Latest from Android Central

Zoom isn't the monster much of the media has made it out to be. Just be careful what you use it for.If you're stuck at home and spend time reading about technology, you probably heard how Zoom is some evil entity intent on stealing away your life and doing something equally evil to you if you use it. Labels like malware get thrown around and we hear about every single mistake the company has made. And there are a lot of them to be sure.The thing is, Zoom is also really easy to use. Usually, the easier a thing is to use, the less secure it will be and Zoom is the poster child for that slogan. But right now, the world needs easy to use just as much as it needs secure and that's why there is space for software like Zoom in the lives of plenty of people.Zoom - has bugs like all other software.Zoom - fixing bugs and being responsible.Zoom - software I easily taught my dad to use for remote classes over email and WhatsApp.Zoom - not rated for sensitive data: natsec, confidential sour...

Get ready for a new batch of showbiz hopefuls and some heart-warming family entertainment - Britain's Got Talent is back for its 14th season. Geordie duo Ant and Dec return to host the TV talent show's auditions, while Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden are all back behind the judges' desk.This year's competition looks set to be one with a difference - the early audition stages were all filmed before Coronavirus restrictions came into force in the UK and are set to air as planned, however ITV have been forced to postpone this year's live shows, which means the conclusion for this year's show could be pegged back until the winter.Early previews have teased a Royal Marine who has an explosive special skill, an incredible stunt unicyclist and a Donald Trump lookalike in pink tights among the contestants hoping to get their big break on the show.This year's hopefuls will be hoping to emulate last year's winner - 90-year-old singer Colin Thackery who has go...

Smartphones are slowly but surely getting rid of the 3.5mm audio jack from smartphones and tablets, so users are turning to wireless as the next viable option. The Jabra Elite 75t are currently the best overall true wireless earbuds you can buy. They feature solid sound, long battery life, and they're incredibly comfortable and portable.Best Overall: Jabra Elite 75tThe Jabra Elite 75t features a very bass-heavy sound out of the box, which is surprising. The bass is boosted quite a bit to the point where some may dislike the bass overall. For bass heads, this will be the earbud for you. Fortunately, you can adjust the Elite 75t's sound signature with its smartphone companion app.Battery life is excellent here as well with up to 7.5 hours of listening on a single charge. The included charging case gets you roughly 20 additional hours of listening, totaling around 28 hours of listening time with the charging case. Unfortunately, they still don't feature wireless charging for...

Chadley Chadignton Chadster the Seventh...Okay, but seriously, Chadley is a stupid name. If you started up Final Fantasy 7 Remake, you probably have some questions about this Chadley character, his Intel Reports, and why you should bother with what are essentially pretty dull side quests. Or maybe you don't, and you blew off this kid and his achievement list. Why do you want to help this weird robot Shinra clone kid? Oh, right, Materia.Who is Chadley? I don't remember him.Chadley is a brand new character introduced in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, whose purpose seems to be to introduce certain Materia earlier in the game. Chadley begins his odd, mechanical introduction explaining that he works as an intern for Shinra Research and Development. This, of course, is a huge red flag for Cloud, the ex-SOLDIER who really would rather Shinra just stopped existing.However, with a quick promise that he plans on undermining Shinra from the inside, some oddly specific comments about how Clou...

The largest phone in the S20 lineup absolutely deserves the rugged protection of a heavy duty case — but that doesn't mean you need to add an inch of opaque plastic to make it even more unwieldy. These days, you can find rugged clear cases and other sleek designs that add extra functionality to your phone. Here are our picks for the best heavy duty cases for the S20 Ultra.Clearly ruggedRingke Fusion XStaff pick$8 at Amazon$13 at WalmartThe Ringke Fusion X is the perfect blend of function and style. The rugged TPU bumper protects along with the rigid backplate, which is crystal clear to let the S20 Ultra's design shine through.Heavy-duty hybridSpigen Tough Armor$15 at Amazon $45 at Spigen Spigen makes some outstanding cases that are sleek and rugged. The Tough Armor style is the best of the bunch with dual-layer protection and a built-in kickstand around the back.Texas-proud protectionArmadilloTek Vanguard Series$19 at Amazon$30 at Arm...

Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students, grandparents and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best overallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$239 at Walmart$320 at AmazonThe best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10-hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsWhile last year's C330 skimped on ports, the Lenovo Chromebook C340 (also known as the C340-11) features a USB-A and USB-C p...

Free antivirus apps don't do much more than scan your device for existing threats. And because they are free, you can expect a lot of ads and a bit of slowdown because of the number of resources they use. After testing several free antivirus apps, my top pick is Sophos Intercept X for Mobile because of the extra security tools it comes with and how well it finds malware without causing too much drag.Best Overall: Sophos Intercept X for MobileThis app blocks calls and filters text messages for malicious links. Its QR scanner checks each link to make sure they are safe before connecting you or allowing a file to download. Sophos' anti-theft tools let you remotely access stolen phones to wipe data or reset passwords, send text commands to the thieves and track where your phone is.Sophos has a system scanner that looks for other security issues with your device and helps you secure them. This could be an outdated program or an app running in the background that doesn't need to be...

