Latest from Android Central

Nothing exciting this month, folks.What you need to knowGoogle began rolling out the April 2020 security patch to its Pixel phones on April 6.This month's patch includes Bluetooth and framework fixes, but that's about it.Devices from the Pixel 2 up to the Pixel 4 are eligible for the update.Just like clockwork, Google is using the new month of April to push out a new security patch to its Pixel smartphones. The April 2020 patch began rolling out to devices on April 6, and this month, there's nothing too terribly exciting to see.Taking a look at the Pixel Phone Help forum, Google calls out three notable updates — all of which are bug fixes and not new features.There are fixes for two Bluetooth issues, one of which was preventing additional Bluetooth Low Energy connections while the other patches an issue with Bluetooth audio input being dropped in "certain scenarios."The third and final update is a framework fix, specifically, a fix for lag when opening the keyboar...

Now's a great time to save on your phone bill.Due to recent events, there's a really good chance you're stuck at home right now — whether it be from school or work. As a side effect of that, you're likely using a lot less mobile data with your phone than you usually do.Most of us probably have unlimited or high-allotment data plans. While those are helpful for times when we're away from Wi-Fi and traveling about, it's highly unnecessary when you're in your house 24/7 with plenty of your home network to go around.There's no need to spend more money per month than you need to, so now is a perfect time to consolidate your current wireless plan and look into downgrading it (at least for the time being).See if you can temporarily downgrade your current planFirst thing's first, you'll want to get in touch with your current carrier and make sure you can downgrade your plan without any fees/restrictions.One and two-year contracts used to be the norm for wireless plans here in...

Microsoft's affordable Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000 is back to one of its best prices in history via Best Buy. While supplies last, you can get your hands on one for only $9.99 and save 50% off its full price.Microsoft's Wireless Mobile Mouse is the perfect size to keep in your bag so you're always prepared. It comes with a USB nano transceiver which you plug into your computer to setup wireless functionality. It's super simple to use and with Microsoft's BlueTrack technology, you can use this mouse on virtually any surface. It even has an ambidextrous design so you can use it whether you're left-handed or right-handed. When you're done using the mouse, its USB transceiver can be hidden away near the battery compartment so it never goes missing. And best of all, it's compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.This wireless mouse has a range of up to 15 feet and can last for over 10 months using a single AA battery. There's also an on and off button to help conserve battery life...

A "Pro" variant of the phone with beefier specs is expected to break cover in the near future.What you need to knowVivo today launched the global variant of its V19 mid-range smartphone.The phone comes with a Snapdragon 712 chipset, 32MP dual selfie cameras, and 48MP quad rear cameras. It is expected to go on sale in several markets, including India, in the coming weeks. Vivo today unveiled its first smartphone with a dual hole-punch display, called the V19. The phone was originally slated to debut in India on March 26, but the company decided to cancel the event due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The new Vivo V19 sports a 6.44-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a pill-shaped hole-punch cutout housing a 32MP main selfie camera and an 8MP "super wide-angle" camera. It is powered by a Snapdragon 712 processor, which has been coupled with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage.The mid-range phone comes with a quad-camera setup at the rear, featuring a 48MP main sensor. T...

If you're tired of your current home entertainment setup and looking to level up your setup, today's sale on the Westinghouse 58-inch 4K UHD Roku TV at Best Buy is not one to be missed. This 4K smart TV is down to just $279.99 right now, saving you $70 off its full cost of $350. This deal matches the best price we've ever seen it reach, though that offer was only around for a single day.Cutting the cord becomes so much easier with a TV like this 58-inch 4K HDR Roku TV from Westinghouse. Its integrated smart features let you access all your favorite streaming services without needing a separate streaming device plugged in. Just connect it to your home's Wi-Fi network and you'll be able to download and watch Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and much more.It's even compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control if you have a device like the Echo Dot. It can also stream music from popular streaming services like Spotify. Using the Roku TV ap...

When you can't get to the theater, bring the theater home to you.Bigger is better when it comes to video. Full stop. Nobody wants a smaller television. Nobody wants a smaller picture. And that's good, because bigger televisions — with higher resolutions — are getting less expensive all the time. Turns out that's also true for laser projectors.I met up with the folks at VAVA at CES in January 2020, and they sent over their VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector, which I've used for a couple months before it heads back home. It's a more-affordable laser projector. (Or maybe less unaffordable?)And it's absolutely changed the way I watch things in my living room. In fact, it made me want to change the living room itself. I am, in fact, changed.Ultra short throw 4KVAVA laser projector The Botton Line: If you're goin...

