Latest from Android Central

For many people, quality transit information is far more important than driving directions and traffic.I'm a huge advocate for taking public transit. Whether you're living in a city or just visiting, if you're fortunate enough to have access to a public train system, you should use it when possible. Google Maps does a great job of showing transit directions, which really lowers the barrier for using public transit while traveling.But as you get familiar with a transit system where you live, you reach the point where you stop following the generic Google Maps directions and start applying your own knowledge and intuition to your travels. You know that this subway entrance is better than that one. That station has construction going on for the next 6 months (if you're lucky). This line is always crowded in the afternoon. That route is technically faster, but it creates a really annoying transfer with potential for a missed train. I'm okay walking a further distance during the day t...

An easy recommendation (as long as you don't care about waterproofing).I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but here at AC, I've turned into the person that gets to test out all of the true wireless earbuds. Amazon is filled with true wireless buds at all sorts of prices, and I've become the go-to person that gets to use them to see if they're worth the light of day.A lot of these earbuds target budget-conscious shoppers, often with prices that range from $100 at the high-end down to $50. However, if you do enough digging, you can find ones selling for even less.One such pair of earbuds that does precisely that are the SoundPEATS TrueFree+. These will set you back a little over $30, and at first glance, you'd be right to be skeptical of just how much they can actually bring to the table. However, just like the similarly-priced Aukey EP-T21 I previously reviewed, the SoundPEATS TrueFree+ punch way above the small asking price and deliver an overall great experience that's easy ...

Google will also be rolling out an update to the Live View feature within Maps very soon.What you need to knowGoogle Maps is celebrating its 15th birthday this week.To celebrate, Google has introduced a new icon for Maps, along with a few new features. The updated Google Maps app with the new look will begin rolling out on both iOS and Android today. The world's most popular online mapping service, Google Maps is celebrating its fifteenth birthday this week. To mark the occasion, Google Maps is getting an all-new icon and a bunch of new features.The most significant new change is the new Google Maps icon. It is based on the "pin", which has been a key part of Google Maps for a very long time. When you navigate with Google Maps this week, you may even see a celebratory party-themed car icon.Google is also introducing a new navigation system in the Maps app for Android and iOS. You will now find five tabs at the bottom of the screen: Explore, Commute, Saved, Contribut...

OnePlus 7TIncredible value$599 at OnePlusPros90Hz AMOLED displaySnapdragon 855+ chipset30W fast chargingAndroid 10 out of the boxStereo soundGreat valueConsCutoutNo IP ratingNo wireless chargingThe OnePlus 7T offers most of the same features as the OnePlus 7/7T Pro but at a lower price point. You get the same 90Hz refresh rate, but this time on a flat AMOLED display. The phone also has a Snapdragon 855+ chipset, updated 30W fast charging, and a new camera housing at the back that's reminiscent of a DSLR. Oh, and it comes with Android 10 out of the box.OnePlus 7T ProDitch the notch$696 at AmazonProsBezel-less all-screen design90Hz QHD+ AMOLED displaySnapdragon 855+ chipsetUpdated 30W fast chargingStereo soundAndroid 10 out of the boxConsHeavyAverage battery lifeNo IP ratingNo wireless chargingThe OnePlus 7T Pro is a minor refresh of the OnePlus 7 Pro, offering a marginally larger battery, updated 30W fast charging, a Snapdragon ...

The phone could be powered by the same Helio G70 chipset as the Realme C3.What you need to knowRedmi India will be launching a new phone with a massive 5,000mAh battery next week.Even though it hasn't been officially confirmed yet, the phone is expected to be the direct successor to the Redmi 8A. Along with the Redmi 9A, the brand is also expected to launch a new power bank in the country. Redmi India began teasing the launch of a new phone in India earlier this week, saying that its 2020 smartphone lineup will feature powerful processors and deliver a powerful user experience. The company today confirmed that it will be holding an event in the country on February 11, where it is expected to launch a new phone and a power bank.Gear up for the first #Redmi launch of 2020, launching on 11th Feb, 12 noon! 🤩 #MorePowerToRedmiExcited? Click here to get notified: https://t.co/Bf04XZt9Wc pic.twitter.com/tCiBlvOu6Z— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) February 6, 2020Along with th...

It is a pretty massive upgrade over last year's Realme C2.What you need to knowRealme C3 is the brand's latest entry-level Android smartphone for the Indian market.It is the world's first phone to be powered by MediaTek's 12nm Helio G70 SoC.The phone has been priced at ₹6,999 ($98) for the 3GB/32GB variant and will be going on sale in India starting February 14.Realme today launched the world's first smartphone to be powered by MediaTek's Helio G70 chipset, dubbed the Realme C3. The new Realme C3 is the latest addition to the company's entry-level smartphone lineup for the Indian market. It succeeds the Realme C2 that the brand had launched in April last year.The phone will be going on sale in the country starting February 14 via Flipkart and Realme.com in Blazing Red and Frozen Blue colors. While it will initially be sold exclusively online, Realme says the entry-level phone will be available from offline stores across the country from February 20. The company has pri...

