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by Muhammad Jarir Kanji on (#4ZKEJ)
The flagship killers become even more lethal.What you need to knowOnePlus is running new discounts on the OnePlus 7T and the OnePlus 7 Pro.The OnePlus 7T is down from $599 to just $499.There's also a discount of up to $170 on the OnePlus 7 Pro.OnePlus broke into the smartphone market by positioning its phones as 'flagship killers.' That's meant that the Chinese company's phones have always had some of the best bang for buck you can get. They're an incredible deal to begin with, but OnePlus is, for a limited time, reducing the barrier of entry for a flagship smartphone experience even more.The OnePlus 7T, which we termed "the best of Android for under $600," is now even cheaper and will only cost you $499. That's $100 less than its usual selling price of $599.That'll net you a phone running Android 10 and powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855+. Even better, it's got the same 90Hz refresh rate as the Pixel 4, alongside support for HDR 10. Round back, you'll find a triple-c...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZKEM)
The initial preview release is not meant for daily use.What you need to knowGoogle today released the first Android 11 Developer Preview.Android 11 brings updated connectivity APIs to take advantage of improved 5G speeds, support for hole-punch and waterfall displays, and deeper conversational experiences. The Android 11 Developer Preview is now available to download for Google's Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 4 series devices. Google today rolled out the first Android 11 preview build for developers, breaking its annual tradition of releasing a developer beta of the next major Android version in early March. While we will need to wait until Google I/O to find out everything about Android 11, this "first look" gives us a fair idea of what to expect.The Android 11 Developer Preview is now available for the Google Pixel 2 / 2 XL, Pixel 3 / 3 XL, Pixel 3a / 3a XL, and Pixel 4 / 4 XL phones. While this initial preview release is only meant for developers, Google says i...
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by Russell Holly on (#4ZKEP)
Whether you're tired of losing your keys, you're already in the process of automating your home, or you're setting up a B&B, a vital part of the process is choosing a smart lock that fits your needs. There are plenty of different smart locks to choose from, each with their own unique abilities. However, we recommend the August Smart Lock Pro for most people since it's super easy to set up and comes with everything you need.Best Overall: August Smart Lock Pro + Connect (3rd Gen)One of the reasons we like this option so much is that from a street view, no one would know that it was a smart lock. It allows you to keep your handle and lock in place but adds a smart component that's only visible from inside your home. It isn't the most pleasant thing to look at from the inside, but you probably won't be looking at it much. It's a bit expensive. However, this particular purchase comes with a Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, which will let you control your lock using the August app or a voic...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZK48)
It's also adding a new Screen Time Management in Feed feature.What you need to knowTikTok is adding two new improvements to the service to promote digital wellbeing.The first is Family Safety Mode, aimed at helping parents police the contents their kids can watch.The second is Screen Time Management in Feed. The firm will partner with creators to produce in-app prompts while on the feed to encourage users to put their phones down.TikTok is adding a pair of new features to the app aimed at improving 'digital wellbeing', a focus of tech firms over the past year.The first of these new features is a new Family Safety Mode. Once engaged, this gives parents the ability to control digital safety features on a linked account, including things like:Screen Time Management: Control how long their teen can spend on TikTok each day.Direct Messages: Limit who can send messages to the connected account or turn off direct messaging completely.Restricted Mode: Restrict the appearance...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#4ZK49)
Stay dryJabra Elite 75t$180 at AmazonProsGreat sound qualityComfortable fitImproved battery lifeSmaller charging caseBetter than the AirPodsConsFewer charges from the case compared to Elite 65tNo wireless chargingCall quality still not as good as AirPodsJabra makes a strong case that these are one of the best true wireless earbuds products currently available. With far better battery life over the Elite 65t and a slimmer frame that nestles into ears with greater comfort, there's a lot to like about the package the Elite 75t delivers. Solid app support, voice assistant integration, and some of the best cable-free audio quality round out an impressive piece of kit.Get wetJabra Elite Active 75t$200 at JabraProsWaterproof buildGreat sound qualityComfortable fitSmaller charging caseJust as portable as Elite 75tConsNo noticeable audio upgrade from Elite 75tNo wireless chargingNo improved call qualityLike the year before, Jabra fol...
