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The firm is also bringing customizable timelines to its Android as well.What you need to knowTwitter is testing its own snapchat-inspired stories feature, dubbed Fleets.It's a region-based test which is only available in Brazil at the moment.It also rolled out customizable timelines via swipeable lists to its Android app, months after debuting the feature on iOS.Snapchat was the first to start with ephemeral stories, Facebook was next to bring it to all its products, and now Twitter has finally joined in on the fun.The firm is testing its own stories-like feature, named Fleets (a possible portmanteau of fleeting tweets), in Brazil. Like Snapchat and Instagram, Stories last for 24 hours only. There aren't any public replies or likes, and stories appear on a scrollable row above your timeline. You can reply to a Fleet, but that sends your message as a DM. It's a semi-public experience at its core.Mo Aladham, a Twitter group product manager, said (via The Verge): Twit...

What we consider a "normal" phone size today would feel downright gigantic just a few years ago. And that normalization of large phones has made it even easier for companies to make even bigger phones at the very top end of their lineup. When you need a big phone to give you the largest screen and most capabilities, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is the best of the bunch. Not only does it have a huge display, but it's a great display — and everything else about the experience backs it up.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S20 UltraThe Galaxy S20 Ultra's size is true to its name, with an absolutely huge 6.9-inch screen. The screen is once again the best in the industry, following in the footsteps of every other Samsung screen, and it has a superb 120Hz refresh rate mode that will spoil you for any other phone.The rest of the phone is unapologetically large, making room for a 5,000mAh battery, all of the latest specs, and an impressive camera array. Those cameras give you great photos in a v...

Don't get your hopes up for Half-Life 3 just yet, but we could be seeing more Half-Life projects in the future.What you need to knowHalf-Life: Alyx releases on March 23.This VR-only title is the first entry in the series in over 10 years.Valve now says that it hopes this marks a return to the series instead of being a concluding chapter.With Half-Life: Alyx set to release this month, Game Informer sat down with Valve to discuss why it needed to be a virtual reality title, a point that has been contentious among fans who wanted a full-fledged Half-Life sequel. Interestingly, in the interview, Valve developer Robin Walker said that the company doesn't view Half-Life: Alyx as an end for the series, but hopefully its return to it. And of course this question was prefaced by asking what Valve would tell fans who are hoping for Half-Life 3. Half-Life means a lot to us, and it's been incredibly rewarding to refamiliarize ourselves with its characters, setting, and mechanics. T...

Best answer: Currently, Google's Stadia controller is your only option if you want to play Stadia games on your TV. For Stadia gaming on a compatible phone or PC, almost any USB or Bluetooth controller you already own and love should work.TV streaming: Stadia Controller ($69 at Google)USB controller: Logitech F310 controller ($20 at Amazon) Bluetooth controller: SteelSeries Stratus Duo ($60 at Amazon)Popular controllers compatible with Stadia Controller TV Google Chrome* Compatible Phones Stadia Controller WiFi Conectivity USB USB XBox One Controller Unavailable USB & Bluetooth USB & Bluetooth Xbox One Elite Unavailable USB & Bluetooth USB & Bluetooth DualShock 4 Unavailable USB & Bluetooth USB & Bluetooth Logitech F310 Unavailable USB USB SteelSeries Stratus Duo Unavailable USB & Bluetooth USB & Bluetooth Switch Pro Controller Unavailable USB & Bluetooth Un...

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a great way to keep your online identity anonymous and your data secure. This is especially important when using your smartphone where so much of your personal information is stored.One way that your information or identity can be accessed is via an insecure open Wi-Fi connection. Since a phone is something you always have on you as you move about, it's a device that will likely connect to a lot of open Wi-Fi networks. From hotel and airport Wi-Fi to coffee shop and bar connections – they're all a potential portal into the darker depths of the internet.On a lighter note a VPN can help you gain access to geo-restricted content like U.S. Hulu content while abroad.So why is a VPN important and how can it help on your phone? Let's take a look at the advantages.A VPN keeps your phone hiddenWhen you connect to a new Wi-Fi network you're given an IP address which identifies you. From this, information about you can be attained, like your locat...

We'll have to wait a couple more weeks for an actual platform update with substantial changes.What you need to knowGoogle is pushing its first update to the Android 11 Developer Preview, but it's a small one.Update focuses on squashing a few bugs that developers have reported in the first release.No functionality or features have been changed or added in this release.It's only been a week since Google released its first Android 11 Developer Preview, and we're getting our first update. But don't get too excited; this update purely focuses on fixing some early bugs, not adding or changing any user-facing features. Google plans to release roughly one major update per month, so we're still at least a couple weeks out from another milestone.Android 10: Everything you need to know!In the meantime, developers who are actually using the Android 11 Dev Preview to work on making their apps compatible with the forthcoming public release have updated tools to do so. Here's the chan...