Not all titles are available to stream in AV1 currently.What you need to knowNetflix has started streaming videos on its Android app using the AV1 codec.The royalty-free video codec offers 20% higher compression efficiency over VP9. Only selected titles are currently available to stream in AV1. Netflix today announced that it has started to stream video using the royalty-free AV1 codec on its Android app. The AV1 codec, which was released in 2018, promises a 20% improvement in compression efficiency over the VP9 codec.AV1's compression efficiency will ensure a superior streaming experience in areas where cellular networks can be unreliable and help save data for members who have limited data plans. Netflix says it plans to roll out AV1 on all its platforms in the future, although only selected titles are currently available to stream in AV1. To stream in AV1, you will need to enable the "Save Data" feature in the Netflix Android app by tapping on App Settings > Cellula...

The OnePlus TV is picking up welcome features and fixing lingering bugs with new update.What you need to knowOnePlus TV is getting a software update with new content integration and bug fixes.Spotify, MX Player, Voot, ShemarooMe, Alt Balaji, and JioSaavn are now baked into OxygenPlay. You can also disable MEMC in Dolby Vision and use the Prime Video button to switch the TV on and off. The OnePlus TV is getting a laundry list of new features in a new software update that is now rolling out to customers. The big change is the addition of new streaming services into OxygenPlay, including Spotify, MX Player, Voot, ShemarooMe, Alt Balaji, and JioSaavn. You could always install Spotify from the Play Store, but it is now baked into OxygenPlay.OnePlus is throwing in a three-month subscription to JioSaavn for all customers, and the OTA update enables Bluetooth connectivity with earphones. There's also a new playback animation when using Bluetooth Stereo, wherein the TV effectively...

The S10 was incredible. Here's what Samsung's doing to improve for 2020.Samsung's Galaxy S series is always one of the most anticipated smartphone releases year after year. Following a modest upgrade with the S9 series, 2019's Galaxy S10 lineup shook things up with an all-new Infinity-O design for the display, triple rear cameras, and even a third "budget" model.In the coming months, it'll be time for Samsung to take the wraps off of the Galaxy S20 (Samsung's expected to ditch the Galaxy S11 name). The phone has big shoes to fill, but knowing Samsung, it'll be up to the task.Without further ado, here's everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy S20!There will probably be three versionsThe S20's design has been revealedHere are the specs we're anticipatingWhy isn't it called the S11?Expect a high priceIt'll be announced on February 11Don't count out the Galaxy S10 just yetFlagship in every waySamsung Galaxy S10$750 at AmazonSamsung's 2019 flagship is s...

The Google Pixel 4 is a significant switch-up from the previous Pixels — ditching the two-tone glass and the fingerprint sensor. However, it's still a glass-backed flagship phone, and glass-backed flagships get put in cases the second they arrive for their own protection! Whether you want a clear case that can show off the Pixel 4's loveliness or prefer a more robust heavy-duty case to keep things locked down, we've spent hours looking for the best Pixel 4 cases out there.Slim gripSpigen Liquid AirStaff pickThis slim case features a wonderful texture on the back and sides, allowing you to add a bit of drop protection and a lot of grip without succumbing to the same old siren song of the carbon fiber case.$12 at AmazonDependable defenderTudia Merge SeriesPrefer your cases with a bit more protection? Tudia's Merge Series features the classic hybrid format, four color options, and an excellent price for a long-lasting, heavy-duty case.$10 at AmazonGet a gripC...

The company is teasing its "first global launch."What you need to knowRealme teased its first global launch this week.The cryptic tweet involving a set of coordinates points to MWC 2020.The company is likely referencing a new flagship.A smart TV isn't the only product Realme has in store for MWC 2020. As the company's European wing tweeted earlier today, the Indian brand, which has seen an incredible amount of growth over the last year, is also looking at the trade show for the launch of its next flagship.If there were a realme global launch event, where it would be? Shout out your answer here! pic.twitter.com/lo5Ngu5WX7— realme Europe (@realmeeurope) February 5, 2020Put the coordinates above into Google Maps, and you'll be taken to Fire de Barcelona, the annual venue for MWC. The "1st global launch" part of the tweet is also interesting and suggests the company's next flagship may be released simultaneously in multiple locations around the world, unlike its previou...

As we get closer to 5G networks on our cell phones, it's essential to have speeds that are faster than that when we are at home. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) has arrived and promises speeds of up to 10Gbps by combining those 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to provide a better experience. The next cog in the wheel is finding the best Wi-Fi 6-compatible router, and we have found the best ones for you to consider.Smarter homesTP-Link Archer AX6000 RouterStaff PickIf you are looking for a regular router, chances are you've taken a look at some of the offerings from TP-Link. The company has moved into the Wi-Fi 6 era with the AX6000 router. This router includes eight antennas attached to the base which aims to provide a "powerful" Wi-Fi signal throughout your home, without needing additional routers.$270 at AmazonBudget Wi-Fi 6Netgear 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX15)Let's face it, most people don't need a ton of Wi-Fi speed but that doesn't mean they won't benefit from Wi-Fi 6. The Netgear ...

