Latest from Android Central

Best answer: Motorola's successors to the Moto G7 lineup are available in the U.S. — they just have different names. The Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power can be thought of as Moto G8 phones by different names, with Motorola just wanting to clean up its branding a bit. However, it actually makes things more confusing when you realize that Motorola is selling a Moto G8, G8 Power, G8 Play, and G8 Plus in other countries.Current Moto: Moto G7 ($230 at Amazon)The Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power fill the shoes of the Moto G8 in the United StatesMotorola struck gold with the launch of the original Moto G in 2013, and every year since, the company has launched a new model following a conventional naming scheme. There was the Moto G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, and G7. For 2020, it'd only be natural for Motorola to launch the Moto G8 — right?As it turns out, that's not what happened. Instead, Motorola is giving us the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power for our 2020 Moto G phones. They're succes...

Having a chat with the AC forums.Samsung may have just launched the Galaxy S20 series this past Friday, but that hasn't stopped people from already talking about the Galaxy Note 20. We aren't expecting it until at least August, but the rumor mill has slowly started to ramp up.Right now, one of the biggest talking points for the Note 20 is that it will supposedly come with just 128GB of internal storage. Compared to last year's Note 10 that had a minimum of 256GB, it's quite the downgrade.With that rumor circulating, it got some of our AC forum members debating whether or not 128GB is enough space for a 2020 flagship Android phone. msm0511 03-04-2020 04:23 PM “ This is one rumor I already don't like. https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-note-20-in-development-with-128gb-of-base-storage/ Even the smaller Note 10 came with 256GB base storage. It'd be dumb of Samsung to reduce storage. ...

You got your hands on an Android smartwatch. Now what? These are some of the first things you should do.If you're like me, one of the greatest feelings is unwrapping a shiny new gadget and getting to play around with it for the first time. This is especially true with smartwatches where there's so much to explore. While we all have our qualms about Wear OS, there have been enough improvements over the years that these fascinating smartwatches are worth buying. As long as you can accept that no operating system is perfect, you'll be able to appreciate what these wearables have to offer. There's still hope for future improvements, too.Whether it's your first Android smartwatch or you're a seasoned Wear OS user, there are a few things you'll want to do. Once you've gotten past the initial setup phase, it's time to have some fun with customization and other settings that will enhance your overall experience.When I first started using Android smartwatches, I'll admit that it took so...

We think we know about the price, new motion detection and better Wi-Fi!What you need to knowSeveral leaks point to upcoming features for Ring's new Video Doorbell.Looks like the Video Doorbell 3 will cost $199.It's also pegged to feature new motion sensing and better Wi-Fi!Several leaks and FCC filings have pointed to some very exciting upcoming new features of Ring's next video doorbell, the Video Doorbell 3.As reported by Tom's Guide: The news starts with FCC filings (and leads to Ring's own site) which spills the beans on the Video Doorbell 3, the successor to the Ring Video Doorbell 2. We got the dirt from Pocket Link, which shared PDFs from the FCCid.io page for a barcode label for the product. A leaked bit of Target's marketing reveals the Ring Video Doorbell 3 will cost $199, the same price as the Ring Doorbell 2. Retailer graphics reveal silver and black color options.In terms of design, the third generation Ring doorbell will look very similar to previo...

Google Wifi put a name you know and see every day on the most central part of your home network. If you're looking for a mesh Wi-Fi option there are a lot of options available, whether you just need a little more coverage or want to completely overhaul your network with fast Wi-Fi 6 technology. Eero is the best overall alternative to Google Wifi if you like the features but want something with more expansion and a sleek modern design.Best Overall: EeroEero aims to keep things simple and easy with its main third-generation base router, which offers 802.11ac speeds that aim to be enough for standard usage, though top speed will be lower than many other mesh systems. This Eero version is recommended for connections under 350Mbps and should be more than enough for even 4K video streams. If you want to stick with the Eero line but need more speed, the Eero Pro router will be a better fit.Even so, with two Ethernet ports per router, you should be able to connect all of your devices...

A relatively minor upgrade over last year's NEX 3 5G.What you need to knowVivo today unveiled its latest flagship smartphone at an event held in China.The new NEX 3S 5G is the successor to last year's NEX 3 and runs on a Snapdragon 865 processor. It also has a 6.89-inch waterfall screen, 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.Vivo today announced its first Snapdragon 865-powered flagship phone, the NEX 3S 5G. As you may have guessed by the phone's name already, the NEX 3S 5G is a minor upgrade over the NEX 3 5G that the company had launched in September last year.The new NEX 3S 5G has the same 6.89-inch FHD+ waterfall display as its predecessor, with a claimed screen-to-body ratio of 99.6%. While hasn't made any major changes to the phone's design and display, its internals have been updated. Instead of a Snapdragon 855 Plus, the new NEX 3S 5G runs on a liquid-cooled Snapdragon 865 processor, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.At the...