Wearing a smartwatch is supposed to be an all-day, all-night affair, and that includes while working from home. Being in your humble abode also means you can take breaks for meals or get a quick chore done. If you leave your phone behind in your home office space, your wrist can tell you what you need to know. Whether it's a quick call you can take through Bluetooth headphones or knowing just how sedentary you've become, a smartwatch can be a helpful tool.Keep in touchSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2Staff PickThe Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the closest you can find to a smartwatch that straddles the line enough toward sustained productivity. Notifications for incoming messages are actionable when you have your phone within range. It won't fully integrate all messaging and email apps you use, but it's still good enough to keep you apprised.$250 at Best BuyGet up and moveFitbit Versa 2While every smartwatch can get you moving, the Fitbit Versa 2 benefits fro...

It isn't clear if the earbuds will offer active noise cancellation.What you need to knowPurported renders of Samsung's next-generation Galaxy Buds earbuds have surfaced.The renders suggest the earbuds will have an all-new design, with a bean-like shape. Samsung could launch the earbuds in August this year, alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series.When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds+ earlier this year, some were disappointed with the company's decision to leave the design largely unchanged. The earbuds do not offer active noise cancellation either, which is also disappointing. According to a report from WinFuture, Samsung is now working on a new pair of true wireless earbuds, codenamed "beans." The report includes several renders of the next-gen Galaxy Buds, apparently based on sketches and 3D models of the earbuds. As you can see in the renders above, the earbuds will have a bean-like design, with two speaker drivers located in the lower part. Along with the two spe...

As sleek as it getsSkagen Falster 3$207 at AmazonProsStunning sleek designOnboard GPS, NFC, heart-rate monitoringGoogle AssistantMusic storageNew Snapdragon Wear 3100ConsShort battery lifeBattery saving modes are restrictiveWant to keep things as sleek as possible when choosing a wearable? Look no further than the Skagen Falster 3. You get a lot in this slightly smaller package, including GPS, NFC, and heart-rate monitoring. You'll enjoy upgraded RAM and storage plus the new Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor.Bigger can be betterFossil Gen 5 Carlyle$208 at AmazonProsBigger and bolder designOnboard GPS, NFC, heart-rate monitoringGoogle AssistantMusic storageNew Snapdragon Wear 3100ConsShort battery lifeBattery saving modes are restrictiveYou can have it all with the Carlyle, too. If you prefer a bigger case, the 44 mm size might be more attractive to you. You'll still enjoy key features, including GPS, NFC, and heart-rate monitorin...

The Seagate Backup Plus 10TB hard drive is down to $159.99 at Adorama. You can also find this deal at B&H, but the shipping currently isn't free (and was $9 for me), so go with Adorama to save on the shipping costs. This is an all-time low price for the hard drive, and it hasn't gone this low since last year's Black Friday sales. The drive normally sells for around $200 or as much as $240 at most retailers. It's actually going above $270 in some places like Best Buy. This price is so low it's less expensive than the 8TB version, so you're basically getting an extra 2TB for free.More than just a hard drive, the hub includes two USB 3.0 ports on the front. You can use these ports to transfer data like from a USB camera or thumb drive, but you can also look at them as charging ports for your mobile devices. Since this drive is large and will likely sit right on your desktop, it gives you some ports that are in a very convenient location for charging.With 10TB of space, you shoul...

Now that we're all practicing social distancing and staying at home more often than not, it's the perfect opportunity to re-think your living spaces and switch them into something new. With Woot's one-day sale on Vivitek projectors, you can grab one for your home starting at just $129.99 and completely re-create your home entertainment space. There's a myriad of different options on sale right now too, so whether you want something portable, a model which supports 4K streaming, or if you're just looking for something affordable, you should have no trouble finding a few decent picks that fit your needs.Each of the projectors today is only available as a factory reconditioned model. While they're not brand new, they've each been inspected and tested by Vivitek to ensure they're in proper working condition. The company even includes a 6-month warranty just to cover any issues you might find once it arrives at your home.The most affordable projector on sale today is Vivitek's Qumi Q3...

One of Best Buy's deals of the day is a 4-pack of the Netgear Orbi AC1200 dual-band mesh Wi-Fi system and it's down to $100. That's a super low price, but it is temporary. The same 4-pack normally goes for $300 at Best Buy and some other retailers, and you can find it going for as much as $400 at places like Newegg.The Netgear Orbi is a mesh networking system that uses an Orbi wireless router (one of the devices) and connects to the three satellites (the other 3 in this 4-pack). Those satellites all work with the router to create a network of seamless internet throughout your home. Since they each have such a large range, you can cover up to 6,000 square feet of your home in Wi-Fi. Plus, the four devices work together so you only ever need one network name. You won't even notice you've switched from one satellite to the next while moving through your home.If you're currently working from home, as many of us are, then you need fast, reliable Wi-Fi you can depend on. Use it for vid...

