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Updated 2026-11-07 10:32
Is the Galaxy S20 the perfect size for a smartphone?
Let's chat with the AC forums.Taking a look at the smartphone industry over the past few years, we've seen a gradual increase in the size of phones. Year after year and release after release, phones tend to keep getting bigger with no signs of slowing down.Thankfully, there are a few outliers that break up this trend. Most recently, Samsung's Galaxy S20 proved to be the antidote a lot of us have been waiting for. The S20 is comfortable to use with one hand, relatively easy to fit into pockets, and retains the flagship specs of its S20+ and S20 Ultra siblings.Recently, some of our AC forum members got to talking about the S20's size. jettrue 03-13-2020 02:24 AM “ Didn't think I'd say this, I came from the S10 and I like the size, but because the S20 is slightly narrower, it seems too small? I went with the smallest because of price and because I don't want a huge phone anyway. Ultra is out if t...
Coronavirus keeping you at home? Relax with these lighthearted PS4 games
2020, we thought you would be better! Most of us are stuck at home right now, but we at least have video games for a little escape. Enjoy a reprieve from the stresses of life with these 10 wonderfully light-hearted, and funny games. They might just brighten your day, and maybe even remind you how to find joy in the little things.★ Featured favoriteUntitled Goose GameIn Untitled Goose Game you play a goose and you do goose things. Honk, swim, steal stuff and honk some more! Who knew tormenting and trolling the inhabitants of a small idyllic village could be so much fun as a goose? HONK.$20 at PlayStationA new startSpyro ReignitedSpyro Reignited lovingly rebuilt and repackaged the classic Spyro trilogy: Spyro the Dragon, Ripto's Rage and Year of the Dragon. The graphics and vocals were recreated based on the original games to stay true to Spyro. Return to this 3D platforming world 20 years later or join in for the first time to help this brave little dra...
NHS staff in the UK can use Microsoft Teams for free due to coronavirus
Microsoft Teams is now free for NHS staff, enabling communication and collaboration to help patients.What you need to knowNHS staff will be able to use Microsoft Teams for free during the coronavirus outbreak.Workers will be able to instant message and make audio and video calls through Microsoft Teams.Teams is being rolled out between March 16 and March 20 to NHS staff.NHS workers will be able to communicate remotely through Microsoft Teams during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Microsoft announced that Microsoft Teams will be free for all NHS staff to help communication during the outbreak. Microsoft Teams will roll out to NHS staff members that use NHSmail between March 16 and March 20. Staff that aren't NHSmail users can also gain free access to Microsoft Teams by applying to Microsoft directly.Microsoft Teams will enable NHS staff members to communicate with patients who are self-isolating and also helps staff communicate with each other. Ian Phoenix, Director o...
How to activate and use WhatsApp for Web
WhatsApp Web is a great way to extend the features of the messaging platform to the desktop. The web client is easy to set up and use, it has the same visual interface as the mobile version of the app, and messages sync instantly between your phone and the web. Here's how you can set up and use WhatsApp Web.How to activate and use WhatsApp for WebTo use WhatsApp on the web, you'll need to link the web client with your phone. To do so, navigate to web.whatsapp.com on your computer. You'll see a QR code on the page, and you'll have to scan this with your phone to link your account to the web version. Here's what you'll need to do on your phone:Open WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen. Tap the action overflow menu (three vertical dots) on the top right corner. Hit WhatsApp Web. Point the phone at the QR code on web.whatsapp.com.That's all there is to it. Your account is now linked to the web client, and you'll be able to use WhatsApp directly from your browser. Wh...
Drive safe with these great car mounts for the Galaxy S20
Distracted driving is completely unacceptable given how flagship phones like the Galaxy S20 are designed with so many hands-free features. All you need is a quality car mount and you can use Google Maps, make calls, or stream music while driving with your hands on the wheel.Our go-to choiceiOttie Easy One Touch 4Staff pickThe iOttie Easy One Touch 4 is a durable and dependable choice for mounting larger phones in a car. You can install it on your dash or windshield, and it features a telescopic and rotating arm that lets you position your phone at any angle. There are also models with an air vent clip and CD slot adapters.$25 at AmazonFor landscape navigationUGREEN Dashboard Clip Car MountIf your dash traditionally doesn't do well with suction or adhesive mounts, UGREEN offers up a dashboard clip that will grip onto the edge of your instrument panel. It keeps your S20 closer to your eyeline as you drive along and in landscape for better layouts while navigat...
Realme to challenge POCO and Redmi with its new Narzo smartphone series
The first Narzo series phone from Realme is expected to be unveiled "soon."What you need to knowRealme has teeased a new smartphone series called Narzo.The company says the "unique series" is customized for Generation-Z.Realme's first Narzo-branded phone is expected to be launched soon, although no specific launch date has been confirmed yet. Realme, which started off as an OPPO sub-brand two years back, became the world's fastest-growing smartphone brand in 2019. The company is now looking to further increase its market share in the budget segment with a new smartphone series called Narzo.As per the teaser website for Narzo, Realme's upcoming smartphone series will deliver "max performance" and is customized for Generation-Z. A report from 91Mobiles claims the first Narzo-branded smartphone will be launched in India very soon and is likely to be available in two variants. As of now, however, Realme hasn't revealed a specific launch date.Unique. Extraordinary. Bold.Word...
