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With Disney Plus, we can now watch all of our favorite classic Disney films, as well as other content from Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel, National Geographic, and Fox, all in one place. Disney+ is still in its infancy though, so it's not uncommon to see playback issues, such as buffering, while watching your shows and movies. Luckily there's something you can do about it.Make sure your Internet speeds meet the minimum requirementsQuality of video played through Disney+ will depend entirely on your Internet connection speed. The quality automatically adjusts itself based on the speed available at the moment, so if it's fluctuating a lot, then it'll be very noticeable as you watch.For best video quality, Disney+ recommends the following:5.0 Mbps for High Definition content25.0 Mbps for 4K UHD contentMaintaining a consistent connection with those speeds will guarantee good playback quality. You should also check on how many simultaneous video streams or other high-bandwidth acti...

Health fears about the coronavirus have driven many to steer clear of one of tech's biggest trade shows.The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the largest tech trade shows of the year. Typically, the Android flagships that drive discussion for the first half of the year are announced at or around that time. We learn about the mobile trends to expect for the upcoming year like 5G, foldables, multi-camera support, etc. This year, it's not going to be that smooth.Due to the global coronoravirus outbreak and health-related fears, tech firms are pulling out here, there, and everywhere.Here's a list of all the tech firms to have said adios to Barcelona so far.AppleAmazonAT&TEricsson FacebookIntelLG MediatekNVIDIARoyole SonyTCLVivoZTEAppleWhile not typically a large presence at the Mobile World Congress, Apple does have a small showing of sorts. It's not overly important to the firm, so pulling out seems likely, and reports are already indicating that to be...

Samsung's second foldable ditches plastic and is super pocketable.Prior to 2019, folding smartphones seemed like nothing more than a distant dream. However, thanks to innovations from the likes of Samsung, Huawei, and Motorola, folding phones are now more of a reality than they ever have been.Following the rocky release of the Galaxy Fold last year, Samsung is now taking a different approach to foldables with the Galaxy Z Flip. Rather than create another phone and tablet 2-in-1 similar to what we already have with the Fold, the Z Flip takes the shape of a traditional smartphone that can be folded up to be extra portable.Whether you're interested in the Z Flip's design, specs, price, or anything else in between, here's everything you need to know about the phone.This is Samsung's second folding phoneYou get two displaysPlastic is out, glass is inHands-free camera use is a big dealHere are the specsIt launches on February 14Get ready to spend a lot of moneyA new way...

You'll be able to buy it on February 14.What you need to knowSamsung has unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip as its second folding smartphone.There's a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, which folds up to be ultra-portable.It's available in Mirror Purple, Mirror Black, and Mirror Gold.At Samsung Unpacked on February 11, Samsung formally unveiled its second folding smartphone — the Galaxy Z Flip. We've seen tons of leaks and rumors for the device leading up to its announcement, but now that everything is official, we know exactly what Samsung is bringing to the table.In regards to the Z Flip's design, it's quite a bit different from the Galaxy Fold before it. Instead of being a smartphone that opens up into a mini tablet, the Z Flip looks like a traditional 6.7-inch phone that can fold in half to become extremely portable. Yes, basically just like the Motorola RAZR.The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel is also different from the Fold in the sense that the screen is actually ultra-thin glass instea...

Everything you need to know about Samsung's big jump in camera tech.With the Galaxy S20 series, Samsung's making its biggest jump in camera technology in four years. Other than the general layout of standard, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras, nothing has been carried over from prior generations. We're getting altogether new sensors and lenses across the board — including the front-facing camera.However, upgrading all of the cameras at once apparently wasn't quite good enough. Samsung's also rolling out an even better set of sensors and lenses for the main, telephoto, and front-facing cameras on the Galaxy S20 Ultra — including a crazy 100X zoom system on the back.There's a lot to take in. Here's what you need to know about the camera system on the Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra.Galaxy S20 and S20+ set the standardThe Galaxy S20 Ultra is going to get the biggest hype because of its crazy camera specs, but the standard S20 and S20+ deserve plenty of their own prais...

120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that's continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung's Galaxy S series.One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren't always the most interesting, but there's no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.For 2020, Samsung is launching a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they're bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy ...

Best answer: No. After Samsung removed the headphone jack on the Galaxy Note 10, that decision has carried over to the entire Galaxy S20 line-up, unfortunately. In order to listen, you'll need a pair of wireless headphones or an USB-C adapter.The next big thing: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)Samsung's best buds: Samsung Galaxy Buds ($105 at Amazon)Adapt and overcome: Chilison USB C Headphone Adapter ($20 at Amazon)Samsung would like you to consider its new Galaxy BudsReady or not — love it or hate it — the 3.5mm headphone jack is all but dead now that Samsung has officially abandoned it on its major flagships. Given how great Bluetooth headphones have gotten in recent years, this really isn't that big of a deal for most people, even if it might be more expensive.It does mean that we won't be getting any complimentary AKG earbuds with our Samsung flagships anymore, which is sad since those were pretty great. Instead, Samsung is hoping that Galaxy S20 buyers sna...