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by Jason England on (#4ZK4B)
Doesn't currently work with 3D face unlocking.What you need to knowSan Francisco based design firm Resting Risk Face will sell you an N95 respiratory mask with your face printed on it.The masks can be helpful for using facial unlock on your phones, but will not work with phones that use 3D face mapping such as the Pixel 4 and iPhone.The masks will retail for $40 apiece but won't go on sale until there is no longer a global mask shortage.With the coronavirus outbreak creating havoc in China and abroad, it has caused a surge in the market for face masks. Some factories in China have even been converted to crank out more masks to attempt to keep up with the demand. While wearing a face mask may help protect you from the spread of viruses, one thing it doesn't help with is using face unlock on your phone.Over the past couple of years, using face unlock as the primary way to secure your phone has become hugely popular. Many modern-day phones come with the option, but it doesn'...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZK4D)
It's a little-used part of the phone app, but for some, it's the principle that counts.What you need to knowSamsung has been criticized for including ads in some parts of the Galaxy Z Flip.The ads in question were spotted in Samsung's phone app.The firm includes these on all phones running its software, not just the Z Flip.Samsung has been dinged for placing ads in the Galaxy Z Flip's phone app this week. While smartphone OEMs like Xiaomi sometimes use commercial partnerships to subsidize the costs of their phones, the Galaxy Z Flip is an expensive, conceptual smartphone that some buyers feel shouldn't need ads.It's already spawned some debate on social media.Samsung has ads in the phone app — the app you open to place calls — on its $1,380 Galaxy Z Flip. 🙄 pic.twitter.com/tuWr2PxSYh— Todd Haselton (@robotodd) February 18, 20201.) The excuse "Samsung has to make money" is obscene. 2.) I opted in to use a local point of interest feature, not for ads. 3.) I s...
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by Chris Wedel on (#4ZK4E)
Google is bringing a new feature called Ambient IQ to the Nest family of speakers.What you need to knowNest speakers will automatically adjust the volume and EQ of things like podcasts and audiobooks based on the room noise.All of the adjustments will be made on the device without the need to send any info to the cloud.The Ambient IQ feature will be rolling out to Nest Mini, Nest Wifi, Nest Hub, and Nest Hub Max starting today.If you've ever been at home listening to your favorite podcast and had to constantly adjust the volume because the kids keep coming in and out of the room making all sorts of noise — then you feel my pain. Thankfully so has Google, and they are introducing Ambient IQ to the Nest family of speakers to help solve this problem.In a post on the support page for the Google Nest, Google explains how Ambient IQ will change not just the volume but also the EQ of spoken media based on the sound in the room. Much like how Ambient EQ automatically adjusts th...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#4ZK4F)
When you start searching for a new charger, a term you'll often see pop up in features and product names is GaN, Gallium nitride. Semiconductors made with gallium nitride can be smaller than silicon versions, and smaller, lighter chargers are almost always better. The tech is still pretty new, this is still a relatively small field, but these are the best GaN chargers with Power Delivery charging you can buy today.Great size and priceRAVPower GaN PD 90W Wall ChargerStaff pickThis 90W charger is smaller than a lot of 60W chargers thanks to GaN semiconductors, and it's absolutely perfect for charging a phone and laptop or even two laptops at once.$55 at AmazonInsanely smallAUKEY PA-Y19 30W USB-C Wall ChargerRoughly the size of a quarter, this is one of the most compact chargers on the market. Granted, 30W won't charge a MacBook Pro quickly, but it's great for iPads, Chromebooks, and phones.$25 at AmazonCharge it all at onceAnker PowerPort Atom III Slim 65W (Fo...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#4ZK4H)