The 8 Pro looks impressive, but is it a true OnePlus phone?It's that time of year again — a new OnePlus phone is just on the horizon. I feel some level of excitement for just about every Android phone that's announced regardless of who makes it, but there's always an extra level of giddiness I feel when it comes time for OnePlus to take the stage.As you probably know by now, we're getting ready for the company to unveil the OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, and possibly even a third device in the form of the OnePlus Z. OnePlus followed a similar release pattern this time last year with the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro, except we have reason to believe 2020 will be a bit different in the execution.Based on the current rumor mill that we've been following for months at this point, the OnePlus 8 will more or less be the true successor to the most recent OnePlus 7T, the OnePlus Z will target shoppers with especially tight budgets, and the OnePlus 8 Pro will pack in every feature and spec ...

Just like the Bullets Wireless 2, the upcoming Bullets Wireless Z will not be truly wireless.What you need to knowA new leak has revealed some of the key selling points of OnePlus' upcoming Bullets Wireless Z earphones.The earphones will apparently offer up to 20 hours of battery life and come with Warp Charging support. They are expected to be launched alongside the OnePlus 8 series phones on April 14.We got our first look at OnePlus' upcoming Bullets Wireless Z earphones last week, courtesy of Evan Blass. The images revealed that the earphones will not be truly wireless and are going to be available in at least four different color variants. Now, leaker Ishan Agarwal has shed some light on the key features of the upcoming Bullets Wireless Z earphones.Exclusive: #OnePlus is launching Bullets Wireless Z earphones very soon and here are its key features. Expect Warp Charging and 20 hours (!!) of Battery Life along with low latency and water resistance.For more features and...

For a limited time, B&H has the latest NVIDIA Shield Android TV streaming media player on sale for $129.99. This sale saves you $20 off its full cost and matches the best price we've seen for this 4K streaming device since its release. Shipping is free. You can also snag this deal at Best Buy and its eBay store.Our review gave the new 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV 4.5 stars out of 5 and a badge calling it The Best. Russell Holly said, "This simpler, more polished experience is fantastic on nearly every level, and doesn't deviate terribly from the things we already enjoyed about this system. And for its price, the new console checks a lot of boxes. If you want a dead simple streaming box that occasionally includes some fun gaming to it as well, this is without a doubt the box for you."The NVIDIA Shield TV uses an advanced Tegra X1+ processor for 25% faster performance than the previous NVIDIA Shield TV generations. It's the fastest Android TV streaming media player. Plus it comes with...

I've just come out of the other side of Final Fantasy VII Remake. I am blown away.As I write this, I have quite literally just finished Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has been in development at Square Enix for several years.Based on the legendary title of the same name from 1997, a potential Final Fantasy VII Remake had been rumored for well over a decade before finally breaking cover at E3 back in 2015. The fact that it's finally here, now, fully realized in 2020 feels almost like a dream.Final Fantasy VII's remake is virtually without precedent. While we have seen games remade over the years, arguably none were as beloved, as iconic, and as potentially large and complex as Final Fantasy VII, which was in its own right a sprawling, multi-faceted RPG of its heyday. I personally regard Final Fantasy VII on the PlayStation 1 as the game that got me into gaming, elevating it from a toy to something I saw more of a passion or an art form.It is with that in mind that I was immedi...

Closed cinemas be damned, Trolls: World Tour is available to rent on all major platforms in the UK right now.What you need to knowTrolls: World Tour is one of the highest-profile new movies to launch at home in place of a cinema release.Launch in the U.S. is scheduled for later this week.Available to rent for £15.99 from all major digital stores.The closure of cinemas around the world has resulted in a number of scheduled releases being delayed, but a number more have been moved onto a home release instead. One of the most high profile of these is Trolls: World Tour, and in the UK it's now available to rent for £15.99 "In an adventure that will take them well beyond what they've known before, Queen Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and Branch (Justin Timberlake) discover that they are but one of six different Troll tribes scattered over six different lands and devoted to six different kinds of music: Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop, and Rock. Their world is about to get...

What you need to knowGoogle's new Pixel Buds have been listed for pre-order by a U.S. retailer.They were unveiled at the Made by Google event last year but haven't been officially released yet. The updated Pixel Buds will cost $179 and feature 12mm dynamic drivers, water resistance, touch controls, as well as real-time translations. Google's second-generation Pixel Buds were briefly listed online for pre-order by B&H Photo in February this year, although the listing did not confirm any key features of the true wireless earbuds. The earbuds have now been listed for pre-order (via ChromeUnboxed) by Chicago-based Abt Electronics in Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Almost Black, and Quite Mint colors. Unsurprisingly, it is no longer possible to pre-order the new Pixel Buds, as the listing has already been taken down.In addition to confirming the $179 price tag of the true wireless earbuds, the product page on Abt Electronics also confirmed some of their key features. The seco...

