Latest from Android Central

It's currently in a very alpha stage of development.What you need to knowWhatsApp is testing a new security feature in its Android app.Users will be able to password-protect their backups when stored in Google Drive, providing an additional layer of security online backups currently lack.It's currently an alpha feature now, so it's unknown if and when WhatsApp will release this to the public.Currently, WhatsApp bills itself as a very secure messaging app with end-to-end encryption protecting your messages even when backed up. However, that protection only applies to messages and backups which are stored on your device. When moved to Google Drive for remote backups and restoration, WhatsApp warns you that the end-to-end protection no longer applies. It may soon do away with that warning. In alpha builds of the app, it's trialing out a new feature that will let you password protect the backups you upload to your Google Drive account.As per the folks at WABetaInfo who learne...

VPN stands for virtual private network, and is essentially a service that protects your online browsing and app activity from prying eyes, be they those of individual bad actors or rogue governments. We'll show you how easy it is to download, install, and set up one of the most popular VPN services, ExpressVPN, in the steps below.Products used in this guideSafeguard your sanity: ExpressVPN (From $6.70/month at ExpressVPN)How to download and install ExpressVPNOpen the Google Play Store app on your Android phone.Type in ExpressVPN in the search box or click here.Tap on the result with the red logo and V in a white circle, and then tap Install.Tap Open, then tap Start Free Trial.Type in your email on the sign-in screen and tap the red Start Free Trial button.Opt-in or decline sharing of crash reports and connection data by tapping OK or No Thanks.Begin the setup process by tapping OK.A dialog box should pop up asking for permission to connect. Tap OK.Take a look a...

Android devices from Amazon, Nokia, LG and more are affected and need the March 2020 security patch or a fix from the device-maker itself.MediaTek makes chips that power millions of devices. Some you've heard of, like the Amazon Fire HD tablet(s), others, like the Alcatel Tetra, you probably haven't. Almost all of them have something in common though: a bug in the CPU firmware that allows a simple script "root" the device itself.This was first found by developers at XDA Forums, and almost every single 64-bit MediaTek CPU is vulnerable unless it's been patched. And some devices are patched since a recent update but the list isn't very long:Samsung has patched its phonesVivo has patched its phonesHuawei and Honor phones with Android 8 or higher have been patchedOppo phones with Android 8 or higher have been patchedPhones running Android 10 are immuneAmazon Fire HD tablets may be patched if they have a specific firmware version. That leaves a whole lot of unpatched device...

The company is likely to announce a new budget phone as well.What you need to knowHMD Global today announced that it will be holding a launch event in London on March 19.It had previously planned to announce new Nokia phones at MWC 2020 in Barcelona. The rumored Nokia 8.2 5G is likely to be introduced at the upcoming event, alongside the mid-range Nokia 5.2. HMD Global, like many other popular smartphone makers, was expected to unveil new phones at MWC 2020 last month. Nearly three weeks after the expo was canceled by the GSMA, the Nokia brand licensee today announced that it will be holding a global launch event in London to introduce new products on March 19. The teaser for the upcoming event was shared on Twitter by the company's chief product officer, Juho Sarvikas.No Time To Wait. We have something very special lined up for you. #nokiamobilelive pic.twitter.com/xQAZWok0v6— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) March 3, 2020While the teaser shared on Twitter doesn't give u...

Not everybody needs to spend upwards of $1,000 on their phone, especially those on prepaid carriers looking to cut down on spending wherever possible. Luckily, phones at all price ranges have gotten great lately, and that holds especially true in the budget category. It was previously a wasteland of near-unusable devices, but now you can get a shockingly reliable phone for under a Benjamin. We think the UMIDIGI A3S is the best phone in this price range, but if that doesn't strike your fancy, there are plenty of other options out there.Best Overall: UMIDIGI A3SWhen you venture into Android phones in this price bracket, you'll start to come across companies you might not have heard of before. One such company is UMIDIGI, and the UMIDIGI 3S is a prime example of a quality phone for under a hundred bucks.From a design standpoint, the 3S looks pretty good. There's nothing overly flashy or eye-catching about it, but it doesn't look bad either. 2.5D curved glass covers both the fron...

Chatting it up with the AC forums.As you likely know by now, one of the most notable features on the Galaxy S20 is its 120Hz display. It's the first phone from Samsung to go beyond the traditional 60Hz refresh rate, and it makes everything look smoother and more fluid.There's no denying just how good the 120Hz functionality looks on the S20, but it also results in the phone using more battery life.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about this, saying: dario12v 03-02-2020 06:13 AM “ The 2 main reasons I'm trading my note 10+ for a s20 ultra (512 gb unlocked) Are the camera and battery life (I'm on my phone all day and note 10+ has died on me plenty of times ) my day including gym , commute to work (NYC subway) and back is 12 1/2 to 13 hours So I definitely need my battery to last that long (Can't charge at work) No point in having 120hz if the phone is dead in my... ...