The Samsung Galaxy S10 is a truly gorgeous phone thanks to its nearly bezel-less display and stunning glass back, but as with all of Samsung's latest handsets, you'll want to outfit it with a case in order to ensure its good looks for years to come. If you're planning on picking up the S10, here are the cases we recommend getting.Redesigned favoriteSpigen Neo HybridStaff pickSpigen's Neo Hybrid has long been one of our favorite phone cases. It has an iconic design, offers excellent protection, and is easy on the wallet.From $14 at AmazonThinnest you can getTotallee Thin CaseOne of the best thin cases on the market comes from Totallee. Not only is this case astonishingly thin, but it also offers ample coverage against wear and tear.From $25 at AmazonMore than a caseSamsung LED Back CoverThe Samsung LED Back Cover is quite unique. The case offers good drop protection, but its real highlight are the customizable LEDs on the back.From $15 at AmazonNot to...

That's a lot of zoom.What you need to knowXiaomi's Lu Weibing took to Weibo today to tease one of the company's upcoming phones.In particular, he showcased the incredible zooming capabilities of the phone.He didn't name the phone, but it's likely to be one of the Mi 10 models, set to launch later this month.Having been the harbinger of crushed hopes for the last few weeks, Xiaomi VP Lu Weibing finally shared some news that's bound to get fans excited about the Chinese giant's upcoming phones. It was apparently snowing in Beijing today, and Weibing decided to share the moment with his followers on Weibo: A social media savvy exec, he, of course, couldn't resist the temptation to use the opportunity to hype up one of the company's upcoming phones, using the caption, "Thrilled with the new phone." It's unclear, of course, which phone it might be, but the folks at GSMAera think it's the company's next flagship, the Mi 10 Pro.That wouldn't be entirely surprising, given tha...

Google Stadia launched in preview form late in 2019.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia's free tier is on track to launch in the "next few months".Stadia launched originally with a $130 hardware price tag and a $10 per month subscription plan. Stadia launched last year to mixed reception, with the wonderful potential of the platform being praised.It's not much, but we finally have a timeline of sorts telling us when to expect Google Stadia's awaited free tier.In an interview given to Protocol, Google exec Phil Harrison hinted at release schedule, saying: The big strategic difference is that over the next few months you will be able to experience Stadia for free. No money down, without having to put a box in your home, you can just click and play amazing games straight from our data center.There's almost nothing vaguer than a few months in terms of timelines, but at least its confirmation that the free Stadia is on track for at least this year, and hopefully by the ...

A few hours of screen-on-time is one thing; a max life of 12 hours is another thing entirely.Motorola RAZR: The review in progress48-hour impressionsCamera reviewBattery life reviewThe Motorola RAZR has a lot of things that might attract your attention, including the front display, folding main screen, and the cool form factor. However, look beneath the surface features, and the 2510mAh battery is likely to cause some concern.Can a phone with two screens, and a form factor that means you'll open the main screen many times per day, survive a whole day with a battery that's smaller than the iPhone 8? I've been using the Motorola RAZR for a little over four days, and here are our first impressions on its battery. Curb your expectations of the battery lifeIf you're expecting all-day battery life, you should curb these expectations. Despite advances in software optimizations and processor efficiencies, there's no substitute for physics, and a smaller capac...

It wanted to preserve the Fold's 'premium' image.What you need to knowSamsung has reportedly clamped down on South Korean carriers' requests to lower the Fold's pricing.The suggested drop in price was in anticipation of the Galaxy Z Flip's impending launch.Samsung, however, felt a price drop would send the wrong message about the Galaxy Fold's premium credentials.If you think the $2,000 asking price for Samsung's first foldable phone was too much, Samsung most vehemently disagrees with you. Not only has the company maintained the phone's pricing at the same level since launch, but it may also not approve a drop in price even after the Galaxy Z Flip officially launches next week.A report from South Korean publication JoongAng News suggests carriers in the company had proposed, to Samsung, a drop in pricing for the Galaxy Fold from 2,398,000 Korean won ($2,025) to 1,998,700 won ($1,688).The carriers' reasoning behind the proposed price drop was the impending launch of the...

Immersion breaking video ads are the worst kind of ads.What you need to knowGoogle will take action against obtrusive video ads from August 2020.It will not show any ads on sites that repeatedly violate the new video policies. It will also review its own products like YouTube to ensure it remains in compliance.Google, in line with new guidelines from the Coalition for Better ads, will be making moves against obtrusive video ads later this year.For context, the Chrome browser has shipped with an ad blocker from the last year that automatically blocked text ads which fell below coalition standards. Google says that the new feature actually helped decrease voluntary ad-blocking rates as customers would no longer seek to download their own ad blockers if the built-in one was enough. That is, the ads that were allowed now fell below the annoyance threshold. It's now taking that approach over to video ads.The Coalition, and by extension Google, now classify three kinds of vi...

New technology works best when everyone commits to it — 2020 is the year everyone is committing to 5G connectivity. A ton of support from carriers and smartphone companies is going to flood the market with 5G-capable phones this year. 5G isn't everywhere (yet), but if you live in a place with a 5G network, these are the best 5G phones you can buy — starting with our top pick, the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5GThe biggest thing the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G has a lot going for it is that it's built on the exact same platform as the excellent Galaxy Note 10+. The Note 10+ 5G is the same in terms of size, specs and capabilities — meaning it has the same amazing screen quality, high-end internals, consistently great cameras, and Samsung software that's filled with features. Plus, it still has the S Pen.But Samsung is charging $200-300 more than the current going price for the 4G version of the Note 10+, and that's tough to swallow.Pros:Huge, hig...