Daniel and Jerry are joined by Adam Doud! He's a podcast producer and host of 'Benefit of the Doud'. They sit down in a socially distant manner for a conversation about the aftermath of the Sprint / T-Mobile merger. They also discuss Internet access and infrastructure performance as many people around the world shelter-in-place.Adam shares his thoughts on LG's V60, and the crew also chat about OnePlus 8 Pro, 2020 flagships, and Canadian guilt regarding BlackBerry's failure.Listen nowSubscribe in Pocket Casts: AudioSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:Socially-Distanced Technology (Adam Doud) (@DeadTechnology) / TwitterThe T-Mobile and Sprint merger is done and little good will come of it | Android CentralThe Sprint / T-Mobile merger is complete, so what happens now? An FAQ | Android CentralWhat the T-Mobile & Sprint Merger Means for You | T-MobileHow Dish Network saved the T-Mobile Spri...

Best answer: If you want to keep your phone, it will need to be unlocked and compatible with the new carrier. To keep your number, you will need to do a port with the new carrier. Be sure not to cancel your old account until your port is complete.An unlocked phone that works with most carriers: Google Pixel 3a ($350 at Best Buy)I want to keep my phoneQuite a few new phones are compatible with multiple carriers meaning that you are a SIM swap away from connecting to a new network. Once you check to see if your phone will be compatible with a new carrier, you will have to make sure the phone is fully paid off and unlocked. On some networks, you will need to know your account password or PIN to finish activation.Check BYOD compatibilityThe first thing to check is that your phone will work on your new network. While many phones now work with nearly every carrier, there are a few older models, especially on Verizon and Sprint, that won't work with other carriers. Be sure to ch...

Great cross-platform video calling apps exist, and we should use them."FaceTime" has become a Kleenex-level generic word to describe making a video call on your phone, no matter the platform or what app people are actually using. Yet even in one of Apple's densest markets, the U.S., a full 50% of people can't use FaceTime at all — because they have an Android phone. There are great video calling apps that cross operating system boundaries — we just need to get people to use them, and stop perpetuating the idea that the inherently-restricted FaceTime is the default choice. Now's the perfect time to give up any excuses and use a cross-platform video calling app.I know people reading Android Central will probably be using an Android phone and don't have any chance of using FaceTime in the first place. But this is more about spreading the word to others out there, who we're all trying to communicate with right now more than ever, who have iPhones, iPads and Macs.Perhaps th...

sLet's turn that Chromebook into a bigger work (or fun) station.One of the most wonderful things about Chromebooks is how simple they are — you don't have to buy additional accessories to make them work, they just do most of what people want out of the box. But perhaps you have additional needs like using a larger external screen, necessitating having an external keyboard and mouse in the process.Sound like something you need to do? Well, it's not tough to figure out. We're going to lay out a handful of tips for getting your Chromebook up and running with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.MonitorJust about every Chromebook comes with a full-sized HDMI port — take a look around the edges, and you'll quickly know whether or not you have one. If you do, you can connect your Chromebook to any modern monitor or TV with a cheap HDMI cable and be on your way. Some Chromebooks may have smaller micro- or mini-HDMI ports, but don't worry, those cables are easy to find, t...

At a time when the world could do with some WWE escapism, this weekend's WrestleMania 36 looks set to serve up an unprecedented helping of grapple action. Read on to find out how to watch all the action, no matter where in the world you are with our WrestleMania 36 live stream guide.Thanks to the coronavirus, it's set to be the first Wrestlemania in WWE history to be held behind closed doors. In another first for the annual showpiece, its set to be held over two nights as well as taking place across a number of different locations, including the WWE's very own Performance Center in Orlando. On top of all of that, almost all of the action has been taped in advance.A number of big names have been forced to pull out, including Roman Reigns who had been due to Goldberg in a Universal Title clash, and Andrade, but otherwise the show must go on and and there's a pretty stacked bill to look forward to.The headline act is a WWE Championship showdown between current title-holder Brock L...

Smartphones are capable of just about anything these days, but that can be overwhelming or just downright unnecessary for some. Not everybody needs a high-end camera or a huge screen in their pocket at all times, and you certainly shouldn't have to pay for features you'll never use. Whether you're longing for a more straightforward experience or just want the cheapest possible vessel for calls and texts, these are the flip phones that should be on your radar.Best overallNUU F4LStaff PickThe NUU F4L carefully toes the line between price and features, with 4GB of storage and 4G LTE connectivity. With that connection, you can make crystal-clear VoLTE calls, or even access Whatsapp and Facebook Lite. There are also two notification LEDs on the front that alert you of new messages and low battery.$80 at B&H$80 at NUU MobileBest for appsNokia 2720 Flip 4GJust like the NUU F4L, the Nokia 2720 has 4G support that allows you to connect to popular services like F...

Time to add some excellent movies to your collection and maybe solve your stay-at-home boredom problem at the same time! Best Buy is discounting a ton of 4K Steelbook movies today only, and at the top of the pack is the Avengers 4-movie Blu-ray collection down to a low price of $99.99. This set usually goes for around $150. Best Buy is the exclusive place to buy this collection, so you're only going to find it used on eBay and things like that if you look for it elsewhere.If that collection doesn't appeal to you, check out the rest of the 4K Steelbook movies Best Buy has on sale today. This is a huge Disney collection that includes everything from the original Iron Man to Toy Story 3 to my personal favorite, Zootopia. The movies are all on sale for either $9.99 or $14.99. As a deal of the day, these prices will expire soon.The four Avengers movies cover the original Avengers film, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. You can watch all of them in...