Xiaomi's Mi 10 flagship phones set to launch in India on March 31
The phones will launch at an online-only event.What you need to knowXiaomi's Mi 10 series will debut in India on March 31.The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro flagship phones were launched in China last month. They are slated to make their global debut on March 27. Xiaomi today announced that its flagship Mi 10 series phones will be launched in India on March 31. The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro were unveiled in China last month and are expected to be launched in a few global markets on March 27.Mi Fans, wait is over! 🥳#𝐌𝐢𝟏𝟎 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝟑𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟐:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌.Watch Livestream across @XiaomiIndia social media handles. Know more here: 👉 https://t.co/oKPXrAaCYfRT with #Mi10IsHere and #108MP if you are excited. 🔄#Xiaomi ❤️️ pic.twitter.com/P4KkLWFH95— Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) March 19, 2020The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro will be the first Mi-branded flagship phones to laun...
These are the best games for your Android phone
We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.The best Android gamesRPGsShootersPuzzle GamesPlatformersStrategy GamesSimsRacing GamesAugmented RealityThere are hundreds of thousands of apps on the Google Play Store, and many of them are games. In fact, games are so popular that it's the first tab you see when you open the app.If you're looking for the best games available on the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. To make it easy to find, we've divided this list into eight categories, which you can find in a handy jumplist that will take you directly to the page of your choice.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library, or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so you'll always k...
Samsung is closing its U.S. and Canadian stores because of the coronavirus
You can still buy products from the company's online stores, however.What you need to knowFor the safety of its employees and customers, Samsung has decided to shutter its stores in both the U.S. and Canada.The company did not specify when stores would reopen.Samsung's online stores are still fully functional, however, and the company will continue fulfilling those orders.YH Eom, CEO of Samsung Electronics America, announced this week that the company was "temporarily closing all Samsung U.S. stores." The move is a reaction to the coronavirus pandemic, as Samsung says it's prioritizing the health and wellbeing of both its employees and customers through this move.A similar announcement was made by the company's Canadian wing, which is closing all Samsung Experience Stores in the country, effective immediately.Neither announcement gives a timeframe for when stores might reopen, given the rapidly shifting nature of the current situation. Samsung's online stores are, howev...
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card just dropped a 100k sign-up bonus
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.One of the best business credit cards just upped its sign-up offer.What you need to knowThe Ink Business Preferred Credit Card just increased its sign-up offer.Earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months.Points are estimated to be worth up to $2000 in rewards.The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase is a favorite among small business owners, and now the card is offering an even higher sign-up bonus than normal.New cardholders can now earn 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, a 20,000 point increase from the previous offer.Chase is estimating the b...
It's not just you, Snapchat is currently down
DownDetector is showing a peak of 15,000 outage reports in the last couple of hours.What you need to knowSnapchat is currently experiencing issues.DownDetector shows the app's servers have been having issues for the last two hours.The outages seem to be focused in the U.S., but reports coming in from all over the world.It's not just your Snapchat stories that can suddenly disappear without notice. The same thing's happening to the company's servers, as numerous reports of outages flood social media.me typing "snapchat" in twitter to see if snapchat down again or it's just me #snapchatdown pic.twitter.com/EMRv1ZarwB— Saham (@SahamAbdi) March 19, 2020DownDetector shows the outages started around 10 PM Eastern Time, with a peak of over 15,000 reports at around 11 PM.The web service tracker also shows that most of the complaints originate in the U.S. Though, it does seem like the outage is more widespread than that, since some of the reports also originate from Austra...
Everything you need to know about the OnePlus 8, 8 Lite, and 8 Pro!
A trio of flagship killers is on the way.In just a handful of years, OnePlus has established itself as one of the most exciting players in the U.S. smartphone market. 2019's OnePlus 7 Pro and 7T stand out as two of our favorite phones of the entire year, and for 2020, it looks like OnePlus is getting ready to wow us yet again.There's a lot of talk and buzz regarding the upcoming OnePlus 8, and based on what we know so far, it's shaping up to be one heck of a phone. From a 120Hz display to wireless charging, there's a lot in the pipeline.Whether you're interested in specs, design, or how much the OnePlus 8 will end up costing you, here's everything you need to know!OnePlus is preparing three versionsThe designs have been revealedLet's talk specsAn April announcement is likelyHere's how much you'll payLet's not forget about the OnePlus 7TKiller flagshipOnePlus 7T$499 at OnePlusStill one of the best deals aroundEven with the new OnePlus 8 lineup looming on...
Literally everything you need to know about the Galaxy S20
120Hz displays are in, the headphone jack is out.Every year sees a heap of various Android phones released into the market. Some are good, some are bad. Some are really exciting, whereas others are a bit boring. Among all of the handsets to come out during a given year, one release that's continually met with a lot of excitement and fanfare is Samsung's Galaxy S series.One could argue that Galaxy S phones aren't always the most interesting, but there's no denying how much more attention they get compared to much of the competition.For 2020, Samsung is launching a trio of phones with the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra. These are very technically impressive gadgets with high prices to match, and if you can afford what Samsung is asking for the phones, they're bound to be some of the best the Android landscape sees all year.From hands-on coverage, detailed specs, accessory recommendations, and so much more, here's absolutely everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy ...
