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The pandemic is savaging small businesses and communities. Google wants to help.What you need to knowGoogle has pledged over $800 million towards coronavirus crisis response.As part of that, it will apportion $250 million in ad grants for health agencies like the WHO to help educate local communities.It will also fund research into coronavirus treatments like vaccines as well as throw its weight behind the production of face masks and ventilators.As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Google is offering support to help mitigate one of the side-effects, the economic devastation that inevitably befell small businesses as a result of lockdown orders. CEO Sundar Pichai today announced a commitment of at least $800 million to help small and medium businesses, health organizations governments, and health workers.Here's what Google is offering:$250 million in ad grants aimed at helping government health agencies and the WHO more easily disseminate information about the corona...

Uh oh! It's game night but your D&D group canceled. Fortunately for you, there are other ways to scratch your role-playing itch. If you're looking for some great RPGs for your PlayStation 4 then you don't need to look any further than this list.★ Featured favoriteThe Outer WorldsObsidian is back with New Vegas in space! All joking aside, The Outer Worlds is, in fact, its own entity with only the best parts of our favorite Obsidian games brought back and updated. With this probably being the last Obsidian game we will see on PS4, it's a pretty good way to go out.$34 at AmazonThe Gold StandardThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntStaff pickDon't let its age fool you. Despite releasing in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still one of the best when it comes to RPGs on console. CD Projekt RED created an incredibly immersive fantasy world full of wonder, intrigue, mysteries, and a cast of compelling characters. It really doesn't get better than this, and the graphics h...

There are a few things you can do to get better wireless performance from your router.If you're working from home for the first time, it can be a lot to get used to. It's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed, and the last thing you want to deal with is an unreliable internet connection. A stable Wi-Fi signal is an absolute necessity when you're working from home, and it's particularly infuriating when you're in the middle of a video call and your router decides to glitch out.Facing issues with your router or aren't getting the bandwidth you're paying for? There are a few things you can do to make things better. Let's get started.See if you're actually getting the advertised speedsBefore we begin, the first thing you should do is see what sort of bandwidth you're actually getting from your router. Go to a site like Fast.com, measure the bandwidth, and see if it lines up with what you should get. Fast is owned by Netflix, and is a good indicator of the actual bandwidth that's ...

Xiaomi's 2020 flagships finally roll into Europe.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced the global availability of its Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro.The company has also added a new Mi 10 Lite, aimed at making 5G more accessible.The Mi 10 Lite starts from ₤349, while the bigger Mi 10 series will start from ₤799.Xiaomi has announced the global availability of the Xiaomi Mi 10 series. It's also added a new member to the family, the Mi 10 Lite 5G.Let's start on the more recent one — the Xiaomi Mi 10 Lite. As its name implies, it's a 'lite' version of the Mi 10, but that doesn't mean Xiaomi plans to shortchange you. The company will be equipping this with the very powerful Snapdragon 765G processor — rumored to sit in both the LG G9 and Pixel 5 in addition to the Nokia 8.3. Around the front, you'll find a 6.57-inch AMOLED TrueColor display (but no 90Hz refresh). The camera also seems to be similarly beefy, with Xiaomi adding a 48MP quad-camera. Specs rarely say anything sub...

Nobody likes to think about car insurance. Aside from the inevitable headaches that arise from dishing out an exorbitant amount of money each month to a company whose positive ads can't make up for the inconvenience of finding the right policy, wading through all of the red tape that accompanies most policies can be a unique nightmare all to itself.So why not take control of the one thing you have full authority over when it comes to car insurance by picking the perfect provider and plan based on your unique needs and budget?The Zebra allows you to do just that, by letting you quickly compare every available auto insurance plan so you can lock in the best rates and deals in minutes.Unlike most sites that claim to help you shop for insurance coverage, The Zebra adheres to a strict no-spam policy in order to ensure that your personal information is never sold to third parties, and their unbiased algorithms allow you to compare rates and plans from hundreds of insurance providers all...

The massive amount of premium content on Disney+ easily puts it at the top of the list when it comes to best new streaming services. Whether you're a fan of animated Disney classics, Marvel films and TV shows, National Geographic content, or the Star Wars saga, the service is nearly essential for those who have cut the cable company out of their life and are looking for something to help take its place.Disney+ Free TrialHow do you get a Disney+ free trial? Sign up today!How long is the Disney+ trial? 7 daysWhat can you watch with Disney+ trial? Everything!How much does Disney+ cost after trial? From $6.99/moHow to cancel Disney+ after free trialWhile Disney+ might not have as wide a selection as Netflix does, it's chock-full of family-friendly content including a large majority of Disney's TV shows and movies new and old alike. Disney+ even premieres exclusive content which you won't be able to watch anywhere else, and the best part is that with an active membership, ...