Getting a little bored in quarantine? Got kids running around driving you nuts? Solve both problems at once with Target's Buy 2, Get 1 sale that covers kids' books and movies for kids and adults. Buy three things for your kids, buy three things for you, mix and match what you're getting, or do all three. The deal will always discount the lowest priced item on the list. So you can buy three $20 movies and only pay $40, or you could buy 2 $20 movies and a $7 book and get the latter for free. It's a great way to invest in a little extra entertainment for everyone in the house. Target is still open these days, albeit with shortened hours, so you can order online or for in-store pickup.Target has not been very restrictive on the content available in this sale, either. There are tons of great books like a huge selection from Dr. Seuss, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Harry Potter, and more. You could focus just on the books and round-out your kids' bookshelves with all the available options...

Never did we think we'd see a day where Disneyland and Walt Disney World are closed indefinitely, but here we are. Whether you're missing the parks right now or you're just yearning for something new to watch at home, Disney+ is full of content to entertain the whole family. By this point in our new socially distant lives, you've probably watched a few of the most popular Disney+ shows and movies available already, but with the wide selection that's on the service, there's still plenty to watch no matter how long you've been binge-watching.Disney+ now has new movies like Onward and Frozen 2 available to stream, but one of the more interesting aspects of the service is all of the content that takes you behind the scenes. With documentaries like One Day at Disney and The Imagineering Story, you can go behind the scenes at Disney parks to see how the magic is really created. Disney+ also has shows and specials that take you behind the scenes of popular series like Star Wars and High Sch...

Social distancing has everyone stuck inside their homes with a massive amount of free time on their hands lately, but rather than letting it all go to waste, Udemy lets you put your time to good use with online courses you can learn from home. With the wide variety of subjects taught at Udemy, you can learn just about anything you want, from how to make a perfect PowerPoint presentation to how to play a new instrument, how to code, and much more.If you'll be looking for a new job once the world is back to normal, or if you're just looking to brush up on a few skills, the following office productivity courses at Udemy could put you on a totally new level of employability. Below are six of the most popular courses at Udemy dealing with programs and projects that you'll want to master if you have any hopes of rising in the ranks.6 office productivity skills to learn from homeExcel from Beginner to AdvancedBeginner to Pro in PowerPointUltimate QuickBooks Pro TrainingMicrosoft O...

Microsoft's Spring Savings sale is set to keep you occupied through quarantine. Through April 13, you can save on Xbox consoles and games, gaming accessories, PCs, and more, though you won't want to wait too long before shopping as these deals could always sell out early. Standard shipping is free on all orders, and Microsoft also offers free returns as well.X-cellent SavingsMicrosoft Spring Savings saleThrough April 13, Microsoft's Spring Savings sale is offering discounts on Xbox consoles and games, gaming accessories, PCs, and more. You'll even score free shipping with the purchase.Prices VarySee at MicrosoftNow would be a stellar time to pick up an Xbox One X console for instance. Microsoft has four different Xbox One X bundles on sale today for $299 apiece, saving you $100 off the usual cost, with two other options already sold out. Each bundle includes the 1TB Xbox One X console and an Xbox Wireless Controller, along with one of the following games: NBA 2K20, Jedi: ...

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 titlesNewThe ol' westGuns'n'Stories: Bulletproof VRNewThis shooter set in the ol' West has you dual-wield pistols and other guns to gun down your enemies. It has music, jokes, and an attractive backdrop to help you feel like you're in the Wild West.$10 at Oculus StoreOh the horrorLies BeneathNewThis survival horror game sets you inside the "sleepy town" of Slumber Alaska. It's a living comic boo...

If you haven't got a chance to try out Sling TV's live streaming service just yet, you're about to miss a great opportunity. Through the end of the night tomorrow, April 5, Sling is offering a free 14-day trial to anyone who wants to check out all the live TV channels and on-demand content it has to offer.This free trial doesn't even require you to enter your credit card information, so there's no chance that you'll be charged once 14 days have passed. At the end of the trial, you're asked to continue service at which point you'd have to enter your billing information if you want to keep watching.Sling's free trial gives you complete access to the Sling Blue plan. This option includes over 45 channels such as live news channels, HGTV, and Cartoon Network, along with over 50,000 on-demand movies and TV shows. You'll also be able to record and replay shows and films using the Cloud DVR service which is included for all members free-of-charge. This guide lists all of Sling Blue's ch...

