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by Michael Allison on (#50YW8)
Google is preparing to address a critique of the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.What you need to knowGoogle is working on a "require eyes to be open" setting for face unlock.It has finally been spotted in Android 11 DP 2.If patterns hold true, it will debut with the June Pixel feature drop.Google's more secure face unlock arrived with Android 11 Developer Preview 2 (DP2) yesterday, and if patterns hold, it may be coming with the next Pixel feature drop.To recap, Google's Pixel 4 and 4 XL ship with face unlock enabled, but critics have noted that they can be used without the user having their eyes open. This meant that sleeping or even unconscious users could have their devices accessed without them noticing.In response to that, Google said in a statement: We've been working on an option for users to require their eyes to be open to unlock the phone, which will be delivered in a software update in the coming months. In the meantime, if any Pixel 4 users are concerned that someone ...
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by Jared DiPane on (#50YWA)
The coronavirus is impacting people across the world in various ways, and in many countries and states schools are being shut down, which means parents are looking for a way to help kids continue to learn. Luckily, there are a lot of online learning websites that can be used from the comfort of your own home, and many of them offer free trials. While you are busy working from home, you'll want to keep your kids busy as well.School districts are working hard to get plans in place to continue education for kids even when they aren't in the school, but if you are looking for something to get started on right now, we've identified a few different options that are worth checking out.Best Online Learning Websites for KidsABCmouse: 30-day trial + 49% off annualReading IQ: 7,000 books with 30-days of free accessAdventure Academy: One month free, 49% off annual planRosetta Stone: 20 languages, 3-day trialUdemy: Lots of coursesFunbrain: No account neededEach of these options...
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by Android Central on (#50YWC)
Spring is just around the corner. Know what that means? It's (hopefully) the end of freezing weather in your part of the country, a chance to get outside to bask in Mother Nature, and, of course, the perfect time for some household cleaning! Whether you count yourself among the 76% of Americans who partake in spring cleaning annually or not, here are five smart cleaning tools currently available in the Android Central Digital Offers Shop that can help streamline this year's spring cleaning and make the entire process painless.Plus, you can save an extra 20% on each of these deals when you use the code ELICTO20P at checkout!1. Elicto Everybot RS500 Robotic Spin Mop & PolisherThe Elicto Robotic Spin Mop is a convenient cleaning device that eliminates dirt and dust on your floors, tables, and windows. This extremely easy-to-operate device — simply tap a button or use its remote control — reaches areas of your home that are usually overlooked, such as underneath beds and c...
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by Rebecca Spear on (#50YWE)
When you live in a busy household, keeping everything clean isn't the easiest thing to do. That's why having a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba 960 is so appealing. You'll be able to focus on other tasks or simply allow yourself to relax for a moment while the vacuum does work for you. We've done the research and have gathered the best robot vacuums on the market to fit a variety of homes. See which one works for you.Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 960Using this robot vacuum's Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll be able to control it using the iRobot HOME App, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. It uses visual navigation and mapping to clean every section of your floors. You can also tell it not to clean a specific area. The included sensors warn the device if it is getting near an obstacle or if it's about to fall down a flight of stairs.You can schedule this device to begin cleaning at specific times. We recommend programming the unit to work when your home has the least amou...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#50YWF)
Chromebooks are great computers for a lot of different uses, but they are almost tailor-made for education. They're designed to perform well even with modest specs, software is hard to break, corrupt, or infect, and if a student breaks a laptop, they just need to log in on any other laptop in the school system to get back to work. There are a lot of great options to choose from, but our top pick is the ASUS Chromebook Flip C214.Best Overall: ASUS Chromebook Flip C214The ASUS Chromebook Flip C213 was one of the best Chromebooks for education for the last two years, but it was due for an update. The ASUS Chromebook Flip C214 is an update that is worth the wait. This model is slightly slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, even with a slightly bigger battery. The 11.6-inch screen is still easy to see in a wide array of angles — and even in direct 3 PM Florida sunshine — and the zinc alloy hinge allows you to rotate the screen around 360 degrees into tent or tablet mode as n...
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by Jared DiPane on (#50YHB)
With the Coronavirus making its way across the globe, online shopping can truly be a lifesaver. Whether it's knowing someone who got sick, your employer has shut down, or your child has to stay home from school, there are a number of ways the virus has begun to impact daily life. As people continue to socially distance themselves from others, as recommended by the CDC, this means that deliveries become even more important to getting everyday essentials. One place many rely on is Amazon, thanks to its amazing Prime delivery speeds, but right now those speeds are slowing down. That means you'll want to shop now to make sure you'll receive anything you need as soon as possible.Products to considerInstant Pot: Better cooking at homeFire TV Stick: From $40Fire Tablet Kids Edition: On sale nowEero Mesh Wi-Fi System: Stronger internetToilet paper: Hard to findLogitech K840 Keyboard: Mechanical for lessHand sanitizer: Make your ownGatorade: Stay hydratedPet supplies: Don't forge...