Disney Plus is now available on Samsung TVs
Best answer: Yes, Disney has an agreement with Samsung to distribute Disney Plus (Disney+) on its smart TVs on models running Samsung's Tizen OS all the way from 2016 to its latest TVs. For older TVs that can't get the Tizen OS app, there's always Chromecast.Marvel on demand: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Cast away: Chromecast ($35 at Amazon)Disney+ is finally here!Disney+ is now available in many places and platforms, including on most newer model Samsung TVs. Basically, if you have a Samsung TV from 2016 or newer that is running Samsung's Tizen OS, then you should be able to download the Disney+ app and watch it natively.This is great news for users who have a relatively recent Samsung TV, as being able to watch natively offers a great experience and means you won't have to go digging through a secondary console device or use your phone as a remote while Chromecasting them.How to watch the Marvel movies in orderWhat's it like watching Disney+ on a Samsung TV?Samsung...
Here's how to share Amazon Prime with friends and family
Your Amazon Prime account is setup with a feature called Amazon Household that allows you to share a large handful of your benefits with friends and family. Add another adult to your digital household and enjoy easy features including parental controls for the kids, unlimited storage for photos, and a family library to share books, apps, and games. Here's how to get started!How to add members to your Household in Amazon PrimeHow to manage your content in Amazon PrimeWhat are other shareable benefits with Amazon Prime?How to add members to your Household in Amazon PrimeClick Account & Lists from the drop-down menu located at the top-right side of your screen.Scroll down to your Account Settings.Select the Amazon Household.On the Household homepage, click to Add an adult. Have the adult enter their Log in Information, whether they're a trial member or Prime member.Add up to four children to your household by clicking Add a child.Add up to four teens by clic...
Recording device audio may soon be possible on Android 11's screen recorder
It will also be able to show taps on the screen.What you need to knowGoogle looks to be working on adding the ability to capture device playback to its screen recorder.The feature isn't available in Android 11 Developer Preview 2.However, some code in the SystemUI files shows the feature is currently under progress.If you like sharing videos of your virtual triumphs in mobile games, Android 11 may bring with it a much-needed feature for the default screen recording app in Android.As discovered by XDA Developers, the Mountain View giant is seemingly working on letting you use more than just your microphone for recording audio. The screen recorder will soon also be capable of adding whatever's playing on the phone itself to the screen capture (e.g., game audio or music that you're playing on Spotify).The screen recorder found in the second Android 11 Developer Preview that Google just released has received a bit of a facelift, with a new UI that warns users about captur...
These are the best Chromebooks to buy for you and your family
Android Central's top-ranking Chromebook reviews rankedThe best Chromebooks of 2020 can provide a top-notch computing experience, perfect for students and anyone looking for a trouble-free laptop with long battery life. We've reviewed and rated the absolute best Chromebooks so that you can find the best value at any budget. Our buyer's guide will help you find the perfect Chrome OS laptop or tablet.Best OverallLenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6")$299 at Best Buy (32GB)$320 at Amazon (64GB)The best Chromebook just got better.With double the USB ports and 8GB models on the horizon, Lenovo's aluminum-lidded laptop is more than a pretty face.Lenovo Chromebook C340 (11.6") Features11.6-inch 10-point IPS touchscreenAluminum lid, plastic bodyIntel Celeron N40004-8GB RAM, 32-64GB storageUp to 10 hour battery lifePretty pink or silver color optionsThe best Chromebook balances size with productivity, style with substance, and panache with a price. It's a Chromebook that...
Video chat with friends, family, and colleagues with Google's free app
Whether you're being forced to self-isolate and work from home, or you just want to stay in touch with friends and family, a good video chatting platform is essential. Apple's FaceTime is great but it doesn't work on Android, and Grandma isn't likely to understand install a more enterprise solution like Slack or Zoom. So what to do? Well, there is one really great video chat service that is both free and cross-platform, and that's Google Duo. I'll talk you through how to get Google Duo set up on your Android phone (so that you can then share this with your coworkers, friends, or grandparents).Products used in this guideDynamic Duo dialer: Samsung Galaxy S20 ($1,000 at Samsung)Your hearing buds: Samsung Galaxy Buds+ ($150 at Amazon)How to get started with Google Duo on AndroidBefore you get started, make sure you have a device that Duo works on. Duo works on Android, iOS, the web, and smart displays like the Nest Hub/Hub Max, Lenovo Smart Display, and JBL Link View. Calls a...
How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on PS4
New horrors await as you try to escape from Raccoon City.The Resident Evil 3 remake is just a couple of weeks away but Capcom is allowing players to experience a taste of that horror ahead of launch. Unlike the "One Shot" demo that premiered ahead of Resident Evil 2 in 2019, you aren't limited in how many times you can play this demo. As a result, it's a good way to familiarize yourself with the new controls and some of the new action-oriented abilities you have — which you'll need against the terrifying threat of Nemesis.The demo goes live on March 19.How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on PS4Open your PS4 homescreen.Scroll down to Games.Select Demos.Scroll until you see the Resident Evil 3 demo. You can also sort by Release date: newest first.How to download the Resident Evil 3 demo on desktopGo to store.playstation.com. Log in to your PlayStation account. If the demo isn't being advertised there, use the search bar.The demo is roughly 7.47GB in size,...