Yoganna be pleased with this flexible Lenovo device.I'll admit it, when I first saw this tablet, I was a little suspicous. I thought, "another Android tablet?" Aren't they all kind of meh, with lackluster specs, software that isn't optimized for the form factor, and uninspired design? Well, that may be true for many of the also-rans, but hoo boy was I pleasantly surprised by this latest from Lenovo.You would think that there isn't that much room to be creative when designing a tablet, and that it's just a slightly bigger rectangular slab than our phones. But as Lenovo has shown in previous versions of this design, there is room for other ideas. The unusual, tubular edge and kickstand are not there for decoration — they actually have a useful purpose. And you know what else? As much as I love Chromebook convertibles, I think Android can actually be better in this form factor.Namaste with meLenovo Yoga Smart Tab with Google Assistant ...

If you're one of that many people who own a Fitbit, you want to take care of it. When it comes to the Versa and Versa Lite, there are plenty of screen protectors out there that will keep it in good condition. These smartwatches are the same size, so nearly all screen protectors are compatible with both. The one exception is a full body screen protector cases since the side buttons are different on the Versa and Versa Lite.Waterproof protectionKIMILAR Fitbit Versa Screen Protector (3-Pack)Staff PickWhen you're looking for a screen protector, you want protection from all types of damage. This KIMILAR tempered glass screen protector is waterproof and will protect your screen from scratches, drops, bangs, and scrapes thanks to industry-leading strength. You'll also enjoy high-definition transparency that's virtually invisible.$6 at AmazonBubble-free installationEZCO Fitbit Versa Screen Protector (4-Pack)These screen protectors from EZCO are made of high-quality ...

All you need to play the game is a good Wi-Fi connection or 5G on your phone.What you need to knowOnePlus will be hosting the first-ever global robot snowball fight next week.The company has built snowball-firing robots called "Snowbots" for the game, powered by OnePlus 5G smartphones. OnePlus says the games will begin on March 9 and run 24 hours a day until March 12.OnePlus has announced that it will be holding the first-ever interactive snowball fight in Finland from March 9. According to OnePlus, the event will allow users from across the globe to "experience the speed of 5G."The company has created custom snowball-firing robots for the upcoming games, called "Snowbots." These Snowbots are powered by OnePlus 5G phones and can fire snowballs at 120 miles per hour. To play the game, you will need to visit the dedicated OnePlus Snowbots website on a mobile device and then sign in using a OnePlus account. There will be a queue system in place, so you will have to keep...

The service isn't dead, but it needs a severe shake-up if it wants to avoid being put on life support.I have admittedly been a Stadia skeptic ever since its announcement. Not because I believed the service would be bad or that it couldn't deliver its promises of instant game streaming, but because I didn't know who it was for. I certainly wasn't its target audience, and I didn't understand what it could offer that other services or consoles couldn't. I still don't, and that makes me feel like Google Stadia will ultimately lose the game streaming war unless it undergoes a major overhaul.Stadia launched as a premium service back in November 2019. Still, it wasn't until recently in February that I got to play using a Buddy Pass — to which I can thank Android Central's own Daniel Bader. Being able to play Metro Exodus immediately, no loading screens or downloads required, felt like I was witnessing magic. It's hard to overstate or even describe that feeling until you try Stadia for...

Oculus Quest is Facebook's last piece of hardware in its first generation of VR devices. It has six degrees of freedom, movement tracking so you can game throughout an area and two Touch Controllers, which facilitate a wide range of gameplay. The Oculus Quest now has over 100 games available, ranging from first-person shooters to musical saber swinging titles. We marked the latest titles with "new," and at the top of the list, so you can keep track of all the latest games.New titlesAvailable nowSupported Oculus Go gamesConfirmed future titlesTeased future titlesNewPing pongEleven Table TennisNewEleven is a table tennis game that focuses on realistic physics. The team behind the game is very active on the game's Discord channel and is focused on improving game physics and realism. We were in the beta for this one, and it feels so real we dove for a ball and hit a table.$20 at OculusMove that body!OhShapeNewYou can get a full-body workout with this...