Whether you're trying to grow your freelance design career, expand your business reach, or improve communication with a local organization, a website is an extremely valuable tool. But if you have little technical expertise, how do you build one? Rather than shelling out thousands on web designers, consider Weblium Landing Page Pro instead.Unlike other site builders that bog you down with complicated tools and hidden fees, Weblium is all about providing you with a streamlined, hassle-free way to build the site of your dreams. With Weblium, you can build a site for any purpose using intuitive tools, assisted by their AI Design Supervisor which helps you optimize your site in real-time.With many pre-designed and customizable templates, advanced SEO settings built into every tool, and more than 100,000 graphics to enhance your site, Weblium gives you all the tools to make your site your own. It even has business features to help you turn your site profitable.More than 200,000 creato...

Still rocking your Galaxy S7? It's still holding up pretty well after all these years, and you'll need a great case to help it last a few more. There are dozens of great options for the device, from clear cases that show off your phone's beauty to rugged ones, and even wallet cases for when you want to cut down on your pocket carry.Thin and clearSpigen Liquid CrystalStaff pickYou don't have to hide the beauty of your phone to keep it protected, and the Liquid Crystal case from Spigen proves that. This case offers protection without sacrificing the ability to see the color choice that you made on your initial purchase. You'll get a nice form fit from this case, and the embossed buttons are easy to press while the case is on the phone.$11 at AmazonScreen protectionLeYi Case With Two-Pack Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorThis transparent case lets the beauty and color of the phone shine through, but the kicker is that it comes with a pair of tempered glass screen prote...

A big get for Google's platform.What you need to knowShannon Studstill was the head of Sony Santa Monica, a studio well-known for God of War.Google announced today that Shannon is leaving to become head of a new Stadia studio in California.This brings Stadia Games and Entertainment to three studios.While Google's Stadia gaming platform continues to come under criticism, Google is expanding its teams of developers to make Stadia-exclusive games. In a press release, Google announced that Shannon Studstill, head of Sony Santa Monica, is leaving to join Google as head of a new studio in Playa Vista, California.Shannon is a veteran of the industry who has been with Sony for several years. Sony Santa Monica's most recent game, God of War (2018) sold over 10 million copies and was critically acclaimed.With this new studio alongside the prior Montreal studio and the recently-acquired Typhoon Games, Stadia Games and Entertainment now consists of three game development studios....

Searching for coronavirus or COVID-19 reveals zero results on the Play Store.What you need to knowGoogle has banned the search terms "coronavirus" and "COVID-19" from the Play Store.Searching either term will result in zero results.The blanket ban should help prevent nefarious developers from using the coronavirus outbreak to spread misinformation or malware.As the coronavirus takes a foothold in the U.S., fears surrounding the virus and it spreading have been picked up momentum. We've already seen several conferences canceled as a precaution, including MWC 2020, GDC, Facebook's F8 conference, and even Google I/O 2020.Now, along with trying to protect users against the spread of the virus, Google is also attempting to prevent the spread of misinformation via the Play Store. As of now, all searches for "coronavirus" or "COVID-19" have been disabled. Searching for either term on the Play Store will reveal zero results, which should, in theory, prevent nefarious developers f...

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 third 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 3 Challenges: pic.twitter.com/lPCfYIKbg1—...

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 third 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.Fortnite Week 3 Challenges: pic.twitter.com/s4jhOenq0J— FireMonkey • Fortnite Intel 🎄 (@iFireMonkey) March 3, ...

ExpressVPN Why choose ExpressVPNIt's one of the biggest names in VPN services out there with wide coverage, superb customer support, and fast speeds. Honestly, it's the one to beat.Works withMacWindowsAndroidiPhone & iPadLinuxRoutersBest VPN forNetflix, Hulu, and streamingGamingTorrenting and downloadingSecurity and privacySee at ExpressVPNProsSuperb 24/7 live chat customer serviceFast connectionsLots of international locationsNetflix unblockingConsNot the cheapestLimited to five devices simultaneouslyExpressVPN is one of the longest standing virtual private network services out there and is widely regarded as one of the best. Based in the British Virgin Islands, the company started back in 2009 and prides itself on operating a no logging policy meaning data is kept super secure.In ...