Today's phones and tablets are more powerful than ever, and despite more power-efficient processors, it's not uncommon to find yourself needing to charge up at times when you aren't near a wall outlet. Battery packs that are 20,000 mAh and higher are ideal for people that need a lot of juice while on-the-go, and while they may not fit into your pocket, they're necessary for keeping your devices topped up. Our top pick is the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. Here's why it's our favorite, along with seven other great alternatives.Best Overall: Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PDAt the top of our list, we have the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD. This is the high-capacity power bank we think is the best choice for most people, factoring in its ports, price, build quality, and battery size.The battery in the PowerCore+ measures in at 26,800 mAh, and Anker says it's enough to charge "most phones" over seven times and most tablets at least two times. If you have a notebook or small laptop, you should be...

Power banks are wonderful tools that can help keep your lifeline from turning into a portable paperweight while you're trying to survive just another ridiculously long day, but buying one you can trust shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. These are some great power banks that won't break your bank... account.Portable powerhouseAukey 10,000mAh Battery PackStaff pickThis pack is phone-sized for charging on the go and in addition to 18W Power Delivery charging, it has a QC 3.0 port and a second USB-A port for charging a third device.$30 at AmazonReliable RAVPowerRAVPower PD Pioneer 18W Power BankRAVPower's bank has 18W charging, same as Aukey's, and it's a phone-like size that makes it easy to grab and go for charging during a night on the town.$27 at AmazonPretty pocket powerXcentz USB-C Power Bank 5000 PDThis bank is affordable, reliable, and frankly adorable with its candy-bar size and cute pastel colors. The 5,000mAh capacity can recharge your phone at leas...

It'll ship on February 9.What you need to knowHMD Global has opened pre-sales for the Nokia 2.3 in the U.S. on Amazon.The new handset will set you back $129.Like the Best Buy release before it, It ships in only two colors, ditching HMD's Cyan Green for just Sand and Charcoal shades.After launching exclusively on Best Buy last month, the Nokia 2.3 has now landed on Amazon, available for pre-order towards the 9th of February for the same relatively inexpensive $129.For the price, you're getting a pretty decently specced handset. You'll see a 6.2-inch HD+ screen with a small waterdrop notch, face unlock powered by the 5MP front-facing camera, a dual-camera at the rear for portraits, and a Google Assistant button for those who want quick and easy access to the service.Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global said: Consumers world over have really appreciated the Nokia 2 family of products. The Nokia 2.3 is a step forward in our promise of offering you an experie...

Get your game on — even in the offseason — with the best sports games available for Android.After a few golden years of fantastic entries, it seems like most mobile sports games have succumbed to the freemium model. There are far too few quality titles available that just let you jump into the game without having to deal with player cards, pointless upgrades, or waiting for 'stamina meters' to refill. Nearly all the top mobile sports game franchises have switched over to a team building system that requires you to unlock (or buy) card packs to upgrade your team.But there are still great games to be played. We've tried to cover the five major North American sports here — football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and, ahem, soccer — with the best available options for each. Be sure to note which games are more sim-based for the hardcore sports fan, while others offer more arcade-like option for casual players.The best sports game for AndroidNBA 2K20$2 at Google Pl...

The Galaxy S10 Ultra is rumored to have 10x optical plus 10x digital zoom.What you need to knowReal-world images of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra leak ahead of the release.There are two images showing off the massive camera bump on the back of the device.Next to the rectangular camera, you can make out the 100x Space Zoom branding.The imminent launch of Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S20, is swiftly approaching with February 11 being only days away. Leading up to the Unpacked event, details and photos continue to leak out. Today, we already saw the name change and design confirmed, thanks to a phone case for the Galaxy S20 being listed on Samsung's German site by accident.Now, we're getting two real-life images of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra courtesy of Jon Prosser's Twitter account. In the photos, we get our first real look at the massive camera bump clearly showing off the four-camera array. The three cameras housed in the upper half are expected to offer wide, u...

FUBAR.A lot of people think technology is the answer to everything. They may be right, but only if the tech itself is ready. At the Iowa Caucus on Monday night, we saw what a disaster looks like when the tech isn't ready.I'm not going to get into politics and don't care about the caucus vs. primary debate, or which candidate is best or anything of the sort. I'm only here to marvel at the utter failure and try to explore it. After all, it was the real star of the horror show.What we knowFor starters, no votes were changed and every vote will be counted so everyone can stop talking about election interference. No matter what candidates are saying, nobody won anything in Iowa.What did happen was an untested app was distributed in a horrible way to untrained officials that was supposed to let them transmit results into a central server so everything could be tallied. Paper ballots are still there and the app wasn't used by the public for voting purposes.We also know th...