It seems crazy to think these are "reasonably-priced" phones, but in a world of $2,000-dollar foldables and "ultra" flagships, here we are.Out of this worldSamsung Galaxy S20From $1,000 at SamsungProsStunning 6.2-inch Quad HD+ displaySmall Infinity-O hole punch in displayRear triple camera array4,000mAh battery5G built-inConsMost expensive baseline Galaxy S series everSamsung's update record has been spottyPretty big for a "small" phoneSamsung seems to be taking a page from Apple's marketing playbook, positioning this as the baseline S20 model. Even so, it packs a fantastic screen, big battery, and what it hopes are not just the best Galaxy cameras ever, but the best cameras in the business.The not-so-big AppleApple iPhone ProFrom $999 at AmazonProsExcellent camera arrayApple-only goodies like iMessage and AirDropImproved battery over iPhone XSStable software with years of updatesReliable and secure Face IDConsiOS still not ver...

Best answer: All of the Galaxy S20 phones support 5G in the sub-6 bands, but only the larger Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra support mmWave 5G.Meet the new 5G phone: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1000 at Samsung)Still a great 5G phone: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 5G ($1030 at Samsung)Everybody gets 5GLast year Qualcomm announced that its next big chipset, the Snapdragon 865, would only ship with the X55 modem onboard that enables 5G networking. There was no need to speculate about whether Samsung's next flagships would include 5G, Qualcomm had already sealed the deal. Unsurprisingly, the Galaxy S20 family arrives with 5G capabilities on every model, but not every model is the same.In a nutshell, all of the Galaxy S20 phones use the sub-6 bands for 5G networking, but only the two larger Galaxy S20+ and Galaxy S20 Ultra will be capable of using mmWave 5G networks. In the U.S., 5G networks are still in their infancy and carriers are expected to expand beyond their initial deployment conce...

Best answer: Yes, the Galaxy S20's fingerprint sensor will work with most plastic (or film) screen protectors. However, if the issues with last year's models are anything to go by, you might run into some issues with tempered glass options.The new hotness: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)Bare essentials: UniqueMe TPU Film Screen Protectors (3-pack) ($9 at Amazon)Glass for the glass: Asbellt Case Friendly Tempered Glass ($15 at Amazon)You'll still need to find the "right" screen protectorWhen Samsung unveiled its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, everyone thought that we were truly moving into the future. A fingerprint scanner that you didn't have to reach for and couldn't see? That's an amazing concept and one that Samsung attempted to deliver on.Fast forward to the release of the Galaxy S10 and then the Note 10 and there is still plenty of trouble surrounding the scanner. Samsung has a pre-installed screen protector on its flagship devices, which works with the finger...

The Galaxy S20 has quite the big battery, but with a 120Hz screen and 5G radios inside, you could still run it down if you're not careful on an exceptionally busy day. Or, y'know, because you forgot to throw it on the charger last night the way I did. Never fear, power banks are here and they can charge our S20s three different ways this year.Best overallAukey 10000mAh USB-C Power BankStaff pickRoughly the same size as the Galaxy S20, this 10,000mAh bank can recharge even the S20 Ultra twice before it runs dead. It supports Power Delivery and QuickCharge 3.0, so you can charge your S20 either way.$30 at AmazonHigh capacityZendure A6PD 20100mAh PD Power BankThis might be overkill for an S20, but if you want to charge a laptop or three phones at the same time, Zendure's power bank has 45W charging for laptops and an 18W QuickCharge 3.0 port.$61 at AmazonPocket-friendlyRAVPower PD Pioneer 10000mAh 29W Portable ChargerThis compact power bank is like an extra...

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.Odds 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 (hint: it's here). In fact, you can actually score a VPN subscription for less than the price of one cup of coffee or soda each month. We've already showcased the best VPNs you can sign up for, but no one likes paying full price.Don't spend hours scouring th...

Game is set to release by holiday season 2020 across PC and consoles — including PS5 and Xbox Series X.For the past eight months, all we've known about Outriders is that it was a co-op shooter set in a "dark and desperate sci-fi universe." On Tuesday, we finally got more plot and gameplay details in a new trailer. It not only reveals what to expect from the game, but also when we can expect it.The shooter, which will feature 1-3 player drop-in and drop-out gameplay, a linear story, and RPG elements, is currently set to release by Holiday 2020 on next-generation consoles — PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X — along with PS4, Xbox One, and PC.The latest game from People Can Fly, the company behind Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgement, and published by Square Enix, has been shrouded in secrecy since it was announced back at E3 last year. It's the company's first project since separating from Epic Games in 2015 (where it was known as Epic Games Poland) and was a huge under...