Now that I play from a monitor, having a good audio solution has become more critical.I'll be honest; prior to this review, I hadn't used a Sound Blaster product since the '90s when I used to use the sound cards in my PC. I have fond memories of games like Monkey Island and Commander Keen, and those memories all start with choosing which Sound Blaster to use.Creative Labs — the makers of Sound Blaster — never went away though. It's been making audio products this whole time, just in a different way. The Sound Blaster G3 is an external sound card that works with your PS4 to add a whole host of advanced audio features to any set of headphones you own. If you are looking to elevate your audio experience, it may be worth having a look.Loud noises!Creative Labs Sound Blaster G3 Bottom line: If you want to have high-end aud...

The official teaser also confirms that the P40 Pro will have a pretty massive camera bump at the rear.What you need to knowHuawei today confirmed that the P40 series phones will be announced at an online-only event on March 26, due to the Coronavirus outbreak.The two phones were previously slated to debut at a global launch event in Paris on the same day.Huawei P40 series phones are expected to come with upgraded cameras and 5G connectivity. Huawei had announced late last month that it would take the wraps off the P40 and P40 Pro phones at a global launch event in Paris. Due to Coronavirus fears, however, the company has now announced that the P40 series will debut at an online-only event instead.We're excited to bring you our next chapter of #VisionaryPhotography at our upcoming online launch - stay tuned and we'll see you on March 26th #HUAWEIP40Save the date: https://t.co/en6RzFDDJ9 pic.twitter.com/R55NHqarhj— Huawei Mobile UK (@HuaweiMobileUK) March 10, 2020The ...

The phone may not be a major upgrade over the Redmi Note 8 Pro.What you need to knowRedmi Note 9 Pro specs have been leaked online.The upcoming budget phone will sport a 6.67-inch 20:9 display and run on a Snapdragon 720G chipset. Redmi Note 9 series is set to be launched in India on March 12. Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand had announced earlier this month that the Redmi Note 9 series will debut in India at an online-only event on March 12. Ahead of the phone's launch, leaker Ishan Agarwal has revealed some of the key tech specs of the upcoming Redmi Note 9 Pro.Can confirm the specs of #RedmiNote9Pro:-Aurora Blue, Glacier White & Interstellar Black-4GB+64GB & 6GB+128GB.-6.67" FHD+ 20:9 LCD Gorrila Glass 5 Display-16MP Punch Hole Front Camera-48MP Main, 8MP Ultra-Wide, 5MP Macro & Depth Camera-SD720G, 5020mAH Battery, 18W Charging pic.twitter.com/0yk5hWxEwm— Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) March 9, 2020As per Agarwal, the Redmi Note 9 Pro will arrive with a 6.6...

One of reality TV's most guilty pleasures, The Bachelor is back for another weekly dose of emotional turbulence.The Bachelor franchise has kept loved-up viewers entertained for nearly two decades, leaving a trail of tear-filled limo exits while also being responsible for several televised weddings. Now in its 24th season, the lucky man dishing out the roses this time out is Delta Airlines pilot Peter Weber, who will be trying his best to find THE ONE from 30 hopeful ladies.Long-term fans of The Bachelor and its spin offs will be rooting for Peter in a big way - the 28-year-old from Virginia had his heart broken in last year's season of The Bachelorette, after he was jilted by former Miss Alabama Hannah Brown.We're a good way through Season 24 of The Bachelor already and so far the ride has been a fairly bumpy one for Peter and the women vying for his heart, with awkward three-on-one dates and a number of dramatic eliminations.Now down to the final four contenders, this week's...

Users are complaining that the update is bricking their phones or putting them in a boot loop.What you need to knowXiaomi's limited rollout of Android 10 for the Mi A2 Lite has been met with disastrous results.The update is causing phones to enter boot loops. Other users report the phone becoming entirely unresponsive.This comes just a week after the company pulled the Android 10 update for the Mi A3, after similar complaints of a buggy release.Xiaomi is seemingly slacking off when it comes to software updates for its phones. Despite both phones being part of the Android One program, the Chinese giant is only now getting around to rolling out Android 10 to the Mi A2 Lite and A3, months after Google made the OS available.Even worse, both updates have been plagued with bugs. Last week, Xiaomi had to pull the Mi A3 update following a flurry of complaints about the update. Now, history is repeating itself with the Android 10 rollout for the Mi A2 Lite, with users reporting si...

It's not as difficult when you know what to do.The Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo has been around for a little while now, and we've been playing quite a lot since its release. Though it is only about 30-40 minutes of gameplay, it gives a real taste of what the full game is likely to hold in store for us.A fair few people have been having some difficulty, however. Like a lot of modern games, FF7R doesn't hold your hand when you get to boss fights; it expects you to work out the patterns and defeat the boss on your own. I managed to beat the boss on my first three attempts without any issue. Then, while I was researching to write this article, I failed to beat it eight more times. It's okay, though, because I finally spent enough time working through it to give you a comprehensive how-to.Complete remakeFinal Fantasy 7$60 at AmazonMidgar never looked so goodNow that the demo has arrived, we are even more excited about this new, yet classic adventure to Midgar. The demo is a...