Most modern companies are implementing or investigating how to implement cloud technologies within their operations, and being certified in Microsoft Azure can lead to a lucrative career in the cloud. Microsoft estimates that Azure is being used by 50 percent of Fortune 500 companies, and Azure Architects are landing careers with six-figure salaries.Jumping into Azure without any guidance isn't recommended, however, but training programs generally aren't cheap. Right now, however, Windows Central Digital Offers has a deal on a complete Microsoft Azure Architect certification prep bundle that contains four separate courses that prepare you for necessary certification exams. Instead of paying the regular price of about $387, you'll instead pay just $29. That's a saving of 92 percent!This four-course bundle includes 23 hours of training and countless lectures. Access also remains open forever, so you can tackle learning at your own speed.If you're ready to jump into Microsoft Azur...

Hint — you don't need to download another app.When you step back and think about it, it's a little overwhelming to realize how much our phones are capable of. We can use them to watch endless hours of entertainment, play engaging games with great graphics, communicate with people all over the world, and so on.Of all the various functions our phones can perform, one of the most useful is, undeniably, turning it into a flashlight.Whether you need a light source when the power goes out or want to stay safe when walking your dog at night, here are the best ways to enable the flashlight on your Android phone.Note: The following screenshots are from a Pixel 4 running Android 10. Things might look slightly different depending on the phone you're using, but the core process will still be the same.How to enable the flashlight via Quick SettingsWithout a doubt, this is the easiest way to enable the flashlight. It requires just a couple of taps, can be accessed no matter what you'...

The first first UFC title fight of 2020 takes place at the Toyota Center, Houston, Texas on Saturday, February 8 with the unbeaten Dominick Reyes out to dethrone controversial defending champ Jon Jones.Despite continued criticism that he's past his best, Jones has continued to take out each contender thrown at him by the UFC. Never stopped nor outscored, the only blemish on his 26-fight career stands as a controversial disqualification for landing illegal downward elbows on Matt Hamill back in 2009.While his recent visits to the octogon haven't perhaps seen him at his dominant best (his last defence of his crown came in July with a narrow split-decision victory over Thiago Santos), it still remains the case that the most likely person capable of displacing Jones as champ is Jones himself thanks to his numerous run-ins with the law.Nevertheless, Jones' opponent on Saturday seems more than capable of ending his record-breaking run. Reyes is arguably the best natural athlete in th...

They have an integrated plate for mounting a Moment lens!What you need to knowNomad has just announced its brand new Rugged cases.They're available for Google Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL. The cases have an integrated plate for mounting a Moment lens directly to your phone's camera!Nomad has just announced its brand new Rugged cases for Google Pixel 4, featuring an integrated plate for mounting Moment lenses.In a release, Nomad said: Our newest cases are Moment compatible. Meaning, they are the same style and quality you've come to expect from Nomad but now with an integrated Moment mounting plate. These will be available for all iPhone 11 models as well as Google Pixel 4 phones.The new cases are available for both the Google Pixel 4, and the Pixel 4 XL. They're available in two different colors, either black or brown Horween Leather.As mentioned, the big USP is the fact that these cases come with an integrated plate around the camera housing, so that you can mount a ...

Sonos speakers are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. They sound fantastic, look great, and are very easy to set up. You'll find impressive sound with Sonos speakers right out of the box, but with a little fine-tuning, it's easy to get a more personalized listening experience. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to change the EQ settings of your Sonos speaker with just a couple of taps.Products used in this guideThe chosen one: Sonos One ($199 at Amazon)Flagship: Google Pixel 4 XL (From $899 at Amazon)How to change EQ settings for your Sonos speakerOpen the Sonos app on your phone.Tap the Settings icon in the bottom navigation bar.Tap System.Tap the speaker you want to customize.Tap EQ.Now that you're on the EQ page, you'll find a few different settings you can play around with. Bass and Treble are the two most important ones, as these will affect how much emphasis your speaker(s) places on the low and high-end of audio.Crank th...

The P40 Pro will launch in March 2020 at an event in Paris.What you need to knowSupposed live image of the P40 Pro has leaked showing off the bezel-free display on the front.The image also confirms the pill-shaped cutout for the dual selfie cameras that we've seen in renders previously.The P40 Pro will be the next big flagship to launch from Huawei without Google apps and services.The P40 Pro is Huawei's next big flagship set to launch in March 2020 at an event in Paris. Leading up to the event, we've seen several renders of the new premium phone leak out, but now we're getting our first potential live look at the device.The image comes to us from Slashleaks, and shows the front of the P40 Pro in all its glory. As previous renders have already revealed, the P40 Pro will feature a pill-shaped cutout in the upper left corner with two selfie cameras.However, the real show stopper here is the insanely thin bezels on the device. You can barely see the thin strips of black at...

Beauty and brainsSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2$249 at AmazonProsDigital touch bezelLTE capabilitySamsung PayBuilt-in GPSConsShorter battery lifeMore expensiveThere's a lot to love about the new Galaxy Watch Active 2 from Samsung. While activity tracking remained mostly the same, the most notable upgrade is optional LTE capability. You'll also enjoy onboard GPS, Samsung Pay, and a digital touch bezel.Tried and trueFitbit Versa 2$150 at AmazonPros5-day+ battery lifeNew AMOLED displayFitbit PayAmazon-Alexa built-inConsNo LTELacks built-in GPSAs the newest member of the tried and true fitness tech family, the Fitbit Versa 2 had pretty big shoes to fill. Fortunately, it succeeded with some decent upgrades. Fitbit Pay is now standard, users have Amazon-Alexa built-in, and battery life is on point.When you begin shopping around for a fitness smartwatch, Samsung and Fitbit are likely to be some of the first brands you come across....