Best answer: No. Eero devices use a single SSID that broadcasts simultaneously on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This is a standard feature in most mesh networks, and even for those where it can be reconfigured, it's not easy to do.Easy whole-home coverage: Eero Mesh Wi-Fi 3-pack ($250 at Amazon)Superpowered alternative: Netgear Nighthawk X10 ($350 at Amazon)What's in a GHz?Generally, a Wi-Fi network transmits on one of two frequencies, or bands. The first, 2.4 GHz, is older and slower but can transmit signals over a longer distance at a slower data transfer rate. The second, 5 GHz, is newer and faster but can support much higher speeds over a smaller area.Many Wi-Fi-enabled technologies and smart home devices use the 2.4 GHz band by default since fast data transmission isn't necessarily important. A smart light bulb, for example, doesn't need high data speeds — it just needs a network connection. It also doesn't care as much about slowdown, which can be common on...

It breaks the rules of grammar by not capitalizing properly.What you need to knowGoogle has added auto-folder classification into the Pixel launcher.Dragging similar apps into a new folder now leads to the folder name populating with what Google thinks is an ideal category for the apps.It's available for devices with the March feature drop installed.Google didn't detail all the new quality of life features it added with the new Pixel feature drop. As spotted by the folks over at Android Police, the firm has added auto-name suggestion for apps which are dragged into folders.If you've used some OEM launchers and even some third-party launchers like EX launcher, you'll find that some offer the feature to automatically group similar apps into folders on your home screen.Now, while the Pixel Launcher doesn't quite have that, it does have a similar feature now. if you drag two apps of a similar function to create a new folder, Google will automatically name it. For instance...

You can now completely uninstall it.When it comes to paying conveniently, Samsung Pay makes using your phone as a bank card an easy process. There may come a time when you don't want to use the app anymore and need to get rid of Samsung Pay. Once upon a time, you couldn't uninstall Samsung Pay, only disable it, but these days, Samsung has seen the error of its ways and allows you to completely uninstall the Samsung Pay app.Before you jump straight to the nuclear option, though, if you just want Samsung Pay to stop popping up when you don't need it, there's a setting to help with that.How to keep Samsung Pay from activating on your home screen or lock screenIf you still want to keep Samsung Pay around in case you left your wallet at home and really need that six-pack of beer from the 7-11, you can just turn off the somewhat intrusive "Favorite cards" that appear at the bottom of some screens on your phone.Open Samsung Pay.Tap the three-line menu icon in the top left corner...

Best for everyday userFitbit Versa 2$182 at AmazonProsSleek designDetailed sleep tracking and Sleep ScoresOn-screen workoutsConsProprietary chargingNo GPS without your phoneThe Fitbit Versa 2 is a great smartwatch for the everyday user who wants to keep track of steps, activities, sports, workouts, sleep, heart rate, and more. The generous battery life and swim-proof design are great, and the Alexa support for voice control is a bonus. If you're serious about sports, it has features geared toward particularly active individuals, too, like on-screen workouts, 15+ exercise modes, and personal cardio fitness level scores. Plus, you can get phone notifications and listen to music from the watch.For the sports buffGarmin vivoactive 3$132 at AmazonProsVo2 level monitoringUp to 7-day battery lifeReceive/respond to messagesBuilt-in GPS ConsBasic screenNo voice controlProprietary chargingFor sports buffs, the Garmin vivoactive 3 might be...

The update comes less than a week after Samsung rolled out an update improving facial recognition and navigation gestures on the Note 10 series.What you need to knowThe Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ phones are now receiving the latest March security update.It is currently rolling out in select countries across Europe. The Galaxy S10 series had received the March 2020 security patch last week. Samsung rolled out a new software update for the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ phones last week, bringing improved facial recognition and navigation gestures. It has now started pushing the March 2020 Android security patch to the two phones.According to the folks over at SamMobile, the latest update for the Galaxy Note 10 series arrives as version N97xFXXU2BTB5. As is usually the case with security updates, the new update doesn't bring any new feature. Currently, the update is said to be rolling out in Spain, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the UK. In other regions, the update will likely...

Having a chat with the AC forums.This past Monday, Google began rolling out its latest "feature drop" for Pixel phones with a host of new updates for users to check out.Available for the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 4 family of devices, this feature drop adds a new Google Pay shortcut that's linked to the power button, AR effects for Google Duo, dark mode scheduling, and a host of new emoji. For Pixel 4 users specifically, there's a new play/pause Motion Sense gesture and improved depth data when taking selfies.The feature drop is making its way to users as we speak, and taking a look through the AC forums, a lot of our members have already been able to download it. aecgda 03-02-2020 01:02 PM “ Skipping music tracks now works well for me. Took a while to get used to it. Keeping the phone unlocked while I'm looking at it is also a very useful feature. Face unlock works perfectly and as quick as ...