As the wait slowly continues, fans have a little more to look forward to before May.What you need to knowNaughty Dog has revealed some new wallpapers, a dynamic theme, art prints and more for The Last of Us Part II.The extremely limited Ellie Edition of the game is also going back in stock for a short time soon.The Last of Us Part II is set to release on May 29, 2020. While players keep on waiting for The Last of Us Part II, Naughty Dog has shared a few more tantalizing snippets. For starters, if you're going to PAX East, congrats! There will be stations so you can get hands-on with The Last of Us Part II. Since it's going to be in high demand, it's recommended that you use the PlayStation mobile app to schedule hands-on time.In another nice bit of news, if you were one of the people who wanted to get the Ellie Edition of the game but it went out of stock before you had a chance to grab it, you're going to get another show. On February 13 at 6:00 a.m. PT, the Ellie editio...

The social networking giant now holds more than 75% of Scape's shares.What you need to knowFacebook has acquired Scape Technologies, a London-based computer vision startup.The company has been working on a "Visual Positioning Service" called Vision Engine, which makes it possible to precisely determine the location of a device. Scape's "Vision Engine" could be a good fit for Facebook's next-generation AR platform.A regulatory filing discovered by the folks over at TechCrunch has revealed that Facebook has acquired Scape Technologies, which is a London-based computer vision startup that has been working on "location accuracy beyond the capabilities of GPS" since it was founded in 2017.While full terms of the deal haven't been made public yet, Facebook has confirmed the acquisition and sent the following statement to TechCrunch: We acquire smaller tech companies from time to time. We don't always discuss our plansScape's cloud-based "Visual Positioning Service" is ba...

What you need to knowFederal judge set to approve T-Mobile / Sprint merger.The ruling comes after more than a dozen states sued to block the merger.The new T-Mobile would have more than 100 million customers when combined.Updated February 11, 2020: As expected the merger of T-Mobile / Sprint has been approved. In his ruling, Southern District of New York judge, Victor Marrero, had this to say about his decision, The court concludes that the proposed merger is not reasonably likely to substantially lessen competition in the" mobile service market and would likely "enhance competition in the relevant markets to the benefit of all consumers."The leading attorney for the opposition, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, issued this statement after the ruling. Our fight to oppose this merger sends a strong message: even in the face of powerful opposition, we won't hesitate to stand up for consumers who deserve choice and fair prices. We'll stand on the side o...

Issues are popping up from San Francisco to New York.What you need to knowAs of February 11, T-Mobile is experiencing service issues across the U.S.Outages are being reported in Chicago, Detroit, New York, Seattle, and more.The funk began shortly after T-Mobile's merger with Sprint was approved.February 11 has been an interesting day for T-Mobile. Not too long after its merger with Sprint was approved, reports of service outages throughout the entire United States began to pop up.Looking at the outage map on Down Detector, there are numerous service issues coming from Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, and New York, just to name a few of the affected areas.I don't have any issues with my T-Mobile service here in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but your mileage will vary.It's also very unlikely that the outage actually has anything to do with the approved merger, and can just be chalked up to unfortunate timing.In any case, once the issues disperse, we'll update this ar...

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.What kind of intro offer can you grab with the Citi Double Cash Card?What you need to knowThe Citi Double Cash Card offers an introductory balance transfer.New cardholders can enjoy a 0% intro APR on balance transfer for 18 months.The card also earns cash back twice: once when you pay and another when you pay it off.The Citi® Double Cash Card is a fantastic cash back card that actually earns you cash back twice: 1% cash back when you make a purchase and another 1% cash back when you pay your bill. It's the only card on the market where paying your credit card off plays a major role in earning its rewards. While that might be enough of a reason to get this card alone, you might be wonderin...

This new 2K studio is getting a makeover and a big expansion.What you need to know2K Silicon Valley was established in 2019 under Michael Condrey.Michael has worked as lead on Dead Space and as creative director at Sledgehammer Games.2K announced today 2K Silicon Valley is being rebranded as 31st Union. The studio is also expanding, with a second location in Spain. 2K announced today in a press release that 2K Silicon Valley, a studio established in 2019 under Michael Condrey, is being rebranded as 31st Union. In addition to this name change, the studio will be expanding, with a second location coming in Spain."31st Union is off to an incredible start with a passionate and talented team, an intentioned culture that champions inclusivity and greater representation, and an ambitious and inspired new IP that we're extremely excited about," said Michael Condrey, President at 31st Union. "Our name and studio represent the spirit of California in its rich diversity of thought,...