Our pickFitbit Versa 2$150 at AmazonProsComfy, lightweight designWaterproof up to 50 metersBuilt-in Amazon AlexaFitbit Pay is includedOver five days of battery lifeConsDoesn't have GPSReleased in 2019, the Versa 2 is Fitbit's best smartwatch ever made. It has a fantastic design, an easy-to-read AMOLED display, and offers 24/7 heart-rate monitoring. Compared to the Versa Lite, the Versa 2 has considerably more smarts with the inclusion of Alexa and Fitbit Pay.Best for lessFitbit Versa Lite$100 at AmazonProsSame exact design as the VersaAvailable in more vibrant colorsWaterproofHeart-rate sensorConsLacks on-screen workoutsNo local music storageDoesn't track floors climbedIf you really like the Fitbit Versa 2 but don't have that kind of money to spend on a new smartwatch, the Versa Lite is kind of perfect. It has the exact same design, a great display, and solid battery life. It's lacking a few fitness features, such as on-screen workou...

Chatting with the AC forums.If you are a BlackBerry fan, this likely hasn't been the best week for you. On February 3, TCL Communication announced that it no longer had the rights to create/sell Android phones with the BlackBerry Mobile branding.In other words, BlackBerry smartphones are dead...again.The TCL-led BlackBerry resulted in some pretty interesting phones, namely the KEYone and KEY2. Unfortunately, while they were certainly cool from a nostalgia point of view, they apparently didn't perform well enough to warrant additional handsets. Commenting on this news, here's what some of our AC forum members said. Golfdriver97 02-03-2020 10:33 AM “ Is it sad? Yes. Surprising? Actually I'm more surprised this lasted as long as it has. The writing has been on the wall for a few years now. Reply Laura Knotek 02-03-2020 05:19 PM ...

They are tipped to be priced at $149 in the U.S.What you need to knowAhead of Samsung's Unpacked event next week, the official Galaxy Buds+ companion app has been released on the Apple App Store.The App Store listing confirms the Galaxy Buds+ moniker as well as the design of the upcoming wireless earbuds. They are expected to come with a bigger battery as well as faster charging compared to the previous generation. Just yesterday, the complete specs sheet of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds+ true wireless earbuds had been leaked by the ever-reliable Evan Blass. While Samsung hasn't officially confirmed it yet, the earbuds are expected to be launched alongside the Galaxy S20 series at the company's Unpacked event next week. Ahead of the big event, the official companion app for the Galaxy Buds+ has been listed on Apple's App Store.While the companion app doesn't reveal anything new, it is the first time that the existence of the Galaxy Buds+ has been "officially" confirmed. ...

Great PerformanceWithings Steel HR$180 at AmazonProsConnected GPSActivity and sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoring5 ATM water resistanceStylish designConsHard to read in sunlightSmall OLED screenNo music controlsThe Withings Steel HR is another example of a hybrid done right. You still get to enjoy the traditional analog watch face and subdial along with a unique OLED screen. It's also packed with great features, including connected GPS tracking.Clever designGarmin Vivomove HR$179 at AmazonProsActivity and sleep trackingHeart-rate monitoring5 ATM water resistanceMusic controlsFashionable designConsNo GPS optionsFinicky touchscreenHard to read in sunlightIt might look like your everyday fashionable timepiece, but the Garmin Vivomove HR is much more than that. This innovative hybrid smartwatch features a touchscreen with a hidden display and plenty of helpful features to go around.When you want to reap some of the benefit...

And podcast consumption is up 200% year-on-year!What you need to knowSpotify has published its results for Q4 of 2019.The service now has 124M subscribers, up 29% year-on-year.Podcast consumption on the platform has also grown exponentially over the last 12 months.Spotify has posted its results for Q4 of 2019, confirming that it now has 124M subscribers.In its full release Spotify said: The business continued to perform well in 4Q19. For the third consecutive quarter, total MAU growth accelerated while Subscribers, Revenue, and Gross Margin all met or exceeded our expectations. We continue to see exponential growth in podcast hours streamed (up approximately 200% Y/Y) and are now seeing clear indications that podcast usage is driving increased overall engagement and retention. We have seen early indications that our investments in podcasts are having a positive impact on conversion of free to paid users. Overall, the business performance remains strong, and we believe...

I'm still waiting on Google and RCS to deliver as promised.Around this time last year, I wrote an article about the trials and tribulations of just deactivating your Facebook account. It's now been over 365 days, and I have no regrets — other than the fact that I still haven't completely de-shackled myself from Zuckerberg's platform.Technically, I'm still a "Facebook user" because Messenger is still the most-used messaging app on my phone. Through my efforts to remove Facebook from my life, the sad fact is that the majority of my family, friends, and community groups still actively use Facebook, and Messenger is the easiest way to stay connected in those circles.Letting go of the fear of missing outA concern most people must have when leaving Facebook is that your social circle will seemingly instantly evaporate. There's something comforting about staying in the loop with the news feeds delivering constant updates from friends and family. I was worried that by de-platformin...