When it comes to finding a great speaker to pair with the Echo Dot Kids Edition, the choices are almost endless. You can go the traditional route by using 3.5mm auxiliary cables, but where's the fun in that? These Bluetooth speaker options will speak perfectly to your child's style, and a few of them also speak to a parent's practicality.WaterproofAltec Lansing IMW257 Mini H2OStaff pickThe Altec Lansing IMW257 is likely the best option for a Bluetooth speaker to pair with the Echo Dot Kids. No, you might not be taking it to the pool, but it will resist accidental spills and comes in a myriad of colors.$15 at Amazon $30 at WalmartSquishy EarsAEO Portable Bunny Bluetooth SpeakerThe ears are squishy and the little 😄 eyelashes help this cute and compact speaker turn the adorability factor up to 11. The silicone is easy to grip and carry around the room or around the house to keep the place hoppin'!$25 at Amazon $25 at NeweggBig SoundDOSS SoundBox XS Touch...

Chances are, you're spending a lot more time at home than you would regularly right now. The situation's not ideal, but you could turn your self-isolation time into something positive by learning a new skill or becoming an expert on a topic you've always been interested in but never had the time to research fully.Online learning service The Great Courses Plus gives you the resources to from anywhere with tons of different courses to choose from. Right now, you can even score a 30-day free trial there giving you plenty of time to dig into a few topics while you're stuck at home before you decide to commit. If you choose to keep subscribing, it's then just $19.99 monthly or $10 a month if you subscribe quarterly.Always be learningThe Great Courses PlusThe Great Courses Plus is an online streaming service that offers unique perspectives from engaging experts at the top of their fields. Try out an entire month of courses for free.Free Trial at The Great Courses PlusIf you're ...

While fitness and activity trackers and smartwatches are designed mostly for helping you track activities and sports, many of them can also come in handy to track your sleep. And no company does this quite as well as Fitbit. Most of its trackers can not only sense when you fall asleep and report how long, but also log detailed sleep data that can provide insight into your quality of sleep, not just duration. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to track your sleep using a Fitbit and how to interpret the data.Products used in this guideActivity tracker: Fitbit Versa 2 ($199 at Amazon)The mobile app: Fitbit App(Free at Google Play) How to start tracking sleepBefore you get started, be sure to have your Fitbit synced up with your device. You can also access your account via Fitbit's website. However, if you want to have the info right at your fingertips, syncing is a cinch. Here's how to sync and catch your Zs.Download the Fitbit app from the respective app store and open it...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.One of the best business cards out there just got even better.What you need to knowAmerican Express has modified the welcome offer for its Business Platinum card.Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 in qualifying purchases.This offer now has a lower spend requirement to get the full points.The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has long been a staple as the go-to credit card for businesses everywhere. According to The Points Guy, it was even their Reader Award Winner last year. Now, the welcome offer for this card has gotten even better.Starting today, approved cardholders can 75,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on qualifying ...

Getting to stay home from work or school for a while may sound like a breeze, but boredom can set in quick — especially for younger children. Luckily, Disney's new streaming service Disney Plus is full to the brim of movies and shows, but spanning decades worth of content can be a tad bit overwhelming if you're not so sure what you'd like to watch.We've already shared a list of some of the best shows and movies to watch on Disney+, but if you've already watched the options there, we have even more suggestions to consider below. Today we're pointing our focus towards content featuring man's best friend.These dog-starring films and TV shows are sure to be a hit in your household, and the best part about Disney+ is that it not only includes most of Disney's classic animated features, like 101 Dalmatians and Lady and the Tramp, but also live-action remakes of some of those films and documentary series you won't be to watch anywhere else.What is Disney+ and how do I sign up?If y...

It's no replacement for a doctor, but it's better than nothing.What you need to knowAlexa can now help you decide what to do if you think you've contracted coronavirus.The digital assistant can respond to a limited number of queries and ask screening questions in other to give best advice. The assistant will also help sing for 20 seconds in regions like the UK and Canada to optimize handwashing.Amazon's Alexa will now help you answer your coronavirus (COVID-19) queries from the comfort of your living room. For American users, it will deliver into guidance from the CDC when educating you.It is crucial to note that like the CDC's own self-checker bot released this week, it cannot diagnose you — only a hospital can. Rather, it can offer you advice based o your symptoms, allowing you to decide what steps to take next.Here's what Alexa can do for users worldwide, as per Amazon: Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, our Alexa health team bu...