Best answer: You need to know the Google credentials of the last person who used a phone to set it up again. If you forgot yours, there are some tools you can use that let Google help you recover things.Don't get locked out: Galaxy S20+ ($1200 at Samsung)Google and the company that made your phone have some tools in place to help prevent phone theft and protect your privacy when it comes to resetting your phone. Factory reset protection is set up so that you'll need to know your phone password or your Google account password before you can reset a device and use it as new.Do I need to know the old account information?In all recent versions of Android, once a phone has been tied to a Google account, you need to use the same account and password to "unlock" it if you reset it.It's called FRP (Factory Reset Protection), and it's done to make stolen phones less valuable. If you steal my phone, you can't unlock the screen to use it, and if you reset it through the phone recove...

Stop the world. I want to get off.What you need to knowSeveral reports state that UK broadband engineers have been targeted and threatened by members of the public due to a 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory.There are also reports confirmed of UK 5G masts being burned, and the practice is being encouraged on Facebook.This might be one of the worst things I have ever heard. Several reports from the UK have confirmed that broadband engineers are facing verbal and physical threats thanks to a conspiracy theory that the COVID-19 pandemic has been caused by 5G technology. It has also been reported and confirmed that a small Facebook movement is actively encouraging, and carrying out, the burning of 5G masts across the country. Sit down. We need to talk.First up, the reports. Yesterday, The Guardian published the following report: Telecoms engineers are facing verbal and physical threats during the lockdown, as baseless conspiracy theories linking coronavirus to the roll-out ...

How do I add a second Google account on my device? Here is how.Instead of trying to keep all of your Google accounts in order on multiple devices, why not have everything on one device? Android has made it easy to add accounts, sync accounts, and remove accounts — here's how.How to add a second Google account to your Android phoneHow to remove a Google account from your Android phoneHow to add a second Google account to your Samsung phoneHow to add a second Google account to your Android phoneLaunch Settings from your Home screen, the app drawer, or the Notification Shade.Swipe up in the Settings menu to scroll down.Tap Accounts.Tap Add Account.Tap Google.Type in your email address in the provided field. You can also create a new account to be added.Tap Next.Type your password.Tap Next.How to remove a Google account from your Android phoneSwipe down from the top of the Home screen.Tap the Settings button. It looks like a gear.Swipe up in the Set...

Google has an excellent solution to let developers build camera apps that will work on every phone but it's not going to work because manufacturers need to support it.There is a reason a lot of people think Android phones have bad cameras. That's not true of course, and there are several phones from companies like Samsung or Huawei that disprove it, as well as Google's own Pixel series of phones. But there is a tiny nugget there that can't be denied, and that's when you look to third-party camera apps.As good as the camera app that comes with your phone is, there are always reasons why people look to apps that use their own camera mode. Maybe you like to use Instagram and use its built-in camera and filters. Or maybe you want control over things like exposure or shutter speed and your phone's camera app doesn't give it to you. Third-party apps are there to fill the void and give us what we want. Your phone came with a great camera app but there are others you probably want to...

The UK company Imagination fears intellectual property assets could be lost...What you need to knowApple and Samsung chip designer Imagination has scheduled an emergency board meeting next week.That's over fears that a state-controller Chinese investor is trying to seize control of the company. Imagination makes GPUs for Apple and Samsung, and its designs feature in 30% of the world's smartphones.Apple and Samsung chip designer Imagination has scheduled an emergency board meeting after it emerged that a state-controlled Chinese investor is trying to seize the company.According to a report from Sky News: A state-controlled Chinese investor is trying to seize control of Imagination Technologies Group, the British chip designer – sparking fears that its prized intellectual property assets could disappear from the UK. Sky News can exclusively reveal that Imagination, which was taken over in 2017 in a £550m deal, has scheduled an emergency board meeting next week t...

It may have taken its sweet time getting here, but the long-anticipated Disney Plus (or Disney+) streaming service is now available in a bunch of countries — soon to be fifteen! It's made its way in a space that's already pretty crowded, standing out thanks to its exclusive family-friendly offerings from not only from Disney itself, but also Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios.The catalog size may not directly compete with services like Netflix and Prime Video quite yet, but the number of Disney+ original shows that are available makes it worth checking out.Now, on to the key bit of information here: how much does Disney+ cost? Well, there are several different plan options for Disney+ that you can sign up for, making the price for Disney+ range from $6.99 to $12.99 per month. The lower cost is the best Disney+ price you'll get right now — with one big exception — while the more expensive is a pretty sweet Disney+ bundle that you'll need to chec...

Here's what you need to know about Disney+ in India.Five months after its launch in the U.S., Disney+ has made its debut in India. Content from the streaming service has been integrated into Disney-owned Hotstar's library, and that's a smart move because Hotstar already has over 300 million users in the country.Disney+ is binging its original shows like The Mandalorian, and offering titles from the entire Star Wars franchise, Pixar and Marvel content, and so much more. Most of the Disney+ content is available in regional languages, with users able to stream in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil.Here's everything you need to know about Disney+ Hotstar in India.How much does Disney+ Hotstar cost?With the integration of Disney+ content, Hotstar has been rebranded to Disney+ Hotstar. There is a free tier that includes ads, and two paid plans. The Disney+ Hotstar VIP plan costs ₹399 ($5.30) a year, and it includes access to selected TV series and movies from Disney's back catalog — in...