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by Jason England on (#50YHD)
According to IDC data, Vivo ranks second in 5G phone sales in China.What you need to knowLiu Hong, Vice president of Vivo, says that 5G phones could drop to as low as $212 by the end of 2020.Xiaomi announced the Redmi K30 5G running a Snapdragon 765G in December of 2019 for only $284.Once Qualcomm starts rolling out its 5G capable Snapdragon 600 series, it could lead to more affordable 5G phones.This is the year that 5G could really start to gain some traction. Not only are we seeing carriers roll out service to more and more cities, but manufacturers are also pumping out more 5G capable phones. Unfortunately, 5G isn't cheap, the latest 5G enabled Samsung Galaxy S20 starts at $1,000.However, just because you want to take advantage of the latest 5G speeds, doesn't mean you'll have to break the bank. The Samsung Galaxy S20 is far from your only option. Last December, we saw Xiaomi's sub-brand release the Redmi K30 5G for only $284. Now, in a recent interview, Liu Hong, vice...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#50YHF)
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.Earn elevated rewards on grocery store purchases.What you need to knowChase has announced its new bonus categories for its Freedom cardholders.Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on purchases at grocery stores.The elevated rewards will run from April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020.Every three months, Chase changes the bonus categories that they are offering for its cardholders of the Chase Freedom and Chase Freedom Unlimted cards. The company has announced the next categories that will receive elevated rewards, and extra cash back on groceries is on the way.Between April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2020, Chase Freedom cardholders will earn 5% cash back on the following categories:Grocery ...
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by Peter Cao on (#50YHH)
Both sets of earbuds are great for their own reasons. However, it's undeniable that they're both super convenient.All around beastSamsung Galaxy Buds+$149 at AmazonProsUSB-C and wireless charging caseExcellent comfortGreat sound Great for Android phonesLonger battery on budsConsCall quality isn't greatOnly IPX2 water resistantIf you own an Android phone and don't care for phone calls, the Galaxy Buds+ are better than the AirPods in almost every other way.Call KingAirPods (2nd Gen)$169 at AmazonProsWireless charging caseOne-size-fits-all design maximizes comfortExcellent microphone for callsGreat for iPhone usersLonger battery life (with case)ConsUses Lightning for wired chargingLacks water resistance ratingSound quality is OK at bestThe AirPods lose half of its features on non-Apple devices but they still perform decently well otherwise, especially if you take a lot of phone calls.Both sets of earbuds have a lot in common and...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50YHJ)
Fitbit's app and devices can help you remember to practice self-care.It's still early on in the coronavirus pandemic here in the U.S., and folks are just getting used to the idea of working from home, keeping indoors more than ever, and the concept of self-isolation. Even those of us who are introverts and have worked at home for years are chaffing at these increased restrictions. It can be hard for all of us to remember during this trying time that it's so important for our physical and mental well-being to continue to practice self-care — indeed, now more than ever.I've been a Fitbit user for nearly four years now, and part of the reason I've stayed with the company and platform for so long is that in addition to its excellent fitness trackers, the company has a thoughtfully-designed app with tons of great options for tracking personal health data. There are also features (mostly free) for analyzing that data, setting reminders for health and fitness activities, and competing...
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by Babu Mohan on (#50YHM)
Associates at the warehouse have been sent home with full pay.What you need to knowAmazon today confirmed the first coronavirus case in its warehouse in Queens.The individual has been quarantined, and the warehouse has been temporarily shut down. Workers at several Amazon warehouses across Europe have also contacted the virus. Amazon today confirmed the first case of coronavirus infection in an American warehouse. A worker at its Queens delivery station, who tested positive for the virus, is now in quarantine.Corona Virus in Amazon warehouse.All eyes on Queens, where Amazon has ignored workers and now has its first case.COVID19 lives a day on cardboard and up to three days on plastic.Amazon wants to put 100,000 more workers into warehouses. Workers have been sounding the alarm https://t.co/bJtrQd2VU8— rafael (@rafaelshimunov) March 19, 2020An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to the folks at The Atlantic that the Queens delivery station has been temporarily closed for "...
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by Christine Persaud on (#50YHN)
Smart home tech is a great way to liven up your home and automate certain aspects of your life, and that extends to the bedroom as well. Whether you have trouble sleeping or could use technology to help you wake up, picking up some smart gadgets can enhance your bedtime experience and make you look forward to catching some ZZZs and waking up for each new day.Best smart displayGoogle Nest HubThe Home Hub is an excellent smart display that can work as an alarm clock, a music and video streaming device, and a control center for your smart home gadgets. Ask it for the weather and traffic reports in the morning, and to read the daily news headlines to you as you get ready to start your day.$130 at Best BuySmall, affordable speakerAmazon Echo DotIf you don't need a smart display but still want a convenient way to control your smart home and get vocal responses to things like the weather, traffic, and your daily calendar appointments, the Echo Dot is one of the cheapest so...
