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COVID-19 has spread to 108 countries around the world, and the coronavirus shows no signs of abating. The virus is proving particularly devastative in Italy, with the country seeing 463 deaths from over 9,000 cases, second only to China. COVID-19 has effectively shut down the airline industry, with most countries screening international passengers for signs of infections.The coronavirus has had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here's the latest on COVID-19 and how it's affecting the tech industry.March 11, 2020: E3 won't be taking place this yearOne of the gaming industry's biggest events won't be taking place this year. E3 has been officially canceled over coronavirus fears, with the three-day event originally scheduled to take place from June 9 - 11. It's a big blow to the gaming industry, and it is possible we'll see brands announce new games in dedicated virtual events. Google is now recommendin...

Imaging continues to be the one weak spot in OnePlus' arsenal — and it needs to fix that this year.OnePlus makes some of the best Android phones money can buy. The brand's obsession with performance has allowed its phones to stand out, and last year, in particular, was a coming-of-age moment. OnePlus successfully rolled out two different product lines in the OnePlus 7 Pro and the OnePlus 7T, and the latter turned out to be an incredible value for the hardware on offer.OnePlus also overhauled its software, and continual tweaks to OxygenOS have made it the best skin you'll find on Android. The interface is devoid of any bloat and has useful additions that give it an edge over Android One devices.But one area where the brand has continued to struggle is imaging. While the hardware on a OnePlus phone is comparable to that of any Samsung or Huawei flagship, its cameras never measured up to the best that Android has to offer. To rectify the issue, OnePlus set up a dedicated camera ...

One of the biggest gaming events of the year may be canceled as new consoles are on the horizon.What you need to knowThe coronavirus has caused venues all over the world to shut down.GDC was just postponed at the end of February.E3 looks like it may be following suit and may cancel its planned conference in June.The Entertainment Software Association may be announcing E3 2020's cancellation tomorrow morning due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) concerns, if rumors are to be believed. This comes after multiple games industry events like GDC and SXSW were either postponed or canceled as well. If true, this would mark the first time in the show's history that it won't take place.The floodgates opened up on Twitter Tuesday night after Devolver Digital tweeted that people should "cancel [their] E3 flights and hotels." This led others in the industry to confirm that sources speaking with them had indicated the event would indeed be canceled.Though Sony had already announced it would...

The 6-inch phone is powered by a Snapdragon 450 and 3GB of RAM.What you need to knowA listing of the devices officially supported by Play Services has confirmed many of the details about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy M11.The phone is expected to have an approximately 6-inch screen.Under the hood, there's a Snapdragon 450 paired with 3GB of RAM and an Adreno 506.Google's list of Play Store-supported devices prematurely revealed some of the specs and the design of Samsung's Galaxy M11 before the South Korean giant had the chance to announce the device to the world.Spotted by TechieJerry, the Google Play Console listing includes a render of the phone (shown above), as well as the phone's specs. While the screen size is not explicitly stated, the 1,560 x 720 resolution combined with the stated pixel density of 280ppi indicates the phone's diagonal length will be about 6.1 inches.In addition, the guts of the phone will comprise of a decidedly midrange Snapdragon 450 paired wit...

An elegant and connected Wear OS smartwatch.What you need to knowThe Summit 2+ is Montblanc's Wear OS smartwatch for 2020.It's an upgrade over the Summit 2 and prides itself on offering LTE, a full day of battery life in regular use, and interchangeable straps.It will come in three colors: black, steel and rose-gold.Montblanc has just announced the Summit 2+, a smartwatch aimed at people who enjoy nice watches, traveling, and are physically active to some extent."Montblanc is taking a bold next step in the luxury wearables sector with its new Summit 2+, offering even more capabilities through Wear OS by Google," Nicolas Baretzki, CEO Montblanc said, "Designed to be a powerful daily companion, Summit 2+ links you to the world around you, enabling to stay active and connected at all times."So let's talk specs. It's not that much different from the Summit 2, perhaps reflected by the name. The Summit 2+ will be powered by the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, it'll come with ...

Beauty mixes with functionality for these travel companion headphones.Montblanc is traditionally known for its finely-crafted and fashionable accessories, but since dabbling into the world of electronics with the Summit smartwatch, it's expanding this new category. Now with the simply named Montblanc Smart Headphones, Montblanc is bringing its signature design and quality over to the competitive world of active noise-cancelling over-ear headphones.We're all familiar with the leaders in this space, dominated by the likes of the Bose 700s and Sony WH1000XM3s (and sure, the Microsoft Surface Headphones too) all landing in the $300-400 price range. But as you'd expect from a name like Montblanc, these headphones are playing in a higher tier — at $595, you're ponying up extra for the materials, design and brand.But after seeing, wearing and listening to them, it feels worth it. The headphones come in three color options — black and gold, black and silver, grey and silver —...