Have a carrier in mind or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are the cheapest plans you can get from each one.If you want to save money on your phone plan, there are more options than ever from new ways to save on the major carriers or going with an MVNO. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or alternative carriers, lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less.That being said, depending on your usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Four might be your least expensive option. Here we go.Before choosing a planBefore you choose a carrier and/or a wireless plan, it's best to first determine your needs and usage habits. If this is your first smartphone, I'd like to first welcome you to the 21st Century and secondly encourage you to try out your options without getting yourself into any yearly or multi-year contracts.If this ain't your first rodeo, then reflect on your phone habits from the past. How much data have you actually used in an average month...

T-Mobile has a good lineup of phones at a variety of price points, ranging from the top of the line all the way down to affordable entry-level phones that you might not even need to finance monthly. Samsung dominates T-Mobile's high-end Android selection, but it's far from your only option.Best overallSamsung Galaxy S20+Staff pickThe Galaxy S20+ pretty much does it all. It has all of the latest and greatest specs, 5G support, an industry-leading display, amazing rear cameras that let you get a closer or wider shot at the touch of a button, and up to 30x zoom. Best of all, it's cheaper than the S20 Ultra and doesn't come with the same autofocusing issues.$1,200 at T-MobileProductivity flagshipSamsung Galaxy Note 10+The Galaxy Note 10+ is an incredible flagship, packing a huge 6.8-inch QHD display, a 4,300mAh battery, and of course, the S Pen. In addition to writing, drawing, and signing documents, the S Pen lets you control the Note 9 remotely, which means you can ...

Movie theaters may be closed, but that's no excuse to forego movie night. Kids have been waiting ever-so patiently (or not so patiently) for the sequel to the 2016 hit animated film Trolls, and today, Trolls World Tour is premiering exclusively on digital retailers like Vudu, iTunes, and Amazon Prime so they can watch the film from the safe, cozy living room couch.Where to watch Trolls World TourApple iTunesAmazon Prime VideoVuduGoogle PlayFandango NowXfinityTrolls World Tour is not available to own at this time. All digital retailers are offering a 48-hour rental of the film priced at $19.99, and that's an important distinction you'll want to take note of before spending your money. You might balk at the thought of spending so much on a rental when most sell anywhere between $1 and $6, though it'd be wise to take how much you're saving into account as well.Imagine taking your children to see Trolls World Tour at the theater this weekend. Would it cost $20? Maybe $...

Major upgradePS5 DualSenseLearn more at PlayStationProsAdaptive triggersImproved haptic feedbackLight bar surrounding touchpadNew textured grips, triggers, and thumbsticksUSB-C chargingBuilt-in microphone and create buttonConsSymmetrical thumbstick layoutLight bars still might drain battery There's good reason Sony didn't simply call this the DualShock 5. DualSense attempts to revolutionize the line with a more ergonomic form factor and features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback that serve to enhance your immersion. It truly is the next big step that Sony is taking, and it speaks wonders for what the PS5 may be.On its way outDualShock 4$65 at Best BuyProsTouchpadShare buttonBuilt-in speakersLight bar used for certain gamesConsLight bar can drain the batteryGrips aren't comfortable to holdSymmetrical thumbstick layoutFace buttons and D-pad feel squishy to pressMicro-USB for chargingThe DualShock 4 added a light bar ...

What you pursue will be yours, but you will lose something dear…By now, you've probably learned that there are plenty of Summons in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but did you know there are three summons you can only get based on how you purchased your copy of the game? Even if you got the right copy of the game, did you know these DLC Summons have to be added in separately? Lucky for you, we know exactly how to get your DLC Summons!What are the DLC Summons in Final Fantasy 7 Remake?There are a total of nine Summons that we know of in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but three of them can only be obtained as DLC. These DLC are available depending on how you purchased your copy. If you preordered your copy —regardless of where you preordered it — you will get the Chocobo Chick Summon. If you purchased the Deluxe Edition or the First Class Edition, you will get both the Carbuncle Summon and the Cactaur Summon. These Summons have to be dowloaded separately and even then, you can't...

As much as we love the functionality that smartwatches offer, there's no denying that traditional, non-smart watches look way better more often than not. Thanks to the competitive market for hybrid watches, it's possible to get something that looks like a regular watch but still offers some of the best features of a smartwatch. If you think the hybrid life might be for you, here are the ones we recommend!A hybrid done rightFossil Hybrid HRStaff pickFossil is one of the most popular watch brands on the market and its hybrid models are no exception. The Fossil Hybrid HR boasts over two weeks of battery life and has heart-rate monitoring, activity tracking, smartphone notifications, and music controls. It's available in a variety of fashionable styles, too.$195 at Amazon$195 at FossilMinimal beautySkagen ConnectedOur first pick on this list is the Skagen Connected. The sleek, minimalist design is something we can't get enough of, with the 42mm case making this a...