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by Joe Maring on (#50YHQ)
Let's chat with the AC forums.Taking a look at the smartphone industry over the past few years, we've seen a gradual increase in the size of phones. Year after year and release after release, phones tend to keep getting bigger with no signs of slowing down.Thankfully, there are a few outliers that break up this trend. Most recently, Samsung's Galaxy S20 proved to be the antidote a lot of us have been waiting for. The S20 is comfortable to use with one hand, relatively easy to fit into pockets, and retains the flagship specs of its S20+ and S20 Ultra siblings.Recently, some of our AC forum members got to talking about the S20's size. jettrue 03-13-2020 02:24 AM “ Didn't think I'd say this, I came from the S10 and I like the size, but because the S20 is slightly narrower, it seems too small? I went with the smallest because of price and because I don't want a huge phone anyway. Ultra is out if t...
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by Kelly Peirce on (#50YAA)
2020, we thought you would be better! Most of us are stuck at home right now, but we at least have video games for a little escape. Enjoy a reprieve from the stresses of life with these 10 wonderfully light-hearted, and funny games. They might just brighten your day, and maybe even remind you how to find joy in the little things.★ Featured favoriteUntitled Goose GameIn Untitled Goose Game you play a goose and you do goose things. Honk, swim, steal stuff and honk some more! Who knew tormenting and trolling the inhabitants of a small idyllic village could be so much fun as a goose? HONK.$20 at PlayStationA new startSpyro ReignitedSpyro Reignited lovingly rebuilt and repackaged the classic Spyro trilogy: Spyro the Dragon, Ripto's Rage and Year of the Dragon. The graphics and vocals were recreated based on the original games to stay true to Spyro. Return to this 3D platforming world 20 years later or join in for the first time to help this brave little dra...
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by Sean Endicott on (#50YAB)
Microsoft Teams is now free for NHS staff, enabling communication and collaboration to help patients.What you need to knowNHS staff will be able to use Microsoft Teams for free during the coronavirus outbreak.Workers will be able to instant message and make audio and video calls through Microsoft Teams.Teams is being rolled out between March 16 and March 20 to NHS staff.NHS workers will be able to communicate remotely through Microsoft Teams during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Microsoft announced that Microsoft Teams will be free for all NHS staff to help communication during the outbreak. Microsoft Teams will roll out to NHS staff members that use NHSmail between March 16 and March 20. Staff that aren't NHSmail users can also gain free access to Microsoft Teams by applying to Microsoft directly.Microsoft Teams will enable NHS staff members to communicate with patients who are self-isolating and also helps staff communicate with each other. Ian Phoenix, Director o...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#50YAC)
WhatsApp Web is a great way to extend the features of the messaging platform to the desktop. The web client is easy to set up and use, it has the same visual interface as the mobile version of the app, and messages sync instantly between your phone and the web. Here's how you can set up and use WhatsApp Web.How to activate and use WhatsApp for WebTo use WhatsApp on the web, you'll need to link the web client with your phone. To do so, navigate to web.whatsapp.com on your computer. You'll see a QR code on the page, and you'll have to scan this with your phone to link your account to the web version. Here's what you'll need to do on your phone:Open WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen. Tap the action overflow menu (three vertical dots) on the top right corner. Hit WhatsApp Web. Point the phone at the QR code on web.whatsapp.com.That's all there is to it. Your account is now linked to the web client, and you'll be able to use WhatsApp directly from your browser. Wh...
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by Marc Lagace on (#50YAE)
Distracted driving is completely unacceptable given how flagship phones like the Galaxy S20 are designed with so many hands-free features. All you need is a quality car mount and you can use Google Maps, make calls, or stream music while driving with your hands on the wheel.Our go-to choiceiOttie Easy One Touch 4Staff pickThe iOttie Easy One Touch 4 is a durable and dependable choice for mounting larger phones in a car. You can install it on your dash or windshield, and it features a telescopic and rotating arm that lets you position your phone at any angle. There are also models with an air vent clip and CD slot adapters.$25 at AmazonFor landscape navigationUGREEN Dashboard Clip Car MountIf your dash traditionally doesn't do well with suction or adhesive mounts, UGREEN offers up a dashboard clip that will grip onto the edge of your instrument panel. It keeps your S20 closer to your eyeline as you drive along and in landscape for better layouts while navigat...