No matter the name, Embracer Group continues to rapidly expand.What you need to knowSaber Interactive has been acquired by Embracer Group.Embracer Group was previously known as THQ Nordic AB before being rebranded in 2019.Saber Interactive developed World War Z and has been responsible for porting several titles to the Nintendo Switch.Embracer Group, formerly known as THQ Nordic AB before being rebranded in 2019, has continued its pattern of rapidly acquiring new studios in order to expand. This time, Embracer Group has acquired Saber Interactive, the developers of last year's World War Z.The press release for the announcement revealed that Embracer Group paid $150 million for Saber Interactive's six offices, which will remain intact as Saber Interactive operates as an internal division of Embracer Group, employing over 600 staff. An additional $375 million payout in the acquisition is possible dependent on certain options over the next few years.In addition to developi...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZK4K)
People you've emailed but haven't necessarily saved as contacts are now searchable.What you need to knowGoogle has updated the Contacts app with a nifty quality of life feature.You can now search the Contacts app for people you've interacted with but haven't saved as contacts.The new change was previously rolling out as a server-side feature but is now live for all.The Contacts app isn't necessarily what you'll think of as a hero app. It's more of like a mug. Pretty boring and mundane, but good on a day to day basis. Google has added a new feature (as spotted by Android Police) to the app to make it even more helpful.Now, you'll be able to search for contacts that are saved in your Contacts library. For instance, let's say you had an email exchange with a business prospect, you'd now be able to search their names up in the Contacts app and have their email and contacts card surfaced without having to add them to your address list.It's a small but helpful feature that Go...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZJT3)
The phone could have cut-outs in the side glass edge for the physical buttons.What you need to knowA patent won by Samsung recently suggests the Galaxy Note 20 might sport a waterfall screen.The sketches in the patent show an ultra-curved display with physical buttons protruding through the edge glass. OPPO and a few other companies are already working on phones with "Waterfall" screens. Samsung was recently granted a patent for a Galaxy smartphone with ultra-curved edges by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The sketches in the patent (via Patently Mobile) suggest that Samsung could be planning to equip an upcoming Galaxy flagship with a waterfall screen, similar to the one showcased by OPPO last year. Unlike Samsung's current flagship phones, which have buttons protruding through the metal side edge, the patent shows a phone with the physical buttons poking out through the side glass edge. The patent description also mentions the presence of a hologram device, gr...
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by Christine Persaud on (#4ZJT4)
The win for versatilityFitbit Versa 2$150 on AmazonProsSignificantly better battery lifeDetailed sleep tracking and Sleep ScoresFeature-rich app dashboard Detailed female health tracking ConsNot as seamless for music storage Heart rate tracking limited at 24/7 reportingProprietary chargerThe Fitbit Versa 2 has pretty much everything you would want and need in a fitness-focused smartwatch, and it works alongside an equally intuitive and information-rich app. It excels when it comes to added benefits like detailed sleep tracking, continuous heart rate monitoring, useful insights, gamification as you compete with friends, and battery life, which can last for days. It's the ideal companion for those who are looking to get fit or want to keep on top of their general health and wellness, with bonuses like female health tracking and personal cardio fitness scores.Made for iOS usersApple Watch Series 3Starts at $199 at AppleProsSeamless integration...