A total of 20 apps with a combined 35 million downloads were found to be engaging in these practices.What you need to knowSensor Tower, a data analytics company, has been using an assortment of free VPNs and ad-blocking apps to collect user data.The identified apps have more than 35 million downloads in total.Both Google and Apple have removed some of these apps from their app stores since the revelations.A new report from BuzzFeed News reveals that up to 20 VPNs and ad-blocking apps on both the Play Store and the iOS App Store were secretly spying on their users. All of these apps belong to one company: Sensor Tower, an analytics firm used by different stakeholders to assess the app revenue, performance, and more.The apps have a total of 35 million combined downloads, making these revelations particularly troubling. Some of the apps identified by report include Free and Unlimited VPN, Luna VPN, Mobile Data, and Adblock Focus, all of which were recently available on the P...

Extension support is still restricted to only uBlock Origin.What you need to knowMozilla just updated its GeckoView-based Firefox Preview to version 4.0.The new release brings with it features like a password manager, in-app language changing, and a 'Top Sites' section.Extension support is, sadly, still restricted to just uBlock Origin at the moment.Mozilla has been working on a revamped version of its Android browser for nearly a year now. Firefox Preview's biggest claim to fame is that it eschews the default WebView API used by most Android browsers for Mozilla's own GeckoView, which the company claims is "designed to expose the entire power of the Web."The latest release for the Preview browser brings the build number to 4.0 (via Techdows). Alongside that bump in versions, users also get a slate of new features. The full changelog is shown below:Login managementIn-App Language Chooser (Nightly-only)Top SitesBypassing Certificate errorsFix persistent undo notific...

The Galaxy Note 10 has an awesome 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. However, if you want to keep your Note 10 looking Day One gorgeous, you'll need a screen protector to avoid any distracting micro-abrasions from spoiling your new phone. Here are the best screen protectors for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.Trusted tempered glassWhitestone Dome GlassBest protectionThe Whitestone Dome Glass is a premium option for protecting the display of your Note 10. This kit includes a phone holder that ensures a perfect installation and acts as a guide for the UV light that cures the screen protector to the display. Whitestone Dome Glass screen protectors offer full coverage for the whole display and won't pop loose over time.$45 at Whitestone DomeBudget optionIQ Shield Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff pickWe recommend this affordable clear film to anyone looking to save some money. The film is designed to prevent bubbling for an easier application process. Since it comes in a ...

Super-resolution scaling has proven to be a winner for Google and NVIDIA, and Oculus could soon be using it as well.What you need to knowFacebook's AI division has found a way to utilize super-resolution rendering to improve Oculus Quest performance.This technique has been utilized by companies like Google and NVIDIA in the past and has proven to deliver amazing results.Facebook is not committing to a timeline for the possible update and maintains that it's purely theoretical, for now.Researchers at Facebook's AI division have come up with a way to provide developers with up to 67% more rendering power on mobile VR hardware with a "simple" software update. Of course, anything dealing with the development of AI and its implementation into practical applications is anything but "simple", but the key here is that the current generation of hardware could see significant improvements in performance through the normal procedure of updating the system software.In a nutshell, Upl...

Get ready for many hours' worth of fun.It was a sunny and mild Wednesday morning when I happened to check my phone to see that, among the depressing world news, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night had suddenly appeared in the Google Play and App Stores!I loved this game as a kid, and I certainly wasn't alone. In fact, it was so monumental, influential, and memorable that it, along with Super Metroid, helped define an entire sub-genre of games that is still being replicated (and often very well!) to this day. Symphony of the Night tells an interesting story with non-linear gameplay that leaves you to explore the path forward. Even though we've seen re-releases and updated versions put out in the past for the PSP and regular PlayStation consoles, this is the first time we get to experience it on mobile. That means a whole lot more people get to play Symphony of the Night, and that's always a good thing.A classicCastlevania: Symphony of the Night ...

Rooting isn't as popular as it used to be, but there's still a vibrant community of modders involved in launching new ROMs. If you're just getting started or are looking to delve back into the world of modding, these are the devices you need to consider.Tinker awayOnePlus 7TStaff pickThe OnePlus 7T is one of the best phones in the market today. You're getting incredible hardware in the form of a Snapdragon 855+ chipset backed by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but you also get the best software you'll find on Android. Combine that with an active modding community and you get the ideal phone for installing custom ROMs.$499 at OnePlusThat Cheap PixelGoogle Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a is rocking a solid OLED display, the latest available version of Android, and is guaranteed to be updated for the next three years. Plus, if you care about camera quality at all, absolutely nothing comes close to it. Google also makes it extremely straightforward to unlock the bootloade...

And there's a remote this time!What you need to know9to5Google reports that Google is working on a new Chromecast Ultra.It's said to look a lot like the current 3rd Gen Chromecast and support 4K HDR streaming.The big difference is that it'll run Android TV and come with a remote.New Google hardware could be soon available, and we aren't just talking about the Pixel 4a. According to a new report from the folks at 9to5Google, a new Chromecast Ultra is in the works and nearing its launch.Just like the existing Chromecast Ultra, this 2nd gen model will allow you to cast your movies and TV shows to it and watch them in glorious 4K HDR. Design-wise, it's said to look a lot like the regular 3rd Gen Chromecast with a soft-touch finish and a "G" logo smack-dab in the middle.None of that is particularly exciting, but that's not all there is to this new Chromecast Ultra. Apparently, it'll run a fully-fledged version of Android TV and come with a remote for navigating the user inte...