Best answer: At the moment, yes, you should be able to play your PS4 games on a PS5. Sony intends for the new console to be backwards compatible, but intent isn't always a guarantee and things can change before the console goes on sale.Expand your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)One of our decade favorites: Horizon Zero Dawn ($32 at Amazon)What is backwards compatiblity and why is it so important to us?Backwards compatibility is a process that supports older legacy games on newer generation systems. Basically, for PlayStation and Xbox, you could pop in a disc designed for an older console into your new system and it'll just work. We've seen this work between the Xbox 360 and Xbox One due to Xbox's emulation process, but it would be something new for PlayStation.Almost everybody has favorite games that they go back to time and again. Some stories you just want to play multiple times. With backwards compatibility you will be able to continue playi...

A VPN is super important for anyone. Yup, that's the full sentence – it's that important. But specifically, why? For a start, online security. At the moment, without a Virtual Private Network, aka VPN, you're going online naked where anyone can access your data and even your location.Alright that was a bit of a scare to start with but it's the reality of online browsing these days be it from apps, browsers on computers or even through smart speaker requests. A VPN is there to help you hide your details, including where you are. This means that your data can't simply be taken and sold, nor can you be hacked as easily. It keeps your online anonymity just that, anonymous.But a VPN is also great for accessing geo-restricted content, like U.S. Netflix when out of the country where you would otherwise be denied access. So why should you get a VPN?Why use a VPN for security?When you go online your internet connection is assigned an IP address which is a number that corresponds to yo...

Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will pack a custom Radeon Navi GPU that can support 8K resolution and ray tracing. It is unknown how many teraflops of computing power it will have.Build your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 and up at Amazon)PlayStation 3 vs PlayStation 4 graphicsIt was notoriously difficult to develop for the PlayStation 3 because of its CPU, and though this was apparently the case on purpose so developers would be challenged to push its limits, that didn't make it a good thing. Sony used the RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' capable of 400 gigaflops (0.4 teraflops) for the PlayStation 3's GPU and a custom eight-core Cell Broadband Engine for the CPU, which also carried some of the graphics-related work that the console performed. This architecture was completely different from the PS2 and required a significantly greater amount of effort to develop for.Sony opted for a CPU and GPU that was much easier for developers to work with in the PlayStation 4 —...

She will be taking up a new role within Google.What you need to knowGoogle's HR head Eileen Naughton will be stepping down later this year amid rising tensions between the company's employees and the top brass.She has been the vice president of people operations at Google since 2016. Naughton has said that she is stepping down to be closer to her family. The head of human resources at Google, Eileen Naughton has decided to step down from her position later this year. Naughton, who was appointed as the vice president of People Operations at Google in 2016, had to deal with intense tensions between employees and the management over the last few years.Tensions between Google's top brass and employees started growing in 2018, after a report revealed that Android co-founder Andy Rubin was given a $90 million 'exit package', despite strong evidence of sexual misconduct. On November 1, 2018, nearly 20,000 Google employees staged a walkout in front of the company's offices around...

The coronavirus outbreak has forced retail stores to close and is hampering production.What you need to knowA report suggests that Q1 smartphone sales in China may halve due to the coronavirus outbreak.It could see the cancellation of product launches in the country because large public events are prohibitedCanalys also says it could dampen 5G shipments.A report suggests that the coronavirus outbreak could see smartphone sales in the country fall by half in Q1.According to Reuters analysts are predicting a sharp decline in sales due to retail closures, with firm Canalysis saying shipments could fall by 50%. The report notes: China's smartphone sales may plunge by as much as 50% in the first quarter, as many retail shops have closed for an extended period and production has yet to fully resume due to the fast spread of a new coronavirus, according to research reports. Canalys expects China's smartphone shipments to halve in the first quarter from a year ago, while...

Vivo has confirmed that it will no longer attend MWC.What you need to knowVivo has pulled out of MWC, citing coronavirus worries.The brand was slated to introduce its latest bezel-less phone at the conference, and it says it will introduce the device at a later date. LG and Sony have already pulled out of the show, and with Vivo following suit this year's event will be severely diminished.Following LG and Sony, Vivo has announced that it is no longer attending Mobile World Congress. Like everyone else that has pulled out of the show thus far, Vivo cited the coronavirus as the reason for not attending this year's event.Vivo was planning to showcase its latest bezel-less phone at the conference, but it says it will introduce the device at a later date.Here's the full statement Vivo provided to Android Central: Vivo has been closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (NCP) outbreak and continuously evaluating planned activities. The health and safety of our emp...