Hangouts Meet met the same fate yesterday.What you need to knowGoogle is renaming Hangouts Chat as Google Chat.The change comes after the company similarly dropped the Hangouts from Hangouts Meet.The consumer-oriented Hangouts app will keep its name, however, so the Hangouts brand isn't quite dead yet.When Google updated its support pages to remove the Hangouts from Hangouts Meet yesterday, we wondered if Hangouts Chat was also going to meet the same fate. Well, Google just confirmed today that it will and has officially renamed Hangout Chats as Google Chat.Despite not releasing an official statement on its blogs, the company confirmed its plans for a rebranding to The Verge. If you head over to the Google's support landing page and the page dedicated to the app, you can see the change is now in effect.The rebranding effort is far from complete, though, because not only does the Play Store listing still refer to Hangouts Chat — the same is true of Google Meet, by the ...

Apple and Google are partnering up in a huge way.What you need to knowApple and Google are partnering to fight COVID-19.The companies are working on technology to help with contact tracing.They will use Bluetooth technology to help keep user privacy in check.Apple has announced a joint partnership with Google to assist governments and health agencies in fighting against the coronavirus pandemic. Apple made the announcement in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website this afternoon. "Google and Apple are announcing a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security central to the design."The companies have recognized contact tracing as a valuable tool in slowing the spread of the virus, and have committed to building a solution that uses Bluetooth technology to help track the pandemic. The companies say that using Bluetooth, rather than location tracking, ...

You don't need to be a hardcore germaphobe in order to understand the threat that germs and bacteria pose to our daily lives and wellbeing. Whether you're trying to rid your home of harmful elements that cause sickness or simply want to breathe cleaner air so you can increase your productivity, living in a germ-free environment is absolutely essential.But the truth is that hand-washing and basic sanitation methods only go so far when it comes to eliminating harmful germs and bacteria throughout the home.The ROCKUBOT: Sterilizing Robot takes cleanliness to an entirely new level by allowing you to eliminate 99.9% of harmful bacteria, germs, viruses and mites in just seconds, and right now it's on sale for over 20% off its usual price at just $99.95.Having been successfully funded on both Indiegogo and Kickstarter, this all-in-one sterilization tool will help you live a happier and cleaner life both at home and in the office.The ROCKUBOT uses state-of-the-art technology in order to...

You know how to use this, right?Materia, the beautiful, luminescent crystals found throughout the world of Final Fantasy VII. All magic requires Materia and there are many, many Materia. Some are easy to find or even given to you as you progress in the game; while others can be missed if you don't have a careful eye. A few can't even be obtained until you've beat the game. Fortunately, we know where to find and how to use every Materia in the Final Fantasy VII Remake.What is Materia anyway?In the world of Final Fantasy VII, Materia are pieces of crystalized Mako, the lifeblood of the planet. These powerful crystals grant the holder the ability to cast spells, boost their stats, and even summon incredible spirits to fight alongside them in battle. In order to use magic in the Final Fantasy VII Remake, you'll need to scour each stage to find these glowing crystals. Fortunately, you can go back and replay using the Chapter Select feature in case you miss one.How do I equip Mat...

Endless detailsFitbit Charge 4$150 at FitbitProsOnboard GPS with 20+ exercise modesHeart-rate monitoringMobile paymentsSpotify Connect & ControlSeven-day battery lifeConsSlightly more expensiveLarger bodyThe Fitbit Charge 4 is the latest addition to the company's fitness tracker lineup. It's designed with in-depth activity and health tracking in mind, so you get every detail regarding your health easily. You'll also enjoy built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, 5 ATM water resistance, and seven days of battery life.For casual athletesGarmin Vivosport$126 at AmazonProsOnboard GPSHeart-rate monitoringMusic controlsAlways-on color displaySeven-day battery lifeConsMore affordableLess appealing designIf you want accurate fitness tracking but don't have a deep desire for extras, you might prefer something a bit more simplistic like the Garmin Vivosport. You'll still have the essentials, like built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, 5 A...

The Google search button has also gone away.What you need to knowThe spacebar in Gboard for Android now has 'Google' branding on it.Users on reddit as well as Google's Android Help forum are criticizing the search giant for the move. In addition to the 'Google' branding to the spacebar, the latest Gboard update also removes the Google Search button.Google's Gboard is one of the most popular popular keyboard apps for Android, thanks to its smart features and an intuitive design. Google is now rolling out two major changes to Gboard, both of which seem to have annoyed a large number of users. Many users have taken to reddit and Google's Android Help forum to voice their displeasure over these changes.Gboard for Android now has the Google logo on the spacebar, while the Google search shortcut has disappeared. Google reportedly began adding its logo to Gboard roughly a month back, although the change now appears to be a lot more widespread. Since it appears to be a server-s...