You will be able to access Disney+ on Sky Q boxes later this month.What you need to knowDisney has signed a multi-year deal with Sky to bring its Disney+ streaming service to Sky Q.A dedicated Disney+ app will be available on Sky Q boxes starting March 24. In the coming months, Disney+ will also be made available on Sky's Now TV streaming service.Walt Disney and British Satellite TV broadcaster Sky today announced that they have struck a multi-year deal to bring Disney+ to Sky customers in the UK. The Disney+ app will be available as a dedicated app on Sky Q boxes in the UK at launch on March 24.While Disney+ will initially be available for purchase in the UK and Ireland only on Sky Q, it will also be accessible on Sky's Now TV streaming service later this year. The deal between the two companies includes the first-pay window for 20th Century titles, which means Sky Cinema subscribers can access blockbusters such as Terminator: Dark Fate and Ford v Ferrari.Jeremy Darroc...

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 a welcome bonus?Best answer: Yes, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express does have a welcome bonus. New cardholders can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months and also enjoy a 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a variable rate that is currently 14.49% to 25.49%).More card details: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressThe Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers cardholders some the best-in-class rewards for their everyday spending. From 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in pu...

Took you long enough...What you need to knowMario Kart Tour is finally getting multiplayer.The feature will be released on March 8, at 8 PM PT.Previously, multiplayer has been limited to beta testing. Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour is finally getting multiplayer!Over on Twitter Mario Kart Tour stated: Multiplayer for #MarioKartTour comes out on Mar. 8, 8 PM PT! You can compete against seven other players, whether they're in-game friends, nearby, or around the world. Are you ready to play?Multiplayer for #MarioKartTour comes out on Mar. 8, 8 PM PT! You can compete against seven other players, whether they're in-game friends, nearby, or around the world. Are you ready to play? pic.twitter.com/IRwBONq560— Mario Kart Tour (@mariokarttourEN) March 3, 2020A second tweet further confirmed some of the details, including the different types of races and abilities: Race against players worldwide to raise your grade under rules that change daily in Stan...

No specific date has been confirmed yet.What you need to knowA new report claims the OnePlus 8 series will be launch in the second week of April.In addition to the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro, the OnePlus 8 series is rumored to include a mid-range "Lite" model as well.Aside from the launch timeframe, the report doesn't reveal any other new information.A few weeks back, tipster Ishan Agarwal had suggested that the OnePlus 8 series will be launched earlier than usual. Now, a report from TechRadar has corroborated that claim, citing a source close to OnePlus.As per the new report, the OnePlus 8 series will debut in the Indian market in the second week of April. Since OnePlus usually holds the global and Indian launches of its new flagships on the same day, it is likely that the trend will continue this year as well.While the report doesn't include any other information regarding the upcoming OnePlus 8 series, rumors suggest we could see a total of three new phones. In addition to ...

AT&T subscribers can save $10 each month on the service when they bundle it with internet or wireless.What you need to knowThe premium AT&T TV streaming TV service is now available nationwide.AT&T TV packages start at $50 and go up to $70 per month, with a two-year contract. The AT&T TV Android TV set-top-box can record up to 500 hours of TV and comes with popular streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Pandora. AT&T today announced the nationwide launch of its new AT&T TV streaming service. While the new service offers the same selection of live TV channels as AT&T's DirecTV service, they will stream over the internet instead of requiring a satellite dish.The AT&T TV box runs Android TV and lets users store up to 500 hours of TV shows and movies on the cloud. It is bundled with a voice remote that has a dedicated Google Assistant button. Since the box comes with the Google Play Store, you can access content from over 5,000 apps – in...

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...

A severe bug for MediaTek processors that could give root to the bad guys also gets fixed.What you need to knowAs of March 2, 2020, the latest Android security patch is rolling out to Pixel phones.The March patch addresses a slew of bugs for Pixel phones.The March patch also brings improvements for Motion Sense, Face Unlock, and the camera as part of the second Pixel Feature Drop.The first Monday of the month means it's time for Google to get the monthly security patch for Pixel phones into the wild. And this time around, there's a major fix for a ton of devices using MediaTek processors as well as the standard patches from Google, and Qualcomm.The MediaTek bug was particularly evil, as it could allow an attacker to use his or her app to effectively root your Android device and gain complete control while bypassing all of Android's security protections. Root can be fine for people who want it, but when an app can do it behind the scenes, it needs fixing.Aside from the u...

The company had previously claimed the update would be significantly delayed due to the coronavirus.What you need to knowXiaomi recently released Android 10 for the Mi A3.The company soon had to halt the rollout as users started reporting a flurry of issues with the update.The company's brand lead for India had previously apologized for the delays in the update and laid the blame on shutdowns caused by the coronavirus.Xiaomi has been having a rough couple of weeks. After the company apologized for significant delays in releasing the Android 10 update for its Mi A3, the company finally got around to rolling it out this week. However, soon after the release, the company had to pull the update due to a growing number of reports citing bugs and other issues with the release.After the company's brand lead in India, Sumit Sohal, apologized for the delay in rolling out Android 10 for the phone, which is part of the Android One program and supposed to get new Android releases muc...