After years of being teased by Google with references to a system-wide Dark Mode, it finally arrived with the release of Android 10. With this update, just about all of your applications will automatically transition to a darker theme. Not only does it just simply look better, but with OLED displays, dark mode helps to provide better battery life and prevent screen burn-in. With that said, we have found many of the best apps with a Dark Mode available for your Android device.Google appsMessaging appsSocial mediaNote-taking appsInternet browsersFile managersTask management appsCalendar appsHealth tracking and lifestyle appsPassword managersMedia consumption appsNews and RSS appsWeather appsEverything elseWhat does Google have to offer?It would only make sense for Google to lead the charge by updating its apps to feature some type of Dark Mode. The rollout has been slow, but many of the apps finally switch to Dark Mode when your phone does. These are just some of G...

The newest Checkra1n update is still in Beta, but could prove monumental...What you need to knowCheckra1n is the newest jailbreaking tool for iOS.It's an update to the Checkm8 bootrom exploit and works on iOS 12.3 onwards.You can now use an Android device as the tether when you jailbreak.The latest jailbreaking tool for iPhone, Checkra1n, allows users to jailbreak an iOS device using Android.As reported by Cult of Mac: Checkra1n, the newest jailbreaking tool for iPhone, has some big advantages of its predecessors. It's the first that can successfully crack iOS 13. It works across system updates. And it's the first that allows you to jailbreak your iPhone using an Android device. Still in beta for now, but very much a working tool, Checkra1n supports a whole host of iPhone and iPad models, and can jailbreak iOS 12.3 and up. It's based on the Checkm8 bootrom exploit that has been used in previous cracking tools, and it brings some nice improvements. The downsi...

Google has everything in place to add this feature, but will it?When Google updated its Google Home Mini to the Nest Mini, it maintained the same basic look and feel of its predecessor but beefed up the on-device AI and speaker to make a good product even better. But you know what would make that good product great? Copying the latest update to Amazon's Echo Dot, i.e., adding a more substantial mini-LED display to the device for basic functions like displaying the time.Don't think Google would do that? Hard disagree. It doesn't seem like it would flummox Google at all, and after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right Amazon?Echo LED the wayIn the fall of 2019, Amazon held an event at its Seattle headquarters where it showed off a number of new products, some experimental devices and services, and even some updates to existing product lines like the Echo smart speaker. Somewhere in-between the updates and the new products, Amazon unveiled the Echo Dot with C...

It started as a small enthusiast brand back in 2014, but OnePlus has quickly exploded into a mainstream hit that's responsible for making some of the best Android smartphones every year. If you know you want to buy a OnePlus phone but aren't sure which model to get, we've got a quick list to help you decide which one is right for you!Superb valueOnePlus 7TStaff pickThe OnePlus 7T is the latest offering in OnePlus's lineup, and while it may not technically be the most impressive, it is the phone we recommend most people buy. It has a stunning 90Hz AMOLED display with a 2400x1080 resolution, three rear cameras that allow for a lot of photography opportunities, a fast in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 855+ CPU paired with 8GB of RAM.$499 at OnePlusShow offOnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLarenIf price isn't a concern for you and you just want to get your hands on the most capable OnePlus phone available, turn your attention towards the OnePlus 7T Pro ...

There is no word on a release date yet.What you need to knowOfficial renders of the upcoming Moto G8 Power Lite have surfaced.The renders suggest the "Lite" model will have a largely similar design to the G8 Power. It is rumored to come with a MediaTek Helio P35 chipset and a 5000mAh battery.Motorola expanded its budget smartphone lineup last month with the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power. Similar to the Moto G7 Power released last year, the Moto G Power is aimed at users who prioritize battery life over other things. Now, renders showing a "Lite" version of the Moto G Power have leaked online.According to Roland Quandt, the upcoming phone will be called the Moto G8 Power Lite. As can be seen in these renders, the G8 Power Lite will be nearly identical to the G Power from the outside. The phone has a similar hole-punch cutout on the top-left corner, although the "chin" at the bottom appears to be slightly thicker. At the back of the phone, we can see a triple-camera setup ...

AT&T has perhaps one of the most developed 5G networks out there right now. With millimeter wave coverage alongside low-band coverage in several cities. AT&T, however, has only rolled out millimeter-wave 5G service to its business customers.At some point, this network will be available to more customers, but AT&T currently does not have a date set for this. If you do have a business account, it makes a lot of sense to buy into this network with some of the best data speeds we've seen from any carrier. For consumers, with only the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G being able to access the low-band network, it still might be worth it to wait.When will my area even get 5G?Which devices should I get to be ready for 5G?Which plan do I need for access?What tech is AT&T using?What is 5Ge?Is 5G worth it for most people?When will my area even get 5G?AT&T has a lot of cities listed for its 5G+ network. 5G+ refers to real 5G NR used in AT&T's network. 5G NR is wha...