Check out the ways you can deck out the Slayer in Doom Eternal.What you need to knowBethesda has revealed that players can tweak the armor of the Slayer in Doom Eternal.Bethesda has released a new video showing off the different armor customization players can use in-game.There's even a very special unicorn skin for Twitch Prime members. Doom Eternal is set to release on March 20 for most platforms, with a Nintendo Switch release coming later.Bethesda has released a new video showing off how players can personalize the Slayer in Doom Eternal. After all, what's the point of wreaking carnage if you don't look good doing it? There's even a promotional Twitch Prime unicorn-themed skin. No, seriously. Take a look at the different Slayer armor customization options in the video below.Don't worry about potential costs through, as aside from the aforementioned Twitch Prime skin, everything is earnable in-game and there is no microtransaction storefront.If you'd like to lea...

Sweatproof earbuds are essential, especially when you're working out. Typically, an IPX4 rating (sweat and splash-proof) is fine for most types of workouts, but some earbuds take it a step further to try to isolate any water from entering your earbuds. We've gathered a list of the best sweatproof true wireless earbuds out there.Best overallJabra Elite Active 75tStaff PickTake everything that's great with the Jabra Elite 75t and tack on even better water and dust resistance, with an IP57 rating. This means that your earbuds will be able to withstand most types of workouts (sans swimming and other workouts where the earbuds might get fully submerged). Pair that with excellent comfort, long battery life and great customizability through Jabra's smartphone app, and the Elite Active 75t are going to be tough the beat.$200 at Best BuyRunner upJaybird VistaThe Jaybird Vista are IPX7 water-resistant, which means they'll be able to withstand the toughest of workouts and mo...

Best answer: While useful without the subscription, you should invest in Nest Aware for your various Nest Cams. Doing so gives you the ability to store recordings in the cloud for use at a later time.For a smarter home: Nest Aware (From $5/month at Google Store)Keep your home safe: Nest Cam ($165 at Amazon)What is Nest Aware?Nest Aware is a subscription service offered by Nest that works in tandem with the various Nest Cams. This service provides a few different benefits, especially for those who want to be able to store recordings for use in the future.Previously, there were three different subscriptions available. There's the standard plan, which was priced at $5 per month or $50 per year. The mid-tier subscription started at either $10 per month or $100 per year, while the top-tier subscription started at $30 per month or $300 per year.However, this is where things already get tricky, as these base subscription prices only apply to one camera. Any additional camera ...

The Galaxy S20 is easily one of the best phones of early 2020, with stunning build quality and incredibly powerful specs backed by equally powerful cameras. There's just one problem: Samsung tries its hardest to make you use its Bixby voice assistant, even going so far as to make Bixby the default action when you long-press the side key (otherwise known as the power button). Thankfully, it's easy to remove this shortcut and get your power menu back.How to change the Side Key functionAdding a Bixby shortcut to the side key is nothing new for Samsung; it did the same thing with the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 series, making it difficult for newcomers to figure out how to restart or power down their phone. It added a shortcut to the power menu in the notification shade to make it a bit easier, but there's just no substitute for holding down the power button. Here's how to disable the Bixby shortcut.Open the Settings app.Scroll down the list and tap Advanced features.Tap Side key....

The legendary trilogy is back! This time, in VR.What you need to knowPanzer Dragoon Voyage Record will be released on VR platforms sometime in the next year.No specific platforms have been announced at this time.Panzer Dragoon VR marks the first original entry into the series in almost 20 years.It's been a quiet decade for the Panzer Dragoon series, but that's all about to change with the advent of two major upcoming games in the series. Marking the 25th anniversary of the release of the original Panzer Dragoon on the Sega Saturn, Sega has announced a publishing partnership with Wildman, Inc. to develop Panzer Dragoon Voyage Record. Panzer Dragoon VR is said to be an omnibus of the original trilogy of games and will relive various episodes from Panzer Dragoon, Panzer Dragoon Zwei, and Panzer Dragoon Saga.As expected based on the series history, Panzer Dragoon Voyage Record will be a "dramatic VR shooter", likely featuring on-rails movement with player-controlled dodging a...

A truly buttonless smartphone could be the next big thing.What you need to knowSentons has announced the SDS ButtonBar.The ButtonBar is a standardized virtualized button replacement solution for power and volume buttons in smartphones.Sentons is partnering with Foxconn to enable production at scale. Sentons wants to make it easier for smartphone OEMs to get rid of physical buttons and replace them with standardized virtual buttons. By virtual buttons, we don't mean the software buttons that used to grace the bottoms of your Android displays, instead, we're talking about what Sentons called software-defined spaces (i.e SDS) that replace traditional buttons like the power and volume buttons. Think about the HTC U12's virtual buttons but better.The SDS ButtonBar is that replacement. Senton says that its new ButtonBar will provide a standardized solution that incorporates the best of physical buttons with the flexibility of virtual buttons. The ButtonBar is made up of "over 2...