Week Five of Fortnite's Deadpool challenges leak
Start collecting now!Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 2 is officially out now, and one of the most surprising additions to the new season is that of Deadpool, Marvel's iconic hero. Initially spotted in the trailer for Chapter 2 - Season 2, it was revealed that players would be able to obtain a Deadpool skin for completing various challenges in this season's Battle Pass.Before you start, it's important to note that Deadpool isn't in the game just yet, but will be in the future. Because he's likely to be one of the "mystery" skins that get unlocked later in Chapter 2 - Season 2's lifespan, you'll be doing challenges for at least a couple of weeks as you work to unlock him. The first two weeks of challenges are out now, but the fifth week of challenges recently leaked ahead of the weekly update for Fortnite.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the following list.Deadpool Week 5 Challenges https://t.co/HbqFiMoR4T pic.tw...
Watch Survivor: Winners at War online from anywhere with ease
Twenty past winners of the show do battle to win two million dollars.It's now 20 years since Survivor hit TV screens, pitting groups of strangers together in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves while also completing challenges.To mark the 40th Season, this latest instalment of the show will be bringing back a select 20 of the 38 previous winners of the show.They'll be battling it out to win a bumper $2 million prize - a figure that CBS claims is the biggest in reality TV history. The competitors will once again be heading to a remote part of Fiji with Jeff Probst returning as host (and producer). Also making a reappearance is the controversial Edge of Extinction twist that was introduced in Season 38 which saw contestants remain in the show after they have been voted off.One notable omission however is the show's first ever-winner, and arguably most infamous contestant, Richard Hatch, who has been left out by producers in contr...
Fortnite Season 2 - Week 5's challenges leak ahead of update
Another week of challenges leaks!Fortnite Chapter 2- Season 2 is officially here, and players are already diving in to try and unlock its many Battle Pass rewards. Just like when Fortnite Chapter 2 launched, weekly challenges have been overhauled for Chapter 2 - Season 2, with every challenge for the week being unlocked from the start.Epic has also tweaked the way to view challenges, allowing players to see in what general area of the map they can be completed. At the end of the day, though, they're still a set of tasks to complete to help you power through the Battle Pass. As is the case every week, the challenges for the fifth week of Chapter 2 - Season 2 have leaked, giving us a good idea of what we'll have to do in order to gain more XP.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining various Fortnite secrets — uncovered the following list.Forgot to leak these, whoops.Week 5 Challenges: pic.twitter.com/pxxH23qOFJ— FireMonkey • Fortnite Intel 🎄 (@iF...
Physical copies of Final Fantasy 7 remake may be delayed due to coronavirus
If you're getting a physical copy of this ambitious remake, it might be delayed.What you need to knowFinal Fantasy 7 remake is scheduled to release on April 10.Due to the spread of Coronavirus, physical delays of the game may occur.The digital release will not be impacted.Final Fantasy 7 remake is coming soon, but unfortunately, if you're grabbing a physical copy, you might be waiting to get your copy. Square Enix has provided an update on Twitter, stating that due to the spread of Coronavirus, physical shipments of this game might be delayed.Release update information. #FF7R pic.twitter.com/oZ6XXBX5hR— FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE (@finalfantasyvii) March 18, 2020Things will likely vary on a case-by-case basis, but we'll be sure to update with any other statements from Square Enix. Square Enix is also planning to provide another update on March 20, which will contain more information on the situation. Still, if you're getting the game digitally, you don't need to worry...
The Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can buy for under $400
When your budget maxes out at $400, the Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can get. That's because it offers the same core experience as the higher-end Pixel 3 that preceded it. You get the same software and features, and the exact same camera experience. The only shortcomings come in the hardware and a couple of the specs — a fine trade-off to save hundreds of dollars.Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a strikes a good balance between hardware, specs, and experience. Yes, it's made out of plastic, but it's really well executed. Yes, it has cut specs compared to the Pixel 3, but it fits right in with the phones at this price. Its features, too, match the competition, but unlike the other phones, the Pixel 3a has great Google software that's filled with nice little features and guaranteed to get updates for years.However, what sets the Pixel 3a apart from the competition at this price is its camera. Where it's completely acceptable for a sub-$400 phone to have an "ok...
How to manage the microphone and camera privacy settings on your Chromebook
Having a microphone and camera active is one of those things that you probably want to only happen when you want it to happen. It's important to make sure your privacy settings are in order here since every Chromebook has both a mic and a camera. Thankfully, it's also easy to do once you know where to look.Products used in this guideGoogle's Newest Laptop: Pixelbook Go ($650 at Amazon)Finding the settingsBy default, your Chromebook is set to ask you when a web page wants to use the mic and camera. That's good because the setting is buried in the "advanced" section of the settings page. But you still might want to have a look to see what sites you've allowed or blocked and change things if they need to be changed. The settings are the same no matter which Chromebook you're using.Open your Chromebook settings by clicking the gear icon in the system tray.Open the Privacy and security section. Click Site settings and you'll see a list of individual things that can be chang...