The mount works with both front and rear phone cameras.What you need to knowMoment has launched a universal lens mount for smartphones and tablets.The lens mount has been designed for users who own a phone that Moment doesn't make a specialized case for. It is priced at $30 and is expected to begin shipping before the end of the month.Moment, a Seattle-based company that has been making fantastic attachment lenses for smartphones since 2014, today announced (via 9to5Google) a new universal lens mount that is compatible with several popular devices.The new M-series lens mount finally makes it possible for users to attach any M-series lens to their phone or tablet, without requiring a specialized Moment case. Moment currently offers compatible cases only for the latest Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus phones.Moment's M-series lens amount is made of an aluminum frame and uses a thumbscrew to securely attach to a wide range of phones and tablets. It comes with...

WhatsApp's latest features show up in the beta app a month before they're rolled out to the general public. If you want to be the first to try out the latest WhatsApp features, here's how to download the WhatsApp beta app.Products used in this guideLevel up: Google Pixel 3a XL ($420 at Amazon)How to download the latest WhatsApp beta for AndroidUsually, it takes about a month for a new feature to make its way from the beta client over to the public build. That was the case with the dark mode, and any new feature or UI change that WhatsApp is planning on rolling out will make its way to the beta channel first. If you're unwilling to wait for a particular feature to go live in the public channel, you can always download the beta app.WhatsApp runs an official beta program on the Play Store, but that has been full for over a year and isn't taking new beta testers. Your best option instead is to sideload the latest beta APK and install the app. I'll show you how to do that belo...

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.Does the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express have additional benefits?Best answer: Yes, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has a ton of extra perks and benefits for its cardholders such as Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Return Protection, and Shoprunner.More card details: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressThe Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has some impressive rewards for those who are looking to get the most out of their everyday spending. From 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) and select U.S. streaming services to 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations, as well as 1% cash back on oth...

That took a while.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. You can now download and save your in-game screenshots and videos through the website. You can purchase a Stadia bundle for $130 through the Google Store. Ever since Google Stadia was announced, users have been asking the company to add the ability to save screenshots and videos through your browser. It's March and you can finally do that. Today, Google surprised everyone by saying that you can "download and save your in-game screenshots and videos on the web to show off your legendary gear, brutal finishers, or just some scenic views."The latest Stadia update is live! Our game capture library is now available on https://t.co/AoYhdVnzGu 📸Download & save your in-game screenshots and videos on web to show off your legendary gear, brutal finishers, or just some scenic views.— Stadia (@GoogleStadia) March 3, 2020...

The free access will run till July 1.What you need to knowGoogle this week made a significant gesture toward helping combat the spread of the coronavirus.It's making advanced video conferencing abilities previously exclusive to G Suite Enterprise available to all G Suite users for free.The move is aimed at helping facilitate remote work so that the spread of the virus is contained.As the rapid spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, officially called COVID-19, instigates fears of a global pandemic, Google has decided to chip in and help mitigate its spread. It's already dediced against holding its annual I/O developer conference this year, but it's also trying to help other organizations reduce physical contact between employees while ensuring they can still be productive.Running till July 1, 2020, the company has announced that it'll make advanced video conferencing features exclusive to G Suite Enterprise and G Suite Enterprise for Education free for use by all G Suite and G S...

Google I/O joins a growing list of tech events to be canceled over coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.What you need to knowThe Google I/O 2020 physical event has been canceled and will be held digitally.Refunds will be given to those who have purchased tickets for I/O 2020. People who were awarded tickets for the 2020 event will be automatically awarded tickets to the 2021 event.The coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed another tech event as Google has decided to cancel its annual developer conference. In an email going out to Google I/O attendees, it states that due to concerns around the virus, the physical event at Shoreline Amphitheatre is canceled. Instead, it will be moving to a digital presentation this year.Google I/O canceled due to #Corvid19 , conference will be remote instead @AndroidPolice @arstechnica @Google @googledevs #GoogleIO pic.twitter.com/YyQ2c8mTIP— Nate Harris (@nwithan8) March 3, 2020Google I/O is one of the major events held where it shows off som...

Samsung has held the same policy for many years now.What you need to knowSamsung has released its update schedule for its latest phones.As expected, the company will only provide full software support for the S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip for the next two years.After that, they receive one more year of monthly security updates, following by quarterly security releases in the fourth and final year.Despite the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip being among the most expensive phones to be released by the company, Samsung is reportedly not planning on extending software support for these phones beyond its usual two years of full support plus two years of security updates, as per SamMobile.Samsung has improved a lot in recent years with regard to the speed at which it updates its phone. While it was once lambasted as one of the slowest phone makers in providing new software to users, it now often releases monthly security updates for its phones even before Google does ...