If you suffer from either short-term or long-term memory loss issues, you're not alone. Countless people experience episodes of memory loss throughout the day that can be as trivial as forgetting to grab your keys on the way out the door or as serious as forgetting to pick your friend up from the airport, and the older you get the more pronounced these lapses tend to become.And while lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can help you improve your memory in the short run, these types of remedies are no match for the types of memory loss that can have a serious impact on your life.With the Ultimate Memory Mastery Bundle, however, you'll learn how to drastically improve multiple types of memory through twenty hours of in-depth instruction that's backed by the latest methods in psychology and neuroscience, and the entire bundle is currently available for over 95% off at just $19.99.This best-selling bundle will help you become more productive throughout the day while you hit your...

Getting headphones for a kid is a different task than getting headphones for an adult. Kids headphones get smaller dimensions, simplified controls, well-thought-out features for comfortable use, and crucially, from an aural safety point of view, built-in volume limiting. Luckily, these headphones are more affordable than ever. Some limit audio to as low as 85 decibels, which is safe for a child to listen to for up to eight hours. Other options, like the Noot Products K11 are foldable for easy travel, while others still boast further clever tricks to make them kid-friendly, like cute designs and durable build quality.Best Overall: Noot Products K11 Foldable On-Ear HeadsetThese headphones will fit all children aged three and up. Their foldable design makes them ideal for chucking in school bags for storing in hand luggage and even for compact storage at home. Sound-wise you're looking at 40mm drivers and noise cancellation capabilities.Available in three colorways, kids will lo...

More players will be able to try Guerrilla Games' 2017 title.What you need to knowThere have been recent rumors that Horizon Zero Dawn was coming to PC.Hermen Hulst, head of Sony Worldwide Studios, has confirmed these rumors. Horizon Zero Dawn is planned to launch on PC sometime in Summer 2020. Over the past few weeks, there have been some reports and hints that Horizon Zero Dawn would be coming to PC, directly published by PlayStation. Today, some recent news has locked it in: Horizon Zero Dawn is in fact coming to PC. This confirmation comes via Hermen Hulst, head of Sony Worldwide Studios, in an interview on PlayStation Blog.Hulst stated that "Yes, I can confirm that Horizon Zero Dawn is coming to PC this summer…. There will be more information coming from Guerrilla, from the new studio directors [Michiel van der Leeuw, JB van Beek, and Angie Smets] pretty soon."The Steam listing for the game is now available, if you want to wishlist it. It's the Complete Edition, ...

What you need to know about each carrier's capabilities and plans for fifth-generation wireless.The Big Four U.S. carriers are all well into their 5G roadmap. We have 5G-ready phones like the Galaxy S20, and we already can see the results of testing using phones and broadband routers and wireless hotspots. 5G is here, and it's not going to be the typical slow rollout we've seen with 3G and 4G LTE.There is one way that the 5G networks in the U.S. will resemble its 3G and 4G counterparts, though: each carrier is doing things differently and it's very unlikely that you'll be able to buy a single device that works with everything. This will probably change as the tech inside the devices and the tech that powers the networks mature, but any goals of buying an unlocked 5G-ready device today and using it across multiple carriers will need to be tempered.Here's what we know so far about how each carrier is building a 5G network.Note: This article was updated in March 2020 with all of...

Fun and games on a Big Merry Cruise.What you need to knowShenmue is a unique open-world game series set in Japan.Shenmue III is the much-anticipated continuation of the series.It's third DLC, titled 'Big Merry Cruise,' has been announced.It's coming to the Epic Games Store and Playstation 4 on March 17.Shenmue III continues to get new content through DLC packs, with the third one on its way for release on March 17. 'Big Merry Cruise' isn't going to completely revamp the game or add a load of content, but it will add a new miniature area to explore with new mini-games and activities to occupy your time. One of the biggest appeals of Shenmue III is the vast variety of gameplay you can find, so this DLC should be right up the alley of current players and fans. A new cruise ship has arrived in the Niaowu harbor; What better way than to enjoy a few relaxing games? Various types of entertainment can be enjoyed aboard the ship, as well as challenge missions which can only b...

The 5G-enabled OnePlus 8 phones could be significantly more expensive than their predecessors.What you need to knowOnePlus has announced that its upcoming phones will all be 5G-enabled.The company is expected to unveil the OnePlus 8 series sometime next monthSadly, the addition of 5G connectivity could mean that the company's next flagship will be significantly more expensive than the OnePlus 7T Pro. Popular Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus is expected to take the wraps off its next flagship phones sometime next month. The OnePlus 8 series phones will come with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 865 chipset, 120Hz displays, and upgraded cameras. OnePlus today confirmed that it will be unveiling a "full 5G lineup" for its upcoming launch, which means both the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro phones will offer 5G connectivity.OnePlus founder and CEO, Pete Lau said in a statement: This is a milestone both for OnePlus and our users. We're proud to be among the first smartphone manufacturers...