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by Joe Maring on (#4ZJT5)
Chatting with the AC forums.Cases aren't the most exciting thing to talk about, but when it comes to expensive metal and glass phones that are just begging to be scratched or shattered, they're essential.Whether you're picking up the Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra, we recommend getting a case to go along with it.Taking a look through the AC forums, here are a few of the cases our readers are picking up. Beth Hahn 02-13-2020 07:52 PM “ So as with most my phones my go to case has been uag, but with my note 10+ I tried the tech21 Evo check case and let me tell you for me at least it's saved my phone more then once along with the whitestone dome screen protector. My note 10+ is the first large phone I've owned so yeah I've dropped it quite a lot lol. I'm getting the blue color phone so I wanted to get a clear case so I ordered the... Reply D...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#4ZJT6)
Best answer: Possibly in 2021. Temtem released into early access on PC in Jan. 2020. Console versions, including PS4, were expected to launch with the full game in Q2 or Q3 2021, but developer Crema has not stated whether this time frame has been moved in any way. For now, 2021 is the only date we have to go on.Inspired by Pokémon: Temtem ($35 at GMG (Steam))What is Temtem?Temtem is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) inspired by Pokémon. As a novice Temtem tamer, you'll go around capturing Temtems, battling with Temtems, and making your way across the region facing off against the evil organization Clan Belsoto, not unlike Team Rocket.I really can't overstate how much of a Pokémon clone this is, but developer Crema doesn't shy away from the comparisons, it embraces them. It's also able to add new components to the Pokémon formula, including duo battles, deeper character customization, more online elements, and more adult themes and language.What p...
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by Anthony J Nash on (#4ZJT8)
Best answer: Yes! NVIDIA GeForce Now supports over 400 games, most of which are playable through your Steam library. GeForce Now also supports more than 1,000 games that can be played through single-session installs, which also utilizes your Steam library. In essence, if you own a game on Steam, there's an extremely high chance you can play it on GeForce Now.Try it now: NVIDIA GeForce Now (Free at NVIDIA)Play it using GeForce Now: Borderlands 3 ($28 at Green Man Gaming)Pick up a game: Steam Wallet Prepaid Card ($20 at Amazon)What is NVIDIA GeForce Now?Initially revealed in 2017, GeForce Now is a game streaming service that allows players to access NVIDIA's servers to stream games they already own. Unlike other services that have you buy games in order to play them on a service, GeForce Now allows players to play mostly whatever is in their gaming library already. Thankfully, playing games is just as easy as the service sounds, as players can quickly boot up the app on a com...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#4ZJTA)
Samsung makes 100x zoom possible using multiple sensors, mirrors, and some technical magic.The Galaxy S20 Ultra brings something that most people would have never imagined possible with a phone camera: 100x zoom.Samsung calls it Space Zoom, and while the full 100x shots we've seen aren't super crisp and perfectly clear, they are still pretty amazing when you think about it. You're getting 100 times zoomed-in shots from a tiny phone camera sensor and almost no actual focal length in the lens, and you can still tell what you're looking at. That's something that would never happen if you could pinch-zoom in 100 times, and it's pretty impressive.How Samsung does it isn't 100% documented (some secrets are good to keep close to the breast), but it's also not entirely a new thing. We've seen companies like Huawei offer phone cameras with 50X zoom using the same methods, and even some small point and shoot stand-alone cameras do the same things. It's known as a periscope lens, and it's...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#4ZJTC)
ClimaCell's Weather Assistant offers minute-by-minute forecasts and real-time air quality information.There's no shortage of hyperlocal weather forecast apps, but there hasn't been a decent service aimed at India. That's changing with the launch of ClimaCell's Weather Assistant app. The app debuted in global markets at the end of last year, and is now making its way to India.The app combines hyper accurate forecasts — including minute-by-minute weather predictions — and the best part is that the information is customizable to the street level. So if you're heading to a particular area within your city and need to see what the weather forecast will be like in a few hours' time, this is the app for you.In addition to hyperlocal forecasts, you'll be able to see air quality, humidity, wind, cloudiness, and visibility. There's also the option to connect Weather Assistant to your calendar, and the service will monitor your upcoming entries and alert you if there's any inclement w...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZJTE)