More and more often, phones are being released with shiny glass backs, smooth metal frames, and other design elements to make them as attractive as can be. That's great if you prefer form over function, but what about if you're in the market for a smartphone that you don't need to baby nonstop? Here are the best rugged Android phones we could find!Excellent valueBlackview BV5500Staff pickRugged phones don't always have to be expensive, and the Blackview BV5500 is a perfect example of just that. This rugged phone features a MIL-STD-810G and IP68 rating, meaning that it's drop-proof and you can submerge it in two meters of water for up to two hours. There's also a big 4,400 mAh battery, a 5.5-inch HD screen, and dual rear cameras.$100 at AmazonDoes it allCAT S61Do you know the Caterpillar brand that makes construction equipment? That same company also makes Android phones, and the CAT S61 is its best yet. The S61 can be submerged in water up to 3 meters for 30 minut...

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is a whole lot of tablet, and it deserves to be protected as such. There are a lot of options out there, but we believe we've found the best so you don't have to dig through every option. Here are the best cases for your Samsung Galaxy Tab A.Tough TabSupCase Unicorn Beetle SeriesStaff pickThe Unicorn Beetle series by SupCase aims to offer the ultimate protection. You'll get a rigid case that can take some rough bumps, and the built-in kickstand is also helpful. Plus, it comes with a screen protector built right into the case so your display stays protected, too.$25 at AmazonWork SmarterBige Keyboard CaseNeeding to do a bit of work on your Galaxy Tab A? Bige is one of the only companies making a keyboard case for the tablet. It has a dedicated row for function keys and numbers and will last you as long as 80 hours on a full charge.$30 at AmazonFull FolioZoneFoker Folio CoverThis folio case wraps around your Galaxy Tab A to give it...

The 'Albums' tab has been replaced by a 'Library.'What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a new design for the Photos app on Android.Among the most notable changes in it are the removal of the search bar and the hamburger menu up top.Their myriad settings and features have now been distributed among the five tabs in the bottom bar.Google has slowly been making the bottom bar and a tabbed interface more of a focus in the Photos app. Having previously renamed the 'Assistant' tab to 'For you,' it's now removing the 'Albums' tab and adding with two new ones: 'Library' and 'Search.'The latter also means that the ever-present search bar at the top has now been relocated to its own tab (via Android Police). The hamburger menu that accompanied it has also been removed, its content displaced to throughout the now-five tabs of the app. The new account picker, though, survived the shake-up and was simply moved further to the top, next to the Google Photos icon. Before / After...

The PlayStation 4 always has new and exciting titles coming out every month. We've found all of the best for you to check out and listed the rest at the bottom of the page. Here are all the games releasing in March 2020!★ Featured favorite - March 20Doom: EternalDoom fans, are you ready? Doom: Eternal is here, ready for you to rip, tear and shoot your way through dimensions filled with hellish enemies. This sequel to Doom 2016 comes packed with new weapons and abilities to test your skill against your foes and a 2 v 1 battle mode if you need even more of a challenge.$60 at AmazonMarch 31Persona 5: RoyalStaff favoritePersona is back with a fresh RPG experience set in their award-winning universe. Wear the mask of Joker and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts for a new semester at Shujin Academy. Meet new friends and explore new locations with the beautiful new sound track from Shoji Meguro playing in the background.$60 at AmazonMarch 14Nioh 2Fig...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The games PlayStation is offering this month include two major titles. Check out the list below, start downloading these games on March 3rd. Enjoy the price of -free- until April 7, 2020.★ Featured favoriteShadow of the ColossusShadow of the Colossus is a beautifully breathtaking journey in ancient lands. Seek gigantic beasts, armed only with your trusty sword and bow. This rebuild of a wonderful story brings the towering goliaths to a new generation of gamers and for March, you can enjoy the beloved masterpiece for free.See at PlayStation Store★ SEGA PowerhouseSonic ForcesDr. Eggman has conquered much of the world with the help of a new villain, Infinite. Assist Sonic by building an army to reclaim the world and fight chaos and destruction. Use your blazing speed as Modern Sonic to rush through levels, defeat enemies and just enjoy a world of dash...

Good flash drives last for years and years and years; I still have working USB-A flash drives from high school kicking around in my drawers. That's why if you're going to buy a flash drive right now, I would highly, highly recommend opting for a USB-C thumb drive if you need some removable storage. USB-C also has the benefit of being compatible with your phone without needing to pull out any OTG adapters: just plug it in and move photos or files to the drive with a file explorer app!Best in classSanDisk Ultra Dual DriveStaff pickSanDisk is one of the leaders in removable storage, and its USB 3.1 Type-C dual drive is hands-down the most reliable you can buy. It comes in 16-256GB models and features transfer speeds up to 150 MB/s.From $9 at AmazonSupersized capacitiesPNY Elite USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-CThe PNY Elite Type-C is available from 64GB up to 512GB, allowing you to store up to half a terabyte of movies, music, photos, or backup files compactly. There's no USB-A p...