Some flagship phones are capable of transferring files two times faster.What you need to knowA recent test from Android Authority reveals that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 smartphones have significantly slower USB transfer speeds compared to the competition.The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 4 were even slower at transferring files than the previous Pixel 2 and the original Pixel smartphone.Android Authority speculates the reason for the slower speeds must be either software or firmware related.Google's Pixel lineup produces one of the best Android phones each year. However, in some areas, the phones come up short against the competition. One of the biggest complaints we saw about the Pixel 4 smartphones was the poor battery life. Now, after a series of tests, Android Authority has discovered another way the Pixel 3 and 4 smartphones just don't measure up.According to the results from the experiment, the Pixel 3 and 4 were twice as slow as the competitors when comparing USB transfer...

Quick steps to get your phone up and running in great shape.Breaking the seal on the box of a new phone is always an exciting time. You did your research, picked out the exact phone you wanted, and now you have it! When you buy a Galaxy S20, there's a whole lot to get into, to the point where it can be overwhelming and you can forget some of the basics. So, where do you start? Right here.Remove all of the plasticTo protect phones during shipment, Samsung covers the Galaxy S20 in plastic. In the excitement to get started using your new phone you'll probably rip the big plastic covering off, and miss the other pieces of plastic film that line its edges. You don't want to use your phone for weeks and not realize that you still have factory plastic on the edges.You'll find little pieces of thin plastic clinging to the sides, top and bottom of the phone — they're easy enough to lift up with a fingernail and peel off. After close inspection you'll get 'em all, and actually have y...

Best answer: Motorola's successors to the Moto G7 lineup are available in the U.S. — they just have different names. The Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power can be thought of as Moto G8 phones by different names, with Motorola just wanting to clean up its branding a bit. However, it actually makes things more confusing when you realize that Motorola is selling a Moto G8, G8 Power, G8 Play, and G8 Plus in other countries.Current Moto: Moto G7 ($230 at Amazon)The Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power fill the shoes of the Moto G8 in the United StatesMotorola struck gold with the launch of the original Moto G in 2013, and every year since, the company has launched a new model following a conventional naming scheme. There was the Moto G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, and G7. For 2020, it'd only be natural for Motorola to launch the Moto G8 — right?As it turns out, that's not what happened. Instead, Motorola is giving us the Moto G Stylus and Moto G Power for our 2020 Moto G phones. They're succes...

Having a chat with the AC forums.Samsung may have just launched the Galaxy S20 series this past Friday, but that hasn't stopped people from already talking about the Galaxy Note 20. We aren't expecting it until at least August, but the rumor mill has slowly started to ramp up.Right now, one of the biggest talking points for the Note 20 is that it will supposedly come with just 128GB of internal storage. Compared to last year's Note 10 that had a minimum of 256GB, it's quite the downgrade.With that rumor circulating, it got some of our AC forum members debating whether or not 128GB is enough space for a 2020 flagship Android phone. msm0511 03-04-2020 04:23 PM “ This is one rumor I already don't like. https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-note-20-in-development-with-128gb-of-base-storage/ Even the smaller Note 10 came with 256GB base storage. It'd be dumb of Samsung to reduce storage. ...

You got your hands on an Android smartwatch. Now what? These are some of the first things you should do.If you're like me, one of the greatest feelings is unwrapping a shiny new gadget and getting to play around with it for the first time. This is especially true with smartwatches where there's so much to explore. While we all have our qualms about Wear OS, there have been enough improvements over the years that these fascinating smartwatches are worth buying. As long as you can accept that no operating system is perfect, you'll be able to appreciate what these wearables have to offer. There's still hope for future improvements, too.Whether it's your first Android smartwatch or you're a seasoned Wear OS user, there are a few things you'll want to do. Once you've gotten past the initial setup phase, it's time to have some fun with customization and other settings that will enhance your overall experience.When I first started using Android smartwatches, I'll admit that it took so...

We think we know about the price, new motion detection and better Wi-Fi!What you need to knowSeveral leaks point to upcoming features for Ring's new Video Doorbell.Looks like the Video Doorbell 3 will cost $199.It's also pegged to feature new motion sensing and better Wi-Fi!Several leaks and FCC filings have pointed to some very exciting upcoming new features of Ring's next video doorbell, the Video Doorbell 3.As reported by Tom's Guide: The news starts with FCC filings (and leads to Ring's own site) which spills the beans on the Video Doorbell 3, the successor to the Ring Video Doorbell 2. We got the dirt from Pocket Link, which shared PDFs from the FCCid.io page for a barcode label for the product. A leaked bit of Target's marketing reveals the Ring Video Doorbell 3 will cost $199, the same price as the Ring Doorbell 2. Retailer graphics reveal silver and black color options.In terms of design, the third generation Ring doorbell will look very similar to previo...