Over at Best Buy, you can snag a free $15 Best Buy gift card when you buy a $100 Hulu gift card. If you're already paying for Hulu every month, that's basically $15 free to spend on anything else of your choosing at Best Buy. Both of the gift cards are delivered digitally by email so you can put them to use straight away. You'll see the digital Best Buy card automatically added to your cart for the sweet, sweet price of $0.You can redeem the Hulu gift card against your own account to save you paying monthly or give it a gift to someone else who hasn't yet experienced the joy of endless media streaming. Netflix works on a bunch of devices and there's a ton of content on there to keep you entertained with an ever-changing library.Similar to Netflix, Hulu gives its users on-demand access to a library that contains thousands of movies, TV shows, and original programs crafted exclusively for Hulu.The cheapest plan costs $5.99 per month, and while you get access to all of the shows H...

If you want your PS4 to have the latest software updates, they are pretty easy to find. The PlayStation 4 can be set to automatically download and install updates while in rest mode, which should let you jump right into gaming rather than waiting around staring at a progress bar. Unfortunately, there have been some serious problems with new firmware, which has even bricked consoles. If you want more control over your updates and keep this feature turned off, you'll need to install new firmware manually. Here's how to find out if you need an update.How to make sure you have the latest PlayStation 4 firmwareBefore you get started, make sure to turn on your PS4. If your console was already on or in rest mode, close any software you have open. If you've been playing a game, be sure to save first! You'll need to be connected to the internet, which should happen automatically if you've ever done that on your console before. Here's what you need to do.If you're not sure if you're on...

This can't be good.What you need to knowGameStop is having a hard time sustaining its business lately.This is due to the rise in digital distribution. GameStop is planning to close another 300 stores this year. This strategy is called "de-densifying" and the company hopes will turn its fortunes around. It seems like GameStop still hasn't been able to turn its business around and in a recent earnings call, said that it was going to shut down another 300 stores this year. According to a report by Comic Book, the company closed 321 stores last fiscal year but it still has 5,500 locations. That's more than what many clothing retailers have if you wanted a comparison.The outlet said the following about the situation. GameStop has announced that it will be closing over 300 stores this year as part of its ongoing effort to 'de-densify.' The news comes way of GameStop's newest earnings call, which also featured a comment from the retailer about a possible PlayStation 5 (PS...

The Galaxy S20 is one of the most beautiful phones ever made, but it's also made of slippery metal and scratchable glass. If you're worried about scratching up that new expensive phone, there's no time like the present to grab yourself a great case to protect your shiny new flagship when your order shows up.Mesmerizing colorsCaseology ParallaxStaff pickThis hybrid honey of a case has a lot in common with the Spigen Neo Hybrid, but it's got better color combos for that great protection, including a new new teal "Aqua Green" that is even more alluring in person than the renders do justice.$14 at AmazonGet a gripSpigen Liquid AirKeep your carbon fiber classics and give me the Liquid Air any day of the week. The diamond pattern covering the back is just deep enough to add real grip while still feeling slim and sleek in the hand.$12 at AmazonDurable and diamond clearRingke Fusion X$8 at Amazon $9 at eBay The Fusion X is one of those cases you'll either l...

If you are one of the millions who already work from home, or one of the now tens of millions compelled to do so due to the recent public health crisis, chances are you're going to need to make some improvements to your personal workspace to optimize for comfort and efficiency. Whether you have a dedicated office space in the house or you've managed to carve out a corner of the dining room, guest room, or bedroom, you're going to want to make sure it's as organized and tidy as possible.Space betweenHomury Wood Dual Monitor StandStaff PickI've used a version of this wooden dual monitor stand for over four years now, and I love it. It gets my 27-inch iMac up at just the right height to view from my preferred chair, and it has enough space on the sides, and storage area underneath, to tuck away most of my desk clutter.From $33 at AmazonHang tightVIVO Dual LCD Monitor MountWhen I worked in an office environment, many of my colleagues had this dual monitor mount ...

The earlier outage was a result of a router failure.What you need to knowYouTube and some of Google's services were out for some time yesterday.The company's SVP of Technical Infrastructure has now taken to Google's blog to reassure everyone that its network can handle the added stress.The outages yesterday were the result of a router failure and not a sign of network overload.Some of Google's services unfortunately went down for a time yesterday, but if you're worried it's a sign of future trouble, the company wants you to rest assured that it can, in fact, handle the excess demand resulting from the explosion of remote work."As the coronavirus pandemic spreads and more people move to working or learning from home, it's natural to wonder whether the Google network can handle the load. The short answer is yes," says Senior Vice President of Technical Infrastructure, Urs Hölzle.Very sorry about that! We had a router failure in Atlanta, which affected traffic routed thr...