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by Babu Mohan on (#50YAG)
The first Narzo series phone from Realme is expected to be unveiled "soon."What you need to knowRealme has teeased a new smartphone series called Narzo.The company says the "unique series" is customized for Generation-Z.Realme's first Narzo-branded phone is expected to be launched soon, although no specific launch date has been confirmed yet. Realme, which started off as an OPPO sub-brand two years back, became the world's fastest-growing smartphone brand in 2019. The company is now looking to further increase its market share in the budget segment with a new smartphone series called Narzo.As per the teaser website for Narzo, Realme's upcoming smartphone series will deliver "max performance" and is customized for Generation-Z. A report from 91Mobiles claims the first Narzo-branded smartphone will be launched in India very soon and is likely to be available in two variants. As of now, however, Realme hasn't revealed a specific launch date.Unique. Extraordinary. Bold.Word...
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by Babu Mohan on (#50Y4V)
The phones will launch at an online-only event.What you need to knowXiaomi's Mi 10 series will debut in India on March 31.The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro flagship phones were launched in China last month. They are slated to make their global debut on March 27. Xiaomi today announced that its flagship Mi 10 series phones will be launched in India on March 31. The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro were unveiled in China last month and are expected to be launched in a few global markets on March 27.Mi Fans, wait is over! 🥳#ðŒð¢ðŸðŸŽ ð¢ð¬ ð¥ðšð®ð§ðœð¡ð¢ð§ð ð¨ð§ ðŸ‘ðŸð¬ð ðŒð€ð‘ð‚ð‡ ðšð ðŸðŸ:ðŸ‘🎠ððŒ.Watch Livestream across @XiaomiIndia social media handles. Know more here: 👉 https://t.co/oKPXrAaCYfRT with #Mi10IsHere and #108MP if you are excited. 🔄#Xiaomi â¤ï¸ï¸ pic.twitter.com/P4KkLWFH95— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) March 19, 2020The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro will be the first Mi-branded flagship phones to laun...
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by Jordan Palmer on (#50Y0D)
We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.The best Android gamesRPGsShootersPuzzle GamesPlatformersStrategy GamesSimsRacing 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 you'll always k...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50Y0E)
You can still buy products from the company's online stores, however.What you need to knowFor the safety of its employees and customers, Samsung has decided to shutter its stores in both the U.S. and Canada.The company did not specify when stores would reopen.Samsung's online stores are still fully functional, however, and the company will continue fulfilling those orders.YH Eom, CEO of Samsung Electronics America, announced this week that the company was "temporarily closing all Samsung U.S. stores." The move is a reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, as Samsung says it's prioritizing the health and wellbeing of both its employees and customers through this move.A similar announcement was made by the company's Canadian wing, which is closing all Samsung Experience Stores in the country, effective immediately.Neither announcement gives a timeframe for when stores might reopen, given the rapidly shifting nature of the current situation. Samsung's online stores are, howev...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#50Y0G)
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 credit cards just upped its sign-up offer.What you need to knowThe Ink Business Preferred Credit Card just increased its sign-up offer.Earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months.Points are estimated to be worth up to $2000 in rewards.The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase is a favorite among small business owners, and now the card is offering an even higher sign-up bonus than normal.New cardholders can now earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, a 20,000 point increase from the previous offer.Chase is estimating the b...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50Y0J)
DownDetector is showing a peak of 15,000 outage reports in the last couple of hours.What you need to knowSnapchat is currently experiencing issues.DownDetector shows the app's servers have been having issues for the last two hours.The outages seem to be focused in the U.S., but reports coming in from all over the world.It's not just your Snapchat stories that can suddenly disappear without notice. The same thing's happening to the company's servers, as numerous reports of outages flood social media.me typing "snapchat" in twitter to see if snapchat down again or it's just me #snapchatdown pic.twitter.com/EMRv1ZarwB— Saham (@SahamAbdi) March 19, 2020DownDetector shows the outages started around 10 PM Eastern Time, with a peak of over 15,000 reports at around 11 PM.The web service tracker also shows that most of the complaints originate in the U.S. Though, it does seem like the outage is more widespread than that, since some of the reports also originate from Austra...
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by Joe Maring on (#50Y0K)
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 Joe Maring on (#50Y0M)
120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that's continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung's Galaxy S series.One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren't always the most interesting, but there's no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.For 2020, Samsung is launching a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they're bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy ...