Google Wifi put a name you know and see every day on the most central part of your home network. If you're looking for a mesh Wi-Fi option there are a lot of options available, whether you just need a little more coverage or want to completely overhaul your network with fast Wi-Fi 6 technology. Eero is the best overall alternative to Google Wifi if you like the features but want something with more expansion and a sleek modern design.Best Overall: EeroEero aims to keep things simple and easy with its main third-generation base router, which offers 802.11ac speeds that aim to be enough for standard usage, though top speed will be lower than many other mesh systems. This Eero version is recommended for connections under 350Mbps and should be more than enough for even 4K video streams. If you want to stick with the Eero line but need more speed, the Eero Pro router will be a better fit.Even so, with two Ethernet ports per router, you should be able to connect all of your devices...

A relatively minor upgrade over last year's NEX 3 5G.What you need to knowVivo today unveiled its latest flagship smartphone at an event held in China.The new NEX 3S 5G is the successor to last year's NEX 3 and runs on a Snapdragon 865 processor. It also has a 6.89-inch waterfall screen, 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.Vivo today announced its first Snapdragon 865-powered flagship phone, the NEX 3S 5G. As you may have guessed by the phone's name already, the NEX 3S 5G is a minor upgrade over the NEX 3 5G that the company had launched in September last year.The new NEX 3S 5G has the same 6.89-inch FHD+ waterfall display as its predecessor, with a claimed screen-to-body ratio of 99.6%. While hasn't made any major changes to the phone's design and display, its internals have been updated. Instead of a Snapdragon 855 Plus, the new NEX 3S 5G runs on a liquid-cooled Snapdragon 865 processor, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.At the...

Now that I play from a monitor, having a good audio solution has become more critical.I'll be honest; prior to this review, I hadn't used a Sound Blaster product since the '90s when I used to use the sound cards in my PC. I have fond memories of games like Monkey Island and Commander Keen, and those memories all start with choosing which Sound Blaster to use.Creative Labs — the makers of Sound Blaster — never went away though. It's been making audio products this whole time, just in a different way. The Sound Blaster G3 is an external sound card that works with your PS4 to add a whole host of advanced audio features to any set of headphones you own. If you are looking to elevate your audio experience, it may be worth having a look.Loud noises!Creative Labs Sound Blaster G3 Bottom line: If you want to have high-end aud...

The official teaser also confirms that the P40 Pro will have a pretty massive camera bump at the rear.What you need to knowHuawei today confirmed that the P40 series phones will be announced at an online-only event on March 26, due to the Coronavirus outbreak.The two phones were previously slated to debut at a global launch event in Paris on the same day.Huawei P40 series phones are expected to come with upgraded cameras and 5G connectivity. Huawei had announced late last month that it would take the wraps off the P40 and P40 Pro phones at a global launch event in Paris. Due to Coronavirus fears, however, the company has now announced that the P40 series will debut at an online-only event instead.We're excited to bring you our next chapter of #VisionaryPhotography at our upcoming online launch - stay tuned and we'll see you on March 26th #HUAWEIP40Save the date: https://t.co/en6RzFDDJ9 pic.twitter.com/R55NHqarhj— Huawei Mobile UK (@HuaweiMobileUK) March 10, 2020The ...

The phone may not be a major upgrade over the Redmi Note 8 Pro.What you need to knowRedmi Note 9 Pro specs have been leaked online.The upcoming budget phone will sport a 6.67-inch 20:9 display and run on a Snapdragon 720G chipset. Redmi Note 9 series is set to be launched in India on March 12. Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand had announced earlier this month that the Redmi Note 9 series will debut in India at an online-only event on March 12. Ahead of the phone's launch, leaker Ishan Agarwal has revealed some of the key tech specs of the upcoming Redmi Note 9 Pro.Can confirm the specs of #RedmiNote9Pro:-Aurora Blue, Glacier White & Interstellar Black-4GB+64GB & 6GB+128GB.-6.67" FHD+ 20:9 LCD Gorrila Glass 5 Display-16MP Punch Hole Front Camera-48MP Main, 8MP Ultra-Wide, 5MP Macro & Depth Camera-SD720G, 5020mAH Battery, 18W Charging pic.twitter.com/0yk5hWxEwm— Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) March 9, 2020As per Agarwal, the Redmi Note 9 Pro will arrive with a 6.6...

One of reality TV's most guilty pleasures, The Bachelor is back for another weekly dose of emotional turbulence.The Bachelor franchise has kept loved-up viewers entertained for nearly two decades, leaving a trail of tear-filled limo exits while also being responsible for several televised weddings. Now in its 24th season, the lucky man dishing out the roses this time out is Delta Airlines pilot Peter Weber, who will be trying his best to find THE ONE from 30 hopeful ladies.Long-term fans of The Bachelor and its spin offs will be rooting for Peter in a big way - the 28-year-old from Virginia had his heart broken in last year's season of The Bachelorette, after he was jilted by former Miss Alabama Hannah Brown.We're a good way through Season 24 of The Bachelor already and so far the ride has been a fairly bumpy one for Peter and the women vying for his heart, with awkward three-on-one dates and a number of dramatic eliminations.Now down to the final four contenders, this week's...