Needless to say, enabling 120Hz refresh at QHD+ resolution will result in worse battery life.What you need to knowSamsung is apparently working on bringing the ability to enable the 120Hz refresh rate at QHD+ resolution to its Galaxy S20 phones.The option to enable 120Hz at QHD+ resolution is expected to be rolled out within the next three months. Currently, all three Galaxy S20 models support 120Hz refresh rate only at Full HD+ resolution. Samsung finally joined the high refresh rate party with its new Galaxy S20 series phones earlier this month. Unlike Android OEMs like OnePlus, however, Samsung's latest flagships do not let users enable the high refresh rate at their highest display resolution. Fortunately, however, that could soon change.While the Galaxy S20 phones currently allow users to enable the 120Hz refresh rate option only at Full HD+ resolution, tipster Max Weinbach has claimed in a new tweet that Samsung is working on adding the ability to use the 120Hz refr...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZJKF)
The RAZR had received a repairability score of just 1 out of 10 from iFixit last week.What you need to knowiFixit has posted a teardown video of Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Flip.The teardown has revealed that the phone's "fiber shield" doesn't do a great job of keeping dust from getting inside. iFixit also found that the phone offers some level of water resistance and is slightly easier to repair than Motorola's RAZR. After giving us a look at the Motorola RAZR's internals last week, iFixit has now posted a teardown video of Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip. Unsurprisingly, iFixit says Samsung's clamshell foldable is slightly easier to repair than Motorola's RAZR. Still, a repairability score of just 2 out of 10 is certainly quite disappointing.When announcing the Galaxy Z Flip at its Unpacked event last week, Samsung claimed the "fiber shield" in the phone's hinge helps keep dust from getting inside. Unfortunately, however, iFixit found that the layers of fibers built int...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZJKH)
Not a massive upgrade over the Galaxy A70 in terms of hardware.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy A71 has been launched in India at ₹29,999 ($420).The mid-range phone will go on sale in the country starting February 24. Announced in December last year, the Galaxy A71 comes with a 6.7-inch Infinity-O Display, Snapdragon 730 chipset, and a quad-camera setup at the back. Samsung today quietly launched the mid-range Galaxy A71 in India, roughly two months after its global debut. The Galaxy A51, which was announced alongside the Galaxy A71, was launched in the country last month.Samsung has priced the Galaxy A71 at ₹29,999 ($420) in India. It will be available for purchase in Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Blue, and Prism Crush Silver color options starting February 24 via both offline and online retail channels.The Galaxy A71 sports a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-O display with FHD+ resolution and a tall 20:9 aspect ratio. It runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 chipset...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#4ZJED)
List most messaging services, WhatsApp has a read receipts feature that lets you know when a recipient has read your message. But the feature isn't liked by everyone, and if you feel like you're being pressurized to respond to a message just because of read receipts, there's an easy way to disable it in WhatsApp for Android.Products used in this guideFast and smooth: OnePlus 7 Pro ($600 at Amazon)How to disable read receipts in WhatsApp for AndroidYou can see the status of each WhatsApp by its check mark. A single grey check mark next to the message means it's sent; double grey ticks means it was delivered to the recipient's phone, and when the check marks turn blue you'll know that the recipient has read your message.If you don't want read receipts, here's how you can turn them off:Open WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen. Select the action overflow menu (three vertical dots on the top right corner). Select Settings.Go to Accounts. Hit Privacy. Toggle r...
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by Android Central on (#4ZJ9X)
Even the least web-savvy entrepreneurs know that you can't have a business without a solid website. But you can't just whip up a decent-looking site, turn it on, and expect business to come pouring through. Turns out, digital marketing is a bit more complicated than that.While that level of convenience isn't quite realistic, GoDaddy Websites + Marketing comes pretty close, combining quick web design with powerful data-driven insights that can help guide you on how to promote your site without having to pay for an entire in-house marketing team.If you've built a website with GoDaddy before, you already know how they guide you through the process, suggesting design templates that make for a clean, user-friendly experience. GoDaddy Websites + Marketing does the same thing more broadly from a marketing perspective, letting you easily integrate multiple social media platforms seamlessly into your new internet hub.From the dashboard, you'll be able to update your Instagram, Facebook and ...