No one is missing the overpriced popcorn and soda, but with theaters closed around the world for the time being, the glorious big screen and hi-def audio of a cinema is something we all could really use right now as a minor break from everything going on these days. Since it'll be some time before movie theaters are re-opened to the public, you may want to start thinking of improving your home entertainment setup instead.Today only, Woot has the LG SK9Y 5.1.2-Channel High-Res 500W Soundbar on sale in refurbished condition for just $239.99. That's a far cry from its original cost of $899.99, and even refurbished models tend to go for $600 and up through other retailers.LG's SK9Y soundbar brings Dolby Atmos audio to your living room, allowing sound to come from around and above you for a three-dimensional auditory experience unlike anything you'd hear from most soundbars around today's price. You just want to keep in mind that only select titles offer Dolby Atmos audio at this time...

The coronavirus has spread to 181 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic has proved particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 1.6 million and fatalities of over 97,200 globally.The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It also put a major dent in the airline industry, and is causing panic-buying across the globe, leading to severe food shortages.The coronavirus has also had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting not only the tech industry, but also the world at large.April 10, 2020: Amazon sets up COVID-19 testing lab, Microsoft delays NeoCOVID-19 cases have crossed 1.6 million, with the U.S. tally going up to 466,000. Global fatalities stand at...

Fitbit wearables have been able to relay notifications from your smartphone to your wrist for several years now. One of the great things about using a Fitbit tracker or smartwatch with an Android device is that not only can you receive notifications, but you can also respond to many of them directly from your wrist. I'll show you how to set up your notification preferences inside the Fitbit app so that you can better manage your distractions when out and about.How to manage notifications on your FitbitOpen the Fitbit app.Tap on your user icon in the top left corner.Locate the device you want to manage and tap on it.Scroll down and tap on Notifications under the General section.If you haven't already, tap to Enable Notification Service on your phone.Confirm in your phone settings that you wish to allow Fitbit to send you notifications by tapping Allow for the access it requests.You can tap into specific types of notification preferences like Text Messages to tell your d...

This is legit CoD in your pocket, and that's kind of magical.Call it a basic or an uninventive series if you want, but I've been a Call of Duty fan for years. I remember putting hours into Call of Duty 2: Big Red One on my PlayStation 2, with that introduction to the series leading me to keep playing every new entry following that. I remember getting giddy the first time I played zombies in World at War, freaking out when I discovered you could get out of the chair on the menu screen for Black Ops, and yelling at my TV with tears in my eyes during the "Loose Ends" mission in Modern Warfare 2 (you know the one I'm talking about).Call of Duty has been and continues to be one of my favorite video game series, but as I've grown older and have less time to dedicate to playing games in front of my TV, my gaming sessions have gotten a lot less frequent than I'd like.When Call of Duty: Mobile was announced, I was initially apprehensive about the title. As much fun as I have with Call o...

With social distancing measures in place, this year's Easter celebrations will be a little bit different around the world. Kids might not be out hunting for eggs, but you can still search and find some stellar deals over the weekend. Satechi's Easter sale kicks off today with a promo code to save you 15% on your order, though it's only good through Sunday, April 12. Simply enter code SPRING15 during checkout to score the discount. Satechi includes free standard shipping on orders totaling $40 or more.Satechi is donating 5% of the proceeds from this weekend's sale to Project C.U.R.E., an organization currently working to provide important resources and supplies to hospitals and first responders.Satechi has a myriad of products to make working from home more enjoyable. Whether you're looking for tech to help out in the office for work or around the home for casual use, Satechi has a ton of options to help keep you connected.Take this Satechi USB-C 75W Travel Charger for example. ...

Some characters pair better than others since each one has a distinct fighting style and storyline.At the beginning of your Trials of Mana adventure, you'll be asked to choose three of the available six main characters. That means that there are 20 different team combinations possible. Each character has it's own fighting style along with different stats. So, you'll want to choose a good range of fighting types to have a well balanced team. Additionally, the origin stories, main villains, and relationships between each of the characters is different depending on who you pick. Two of the characters can even have a romance. So, the story will be affected depending on which characters you choose. That means that there's plenty of replay value in this game. Especially since you might not uncover the full story in your first playthrough.Here's a breakdown of each of the six main characters from Trials of Mana and the three villains along with recommendations for which characters you s...

