Latest from Android Central

There are affordable Android phones, and then there are Android Go phones. Android Go devices are designed to be as cheap as possible and run a special version of Android that's created specifically with lower-end specs in mind. Android Go handsets are great starter or backup phones, and these are the best ones you can buy in 2020 — including the Nokia 1 as our top overall pick.Best Overall: Nokia 1As an overall package, we think the Nokia 1 stands out as the best pick — especially for our U.S. readers.The Nokia name is often associated with top-notch hardware, and that legacy holds up surprisingly well with the cheap Nokia 1. The polycarbonate used for the phone's body is sturdy and offers a good in-hand feel, making it feel a lot more trustworthy than the price tag would suggest.While large bezels flank the display, the 5-inch display keeps everything nice and compact, there's a microSD card slot for expanding the base 8GB of storage up to 128GB, and you get a 5MP rea...

Facebook doubles down on neutrality.What you need to knowFacebook will not be fact-checking political ads or screening them for misleading content.The firm believes that political conversation is important and that people should hear from those who wish to lead them.This contrasts with Twitter's own policy of banning all political ads wholesale.Facebook has opted not to follow Twitter and Google's more cautious policies on political advertising. While the company today introduced an upcoming new feature that will let users limit all political ads on Facebook or Instagram, it also decided that it would not be fact-checking those ads.Rob Leathern, Director of Product Management explained the decision in a blog post: Ultimately, we don't think decisions about political ads should be made by private companies, which is why we are arguing for regulation that would apply across the industry. The Honest Ads Act is a good example — legislation that we endorse and many parts...

Part of the new Mix & Match on Fios plans.What you need to knowVerizon's new Mix & Match Fios lets you subscribe for internet, TV, and phone service without bundles, contracts, or hidden fees.Internet plans start at $39.99/month for 100Mbps and go all the way up to gigabit speeds.TV subscribers can choose from three different Fios plans, starting at $50/month for 125+ channels, or sign up for YouTube TV.Verizon has decided to kick off the new year by giving customers something they've been asking for — a way to sign up for internet and TV without the bundles, contracts, or hidden fees. By using Mix & Match on Fios, customers will now be able to sign up for internet, TV, and even phone service for a set price without needing to bundle for a lower cost.Feel free to mix and match to find what works best for you and your family without the need to bundle in additional services or worry about what fees will be hidden in your monthly bills. "The price is the price...

It's been nearly two years since we last got anything pointing to this.What you need to knowA teardown of the most recent APK shows groundwork for users to bring their own content to YouTube Music.Google Play Music has a 50,000 song limit currently.This discovery is just a hint of the feature coming in the future, no indication of when.We've known for quite some time, nearly two years, that Google plans to bring nearly all of the features of Google Play Music to YouTube Music. Well, it seems that one of the most treasured features — user-uploaded content — may slowly be starting its way to the music service.In a teardown YouTube Music APK version 3.47, 9to5Google found "introducer" strings that may be the starting layer for a specified partition in your account. Once the feature is live, it seems that you'll have a streaming tab for usage that we are already used to.Then, there will be an added table that will be a "library" that will become the cloud-based holdin...

It solves a problem I personally don't deal with, but I know others will appreciate the volume limiting feature.I've had the privilege of reviewing several headsets in the past from brands you may not have heard of, and others that come from company's like Razer, which are known for making some of the best peripherals in the business. You may not have heard of Puro Sound Labs, but it makes decent, if unexceptional accessories, including its PuroGamer volume limiting headset, which I've gotten to test for a couple of weeks now. I can't say I'm blown away or extremely impressed, but it's still a good headset — just nothing special.I'm also not the target audience for it. The PuroGamer is for people who worry about hearing loss thanks to its volume limiting feature. I haven't experienced hearing loss, nor do I really worry about it happening. If I'm being honest, I don't crank up the volume all that high anyway on my regular headset.Beyond that there isn't anything exceptional a...

Best answer: Tello is a small carrier that relies on Sprint's network for phone calls, and as such, uses cellular for its services. You can choose how many minutes you want each month, ranging from 100 up to unlimited.Cellular calling: Tello (From $5/month at Tello)Great value: Google Pixel 3a ($399 at Amazon)Tello uses cellular, not VoIPIf you're interested in joining Tello, chances are you want to know whether it uses cellular service or VoIP for calling. We won't beat around the bush — Tello relies on cellular for all of its phone calls, not VoIP. Tello is a wireless carrier, and as such, uses a wireless (read cellular) network for sending/receiving calls. This is how AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, Mint, and other carriers work.VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a set of protocols that allow phone calls to be made over the internet. Some popular VoIP services would be Skype, Facebook audio calling, etc.It relies on Sprint's nationwide network for coverageFor the ...

An even longer time ago, still in the same Galaxy though.What you need to knowThe next Star Wars Movie set for 2022 will feature new Force abilities and a middle-aged Yoda.The events will take place about 400 years before the Skywalker Saga, in the High Republic.It will feature a 500-year old Yoda, and the trilogy format is begin ditched. The next Star Wars movie, pegged for 2022, will be set about 400 years before the Skywalker Saga and will feature new force abilities and a 500-year old Yoda.A CheatSheet report rounded up a few things we know about the next Star Wars film. The film is apparently due to be released in 2022, and a full announcement is due from Lucasfilm later this month.The film will be set about 400 years before the Skywalker trilogy and will feature a 500-year-old Yoda, as well as new (or I suppose old) force abilities.The next Star Wars film saga to be set during the High Republic era! #StarWars https://t.co/HCFSo3uTUZ pic.twitter.com/xKLgd595fd—...

Bing showed up far less than you'd have expected.What you need to knowGoogle has revealed the list of search engines it'll be offering to European users as alternatives to its own Search app.DuckDuckGo performed the best in Google's auction, appearing in all markets. Bing only had a presence in the UK.The search ballot will start appearing from March 2020.Google has now shared the search engines it'll surface to new European Android phone users as alternate choices to its own Google Search service. The firm earlier came under fire in the EU for tying its Android mobile OS to Google Search and Google Chrome. It had previously mandated that companies that wanted to sell devices with the Google Play Store and Google Play Services had to offer Google Search and Chrome as default services.The EU fined Google $5 billion as a result of an antitrust investigation and ordered the company to offer alternate choices to users and phone makers alike.Google's Sundar Pichai was disap...

It's only confirmed to be working in the U.S. as of now.What you need to knowSamsung Pay users in the U.S. can now opt-out of having their data sold to third-parties.The new setting appeared in the app after the California Consumer Privacy Act took effect on January 1, 2020.With "Do Not Sell" enabled, it could cause some features to cease working in the app.If you've opened Samsung Pay recently, you might have been surprised to see a new card regarding the privacy of your profile. Tapping on the card will take you directly into the settings, allowing you to opt-out from Samsung Pay selling your data. However, it does warn that some features will cease to function with "Do Not Sell" enabled.If you don't see the card on the home screen of the app, then you can try accessing it by opening the navigation drawer via the hamburger menu and selecting "Privacy controls." It's important to note that, so far, it appears only users in the U.S. are seeing these new privacy controls. ...

The Pixel 3a brings the Pixel experience to a far, far wider audience with the same Google style and a much more friendly price point, and I've loved rocking mine these last few months. While it looks very similar to the Pixel 3, it's a bit taller and thicker, so you'll need a case specially made for it. The good news is that there are plenty available, and here's the best of the best you can find today!Like nothing's thereSpigen Thin FitStaff pickSpigen is one of the most trusted names in case makers, and its Thin Fit case is one of the best it has to offer. It's incredibly slim and lightweight, has a scratch-resistant design to keep your 3a safe from daily use, and works great with magnetic car mounts.From $11 at AmazonFirst party feelGoogle Fabric CaseGoogle's fabric cases feel wonderful in hand and come in a small assortment of colors, and since Google makes them, they feel every bit as premium as their price tags. Available in Carbon, Fog, and Seascape.From...

The standard Mate 30 Pro was launched in Europe and the Middle East late last year.What you need to knowHuawei Mate 30 Pro 5G has been formally launched in the United Arab Emirates.UAE is the first market outside of China where the Mate 30 Pro 5G has been launched. The Mate 30 Pro 5G will be available for pre-order in the UAE from January 15 for 3,899 AED ($1,061). Thanks to the U.S. ban on the company, Huawei's Mate 30 Pro is still not widely available in global markets. While the 4G variant of the smartphone is sold in a few markets outside of China, the 5G variant of the phone is currently not available in any other market. That will soon change, however, as Huawei today launched (via HuaweiCentral) the Mate 30 Pro 5G in the UAE.Huawei has priced the Mate 30 Pro 5G at 3,899 AED ($1,061) in the UAE. It will be available for pre-order in the country starting January 15. If you live in the UAE, you will be able to pick one up from a Huawei experience store and select reta...

This is probably the easiest laptop you've ever set up, and we're here to make it even easier.Whether you're just pulling your new Chromebook out of the box, been handed down a Chromebook that you parent or sibling was using before, or you just power washed yours to start fresh, setting up a Chromebook is drop-dead easy. You can probably do it in the space of a commercial break while watching your favorite TV show, and so long as you're somewhere with Wi-Fi, you can do it basically anywhere. Whether you're under some blankets in bed or sitting in the office with your newly-issued work laptop, let's get your new Chromebook running.How to set up a new ChromebookBefore you get started, your Chromebook probably came from the factory with a mostly full battery. Still, if you want to plug your Chromebook in to charge before beginning your setup, that's probably a good idea.Open the lid of your Chromebook to turn it on.Enter the email address of your Google account.Tap Next.Ente...

The studio has made a pact with Cinelytic to use its AI project management system.What you need to knowWarner Brothers has struck a deal with Cinelytic to use its AI project management system.The system uses data and analytics to guide decision-making when it comes to greenlighting films.It can estimate the value of certain actors, and how much money a film could make in theaters.Warner Brothers has struck a deal with Cinelytic as it becomes the latest studio to utilize the company's AI-driven project management system.According to The Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. has become the latest studio to publicly embrace artificial intelligence. The movie division has signed a deal with Cinelytic to use the latter's AI-driven project management system that was launched last year. Under the new deal, Warners will leverage the system's comprehensive data and predictive analytics to guide decision-making at the greenlight stage. The integrated online platform can as...

These are the stories that have us excited.January is a significant month. It marks the start of a new year, new goals, and — most importantly — new tech. The beginning of the month is always home to the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, more commonly referred to as CES.CES 2020 is upon us, and as with every year, it is chock-full of announcement after announcement. Some are more interesting and important than others, and with this guide, we're rounding up the best of the best so you can stay up-to-date on what matters the most.We'll be regularly updating this as new gadgets and gizmos are unveiled, so be sure to check back often throughout the next few days.Related: Samsung at CES 2020: Lite smartphones, a gorgeous Chromebook, and artificial humansRelated: Biggest Apple news from CES 2020Related: Biggest Windows news from CES 2020 Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 LiteOnePlus Concept OneTCL 10 5GNextbit Robin 2Samsung Galaxy ChromebookLenovo ...

We're a bunch of nerds and avid video game lovers. When it comes to game subscription services, Xbox and PlayStation both offer plans to their users, but they each have some key differences that may sway you toward one or the other. We'll break down what these are and how they affect you.Xbox Game PassDownload hundreds of titles$120/year at AmazonProsXbox Game Studios games launch onto serviceAll games can be downloadedCan be bundled with Xbox Live GoldMembers get discounts on DLC for games in the serviceCons$120/yearFewer gamesXbox Game Pass offers the most with Xbox Game Studio exclusives launching into the service and discounts on games in its catalogue. Because of this, it comes at a higher price.PlayStation NowGame streaming on demand$60/year at AmazonProsOnly $60/yearLets you stream or download gamesPerformance and reliability has improved over timeIncludes, PS2, PS3, and PS4 gamesConsNot all games can be downloaded Single month ...

That's according to Ted Malone, VP of consumer products and services...What you need to knowTiVo has confirmed that its Apple TV and Roku apps are currently "in limbo".VP of consumer products and services Ted Malone first revealed the news during an interview at CES 2020.A TiVo spokesperson later said this was "inaccurate", then provided a statement that said exactly the same thing.TiVo's VP of consumer products and services Ted Malone has revealed that TiVo's Roku and Apple TV apps are "in limbo".According to TechHive: TiVo's vice president of consumer products and services Ted Malone said in an interview at CES that the company's Roku and Apple TV apps, in particular, are "in limbo." Malone wouldn't say definitively that the apps have canceled, and he believes Android TV support may arrive at some point as a tie-in to the TiVo Stream 4K, which runs Android TV. From there, adding Fire TV support wouldn't be difficult because Fire TV apps are based on Android as ...

The US features are being rolled out to India, and audio recording is being tested later this year.What you need to knowUber is pushing new safety features to IndiaThe features include Ride Check, which detects unexpected stops or irregularities in a ride.It will also bring four-digit code authentication and audio recording.Uber is bringing several new safety features to drivers and riders in India.As reported by TechCrunch, three new safety features are rolling out in India: The new features include an intervention from Uber when there is a long unplanned stop in a ride, and the introduction of a four-digit authentication code to ensure a passenger is getting in the right cab. Both the features are rolling out to users starting today, company executives said at a press event in New Delhi. Uber has previously rolled out these features in the U.S., and Ola, its local rival in India, has also offered these functionalities for a long time. Uber said it will also all...

The first sale will be held on January 15 at 12 noon.What you need to knowRealme launched its latest budget Android smartphone in India today.The new Realme 5i, which debuted in Vietnam earlier this week, comes with a massive 5,000mAh battery and quad rear cameras. Realme 5i will go on sale in the country starting January 15 for ₹8,999 ($126).Following its formal unveiling in Vietnam earlier this week, Realme today launched the Realme 5i in India. Featuring a "sunrise design" and impressive hardware, the Realme 5i is another solid addition to the company's impressive smartphone portfolio.The Realme 5i comes with a 6.5-inch "Mini-Drop" display with HD+ resolution and an 89% screen-to-body ratio. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 665 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage.On the back of the phone is a quad-camera array featuring a 12MP primary sensor, 8MP wide-angle lens with a 119° field-of-view, 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor for portrait s...

OnePlus is rolling out the update in stages.What you need to knowOxygenOS 9.0.10 update is now rolling out to the OnePlus 5 and 5T.It comes with the December Android security patch. Apart from the bump in security patch level to December 2019, the update doesn't include any major changes. OnePlus is undoubtedly among the best Android OEMs currently when it comes to software updates. It was among the first smartphone makers to release the stable Android 10 update, although it has lagged behind some of its rivals with monthly security updates. While its newest flagship phones are yet to receive the January security patch, it has now released a new OxygenOS update for the OnePlus 5 and 5T, featuring the December Android security patch.As reported by the folks over at XDA Developers, the latest update for the OnePlus 5 and 5T arrives as OxygenOS 9.0.10. The official changelog only mentions the update comes with the December 2019 Android security patch, improved system stab...

More features will be revealed for the PlayStation 5 in the future.What you need to knowIn an interview with Business Insider Japan, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan talked about PlayStation 5.Ryan says the PlayStation 5 has bigger differences from past consoles, citing unique elements not yet revealed.The PlayStation 5 is set to release in Holiday 2020.Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, held an interview with Business Insider Japan where he talked a little bit about the PlayStation 5, as well as the PlayStation brand in general. During the interview, Ryan mentioned that the PlayStation 5 has additional unique features that set it further apart from past consoles, though these features have yet to be announced. (The original interview is in Japanese, and the translation below comes via Gematsu.) "Each time a new console is released, the processor and graphics improve. Those are enticing of course, but we need to have special appeals as well. We ...

The company also focuses on ensuring supplier diversity and more.What you need to knowGoogle has bolstered its diversity and inclusion efforts with the help of a 2000-strong team of 'Inclusion Champions.'The company's product inclusion team tests products to ensure they work for all kinds of people when they're released.They also work to consider the needs of underrepresented communities and more.While almost every virtual assistant sucks when it comes to understanding accents, Google's offering generally fares better than most. If you've been wondering why, it's because, as the company's head of product inclusion, Annie Jean Baptiste, told Digital Trends at CES 2020, the company's making a concerted effort to test its products work for people of different backgrounds from the get-go."Have we talked to international users, have we talked to older users, have we talked to someone with a vision impairment?" Baptiste listed as examples of the questions her team tries to ask ...

It's hard to keep getting excited about true wireless earbud announcements, especially at a show like CES when they come fast and often, but when the company is Audio-Technica you stand up and perk your ears.The ATH-ANC300TW is not the first pair of true wireless earbuds from Audio-Technica, but they're the first with active noise cancelation, and based on my quick impressions with them from CES 2020, these $230 earbuds could be the stars of the show. A bumpy road to BluetoothAudio-Technica has been making headphones for the better part of its near 60-year history, but the last few years have been relatively turbulent for the company, steeped in the tradition of wired products aimed at audiophiles.Like many of the big names in the space — Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, Master & Dynamic, and others — the transition to Bluetooth was largely forced on them, and many didn't anticipate how much the addition of technology in their analog products would change and chal...

A Samsung exec confirmed sales for 2019 were somewhere between 400,000 and 500,000 units.What you need to knowSamsung sold, at most, half a million units of its first foldable in 2019.The number comes straight from the President and CEO of the company's IT & Mobile Communication division.They follow a previously erroneous claim by Samsung Electronics' President, Sohn Young-kwon, that the company had sold 1 million units in the three months since the phone's release.The mystery surrounding the success of Samsung's first foldable phone is no more. After some back-and-forth last month, we now know that the Korean giant sold anywhere between 400,000 and 500,000 units in 2019.The saga started when Samsung Electronics President Sohn Young-kwon claimed that the company had already sold a million Galaxy Folds by December, just three months after the company started selling the one-of-its-kind phone in September. The exec's statement was quickly corrected by Samsung reps, who ...

Final Fantasy XV lives on in a different wayWhat you need to knowA Final Fantasy XV MMORPG is now in development.The game is set to release in China first and will come to other countries at a later date.The plot of the MMORPG takes place at the same time as the main story in Final Fantasy XV.A Final Fantasy XV MMORPG is now in development. According to Daniel Ahmad, Senior Analyst at Niko Partners, it's being developed with Unreal Engine 4 by Korean studio JSC Games and Chinese developer GAEA Mobile. The game will release in China first, then make its way to other countries at a later date.The story of the game is set in a world parallel to the main plot of Final Fantasy XV. There will be new regions to explore and will expand the lore of the Final Fantasy XV universe at large. Back in 2017, Square Enix announced that it was developing a Final Fantasy XV game for China that would aim to release in 2019. This is the same game, though the scale has increased dramatically a...

You'll be able to shoo the trolls back to their bridges and keep them there.What you need to knowTwitter will let you limit who can interact with your tweets with a new feature test in a bid to promote healthy discussion on the platform.You'll be able to prevent people who you don't follow from retweeting or replying to your tweet directly. The changes will roll out later this year.Twitter is making changes to its platform to make tweeting less anxiety fraught for users. As per Mashable, the firm wants to improve what it dubs as conversational health on the platform. Essentially, Twitter is adding a new set of options that will let you choose who can reply to your tweet before sending it.Twitter calls this feature "conversation dynamics." With this, you'll be able to take control of how your tweet is disseminated across the platform, limiting it to one of four classes of users.Global - The current setting, everyone who sees the tweet can reply. Group - People who you...

The LG G6 supports wireless charging the U.S. and Canada, and if you want to keep it conveniently charged without having to plug it in then you'll need a great wireless charger. Keep in mind that the LG G6 does not support fast wireless charging, so you needn't worry about the speed of any wireless charger — they'll all work just as quickly. The thing you do need to worry about is that the G6 only supports Qi wireless charging and not PMA (standard).Trusted brandAnker PowerWave PadStaff PickAnker's PowerWave Pad is equipped with an LED indicator to let you know that it's working and a 3-foot Micro-USB cable so you have everything you need. With 10W charging speeds, this will quickly charge the G6 and other devices that you may have with ease.$12 at AmazonOn the goRAVPower HyperAir 10,400mAh Wireless Power BankWhat if you forget a cable at home but still need to charge up your G6? With RAVPower's HyperAir Wireless Power Bank, there is a wireless charger bui...

A fan favorite wearable brand sticks itself in your ears, and we're interested.What you need to knowHuami Amazfit PowerBuds are true wireless headphones with up to eight hours of playback.Amazfit ZenBuds help you find peace and quiet, and maybe even go to sleep.Both earbuds include heart rate monitors and activity tracking, for awake and asleep activity.Amazfit has been impressing us with its wrist-bound wearables, so we're excited to see the company venture into headphones, albeit the most crowded new segment of the headphone market. Amazfit PowerBuds are a set of true wireless earbuds. They use Bluetooth 5 and are rated an impress IP55, which means they can tolerate water spray. That's sometimes a more difficult rating to achieve than simple submersion, so the PowerBuds should be able to handle whatever weather your head can handle. The earbuds give you a long eight hours of playback, and the wireless charging case offers another 16 hours of battery life.If you're loo...

The OnePlus 7T is still a compelling phone for 2020. Of particular note is the 90Hz refresh rate display that, honestly, once you've experienced it first hand you won't want to go back to anything slower. Given that, you'll want to protect your phone's display so you're never distracted by a pesky scratch or crack. We've rounded up the best screen protectors designed exclusively for the OnePlus 7T.Best value for tempered glassMr.Shield Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-pack)Staff pickMr.Shield offers a three-pack of tempered glass screen protectors that feature a little swoop cutout at the top around the selfie camera. This kit includes everything you need for a clean installation and adheres to your screen with a special silicone adhesive.$6 at AmazonTrusted brandSupershieldz Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-pack)Supershieldz is known for creating reliable screen protectors for most phones. For the OnePlus 7T, it offers a three-pack of tempered glass scr...

When you're on a budget, every dollar counts. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to skip out on owning a fitness tracker, though. With a bit of time and research, you'll be on your way to finding a tracker that's reasonably priced and does what you need it to do. We've gathered up some of our favorite cheap fitness trackers to help you decide. The Fitbit Inspire HR continues to hold a special place in our heart. Although, there are some pretty close contenders.Best Overall: Fitbit Inspire HRThe Fitbit Inspire HR might be the most expensive option on the list, but it also has the most to offer. You'll be able to navigate the basics right from your wrist thanks to the touchscreen that allows you to swipe and select. Due to its compact size, there are still several tasks that require you to use the app. We wish it had more than five days of battery life, but it's not a dealbreaker, especially when more expensive smartwatches get less.The "HR" in the name stands for heart rat...

Multi-stream Low-Energy Bluetooth that can broadcast for sharing and is designed with hearing aids in mind is now official. The wait for products that use it is on!Bluetooth is 20 years old and it's come a long way since the days of a great big earpiece that allowed you to take calls if you were willing to yell into it to talk back. Much of the progress comes from manufacturers, like Apple finding a good way to slingshot sound from one wireless earbud to another or Qualcomm splitting a stream in a way that allows more than one person to listen at a time. But the meat of it all comes from a group of people known as the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group). Those are the people who formally announced Bluetooth LE Audio at CES 2020. On the surface it just looks like another minor update that won't make much of a difference to consumers, but what it can do — with equipment makers cooperation, of course — has the potential to change how we use our headphones and what we...

Get ready for phones (and everything else) with no buttons at allWhat you need to knowNew ultrasound sensors from Ultrasense are tiny, self-contained switches that work anywhere.Ultrasound switches could replace buttons, allowing for simpler, seamless design.Ultrasense says that the requirements of 5G antennas are better managed with ultrasound buttons.Tiny new ultrasound switches may soon come to ... well, everything if a report from our friends over at Android Authority comes to fruition. Gary Sims of "Gary Explains" fame spotted developments at Ultrasense that could improve phone design and finally move to the seamless future that we all love and dread.Recently, ultrasonic technology has had a mixed record in the phone world, acting as the underlying tech for in-display fingerprint readers that have disappointed many. Ultrasense presents a simple switch that can be situated under metal, wood, glass, leather, and plenty of surfaces that would not work with other touch t...

Chromebooks can support Android apps, and also offer Bluetooth connectivity — ergo I must be able to connect a gaming controllers to a Chromebook to play my favorite Android games! Well, not so fast. Bluetooth is too unreliable to use for gaming on Chromebooks, so a wired controller is preferred. Good news is you might already own a controller that will work, and there are great controllers available that will work great.A retro-styled classic8Bitdo SN30 ProStaff pickThe 8Biitdo SN30 Pro is a perfectly portable controller that's designed to work with Android, Windows, and even Nintendo Switch. I would still stick with the wired version here because it's more reliable and Bluetooth connections are fraught with issues.$45 at AmazonStraight from GoogleGoogle Stadia ControllerGoogle launched its Stadia game-streaming service late in 2019 and released a new gaming controller alongside it. Since this comes directly from Google, you know you are just about guaranteed t...

Because that's what heroes do.What you need to knowCharmin has designed a cute bear-faced robot named the "Rollbot" to deliver you toilet paper when you run out.It also created a SmellSense sensor to determine when the air is all clear before entering the bathroom.The folks over at Charmin's GoLab also invented a brand new V.I.Pee premium porta-potty experience that uses an Oculus Rift S to make sure you don't miss any of the action when at the game or a concert.It's a tale as old as time itself — finding yourself stranded in the bathroom with no toilet paper left on the roll. We've all been there before and we'll all be there again. Wouldn't life be grand if there was a way to solve this issue without yelling for someone to bring you a roll?Fortunately, the folks over a Charmin have been hard at work creating the Rollbot, a cute little robot with one very important job — to get you toilet paper when all hope is lost. The self-balancing robot rolls around on two-wheel...

It's a 12-month trial with an end of year review.What you need to knowGoogle is changing its Project Zero disclosure policy for 2020.Google will no longer disclose vulnerabilities and bugs before the end of the 90-day period, allowing firms time for more thorough patching.This is a 12-month policy trial with a re-evaluation period at the end of the year.Google's Project Zero is undergoing a minor overhaul in 2020 — Google will trial a new change around its controversial vulnerability disclosure policy. The change already went into effect on New Year's Day.In brief: going forward, Google will now offer a 90-day grace period for disclosures, regardless of when the bug was fixed. Previously, Google's policy was "90 days or when the bug is fixed," drawing ire from some companies at the seeming randomness of its disclosures. Now, Google aims to be a bit more consistent and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.Google's Tim Willis explained the team's thinking, saying...

Using two-factor verification makes sure that you — and only you — have access to your Google account.In a world where we're constantly becoming more and more digital, maximizing the security of your online accounts is one of the most important things you can do.A strong password is a good start, but if you want to take things to the next level, you need to use two-factor authentication. This adds another layer of privacy to your account, often requiring you to enter a randomized code every time you log into your account in addition to your password.Your Google account is likely one of the most important you have, and thankfully, setting up two-factor authentication for it is quick, easy, and can be done in a few different ways.How to set up Google Prompt two-factor authenticationGoogle allows you to use a variety of two-factor authentication methods, but the default (and easiest) one is Google Prompt. When you log into your Google account on an unknown device, you'll g...

The Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge is also required.What you need to knowYale Smart Cabinet Lock is a smaller smart lock you can attach to any cabinet with adhesive.Yale Smart Delivery Box collects packages and protects against theft.All of the new Yale devices require a connection to the Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge.Lock maker Yale has taken the smart door lock concept and wisely applied it to cabinets in a much smaller form factor. The new Yale Smart Cabinet Lock can be screwed onto any cabinet or attached with an adhesive sticker. You then have all the best features of a smart lock, including remote locking and alerts.Per Jason Williams, President of Yale Smart Residential Group: We're in the business of protecting our customers' homes and their most important belongings ... through our smart locks to our new smart storage products, protecting everything from package deliveries to jewelry, important documents, medicine, and alcohol.In addition to the Smart Cabinet Lock,...

Sit down and get comfy — we've got a lot to talk about.Starting in 2016, the Fall season has become one of the most exciting times in the Android space. Sure, Samsung, OnePlus, and other companies are usually down with their announcements at this point in the year, but come mid-October, that's when Google gets to show off its latest and greatest flagships.The Pixel 4 and 4 XL were the big stars for 2019, and they're both packing a serious punch.Google's offering a lot of new tech with the Pixel 4 series, including things like dual rear cameras, 90Hz displays, and its Soli radar system for the first time. These are some of the biggest upgrades we've ever seen for the Pixel lineup, and as such, we have a lot to talk about.Check out our full reviewThere are two models —4 and 4 XLGet familiar with the specsPitting the Pixel 4 against the competitionThe 90Hz display is a big dealGoogle joined the dual camera clubLet's talk about SoliThere are three colorsWe should men...

Spotify is on its way to becoming a podcast network.What you need to knowSpotify is going to start using targeted advertising for podcasts.Streaming Ad Insertion will target ads at podcast listeners based on user data.That includes age, gender, device and listening behavior. Spotify is going to start using targeted advertising for podcasts, according to a report from The Verge.The report notes: Spotify is going to start using its copious amounts of user data to run targeted ads inside its exclusive podcasts. Targeted advertising remains new ground for podcasts, and the announcement sets Spotify up to potentially branch out beyond its own shows and begin placing ads in other networks' content. If it catches on, Spotify could become a full-blown podcast ad network. With technology it's calling Streaming Ad Insertion, Spotify says it'll begin inserting ads into its shows in real-time, based on what it knows about its users, like where they're located, what type of d...

One of the great things about ordering products online is that it can be easy to keep track of their progress as they make their way to your home. If you have an Amazon Echo or Alexa-enabled device, tracking your deliveries is even easier. I'll show you a few simple ways that you can use Alexa to know where your delivery is and when you can expect it.Products used in this guideKeep an eye out: Amazon Echo Show 8 ($100 at Amazon)What brown can do for you: UPS Alexa Skill (Free at Amazon)U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Postal Service Informed Delivery Alexa Skill (Free at Amazon)Or ship it: Ship.com Alexa Skill (Free at Amazon)How to enable Amazon delivery notifications in-appOpen the Alexa app and tap on the menu in the top left corner (looks like three lines).Tap on Settings.Tap on Notifications.Tap on Amazon Shopping.Here you can adjust the sliders to have Alexa notifiy you if/when a package is Out for Delivery or Delivered. You can also decide if you want Alexa to say...

At CES 2020, I talked to a lot of people who work with self-driving cars every day, and their stories are amazing.For the last two years, Aptiv and Lyft have been wow-ing people in Las Vegas with self-driving cars. When you ask for a Lyft to a destination on the Strip, you can get a little notification asking if you're OK with the car being self-driving. I, of course, say yes every time and am delighted by when the BMW with bright orange rims and the Aptiv logo scrawled across it arrives, ready to take me to my destination.Inside these cars there are two people, one to explain what the car is doing as you ride in it and one behind the steering wheel to take over should the need arise. I was not allowed to take any photos or record any video inside, so I started practicing this ancient bonding technique called "conversation" with the people in the vehicle. I've been in nearly a dozen of these self-driving cars this week at CES, and every time I got in, I asked the people up front ...

These are the stories that have us excited.January is a significant month. It marks the start of a new year, new goals, and — most importantly — new tech. The beginning of the month is always home to the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, more commonly referred to as CES.CES 2020 is upon us, and as with every year, it is chock-full of announcement after announcement. Some are more interesting and important than others, and with this guide, we're rounding up the best of the best so you can stay up-to-date on what matters the most.We'll be regularly updating this as new gadgets and gizmos are unveiled, so be sure to check back often throughout the next few days.Related: Samsung at CES 2020: Lite smartphones, a gorgeous Chromebook, and artificial humansRelated: Biggest Apple news from CES 2020Related: Biggest Windows news from CES 2020 Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 LiteOnePlus Concept OneTCL 10 5GNextbit Robin 2Samsung Galaxy ChromebookLenovo ...

A headset — earphones or earbuds (or even a single earbud) with a microphone and controls — is a different beast than a set of earbuds or headphones without a mic. For starters, not every set will work with Android when you need to answer calls and adjust the volume. Plus. when products are cheap, there are thousands of choices to wade through — some not all that great. So we chose the best ones.Best soundMonoprice Hi-Fi Reflective Sound EarbudsStaff pickThey handle calls just fine, fit better than average, and aren't terrible to wear. Best of all, they sound awesome. Their "reflective" design points the drivers away from the ears so the sound reflects back. This keeps your ears from ringing or hurting, even with the enhanced bass response these buds deliver. You need to hear it to believe it.$13 at AmazonFor the gymMEE Audio M6B Bluetooth HeadphonesThese Bluetooth sports headphones check the right boxes if you need a set under $20 with a microphone. Boasti...

The budget phone was launched in January 2018 with Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box.What you need to knowHMD Global is now rolling out the Android 10 update for the Nokia 6.1.The update comes with the December Android security patch and several new Android 10 features. Nokia 6.1 is the third Nokia smartphone to have received the Android 10 update this week. After rolling out Android 10 to the Nokia 6.1 Plus and Nokia 7 Plus phones earlier this week, HMD Global has now released the update for the Nokia 6.1 as well. The update brings all the Android 10 goodies as well as the December Android security patch.Nokia 6.1, more secure and pure! These phone’s are now running on the latest Android 10 update. Get the latest pure Android experience and access the latest features today. What feature do you think will be your most used? Let us know in the comments below!👇 pic.twitter.com/nhROEHGbNK— Nokia Mobile (@NokiaMobile) January 8, 2020The Android 10 update for the Noki...

No more worrying about remembering that old pair of wired headphones.What you need to knowDelta's new wireless in-flight systems are adding Bluetooth sometime in the future.These new displays can also mirror your phone, helping ease discomfort during long flights.A new "binge button" skips the annoying menu for TV series and keeps episodes streaming throughout the flight.During its CES 2020 keynote, Delta Airlines announced that it would be upgrading its in-flight entertainment systems in several big ways. The leading upgrade, according to The Verge, might just be the addition of Bluetooth audio connectivity to those fancy wireless displays. That means you won't have to remember to bring a pair of wired headphones into the plane or, probably worse yet, opt for a pair of cheap (yet overpriced) headphones from the airline as a last resort.Delta is currently testing its new Bluetooth wireless entertainment centers and will hopefully be rolling out these new in-seat entertain...

Let's chat with the AC forums.Looking back on this past decade, something that really stands out to us is the Nexus 7 — both the 2012 and 2013 models.The Nexus 7 was praised for offering an incredible Android experience in a compact package at a price that you just couldn't argue with. Now, it's nothing more than a distant memory. Or is it?Someone in our AC forums recently mentioned that they're still using a Nexus 7, and are even thinking about buying another one here in 2020. Android Central Question 01-04-2020 12:56 PM “ Just looking for some advice. I love my Nexus 7 but it was getting too old and unresponsive. I would have to re-start almost once or twice a week to get it to respond. I bought a Lenovo tab 4 8 and have mixed feelings about keeping it. It's heavier and has a hard drive which is a bit noisy and buzzing. I would return it and buy another Nexus 7 but they are getting pretty ...

One of my most frequent requests to Alexa is finding out what happened with my favorite team last night. Alexa is able to learn your favorite sports leagues, teams, and players, but there are also a whole host of helpful Alexa skills that you can enable to stay on top of your sport. I'll show you how below.Products used in this guideShow me the scores: Amazon Echo Show 5 ($80 at Amazon)How to follow your team/sport in-appThe easiest way to keep up on your team is to simply let Alexa know what that team is.Open the Alexa app and tap on the menu in the top left corner (looks like three lines).Tap on Settings.Scroll down and tap on Sports under the Alexa Preferences section.Here you can add your favorite teams by league or division, and you can also specify what sport or gender you want to follow (e.g. for NCAA teams).That's it! Now you can ask your Echo or Alexa-enabled device "Alexa, what's my sports update?" and she'll fill you in!Additionally, if you have an...

Your guide for all things Alexa.Back in the ancient times of 2014, Amazon invited some lucky Prime members to buy a new product it had created called the "Amazon Echo." We weren't sure what to make of the unusual speaker when it debuted, but just a few short years later, it served as the catalyst for one of the most popular virtual assistant platforms in the world.Amazon Alexa was at the heart of the original Echo and continues to power all of Amazon's smart devices to this very day. Need a refresher on everything going on with it? We don't blame you.Here's everything you need to know!Alexa and Echo aren't the same thingsWhich Echo should you buy?Skills are Alexa's superpowerJust getting started? Here are some tipsAlexa works with SonosThese smart home gadgets tie-in perfectly with itAmazon Echo (3rd Gen)The Goldilocks speaker$90 at Amazon $90 at Best BuyImproved in almost every wayAmazon improved the sound and design of the latest Amazon Echo and managed...

Samsung's first rugged Galaxy with an Infinity-O display.What you need to knowSamsung today introduced the latest addition to its rugged smartphone lineup.Called XCover Pro, the phone will feature a 6.3-inch display with a hole-punch cutout and dual rear cameras. It will be available for purchase in Europe starting early next month. In October last year, Samsung announced the XCover FieldPro, a rugged smartphone designed for enterprise users. The company today unveiled a new addition to its rugged phone lineup, called the XCover pro. Unlike the previous rugged Galaxies, the new Xcover Pro has a relatively modern yet durable design.The Galaxy XCover Pro has a 6.3-inch TFT LCD Infinity Display with FHD+ resolution and a hole-punch cutout in the upper left corner. While the bezels surrounding the display are definitely not razor-thin, they are still a huge improvement compared to the company's previous rugged phones. The phone is powered by the Exynos 9611, the same chipset ...

They were discovered in November last year and fixed in December.What you need to knowAn Israeli cybersecurity firm found serious vulnerabilities in popular video app tikTok.They would have allowed hackers to manipulate user data and reveal personal information.TikTok was notified about the problems on November 20 last year and fixed them in December.An Israeli cybersecurity firm found serious vulnerabilities in popular video app TikTok, that unchecked, could have allowed hackers to manipulate user data, expose personal information and send users malicious links.According to a report from The New York Times: TikTok, the smartphone app beloved by teenagers and used by hundreds of millions of people around the world, had serious vulnerabilities that would have allowed hackers to manipulate user data and reveal personal information, according to research published Wednesday by Check Point, a cybersecurity company in Israel. The weaknesses would have allowed attacker...

The Virgin Mobile brand in other countries will not be affected.What you need to knowSprint has confirmed that it is shutting down the Virgin Mobile brand in the U.S.Virgin Mobile customers will be migrated over to Boost Mobile.The transition is expected to be fairly smooth, since both Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile use the same network. Sprint has announced that it will be pulling the plug on Virgin Mobile USA next month. The brand was launched in the country as a virtual operator 18 years back.As reported by Fierce Wireless, Sprint will begin migrating Virgin Mobile customers to its Boost Mobile brand starting early next month. The move is certainly not surprising, as Sprint had cut ties with Walmart as a Virgin Mobile distribution partner.In a statement sent to Fierce Wireless, a Sprint Spokesperson said: We regularly examine our plans to ensure that we're offering the best services in line with our customer needs. Beginning on the week of Feb. 2, we will be movi...