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by Android Central on (#4ZJ9Z)
Keeping your data nicely filed and organized is a noble pursuit but one that most people simply don't have the time or patience to consistently adhere to. As such, many of us have to skip between folders, apps, and bookmarked cloud storage accounts to figure out where exactly we put that editable W-9 PDF. It's a chore, but Rethink Files was designed to make it easier.Rethink Files is a universal file manager for all of your apps and folders. In one streamlined interface, you can unite your OneDrive, Outlook, Zoho Docs, and more apps (even Slack!) so you can seamlessly access files when you need them. Rethink Files provides rich previews for more than 100 different file types and provides you with 2TB of secure, AES 256-bit encrypted cloud storage, making it the kind of centralized file system you need to stay on top of your digital life. With everything in one place, you can drastically improve your workflow, saving you time. Better yet, it's significantly more cost-effective than ...
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by Joe Wituschek on (#4ZJ66)
Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.Pile on those points with a new promo offerWhat you need to knowAmerican Express has a new targeted offer for its Platinum cardholders.Adding authorized users can net you up to 20,000 Membership Rewards bonus points.Authorized users also enjoy the perks and benefits of your card.If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and have wanted to earn more points by enabling your family to make purchases using your card, American Express has a little bonus offer to entice you to pull that trigger a little faster. As reported by The Points Guy, American Express is targeting customers with a new offer to encourage adding authorized users.Right now, certain cardholders are being targete...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#4ZJ1E)
Play at home or in a VR arcade near you!What you need to knowCloudhead Games and the Virtual Athletics League are hosting a Pistol Whip tournament with a $10,000 prize pool.Players can take part in the contest at home or at a Springboard VR Arcade nearby.Finalists will win an all-expenses paid trip to Salt Lake City, Utah for the finals on March 29, 2020.Are you a Pistol Whip fan? Shooting through corridors, John Wick style, can net you some serious prizes in the upcoming Pistol Whip tournament in March. The Virtual Athletics League is putting on the first-ever Pistol Whip tournament with a $10,000 prize pool, and the best part is that you can compete from the comfort of your own home. Visit the Virtual Athletics League website to sign up and get training before the tournament takes place on March 13 and 14. Players can compete on any platform, which includes Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, or SteamVR headsets.Never heard of Pistol Whip or don't have a way to play at home? Don...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#4ZHSF)
With version 13 of the Oculus software, the Oculus Quest now automatically tracks your hands when it can't find any Oculus Touch controllers in range. While it's a novelty to browse through the Oculus menus with just your fingers, playing games is way more fun. To get started, sideload apps to your Oculus Quest using Sidequest before you begin. Also, for the best results, always play in a well-lit room for optimal hand-tracking performance. The brighter, the better.★ Featured favoriteTea for GodStaff PickIf you're looking for the best example of what hand-tracking can bring to an already amazing experience, the oddly named Tea for God is the first step you should take. Tea for God is a never-ending procedurally-generated experience. The game creates its world as you play, and it's different every single time. On top of being one of the best room-scale experiences available, Tea for God utilizes the hand-tracking feature in a wholly natural way. It makes guns out o...
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by Philip Berne on (#4ZHSG)
Five more countries can now secure themselves with Google's universal hardware authentication.What you need to knowGoogle's Titan USB key is now available to users in 5 more countries, making 10 nations covered total.Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland join the US, Canada, France, Japan, and the UK.Google is giving away free Titan keys to users on federal political campaigns.We're big fans of serious security solutions like Google's Titan keys. Even stronger than normal two factor authentication (2FA), Google Titan devices are universal hardware two factor (U2F) keys that make it almost impossible for someone to login to your accounts without your permission. Every login requires a hardware key, and Google has been slow to offer the hardware USB keys in more than a few countries since they launched. Now Google is doubling the number of countries that can buy the Titan keys, in both USB-A and USB-C flavors, from five countries to ten.All of the new countries ar...