Users are complaining that the update is bricking their phones or putting them in a boot loop.What you need to knowXiaomi's limited rollout of Android 10 for the Mi A2 Lite has been met with disastrous results.The update is causing phones to enter boot loops. Other users report the phone becoming entirely unresponsive.This comes just a week after the company pulled the Android 10 update for the Mi A3, after similar complaints of a buggy release.Xiaomi is seemingly slacking off when it comes to software updates for its phones. Despite both phones being part of the Android One program, the Chinese giant is only now getting around to rolling out Android 10 to the Mi A2 Lite and A3, months after Google made the OS available.Even worse, both updates have been plagued with bugs. Last week, Xiaomi had to pull the Mi A3 update following a flurry of complaints about the update. Now, history is repeating itself with the Android 10 rollout for the Mi A2 Lite, with users reporting si...

It's not as difficult when you know what to do.The Final Fantasy 7 Remake demo has been around for a little while now, and we've been playing quite a lot since its release. Though it is only about 30-40 minutes of gameplay, it gives a real taste of what the full game is likely to hold in store for us.A fair few people have been having some difficulty, however. Like a lot of modern games, FF7R doesn't hold your hand when you get to boss fights; it expects you to work out the patterns and defeat the boss on your own. I managed to beat the boss on my first three attempts without any issue. Then, while I was researching to write this article, I failed to beat it eight more times. It's okay, though, because I finally spent enough time working through it to give you a comprehensive how-to.Complete remakeFinal Fantasy 7$60 at AmazonMidgar never looked so goodNow that the demo has arrived, we are even more excited about this new, yet classic adventure to Midgar. The demo is a...

Annual sales could drop from 240 million in 2019 to about 190 million this year.What you need to knowThe U.S. ban on the Chinese giant is finally starting to hurt Huawei.Despite stellar performance in 2019, the company expects a massive 20% drop in smartphone sales this year.The underlying cause? Lower demand in foreign markets due to the lack of Google services on its newest phones.Despite holding strong for nearly a year since it was first added to the U.S. Entity List, Huawei's fortunes may finally be starting to turn as the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign starts to yield tangible results.Even though most of its new phones lacked Google services last year, Huawei was still able to report a 20% year-on-year increase in smartphone sales in 2019, owing to strong domestic demand, as well as its reliance on phones that had already been certified for Google Mobile Services before the U.S. ban went into effect.2020, however, is going to be a different beast...

As technology advances and matures, it's only natural for some features to disappear as part of the evolution process. When it comes to Android phones, one thing that used to be an iconic staple that has since become a thing of the past is a removable battery. Few phones are released these days with a battery that can be replaced by the end-user, but if you know where to look, there are still a few options left that are worth checking out. Here they are!Best for mostMoto E6Staff PickOut of all the phones out there with a removable battery, we think the Moto E6 is the best one for most people. It's not the flashiest or most powerful phone on the market, but it has the specs you need for a reliable Android experience. There's a 5.5-inch HD+ display, octa-core Snapdragon processor, and expandable storage up to 256GB. Even better, it works on all U.S. carriers!$100 at AmazonSupersize meMoto E6 PlusAs the name suggests, the Moto E6 Plus is an upgraded version of the re...

Being innocent doesn't stop you from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.Zachary McCoy enjoys riding his bike. It's a great way to get a little fresh air and exercise, and millions like him do the same. McCoy also, like many other people, uses an app to keep track of his bike rides, and this put him in the crosshairs of Gainsville, Florida police as a suspect in a crime he didn't commit. Welcome to geofence warrants.McCoy was able to "fix" his issues with the police after spending a few thousand dollars to hire a lawyer, and as luck would have it the same location tracking that pushed him forward as a burglary suspect ended up clearing him. When you share anything with anyone (or any company), it is no longer private. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be protected.McCoy used the Runkeeper app to track his bike rides. Apps that need to track your location in a timeline use the sensor and location information from your phone to track your every move while they are op...

There's a right and a wrong way to clean your phone.We use and rely on our smartphones every single day, and with so much regular use, it's only natural for them to get dirty. Knowing that it's a good idea to clean/disinfect your phone is a great start, but it's only half of the battle.There is a right and a wrong way to clean your phone, and if you do it the wrong way, you stand to seriously damage it. Nobody wants that, and thankfully, it's pretty easy to avoid doing so.We're thrilled that you're eager to get your phone all spiffy and clean, but before you get started, here's what you need to know about the dangers of harsh chemicals and your smartphone.Harsh chemicals are awful for your phone's displayFor many of us, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of cleaning is Clorox/Lysol wipes. These are great for disinfecting your home, but you should keep them as far away as possible from your phone. Why?Your phone has something on its screen called an "oleophob...

Every old smartphone that ends up in a landfill becomes part of the growing e-waste problem. And, even if you get a case to prevent broken smartphones from adding even more landfills, your case will also contribute one day. But, Incipio has a solution that can protect your phone from the landfill while offering a more environmentally friendly option when it comes time to retire the case itself.The Incipio Organicore case is the case to get for eco-conscious customers looking to protect their Galaxy S20 Plus or Ultra. That's because it's made from plants. In other words, it's 100% compostable.Incipio's Organicore case is much like it's other smartphone cases. It's slim, lightweight, and made to offer plenty of protection for your smartphone. It's flexible enough to easily wrap around your phone, but will fit snugly. It's thin enough to even allow wireless charging while the case is on.Without adding much bulk to your phone, it can offer serious protection. Incipio has tested t...