Annual sales could drop from 240 million in 2019 to about 190 million this year.What you need to knowThe U.S. ban on the Chinese giant is finally starting to hurt Huawei.Despite stellar performance in 2019, the company expects a massive 20% drop in smartphone sales this year.The underlying cause? Lower demand in foreign markets due to the lack of Google services on its newest phones.Despite holding strong for nearly a year since it was first added to the U.S. Entity List, Huawei's fortunes may finally be starting to turn as the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign starts to yield tangible results.Even though most of its new phones lacked Google services last year, Huawei was still able to report a 20% year-on-year increase in smartphone sales in 2019, owing to strong domestic demand, as well as its reliance on phones that had already been certified for Google Mobile Services before the U.S. ban went into effect.2020, however, is going to be a different beast...

As technology advances and matures, it's only natural for some features to disappear as part of the evolution process. When it comes to Android phones, one thing that used to be an iconic staple that has since become a thing of the past is a removable battery. Few phones are released these days with a battery that can be replaced by the end-user, but if you know where to look, there are still a few options left that are worth checking out. Here they are!Best for mostMoto E6Staff PickOut of all the phones out there with a removable battery, we think the Moto E6 is the best one for most people. It's not the flashiest or most powerful phone on the market, but it has the specs you need for a reliable Android experience. There's a 5.5-inch HD+ display, octa-core Snapdragon processor, and expandable storage up to 256GB. Even better, it works on all U.S. carriers!$100 at AmazonSupersize meMoto E6 PlusAs the name suggests, the Moto E6 Plus is an upgraded version of the re...

Being innocent doesn't stop you from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.Zachary McCoy enjoys riding his bike. It's a great way to get a little fresh air and exercise, and millions like him do the same. McCoy also, like many other people, uses an app to keep track of his bike rides, and this put him in the crosshairs of Gainsville, Florida police as a suspect in a crime he didn't commit. Welcome to geofence warrants.McCoy was able to "fix" his issues with the police after spending a few thousand dollars to hire a lawyer, and as luck would have it the same location tracking that pushed him forward as a burglary suspect ended up clearing him. When you share anything with anyone (or any company), it is no longer private. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be protected.McCoy used the Runkeeper app to track his bike rides. Apps that need to track your location in a timeline use the sensor and location information from your phone to track your every move while they are op...

There's a right and a wrong way to clean your phone.We use and rely on our smartphones every single day, and with so much regular use, it's only natural for them to get dirty. Knowing that it's a good idea to clean/disinfect your phone is a great start, but it's only half of the battle.There is a right and a wrong way to clean your phone, and if you do it the wrong way, you stand to seriously damage it. Nobody wants that, and thankfully, it's pretty easy to avoid doing so.We're thrilled that you're eager to get your phone all spiffy and clean, but before you get started, here's what you need to know about the dangers of harsh chemicals and your smartphone.Harsh chemicals are awful for your phone's displayFor many of us, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of cleaning is Clorox/Lysol wipes. These are great for disinfecting your home, but you should keep them as far away as possible from your phone. Why?Your phone has something on its screen called an "oleophob...

Every old smartphone that ends up in a landfill becomes part of the growing e-waste problem. And, even if you get a case to prevent broken smartphones from adding even more landfills, your case will also contribute one day. But, Incipio has a solution that can protect your phone from the landfill while offering a more environmentally friendly option when it comes time to retire the case itself.The Incipio Organicore case is the case to get for eco-conscious customers looking to protect their Galaxy S20 Plus or Ultra. That's because it's made from plants. In other words, it's 100% compostable.Incipio's Organicore case is much like it's other smartphone cases. It's slim, lightweight, and made to offer plenty of protection for your smartphone. It's flexible enough to easily wrap around your phone, but will fit snugly. It's thin enough to even allow wireless charging while the case is on.Without adding much bulk to your phone, it can offer serious protection. Incipio has tested t...

With Sony's relative radio silence, we're hearing about the PlayStation 5's potential power from developers instead.What you need to knowThe PS5 will take advantage of a custom AMD Ryzen 8-core CPU and custom Radeon Navi GPU.Developers have stated how its power will make even low-res games look amazing.Sony expects the PlayStation 5 to release Holiday 2020.LKA, the developer behind Martha is Dead, recently spoke to Official PlayStation Magazine and brought up some of the benefits that the PS5 will provide for low-res games when upscaling for its hardware. In particular, studio head Luca Dalco mentioned the ability to use "an incredible texel density." It's one of the most important advances in visual capacity that we were waiting for. We worked a lot in order to use the highest-resolution textures as possible also on PS4; nonetheless, PS5 will allow us to use an incredible texel density, up to 4096px/m – that means the visual will be fully detailed also in higher reso...