Half-Life finally returns, though in a way most players probably weren't expecting.It's been 12 years since an official Half-Life game release, so many fans simply gave up hope that Valve would return to the franchise. However, prayers have been answered, and Valve has announced Half-Life is making a return — though not in a way that most people were expecting. Next year, Half-Life: Alyx, a virtual reality-only midquel between Half-Life and Half-Life 2, is set to hit headsets. Here's everything you need to know about the game.Development and revealStory and settingGameplay designBonus contentRelease date and pricingIt finally returnsHalf-Life: Alyx$54 at SteamHalf-Life 3, but it's a midquelHalf-Life: Alyx is a bold comeback for Valve's previously-stagnant AAA franchise, described by Valve itself as its "flagship VR game."Development and revealOn Nov. 18, 2019, Valve tweeted the announcement of Half-Life: Alyx, labeling it its "flagship VR game," an...

The Moto E6 is available for everyone and it offers another great budget option from Motorola. Although the phone falls in the budget category, you don't want to end up spending more money to replace it if the screen gets damaged. We have compiled a list of the best screen protectors for the Moto E6.High-def protectionSPARIN Tempered Glass (4-pack)Staff pickSPARIN is becoming one of the go-to picks for those who want tempered glass screen protectors with offerings for many smartphones, including the Moto E6. These protectors come in a four-pack and are made from durable tempered glass while offering almost complete transparency.$6 at AmazonNo glass hereSupershieldz Clear Shield (6-pack)Some folks don't like the feeling or thickness of a tempered glass screen protector. The Supershieldz Clear Shield offers the old-school PET screen protectors while providing six in the pack in the event that they need to be changed out.$6 at AmazonGuided installation...

The Moto E6 is another fantastic example of the fact that you can get great performance without emptying your bank account. However, it's important to take time to find the best case to keep this investment protected against life. Drops happen to everyone, but you don't want to be the one who has to keep replacing phones because you cracked your screen. We have found the best cases that you can get for the Moto E6.Classic choiceSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickThe Spigen Rugged Armor series features the company's Air Cushion Technology for improved shock absorption, along with tactile buttons. There's a cutout for the Motorola logo in the back, and raised edges to ensure that the screen doesn't pick up accidental scratches.$11 at AmazonAdded versatilityFerilinso Leather Wallet CaseIt's one thing for a case to offer protection, but we need versatility in many of the accessories that we purchase. The Ferilinso Leather Wallet case does that, offering three card slo...

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...

Ambient EQ is making an entrance first on the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook.What you need to knowGoogle has spotlighted two new Chrome OS features coming this month.The operating system now supports Ambient EQ, allowing for adaptive displays that adjust color temperature and white balance based on the environment.Netflix's Picture-in-Picture mode also now works on Chromebooks via the Android app. Google has announced two new features that are ready for Chrome OS users this month. Well, one of them is ready for all users, while the first is more controlled by the hardware you're using and won't actually be coming this month.The first of these is Ambient EQ. Ambient EQ is a display feature that adjusts how your display looks in relation to your environment. Pixel 4 and 4 XL users might be familiar with it, as well as Nest Hub users since Google equipped those displays with Ambient EQ support.Google's Alexander Kuscher, Director of Chrome OS Software, writes: With Ambient ...

The company is counting on support from public media to help it compete with Spotify's 'walled garden.'What you need to knowThe BBC has invested an undisclosed amount of capital into Pocket Casts.The public broadcaster is throwing its weight behind Pocket Casts' vision of an open and free ecosystem for podcasts.This is in contrast to Spotify, which has recently been trying to grow its subscriber base by offering more exclusive content.Unlike Spotify's plans for building a massive library of exclusive content, Pocket Casts argues for an open and free ecosystem for podcasts. And its found natural allies in the world of public media, the latest of these being the BBC, which has decided to invest in the Spotify-competitor.While neither party has disclosed the amount of the investment, Pocket Casts CEO Owen Grover was quick to point out the BBC's support of his company's vision: [The BBC is] incredibly aligned with the model that we're pursuing. We're focused around open e...

Evolve to match every single challenge this fantastical world throws your way.Biomutant takes open world action and throws in tons of unique mechanics. While things have been quiet lately, it's very much still in development and is still one of the most ambitious upcoming games from THQ Nordic. Here's everything we know about Biomutant so far.What is Biomutant?Biomutant gameplay and featuresWill Biomutant have multiplayer?Is it an open world game?Is Biomutant cancelled?All the Biomutant collectors editionsBiomutant release dateWhat is Biomutant?Biomutant is a third-person action-RPG that has players take on the role a cat-like creature that knows martial arts. The story has you attempting to save the Tree of Life, which is being poisoned by an oil and gnawed on by dangerous creatures.Biomutant is being developed by Experiment 101, a Swedish studio that was acquired by Embracer Group (formerly THQ Nordic) in 2017.Biomutant gameplay and featuresBiomutant is a ...