Aside from an upgraded dual-camera setup, the "new" Redmi 8A Dual is not very different from the Redmi 8A.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi sub-brand today launched the entry-level Redmi 8A Dual in India.The phone has been priced at ₹6,499 ($91) for the 2GB/32GB variant and ₹6,999 ($98) for the 3GB/32GB variant.It will be available for purchase in the country starting February 18.Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi launched an upgraded variant of its entry-level Redmi 8A smartphone in India today, dubbed the Redmi 8A Dual. It happens to be identical to the Redmi 8A in many areas, but brings an upgraded dual-camera setup and a few other improvements.Redmi 8A Dual will be available in India in two variants. While the 2GB/32GB variant will cost ₹6,499 ($91), consumers in the country will have to shell out ₹6,999 ($98) for the 3GB/32GB variant of the phone. It will go on sale starting February 18 via Mi.com, Amazon.in, as well as Mi Home stores across the country. The company sa...

It isn't expected to be a major upgrade over the current Galaxy M30s.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy M31 will debut in India on February 25.The budget Android smartphone will feature a 64MP quad-camera setup and a huge 6000mAh battery. It is rumored to be powered by a 10nm Exynos 9611 chipset. In January last year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy M series, aiming to take on Chinese rivals in the highly competitive budget segment. Thanks to aggressive pricing and solid hardware specs, the M series lineup helped Samsung increase its smartphone shipments last year, even though it didn't succeed in clawing back market share from rivals such as Xiaomi in India and a few other markets.The company today confirmed that it will be taking the wraps off its next M series phone at an event in India on February 25. Called the Galaxy M31, the upcoming budget smartphone from Samsung will pack a monstrous 6,000mAh battery. While the battery size isn't an improvement over the Galaxy M30...

OnePlus is all set to introduce its first power bank, and it will have fast charging.What you need to knowA recent tweet by Carl Pei suggests OnePlus will release its first power bank this year.The timing of the tweet indicates the power bank will release alongside the OnePlus 8. The OnePlus 8 is also likely to pick up wireless charging. I asked OnePlus executives countless times about wireless charging and power banks, but the response has always been along the lines of, "We'll do it only if it's as fast as our wired charging standard." It looks like OnePlus finally figured out how to bring fast charging to either medium, because if a recent tweet by Carl Pei is any indication, we'll see a OnePlus-branded power bank this year.RT if you'd like a fast charging power bank ⚡⚡⚡— Carl Pei (@getpeid) February 10, 2020The OnePlus 8 hype train is starting to build steam, and Carl is firmly in the driver's seat, stoking the flames. The exec is known to tease details of...

Google Assistant in Ambient Mode turns your phone into a smart display when it's being charged.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant's Ambient Mode is now rolling out to all OnePlus devices.The feature turns your phone into a smart display, letting you control smart home lights and much more. The rollout will be staged, with OnePlus noting that everyone should receive the feature in a week's time. Right now, OnePlus' OxygenOS is the software experience to beat on Android. Consistent updates with bug fixes and new feature additions allowed OnePlus to take the lead in this area, and OxygenOS is now picking up another enticing feature: Google Assistant's Ambient Mode. The feature is rolling out to all OnePlus devices (OnePlus 3 and above), and it lets you turn your phone into a smart display while charging.Boost your productivity with a proactive Google Assistant experience courtesy of @Android's Ambient Mode, now available on #OxygenOS. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/QchAW8Oa...

What you need to knowFederal judge set to approve T-Mobile / Sprint merger.The ruling comes after more than a dozen states sued to block the merger.The new T-Mobile would have more than 100 million customers when combined.After nearly two years in regulatory limbo, a federal judge is slated to approve the T-Mobile / Sprint merger, overturning state-level lawsuits that were separately filed in June 2019 and setting the stage for the largest telecommunications merger in years. The announcement is expected to be made early Tuesday, February 11 — the same day as the Samsung Galaxy S20 launch, where 5G is likely to be front and center during the event.The new T-Mobile, as it will be called, will have a combined customer base of over 100 million, still below AT&T and Verizon, but positioning the company as a much stronger contender in the race to own 5G in the U.S.While the judge's conditions for the approval have not been shared, the ruling isn't expected to dramatically...

This was always going to happen.What you need to knowGoogle is ending chat in Messages for users who enabled it using an unsupported hack.Chat features will be turned off at the end of February for those users who still have it active at this point.The firm has committed to bringing its chat features online to all regions as soon as it can.Last year, Google began rolling out RCS, its enhanced chat solution for Android devices. While not technically new (or specifically Google's), this was the first time the service was being attempted on a wide-scale by someone which as much clout and market reach as Google. Suffice to say, there was a lot of excitement online.Unfortunately, Google's fairly slow region-based roll-out meant that not everyone could access it outside of places like the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and France. An unreliable hack emerged that allowed some users to switch on RCS outside of those regions, but Google is now officially cutting off that route at the en...