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are the networking versions of working smarter, not harder. Compared to a traditional router, Mesh systems use several smaller Wi-Fi routers placed around your home to cover you from multiple angles and dodge things like thick walls that can kill your signal. Whether you want top speed and customizability or simplicity and consistency, there's a mesh system that will work in any home. The Eero hits all of the sweet spots of a Wi-Fi system in a small understated housing that loses obtrusive articulating antennas.Best Overall: EeroEero made one of the first consumer mesh Wi-Fi systems and the company keeps making them better with each revision. The current generation has the best blend of advanced networking features of any system available thanks to the small size and compatibility with the wall-plug Eero Beacon.Eero isn't trying to be the fastest router. Its main goal is to offer a solid and reliable connection. To most people, the speeds will be fast enoug...

There are affordable Android phones, and then there are Android Go phones. Android Go devices are designed to be as cheap as possible and run a special version of Android that's created specifically with lower-end specs in mind. Android Go handsets are great starter or backup phones, and these are the best ones you can buy in 2020 — including the Ulefone Note 7 as our top overall pick.Best Overall: Ulefone Note 7The best Android Go phone is one you probably haven't heard of before, but we think it's the best overall choice, all things considered. It's the Ulefone Note 7, and it's a pretty impressive handset when you factor in the price tag.Right off the bat, the Ulefone Note 7 stands out thanks to its design. Its 6.1-inch display has incredibly slim bezels and a waterdrop notch on the top for its 5MP selfie camera. Compared to the other phones on this list, it really is something. You'll also find an impressive array of three cameras on the back, allowing for a ton of shoot...

Samsung is one of the biggest phone manufacturers in the world, and with good reason — it makes some pretty incredible phones, combining outstanding hardware design with long lists of handy features that differentiate its phones from the competition. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is the company's top phone, but there's also a range of other devices that hit different sizes, price points and value propositions.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy S20 UltraThe Galaxy S20 Ultra is the culmination of years of iteration and improvement. Samsung has been sticking with this general design language since the Galaxy S6, but it feels like it might have finally perfected it. The S20 Ultra is incredibly well-built, and its massive footprint allows it to squeeze in top-of-the-line specs, 5G support, and a massive 5,000mAh battery.It also has the best display we've ever seen on a phone: an enormous 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling. It has plenty of oth...

We love smart home tech, and we test as many connected security cameras as possible to give you the best recommendations for keeping your home safe.Nest CamSimple and affordable$167 at AmazonProsContinuous recordingConversational audioNearly half the priceConsImage is less sharp than Cam IQNo facial recognitionThe Nest Cam is a relatively inexpensive security camera that offers continuous recording, two-way audio, and 1080p video. With a Nest Aware subscription, you can save up to 30 days of video history. However, the image isn't nearly as clear as on the Cam IQ, and it doesn't have some of the more advanced features.Nest Cam IQSmarter security$300 at Best BuyPros4K sensor allows for lossless zoomingFacial recognitionDoubles as Google Assistant speakerConsNearly twice the costNest Aware subscription is expensiveThe Cam IQ has all of the Nest Cam's great features, plus a 4K sensor for lossless zooming in 1080p and facial recognition f...

Guilt by association.What you need to knowThe popular suite of AnTuTu benchmarking apps has been removed from the Google Play Store.It was most likely due to its association with Cheetah Mobile after Google recently purged all of CM's apps for violating Play Store policies.In a statement, AnTuTu ensures that Cheetah Mobile is only an investor and has nothing to do with the operations at the company.In February, Google made the announcement that it removed 600 apps from the Play Store for violating its ad policies or displaying disruptive ads. As part of this purge, all of Cheetah Mobile's apps were pulled, and for good reason. For years now, the Chinese app publisher has been one of the worst developers on the Play Store.Apps from Cheetah Mobile have been found guilty of egregious data collection, displaying deceptive ads, and being an IAP minefield. It's a wonder it took Google this long to smack the developer and its associated apps with the ban hammer.However, after ...

Nokia makes some of the best budget and mid-range phones right now. Its devices share the same classic industrial design language that made Nokia stand out in the past, and the best part is that all of its phones are based on Android One. That means you get a clean interface without any clutter and fast updates. These are the best Nokia phones you can get your hands on.Do everythingNokia 7.2Staff pickThe Nokia 7.2 hits the sweet spot for those looking for a great phone for under $400. It has great hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 660 chipset, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, and you get a 48-megapixel camera at the back and 20-megapixel shooter up front. The 6.3-inch FHD+ display has HDR10, there's a 3,500mAh battery, and the phone also has a 3.5mm jack.$349 at AmazonFor the enthusiastsNokia 9 PureViewNokia reserves the PureView moniker for its groundbreaking cameras, and the Nokia 9 fits that bill. There are five 12-megapixel cameras on the back that work in ...