The Seagate Backup Plus 5TB external hard drive is down to $86.99 with code 81126 at Staples. The code takes $25 off any order over $100, so you could technically use the code on just about anything meeting that criteria. The reason it's a good choice for the Seagate hard drive is that the drive is already discounted by about 15% with its selling point of $111.99. The extra $25 off brings it down to a super low price. The black version of the drive, for example, is still at $130, so the savings wouldn't be as good there.You can get the drive for $87 in Red or Blue. The next best price anywhere is Costco where the drive goes for $100 if you're a member.The Seagate Backup Plus is historically one of the best external hard drives around. It has always been a top contender even though it has been around for a while. It's sleek, lightweight, and has a large capacity for its size. It's extremely portable and designed to be slipped into any pack on your way out the door. Use it to keep ...

Chat it up with the AC forums.Next week is going to be an exciting time for the Android space. On April 14, OnePlus will finally be unveiling its highly-anticipated OnePlus 8 series for the world to see.OnePlus phones are always fun to look forward to, as they tend to deliver top-of-the-line specs and great software at an incredible price.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about why they're so fond of OnePlus, saying: the_boon 04-05-2020 09:36 AM “ I find Oxygen OS to be the best Android skin I've ever used. But the hardware it runs on leaves to be desired. Reply Morty2264 04-05-2020 10:05 AM “ OnePlus is a fantastic manufacturer. I love their phones. I was hooked since the OnePlus 3T and then the 5. The only reason why I have yet to buy one of their products - well, t...

If you're in the market for a new home or enjoy watching home improvement shows, then HGTV's new series Selling the Big Easy might just be for you. The show follows New Orleans native and real-estate expert Brittany Picolo-Ramos as she tries to help families find the home of their dreams and we'll show you exactly how to watch it either online or on TV from anywhere in the world.Selling the Big Easy gives audiences a first hand look at the New Orleans real estate market as Brittany and her full-service agency show prospective home buyers high-end homes with the right mix of history and charm. Brittany also helps clients stage and sell their homes for top dollar in the city's vibrant real estate market.For those who have travelled to New Orleans before, you'll easily recognize some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods including the French Quarter and downtown. However, the show will also give us a glimpse into some luxurious properties in Covington, Louisiana, the Metairie subu...

It may take at least a few weeks for the brand-new UI to become widely available for Android users.What you need to knowAccuWeather has started testing a completely new UI for its Android app.Key highlights of the redesign include more prominent MinuteCast forecasts, a new logo, as well as a bottom bar to provide easy access to hourly and daily forecasts. To try out the new UI, you can sign up for the beta testing program on the Play Store.Late last month, Dark Sky announced it had been acquired by Apple and that its Android app would be shut down this summer. While the Dark Sky app is no longer available for Android users, there are a number of weather apps out there that offer great functionality and a pleasing UI. AccuWeather, which is among the most popular weather apps on Android, is now testing an all-new UI for its app, which will make it a lot more attractive to Dark Sky users. As spotted by the folks over at Android Police, the new UI makes it easier for ...

The brand new Dell Alienware AW2521HF 25-inch 240Hz gaming monitor has gone on sale for the first time, dropping to $394.99 through the Dell website. That's a nice discount off its MSRP of $525. This monitor isn't sold anywhere else and hasn't been around long enough for third parties, so not only is this the best price — it's the only price.The monitor was first introduced at CES 2020, and it only released in early March. The screen hasn't even had time to go on sale much, so we're looking at the lowest possible price. And given the features of this monitor, it's quite the bargain.The AW2521HF is a display built for competitive gamers. While some might scoff at the 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution (compared to something like 1440p), the main focus of this monitor is the 240Hz refresh rate. You can't get a refresh rate like that at a higher resolution without a huge jump in cost, and 240Hz is what you're looking for if you're a super competitive gamer. Planning to go hard in a new ...

When your watch is capable of so much, it's unlikely to master any one task.After spending years using general-purpose smartwatches, primarily from Samsung or the myriad of options with Wear OS, it's clear that none of them is up to the task of being a capable running companion. If you care about fitness, you need a fitness-focused smartwatch, in my case a Garmin for running, in order to get the best experience for your core use.These smartwatches are capable of doing so much that they end up being a master of nothing — and while I appreciate their capabilities overall, my primary focus right now is running, and for that task, there's nothing better than a Garmin. I've been using a Forerunner 245 Music, and I'm not going back.Consistent GPS accuracy is the most important featureOf all the features you look for in a fitness-focused smartwatch, GPS consistency is the most important when you're running (or walking, biking, hiking). After months using the Galaxy Watch Active,...

The JBL Link View with Google Assistant 8-inch smart display is down to $99.99 at Best Buy. That's $200 off the regular price, which you can still find at retailers like Target. We have seen it drop as low as $95 before, but today's sale is only $5 off that mark and that's the lowest it has ever gone. The savings at this price do not last very long, so grab it while you can.Our review of the Link View gave it 4.5 stars and called it the "best-sounding smart display yet." The review went on to add, "Its design may not be as functional or aestheticly pleasing as its competition, but when you add together the excellent sound quality, video camera, HD display, and snappy software performance, that one gripe quickly fades into the background."This is both a smart speaker and a very good 8-inch display. It has Google Assistant inside so you can control the speaker with your voice. That lets you ask questions or control your smart home without using your hands. If you need to use your h...