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by Chris Wedel on (#50XWA)
Best answer: Yes, Disney has an agreement with Samsung to distribute Disney Plus (Disney+) on its smart TVs on models running Samsung's Tizen OS all the way from 2016 to its latest TVs. For older TVs that can't get the Tizen OS app, there's always Chromecast.Marvel on demand: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Cast away: Chromecast ($35 at Amazon)Disney+ is finally here!Disney+ is now available in many places and platforms, including on most newer model Samsung TVs. Basically, if you have a Samsung TV from 2016 or newer that is running Samsung's Tizen OS, then you should be able to download the Disney+ app and watch it natively.This is great news for users who have a relatively recent Samsung TV, as being able to watch natively offers a great experience and means you won't have to go digging through a secondary console device or use your phone as a remote while Chromecasting them.How to watch the Marvel movies in orderWhat's it like watching Disney+ on a Samsung TV?Samsung...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50XWB)
Your Amazon Prime account is setup with a feature called Amazon Household that allows you to share a large handful of your benefits with friends and family. Add another adult to your digital household and enjoy easy features including parental controls for the kids, unlimited storage for photos, and a family library to share books, apps, and games. Here's how to get started!How to add members to your Household in Amazon PrimeHow to manage your content in Amazon PrimeWhat are other shareable benefits with Amazon Prime?How to add members to your Household in Amazon PrimeClick Account & Lists from the drop-down menu located at the top-right side of your screen.Scroll down to your Account Settings.Select the Amazon Household.On the Household homepage, click to Add an adult. Have the adult enter their Log in Information, whether they're a trial member or Prime member.Add up to four children to your household by clicking Add a child.Add up to four teens by clic...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50XWD)
It will also be able to show taps on the screen.What you need to knowGoogle looks to be working on adding the ability to capture device playback to its screen recorder.The feature isn't available in Android 11 Developer Preview 2.However, some code in the SystemUI files shows the feature is currently under progress.If you like sharing videos of your virtual triumphs in mobile games, Android 11 may bring with it a much-needed feature for the default screen recording app in Android.As discovered by XDA Developers, the Mountain View giant is seemingly working on letting you use more than just your microphone for recording audio. The screen recorder will soon also be capable of adding whatever's playing on the phone itself to the screen capture (e.g., game audio or music that you're playing on Spotify).The screen recorder found in the second Android 11 Developer Preview that Google just released has received a bit of a facelift, with a new UI that warns users about captur...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#50XWE)
Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best OverallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$299 at Best Buy (32GB)$320 at Amazon (64GB)The best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10 hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsThe best Chromebook balances size with productivity, style with substance, and panache with a price. It's a Chromebook that...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50XWF)
Whether you're being forced to self-isolate and work from home, or you just want to stay in touch with friends and family, a good video chatting platform is essential. Apple's FaceTime is great but it doesn't work on Android, and Grandma isn't likely to understand install a more enterprise solution like Slack or Zoom. So what to do? Well, there is one really great video chat service that is both free and cross-platform, and that's Google Duo. I'll talk you through how to get Google Duo set up on your Android phone (so that you can then share this with your coworkers, friends, or grandparents).Products used in this guideDynamic Duo dialer: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)Your hearing buds: Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($150 at Amazon)How to get started with Google Duo on AndroidBefore you get started, make sure you have a device that Duo works on. Duo works on Android, iOS, the web, and smart displays like the Nest Hub/Hub Max, Lenovo Smart Display, and JBL Link View. Calls a...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#50XWG)
New horrors await as you try to escape from Raccoon City.The Resident Evil 3 remake is just a couple of weeks away but Capcom is allowing players to experience a taste of that horror ahead of launch. Unlike the "One Shot" demo that premiered ahead of Resident Evil 2 in 2019, you aren't limited in how many times you can play this demo. As a result, it's a good way to familiarize yourself with the new controls and some of the new action-oriented abilities you have — which you'll need against the terrifying threat of Nemesis.The demo goes live on March 19.How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on PS4Open your PS4 homescreen.Scroll down to Games.Select Demos.Scroll until you see the Resident Evil 3 demo. You can also sort by Release date: newest first.How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on desktopGo to store.playstation.com. Log in to your PlayStation account. If the demo isn't being advertised there, use the search bar.The demo is roughly 7.47GB in size,...
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by Anthony J Nash on (#50XNZ)
Start collecting now!Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 2 is officially out now, and one of the most surprising additions to the new season is that of Deadpool, Marvel's iconic hero. Initially spotted in the trailer for Chapter 2 - Season 2, it was revealed that players would be able to obtain a Deadpool skin for completing various challenges in this season's Battle Pass.Before you start, it's important to note that Deadpool isn't in the game just yet, but will be in the future. Because he's likely to be one of the "mystery" skins that get unlocked later in Chapter 2 - Season 2's lifespan, you'll be doing challenges for at least a couple of weeks as you work to unlock him. The first two weeks of challenges are out now, but the fifth week of challenges recently leaked ahead of the weekly update for Fortnite.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the following list.Deadpool Week 5 Challenges https://t.co/HbqFiMoR4T pic.tw...