It offers customized content recommendations based on the time of day.What you need to knowSpotify has updated its mobile and tablet Home screens to help users access their favorite content faster.The new section at the top offers recommendations that keep changing throughout the day.The updated home screen is now rolling out to users globally.Spotify has started rolling out a redesigned home screen to users, which it says has been designed to help them quickly jump back into familiar content.The redesigned home screen makes it easier for you to access all your favorite content such as familiar music and podcasts. You will now find them in a dedicated space at the top of the home screen. The content that is shown on the new home screen will change throughout the day, along with your schedule. Below the grid of six recommended playlists, you will find your top podcasts, "made for you" playlists, as well as Spotify recommendations for new discoveries.The update will be ...

Here's the lowdown on Samsung's newest Note.Every year, there are certain phones we just can't help but get excited about — one of which is the Galaxy Note. From the first Note that debuted in 2011 up to last year's Note 10, Samsung's stylus-equipped flagships are regularly some of the most interesting to hit the market.Samsung revamped its naming convention this year with the Galaxy S lineup, going from the S10 to the S20. We're expecting something similar for the Note lineup, meaning 2020 will see the launch of the Galaxy Note 20.From the latest specs, leaked renders, pricing rumors, and more, here's everything you need to know!We're expecting at least two modelsThe design is a mysterySpecs? Here's what we knowLook forward to an August releaseLet's discuss pricingDon't overlook the Note 10Today's NoteGalaxy Note 10+$1,099 at AmazonPlenty of specs and features for years to comeWhile we are excited to see what Samsung has to offer with the Note 20 later...

A bike ride he won't soon forget.What you need to knowZachary McCoy became a robbery suspect by riding his bike past a house three times that had been burgled.Police used a geofence warrant to request information about devices in the area from Google.Geofence warrants have increased by 500% from 2018 to 2019.Did you ever think your next bike ride might turn you into a suspect for a crime? I know I haven't, and neither did Zachary McCoy, until he was contacted by Google's legal investigations team last January. In an email from Google, he learned the Gainesville police were requesting information from his Google account.The email stated he had seven days to block the release of the information by going to court, or it would hand over his data to the police. In a panic, McCoy searched the included case number from the email and discovered it was linked to a home robbery, which occurred 10 months earlier. He then went to his parent's home, where they agreed to use some of th...

Lite mode to the rescue.It can be easy to take our phones for granted, but when you step back and think about it, it's quite remarkable what they're capable of. Even just one app, such as Google Chrome, puts the entire internet in your pocket for you to search and browse through whenever you want.You can do a lot with Google Chrome, from reading the news, checking Twitter, and doing online shopping. All of those activities require data, however, and if you're trying to cut back on how much mobile data you use throughout the month, you may find that Chrome is eating up a lot of it.Aside from just monitoring how much you're on it, Google Chrome has a built-in tool that helps you use as little data as possible when using the app. Even better, turning it on takes just a matter of seconds.How to use less data in Google Chrome on AndroidIf you're ready to start using less data in Google Chrome on your Android phone, you need to turn on something called "Lite mode." Here are the s...

COVID-19 has spread to 108 countries around the world, and the coronavirus shows no signs of abating. The virus is proving particularly devastative in Italy, with the country seeing 366 deaths from over 7,000 cases, second only to China. COVID-19 has effectively shut down the airline industry, with most countries screening international passengers for signs of infections.The coronavirus has had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here's the latest on COVID-19 and how it's affecting the tech industry.March 9, 2020: Tech companies recommend remote work as COVID-19 spreads in the U.S.The U.S. now has over 500 cases of COVID-19, with 21 confirmed deaths. Major tech companies — including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook — are encouraging their employees to work from home to limit the spread of the outbreak. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Twitter have also committed to paying hourly wage ...

The winner of this giveaway is taking home one of our favorite new phones along with some amazing Incipio cases!The plant-based Incipio Organicore case is 100% biodegradable in a compostable environment, reducing landfill waste by naturally re-entering the environment from where it started. Designed with eco-friendly and slim protection in mind, Organicore is tested to protect against drops of up to six feet while maintaining a premium look and form-fitting design.Eco-friendly protection, made from plants, 100% compostable6-foot drop protectionSlim, lightweight and flexible shell with a smooth exterior and raised bezel for added screen protectionWireless charging-compatibleWe've teamed up with Incipio to give away a new Samsung Galaxy S20+ and five cases to keep it safe and stylish! Keep reading for details on how to enter!The PrizeOne giveaway winner will receive:(1) Samsung Galaxy S20+ in Space Grey(1) Organicore Collection case bundle (Includes Black, Deep Pine ...

Affordable Redmi phones featuring the tech might arrive later this yearWhat you need to knowRedmi today showcased its in-display fingerprint technology for LCD displays.The company says that the technology is ready for mass production. Current in-display fingerprint solutions are only compatible with AMOLED displays. In January 2018, Chinese smartphone brand Vivo unveiled the X20 Plus UD, the first phone to ship with an in-display fingerprint sensor. The feature has now become standard fare on Android flagships and is becoming increasingly common in the mid-range segment as well. While current in-display fingerprint solutions only work with OLED panels, Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi announced today that is has successfully managed to implement a fingerprint sensor under an LCD panel.The technology was demonstrated in a video shared by Redmi general manager Lu Weibing on Weibo. Since OLED displays don't require a backlight module, in-display fingerprint sensors can easily tra...