How do I back up my photos and video?You have all these awesome photos and videos on your phone, but what happens when you decide to buy a new phone or your on-device storage becomes too full to take any more? Since some phones these days don't give you the option to back up to a microSD card, that leaves one solid option: back it all up to the cloud!There are a few incredibly easy-to-use apps that let you store your photos and videos in the cloud.How to back up your photos and videos to the cloud using Google PhotosHow to back up your photos and videos to the cloud using Google Drive and Google OneHow to back up photos and video to the cloud using DropboxHow to back up your photos and videos to the cloud or your computer using Google PhotosGoogle Photos is one of the best ways to store, backup, and view your photos if you have a smartphone. It will also seamlessly upload them to your Google account storage. If you don't have it for some crazy reason, get it. It's a...

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.Chase wants to make this a little easier for Reserve customers.What you need to knowChase is giving Reserve cardholders a credit towards their annual fee.The company will give $100 fee credit to customers.It will be applied automatically for customers with a renewal date of April 1 – July 1, 2020.In an effort to assist its Reserve cardholders during the coronavirus pandemic, Chase has announced that it will be offering customers a credit towards their annual fee.If your Reserve card's renewal date falls between April 1st and July 1st, you will automatically receive a $100 credit towards your annual fee. A spokesperson from Chase said that the customers will be notified of the credit an...

The Pixel 4a is currently rumored to arrive in only one size.What you need to knowGoogle is rumored to be launching a Pixel 4a in or around May.Just before launch, a white Pixel 4a XL back cover has just made its way to eBay.The 4a is now said to be coming in a single-size, making it likely that this reflects canceled plans.Google is said to be launching a Pixel 4a pretty soon, and a photo of what is purported to be the XL version of that has just shown up on an eBay listing. To be clear, it's a white replacement back cover for the Pixel 4a XL. It's a little out of left field, and the design is a little bit different from the Pixel 4 and 4a when it comes to the camera bump as it retains the diamond shape of the former while adopting the larger holes of the latter.Given that the current word on the street is that the Pixel 4a will ship in a single-size only and that it'll be in two colors — black and blue — it's probable that this shell reflects Google's original pla...

Samsung made yet another beauty with the Galaxy S20+, so I understand not wanting to hide its splendor inside a bulky, blocky tank of a case. That said, this is also a very expensive phone that's completely wrapped in glass, so please, please, please protect your gem of a phone with a clear case. There's no reason not to when they look this good!Grippy clear caseCaseology Solid Flex CrystalStaff pick$11 at Amazon$15 at CaseologyCaseology's take on the classic clear TPU case adds some subtle sculpting for air cushions around the corners and is remarkably grippy even without texturing. Microdots inside also help prevent splotching.Plant-based protectionTech21 Pure Clear$32 at Tech21 $40 at Amazon Tech21 makes the PureClear case with sustainable, plant-based materials, while also making it durable and drop-resistant. It also has a BioShield that's supposed to keep your phone clean and germ-free.Ruggedly handsomeESR Air Armor$11 at Amazon$16 at ESR...

There's some updates on the way for this asymmetrical multiplayer title.What you need to knowResident Evil Resistance is an asymmetrical multiplayer game included with the purchase of Resident Evil 3.Capcom has revealed a roadmap showing the monthly updates that will be adding more to the game.The contents of most of these updates are currently unknown. Resident Evil Resistance may not be getting the same attention as the Resident Evil 3 remake it's included with but Capcom isn't leaving it high and dry. Today, Capcom shared a roadmap of updates that players can expect over the next few months.Brave survivors and sinister masterminds: Take a peek at our Resident Evil Resistance title roadmap. Jill Valentine will be available as a survivor starting April 17th, but rest assured that more content is coming over the next few months! pic.twitter.com/wxdWyBy7G4— Resident Evil (@RE_Games) April 9, 2020Jill Valentine, the star protagonist of Resident Evil 3, is coming as a ...

Fitbit's Premium subscription service provides in-depth insights, analytics, and guided plans to help you take the data collected by your Fitbit device and translate that into action plans for a healthier body and mind. However, the service isn't right for everyone, and if you signed up and now regret it, it's pretty easy to cancel. We'll show you how below.How to cancel Fitbit Premium on the webIn your browser of choice, log in to your account at coach.fitbit.com.Click on your name at the top right of the page.Scroll down and click on Settings.Scroll further down and click on Subscriptions and Payments.Here you can click on your plan and cancel it, effective the end of its term.If you are still within your free trial period, you will follow the same steps listed above.Note that if your free trial has expired, all sales are final and non-refundable. So if you signed up for a month-to-month plan, you'd only be out the $9.99 for that month. However, if you signed up ...