Best answer: An eSIM integrates the functions of a SIM card into a phone's hardware, making it easier and quicker to change phone service. Using an eSIM can also make it easier to manage multiple phone services on one device.A budget phone with an eSIM: Pixel 3a ($299 at Amazon)Unlocked with pure Android: Pixel 4 ($595 at Amazon)What is an eSIM?For most phones sold today and in the past several years, a SIM card is included or provided by your carrier to tell the phone how to connect to the network and what service it gets. These SIM cards look like small memory cards and usually slide into the side of your phone on a small tray. More recently, companies like Google and Apple have started to push an embedded SIM, or eSIM, as a better solution while still keeping a SIM card slot for compatibility.This eSIM can be activated by a carrier to receive service without the need to get a specific SIM card from the carrier. Your eSIM could either be activated remotely by the carrier...

Being first is actually worth something.A history of the folding phoneGalaxy Z Flip vs. Moto RAZRWhy your next phone should be a foldableWhy your next phone shouldn't be a foldableMore reasons why you should hold off on a foldableOur phones are our most important fashion accessoryThe clamshell foldable is the new 'small' phoneFoldables aren't the 'small' phone you want (yet)All the differences between foldable devicesShould you buy a foldable phone in 2020?Are foldable phones the next big thing?Folding phones are saving us from several years of boring slabsSamsung is leading the charge with foldable phonesThese rectangular slab phones are getting pretty boring, and it's gotten to the point where people are antsy to try something different. We're craving a new type of phone, something to get us excited — and right now foldable phones are the best thing we have to look forward to.Apple innovates in many ways, across more than phones (just look at that new iP...

Spring is here, though you're probably spending way more time indoors this year than in previous years. If that's given you an extra incentive to kick-start your spring cleaning then today's sale on the Goovi Robot Vacuum Cleaner is not to be missed. It has fallen to just $140 as one of Amazon's daily deals but the best part is a further on-page coupon taking an additional $30 off. At $110 shipped, this is the best price we've ever seen on this robot helper by far, though the sale won't last beyond the day.Goovi's Wi-Fi-connected robotic vacuum cleaner features sensors to help it navigate around your home and avoid obstacles like furniture or stairs. It has large wheels to help it roll over carpets and climb over door ledges to get to the mess in different rooms and its low-profile design allows it to get under furniture where traditional stick vacuums might struggle. Its 1600Pa of intense suction picks up dust, crumbs, and pet hair, and there are various cleaning modes to choose f...

Versatile performanceNetgear Orbi RBK22$190 at WalmartProsFast tri-band Wi-FiThree total Ethernet portsNo additional equipment neededBig 4,000 square feet of coverageConsLarge footprintNetgear's Orbi line has a ton of versatility with the RBK22 sitting in the middle of the range with fast 802.11ac tri-band Wi-Fi and a dedicated backhaul. You also get three free Ethernet ports so you can keep your wired devices connected without any extra hardware.Easy eero expansioneero Beacon$149 at Best BuyProsCompact designSimple setupEasy eero mesh expansion1,500 square feet of coverageConsSlower dual-band Wi-FiNo Ethernet portsEero Beacon is one of the easiest options for expanding an existing eero mesh network. Its compact design sits right against a wall without running any additional wires. It also has an integrated night light, making it a great hallway mesh point.As an upgrade to an existing eero mesh setup, the eero Beacon is a g...

By definition, emergencies are unexpected, which means it's best to prepare for one way ahead of time. Discovering a dead car battery can end a trip quickly, and that's the last thing you want to happen when you're in a hurry or out in inclement weather. With the CarAIDE Car Jump Starter and 18-in-1 Multi-Tool you can be prepared to jump start your vehicle when it needs it all by yourself, and today only you can pick one up at Woot for just $69.99. That's the lowest we've ever seen it go and saves you almost $30 off its current price at Amazon. The deal is only available until the end of the day or until sold out, though.This portable jump starter's 12V/1000A peak current is strong enough to jump start vehicles that have up to 4L gas engines, which accounts for over 80% of family use vehicles. It also works with boats, ATVs, motorbikes, and more. It has an 8000mAh internal battery, and is even equipped with a couple of USB ports for powering up your phone in a pinch.The CarAIDE i...

WhatsApp message 'hi' to 07860 064422.What you need to knowThe UK government has launched a coronavirus information service on WhatsApp.Users can text a government number to receive information about the virus.It includes information about symptoms, travel, movement and mythbusters.The UK government has launched a coronavirus information service via WhatsApp to help people access information about the disease.Get official advice and information about #coronavirus directly from the government. WhatsApp message ‘hi’ to 07860 064422. Or tap this link: ▶️ https://t.co/VdAfnBjnLF#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/93LBS6Hlvi— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) March 27, 2020The service was initially launched on Wednesday, March 26, however, it bumped into some issues to begin with, providing users with error messages rather than information.The service now appears to be working in the UK.To access the feature in the UK, users need to do the f...