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by Kevin Lynch on (#50XP0)
Twenty past winners of the show do battle to win two million dollars.It's now 20 years since Survivor hit TV screens, pitting groups of strangers together in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves while also completing challenges.To mark the 40th Season, this latest instalment of the show will be bringing back a select 20 of the 38 previous winners of the show.They'll be battling it out to win a bumper $2 million prize - a figure that CBS claims is the biggest in reality TV history. The competitors will once again be heading to a remote part of Fiji with Jeff Probst returning as host (and producer). Also making a reappearance is the controversial Edge of Extinction twist that was introduced in Season 38 which saw contestants remain in the show after they have been voted off.One notable omission however is the show's first ever-winner, and arguably most infamous contestant, Richard Hatch, who has been left out by producers in contr...
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by Anthony J Nash on (#50XP1)
Another week of challenges leaks!Fortnite Chapter 2- Season 2 is officially here, and players are already diving in to try and unlock its many Battle Pass rewards. Just like when Fortnite Chapter 2 launched, weekly challenges have been overhauled for Chapter 2 - Season 2, with every challenge for the week being unlocked from the start.Epic has also tweaked the way to view challenges, allowing players to see in what general area of the map they can be completed. At the end of the day, though, they're still a set of tasks to complete to help you power through the Battle Pass. As is the case every week, the challenges for the fifth week of Chapter 2 - Season 2 have leaked, giving us a good idea of what we'll have to do in order to gain more XP.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the following list.Forgot to leak these, whoops.Week 5 Challenges: pic.twitter.com/pxxH23qOFJ— FireMonkey • Fortnite Intel 🎄 (@iF...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#50XP2)
If you're getting a physical copy of this ambitious remake, it might be delayed.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy 7 remake is scheduled to release on April 10.Due to the spread of Coronavirus, physical delays of the game may occur.The digital release will not be impacted.Final Fantasy 7 remake is coming soon, but unfortunately, if you're grabbing a physical copy, you might be waiting to get your copy. Square Enix has provided an update on Twitter, stating that due to the spread of Coronavirus, physical shipments of this game might be delayed.Release update information. #FF7R pic.twitter.com/oZ6XXBX5hR— FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (@finalfantasyvii) March 18, 2020Things will likely vary on a case-by-case basis, but we'll be sure to update with any other statements from Square Enix. Square Enix is also planning to provide another update on March 20, which will contain more information on the situation. Still, if you're getting the game digitally, you don't need to worry...
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by Daniel Bader on (#50XP4)
When your budget maxes out at $400, the Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can get. That's because it offers the same core experience as the higher-end Pixel 3 that preceded it. You get the same software and features, and the exact same camera experience. The only shortcomings come in the hardware and a couple of the specs — a fine trade-off to save hundreds of dollars.Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a strikes a good balance between hardware, specs, and experience. Yes, it's made out of plastic, but it's really well executed. Yes, it has cut specs compared to the Pixel 3, but it fits right in with the phones at this price. Its features, too, match the competition, but unlike the other phones, the Pixel 3a has great Google software that's filled with nice little features and guaranteed to get updates for years.However, what sets the Pixel 3a apart from the competition at this price is its camera. Where it's completely acceptable for a sub-$400 phone to have an "ok...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#50XP5)
Having a microphone and camera active is one of those things that you probably want to only happen when you want it to happen. It's important to make sure your privacy settings are in order here since every Chromebook has both a mic and a camera. Thankfully, it's also easy to do once you know where to look.Products used in this guideGoogle's Newest Laptop: Pixelbook Go ($650 at Amazon)Finding the settingsBy default, your Chromebook is set to ask you when a web page wants to use the mic and camera. That's good because the setting is buried in the "advanced" section of the settings page. But you still might want to have a look to see what sites you've allowed or blocked and change things if they need to be changed. The settings are the same no matter which Chromebook you're using.Open your Chromebook settings by clicking the gear icon in the system tray.Open the Privacy and security section. Click Site settings and you'll see a list of individual things that can be chang...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#50XP7)
If you are debating which mesh Wi-Fi system to get for your home, I highly recommend the eero lineup. Not only does eero have quality routers and an easy-to-use app, but it also has some additional services that you may find extremely valuable, such as the eero Secure and Secure+ subscriptions. One of the most useful features here is the ability to limit the content and exposure to devices and individuals on your network, including delivering a measure of control over web browsing. I'll show you how to set this up in the steps below.Products used in this guideMesh internet: eero Mesh WiFi System ($249 at Amazon)Extra control: eero Secure (From $3/month at eero)How to safeguard your browsing with eero SecureOpen the eero app on your smartphone.Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner (the 3 lines).Tap on eero Secure.Scroll down and toggle the Network Security switch to on. This will restrict access to sites that are known for malicious content, viruses, bots, et...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#50XP9)
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.As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many are worried of the economic impacts that the virus may have on people's jobs and their ability to pay their monthly bills. One such common expense is the monthly credit card payment.Thankfully, the following credit card companies have announced they are offering assistance programs to their cardholders in case you are going through financial hardship due to the virus.American ExpressAccording to a new report by The Points Guy, American Express is waiving interest, late fees, and offering payment options to its cardholders. The company released the following statement when asked if it would be helping customers during this time: "Yes, Am...