Q1 is traditionally slow, but the coronavirus outbreak may push numbers down even further.What you need to knowDigitimes Research says that Q1 2020 tablet shipments may fall to a new low.The traditional slow season may be impacted further by the coronavirus outbreak.It predicts total unit shipments could fall to just 28.5 million units.A report from Digitimes Research suggests that global tablet shipments may fall to a new low in Q1 of 2020.According to the report: As the tablet market enters the traditional slow season and China's coronavirus outbreak has extended the Lunar New Year holidays there by 1-2 weeks, global tablet shipments are expected to arrive at only 28.56 million units, a new low, estimates Digitimes Research.That number stands in contrast to Q4 2019 numbers which saw tablet shipments total an estimated 43.23 million worldwide. Looking back on the quarter the report notes: Apple was the largest tablet vendor worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2...

Not everyone wants a tank of a case like an OtterBox, but if you're going to spend a grand on a Samsung Galaxy S10+, you need at least some kind of case on it. Slim cases can offer some drop protection as well as grip and a guard against everyday scuffs, scrapes, and smudges. These are the slim cases we love the most.As this as it getsTotallee Ultra ThinStaff PickThe S10+ is a lot of phone to handle, so I can "totallee" understand wanting a case that doesn't add any more bulk to the party. Totallee's Ultra Thin case is the case for people who hate cases — it's as thin as can be with grip and grace.$35 at AmazonThin hard-candy coatinganccer Ultra Thin FitHard-shell snap-on cases like anccer's Ultra Thin Fit may not give your S10+ much in the way of drop protection, but it does add grip and protect that back glass from scuffs and smudges. It's available in five colors and two finish styles — Smooth and Gravel.$13 at AmazonClear as crystalSpigen Liquid Crys...

The phone's release date, however, remains a mystery.What you need to knowA new leak suggests the upcoming Redmi K30 Pro will pack a large 4,700mAh battery with 33W fast charging.The upcoming flagship phone is also said to sport a pop-up selfie camera and an OLED display, instead of the LCD panel used in the Redmi K30. Under the hood, it is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 865 chipset. A report published by the folks at XDA Developers earlier this week reaffirmed previous rumors that had claimed the Redmi K30 Pro will come equipped with a Snapdragon 865 chipset under the hood. Now, a few more details regarding the phone's hardware have surfaced, courtesy of Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo.As per the leaker, Redmi's upcoming flagship phone will come with a bigger battery than the Redmi K30 launched in December last year. The phone will apparently have a 4,700mAh cell with faster 33W fast charging. The Redmi K30, in comparison, comes with ...

Could it be teasing the Redmi Note 9 series?What you need to knowXiaomi India has started teasing the launch of new Redmi products in the country.The Xiaomi sub-brand could be hinting at the launch of the Redmi 9 series. Redmi says the new devices are "coming soon."Earlier this week, Xiaomi's India chief Manu Kumar Jain shared a teaser on Twitter for Redmi's upcoming products. Even though no details were revealed in that teaser, Jain did mention that the company's 2020 lineup would come with powerful processors and a powerful user experience. Redmi India today released a new video teaser for its upcoming devices, which are said to be "coming soon."#Power has a new look! ⚡️Coming soon. #MorePowerToRedmi! pic.twitter.com/k58iic1n5Z— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) February 5, 2020Even though the latest video teaser released by Redmi was tweeted with the same #MorePowertoRedmi hashtag as the one shared by Jain, the video shows off the silhouette of what looks like a powe...

The Galaxy S20 will be a massive upgrade over its predecessor.What you need to knowA case for the Galaxy S20 was accidentally listed on Samsung's German site, confirming the name and design of its upcoming flagship phone.The Galaxy S20 is set to be unveiled at Samsung's Unpacked event on February 11. Along with the Galaxy S20 series, the foldable Galaxy Z Flip is also expected to be announced at the event next week. Samsung's highly anticipated Galaxy S20 series phones will finally be unveiled at the company's Unpacked event in San Francisco next week. Just days before the event, Samsung briefly listed an LED back cover case for the Galaxy S20 on its German site. In addition to confirming the design of the upcoming flagship phone, the listings also confirm its marketing name. As shown by several leaked images of the Galaxy S20, the phone will sport a centered hole-punch cutout at the top of the display. At the back of the phone will be a rectangular camera bump housin...

Do you like arguing with your friends as you work together to move things? If so, this is the game for you.What you need to knowMoving Out is an upcoming couch co-op game focused on moving around furniture in zany locations.It's being developed by SMG Studio and Devm Games, while being published by Team17.There's a new trailer showing the physics-based gameplay.Moving Out is set to release on April 28. If you're looking for couch co-op games that let you relive the experience of yelling over who isn't lifting their fair share, here's one to keep on your radar. SMG Studio, Devm Games and Team17 are bringing a new Overcooked-esque title called Moving Out. Appropriately enough, it's all about moving furniture around, with a physics-based gameplay system. You can take a look at the trailer below, showing the assorted easy assignments you'll have in the town of Packmore.In Moving Out, players are part of the Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technician crew. You can ...