Guard against shady content with eero Secure safe browsing
If you are debating which mesh Wi-Fi system to get for your home, I highly recommend the eero lineup. Not only does eero have quality routers and an easy-to-use app, but it also has some additional services that you may find extremely valuable, such as the eero Secure and Secure+ subscriptions. One of the most useful features here is the ability to limit the content and exposure to devices and individuals on your network, including delivering a measure of control over web browsing. I'll show you how to set this up in the steps below.Products used in this guideMesh internet: eero Mesh WiFi System ($249 at Amazon)Extra control: eero Secure (From $3/month at eero)How to safeguard your browsing with eero SecureOpen the eero app on your smartphone.Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner (the 3 lines).Tap on eero Secure.Scroll down and toggle the Network Security switch to on. This will restrict access to sites that are known for malicious content, viruses, bots, et...
These credit cards companies are offering financial hardship assistance
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many are worried of the economic impacts that the virus may have on people's jobs and their ability to pay their monthly bills. One such common expense is the monthly credit card payment.Thankfully, the following credit card companies have announced they are offering assistance programs to their cardholders in case you are going through financial hardship due to the virus.American ExpressAccording to a new report by The Points Guy, American Express is waiving interest, late fees, and offering payment options to its cardholders. The company released the following statement when asked if it would be helping customers during this time: "Yes, Am...
These are the best apps for your Android device — period
Make your Android app experience a good one.Our phones are pocket-sized supercomputers with professional-grade cameras and battery for days, but without the apps to take advantage of it, what would be the point? There are millions upon millions of Android apps that transform our phones from shiny glass slabs into productivity powerhouses, and over the last year, these are the apps that have seized the day and made our lives easier, faster, and better.Work smarter, not harderWho needs a personal assistant when you have services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available wherever you go? These types of apps aim to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of your day-to-day life to make things easier. From automation to smart home products, and everything in between, these apps allow you to get work done with some help.With you everywhereGoogle AssistantFrom Assistant Routines in Google Clock to the vast expansion of Assistant-compatible smart home devices, ...
Get Android 11 on your Pixel the easy way with the Android Flash Tool
This sure beats downloading tools and running a command line.Getting early Developer Preview software on your Pixel has always been a bit of a task, requiring downloads and some knowledge of how a command line works. But now Google has a new tool you can run right in your computer's web browser to flash Android 11 on your Pixel. All you need is a USB cable and a little time on your hands, and you can be up and running in several minutes. Here's how you get it done.Getting your phone ready to flashThe Android Flash Tool supports flashing Android 11 onto the Pixel 2, 2 XL, 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4 and 4 XL.Before you can plug in and flash, you have to have your phone set up to accept the commands and software from the phone. This requires enabling developer settings, USB debugging and OEM unlocking.Go to your Settings and scroll down to System and tap About Phone.Tap on the Build number seven times until a dialog box says "you are now a developer."Go back to the System menu a...
Coronavirus is impacting UPS and FedEx shipping times
Shipping might be affected by restrictions, but you probably won't notice for a while.The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) currently ravaging the globe is affecting all areas of our lives. Already, events have been canceled and many countries have slipped into lockdown, confining residents to their homes. Amazon has announced a suspension of non-critical warehouse shipments through April 5.Mainstream shipping companies like FedEx and UPS will be making adjustments to how they do things to prevent transmission, too."FedEx Express continues to operate inbound and outbound flights to and from impacted areas as local conditions and restrictions allow, and we are taking recommended precautions in terms of pilot, team member and customer health and safety," FedEx said in a statement to Android Central. "The safety and well-being of our team members is our top priority. We are closely monitoring guidance by the World Health Organization and other public health organizations, and taking pr...
Crisis VRigade is getting co-op support on the Oculus Quest
An intense game for you and your friends.What you need to knowCrisis VRigade is an intense action VR game that's only available through SideQuest.Despite being denied for sale on the Oculus Quest store, it has still amassed over 80,000 installs.Crisis VRigade is now adding a cooperative mode to have multiple people tackle its challenges.Crisis VRigade is an interesting game, as it has quite a large following of happy fans, and seems to be a great match up for the Oculus Quest and its wire-free tracking capabilities. However, as reported by UploadVR, the title has been rejected from the Facebook Oculus Store twice now, meaning it has had to resort to other means.The game is available through SideQuest, which allows Quest owners to sideload games onto their headsets that wouldn't be available through normal means. Using this method, Crisis VRigade has become the most-downloaded game for SideQuest, with over 80,000 downloads accrued. In light of this success, the team behind...