Make good use of the new HIVE Operator Skill and become a deadly adversary on the field.What you need to knowCall of Duty: Mobile Season 4 is now live.The season, called Disavowed, adds a new battle pass, map, and skill.Call of Duty: Mobile is free on the Google Play Store.Players can jump into the latest season of Call of Duty: Mobile as Disavowed is now live. Like other seasons before it, a new Battle Pass has been added which includes St. Patrick's day themed items this time around. A new map and skill have also been added. Activision detailed what players can expect in Disavowed on its website.Those looking for a little extra than what the normal Battle Pass offers can buy the Premium Pass instead. By completing Elite Tasks and progressing through tiers, Premium Pass owners can earn the Operator Soap from Modern Warfare, a new female Operator, the Urban Tracker, the Knife Rainbow camo, and the RUS-79U Viking. Regular Battle Pass owners can earn the Brambles camo varia...

The March feature drop is the second of Google's promised Pixel quarterly feature drops.What you need to knowGoogle has released the March feature drop for Pixel 2, 3, and 4 family users.With this update, the firm has added new features like Motion Sense improvements for the Pixel 4, fast access to cards and passes, and new AR features for Duo.UK and Australian users can also expect to find access to Car Crash Detection added to their devices.Last year, Google announced that it would be releasing quarterly feature drops for Pixel users. The feature drops were supposed to represent a much faster cadence of updates than the annual updates, and provide a bit more structure than Google's A/B rollout of updates to apps and services. Users would know exactly what to expect and precisely when to expect it. The first such update came out in December, and the second was rumored to be arriving in March.Well, it's March now, and like Spring, the first Pixel feature drop for 2020 is ...

Amazon's Echo range of Alexa-powered smart speakers is great for controlling smart home devices. With smart bulbs installed throughout your house, you can use Alexa to turn individual lights and even entire rooms off and on, change the colors of your bulbs, and more. The only trouble is deciding on the right bulbs to buy — luckily, we're here to help.Best overallLIFX ColorStaff pickLIFX bulbs can be controlled remotely by Alexa without the need for a hub — the bulbs connect directly to Wi-Fi. The LIFX Color supports 16 million colors and is available with threading for either A19 or BR30 lighting fixtures. It's also the brightest and most vibrant bulb of the bunch. Put that all together, and the LIFX Color is our top recommendation.$60 at AmazonMost popularPhilips Hue White and Color AmbiancePhilips Hue's new range of smart bulbs has built-in Bluetooth so you can control your lights without a hub. But to use them with an Amazon Echo, you'll still need a ...

Put your pitchforks down because it'll be available on Steam, don't worry.What you need to knowDeath Stranding was originally exclusive to PlayStation 4 since November 2019.It is coming to PC on June 2, 2020.It will be available through Steam and the Epic Games Store.The PC version will include Half-Life content in some form.We finally have a release date for Death Stranding on PC. Kojima's latest project is set to come to Steam and the Epic Games Store on June 2, 2020. Previously it was only available on PlayStation 4.The PC version will feature all of the good stuff: high frame rate, photo mode, ultra wide support. The usual of what you've come to expect. But in a bit of a surprise, the release date announcement trailer revealed that Death Stranding on PC will be getting some form of Half-Life content. 505 Games has not detailed what this content will entail, but it was teased in the form of a Headcrab hat that Sam wore at the end of the trailer.For now, it looks...

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 ...

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 an annual fee?Best answer: Yes, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express does have an annual fee of $95, but the rewards far outpace the cost of entry to this card.More card details: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressThe Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is by far the most rewarding credit card when it comes to earning the most on the purchases you make every day. From picking up groceries, pumping gas, and watching Netflix, you will consistently earn elevated rewards on the common things you do.That said, does the Blue Cash Preferred Card have an annual fee that comes with it? The answer is...

Until it is fixed there are a couple of workarounds you can try.What you need to knowUsers are reporting Bluetooth connection issues with Google Home speakers.Reports date back to 2018, with users describing an issue where the speakers disconnect after several minutes when using Bluetooth.Google has finally acknowledged this issue and says its team is working on a fix.Most people that buy a Google Home speaker use it to stream music directly from the internet. Usually, by either giving a voice command or casting from their phone. However, Google Home speakers also feature Bluetooth for those times when you want to connect directly with your phone or pair it with a better speaker. For instance, using a Nest Mini paired with a larger Bluetooth speaker for better sound quality.Unfortunately, many users of Google Home speakers have been experiencing issues with the Bluetooth connection repeatedly cutting out. For some users, it happens after only a minute, while others descri...