The Skagen Falster 3 has arrived and it's better than ever. In addition to some major software upgrades, the watch itself is bigger. Now in a 42 mm case, the new edition is compatible with 22 mm bands. Whether you just bought the watch or you're looking to stock up on some amazing bands first, we've got what you need. Whether you're dressing up for a special event or you're hitting the gym, you'll be able to find a band that works for you.Best for durabilityBarton Elite Silicone Watch BandStaff pickIf you're looking for a band that can withstand high-intensity workouts and look good doing it, go for a silicone band from Barton. Each purchase comes with different two lengths for the long side of the band to ensure you get a perfect fit. The proprietary locking feature will keep it securely in place. Did we mention there are 20 vibrant colors to choose from?$20 at AmazonA touch of classRitche Leather Watch BandThe Skagen Falster 3 is a classy watch, so it make...

Samsung's mid-range smartphone options have typically been less than impressive, but with the Galaxy A50, the company's finally crafted a handset that doesn't skimp out on presentation or features while coming in at a price tag that everyone can get behind. If you have the A50 or plan on getting it, we recommend checking out any of the below cases to keep the phone safe and secure for years to come.All you needSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickThe Galaxy A50 is a no-nonsense phone that offers a great user experience without any big compromises. In the case world, that's precisely what the Spigen Rugged Armor sets out to do. It has a simple, yet effective design, shock-absorption technology, and raised edges over the display to prevent unwanted scratches.$11 at AmazonSleek and protectiveOtterbox Commuter LITEOtterbox has been in the case game for awhile and the Commuter series is one of the most popular. With the Galaxy A50, you get a two-piece case with a TPU inn...

It's 2020, and flagship smartphones are all nearly a thousand dollars or more. But as high-end phones get more expensive, cheaper phones are getting better. Phones under $300 are beautifully designed, with great screens, super-long battery life, excellent cameras, and awesome speakers. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you.Best Overall: Moto G7The Moto G7 and its other budget counterparts on this list have impressive, high-resolution touchscreens, reliable software, and great cameras. Some features, like NFC, drive up manufacturing costs, so you have to weigh whether you need NFC-enabled features like mobile payments. And the Moto G7 also lacks the same graphical power as its more expensive competitors, but most games play without issue, even at medium or high settings, because Android games are designed to play on hardware of all sizes and prices.At the same time, Motoro...

If the regular model costs $1,400-ish, how much will this cost?What you need to knowSamsung's working on an even more premium version of its already-very-expensive foldable.A leaked ad shows a limited edition of the Galaxy Z Flip is apparently in the works.It'll be made in partnership with fashion designer Thom Browne.We've got yet another Galaxy Z Flip leak this week, though from a somewhat unexpected source. Instead of Evan Blass (of @evleaks fame) continuing his crusade against the South Korean giant, this time it's noted Windows leaker WalkingCat throwing cold water on Samsung's plans for secrecy:a detour pic.twitter.com/AirJTtIn3h— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) February 10, 2020The 2:20 minutes long ad starts off without much fanfare, but soon betrays its purpose near the end, when its subject — who, for whatever reason, really likes staring at waterfalls — pulls out a seemingly familiar phone. Once he folds the device, the waterfall apparently opens up for him to pa...

Samsung is likely one of the first names that come to mind when you think about possible flagship smartphone options. However, the company has also its hands in the budget market with options such as the Galaxy A20. After you get your hands on this fantastic device, you'll want to make sure that it stays protected and we have found the best cases for your A20.Trusted brandSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickEveryone has heard about Spigen in some capacity, and for good reason as the company offers some of the best cases and accessories around. The trend continues with the Spigen Rugged Armor, thanks to the company's Air Cushion technology for improved shock absorption, along with spider-web interior pattern and raised edges.$11 at AmazonLeather and woodNagaBee Hybrid Shockproof CaseIf you can't decide on the right leather or wooden case, why not get both? The NagaBee Hybrid Case offers this with its unique hybrid design. You can find the wood cutout at the top, wit...

It may have taken its sweet time getting here, but the long-anticipated Disney Plus (or Disney+) streaming service is now available in five 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 a few different plans 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 check out. You can s...