The original Monument Valley, however, isn't currently free.What you need to knowPopular puzzle game Monument Valley 2 can now be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.The game is usually priced at $4.99 in the U.S. It is expected to remain free for the next seven days. Monument Valley 2, the sequel to the incredibly popular 2014 puzzle game Monument Valley, is now free on the Google Play Store. Surprisingly, the promotion hasn't been officially announced, although it looks like the game is available to download for free in various countries around the world right now.As per the folks at Android Police, the promotion is likely to last for the next seven days. The game is usually priced at $4.99 in the U.S. and £4.99 in the U.K.The promotion comes at a time when billions of people are staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. So if you're looking for a new game to pass the time while coronavirus forces you to stay inside, open the Play Store in your phon...

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$299 at Amazon$280 at LenovoLast 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...

It's being developed as an open-source project, with ex-Google and ex-Microsoft employees pitching in to help in its creation.What you need to knowA new coronavirus app is currently under work by the WHO.It's being made in collaboration with several volunteers from the healthcare and tech industries.The company is already using a WhatsApp chatbot for the same purpose.As the pandemic rage on, access to accurate and timely information about symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention will play a key role in helping stave its seemingly exponential rate of spread. To that effect, the World Health Information is doubling down on the tech initiatives that it's hoping will help in creating broader awareness about the coronavirus and how to protect yourself and others from it.The company is already operating a WhatsApp bot to both keep people updated on the coronavirus' spread as well as provide necessary information about it. The bot also contains a fact sheet to dispel some common myth...

The coronavirus has spread to 175 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic is proving particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 500,000 and fatalities of over 24,000 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 the tech industry.March 27, 2020: COVID-9 cases see biggest single-day increase yetCOVID-19 cases surged over the last 24 hours as countries ramp up their testing efforts. There have been a total of 61,900 new cases, with 19,800 coming from ...

It's powered by Samsung's own Exynos 7904.What you need to knowThe LTE models Galaxy Tab A costs just $279 and comes with built-in LTE connectivity.The display is 8.4-inches, with a resolution of 1900x1200.Under the hood, you'll find an Exynos 7904 and a generous 5,000mAh battery.If you're in the market for a small, relatively cheap tablet with all-day connectivity whether you're at home or not, Samsung's got something it wants to show you. The latest tablet from the company, the Galaxy Tab A, starts at $279 and comes with LTE built-in.The tablet's size is a very manageable 8.4 inches, and it sports a 1900x1200 display with an aspect ratio of 16:10. It's not meant to be the prettiest thing in the world, though, so there's a healthy dose of bezels on all four sides of the screen, which is also where you'll find the single, 5MP front camera. That's complemented by an 8MP shooter in the back.Under the hood, you'll find an Exynos 7904, decidedly among the midrange offerings...

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.Amazon is back with its popular "1 point" offer for American Express cardholders.What you need to knowAmazon has launched a new targeted offer to American Express cardholders.Cardholders can earn up to $50 off of eligible purchases.You only need to redeem 1 Membership Rewards point in order to get the offer.Amazon is back with its popular targeted offer for American Express cardholders, but this time they have upped the amount of savings cardholders can grab. While the offer used to save cardholders up to $40, the new offer allows cardholders to earn up to $50 off on qualifying purchases by redeeming only 1 Membership Rewards point.Reported by The Points Guy, Amazon is targeting some Ame...

These are some great additions.What you need to knowNVIDIA GeForce Now is a game streaming service recently released to the public.It's run into some trouble with major publishers backing out of the service.Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, is endorsing the service.Games like Arma II and Control are now available on GeForce Now. NVIDIA GeForce Now hasn't had the easiest time lately. It seems like a lot of publishers are pulling out due to mysterious reasons regarding "paperwork," and you can't play games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on it anymore. However, that hasn't stopped many other developers to add their games to GeForce Now.Today, NVIDIA announced that eight new titles were joining the service on Thursday. These include acclaimed experiences like Control — that features ray tracing support — and many others. You can take a look at the complete list below.Arma II: Operation Arrowhead Control (RTX On)Danganronpa: Trigger Happy HavocDungeons 3...

