don't think there's such thing as a compact phone that's also an endurance beast right now. But an S10e seems pretty good in the battery department, and has just about every feature you could need, in a compact enough package. Reply B. D...

Memorial Day is only a few days away, which means it's time to start shopping all of the deals and discounts that are starting to crop up ahead of the holiday. Among the first to kick off its Memorial Day sale is eBay, offering discounts on a huge variety of products including electronics, tools, home and kitchen appliances, and more. eBay is also offering an extra 20% off with code PICK2SAVE on select home, fashion, and tech items.Limited-time saleeBay Memorial Day SaleeBay's deals are now live so you can stock up on tech, home, and fashion essentials this Memorial Day. Many of these deals won't survive the weekend.See at eBayCelebrate the season by checking out the major discounts on from top brands including KitchenAid, Bose, Sonos, Dyson, and more. You could grab a set of refurbished Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds for $55.99, for example. That's almost $100 off compared to their regular retail price in new condition. Refurbished Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphon...