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Having a chat with the AC forums.The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a lot going for it, with one of the biggest selling points being its powerful camera system. There are a lot of reasons to get excited about the S20 Ultra's camera capabilities, with the most noteworthy being its 100x Space Zoom feature.There are tons of examples of the 100x zoom in action, including the one below from AC's own Nirave.Another great example of the @SamsungMobileUS #GalaxyS20Ultra Space Zoom! I legit can't see the MetLife building name with my own eyes, at least without really squinting!Ultra wide, 10X, 30X, 100X. Rested on a ledge for stability at higher zoom. 100X pretty impressive! pic.twitter.com/3fyEb2eANt— Nirave 尼拉夫 (@nirave) February 24, 2020Taking a look through the AC forums, here's what some of our members have to say about the Ultra's zooming. mustang7757 02-24-2020 03:52 PM “ That's what I'm talki...

The outage also impacted Sightline, notifications, and video history...What you need to knowGoogle Nest users have been hit with a camera outage overnight.The downtime impacted Sightline, notifications and camera connectivity.Google has rolled out a fix, however, there is still a partial outage for video history.Google has restored service to Nest camera users after a lengthy period of downtime overnight.The outage first popped up on Twitter, with Michael Kukielka noting that the service had been down for a while yesterday evening, February 24:Is Nest down for everybody else? It’s been awhile too.— Michael Kukielka (@DetroitBORG) February 24, 2020Google Nest confirmed a few hours later that it was indeed working on an issue impacting camera connectivity, rolling out a fix shortly after. The rollout took some time, however, as the initial announcement noted that only some customers had there service restored immediately. Along with camera connectivity, notificati...

The new SoundAssistant feature is only compatible with devices running Samsung's latest One UI 2.0.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy smartphone owners can now enable a vertical volume slider with the latest version of Samsung's SoundAssistant app.The option is currently available only on Galaxy phones running Android 10-based One UI 2.0. Google had introduced vertical volume controls with Android 9 Pie in 2018. Earlier this month, Samsung rolled out Good Lock 2020 with Android 10 support for Galaxy smartphones. The latest Good Lock update introduced several new customization features, along with support for Android 10's system-wide dark mode.Samsung has now updated the SoundAssistant module with the ability to provide a vertical style of the volume UI. According to users on Reddit, the latest SoundAssistant v3.3.07.0 comes with support for the feature. However, the feature is only available on devices running Android 10-based One UI 2.0. If your device is still on A...

Whether you're a casual or professional athlete, GPS is often one of the most sought-after features when buying a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Depending on your budget and what other features you're seeking, there are some great options out there, but you'll often have to pay more for the privilege. If you're serious about tracking your activities and want all of the details plus built-in GPS, we'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It has plenty to offer, especially if you're a highly active individual who's committed to detailed fitness tracking.Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 MusicIf you enjoy exercise just as much as you enjoy tracking it, you'll love the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It comes with built-in GPS that's reliable and accurate. It also promises at least seven days of battery life in smartwatch mode. You'll get a total of sox hours in continuous GPS mode with music playing, which is more than enough juice to track even your most active day of workou...

It could be the world's first phone to support India's NavIC satellite navigation system.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi sub-brand has confirmed that the Redmi K30 Pro will be launched next month.The poster shared on Weibo suggests the phone will have a pop-up selfie camera, just like its predecessor. Redmi K30 Pro is rumored to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset.Back in December last year, Xiaomi's Redmi sub-brand launched the Redmi K30 with dual hole-punch cameras and a 120Hz display. The company has now announced on Weibo that it will be taking the wraps off the Redmi K30 Pro in March.The poster shared on Weibo by the company today suggests the Redmi K30 Pro will feature a pop-up selfie camera like the Redmi K20 Pro, instead of the Redmi K30's oval-shaped hole-punch cutout. While Redmi hasn't revealed any key specs yet, the poster does confirm that the upcoming value flagship will offer 5G connectivity.According to rumors, the Redmi K30 Pro will be...

Aside from the new 64MP camera, it isn't vastly different from last year's Galaxy M30s.What you need to knowGalaxy M31 is the latest Samsung budget phone to debut in India.The phone packs a massive 6,000mAh battery and runs on an Exynos 9611 processor. It will be available in India from March 5 via Amazon.in for a starting price of ₹14,999 ($209). With an aim to take on Chinese rivals in India's highly competitive budget smartphone segment, Samsung today launched the Galaxy M31. It is a successor to the Galaxy M30 from last year, which turned out to be extremely popular among consumers in the country.The Samsung Galaxy M31 will be available to purchase in India starting March 5 via Amazon.in. Samsung has priced the base 6GB/64GB version at ₹14,999 ($209), while the 6GB/128GB version will cost ₹15,999 ($223). Both versions of the budget phone come in Ocean Blue and Space Black colors.Samsung Galaxy M31 features a 6.4-inch FHD+ Infinity-U Super AMOLED display with ...

The phone features "Monster Touch" pressure-sensitive gaming buttons on the sides.What you need to knowVivo's iQOO sub-brand today launched its first 5G smartphone in India.The gaming-focused iQOO 3 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 865 chipset and packs a large 4,440mAh battery. It will be available in the country starting March 4 for a starting price of ₹36,990 ($515).Vivo's iQOO sub-brand announced its first Snapdragon 865-powered smartphone at simultaneous launch events held in China and India today. Just like the Realme X50 Pro 5G launched in India yesterday, the new iQOO 3 5G comes with 5G connectivity and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset.The iQOO 3 will be available in three variants in India. While the 8GB/128GB variant with 4G connectivity has been priced at ₹36,990 ($515), the 8GB/256GB variant will cost ₹39,990 ($556). The 5G-enabled variant of the phone with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage has been priced at ₹44,990 ($626) in the country. All thr...

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...

More Sony patents emerge, shedding light on possible future controller plans.What you need to knowA new patent has been filed by Sony for a different design of controller.This patent is for features on a controller that could read biometric data from players for gameplay feedback. The PlayStation 5 controller has not been described as having any of these features so far. More and more Sony patents for possibly controller designs are continuing to appear. This time, a patent filed by Sony details how a controller could measure biometric data from a player's hand, including heart rate. This data could then be used to provide feedback to the game, such as the emotional state of the player, or even whether they like or dislike a character.You can see some of the diagrams for the controller in the images below.While this is interesting, it's important to note that Sony has mentioned nothing of the sort so far when revealing details about the next-generation PlayStation 5 c...

Whether you love the Google Pixel 2 design and want to enhance it, or you're simply looking for drop protection for your phone, there's a case that's perfect for you. You can find a ton of quality third-party cases to fit your needs if you know where to look. Here are the absolute best cases you can get your Google Pixel 2.AC Choice Award-winnerStaff pickSpigen Neo Hybrid CaseSpigen's Neo Hybrid is one of the best phone cases on the market. Period. It's built well, has an iconic design, and has an affordable price tag.From $16 at AmazonFun and protectiveOtterBox SymmetryOtterBox is synonymous with durability, and as such, its Symmetry case is a great choice for people that tend to drop their phones a lot.From $10 at AmazonYou gotta feel thisGoogle Fabric CasesGoogle knocked it out of the park with its official fabric cases. They're soft, fit the Pixel 2 like a glove, and have an incredibly unique design.$40 at AmazonLeather luxuryBellroy Leather ...

Activision is trying to find out who leaked information on the upcoming Warzone map.What you need to knowA battle royale mode and map have been leaked and are coming to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare sometime in the future.Activision has issued a subpeona towards Reddit to give up the details of one of the users who leaked information. This may or may not actually result in anything happening. The existence of a battle royale map called Warzone coming to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is something of an open secret at this point, with multiple leaks indicating it's coming sometime in the near future. Activision isn't happy with these leaks however and as reported by Eurogamer, has issued a subpoena to Reddit.Reddit user Assyrian241O posted a link to a picture, possibly a promotional image, of the map, with soldiers and vehicles above the words Call of Duty: Warzone. Since then, Activision has issued a subpoena for the Reddit user's information, as well as issuing takedown not...

Some Samsung users were confused seeing data belonging to other customers when they logged into their accounts.What you need to knowSamsung suffered from a data leak last week as a side effect of an internal test.Customers were temporarily able to view sensitive data belonging to other customers whole logged into their own accounts.The firm will notify affected customers as soon as it can with more details.Samsung has admitted to inadvertently causing a data leak last week as part of an internal test. For context, last week users of the firm's smartphones were bewildered to wake up to a notification simply reading "1".On Twitter, Samsung UK attributed the notification to a test of sorts.Recently, a notification about “Find My Mobile 1” occurred on a limited number of Galaxy devices. This was sent unintentionally during an internal test and there is no effect on your device. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers. ^LF— Samsung Help UK ...

It won't be as effortless as a simple OTA, but it's better than nothing.What you need to knowEssential will let users flash the Android 11 Developer Preview on their devices.The firm made a few public code-commits on their GitHub repo aimed at improving Essential Phone compatibility with Android 11's Generic System Images.Essential was shut down this month, with all official updates and support for the Essential Phone going forward being necessarily discontinued.Essential Phone users won't be getting the full Android 11 update, but at least they won't be left completely high and dry. The team is working on improved compatibility with the Android 11 Developer Preview's Generic system Images (GSIs) to bring the upcoming Android update to pre-existing devices.As per Google, a GSI is a " system image with adjusted configurations for Android devices. It's considered a pure Android implementation with unmodified Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code that any Android device ru...

Whether you're illustrating logos as a graphic designer or sifting through charts as a data analyst, nothing boosts your productivity like a second monitor. However, if you need to get work done while on the go, whether at a coffee shop or on a plane, you'd be crazy to haul an entire monitor with you. That's why Mobile Pixels has designed this portable dual monitor, which you can get for just $179.35 by using coupon code SAVEDUEXPRO at checkout.The Mobile Pixels DUEX Pro is a portable dual-screen laptop accessory that allows you to work with two monitors anywhere and everywhere. With a second 1080p display, you'll have more screen real estate for video editing timelines, illustrations, data analysis, and more.Simply attach the DUEX Pro to the back of your laptop and swing the hinge out to double your screen space. The hinge rotates up to 270°, so you can extend or contract your second screen depending on how much workspace you have. You can also swing the DUEX Pro 180° away fro...

Get rid of the Galaxy's most disappointing feature.Ever since Samsung announced the Galaxy S8 with its onboard assistant, Bixby, people have been asking for ways to disable it and forget the button ever existed in the first place. With the Galaxy S9, Note 9, that chorus became even louder. And with the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 released in 2019, a whole new generation of customers looked to kill Bixby. And now with the Galaxy S20, we're at it all over again.Here's how to get rid of as much of Bixby as possible.Why do you want to disable Bixby?On phones where there's a dedicated Bixby button, one of the biggest frustrations is its placement; the button is right under the volume keys and nearly directly opposite the power buttons. On larger phones like the Galaxy S10+ or Note 10+, this often leads to accidental presses and unintended Bixby launches, especially when double-pressing the power button to launch the camera.On the Note 10, Note 10+, and the new Galaxy S20 ser...

The clamshell form factor is here to stay.What you need to knowMotorola's engineers are already thinking about what to include in their next foldable phone.In an interview, they listed better specs, 5G, and an improved QuickView display as some of their priorities for the phone's design.The one thing the RAZR was most admired for, its clamshell form factor, will remain unchanged in future foldable devices.Motorola officially unveiled the RAZR to much fanfare and admiration among the tech community. However, the end product that was shipped to users was far from perfect, with our Nirava Gondhia calling it "as useful as a dull razor blade," arguing that it made "too many compromises, for too much money."While initial sales for the phone have been so great that the phone's release had to be delayed to accommodate the demand, following the wave of negative reviews lambasting the phone's less-than-stellar spec sheet and a seemingly flimsy display, Motorola's best bet at retaki...

A great balanceNest Wifi$149 at AmazonProsCompactWPA3Multiple expansion optionsMore affordableEnough speed for most peopleConsRelatively slow Wi-FiNo Wi-Fi 6Less rangeNest Wifi focuses on using multiple routers and mesh points to build a Wi-Fi network for consistent coverage. With multiple options for expansion, from Nest Wifi points to Google Wifi routers, it's easy to build a robust network even in a home with a lot of interference. Nest Wifi is extremely flexible and has plenty of speed for most people.Ultimate speed and coverageUbiquiti AmpliFi Alien$379 at AmpliFiProsFast Wi-Fi 6Four Ethernet portsGreat coverageTouchscreen displayConsLarge sizeNot compatible with older AmpliFi mesh pointsThe AmpliFi Alien from Ubiquiti is a truly impressive Wi-Fi 6 router with incredible speed capabilities and an attractive design that stands alone. Most people will be able to get away with just one of these routers but it can form a mesh...

The studio will no longer be attending and the planned panel has been cancelled.What you need to knowThe Game Developers Conference 2020 (GDC) is being held on March 16 through March 20.Several developers have pulled out of the conference due to concerns of spreading Coronavirus.Kojima Productions is the latest developer to confirm it is pulling out.Another company is bowing out of GDC 2020. Kojima Productions confirmed the news on Twitter, stating that it was due to concerns of the Coronavirus. This follows other major developers such as Square Enix limiting its presence at PAX East, as well as Facebook and PlayStation completely pulling out of GDC 2020.Kojima Productions has made the difficult decision to cancel our participation at the 2020 Game Developers Conference due to increasing concerns related to coronavirus. (1/2)https://t.co/K6FJtq5Tpx— Kojima Productions (@KojiPro2015_EN) February 24, 2020Due to the cancellation, this naturally means that Hideo Kojima'...

Snapdragon 865, 12GB RAM, 256 GB ROM, and more.What you need to knowReliable tipster Ishan Agarwal tweeted out some supposed images of the upcoming OnePlus 8 Pro.The photos come from Snapchat and show a strikingly similar design to previously leaked renders of the device.There was also a leaked screenshot revealing some key specs of the OnePlus 8 Pro.Several OnePlus 8 models are slated to be released later this year in May, but that hasn't stopped plenty of info from leaking out ahead of the launch. The latest leak comes from notable tipster Ishan Agarwal, who tweeted out some images from Snapchat revealing specs of the OnePlus 8 Pro.It does seem like the OnePlus 8 Pro after all! Do you think these images leaked through snapchat are true? Not sure if the guy wants his Snapchat to be shared or not. #OnePlus8Pro pic.twitter.com/9BHgXZLlGY— Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) February 24, 2020In the series of photos, we get a look at the front and the back of the upcoming ...

Google Photos is our favorite photo-sharing service because it allows for virtually unlimited backups, has near-perfect syncing abilities, and it can do neat things like automatically create albums or enhance pictures. With so many of our photos living as bits on our phones and computers, it can be easy to forget to show them off properly. Thankfully, Google has made it simple to turn your favorite photos into screensavers and slideshows on your Nest Hub or Google Assistant-enabled smart screen. We'll show you how to get yours set up in the steps below.Products used in this guideSee more of your photos: Nest Hub Max ($230 at Best Buy)Photos for any area: Nest Hub ($130 at Best Buy)Pefect bedside photos: Lenovo Smart Display 7 ($100 at B&H)How to set up custom photo slideshows in Google Home appOpen your Google Home app.Locate your smart screened speaker and tap on it (in my case, I'll select "Kitchen Display").Tap on the Settings icon (gear-shaped) in the top rig...

Signal is seen as more secure than WhatsApp, and the EU seems to agree.What you need to knowThe European Commission is switching away its instant messaging to encrypted messaging app Signal.Signal has been praised for its secure by default communication, as well as its WhatsApp and iMessage like simplicity. The UK's Conservative Party also made the switch late last year.The European Commission is switching to an encrypted messaging app, Signal as it moves to prioritize more secure communications.As reported by POLITICO: The instruction appeared on internal messaging boards in early February, notifying employees that "Signal has been selected as the recommended application for public instant messaging." The app is favored by privacy activists because of its end-to-end encryption and open-source technology. "It's like Facebook's WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage but it's based on an encryption protocol that's very innovative," said Bart Preneel, cryptography expert...

Play Stadia games without a physical controller.What you need to knowTouchStadia adds an on-screen controller when playing games using a touchscreen device.It makes use of a JavaScript snippet when using Chrome in desktop mode to play Stadia games.Stadia added support for several new phones last week,, including many Samsung flagships and gaming phones from ASUS and Razer.Google launched its cloud gaming service Stadia last November to a lukewarm reception. While Stadia had big aspirations, unfortunately, the service came up lacking in many areas. For starters, most of the best features were missing at launch, and the number of devices supported was extremely limited. Most notably, the only smartphones compatible were from the Pixel lineup. However, things are looking up for Google's game streaming platform, month after month, Stadia continues to update the service with new features and additional games.It was just this past week that Google finally opened Stadia up to mo...

Samsung Galaxy S20All the latest tech$1,000 at SamsungProsStunning 120Hz AMOLED displaySnapdragon 865 chipsetEnticing camera upgradesLarger batterySub-6 5G connectivityConsExpensiveNo headphone jackThe Galaxy S20 includes a ton of exciting upgrades, including a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display that sets new standards for the industry. The phone is packing the latest internal hardware, upgraded cameras, 5G connectivity, and a large 4,000mAh battery. Combine all of that with the extras — wireless charging and IP68 water resistance — and the S20 is the flagship to beat.OnePlus 7TFast and fluid$500 at OnePlusPros90Hz AMOLED display30W fast chargingSnapdragon 855+ chipsetAndroid 10 with clean softwareStereo soundConsNo wireless chargingNo water resistanceOnePlus continues to lead the way in terms of value. The 7T is a fantastic phone in 2020, and the 90Hz AMOLED display is silky smooth in day-to-day use. OxygenOS delivers the best Androi...

Sony is gearing up to release the PS5, its most ambitious console to date.While development on the PlayStation 5 has likely been going on for years, Sony has officially confirmed that it's in the works and is on its way for the holidays. Here's everything we know about the PS5 so far.PS5 designPS5 specsPS5 backward compatibilityPS5 next-gen DualShock controllerPS5 user interfacePS5 virtual reality supportOfficially named the PlayStation 5PS5 launch gamesPS5 costThe PS5 may be revealed in MarchThe PS5 releases Holiday 2020PlayStation 5 What form will it take?According to a report from the Financial Times, sources familiar with Sony's plans have stated that the PlayStation 5 "might not represent a major departure from the PS4, and that the fundamental architecture would be similar." Mark Cerny, lead system architect of the console, went on to confirm as much in his interview with Wired.This indicates that Sony is not working on a streaming-only platform, though ...

All of the latest info in one place.Looking back on 2019, one of the best phones to be released was the Huawei P30 Pro. Most people in the U.S. likely overlooked it due to its lacking availability in the country, but if you did manage to get your hands on the phone, you were treated to drop-dead gorgeous hardware, insanely capable cameras, and some of the best battery life around.The P30 Pro is still holding its own here in 2020, but its successor is right around the corner.Huawei continues to be in its ongoing feud with the U.S. government, but in spite of that, we're expecting big and exciting things for the new P40 lineup. From the rumored specs, design, price, release date, and more, here's everything you need to know about the phones.We're likely getting three modelsHere's what the phones look likeThese are the specs we knowGoogle Play Services will be missingExpect the phones to be expensiveAn announcement is coming March 26You still can't go wrong with the P...

The question of Google still looms large.What you need to knowHuawei will announce the P40 and P40 Pro on the 26th of March in Paris.These devices will be the first of Huawei's P-series to launch without access to the Google Play Store.The devices are expected to launch with up to five rear cameras on the pro models and 120Hz displays on all.Huawei is launching the successors to its well-received P30 and P30 Pro — the P40 and P40 Pro — in March. The firm will be doing so in lieu of an MWC launch partly due to the event's cancellation in early February and mostly because it made the same decision in 2019. Instead, it will hold a dedicated event in Paris where it will showcase its 2020 flagship.Renders of the Huawei P40 and P40 Pro already leaked in the course of the year, and we know a lot about what to expect. Both devices will ship with Android 10 and Huawei's own EMUI 10, both will have OLED displays at 120Hz, and both will have multiple cameras.The P40 will repo...

Samsung is the biggest Android maker, and we use each of its phones so we can help you find the right model out of the dozens it has available.Mainstream choiceGalaxy S20+$1,200 at SamsungProsExcellent displaySmaller and noticeably lighterLess money for same core featuresConsLower zoom capabilities10% smaller batteryOnly 25W wired chargingThe Galaxy S20+ offers a great balance between the other models. You're getting the full Galaxy S20 experience, with a screen and battery that are still quite large and an altogether new camera system that isn't quite as great as the Ultra but that's still going to hold its own. Plus, it's easier to use in one hand and $200 cheaper.Going biggerGalaxy S20 Ultra$1,400 at SamsungProsMassive displayHuge batterySamsung's best camera array45W wired charging capableConsIncredibly thick and heavyExtra money for few extra featuresSame base storage and RAMThe S20 Ultra brings a truly massive display, ...

The proprietary card is likely to be offered only in China.What you need to knowXiaomi is developing a SIM card that can also be used as a microSD card.The card will have the standard SIM technology on one side and flash memory on the other side. The "hybrid" card is likely to be compatible only with Xiaomi devices.A dedicated microSD card slot used to be a standard feature on Android phones a few years back. Now, however, things have changed. Most flagship smartphones these days lack expandable storage since they come with ample onboard storage.To give users added flexibility, Xiaomi is now working on a SIM card that can also be used as a microSD card. A new Xiaomi patent application spotted by IT Home has revealed that the Chinese brand is developing a card that will have your usual SIM technology on one side and storage technology on the other. Going by the patent sketch, it appears the card will only be compatible with a proprietary SIM tray and won't use the same mic...

Best all-in-one VROculus Quest$565 on AmazonProsAffordable priceBetter exclusive gamesLighter, more stylish designMore tracking camerasConsMore expensive / fewer gamesNo expandable storagePC connection requires a wireThe Oculus Quest makes a strong case for the best all-in-one VR headset on the market. Its superior inside-out tracking and Guardian room tracking help you move fast without desyncing or smashing into a wall, and its visuals without PC power will impress all but the most hardcore VR fans. It also offers a curated library of excellent VR games optimized for the Quest.Not just for businessHTC Vive Focus Plus$830 on AmazonProsDesigned for business useWider FOVLarger subscription-based libraryWireless PC VRConsTwice the priceLower-quality game libraryHeavierFor a much higher price point, the Vive Focus Plus ekes past the higher-selling Quest in its FOV, refresh rate, and other important specs. It offers impressive fea...

Let's chat with the AC forums.This past Friday, Samsung officially opened pre-orders for the Galaxy S20 series. The S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are all exciting new additions to the Galaxy family, bringing things like 120Hz displays, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 processor, big camera upgrades, and more.There's no doubt that Samsung has crafted a trio of rock-solid Android handsets, but that doesn't mean everyone out there needs to upgrade to an S20 from their current phone.Recently, members of our AC forums got to talking about why they aren't upgrading. paulwilko10 02-21-2020 09:39 AM “ I don't know why, but i am finding it very easy to not push the button on Upgrading. 2 Reasons for me really. 1. I don't like the Large Payment at the end or give your phone back 2. The Camera from reviews looks not an awful lot better than my S10+ I really am not feeling the love for the S20 What are y...

Huawei's next chapter begins with a refreshed foldable and a premium Android tablet.A year ago, I sat in a cramped meeting room somewhere in the bowels of Barcelona's Fira Gran Via for Mobile World Congress to get my first look at the Huawei Mate X. It was the dawn of the age of foldable phones, and using this device for the first time served as a tantalizing early glimpse of the future.Twelve months on, a lot has changed — both for Huawei, and for MWC. For starters, this year's mobile show has been cancelled amid coronavirus fears. And Huawei itself is also having a pretty tough time, having been placed on the U.S.'s Entity List last May, and prevented from preloading Google services on its newer phones. As a result, perhaps, the super-expensive Mate X hasn't seen any wide release outside of mainland China.But as the company shows off its two new Android devices for early 2020, there's fresh enthusiasm and confidence about the future of Huawei outside of the Google umbre...

Please, think of the poor wallets.I don't know about you, but I'm growing a little tired of $1000 and up being the new norm for smartphone prices. Apple was the first company to break that threshold in 2017 with the iPhone X, and in the years following that, it's quickly become something that we now have to expect.Take this year's Galaxy S20 lineup, for example. At the low-end of the bunch with the regular S20, you're paying a minimum of $1000. The mid-tier S20+ steps things up to $1200, with the highest-end S20 Ultra selling for a cool $1400. There's also last year's Pixel 4 XL, which has a retail price of $999 for the 128GB variant.It's only natural for phone prices to increase as time goes on and money loses its value, but the sheer level at which prices have been rising is a bit much. Just two years ago, a brand-new Galaxy S9 was selling for $720. Compared to this year's S20, that's a price hike of $280.I've mostly grown used to these increased costs as a result of writ...

Google Assistant is one of the most popular smart voice assistants on the planet and is accessible on devices as diverse as smartwatches, smartphones, smart speakers, and more. In addition to the devices it's built-in to, the Google Assistant has integrations with hundreds, if not thousands, of other smart devices and services. What follows is a list of some of our favorites, broken down by category.SmartlightsHome automationSmart appliancesSecurityEntertainmentMusic servicesStreaming services for videoSmartlightsConnected smart bulbs are the easiest and most fun way to start building out your smart home network. There are multiple brands like Philips Hue and Sengled that offer complete collections of smart lighting solutions that are connected by a hub and work well with Google Assistant.Smart light starter kitPhilips Hue Multicolor A19 Starter KitStaff PickPhilips is one of the leading manufacturers of connected lighting solutions for good reason. Philips ...

It's worth spending a little extra money on headsets to get a good pair.Given the basic form of a headset, you'd be surprised at how much they can all vary between brands and models. It's much more than just two simple earcups connected with a headband. There's a science behind it that makes them comfortable. And what's in the headset is just as important as what's on the outside. A good headset is the pinnacle of form meeting function.I've reviewed a few HyperX products previously, but this is the first headset I've tried out from the company. It also happens to be the first wireless headset I've used for any extended length of time. I honestly can't see myself going back to wired headsets now. I can't say how it stacks up against other wireless headsets, but I can surely say that regardless of its competition, the HyperX Cloud Flight S is an outstanding headset on its own.At a glanceHyperX Cloud Flight S ...

It will ship with Android 10 out of the box.What you need to knowSony's new Xperia 10 II is the company's first mid-range smartphone with a 21:9 OLED display.It features a triple-lens camera system at the rear with a 12MP primary sensor and two 8MP lenses. The Xperia 10 II will be released in select markets this Spring.Along with its flagship Xperia 1 II smartphone, Sony today introduced the newest addition to its portfolio of mid-range smartphones. In most areas, the new Xperia 10 II is a decent upgrade over the Xperia 10 that the Japanese brand had launched last year.The Xperia 10 II's headline feature is its 6-inch 21:9 Wide FHD+ OLED display, which comes with "TRILUMINOS Display for Mobile" technology from the company's BRAVIA TV lineup. Under the hood, it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 128GB storage.At the rear is a triple-camera array featuring a 12MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8x telephoto lens with 2x op...

All the important WhatsApp info in one place.WhatsApp is one of the largest messaging platforms around, with the Facebook-owned service touting over two billion monthly users. While the service may not be prominent in the U.S., its usage is near-ubiquitous in markets like India and Brazil, where it's used for everything from delivery tracking to payments.Even though it trails behind things like Facebook Messenger and even SMS texting here in the U.S., WhatsApp is an immensely powerful app that you should familiarize yourself with.Whether you're a WhatsApp pro or newbie, here's everything you need to know about it!WhatApp is free messagingIt's easy to set upThe app is on Android & iOSDark mode is hereControl your notificationsIndian users can send moneyCloud backups are built-inSecure your account with 2FADeleting your account is easyUltimate messengerWhatsAppFree at Google PlaySo many features, all for freeWhatsApp stands out as one of the best mes...

If you miss the deal, you will have to shell out £60 for a year's subscription.What you need to knowCustomers in the UK can now pre-order twelve months of Disney+ service for just £50.The limited period offer will end on March 23. Disney+ is set to launch in the UK and a few other European markets on March 24. Ahead of the launch of its Disney+ streaming service in the UK next month, Disney today announced a pre-sale deal that will allow customers to save £10 on an annual subscription. Until March 23, you can get an annual Disney+ subscription for just £50, instead of £60.A monthly subscription to Disney+ costs £5.99, so this is a pretty good deal. Provided you sign up for an annual Disney+ subscription before March 24, you will end up paying £4.17 per month to access Disney's expansive catalog. As confirmed by Disney+ last week, however, The Mandalorian will not stream all at once in the UK. Instead, episodes of the live-action Star Wars series will start to roll ...

The X50 Pro 5G is Realme's most ambitious device yet, but you can't use its best feature in India.Usually when a new generation of wireless connectivity standard is introduced, it is the carriers that take the onus on the rollout. The upfront cost of installing new base stations and cell towers is usually recovered after a few years, and there's the added bonus of charging customers just that little bit extra for them to use the latest and greatest connectivity standards. It's a win-win situation.The opposite of that is playing out in India. Device vendors like Realme and iQOO are introducing handsets that offer 5G connectivity, but there's no 5G to speak of right now. The country is still several years away from offering 5G to consumers, and India's largest carriers have been hit with a massive fine by the telecom regulator that will undoubtedly delay the 5G rollout even further.So why are brands rolling out 5G-enabled phones in a country where there's no 5G? In one word, mark...

The Realme X50 Pro 5G brings a host of exciting new features, and a few that you won't use.The Realme X50 Pro 5G is now official, and there's a lot to like. Realme has focused its attention on the budget and mid-range segments, but with the X50 Pro it is clearly setting its sights on the premium segment.There are a few standout features: the first is obviously 5G connectivity, and while you can't connect to 5G networks in India, you will be able to do so in global markets.The Realme X50 Pro is also the first device from the brand to feature Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and Bluetooth 5.1. Wi-Fi 6 has been limited to true flagships, and it's great to see the X50 feature the new standard. There's also a massive 4200mAh battery with 65W SuperDart fast charging, with the phone able to go from zero to 60% in just 15 minutes.Here's the hardware on offer with the Realme X50 Pro 5G: Category Realme X50 Pro 5G Operating system Android 10Realme UI Display 6.44-inch 90Hz AM...

The phone promises to deliver an unrivaled camera experience.What you need to knowSony unveiled its latest flagship smartphone at an online-only global launch event today.The new Xperia 1 II is the brand's first 5G-enabled smartphone.It comes with a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display, triple rear cameras with ZEISS optics, and a Snapdragon 865 chipset. Sony today expanded its Xperia smartphone lineup with the introduction of its latest flagship, dubbed the Xperia 1 II. The phone offers next-gen 5G connectivity and incorporates Sony's Alpha AF technology to deliver unrivaled high-speed shooting performance.The new Xperia 1 II is powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB storage. Sony's latest flagship phone has a similar 6.5-inch 21:9 4K HDR OLED display as last year's Xperia 1, but now offers Motion Blur reduction. According to the company, this provides an "equivalent benefit" to 90Hz refresh rate displays.In the camera department, Xperi...

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Fold are manufactured at the affected Gumi plant.What you need to knowSamsung has confirmed a Coronavirus case at its phone factory complex in Gumi, South Korea.The company has decided to shut down the entire facility until Monday morning. Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Fold smartphones are manufactured at the Gumi plant. Samsung, the world's largest smartphone vendor, has confirmed a coronavirus case at its phone factory in Gumi, South Korea. As per Reuters, the entire facility will remain shut until Monday morning. The company has also decided to close down the floor where the infected employee worked until February 25.Samsung said in a news release: The company has placed colleagues who came in contact with the infected employee in self-quarantine and taken steps to have them tested for possible infectionSamsung currently makes most of its Galaxy smartphones at its facilities in Vietnam and India. The company's Gum...

Daniel and Jerry go one-on-one for a conversation about Z Flip's 'Ultra Thin Glass' display that is actually covered by an integrated plastic screen protector. They also look at images from the Galaxy S20 Ultra's camera array.In the second half of the show, they go over new features found in the first developer release of Android 11.Listen nowSubscribe in Google Play Music: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:The Galaxy Z Flip's 'Ultra Thin Glass' display may not be glass after allSamsung Galaxy Z Flip initial review: A foldable that instills confidence, despite fresh durability controversyThe Galaxy Z Flip is 'slightly' easier to repair than the Motorola RAZRThe Galaxy Z Flip controversy: Is it glass or isn't it?Here are our first Galaxy S20 Ultra camera samples: Samsung's best-ever photosAndroid 11: Everything you need to know!Top 10 features in Android 11 you need to know about right now...

Both the Sony WF-1000XM3 and AirPods Pro are major updates to its previous counterparts and you can't go wrong with either pair. It really just boils down to whether or not you care about ecosystem integration or customization.AirPods ProExcellent all-around buds$249 at AppleProsSeamless integration with Apple devices24 hours of audio with wireless charging caseExcellent sound qualityGreat ANC performanceClass-leading microphone quality for phone callsConsProprietary ear tipsBattery life could be better with ANC enabledNo customizability on non-Apple devicesLightning for wired chargingWhile the battery life with ANC enabled is pretty middle of the road, the AirPods Pro still has its advantages, such as great microphone quality and seamless integration with your Apple devices.Sony WF-1000XM3Extra battery life$228 at AmazonPros24 hours of battery life with charging caseExcellent bud battery lifeUSB-C for wired chargingGood app to customize s...

Can Huawei build a Google-free Android that people actually want to use?I've spent around 10 minutes with a Huawei Mate 30 Pro. I picked up a European friend's review unit, played around with the waterfall display a bit, hungrily took a few photos with its massive cameras, and swiped through an Android UI devoid of any Google services. I promptly returned it to the table.In contrast, I've spent around 10 months with the Huawei P30 Pro. It was one of my favorite phones of 2019; I used it exclusively on an overseas trip last summer, and it's since improved with EMUI 10 and Android 10. The biggest difference between the Huawei Mate 30 Pro and P30 Pro has nothing to do with sensors of silicon.There are significant hardware differences between these two phones, but the biggest has nothing to do with sensors or silicon, but a date. One date in particular, actually: May 16, 2019. That was the day Huawei was added to the Entity List, after which time U.S.-based companies were not ...

Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most important skills to learn in 2020. Why? Because SEO is free.As companies jostle for brand recognition and audiences online, the biggest ones are pouring money into paid advertising channels and, quite frankly, the smaller ones simply cannot keep up. That's what makes SEO so important. It's a viable growth strategy that is relatively inexpensive to implement and just requires some internal expertise. You could be that (well-paid) expertise after you churn through The Pro Google SEO & SERP Certification Bundle.This 10-course bundle will give you a comprehensive overview of how to manipulate Google and Amazon's search algorithms to push your pages to the top of search results. You'll learn how to perform airtight keyword research and implement on-page SEO strategies that will improve your search results on day one.Beyond that, however, you'll understand how to develop a complete SEO strategy by using backlinks, citations, image ...

The Galaxy Note 10 Lite is an intriguing device. It's nestled between the standard Note 10 and the larger Note 10+, for one, but what makes it so interesting is that instead of offering a flagship or even mid-range processor, Samsung included the same chipset from the S9 line. For a device that's as impressive for the price point, you'll want to keep it protected and here are the best cases for the Note 10 Lite.Ultra sleek and slimSpigen Ultra HybridStaff PickThe Spigen Ultra Hybrid is a bit different in that it focuses both on protection and showing off your Note 10 Lite. With a TPU bumper and PC back cover, your phone is sure to stay protected from life while reminding you how gorgeous Samsung's design is. You will still get easy access to the S Pen, and there are raised bezels around the display and camera cutout to keep the glass off of flat surfaces.$14 at AmazonReal leatherYogurt Genuine Leather Wallet CoverThere's just something about a case made from...

A clamshell foldable that's designed for the masses and made me fall in love with foldable phones.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip: The reviewStunning designExcellent displayDecent BatteryGood CameraGreat PerformanceSleek SoftwareIs it durable?The verdict: Should you buy it?Foldable phones are mostly fantastic. I use a Galaxy Fold every single day, and while it's a great phone, it's too big for most people. Like a lot of flagships, the Galaxy Fold pushes the boundaries of what is pocket-friendly, and it's a problem affecting more people with every launch, especially as phones like the Galaxy S20 Ultra feature even larger screens than before.Many of my friends lament the days of old where phones were smaller and fit in your pocket. When I showed one of them the Motorola RAZR recently, they fell in love with the small size, before immediately being turned off by the camera and battery life. It's for these types of people that a new wave of flip phones has launched, and the Ga...

Don't miss a single MLS game this season with our guide to watch all the action onlineWhile England's Premier League and Spain's La Liga are more than halfway through their 2019-20 seasons, America and Canada's Major League Soccer (MLS) season is just getting started. The MLS 2020 regular season kicks off on Saturday, February 29th and will run all the way to October when the best teams in the league will compete in the MLS Cup Playoffs to see which two teams will battle it out in this year's MLS Cup.Keep reading to find out how to watch every single MLS game this season as we'll show you all of the best options for watching the matches on TV or to stream them online.What is the MLS?MLS, which stands for Major League Soccer, is the highest level of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. While the league was founded in 1993 as part of the United States' bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the first season took place several years later in 1996 with just 10 teams...

Samsung's Galaxy S10 Lite gave us an early look at what the design of the Galaxy S20 lineup would look like with the camera hump on the back and Infinity Display. The real story here, however, is that this smartphone shows that Samsung knows how to provide a flagship-level experience without breaking the bank. Even so, you'll need to keep your investment protected because this phone just looks that amazing. These are the best cases to choose from!Tested and trueSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff PickSpigen's been in the case game forever and the Rugged Armor is the de-facto choice for many. The case offers Spigen's "Air Cushion" technology, along with a slim TPU design and interior spider-web pattern for improved shock absorption. With raised edges, your Galaxy S10 Lite is sure to withstand any scratches that could potentially be caused if you didn't use the Rugged Armor.$13 at AmazonThat professional lookOlixar AttacheOlixar's Attache case has all the standard "featu...

Have a carrier in mind or just looking for a cheap plan? Here are the cheapest plans you can get from each one.If you want to save money on your phone plan, there are more options than ever from new ways to save on the major carriers or going with an MVNO. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) or alternative carriers, lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less.That being said, depending on your usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Four might be your least expensive option. Here we go.Before choosing a planBefore you choose a carrier and/or a wireless plan, it's best to first determine your needs and usage habits. If this is your first smartphone, I'd like to first welcome you to the 21st Century and secondly encourage you to try out your options without getting yourself into any yearly or multi-year contracts.If this ain't your first rodeo, then reflect on your phone habits from the past. How much data have you actually used in an average month...