Sony's newest machine doesn't quite beat the Xbox Series X in terms of teraflops, but it does blow its own predecessors out of the water.There's a lot we don't know about the PS5 yet. What does it look like? How much will it cost? When is it actually releasing? However, we do know a lot of its specs thanks to PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny. The PlayStation 5 will boost a powerful solid-state drive (SSD), a custom 3.5GHz Zen 2 CPU, and a 10.28 teraflop custom RDNA 2 GPU.To put that number into perspective, we took a look at the power levels of past PlayStations and how many teraflops they were packing. As you can imagine, the results ended up being comical when we compared the upcoming console to the PlayStation 2, which released 20 years ago. Time sure have changed, and technology as evolved and advanced a lot.The PS2 GPU ran at a measly 6.2 gigaflops. For perspective, 1,000 gigaflops equals one teraflop. Crunching the numbers, we discovered that a staggering 1,658.06 ...

One of the best things that an Alexa-powered Echo speaker can do is to tell you Amazon's daily specials and let you place orders for goods with your voice — it's just so convenient! However, you certainly don't want your kids, friends, or family to have unfettered Alexa access while you're busy working from home or away from your smart speakers. I'll show you how simple it is to put some controls on who can make voice purchases from your Echo devices so that you can rest assured that you won't have an unexpected giant princess dollhouse arrive at your doorstep anytime soon.How to stop your kids (or friends) from ordering stuff on your Echo on the webGo to alexa.amazon.com in your computer web browser.Log in to your Amazon Alexa account.Click on Settings.Scroll down and click on Voice Purchasing under Alexa Account.Click the toggle to enable your 4-Digit Voice Code to be required for voice purchases.There aren't as many granular controls on the web as there are in ...

A trio of flagship killers is on the way.In just a handful of years, OnePlus has established itself as one of the most exciting players in the U.S. smartphone market. 2019's OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T stand out as two of our favorite phones of the entire year, and for 2020, it looks like OnePlus is getting ready to wow us yet again.There's a lot of talk and buzz regarding the upcoming OnePlus 8, and based on what we know so far, it's shaping up to be one heck of a phone. From a 120Hz display to wireless charging, there's a lot in the pipeline.Whether you're interested in specs, design, or how much the OnePlus 8 will end up costing you, here's everything you need to know!OnePlus is preparing three versionsThe designs have been revealedLet's talk specsAn April announcement is likelyHere's how much you'll payLet's not forget about the OnePlus 7TKiller flagshipOnePlus 7T$499 at OnePlusStill one of the best deals aroundEven with the new OnePlus 8 lineup looming on...

Google's cranking Android up to 11.Last year's Android 10 update was a big shift for the operating system. Not only did we get the long-awaited dark mode and important changes to app permissions, Android 10 also marked Google's departure from dessert names and ushered in a new Android logo/brand.Android 10 was a year of growth and maturity for the operating system, and those same principles are being carried over to Android 11. We're still a few months out from the final build being available for everyone, but with a developer preview now out in the wild, we have a good idea of where Google wants to take Android in 2020.Ready to learn all about what Android 11 is packing? Here's everything you need to know!Developer Preview 2 is outTons of messaging improvementsPermissions keep getting betterWe have a built-in screen recorderAdapting Android to different displays5G is a big focusYou can flash it right nowThe final build is coming in Q3The Pixel 4 is first-in-line f...

Let's talk about one of 2020's most anticipated smartphones.Starting in 2016 with the release of the original Pixel, Google's lineup of Android phones has been marketed towards people looking to buy premium, high-end flagships. That notion has continued to hold true, but in May 2019, Google decided to try something a bit different with the release of the Pixel 3a.The Pixel 3a was the first mid-range Pixel phone to be released by the company, and it was an instant hit. Critics and consumers alike were immediately drawn to the 3a, thanks to its offering of great specs, solid build quality, and outstanding camera performance — all for less than $400.We were absolutely smitten with the Pixel 3a here at AC, and now, the rumor mill is buzzing with information regarding its successor. From specs, design, features, and more, here's everything we know about the Google Pixel 4a.There may only be one modelThe design is pretty interestingMid-range specs are expectedThere looks ...

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. Is this the year LG will finally be able to turn things around? Here's everything we know so far about the phone.The design looks pretty outdated 😬Let's talk specsFour cameras are on the backYes, there's still a headphone jackWhat about Air Motion and Hand ID?Pricing and release info is unknownThe LG G8 is still worth a lookUnderdogLG G8$500 at AmazonOne of 2019's most overlooked phonesNot very impressed with what...