A small change makes a big difference for Google's digital wallet.I don't know about you, but I really like mobile wallets. Being able to store all of my credit cards, loyalty programs, event tickets, and more in one single place on my phone is a huge convenience, especially as our world becomes less and less reliant on cash.Unfortunately for Android users, Google has been trailing behind in these regards for some time. Using Google Pay for NFC payments works perfectly fine, but lacking support for digital passes and not having an easy way to access the service outside of opening the Google Pay app has put it in a noticeably lower tier compared to Apple Pay and even Samsung Pay. I roasted Google pretty hard about this last July, which is why I got so excited when my Pixel 4 received the March 2020 "feature drop." Thanks to this update, Google Pay is just a button-press away.Google's been using these feature drops for the last couple of months to bring new software features...

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 ...

Huawei's ongoing trade ban has affected its Honor sub-brand as well, with the manufacturer launching fewer devices than usual last year. That said, we got to see a few standout phones in the likes of the Honor 20 and the Honor 9X. These are the best Honor phones you can buy right now.Mid-range marvelHonor 20Staff pickThe Honor 20 has all the hallmarks of a great affordable flagship: it has an evocative design with a hole-punch cutout, powerful hardware in the form of a Kirin 980 chipset, and four cameras at the back with a 48-megapixel primary lens. There's also a 32-megapixel front camera and a 3,750mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging.£295 at Amazon UKNew hotnessHonor 9XWith the Honor 9X, the brand is offering a retractable module that hides the front camera, leading to a bezel-free screen. It is powered by the mid-range Kirin 710F chipset, has a 48-megapixel camera at the back, and the 4,000mAh battery should last two days between charges. Oh, and the design a...

I'm sure you've had this experience before. Your mom (or grandpa, or friend) has called you up because they can't figure out how to do a thing on their Galaxy phone. So you spend the next hour frustratingly trying to understand their problem and explaining how to fix it, but it doesn't work. Wouldn't it be easier if you could just show them how to do it for themselves? With the screen recorder function on your Samsung Galaxy S20, you can. I'll show you how easy it is in the steps below (and I won't get frustrated with you, I promise).Products used in this guideOne-handed phone: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)The best for most: Samsung Galaxy S20+ ($1,200 at Samsung)Ultra specs: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra ($1,400 at Samsung)How to use the screen recorder on the Galaxy S20Open your S20's lock screen.Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification shade and expand to get to the system settings.The screen recorder toggle is typically on the second p...

Smartphones that cost $1,000 and more have quickly become commonplace in the market, and for anyone on a budget, those steep prices can quickly induce a headache. Thankfully, cheap smartphones are still plentiful, with more great options to choose from than ever before. If you need a new handset but only have $200 to spend, our favorite one is the Nokia 4.2. Today, we're talking about it and five other phones that bring tremendous value to the low-end space.Best Overall: Nokia 4.2If you need a new Android phone and only have around $200 to spend, our top recommendation has to go to the Nokia 4.2. Nokia has been dominating the low-end and mid-range markets over the last couple of years, and the 4.2 represents the best overall value you can get in this price range.Taking a look at the Nokia 4.2, it's rather admirable how many features Nokia was able to cram into such an affordable device. It has dual 13-megapixel and 2-megapixel rear cameras that take pretty good photos, a dedi...

Our planet is a beautiful thing, but we only have one to go around. As such, making smart choices about how we live our lives and the products we buy is key to ensuring it sticks around for generations to come. Some smartphones are created to be more sustainable/repairable than others, and if those are important factors you consider when buying a new phone, the Teracube is the one to buy. There are also a few other options worth talking about, which we'll dive into in this article.Best Overall: TeracubeAs you'll learn reading through this article, finding sustainable phones that are available in the U.S. can be quite tricky. Thankfully, we have the Teracube. Initially part of a Kickstarter campaign and now being sold as a fully-funded product, the Teracube is designed to be "the world's most reliable smartphone."The big draw to the Teracube is its warranty. You get an industry-leading four-year warranty with your purchase, and under that warranty, all repairs cost a flat rate...

As you would expect from a phone that costs $1,400, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is solidly built.What you need to knowDurability tests for the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra have revealed that the phone is quite sturdy.The phone's screen, which is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6, is quite resistant to scratches. Samsung's most expensive Galaxy S flagship also managed to survive multiple drop tests, although it is in no way "rugged."Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra is its most expensive Galaxy S flagship yet, starting at $1,400 in the U.S. While it isn't perfect, the phone offers class-leading hardware and doesn't have any major shortcomings. A durability test video from JerryRigEverything has now revealed (via SamMobile) that the phone is extremely impressive when it comes to durability as well.The durability test video reveals that the phone's 6.9-inch screen is highly resistant to scratches, unlike the foldable Galaxy Z Flip's screen. Scratches start showing on the Galaxy S20 Ul...