With Sony's relative radio silence, we're hearing about the PlayStation 5's potential power from developers instead.What you need to knowThe PS5 will take advantage of a custom AMD Ryzen 8-core CPU and custom Radeon Navi GPU.Developers have stated how its power will make even low-res games look amazing.Sony expects the PlayStation 5 to release Holiday 2020.LKA, the developer behind Martha is Dead, recently spoke to Official PlayStation Magazine and brought up some of the benefits that the PS5 will provide for low-res games when upscaling for its hardware. In particular, studio head Luca Dalco mentioned the ability to use "an incredible texel density." It's one of the most important advances in visual capacity that we were waiting for. We worked a lot in order to use the highest-resolution textures as possible also on PS4; nonetheless, PS5 will allow us to use an incredible texel density, up to 4096px/m – that means the visual will be fully detailed also in higher reso...

Mesh Wi-Fi systems are the networking versions of working smarter, not harder. Compared to a traditional router, Mesh systems use several smaller Wi-Fi routers placed around your home to cover you from multiple angles and dodge things like thick walls that can kill your signal. Whether you want top speed and customizability or simplicity and consistency, there's a mesh system that will work in any home. The Eero hits all of the sweet spots of a Wi-Fi system in a small understated housing that loses obtrusive articulating antennas.Best Overall: EeroEero made one of the first consumer mesh Wi-Fi systems and the company keeps making them better with each revision. The current generation has the best blend of advanced networking features of any system available thanks to the small size and compatibility with the wall-plug Eero Beacon.Eero isn't trying to be the fastest router. Its main goal is to offer a solid and reliable connection. To most people, the speeds will be fast enoug...

There are affordable Android phones, and then there are Android Go phones. Android Go devices are designed to be as cheap as possible and run a special version of Android that's created specifically with lower-end specs in mind. Android Go handsets are great starter or backup phones, and these are the best ones you can buy in 2020 — including the Ulefone Note 7 as our top overall pick.Best Overall: Ulefone Note 7The best Android Go phone is one you probably haven't heard of before, but we think it's the best overall choice, all things considered. It's the Ulefone Note 7, and it's a pretty impressive handset when you factor in the price tag.Right off the bat, the Ulefone Note 7 stands out thanks to its design. Its 6.1-inch display has incredibly slim bezels and a waterdrop notch on the top for its 5MP selfie camera. Compared to the other phones on this list, it really is something. You'll also find an impressive array of three cameras on the back, allowing for a ton of shoot...

Samsung is one of the biggest phone manufacturers in the world, and with good reason — it makes some pretty incredible phones, combining outstanding hardware design with long lists of handy features that differentiate its phones from the competition. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is the company's top phone, but there's also a range of other devices that hit different sizes, price points and value propositions.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy S20 UltraThe Galaxy S20 Ultra is the culmination of years of iteration and improvement. Samsung has been sticking with this general design language since the Galaxy S6, but it feels like it might have finally perfected it. The S20 Ultra is incredibly well-built, and its massive footprint allows it to squeeze in top-of-the-line specs, 5G support, and a massive 5,000mAh battery.It also has the best display we've ever seen on a phone: an enormous 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling. It has plenty of oth...

We love smart home tech, and we test as many connected security cameras as possible to give you the best recommendations for keeping your home safe.Nest CamSimple and affordable$167 at AmazonProsContinuous recordingConversational audioNearly half the priceConsImage is less sharp than Cam IQNo facial recognitionThe Nest Cam is a relatively inexpensive security camera that offers continuous recording, two-way audio, and 1080p video. With a Nest Aware subscription, you can save up to 30 days of video history. However, the image isn't nearly as clear as on the Cam IQ, and it doesn't have some of the more advanced features.Nest Cam IQSmarter security$300 at Best BuyPros4K sensor allows for lossless zoomingFacial recognitionDoubles as Google Assistant speakerConsNearly twice the costNest Aware subscription is expensiveThe Cam IQ has all of the Nest Cam's great features, plus a 4K sensor for lossless zooming in 1080p and facial recognition f...

Guilt by association.What you need to knowThe popular suite of AnTuTu benchmarking apps has been removed from the Google Play Store.It was most likely due to its association with Cheetah Mobile after Google recently purged all of CM's apps for violating Play Store policies.In a statement, AnTuTu ensures that Cheetah Mobile is only an investor and has nothing to do with the operations at the company.In February, Google made the announcement that it removed 600 apps from the Play Store for violating its ad policies or displaying disruptive ads. As part of this purge, all of Cheetah Mobile's apps were pulled, and for good reason. For years now, the Chinese app publisher has been one of the worst developers on the Play Store.Apps from Cheetah Mobile have been found guilty of egregious data collection, displaying deceptive ads, and being an IAP minefield. It's a wonder it took Google this long to smack the developer and its associated apps with the ban hammer.However, after ...