You might not know it, but your Amazon Prime subscription comes with a ton of benefits for UK users besides the free one-day shipping. With streaming video and music, books and audiobooks, photo storage, and much more either included with your subscription or available at a discounted rate for Prime members, it's much more than just an expedited delivery service.Whether you're new to Prime or have subscribed for years, there's probably more value you could get out of your subscription in the UK. Here's how.Prime VideoOne of the best benefits of Amazon Prime in the UK is access to streaming content via Prime Video. You may have already used it, but there are a ton of great shows on there including Amazon Originals that you won't be able to watch anywhere else. Prime Video even has exclusive rights to live sport these days, too.Prime Video works great across all manner of devices too with apps for phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks, and more. Pretty much anywhere that c...

You spend all day with your phone, setting it down on tables, chairs, public benches, bathroom counters, and even more unsightly places. Then there's the more visible grime that gets on or in your phone from dropping it in the dog park, leaving it in your sweaty jean pockets, or letting your child pour Cheerio dust all over it. Phones get dirty easily, but thankfully getting them clean again can be easy, too, if you know what to use.Products used in this guideAll the nooks and crannies: DanziX Phone Cleaning Kit ($7 at Amazon)Safe on screens: Zeiss Mobile Screen Wipes ($11 at Amazon)Overboard but efficient: PhoneSoap 3 ($80 at Amazon)What NOT to use when cleaning your phoneLysol or Clorox wipes might seem like an easy way to clean grime off a phone, but fight this instinct with every phone-loving fiber of your being. Bleach, vinegar, alcohol, and most harsh disinfectant chemicals can clean the sides and back of an Android phone or iPhone, but those chemicals need to sta...

You can get a lot of phone for a modest price these days. Motorola has been a leading name in midrange options for years, and that holds true with its excellent new Moto G7. For an extremely competitive price, you get capable specs with a big display and simple software that anyone can figure out. Plus it has TurboPower fast charging, and finally uses USB-C.Best Overall: Moto G7The Moto G7 has just about everything you could ask of a phone at this price. The software is clean yet clever with Moto Actions and Moto Display, and it's quick to recharge with Motorola's TurboPower charging. The G7 also has decent specs, including a Snapdragon 632, 64GB of expandable storage, and 4GB of RAM — and it finally charges over USB-C!The design is sleek and modern with trim display bezels and a rear fingerprint sensor, the camera is impressive for its field, and it's even splash-resistant (though keep in mind that that's not the same as full-blown water resistance). Plus, you'll always be...

Having trouble finding the FF7 Remake demo on the store? Have no fear.The Final Fantasy 7 Remake may have been delayed until next month, but everyone can get a little taste of Midgar right now. It isn't much, but it should be enough to satiate your appetite until its launch. Square Enix has released a demo for the remake on PlayStation 4. If you're having trouble finding it depending on your region, we'll walk you through exactly how to download it on the console itself and through the PlayStation Store's desktop website.How to download the Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo on PS4On the PS4 homescreen, go to the Store.Scroll down to Games.If you don't immediately see the demo, move the left thumbstick to the right again to open up another menu.At the bottom of this menu, select Demos.Select the Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo. If it is not the first to show up, sort by Release Date: Newest First.Select Try Free Demo on its store page. How to download the Final Fantasy 7 Rema...

The server-side test is currently limited to a few Android 10 phones.What you need to knowGoogle has quietly added a new Theme setting for some Android 10 devices.The setting lets users switch between Light, Dark, and System default modes. It is possible that a wider rollout will begin within the next few weeks. Google began rolling out dark theme support for the Play Store in September last year. However, unlike a few other Google apps, the PlayStore doesn't allow users to switch between light and dark modes from within the app. Currently, the Play Store automatically switches between light and dark modes based on the system-wide theme that you have enabled.As spotted by the folks at Android Police, Google has now started adding a dedicated dark theme toggle to some users running Android 10 on their phones. With the new theme toggle, users can enable the dark theme without having to set their system theme to dark.The new theme setting is currently visible on some dev...

It seems to be a long, dark road to success for NVIDIA.What you need to knowThe Long Dark is no longer available to play on NVIDIA GeForce Now.Developers requested NVIDIA pull the game because a specific license wasn't requested or granted.Many gamers are outraged at both NVIDIA and Hinterland Games, developers of The Long Dark.Game Director for The Long Dark, Raphael van Lierop, took to Twitter to announce that The Long Dark will no longer be offered on NVIDIA's GeForce Now cloud gaming service. Hinterland Games requested that NVIDIA pull its game from the library of available games on GeForce Now citing that NVIDIA didn't request permission to use the game and therefore has no right to provide gamers access to the title.The Long Dark is the latest game to be pulled from NVIDIA's virtual cloud gaming service in recent weeks, following Bethesda and Activision-Blizzard. While GeForce Now still enjoys a library of over 500 supported games that can be played on any device wi...