Samsung has a system-wide dark mode in One UI 2.0, and it's easy to set up on your Galaxy S20. Dark mode changes the look of the system interface and Samsung's first-party apps, and it also switches third-party apps like Chrome, Google Drive, and Instagram to a dark palette. The best part is that it's all done automatically once you switch to dark mode in the phone's settings.How to enable dark mode on the Galaxy S20Open Settings from the home screen. Tap Display. Toggle Dark at the top to switch to dark mode.Tap Dark mode settings to customize dark mode on your S20. Toggle Turn on as scheduled to On if you want to schedule dark mode from sunset to sunrise. If you want dark mode enabled all the time, leave this setting off.Dark mode is baked into Android 10, and with One UI 2.0 Samsung has integrated Google's changes — that's how it is able to offer system-wide dark mode on the S20. Dark mode is particularly suited to the S20's AMOLED panel, and if you're looking to...

The search for the next American Idol is back on as the series has returned for its third season on ABC and 18th season overall. The format is essentially the same though and once again the show's judges will discover talented voices from all over the country to see who can become America's next singing sensation.Singers Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will all be returning for their third season as judges and radio personality and comedian Bobby Bones will return as the show's in-house mentor. Executive producer of American Idol, Ryan Seacrest will also reprise his role as the show's host, a position he's held since the singing competition first debuted 18 years ago.While American Idol will mostly follow the same format as it has in previous years, there is a new twist this season which will likely appeal to fans of The Voice. In a promo for the latest season of the show, Lionel Richie revealed that there will be head to head duets during Hollywood Week. Hollywood Week ...

AT&T is one of the most popular carriers in the United States. Unsurprisingly, that means it sells a plethora of excellent Android phones to give customers as much choice as possible when shopping for their next handset. If you're a little overwhelmed by all of the options and want some help determining which AT&T phone is the best for you, you've come to the right place.Best overallSamsung Galaxy S20 UltraStaff pickNeed a powerful Android phone that can do it all? Look no further than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. It's got a big, brilliant 6.9-inch display, a Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G support, and a 108MP main camera backed by a 100X telephoto and an ultra-wide. Of course, it's also water-resistant, and it supports not just wireless charging, but reverse wireless charging, which lets you top up accessories like the Galaxy Buds+.$46.67/month at AT&TProductivity machineSamsung Galaxy Note 10+The Note 10+ is remarkably similar to the S20 Ultra in a lot of way...

Google's new fabric case also makes an appearance here.What you need to knowGoogle's Pixel 4a has leaked in live images.The new images show up the Pixel 4a's pinhole camera, fingerprint sensor, and camera bump.They also show off its new fabric case.Google's Pixel 4a has leaked onto the internet again, this time, it's posing for the camera. In a series of images originally posted on reddit as screenshots from a private Facebook group, we catch our first glimpse of Google's 2020 midrange handset alongside the accompanying fabric case.As a caveat, it is worth noting that while the image is from a source that's not one of the usual ones, it does look like a legitimate photo with no markings or distortions that out it as a photoshop, mockup, or other fabrication at this point in time.When we look at the pictures, there are few surprises here. In other words, it looks just like we'd expected. The squared-off camera bump from the Pixel 4 is here, and we have the borderless scr...

Though you can charge your DualShock 4 controller with a USB cable plugged into your console, sometimes it's easier to buy a separate charging station. It's especially true if you have multiple controllers and use them frequently. If that's the case, you may be interested in some of the best we could find.Best overallPowerA DualShock 4 Controller Charging StationStaff pickThe PowerA DualShock 4 Controller Charging Station is the only officially licensed charging dock for your PlayStation 4 controllers. It works off of AC adapters to make it easy to plug your controllers in and get a charge without any additional hassle. This dock fits easily onto an entertainment system and doesn't take up a lot of room.$18 at AmazonFast chargeHyperX ChargePlay DuoThe HyperX ChargePlay Duo quickly charges two controllers at once in around two hours and is powered by an AC adapter. You don't need to take up any of the precious USB ports on your console. With its light status indica...

Man United were 2-1 winners at the Etihad in December the last time these two teams met in the Premier League.That match saw Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial get the goals for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side while Nicolas Otamendi netted what would be a consolation for City. That result means United are in line to complete a Manchester derby double - a feat they haven't pulled off since the days of SIr Alex Ferguson during the 2009/10 season.As well as losing to their local rivals, that defeat dealt City arguably a mortal blow in their bid to retain their Premier League title and they'll be out to avoid a similar derby disappointment on Saturday. Following testing times for both teams earlier in the campaign, the two rivals are now both enjoying great form, with both sides notching up professional wins over tricky Championship opposition in their respective FA Cup matches in midweek. Talented youngster Phil Foden looks to have earned himself a start for City amid doubts over Kev...