No matter if you have a dedicated gaming console or just a smartphone, there are plenty of great ways to get it done.Going to the gym is important. After all, exercise is one of the most important ways to stay happy and healthy. But it's not always convenient to go, and sometimes the gym might even be closed when it's most convenient for you. That's why at-home workouts are so great! Whether you've got an Xbox, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Oculus Quest, or even just a smartphone, we've got a number of suggestions that could help you keep yourself in shape and stay sane over the next few weeks.Ring Fit AdventureIf you're the proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has something truly special for you. In the same vein of Wii Sports and Wii Fit from a few years back, Ring Fit Adventure utilizes a rather interesting and unique set of mechanics that turn exercise into an adventure that'll keep you coming back again and again.In our review of Ring Fit Adventure, we noted how ...

In the last few years, phones and the mobile plans that go with them have gone from affordable to shockingly expensive. Add in the words unlimited data and suddenly your out of pocket costs rival that of your grocery bill.Worse yet, when you want to switch carriers to save some money, you're pushed into buying a new phone that you don't need and can't afford just to recoup a little cash.Sprint has a different approach. They know you searched high and low for the perfect phone, and you'd like to keep it. They also know unlimited doesn't have to be costly.With Sprint's Unlimited Kickstart plan, you get the best of both worlds: You keep your phone and you trim the cost of your phone bill. Jump on one of America's best cellular networks, keep your phone and your number, and you'll pay only $35/month for unlimited talk, text, data, and DVD quality streaming.Sprint's Unlimited Kickstart plan is a cool $35/month. No contracts, no exclusions, no fine print.That's a deal in and of...

What you need to knowThe concert streams live starting at 8 p.m. EST.It will be available to watch on Twitter or Yahoo! Entertainment.Verizon will host new concerts every Tuesday and Thursday for now.Times are tough for everyone right now, and many of the things we like to do regularly are being cancelled. There are no sports to watch, no concerts to attend, and people are being forced to stay inside. Verizon has partnered with Dave Matthews to offer up a free livestream performance tonight at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST. That's right, it's completely free, and will be streamed on Verizon's Twitter account, and at Yahoo! Entertainment.The performance is to benefit and support small businesses around the country that are being impacted right now. Jimmy Kimmel sat down with Dave Matthews to discuss the upcoming performance and you can check that out right now.As part of a #PayItForwardLIVE campaign, Verizon will be hosting new performances every Tuesday and Thursday, though no ...

Best answer: The standard eero and eero Pro can be the start of a mesh or can be used as expansion nodes, with the Pro being capable of faster speeds. The eero Beacon serves to simply expand the existing wireless mesh and can't exist on its own, but it's compact and easy to hide.Entry-level mesh: eero (3-pack) ($199 at Amazon)A faster eero mesh: eero Pro (3-pack) ($499 at Amazon)Expand the mesh: eero Beacon ($149 at Amazon)More speed with eero ProThe first consideration in an eero mesh network is whether you want to start with the standard eero or the faster eero Pro. The standard eero covers approximately 1,500 square feet and has two Ethernet ports on the back. Wi-Fi speeds will be good enough for most connections but heavier users with internet speeds over 550Mbps might see some slowdown at peak download times. Still, the speeds with eero should be more than enough for typical web browsing and even video streams at 4K.If you need more speed and coverage from a single...

App sizes, however, are only showing up in some places.What you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a small but significant change to the Play Store.App searches will now show the app's size and popularity among the results.The update is server-side, so it may take a while before you see it.The Play Store has almost 3 million apps and while that's one of the reasons why Google's mobile platform is so successful — just ask Huawei — it can also often be daunting and confusing when you look up a budgeting app and are met with 50 different options.While the Play Store already showed the ratings of different apps among the search results — and Google, of course, does a lot of clever stuff in the background to ensure that the best and most popular apps show up first — it's still possible for an app to have a really high rating only because not many people use it in the first place.Getting access to other metrics, such as download size — which can be particularly usefu...

It's beginning to look like we may be in self-isolation for a long time to come. If you're already running out of ideas on how to entertain yourself at home, you may be in for a tough time. Fortunately, we've found a few programs that should give you many more hours of entertainment. Check them out.VideoDuke: Lifetime LicenseMSRP: $29.90Sale Price: $15Price Drop: $9.99VideoDuke lets you save complete channels and playlists off of YouTube and convert them to MP3s so you can watch them on all of your devices—handy if the internet in your home is spotty. You can integrate VideoDuke into your browser and search for videos from YouTube, Dailymotion, and Vimeo straight from the app, giving you seamless access to a world of online entertainment.Airy YouTube Video & MP3 Downloader for Mac: Family Pack LicenseMSRP: $39.95Sale Price: $14.99Featured on LifeHacker and Cult of Mac, Airy is the YouTube downloader that lets you save hundreds of YouTube videos directly to your Mac. W...