Best answer: Stadia can be used on any TV that can accept an HDMI signal thanks to Chromecast Ultra.Next-gen gaming on any TV: Google Chromecast Ultra ($70 at Amazon)Stadia runs on almost anythingWith Stadia, you don't have to worry about buying expensive hardware and adding even more bulky devices to your home or bag. That's because Google designed it to work on almost any kind of device you have, including your TV, smartphone, PC, tablet, and likely anything that can run Google Chrome.That's because Stadia relies on game streaming technology. The games are run in the cloud, and Google uses modern network and streaming technology to let you play the game on-demand as if you were streaming a movie from Netflix.Your TV doesn't have to be smartYou may be wondering if Stadia is compatible with your current TV. There are no products with the technology built-in right now, but you could add Stadia functionality to any HDMI-equipped display thanks to the Chromecast Ultra....

We've worn every size, style, and system of wearable trackers, and Samsung's fitness trackers can certainly hold their own against the competition. Of course, Samsung has quite a few options for you to choose from and we're here to help you pick the best fit for your fitness needs. We suggest the undeniable front-runner, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, which offers superior fitness tracking in a stylish smartwatch package.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch ActiveWhen looking at Samsung's range of wearables, for many people, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is easily the best choice. For starters, it's much more fitness-friendly than the original Galaxy Watch. The lightweight, comfortable design won't weigh you down when you're exercising. Half the battle in finding the right fitness tracker is finding one with a user-friendly design that'll function when and where you need it to. You'll only get around 45 hours of battery life depending on usage, so be prepared to charge it eve...

If you want to take advantage of everything that the stock market has to offer so you can start saving for your future, you're going to need more than a simple financials breakdown of your top five favorite companies.In a market where trades are made in fractions of a second using complex algorithms, you need to have a fundamental understanding of how quantitive analysis is used in order to take advantage of small fluctuations of market shares in real-time, and the QuantInsti®: Quantitative Trading for Beginners Bundle is here to help.With seven courses and over 70 lessons led by trading pros with years of experience under their belt, this bundle will introduce you to the lucrative world of quantitative and algorithmic trading through courses that touch on Python, machine learning, Forex, and more.After an introduction the basics of quant trading, you'll dive into topics that teach you how to develop winning financial strategies in a variety of industries, build your own algorit...

We live in a world where pictures are a godsend in helping us express what we're thinking and feeling. Most of us put them up online these days, but sometimes you want to preserve those images in a way that you can touch and even hang on your wall. That's where these portable instant photo printers come into play. These will give you speedy prints, with zero hassle.Instant and rechargableCanon Selphy Square QX10Staff PickCanon's latest Selphy instant printer is easy to fit into your bag or even your pocket and prints 2.7-by-2.7-inch photos that are rated to last up to 100 years using a dye-sub technology. The Selphy Layout app lets you add stickers and filters, and the built-in battery means you won't have to go scrounging for AAs when it runs out of juice.$150 at AmazonInstant and rechargeableHP Sprocket (2nd Edition)The HP Sprocket connects to your phone via Bluetooth and prints 2 x 3-inch borderless photos with lightly adhesive backs. You get 10 sheets of...

The idea is that a hard-press would be able to bring up a long-press menu faster.What you need to knowGoogle is using software to emulate pressure-sensitive hardware.The idea of this is so that what is typically a long-press menu will show up faster if your press harder.Currently, this feature works for only a small number of apps, but plans for more app support will come in the near future.It seems that Google is introducing a former hardware feature iPhone to Pixel phones via the March 2020 software update. Pixel users will be getting a 3D Touch like option for accessing quick menus rather the using the current long-press option.The Verge was able to get a response from Google as to why it's moving to hard-press instead of long-press: Long Press currently works in a select set of apps and system user interfaces such as the app Launcher, Photos, and Drive. This update accelerates the press to bring up more options faster. We also plan to expand its applications to mo...

The update breaks Google Pay for AT&T users, there's a reason for that.What you need to knowGoogle has pulled the March security update for Pixel 4 users on AT&T.The update appeared to break Google Pay functionality for users who successfully downloaded and installed it.Google is likely to re-release the update late this week once it fixes the underlying issue. Yesterday, Google released the March security update alongside the first 2020 Pixel feature drop. It has now pulled the update for AT&T Pixel 4 users. While it wasn't initially clear why, users on Reddit (via 9to5Google) later reported that the update was breaking support for Google Pay. That's not a good look for Google.The issue appears to be that Google didn't properly certify the build it was delivering to AT&T users. Without that certification, this means that apps and services which rely on Googe's SafetyNet wouldn't work, hence why Google Pay stopped working on affected devices. Google has si...