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by Andrew Myrick on (#50XE4)
Make your Android app experience a good one.Our phones are pocket-sized supercomputers with professional-grade cameras and battery for days, but without the apps to take advantage of it, what would be the point? There are millions upon millions of Android apps that transform our phones from shiny glass slabs into productivity powerhouses, and over the last year, these are the apps that have seized the day and made our lives easier, faster, and better.Work smarter, not harderWho needs a personal assistant when you have services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available wherever you go? These types of apps aim to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of your day-to-day life to make things easier. From automation to smart home products, and everything in between, these apps allow you to get work done with some help.With you everywhereGoogle AssistantFrom Assistant Routines in Google Clock to the vast expansion of Assistant-compatible smart home devices, ...
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by Andrew Martonik on (#50XE6)
This sure beats downloading tools and running a command line.Getting early Developer Preview software on your Pixel has always been a bit of a task, requiring downloads and some knowledge of how a command line works. But now Google has a new tool you can run right in your computer's web browser to flash Android 11 on your Pixel. All you need is a USB cable and a little time on your hands, and you can be up and running in several minutes. Here's how you get it done.Getting your phone ready to flashThe Android Flash Tool supports flashing Android 11 onto the Pixel 2, 2 XL, 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4 and 4 XL.Before you can plug in and flash, you have to have your phone set up to accept the commands and software from the phone. This requires enabling developer settings, USB debugging and OEM unlocking.Go to your Settings and scroll down to System and tap About Phone.Tap on the Build number seven times until a dialog box says "you are now a developer."Go back to the System menu a...
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by Michael Allison on (#50XE8)
Shipping might be affected by restrictions, but you probably won't notice for a while.The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) currently ravaging the globe is affecting all areas of our lives. Already, events have been canceled and many countries have slipped into lockdown, confining residents to their homes. Amazon has announced a suspension of non-critical warehouse shipments through April 5.Mainstream shipping companies like FedEx and UPS will be making adjustments to how they do things to prevent transmission, too."FedEx Express continues to operate inbound and outbound flights to and from impacted areas as local conditions and restrictions allow, and we are taking recommended precautions in terms of pilot, team member and customer health and safety," FedEx said in a statement to Android Central. "The safety and well-being of our team members is our top priority. We are closely monitoring guidance by the World Health Organization and other public health organizations, and taking pr...
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by Zachary Boddy on (#50XEA)
An intense game for you and your friends.What you need to knowCrisis VRigade is an intense action VR game that's only available through SideQuest.Despite being denied for sale on the Oculus Quest store, it has still amassed over 80,000 installs.Crisis VRigade is now adding a cooperative mode to have multiple people tackle its challenges.Crisis VRigade is an interesting game, as it has quite a large following of happy fans, and seems to be a great match up for the Oculus Quest and its wire-free tracking capabilities. However, as reported by UploadVR, the title has been rejected from the Facebook Oculus Store twice now, meaning it has had to resort to other means.The game is available through SideQuest, which allows Quest owners to sideload games onto their headsets that wouldn't be available through normal means. Using this method, Crisis VRigade has become the most-downloaded game for SideQuest, with over 80,000 downloads accrued. In light of this success, the team behind...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#50XEC)
There's some guaranteed games but we're not sure what else is going on.What you need to knowMark Cerny, lead architect for the PlayStation, held a talk today on the specs of the machine.Cerny mentioned that "almost all" of the top 100 games on PlayStation 4 will run on PlayStation 5.Exactly how many games will run overall is not currently clear.During PlayStation's "The Road to PS5" presentation today, lead architect Mark Cerny talked about the specs of the PlayStation 5 and what developers can expect from the console. While it's been known for some time that the PlayStation 5 would be backward compatible with PlayStation 4 games, there's a few things right now that aren't clear.During Cerny's talk, he mentioned the different compatibility modes the PlayStation 5 hardware can be set to, allowing compatibility with PlayStation 4 titles. Cerny then stated that "We recently took a look at the top 100 PlayStation 4 titles, as ranked by play time, and we're expecting almost al...