Google isn't your only option.If you have an Android phone and use it to browse the web, chances are you do so via Google Chrome. Not only is it pre-installed on all Android phones and automatically set as the default web browser, it also happens to be one of the best.There are a lot of upsides to Google Chrome, one of which being that Google is set as its search engine. However, should you find yourself getting tired of Google and want to use a different search engine, changing it is very easy.Ready to change your search engine in Chrome? Let's get right down to it.How to change your default search engine in Chrome on AndroidOpen Google Chrome on your phone.Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.Tap Settings.Tap Search engine.Choose which search engine you want (Yahoo!, Bing, or DuckDuckGo).Tap the back arrow in the upper-left corner to go back.As you can see above, Chrome gives you a total of four search engines to choose from, including:GoogleYahoo...

Everything help.What you need to knowCoronavirus is ravaging the globe at the moment.Many companies are donating considerable amounts to help fight the virus. CD Projekt RED gave $950,000 to a charity for the same. Cyberpunk 2077 is still on track for 2020 as of this moment. The coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on and it doesn't seem like there's an end in sight, especially in countries like the United States where there doesn't appear to be any control at the moment. In order to do their part, many companies are donating rather significant amounts to fight the COVID-19 virus. CD Projekt RED is one of them.Today, the Cyberpunk 2077 developer posted on Facebook that it was donating around $950,000 to help fight the virus. The company said the following. We are all following events related to the coronavirus epidemic. The number of cases is increasing, and the health service is facing more and more challenges. In these hard times, every help counts, so over the...

Because the Holy Knights aren't going to defeat themselves.Gacha-style mobile RPGs like The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross can sometimes leave you feeling like you were the Serpent's Sin of Envy instead of Diane. You naturally want the most powerful and coolest characters, which in this case means UR rank heroes — the fourth and final rarity tier after R, SR and SSR. While there are several ways to power up characters, including using Enhance to increase their level or Awaken to boost specific stats, UR characters are always going to be better than lower ranked versions when everything else is equal. Think of them as having both higher floors and ceilings to their power.Sounds great, right? How do you get them? That's the big question we're here to answer, so let's start with one thing you might be wondering right off the bat.How to get UR characters in The Seven Deadly SinsCan you get UR characters directly from Draws?Can you turn SSR characters into UR characters?Is the...

It's hard to look on the bright side with everything that's going on in the world right now, but during this period of self-isolation, most people have more free time than ever to finally kickstart that podcast idea or record more voiceovers. I've been using XLR mics for a number of years now, but USB mics are quicker and easier to set up, and work with just about any computer — some even work with phones! Best Buy's currently offering curbside pickup to make buying new tech safer, and they've got plenty of great microphones to choose from.Best overallBlue Yeti XStaff pickThe Blue Yeti is one of the most ubiquitous USB mics on the market. It's well-beloved for its four pickup patterns, which let you steer the microphones straight ahead, bi-directional, stereo, and even omnidirectional, making it incredibly versatile for different recording situations. It has a built-in stand and an audio gain knob.$170 at Best BuyDual pickup patternsBlue Yeti NanoThe Blue ...

Big but capableNetgear Orbi RBK22$173 at AmazonProsTri-band connectionMU-MIMO supportAC2200 speed4,000 square feet of coverageConsLarger footprintThe Netgear Orbi series provides a ton of configuration options with a large product family. With a focus on flexibility, it's possible to build a great Wi-Fi experience with the Orbi and its numerous available accessory options.Easy on the eyesEero 3-pack$199 at AmazonProsSubtle designTiny footprintMU-MIMO support5,000 square feet coverageConsLower top speedDual-bandThe eero's subtle design makes all of its competitors look a little more rustic. With more of a focus on blending in than on top speed, eero's subtle design and modern technology deliver one of the most complete mesh experiences you can get.Netgear and eero each take a rather different approach when it comes to building a mesh Wi-Fi network. Eero makes the most of a few different products — the eero routers work wit...

If you're like me, you probably have a few more distractions in your life and around your home now that everyone is confined to the same space. Even as someone who is used to working from home, this can be a significant adjustment. I've been powering through my productivity lulls with the help of some great work from home playlists from the expert curators at Amazon Music. There are over 20 playlists in this collection across all kinds of music genres — from ambient to country, pop to metal. I've listed my 12 favorites from the collection below, but don't let me stop you there.Prime playlistsAmazon Music Unlimited HDAmazon Music Unlimited features 60 million songs available to stream ad-free or download for offline listening, curated playlists, exclusive content, and more. Try the HD version for the best-quality sound for free for 30 days!From $4/month at Amazon MusicTimeless EleganceClassical for FocusStaff pickThe great thing about instrumental music (or...