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.American Airlines has just added a hefty welcome bonus to its credit card for frequent flyers.What you need to knowAmerican Airlines has just added a new welcome bonus to one of its co-branded credit cards.Earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases.Cardholders also enjoy free checked bags and preferred boarding.American Airlines and Citi have just added a new welcome bonus to one of their most popular co-branded credit cards that aims to give new cardholders hefty rewards for signing up and flying American.Reported by The Points Guy, new cardholders of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® can now earn 60,000 America...

The month of March brings some heavy-hitters to the PlayStation Now catalogue.What you need to knowPlayStation Now is a game streaming and download service.The service is adding Control, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Wolfenstein II, and more in March.You can get a 12-month subscription for $60.Eleven new games are coming to PlayStation Now, boasting its already impressive library of over 800 titles. The month of March 2020 brings a few acclaimed AAA titles like Control, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. You can view the full list of games coming to the service below.Games being added in March:Control (available until Monday, August 31)Dead or Alive 5 Last RoundNascar Heat 3Nights of AzureNights of Azure 2: Bride of the New MoonRomance of the Three Kingdoms 13Shadow of the Tomb Raider (available until August 31)Toukiden 2Toukiden KiwamiWarriors All-StarsWolfenstein II: The New ColossusAs noted, Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Contr...

Keeping all of your photos, videos, music, and other media on a physical device is extremely important. This was true for the computer age and it's still true for the smartphone/tablet era. It's even more true for those who switch phones regularly, or for those who don't pick up new phones for years. To help everyone out, we have found the best and more reliable microSD cards for long-term storage.Designed for securitySamsung PRO EnduranceStaff pickSamsung loves its buzz words, but the company's PRO Endurance microSDXC card is absolutely fantastic and rated for 43,800 hours of use. With transfer speeds of up to 100MB/s and a 5-year warranty, you can rest easy knowing that Samsung has your back in case anything happens to your card.$35 at AmazonTrusted performanceSanDisk Extreme ProSanDisk is perhaps the biggest name in the microSD card game, and the Extreme Pro lineup is the top of the line. Along with being rated V30 speed class for 4K video, these cards are buil...

You'll find a host of features on the Pixel 4, but one that stands out the most is Motion Sense. Motion Sense is a gesture system that allows you to control the Pixel 4 by simply waving your hand over its display, giving you a new and unique way to control the phone. There are currently just a handful of ways in which you can use Motion Sense, and today, we'll be running through how they work and how to get the most out of them.How to use Motion Sense to snooze alarmsOne of the ways to use Motion Sense, and perhaps the most well-thought-out, is using it to snooze alarms.After an alarm starts ringing on your Pixel 4, the audio will get quieter as you move your hand towards the display. From there, you can move your hand over the display to snooze the alarm. No matter if you wave over it from the left or right, it'll just snooze for a few minutes rather than being completely turned off.Waking up to an alarm and trying to fiddle with on-screen buttons isn't always the most fun...

This demo gives us just a taste of what's to come, but oh my, does it taste good.It's been a long time coming, but we finally have our first proper taste of what the Final Fantasy VII Remake will look and feel like to play in the real world. On the day the game was originally due to be released — March 3, 2020 — Square Enix graced us with a demo consisting of the first level and some tutorials to get you fired up. But was it everything we hoped for or did this new version of a classic fall short?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 available to everyone for free, so make sure you try it out ahead of the game's release in April.Let's start at the beginningAs far as I can remember, the opening of the demo and the opening of the original are shot-for-shot perfect matches. It starts with your first glance at Aerith, ...

This is a nice surprise.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a game streaming service.It's getting a lot of interesting games in the coming weeks.The Division 2 hits the platform with cross-play support with PC on March 17. You can purchase a Stadia bundle through the Google Store. Today, Android Central received a pretty significant press release from Ubisoft. The Division 2, the third-person shooter from the acclaimed company, is coming to Google Stadia on March 17 with cross-play support with PC. This is massive because one of the biggest issues with Stadia is that it doesn't have enough players in multiplayer titles like Destiny 2 and others.You can read an excerpt from the press release below. The Division 2, as well as The Division 2: Warlords of New York will launch on Google's new generation gaming platform, Stadia, on March 17. On Stadia, both the game and its expansion will also feature cross-play capabilities with PC, allowing Division Agents playing on...