PS5 is backward compatible with almost all of 'the top 100' PS4 games
There's some guaranteed games but we're not sure what else is going on.What you need to knowMark Cerny, lead architect for the PlayStation, held a talk today on the specs of the machine.Cerny mentioned that "almost all" of the top 100 games on PlayStation 4 will run on PlayStation 5.Exactly how many games will run overall is not currently clear.During PlayStation's "The Road to PS5" presentation today, lead architect Mark Cerny talked about the specs of the PlayStation 5 and what developers can expect from the console. While it's been known for some time that the PlayStation 5 would be backward compatible with PlayStation 4 games, there's a few things right now that aren't clear.During Cerny's talk, he mentioned the different compatibility modes the PlayStation 5 hardware can be set to, allowing compatibility with PlayStation 4 titles. Cerny then stated that "We recently took a look at the top 100 PlayStation 4 titles, as ranked by play time, and we're expecting almost al...
Waymo is shutting service, fully driverless vehicles to continue operating
Its partnership with UPS will also continue.What you need to knowWaymo says it's suspending its taxi service to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.The exception to this rule will be the company's fully driverless vehicles, which will keep operating for now.The move comes after signs of unrest among its drivers about having to continue working despite the increasing risk of infection.As the coronavirus infection grips the nation and the world, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber have been taking measures to reduce human contact via their services. Their upstart, driverless competitor, Waymo, on the other hand, is shutting its services almost entirely.A new blog post by the company reads, "We're pausing our Waymo One service with trained drivers in Metro Phoenix for now." The Alphabet subsidiary's doing the same with its trials in California. Though the company's cars can drive themselves, most of its rides still require a trained driver to be in the car in order ...
Google Stadia is more powerful than PlayStation 5
Google Stadia edges out Sony's machine.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is a game streaming service.It's getting a lot of interesting games in the coming weeks to months. It's more powerful than the PlayStation 5, but less than the Xbox Series X. You can purchase a Stadia bundle for $130 through the Google Store. Today, Sony released the official specifications for the PlayStation 5 (PS5). According to the company, from what it seems, the graphics processing unit (GPU) has a peak output of 10.28 teraflops (TFLOPs). However, the Xbox Series X and Google Stadia beat the machine.There were rumors floating around, some even from very credible sources, that Sony was targeting more than 10.7 TFLOPs, but that's clearly not the case. The Xbox Series X comes in at 12.155 TFLOPs, Stadia is at 10.7 TFLOPs, and the PS5 is at 10.28 TFLOPs. Since all three use next-generation AMD architecture, it's possible to compare their GPUs.Hopefully, as the months ago by, developers will b...
Here's everything in Android 11 DP2 that you should care about
Everything you need to know about DP2 🤓.We're still quite a few months out from Google releasing Android 11 to the masses, but in the meantime, we have its string of Developer Previews to play with. On March 18, the latest Developer Preview 2 was unveiled and made available for devs that need to work with the new software ahead of launch.Developer Preview 2 doesn't bring a lot of user-facing changes to Android, but if you take a peek behind the curtain, you'll find a healthy dose of tweaks and adjustments that are worth talking about.So, without further ado, here's everything you need to care about that's new in Android 11 Developer Preview 2!Notification historyBuilt-in screen recorderRevamped wallpaper UIImproved face unlock security5G state API Foldable hinge detectionBetter call screeningScoped storage migrationVaried refresh rate settingsResume on bootIt works with the Android Flash ToolView your entire notification historyOne of the few UI changes i...
What graphics card will be used in the PlayStation 5?
Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will pack a custom RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 TFLOPs with 36 compute units clocked at 2.23GHz. It can support 8K resolution and ray tracing.Build your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 and up at Amazon)PlayStation 3 vs PlayStation 4 graphicsIt was notoriously difficult to develop for the PlayStation 3 because of its CPU, and though this was apparently the case on purpose so developers would be challenged to push its limits, that didn't make it a good thing. Sony used the RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' capable of 400 gigaflops (0.4 teraflops) for the PlayStation 3's GPU and a custom eight-core Cell Broadband Engine for the CPU, which also carried some of the graphics-related work that the console performed. This architecture was completely different from the PS2 and required a significantly greater amount of effort to develop for.Sony opted for a CPU and GPU that was much easier for developers to work with in the PlayStation 4 — a cust...
PlayStation 5's SSD boosts speed and performance greatly
Best answer: Utilizing a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) means faster load times and better performance in all of your games.Speed and storage: Western Digital Blue 1TB SSD ($115 at Amazon)What's the difference between an SSD and HDD?Both an SSD and HDD are components of a PC that deal with storage and dictate how fast information can be read. In an SSD, data is stored on flash-memory chips and it has no moving parts whatsoever. An HDD, on the other hand, uses mechanical moving parts to read and write information.Why are SSDs better?Because an SSD utilizes flash-storage as opposed to magnetic tape and mechanical parts like an HDD, the former tends to be faster, smaller, and quieter. Everything you see on screen when you play a video game is data and information that needs to be rendered nearly instantaneously to ensure a smooth experience. SSDs have a much easier time doing this.How will an SSD benefit PlayStation 5 games?In an interview with Wired,...
How much storage will the PlayStation 5 have?
Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will include an 825GB SSD. This is less than the Xbox Series X's 1TB SSD, but Sony has good reason for the odd number that we'll get into below.Thousands to choose from: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Hello solid-state driveWe know that the new PS5 is being built with an 825GB solid-state drive (SSD) instead of the traditional HDD. Not only will this upgrade give us a much faster system but it also gives us a starting point to deduce how much storage the basic launch build will offer.The PS4 and storage sizeAt launch the original PlayStation 4 came with the option of 500GB for the basic build or, if you had extra spending money, 1TB. This was the standard again at the launch of the PlayStation Slim in 2016. However, Sony has now discontinued not only the original PS4 but the 500GB Slim variant as well. The smallest storage unit now offered is 1TB for the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro. This increases up to 2TB internal storage...
Here are the stores where you can still buy Lysol wipes
Now more than ever, it's important to practice good hygiene and to combat germs as effectively as possible. One of the best tools for this job is a package of Lysol/Clorox wipes, but thanks to ongoing fears over the Coronavirus, cleaning products like these disinfectant wipes are becoming more and more difficult to find.Amazon: Select options availableWalmart: Limited onlineTarget: In-store shoppingWalgreens: Check your local storeOffice Depot: Buy in bulkAmazon is often the go-to retailer for cleaning products, but right now, it's not the best place to look. Stock is basically nonexistent at this point, with bottles of Lysol selling for over $200 and Clorox going as far as to pull its advertising from Amazon as a result of the temporary outages.Thankfully, you aren't completely out of luck. If you're out of Lysol wipes and need to buy more, you have a few different options worth considering. We don't recommend buying more than you need as to not further contribute to...
The PlayStation 5 has 10.28 teraflops of power. Here's what that means.
Best answer: A teraflop measures the compute power of a system. For a console like the PlayStation 5, a 10.28-teraflop GPU means the ability to deliver much more immersive and life-like visuals.Game on: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)What is a teraflop?Sony has shared more details on the PlayStation 5, and the upcoming console will feature 10.28 teraflops of GPU power. That's nearly six times as powerful as the original PlayStation 4 and over 2.5 times the power of the PlayStation 4 Pro.Microsoft's Xbox Series X, meanwhile, is confirmed to have a 12 teraflop GPU. With console manufacturers touting teraflop figures as a key differentiator for their console, let's take a look at what a teraflop actually is, and why it matters for gaming. In a nutshell, a teraflop is the ability to process one trillion floating point operations per second.A FLOP is an acronym for floating point operations per second. Floating point operations include irrational numbers ...
PlayStation 5 reveal livestream: Rewatch Sony detail its next-gen console
Sony is finally ready to share more information on the PlayStation 5.Sony revealed the PlayStation 5 logo earlier this year, but after that there hasn't been anything in the way of official details. Microsoft, meanwhile, has served up a wealth of information on the Xbox Series X, including full specs, marquee features, and launch titles.Sony is finally remedying the situation. The company detailed all of the PlayStation 5 specs in a livestream — which was done in lieu of a physical event due to the coronavirus — that you can rewatch below.PlayStation 5PlayStation 5: Everything we know so farPS5 vs. Xbox Series X: How they comparePS5 Specs: What's in the next-gen PlayStationWill PS4 games work on the PlayStation 5?...
Android 11 Developer Preview 2 has arrived — here's what's new!
Just like DP1, this isn't meant for regular use quite yet.What you need to knowGoogle has announced Android 11 Developer Preview 2.Notable updates include better support for foldables, improvements to call screening, and additional updates to scoped storage.Developer Preview 2 is not intended for daily use, but can be installed using the new Android Flash Tool.Even with the COVID-19 Coronavirus continuing to disrupt daily life in and out of the tech world, it hasn't stopped Google from rolling out the latest build of Android 11. On March 18, the company took the wraps off of Android 11 Developer Preview 2.Developer Preview 2 doesn't bring any major user-facing changes compared to Developer Preview 1, but there are a lot of behind-the-scenes improvements that are worth talking about. First and foremost, this latest preview introduces better compatibility with foldable phones and 5G networks. The new hinge angle sensor API makes it easier for developers to detect the hinge ...
How to download and install Android 11 Developer Preview 2 on your Pixel
There be dragons ahead, so use caution.It's that time of year again, though earlier than ever before: a developer preview of the latest version of Android is available, called Android 11. And while Google explicitly says that only developers should install it, many of us want to see what the company is planning for the next big update, set to be released sometime this summer.Top 10 features in Android 11 you need to know about right nowGiven that this is a developer preview, there are going to be missing features and bugs, so you shouldn't expect a fully working experience. But if you're curious about what's next, here's how to download and install it, plus answers to a few questions you may have.Update, March 18, 2020: Google has released the second Android 11 developer preview for Pixel phones. It's still aimed primarily at developers, but there will be far fewer bugs, and newer features, this time around.What phones support Android 11 Developer Preview?Pixel 4 XLPixe...
Here's how to enable and disable your PS4 screensaver
Screensavers are something many folks are familiar with from an early age, whether it be from a personal computer or a phone. It's that animation or picture that overlays on top of an unchanging display once you leave your device alone. The visual image of a 3D maze on Windows XP is what comes to mind for me. Unfortunately, Sony went with a different, more boring but more practical way with screensavers. This is really a power saver. Here is how to turn it on.How to Enable or Disable your PS4 'screensaver'Go to your PlayStation 4 Settings menu.Select Sound and ScreenStart Screensaver sets the idle time before the screensaver starts — 5, 15 or 30 minutes.Select Do Not Start if you want to disable the screensaver.This will enable (or disable) your PS4 to dim the attached screen after a certain amount of time. By default, your PlayStation is set to dim the screen after 15 minutes of inactivity. It's a nice way to save a bit of power and you might even feel a little more g...