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by Daniel Bader on (#4ZHSJ)
Right now, the best smartwatch for Android users is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's optimized for Samsung phones but runs well on all Android devices and has all the smartwatch and fitness features you'd expect. It's compact and lightweight but still offers good battery life. But if you're not into that one, the good news is that there are so many other amazing options from Fossil to Garmin to Fitbit and more.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2You don't have to use a Samsung phone to enjoy the benefits of owning a Samsung smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 provides the most well-rounded wearables experience for Android users right now. It's compact and lightweight but features an extremely sharp and vivid touch display that's easy to navigate and fun to use thanks to the new capacitive bezel. The Tizen OS is smooth and battery-friendly, unlike Google's own Wear OS, and while the app selection isn't massive, the core tenets are there, like Spotify, Stra...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZHSK)
Disney said the episodes would begin "rolling out" from the 24th of March.What you need to knowDisney may stagger the release of the Mandalorian in the UK and other Western European countries.The firm made the announcement on its Twitter page.Disney Plus launches in Western Europe from the 24th of March.Despite the Mandalorian already being completely finished in the U.S., Disney may stagger its release in the UK to mirror the U.S. release. Instead of an all in one drop as Netflix has trained its users to expect, Disney is apparently aiming more for a drip-feed of content. The inference came from a tweet made by Disney Plus's UK account, stating that the show would begin rolling out from the 24th.The tweet, spotted by TechRadar:#TheMandalorian episodes will start to roll out from March 24th. @StarWarsUK pic.twitter.com/jY6gA2gFPv— Disney+ UK (@DisneyPlusUK) February 17, 2020It seems odd for Disney to artificially limit the release of a show that has already been d...
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by Andrew Martonik on (#4ZHSM)
We're still in the early days of the foldable phone re-emergence, but there are a couple of options available if you want to buy-in. These are no longer concepts or prototypes, they're complete phones that are on store shelves just like any other. Right now, the best overall foldable is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip because of its ability to just work like a normal phone most of the time ... until it folds back in half again.Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Z FlipThe best thing the Galaxy Z Flip has to offer is normalcy and minimal compromises. At its core, the Z Flip is effectively a refreshed and slightly improved Galaxy S10+, which is a good thing. You're getting capable specs and performance, hardware that feels solid and high-quality, and a set of cameras that are just a little bit behind the highest-end phones this year. Compared to the shortcomings of other foldables, the Z Flip shines for having such good daily usability.The Galaxy Z Flip also has the most durable folding s...
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by Nicholas Sutrich on (#4ZHSP)
Probably not, and here's why.What you need to knowA new LCD display panel from JDI built specifically for VR has entered mass production and is currently being used in upcoming XR headsets.JDI's new display sports an incredible 1,058 ppi density, or more than double the density of most other VR displays.While Sony is a stakeholder in JDI, it's unlikely this will be used for the PSVR 2 for a number of reasons.Japan Display Inc. (JDI) has announced a super pixel-dense LCD built specifically for use in future VR headsets. While a 1600 x 1600 resolution doesn't sound ground-breaking, the pixel density is. JDI's new display sports an incredible 1,058 pixels-per-inch (ppi) density, made possible by the RGB stripe sub-pixel arrangement and the tiny 2.1-inch size. Comparitively, headsets like the PSVR feature a 386ppi density.It's also got a 120Hz refresh rate, which is on-par with the current-generation PSVR and significantly higher than headsets like the Oculus Rift S and Oculu...
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by Hayato Huseman on (#4ZHSR)
Smart doorbells and cameras are a great way to add a sense of security to your home and keep an eye on things, even when you're away, but they can also be deeply troubling when accessed by the wrong people. You've probably seen articles about online intruders getting into people's connected cameras and even using the two-way audio to terrorize residents on the other end, and far too often, the "hacker" just took advantage of a weak password. Thankfully, Ring offers two-factor authentication that makes it harder for others to access your account, even with your password. It's easy to enable from your phone or computer. In fact, Ring is now finally going to be requiring users to enable two-factor authentication from February 2020 onward.Product used in this guideRing's most versatile: Ring Video Doorbell 2 ($169 at Amazon)How to enable 2FA from your phoneTwo-factor authentication is an absolute must these days, especially with something as private as a live camera feed. Enabl...