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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#50XEE)
Its partnership with UPS will also continue.What you need to knowWaymo says it's suspending its taxi service to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.The exception to this rule will be the company's fully driverless vehicles, which will keep operating for now.The move comes after signs of unrest among its drivers about having to continue working despite the increasing risk of infection.As the coronavirus infection grips the nation and the world, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber have been taking measures to reduce human contact via their services. Their upstart, driverless competitor, Waymo, on the other hand, is shutting its services almost entirely.A new blog post by the company reads, "We're pausing our Waymo One service with trained drivers in Metro Phoenix for now." The Alphabet subsidiary's doing the same with its trials in California. Though the company's cars can drive themselves, most of its rides still require a trained driver to be in the car in order ...
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by Asher Madan on (#50XEG)
Google Stadia edges out Sony's machine.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a game streaming service.It's getting a lot of interesting games in the coming weeks to months. It's more powerful than the PlayStation 5, but less than the Xbox Series X. You can purchase a Stadia bundle for $130 through the Google Store. Today, Sony released the official specifications for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). According to the company, from what it seems, the graphics processing unit (GPU) has a peak output of 10.28 teraflops (TFLOPs). However, the Xbox Series X and Google Stadia beat the machine.There were rumors floating around, some even from very credible sources, that Sony was targeting more than 10.7 TFLOPs, but that's clearly not the case. The Xbox Series X comes in at 12.155 TFLOPs, Stadia is at 10.7 TFLOPs, and the PS5 is at 10.28 TFLOPs. Since all three use next-generation AMD architecture, it's possible to compare their GPUs.Hopefully, as the months ago by, developers will b...
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by Joe Maring on (#50XEH)
Everything you need to know about DP2 🤓.We're still quite a few months out from Google releasing Android 11 to the masses, but in the meantime, we have its string of Developer Previews to play with. On March 18, the latest Developer Preview 2 was unveiled and made available for devs that need to work with the new software ahead of launch.Developer Preview 2 doesn't bring a lot of user-facing changes to Android, but if you take a peek behind the curtain, you'll find a healthy dose of tweaks and adjustments that are worth talking about.So, without further ado, here's everything you need to care about that's new in Android 11 Developer Preview 2!Notification historyBuilt-in screen recorderRevamped wallpaper UIImproved face unlock security5G state API Foldable hinge detectionBetter call screeningScoped storage migrationVaried refresh rate settingsResume on bootIt works with the Android Flash ToolView your entire notification historyOne of the few UI changes i...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#50X40)
Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will pack a custom RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 TFLOPs with 36 compute units clocked at 2.23GHz. It can support 8K resolution and ray tracing.Build your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 and up at Amazon)PlayStation 3 vs PlayStation 4 graphicsIt was notoriously difficult to develop for the PlayStation 3 because of its CPU, and though this was apparently the case on purpose so developers would be challenged to push its limits, that didn't make it a good thing. Sony used the RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' capable of 400 gigaflops (0.4 teraflops) for the PlayStation 3's GPU and a custom eight-core Cell Broadband Engine for the CPU, which also carried some of the graphics-related work that the console performed. This architecture was completely different from the PS2 and required a significantly greater amount of effort to develop for.Sony opted for a CPU and GPU that was much easier for developers to work with in the PlayStation 4 — a cust...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#50X41)
Best answer: Utilizing a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) means faster load times and better performance in all of your games.Speed and storage: Western Digital Blue 1TB SSD ($115 at Amazon)What's the difference between an SSD and HDD?Both an SSD and HDD are components of a PC that deal with storage and dictate how fast information can be read. In an SSD, data is stored on flash-memory chips and it has no moving parts whatsoever. An HDD, on the other hand, uses mechanical moving parts to read and write information.Why are SSDs better?Because an SSD utilizes flash-storage as opposed to magnetic tape and mechanical parts like an HDD, the former tends to be faster, smaller, and quieter. Everything you see on screen when you play a video game is data and information that needs to be rendered nearly instantaneously to ensure a smooth experience. SSDs have a much easier time doing this.How will an SSD benefit PlayStation 5 games?In an interview with Wired,...
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by Kelly Peirce on (#50X42)
Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will include an 825GB SSD. This is less than the Xbox Series X's 1TB SSD, but Sony has good reason for the odd number that we'll get into below.Thousands to choose from: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Hello solid-state driveWe know that the new PS5 is being built with an 825GB solid-state drive (SSD) instead of the traditional HDD. Not only will this upgrade give us a much faster system but it also gives us a starting point to deduce how much storage the basic launch build will offer.The PS4 and storage sizeAt launch the original PlayStation 4 came with the option of 500GB for the basic build or, if you had extra spending money, 1TB. This was the standard again at the launch of the PlayStation Slim in 2016. However, Sony has now discontinued not only the original PS4 but the 500GB Slim variant as well. The smallest storage unit now offered is 1TB for the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro. This increases up to 2TB internal storage...
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