Privacy is a commodity, and, unfortunately, the more technology advances, the less of it we seem to have. If this is something you're concerned about, any way to take control of who can view your information or who is able to interact with you on certain apps is valuable. Google Stadia allows you to change multiple settings that dictate who can send you friend requests, join or invite you to games, see your online status and achievement list, and more.How to change your privacy settings on Stadia for AndroidOpen up the Google Stadia app on your phone.Tap on your icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Select Friends & privacy.Under multiple sections, select from a dropdown box either No one, Friends, Friends & their friends, or All players when it concerns who can interact with you and in what ways while you are playing Stadia.All privacy settings that can be changed include:Who can send you a friend requestWho can see your friends listWho can see your...

I tried to switch, but I can't fully commit just yet.A new year is a sign of new beginnings and starting fresh. For 2020, I decided to finally give YouTube Music a fighting chance after being a Spotify customer for years. You might remember me talking about this in an editorial back in January, in which I stated that I wouldn't be going back to Spotify after using YouTube Music for a month.Well, a little over a month after I published that editorial, it turns out I am going back to Spotify 😅.I stand by a lot of the praise I gave YouTube Music, but as I continued to use it day in and day out, my annoyances began piling up more and more to the point where it just didn't make sense to keep fighting with it. There are a few key reasons I ended up changing my mind, with it ultimately boiling down to three things — music discovery, Spotify Connect, and the generally unpolished feel of YouTube Music.Repeats, repeats, repeatsI'm not sure how you listen to music, but for me, ...

Rumors suggest the phone could be powered by a Snapdragon 720G chipset.What you need to knowRedmi Note 9 series will debut in India on March 12.The official teaser suggests the phone will come with a quad-camera setup at the rear. It is also expected to offer faster charging speeds and an improved gaming experience. Redmi India today confirmed on Twitter that the Redmi Note 9 series will be unveiled at an event in India on March 12. The Redmi Note 9 series is expected to feature an upgraded camera setup and an improved design.According to Redmi India, the upcoming Redmi Note 9 series phone will come with "Pro Cameras" and deliver "Max Performance." As can be seen in the official teaser below, the phone will have a square quad-camera module at the rear. The current Redmi Note 8 Pro sports a vertical quad-camera array, featuring a 64MP primary sensor. It is likely that the upcoming Redmi Note 9 series phone will have the same 64MP primary sensor as the Redmi Note 8 Pro.Br...

With phones getting taller with every generation, it's not feasible to access quick toggles one-handed anymore. Thankfully, the Galaxy S20 has an option that lets you pull down the notification pane from anywhere on the screen. Here's how to set it up.Products used in this guideTrue powerhouse: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)How to quickly access notifications on Galaxy S20Open Settings from the home screen. Select Display.Scroll down to the bottom of the page.Select Home screen. Toggle Swipe down for notification panel to On.You can now go back to the home screen and try it out. Just pull down the notification panel by swiping down anywhere on the home screen. You can use the same gesture to pull down the notification pane once again to reveal the full set of quick toggles.This feature is particularly handy on the S20 because Samsung's One UI is designed to facilitate one-handed usage. Actionable elements like toggles on the notification pane are locat...

This is your chance to see the Midgar reimagined before the game's release.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy 7 Remake has had a long-rumored demo listed on the PlayStation Store for some time.Square Enix announced today that the demo has been released.Final Fantasy 7 Remake is currently set to be available for PlayStation 4 on April 10. Great news Final Fantasy fans. The Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo has been released on PSN! Square Enix finally announced the long-rumored demo earlier today and the listing has gone live.We've just released the free #FinalFantasy VII Remake demo on PlayStation Store.What are you waiting for? Download it now and experience the beginning of the story for yourself! #FF7R👉 https://t.co/Gi4onqN0Cb pic.twitter.com/rX0ELUINHO— FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (@finalfantasyvii) March 2, 2020You can download the demo right here. If you download and try it out before May 11, you'll get a special theme to download. Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a timed ...