The complete pictureRing Video Doorbell 3 Plus$230 at AmazonProsPre-Roll video2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi 1080p HD videoAdvanced Motion DetectionConsNo Google Assistant integrationA bit priceyThe Ring is bringing you some new features with its Video Doorbell 3 Plus. The addition of Pre-Roll video gives you four seconds of video before the detect event. This is very helpful in getting a better idea of what happened leading up to the notification from your doorbell.A solid upgradeRing Video Doorbell 3$200 at AmazonPros2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi 1080p HD videoAdvanced Motion DetectionLess expensiveConsNo Pre-Roll videoNo Google Assistant integrationThe Ring Video Doorbell 3 carries all of the same upgrades as the Plus version, aside from the higher price tag and the Pre-Roll. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a quality upgrade over Ring Video Doorbell 2 due to the addition of the 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi and Advanced Motion Detection.The Ring V...

Even with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram becoming extremely popular in the messaging space, chances are you still rely on old-fashioned SMS texting to stay in touch with certain people. All Android phones come with a texting app out of the box, but a quick search on the Google Play Store will reveal a multitude of alternative texting apps that are worth checking out. Should you happen to download one of these and are eager to make it your new default texting app, here's what you need to do.Please note that the following steps and screenshots were done on a Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 10. The exact flow of everything might look a little different depending on what phone you have, but the core steps should remain the same.How to set your default texting app on AndroidTexting apps for Android are a dime-a-dozen, with options like Textra, Pulse, and others offering enhanced features and customization tools that most default ones don't offer. Heck, you can even use the Facebo...

There's more to come in the City of Dreams.What you need to knowCyberpunk 2077 was originally scheduled to release in April 2020.It was then delayed to September 17, 2020.In a recent investor call, CD Projekt Red confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will get as much DLC as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.While Cyberpunk 2077 is already promising a deep world for players to explore and spend a ton of time in, that world is going to expand in the months after launch. In a recent investor call (which was translated by VGC) CD Projekt Red confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will be receiving just as much DLC as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.When asked about when this DLC would be announced, CD Projekt president said to expect "A similar scenario to The Witcher 3," which would mean details are coming a couple of months before the game's expected launch. For additional context, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt had 16 smaller pieces of DLC, ranging from costumes to individual quests. The game also received two ...

Here's what LG's got cooking up for 2020.With so many phones that are released during a given year, it only makes sense for some of them to slip between the cracks. Other companies gets fiercer, prices get more competitive, and those that aren't truly amazing often get left to the wayside.Unfortunately, that seems to have been the case for LG for the last few years. The company makes solid devices, but a handful of quirks or missteps keep them from achieving true greatness.2020 is here, and this time around, we're expecting to see the LG G9 (or a successor to the G8 by a different name). Is this the year LG will finally be able to turn things around? Here's everything we know so far about the phone.Meet LG's "natural" designThe G-series name might be outLet's talk specsWhat about Air Motion and Hand ID?A May 15 launch is possibleThe LG G8 is still worth a lookUnderdogLG G8$700 at AmazonOne of 2019's most overlooked phonesNot very impressed with what we're...

Handy new buttons that are easier to press, and a portfolio updated with 2020 design aesthetics.What you need to knowRing Alarm second-generation features a sleek new design with new, easier to use keys and simpler functionality.All five of Ring Alarm's individual products have received sleek new looks that are slimmer and sleeker than ever.Ring Alarm second-generation DIY kits start at $199 and begins shipping on April 29, 2020.The original Ring Alarm system was pretty pedestrian looking by all counts. Resembling many other budget alarm systems at the time, Ring at least offered a great ecosystem to tie into, but the second-generation Ring Alarm system rectifies those sad looks with a chic new minimalist design. Widely-spaced circular keys and a new dedicated row of emergency buttons make signaling for help as simple as the press of a button. It's also now far easier to control your system thanks to dedicated buttons for Away, Home, and Disarm.But it's not just the keypa...

The largest update adds new quests and characters.What you need to knowFallout 76: Wastelanders was first announced at E3 2019.The update adds non-playable characters into the game, alongside new quests. Wastelanders was supposed to launch on April 7, but it's been delayed till April 14. You can purchase Fallout 76 for $16 at Walmart. Fallout 76: Wastelanders was revealed back at E3 2019 but has since been delayed a number of time. Bethesda teased that some random characters and a reputation system would be added, but it was unclear what the scope of the changes would be. Today, the developer released a launch trailer for Wastelanders, confirming that it was going to launch on April 14 on Xbox One, PC, and PlayStation 4. We're happy to present the launch trailer for Wastelanders – the largest update for Fallout 76 to date – releasing entirely for free on April 14 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Wastelanders brings a new beginning to Appalachia for first-t...