Looks like the S20 Ultra's got one big camera.What you need to knowEven more Galaxy S20 series leaks dropped today.This time, it's the phones' marketing materials.They do a good job of differentiating the phones' camera sensors.There's just one more day to go before Samsung's execs take to the stage in San Francisco to unveil the company's upcoming flagships — and let's not forget that cute foldable. Yet, there's very little that they might say on the stage that will be new to most followers of this site, given that just about everything from the phones' looks to their specs to their pricing has now been leaked.Evan Blass, the merciless leaker leading the charge in stripping Samsung's execs from any hope of surprising us with anything, just littered the internet with even more S20 material. This time, it's the company's marketing promos. This batch of leaks, in particular, does an excellent job of highlighting the differences between the S20 series' cameras and thos...

Pairing a wallet case with a larger phone like the Samsung Galaxy S10+ just makes sense — you're already going to have to deal with fitting a bigger device into your pocket or bag, so why not buy an accessory that protects and cuts down on your daily carry? These are the best options for carrying your cards and cash with your S10+.Carry all your cardsFYY Luxury Wallet CaseStaff pickThis FYY wallet case effectively turns your Galaxy S10+ into a wallet. You get three card slots (including a dedicated ID card slot) along with a cash pocket all made from genuine cowhide leather. It also folds over into a stand for watching media and features RFID blocking technology. There are six colors to choose from.$34 at AmazonDesigned by SamsungSamsung LED Wallet CoverSamsung offers a multifunctional wallet case that features handy LED notifications on the screen cover and a card slot on the inside. Your Galaxy S10+ is held in place and protected by a slim shell casing while t...

It's a little more convenient than the current copy and paste method.What you need to knowGoogle is testing out an auto-fill feature for SMS One-Time Passwords (OTP).This lets OTP fields automatically pull in verification codes from the texts sent to the Messages app.It's enabled on beta builds of the Android Messages app. Google is working on a new Android Messages feature that'll make entering two-factor authentication (2FA) and OTP codes much simpler, and it appears to be rolling out now (via Android Police).Currently, Google already offers a means of easily copying codes from the Messages app notification to make entering them as simple as two taps. Upon getting an SMS with a verification code, the 2FA code is displayed with the option to copy it and you can paste it into the field of your choice. This new method goes a bit further. Once an SMS OTP is received on our handset, the Messages app will retrieve it from the SMS and suggest it as an autofill option in the OT...

Sony dropped a neat chunk of change to pick up Insomniac Games.What you need to knowSony acquired Insomniac Games in 2019.The purchase price has been revealed to be $229 million USD, mostly in cash.Insomniac Games released Marvel's Spider-Man in 2018, which has become the best-selling superhero game ever.Back in August 2019, Sony made waves when it announced that it had bought Insomniac Games, a studio that long had ties to PlayStation. We now know exactly how much that deal cost Sony. According to an SEC filing (Securities and Exchange Commission) that was first pointed out by Daniel Ahmad, an analyst at Niko Partners, Sony purchased Insomniac Games for $229 million USD, which was mostly in cash.$229 million isn't a small amount, especially when made mostly in cash on-hand however, it's certainly not an unsusual number. Electronic Arts acquired Respawn Entertainment in 2017 for $315 million, with a $140 million bonus being possible. Marvel's Spider-Man has sold over 13 m...

Best answer: Unfortunately, there's no concrete answer on this yet, but due to the fact that Sony has confirmed the PlayStation 5 will support backward compatability with PlayStation 4 titles, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the company will find a way to help players with older titles.Pick up a game: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $20 at Amazon)Will the PlayStation 5 support PS3 titles?Sony has made no secret that the PlayStation 5 will be backward compatible. However, it hasn't specified just how far back that will go. PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan has spoken about backward compatibility before, but it's been strictly about the PlayStation 4. Because the company is looking into it, however, many are wondering if PlayStation 2 or PS3 titles will also be supported.Adding to the rumors are the facts that Sony has filed patents related to backward compatibility, leading many to believe that the next PlayStation will offer it with every past PlayStation console. The ...

It started as a small enthusiast brand back in 2014, but OnePlus has quickly exploded into a mainstream hit that's responsible for making some of the best Android smartphones every year. If you know you want to buy a OnePlus phone but aren't sure which model to get, we've got a quick list to help you decide which one is right for you!Superb valueOnePlus 7TStaff pickThe OnePlus 7T is the latest offering in OnePlus's lineup, and while it may not technically be the most impressive, it is the phone we recommend most people buy. It has a stunning 90Hz AMOLED display with a 2400x1080 resolution, three rear cameras that allow for a lot of photography opportunities, a fast in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 855+ CPU paired with 8GB of RAM.$599 at OnePlusPop-up cameraOnePlus 7 ProWhile it may have been released a few months before the 7T, the OnePlus 7 Pro continues to be the more "premium" smartphone in the company's lineup. The display is stil...