In this new decade, you're only going to spend yet more of your life online. You can try and avoid it but, honestly, it's pretty much impossible to do. It's important that you have security and privacy at the front of your mind as you traverse the online world, especially with the amount of sensitive data we out on our devices and send via the internet. If you use public Wi-Fi networks while out and about, that's even more important.Best VPN Deals Available NowExpressVPN: 49% off + 3 free monthsIPVanish: $3.25 per monthNordVPN: Up to 1 year extra freePureVPN: $3.33 a monthPIA VPN: 2 months freeSurfshark: From 7 cents/dayMore Deals: $20 lifetime license & free optionsOdds are that you have heard of VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, before but may not have signed up for one just yet. There are some common misconceptions about VPNs, especially that they are super expensive, but that's not at all the case — especially if you know where to look for the best deals (h...

Start collecting now!Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 2 is officially out now, and one of the most surprising additions to the new season is that of Deadpool, Marvel's iconic hero. Initially spotted in the trailer for Chapter 2 - Season 2, it was revealed that players would be able to obtain a Deadpool skin for completing various challenges in this season's Battle Pass.After a couple of weeks of challenges, Deadpool is now officially in Fortnite, and available for players to earn. If you've already completed the rest of the weekly challenges, you'll have to do two final things in order to unlock him.That's right baby! Deadpool is in the game. Just need to complete his Challenges this week and voila, he's yours.Even antiheroes have to heed the call 😏 pic.twitter.com/ARLR2fG8lx— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) April 3, 2020Head back to Deadpool's lair in the main menu of the game and access the computer, where you'll be tasked with finding Deadpool's two pistols. After finding the...

New content incoming.What you need to knowCall of Duty: Modern Warfare is the latest entry in the massive first-person shooter franchise.The game is getting a new season on April 8. Season 3 should add new maps, cosmetics, and more. You can purchase Call of Duty: Modern Warfare for $60 on AmazonToday, Activision revealed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's next season, Season 3, begins on April 8. Aside from that, no details were provided. The promotional image is quite striking to say the least.Players should expect new weapons, characters, and much more. Hopefully, interesting maps will be added to the game too. Right now, everyone seems to be focused on Call of Duty: Warzone, the free-to-play Call of Duty battle royale experience.Season 3.4.8.20.#Warzone #ModernWarfare pic.twitter.com/UdjN4HjP5y— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) April 3, 2020What do you want to see from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - Season 3? Hopefully, some fan-favorite weapons, modes, and maps ...

Smartphones are capable of just about anything these days, but that can be overwhelming or just downright unnecessary for some. Not everybody needs a high-end camera or a huge screen in their pocket at all times, and you certainly shouldn't have to pay for features you'll never use. Whether you're longing for a more straightforward experience or just want the cheapest possible vessel for calls and texts, these are the flip phones that should be on your radar.Best overallNUU F4LStaff PickThe NUU F4L carefully toes the line between price and features, with 4GB of storage and 4G LTE connectivity. With that connection, you can make crystal-clear VoLTE calls, or even access Whatsapp and Facebook Lite. There are also two notification LEDs on the front that alert you of new messages and low battery.$80 at B&H$80 at NUU MobileBest for appsNokia 2720 Flip 4GJust like the NUU F4L, the Nokia 2720 has 4G support that allows you to connect to popular services like F...

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 C330$280 at Lenovo$299 at AmazonLast year's Lenovo is still the best Chromebook to buy.This zippy little Chromebook can last 10 hours and won't weigh down your backpack during an all-day excursion.Lenovo Chromebook C330 FeaturesBright 11.6-inch touchscreenTrue 10-hour battery lifeExcellent performance for the price4GB RAM, 32-64GB storageBalanced weight and sizeBright, shimmery 2-in-1 designThe best Chromebook balances size with productivity, style with substance, and panache with a price. It's a Chromebook that anyo...

The Artists list is now automatically populated based on the songs in your library.What you need to knowGoogle is pushing out an update to the YouTube Music library.It now works a bit more like Google Play Music used to.Songs you add to your library will now have their artists automatically added to the Artists list.While a valiant effort by Google to take on the likes of Spotify, YouTube Music clearly needs a lot of work before it can truly hold its own against the incumbents in the streaming industry. It's been working toward that goal with blazing speed, though, adding new features all the time.But sometimes older is better. Case in point: the latest update to the organization of the library in YouTube Music (via Android Police). The Google Play Music app that succeeded it did a perfectly good job of organizing your library, and in the transition to YouTube Music, Google kind of mucked it up.So, it's taking a cue from its older product, and making the library a bit m...