Slack rolling out a major redesign amid the coronavirus outbreak
Rolling out today to some users and more widely in the coming weeks.What you need to knowSlack has a major UI redesign rolling out to users on the web and the desktop apps.The new design has cleaned up menus, settings, and more, while also adding some new features, such as sidebar sections to group together channels, DMs, and apps.There is also a new mobile app redesign in the works, but there is no word on when it will be released.Due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, people all over the world are being asked to work from home. As a result, many are adjusting to a new work environment and tools to make collaborating with others easier outside of the office. What could be a better time to launch a new and improved design for one of the best workplace communication apps?Slack is used by millions worldwide by major corporations to help them work together and stay productive. However, it has drawn some criticism over features being hard to find and an overall ...
Standing more is good for your back but it doesn't have to break the bank
If you are physically able to, standing while working — even in short spurts — is one of the best things you can do for your health. The trouble with standing desks is that they are often expensive and replace otherwise perfectly good office furniture. Thankfully, many affordable and flexible standing desk solutions will work great in your existing workspace, or just about anywhere around your home. Our favorite overall is the VariDesk Pro Plus 36 because it sits on top of an existing desk or tabletop, and it is incredibly spacious, sturdy, and adjustable.Best Overall: VariDesk Pro Plus 36"VariDesk is one of the most well-known manufacturers of standing desks, but in addition to the stand-alone electronic and manual desks, it also makes several desktop units that you can place on existing workspaces. Out of these, my favorite is hands-down the Pro Plus 36. The unit consists of two levels — an upper section for your laptop and/or monitor(s), and a lower area for your mouse...
Beat boredom with the best board games you can buy
Board games might be an old school way to stay entertained, but there's a lot to be said for gathering around the dining room table, dealing the cards or rolling the dice and starting a board game adventure. We're presenting a selection of games that we think represent the best of both old classics and modern options, including our overall best choice, Sequence which combines the fun of playing cards with the board game format.Best Overall: SequenceSequence is a great game that combines the fun, luck, and excitement of playing cards with strategic board game gameplay. We love this as although the original version is said to be suited to ages seven years old and up, younger children can play along with old siblings or parents.No game of Sequence is ever the same as although your aim remains to get five chips in a row on the board, the cards you have will be everchanging. This set includes 104 playing cards and 50 crowning chips in each red, blue, and green.Pros:Great mix ...
Where to buy Emergen-C: These retailers still have stock available
As most of you are probably aware of at this point, we're currently living in a world where it's more important than ever to stay on top of our health and wellbeing. With the COVID-19 Coronavirus continuing to spread and the regular flu season still in full effect, providing your body with all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs is critical right now.Walmart: Mostly in-store purchasesTarget: Brought to your carWalgreens: Check your local storeCVS: In-person availabilityUnfortunately, as you might have noticed, products you can normally buy with ease are now hard to come by as everyone is stocking up for their own self-isolation plans. This includes things like toilet paper, Lysol wipes, and — yes — Emergen-C.Emergen-C (or any Vitamin C supplement) is a fantastic way to boost up your immune system and keep your body healthy with so many germs floating around. If you're having trouble finding Emergen-C, here are the stores that still have some in stock for you to ...
Daily Coronavirus updates: U.S. govt plan says pandemic may last 18 months
The coronavirus has spread to 108 countries around the world, and it shows no signs of abating. The pandemic is proving particularly devastating in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases crossing 169,000 and fatalities of over 6,500 globally.The virus has effectively shut down all sporting leagues around the world, major gatherings including tech events and music festivals, and closed down restaurants and malls. It also put a major dent in the airline industry, and is causing panic-buying across the globe, leading to severe food shortages.The coronavirus has also had a huge impact on the tech industry, affecting the global supply chain and causing interminable product delays. Here's the latest on the coronavirus and how it's affecting the tech industry.March 18, 2020: U.S. government closes Canada border for non-essential travelThe U.S. government is readying a massive $1 trillion stimulus, including $250 billion in direct checks to Americans. A government plan to combat t...
Get even smoother video out of your Galaxy with a gimbal
Samsung's latest phones come with incredible video-centric features like ultra-smooth OIS and, in some cases, even 8K capture with native editing tools. No matter how good that built-in stabilization is, it's hard to beat a real gimbal for smooth and steady video, which counters against any shaky hand movements. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is cost-effective, compact, and easy to use, but it's far from your only option.Best Overall: DJI Osmo Mobile 3The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is the easiest way to quickly jump into shooting stable video without having to worry about carefully calibrating each axis of your gimbal. While you can fine-tune the axes a bit, the motors inside are strong enough to correct for almost any imbalance, and the Osmo's adjustable clamp can expand out large enough to fit any phone — even the Galaxy S20 Ultra (though thicker cases may give you some trouble).DJI makes it easy to shoot stunning-looking video not just with great stabilization, but with built-in preset ac...
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