Here's how to make the switch.WhatsApp is one of the more popular chat apps on the Play Store. This is largely in part due to cross-platform compatibility, but what are you supposed to do when switching from iPhone to Android? Despite Apple's "walled-garden" practice for its apps and iCloud, there is a way for you to still transfer chats to your Android device.How to export WhatsApp chats from iPhoneHow to import WhatsApp chats to AndroidHow to set up backup to Google Drive on AndroidHow to manually back upHow to export WhatsApp chats from iPhoneOpen WhatsApp on iPhone.Swipe to the left on the chat that you want to export.Tap the More button.Select Export Chat.From the share sheet, choose Mail.Enter the email address to access it from your Android phone.Tap the Send icon in the top right-hand corner.Repeat steps for each chat.Once you click Send, the chat will be sent to your email, where it can be retrieved from your Android device. The catch, however, is...

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is launching on February 11, 2020.What you need to knowMax Weinbach of XDA has given us a couple of Night Mode images from the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S10 to compare.In the two sets of images, the Galaxy S20 comes out on top easily by providing a brighter and clearer photo in both situations.The Samsung Galaxy S20 also did a better job of balancing out the exposure and provided a more accurate white balance.Over the past couple of years, night time photography modes have become a big deal on smartphones. Companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Huawei have all introduced dedicated camera modes to help take better photos in extreme low-light conditions, with each one battling it out to be the best.Now, on the eve of Samsung's big Unpacked event, we're getting a look at some samples comparing Night Mode on the Galaxy S20 versus the Galaxy S10. The photos come to us courtesy of XDA's Max Weinbach, who tweeted out two real-world examples for us to an...

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.Quadruple your bonus points with IHG this spring.What you need to knowIHG has launched a new limited-time promotion on hotel stays.Travelers can earn up to 4X Bonus Points between now and May 15, 2020.You'll also immediately earn 1,000 Bonus Points on your first night.IHG has just launched a new limited-time promotion that is offering up to 4X points on stays at one of its participating hotels. To entice potential patrons even more, the hotel group is also offering 1000 Bonus Points on the first night booked. After that, you'll continuously earn more bonus points the more nights you stay. Here is the breakdown of the offer:Earn 1000 Bonus Points on your First NightEarn 2X Bonus Points ...

5G is moving quickly and with coverage finally reaching more people thanks to Sub-6 5G. Verizon has been moving quickly on its Ultra Wideband network as well consistently adding new cities and towers. The best plan for you might depend on whether or not you get coverage. The best overall plan for 5G is T-Mobile's Magenta plan with unlimited data and Netflix included.Best Overall: T-Mobile MagentaUnlike other carriers, T-Mobile doesn't relegate its most expensive plans for 5G so if you upgrade to a 5G capable device, you can get connected on any plan. T-Mobile's 5G network isn't the fastest right now but it has the most coverage by far. The speeds on T-Mobile 5G should be plenty for normal phone usage. With that in mind, the Magenta plan is one of the best values on T-Mobile thanks to its unlimited data with deprioritization at 50GB and Netflix included.This plan only includes 3GB of LTE hotspot so it may be worth it to step up to the Magenta Plus plan for $15 more if you use ...

The Galaxy Buds+ are expected to make their official debut tomorrow.What you need to knowNew hands-on video shows off the Galaxy Buds+ ahead of launch.Much of what was already leaked has been confirmed, such as the larger batteries, lack of ANC, and the use of an additional audio driver.The Galaxy Buds+ are expected to launch at Samsung's Unpacked event on February 11, 2020, for $169.Samsung's Unpacked event is scheduled for February 11, 2020, where we expect it to launch the Galaxy S20, among other products. One of those being the Galaxy Buds+, which have already been shown off in a hands-on video, thanks to European retailer that shipped them early.The video comes to us courtesy of WinFuture's Roland Quandt, where he unboxes the new true wireless buds and then gives a quick tour of the product and the app. He also details some of the improvements over last year's Galaxy Buds, confirming much of what has already leaked out.One of the most significant changes is the...

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 in MarchThe 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 ...

What's better than finding a game you love, finding a game you love and only having to pay for it once to play it on two devices. Many popular games support cross-buy between the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift. If you buy any of the games in this collection for one platform, you'll get them on the other without having to spend another penny.Shoot to the musicPistol WhipStaff pickThis rhythmic shooter brings the action to you. You shoot, dodge, dance, and defeat enemies to the rhythm of the music to feel like you're in an action movie.$25 Oculus StoreBang bangAUDICANewThis new title from Harmonix, the makers of Rock Band and Dance Central, has you shoot blasters to the rhythm of songs. It includes songs from popular artists and looks great for replayability as you'll aim to raise your score.$30 at OculusFacing VaderVader Immortal: Episode IIIIn the third installment of the Vader Immortal series, you raid Vader's fortress alongside an army. You'l...