Looking to tune into this weekend's UFC 247? If you're a fan of the sport, you should be. It's going to be a big one.The first headliner, Jon Jones, is the current two-time undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. He'll be going up against promising newcomer Dominick Reyes, who's currently undefeated in twelve matches. It'll truly be a clash for the ages.And if you have an iPhone or an iPad, it'll be an easy match to watch, as well. All you need to do is install the ESPN+ application through the Apple App Store.ESPN+UFC 247 PPVFrom $49.99Champion vs. newcomerJon Jones didn't win two championships for nothing, but you shouldn't discount Reyes. He's a powerful fighter in his own right, and one who may be able to exploit Jones' weaknesses. You can watch this match and more on ESPN + for iOS.How to watch UFC 247 through ESPN+ on iPhone/iPadIn the Apple App store, find ESPN: Live Sports & Scores and install it. Once you've completed the installation, open t...

The Xbox One does a lot more than play games. It's also a powerful multimedia streaming platform, and a great option for those of us who don't own smart TVs or streaming sticks. It offers access to pretty much every single stream you can think of, from Netflix to live TV.That includes pay-per-view UFC matches. The upcoming UFC 247, which will pit Jon Jones against Dominick Reyes, can be streamed easily on your Xbox. All you need to do is sign up for an ESPN+ subscription, download the app, and purchase the fight.We'll walk you through it.ESPN+UFC 247 PPVFrom $49.99A champion defends his titleThe second UFC event of the year is one you don't want to miss, with champion Jon Jones going up against the promising Dominick Reyes. Your Xbox is the perfect way to watch the match.How to watch UFC 247 through ESPN+ on Xbox OneSign up for an ESPN account and subscribe to ESPN+ through ESPN's website. Install the ESPN Xbox One app through the Xbox One's app store. Open...

Will a remix lose some of what made the original great?In recent years, the story mode for first-person shooting (FPS) games has started to feel like an afterthought, something to shoehorn into your multiplayer experience. There are exceptions to this, of course, and some FPS have started to use the story mode in earnest, so now seems the perfect time to bring back an FPS that spent hours telling a great story. XIII, the PlayStation 2 classic, is getting a remaster for the PlayStation 4 and from what we are seeing it could be a good one.What is XIII?So is XIII - Remake a sequel?What is the XIII going to look like?What is the XIII release date?What is XIII?Based on the comic book of the same name, XIII is a Jason Bourne-style story of an assassin that loses his memory. In the case of XIII — you are called XIII because you have a tattoo of it on your chest — you have also been accused of killing the President of the United States. What follows is an excellent and sto...

id Software doubles down on DOOM's gory renaissance.At E3 2018, id Software announced a new entry in the DOOM franchise. Dubbed DOOM Eternal, it's a continuation of the 2016 reboot that set the franchise on a new path. Here's everything you need to know about it.What is DOOM Eternal?What's the story of DOOM Eternal?What's gameplay like in DOOM Eternal?Does DOOM Eternal have multiplayer?Will SnapMap return in DOOM Eternal?Will there be DLC for DOOM Eternal?Release dateConquer HellDOOM Eternal$60 at AmazonSlay demonic forcesPrepare yourself for all of the blood and gore you can handle in DOOM Eternal, id Software's next entry in the franchise that is kicking the action up a notch for new and returning players.What is DOOM Eternal?For quite some time, DOOM was an IP that existed in a state closely resembling limbo. What was known as an iconic game series had quickly been remade and rehashed to obscurity. That changed with the reboot of the franchise in 20...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The games PlayStation is offering this month include two franchise games and a PSVR exclusive. Check out the list below, start downloading these games on Feb. 4 and enjoy them until March 3, 2020.★ Featured favoriteBioShock: The CollectionRelive the epic story of Rapture and Columbia or visit them or the first time this February. BioShock: The Collection contains all single-player content from the franchise: BioShock, BioShock 2, BioShock Infinite, and the add-on content. It's everything you need to battle some Big Daddies.See at PlayStation Store★ EA PowerhouseSims 4The Sims is a title that everybody has heard of, regardless if they play games regularly. SimCity inspired this spin-off game back in 2000 and over the past 20 years, it has evolved into quite the money sink. Dozens of Game Packs, Expansion Packs, and Stuff Packs build up a decorative ...

A new video goes over Revenant's different abilities on the battlefield.What you need to knowApex Legends Season 4 is now live on all platforms.There's a new trailer for Revenant, the newest Legend added with Season 4.Revenant has multiple death-based abilities. Apex Legends Season 4 is now live! Multiple changes have come to World's Edge, while a new Legend named Revenant is on the field. Respawn Entertainment has released a new trailer, showing off Revenant's different abilities. You can check out the new character trailer below.Respawn initially announced that the new character added this season would be the Hammond Robotics-sponsored Forge, before cutting that idea short (literally) in a shocking interview trailer. Revenant was originally an assassin and due to having his body replaced with cybernetic tech, he's even deadlier now than ever before. For more information on his story and background, you can check out the previously released trailer here.All of thes...