The AirPods Pro are great, but you don't have to spend anywhere near $250 to score a worthwhile pair of in-ear true wireless earbuds. Anker's Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro come in at $100 less than their Apple competition on any given day, and they've even been recommended by multiple Grammy Award-winning producers for their in-studio performance. Thanks to a current sale at Best Buy, you can snag a pair today for only $129.99. That saves you $20 off their usual cost of $149.99 and brings these headphones back to one of the lowest prices they've ever reached.The Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro true wireless earbuds feature a state-of-the-art design which integrates a customized Knowles balanced armature and an 11mm dynamic driver for enhanced audio you'll have to hear to believe. The result of all of Anker's finetuning is an expansive soundstage that lets you hear every instrument and every nuance of the music you're listening to. There are also four built-in microphones with cVc 8.0 noise reduc...

Catching up with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie is easier than ever now that The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney+. Earlier today, Disney announced that the all-new The Simpsons short Maggie Simpson in 'Playdate with Destiny' will be joining the rest of the series on the platform starting tomorrow, April 10. Disney+ will be the only place to watch until further notice, so if you're wondering how to sign up, how much Disney+ costs, or how you can watch for free, check below.You may have already seen the new short if you were lucky enough to catch Pixar's film "Onward" in theaters last month before they were closed to the public. Pixar films are unique in that each one is paired with an animated short film which plays before the movie in theaters, and Maggie Simpson in 'Playdate with Destiny' was the short attached to Onward screenings. Onward is already streaming on Disney+, so if you haven't gotten a chance to watch just yet, it's a nice choice to follow up with once...

Most of us depend on our phones to keep track of the time. Whether you need to use it as an alarm, timer, or just want to have a look and see what time it is, our phone has become the de facto watch of the 21st century. As such, it's that much more annoying when the time on it gets messed up. If your Android phone is showing the incorrect time, here are a few tips on how to fix it and get your life back on schedule.The following screenshots and steps were done on a Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 10. Some UI elements might look different depending on the phone you have, but the core flow of everything should be mostly the same.How to manually set your phone's timeBy default, your phone picks up the time automatically based on its cellular/Wi-Fi connection. This usually works perfectly fine, but for a multitude of reasons, it is possible to trip it up now and then.Should that happen, it's very easy to turn this automatic detection off and just set the time manually.Open t...

Best answer: Yes, Sony has confirmed a new controller in the form of the DualSense, what looks to be the next iteration in its DualShock line of controllers, though it is not called the DualShock 5.Current iteration: Sony DualShock 4 ($65 at Best Buy)What can we expect?Sony has already announced that the PS5 DualSense controller, will feature haptic feedback technology and adaptive triggers. First, we're adopting haptic feedback to replace the "rumble" technology found in controllers since the 5th generation of consoles. With haptics, you truly feel a broader range of feedback, so crashing into a wall in a race car feels much different than making a tackle on the football field. You can even get a sense for a variety of textures when running through fields of grass or plodding through mud. The second innovation is something we call adaptive triggers, which have been incorporated into the trigger buttons (L2/R2). Developers can program the resistance of the triggers s...

RevolutionPS5 DualSense controllerLearn more at PlayStationProsLight bars movedAdaptive triggersHaptic feedbackUSB-C chargingBuilt-in microphoneCreate buttonConsSymmetrical thumbstick layoutTriggers are not as ergonomicLight bars might drain battery The DualSense doesn't completely revolutionize the DualShock lineup, but it is Sony's biggest departure in design in well over a decade. The hand grips are more ergonomic than the DualShock 4's and it adds haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to make it more tactile and add a level of immersion that wasn't present on its predecessor.EvolutionXbox Series X controllerLearn more at XboxProsImproved ergonomicsImpulse triggersShare buttonAsymmetrical thumbstick layoutHybrid 8-directional D-padCompatible with Xbox OneConsAA batteriesMicrosoft's philosophy appears to be "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Xbox Series X controller is almost identical to its predecessor apart from a f...

The internet can be a scary place, especially for children. However, it can also be an excellent tool to help a child explore the world and learn valuable skills. As a parent, keeping your kid safe is paramount while they expand their curious minds. There are laws in place to prevent children from opening a Gmail account, but Family Link from Google is an excellent tool to help your child be safe on the internet. Setting up an account for a child of any age is a relatively straight forward process.How to create a Google account through Family Link if your child doesn't have a Google accountDownload the Family Link app on your parent device.Remove any existing accounts on your child's device.Open the Family Link app on your device.Select No when asked if your child already has a Google Account.Enter your child's name and additional info on the next two screens.After you input your kid's info, create a Google user name and password for your child.Next, you'll be asked to g...