We highly recommend the Fitbit Versa 2 for a wide variety of styles and uses, including automatic activity tracking, on-screen workouts, Fitbit Pay, music storage, and so much more. It's no wonder that Fitbit continues to be one of the many highly regarded names in the industry with all it has to offer. However, don't worry if that's not your cup of tea. There are quite a few other options to choose from. Whether you're looking for specific software, design, or feature set, you'll be able to find a fitness tracker that checks all the boxes on your wish list.Best Overall — Fitbit Versa 2Fitbit Versa 2 FeaturesHeart rate monitorAltimeter5-day battery lifeSleep trackingMusic playerAmazon Alexa built-inWater resistance to 50 metersAMOLED screenFitbit PayReplaceable bandCompatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows Swapping out the Versa 2 band isn't as easy as some other Fitbit models we've seen. Trying to attach a new band is a bit of a challenge. Not only is the...

Practicing social distancing may have cancelled some of your plans over the next few weeks, but instead of sitting at home wasting your sudden wealth of free time, why not invest that time into learning something that can positively affect your life? Udemy has a myriad of courses taught by certified instructors who guide you step-by-step through learning new skills, so if you want to play a new instrument or figure out how to code, this is one of the best opportunities you'll ever have. How often does the world stop otherwise?Some of Udemy's most popular courses are focused on development for the web, smartphone apps, and video games, and right now you can even find a majority of them discounted in a limited time sale at Udemy's website. Whether you're paying a discounted rate or the full cost of the course, you'll be coming out ahead with the knowledge gained, as many of the classes at Udemy offer real world applications which could help you find a new job or make some money on the ...

Best answer: Nope! PlayStation Plus is not necessary for streaming to Twitch. However, if you are considering streaming multiplayer games with your friends or playing games online with stream viewers, then you would want to pick up a Plus subscription. It is not needed for solo games.PlayStation streaming: PlayStation 4 Camera ($60 at Amazon)Support with Prime: Twitch Prime ($13/mo. at Amazon) Play with viewers: PlayStation Plus 3 Month Membership ($25 at Amazon)Streaming from your PS4 to TwitchStreaming gameplay to Twitch has been made simple. There is no need for PlayStation Plus unless you are looking to play with friends and viewers in online games. To start streaming on your PlayStation 4:Press the Share button on your controller.Then select Broadcast Gameplay. A menu will pop up giving you the option of where you'd like to stream to: Twitch or Ustream. Just connect your PlayStation and Twitch accounts and you are good to go!Connect with your viewersWhen you...

It might be time to switch.What you need to knowMinecraft is available on a ton of different platforms, including older systems like the Playstation 3.People on these platforms still enjoy Minecraft, but these older systems are being left behind.This is the last month players can convert their maps from the Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita to the Playstation 4.This will let you access all your old maps and worlds, when you do decide to make the switch.There are still a sizeable group of people playing on the aging Playstation 3 or even the Playstation Vita, and haven't been able to or felt the need to upgrade. There's still a lot of fun to be had on these last-generation platforms, but it's inevitable that they're being left behind. Minecraft has long since moved forward with the Bedrock Edition, which is the modern version of the game available on pretty much any modern platform, including the Playstation 4. Time is running out for Minecraft players to save all their wo...

The decision boiled down to a lack of satisfactory performance on the part of the Exynos 990.What you need to knowEven Galaxy S20s sold in Samsung's home country sport a Snapdragon 865, instead of the company's own Exynos 990.This departure from tradition was a surprise and has apparently left the Exynos team feeling 'humiliated.'A recent petition, too, has asked Samsung to stop selling "inferior Exynos phones."If you're a fan of sports, you know that there's nothing more embarrassing for a team than to lose a game despite having the home advantage. Well, that's probably how Samsung's LSI division, which designs the company's Exynos chips, is feeling right about now.In a surprise departure from tradition, even the South Korean variants of the Galaxy S20 series this year are powered by a Snapdragon 865, instead of the company's homebrewed Exynos 990. This, according to Korean Economic Daily, came as a surprise to many and has reportedly left the LSI division feeling "humil...

Sony is gearing up to release the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.While development on the PlayStation 5 has likely been going on for years, Sony has officially confirmed that it's in the works and is on its way for the holidays. Here's everything we know about the PS5 so far.PS5 designPS5 specsPS5 backward compatibilityPS5 next-gen DualShock controllerPS5 user interfacePS5 virtual reality supportOfficially named the PlayStation 5PS5 launch gamesPS5 costThe PS5 may be revealed soonThe PS5 releases Holiday 2020PlayStation 5 What form will it take?According to a report from the Financial Times, sources familiar with Sony's plans have stated that the PlayStation 5 "might not represent a major departure from the PS4, and that the fundamental architecture would be similar." Mark Cerny, lead system architect of the console, went on to confirm as much in his interview with Wired.This indicates that Sony is not working on a streaming-only platform, though the ...