That number looks great in marketing materials, but ultimately 100X photos are terrible.Samsung made huge strides in camera quality with the Galaxy S20 series, to the point where in many situations the S20 Ultra is taking photos directly comparable to the Pixel 4 XL. Putting aside little quibbles around the details of how the photos look, I'm really loving what this camera is capable of, and I don't feel like I'm using an inferior camera like I did with the S10+. I think the Galaxy S20 Ultra's camera is great, and its zoom capabilities are a big part of that.And it's not just about the 108MP main camera; a big part of my enjoyment is the quality of zoom shots. I've had my Galaxy S20 Ultra for a couple of weeks now, and I really enjoy incorporating zoom shots into my regular use of the camera. But something I figured out very quickly is how little I want to use the super-long zoom options. After my testing period, where I specifically found situations to compare the various z...

Best answer: Alexa Built-in Phones with Hands-Free Alexa allow you to access the assistant at any time by just saying "Alexa." With Push-to-Talk phones, Alexa is accessed by double-pressing the power button.Hands-Free: Moto G7 ($230 at Amazon)Push-to-Talk: Moto G7 Play ($200 at Amazon)Hands-Free phones are the easiest way to use AlexaIf you go to buy an Alexa Built-in Phone, you'll notice that there are two types available — Hands-Free and Push-to-Talk. Both make it easy to access Alexa on your phone, but how you do so is a little different.The first of those does just what you'd expect. If you want to talk to Alexa on a Hands-Free Alexa Built-in Phone, just say "Alexa" similar to how you would with an Echo. The phone will hear your command, whether the screen is on or off, and Alexa will start listening to whatever you have to say.There are a few different Hands-Free phones available, including:LG G8LG V35Moto G7Moto G6Moto Z4Moto Z3 PlaySony Xperia 1Push-...

The Raspberry Pi makes a great retro gaming console with several different custom-built operating systems designed to get your game on. And they're quite a few different controllers to choose from, so the decision can be rather rough. But to find a good controller, here's where you start looking for one!Comfortable and Durable8Bitdo SN30 USB GamepadStaff pickThis SNES styled controller is built tough and is comfortable enough to play with all night. It also has an extra-long cable so you can lean back a bit. Plus, it not only works with your Raspberry Pi, but it can be connected to your Windows PC or Nintendo Switch (with the right software version).$27 at AmazonUSB ChampLogitech Gamepad F310The Logitech F310 can be used through a USB hub and still work as a standard Xinput controller. If you're running out of holes, remember this one! And don't forget that there are ten different programmable buttons, along with the 8-way programmable D-Pad.$20 at Amazon...

While they may have the weather to thank for securing their place in Sunday's showdown, India go into their maiden Women's T20 World Cup final against hosts Australia as favourites. With rain washing out their semi-final clash with England, the Women In Blue progressed to the final on account of being group winners during the tournament's round robin stage.Despite the intervention from mother nature, India have looked good value throughout, following a superb unbeaten run in the group stages. The third highest run-scorer in the tournament, teenager Shafali Verma has lit up this World Cup, registering an astonishing strike-rate of 161, while spin specialist Poonam Yadav has been bamboozling batting orders throughout the tournament.Australia are making their sixth consecutive appearance in a T20 World Cup final , but have looked less than assured at times during this campaign. Their semi-final against South Africa was a nail-biting affair, with the Aussie's arguably saved by the ra...

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 card has unbeatable rewards in certain categories. The other has impressive rewards on all purchases. Which one wins out?Earn on everythingCiti® Double Cash CardApply at The Points GuyProsCash back on every purchaseEncourages you to pay off your balanceNo annual feeConsNo welcome bonusNot a lot of additional perksThe Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the most responsible and rewarding cash back credit cards on the market.Our PickBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressApply at The Points GuyProsImpressive welcome offersHigh rewards on common expensesSolid benefits and perksConsLow rewards outside of specific categoriesForeign transact...

Finally. The most anticipated streaming service is here. Home to not just Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and all your Pixar favorites, but educational entertainment like National Geographic and storied series like The Simpsons. Oh, and all the Disney movies and TV shows you could ever want to watch.Welcome to Disney Plus (Disney+).A magical streaming serviceDisney+See latest pricing at Disney+All your Disney favorites, and so much moreFrom DCOMs to National Geographic, from Marvel to Lucasfilm to 20th Century Fox and beyond, Disney+ delivers a streaming service for all ages.A Guide to Disney+What is Disney Plus?Where is Disney Plus available now?What devices support Disney Plus?What shows and movies are on Disney PlusParental controls, profiles, and account limitsDisney Plus tips, tricks & moreWhat is the best Disney Plus deal?How does Disney Plus compare to Netflix and others?What is Disney Plus?Disney+ is a streaming service that br...