Indus OS' app store has over 400,000 apps, and Huawei wants to leverage that in India.What you need to knowHuawei is looking to India's homegrown Indus OS as a way around the Google Mobile Services ban.Indus OS' App Bazaar has over 400,000 apps in 12 Indian languages. The partnership is kicking off in India, and it could extend to a global stage if things go well.With Huawei being cut out of Google Mobile Services — prohibiting the Chinese manufacturer from offering Gmail, Play Store, Drive, and other Google services on its phones — the brand is looking at alternate options. The manufacturer is positioning its own AppGallery and Huawei Mobile Services as an alternative to the Play Store in European markets, and Huawei set up a global fund of $1 billion to court developers to build apps for its store.It now looks like Huawei is taking a different approach in India. According to ET Telecom, the Chinese brand is said to be in talks with India's homegrown Indus OS as an a...

Competition makes for better products, and the Android ecosystem is more competitive than ever. The best of the best right now is the Galaxy S20+, bringing an excellent combination of hardware, display, specs, features and cameras into a single package. If you want a new Android phone at any price range, we've done the research to separate the great from the good, and the good from the bad. This list will help you make your next purchase easier.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S20+Before the Galaxy S20 series came out, our top pick here was the Galaxy S10+ — and everything Samsung did this year made it an easy move to recommend the S20+. The S20+ makes improvements across the board, with a bigger display that has a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, larger 4500mAh battery, more RAM, and a new Snapdragon 865 processor. Every Galaxy S20+ is 5G capable as well, which isn't the biggest deal right now but will become more important later in 2020.The huge move up is in the cameras, wit...

Xiaomi has carved out a niche for itself by offering phones that redefine value for money. The Chinese manufacturer now sells in the UK and other Western markets, making it easier for a global audience to get their hands on Xiaomi's products. From $100 entry-level phones to true flagships with innovative features like slide-out screens, Xiaomi makes some of the best phones you can buy today.Ultimate valueXiaomi Mi 9T ProStaff pickThe Mi 9T Pro is one of the best phones you can buy for under $500. It's powered by the Snapdragon 855, has a bezel-less AMOLED display thanks to a retractable camera module, a 48-megapixel camera at the back, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a 4,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 4. In terms of sheer value, few devices come close to the Mi 9T Pro.$464 at AmazonJust as goodXiaomi Mi 9TThe Mi 9T may turn out to be an even better option if you want to save some cash. It has the same design and retractable camera as the Mi 9T Pro, and you even get the ...

Pre-orders for the 128GB version are now live in the country.What you need to knowOPPO launched the global variant of the Reno 3 Pro at an event held in India today.The Reno 3 Pro is the world's first phone to feature a 44MP dual hole-punch camera. It will be going on sale in India starting March 6 for a starting price of ₹29,990 ($415). OPPO today unveiled the global variant of the Reno 3 Pro in India. The mid-range smartphone comes with quite a few unique features, including an impressive 44MP primary selfie camera and a 64MP quad-camera setup at the back.OPPO's newest mid-ranger sports a 6.4-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display and a 90Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint sensor. It is the world's first smartphone to be powered by MediaTek's Helio P95 processor, which was announced last week. While the chipset isn't a major upgrade over the Helio P90, it comes with an upgraded AI Processing Unit that brings a 10% performance improvement over the previous generation....

The P40 Pro is expected to have a quad-camera setup with an additional time-of-flight sensor.What you need to knowA set of hands-on images showing a Huawei P40 series smartphone have surfaced ahead of its formal debut later this month.The phone seen in the images is equipped with a vertical triple-camera array and a time-of-flight sensor.Additionally, the images confirm the phone will not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.Chinese smartphone maker announced the foldable Mate Xs phone last week, bringing a few significant upgrades over last year's Mate X. At the Mate Xs launch event, the folks at DigitalTrends got to spend some time with a P40 series prototype. Being an "early prototype," you can see that the phone has "Polarie" and "Blink" branding, instead of "Huawei" and "Leica". As noted in the report, Huawei usually uses codenames on prototype devices in this way. Huawei is expected to launch at least two P40 series phones at its global launch event next month – th...

You spend all day with your phone, setting it down on tables, chairs, public benches, bathroom counters, and even more unsightly places. Then there's the more visible grime that gets on or in your phone from dropping it in the dog park, leaving it in your sweaty jean pockets, or letting your child pour Cheerio dust all over it. Phones get dirty easily, but thankfully getting them clean again can be easy, too, if you know what to use.Products used in this guideAll the nooks and crannies: DanziX Phone Cleaning Kit ($7 at Amazon)Safe on screens: Zeiss Mobile Screen Wipes ($11 at Amazon)Overboard but efficient: PhoneSoap 3 ($80 at Amazon)What NOT to use when cleaning your phoneLysol or Clorox wipes might seem like an easy way to clean grime off a phone, but fight this instinct with every phone-loving fiber of your being. Bleach, vinegar, alcohol, and most harsh disinfectant chemicals can clean the sides and back of an Android phone, but those chemicals need to stay far away...