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by Jason England on (#4ZHG5)
Expected to launch in spring 2020.What you need to knowGoogle's new Pixel Buds have shown up on B&H Photo for pre-order.So far, only the listing for the Clearly White color option is available, and the price is $179.The new true wireless Google Pixel Buds are expected to launch this spring.Google first showed off the new Pixel Buds at its Made by Google event back in October 2019. At that time, the new true wireless headphones were not ready to go on sale, let alone to demo for those in attendance. Since then, not much has leaked out beside them making an appearance on the Bluetooth SIG site.However, today we got a surprise when the Google Pixel Buds popped up on B&H Photo for pre-order. Unfortunately, there isn't much to learn from the listing. At the time of writing, it is mostly an empty placeholder, only mentioning that it's for the Clearly White color and that they will set you back $179. Both facts that we already knew before the listing went live.Probab...
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by Jim Metzendorf on (#4ZHG6)
Carli, Jen, and Rebecca dive into why Pokémon Home is cool for longtime players and talk about rumors surrounding PS5 vs. Xbox Series X pricing. They also report on Dreams for PlayStation 4, and Outriders. Plus, stay tuned for a bonus interview by Sam Tolbert with developers of The Division 2: Warlords of New York!Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Pokémon HOME: How to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank into Pokémon HOME | iMorePokémon HOME: The ultimate guide | iMoreSony allegedly 'struggling' to keep PlayStation 5 price down. What's it mean for Xbox Series X? | Windows CentralThe Division 2: Warlords of New York Preview — Taking the fight back to where it began | Windows CentralDreams for PlayStation 4: Everything you need to know | Android CentralWe finally get Outriders plot details in new reveal trailer | Android Central...
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by Jennifer Locke on (#4ZHG7)
When it comes to getting a refund for a digital game on PlayStation 4, your mileage may vary. Technically, you won't be given a refund on a digital game that you've already downloaded or played unless the content is faulty. This is usually up to PlayStation Support's discretion — and whether or not the game is riddled with bugs. Still, if you've purchased a game and find that you don't want it, you have up to 14 days to request a refund. Because Sony practically sends you in circles trying to figure out how and where to request a refund — redirecting you to the same pages over and over — we've figured out a quick way to do it.How to request a refund on a PS4 gameGo to support.playstation.com/s/contact-support.Have your information ready, including your PSN ID, email address associated with the account, date of birth, and name of the game you'd like refunded. Select Chat on the right side of the screen (available Sunday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Pacific Time).In the windo...
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by Philip Berne on (#4ZHG9)
But it won't be the only foundry making Qualcomm's newest modem.What you need to knowSources tell Reuters Samsung has won Qualcomm business to produce the next-gen X60 modem.Samsung will manufacture the chipset on its 5-nanometer process foundry.TSMC, which likely produced the X55, will share business with Samsung this time.Qualcomm's freshly-announced 5G modem, the next-generation X60 chipset, will be produced by Samsung on its 5-nanometer process foundry, according to company sources speaking to Reuters. Qualcomm has already announced that all of its flagship packages will include a 5G modem, so manufacturing duties for the new technology were sure to be robust. It was assumed that TSMC handled manufacturing for the current lineup of X55 modems, but the next generation task will be split between Samsung and TSMC. Qualcomm does not publicly comment on its manufacturing partners.By employing Samsung's newest 5-nanometer process, Qualcomm can make modems that are more effi...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#4ZHGB)
Baldur's Gate III is having a live gameplay reveal in under a couple of weeks.What you need to knowBaldur's Gate III is having a live gameplay reveal on February 27 at PAX East.The game is being developed and published by Larian Studios, well known for the Divinity: Original Sin role-playing games.There's still no release window for Baldur's Gate III. Baldur's Gate III is currently in development at Larian Studios, the developers of critically-acclaimed role-playing titles like Divinity: Original Sin II. We're finally getting our first look at gameplay from Baldur's Gate III soon, as a live gameplay reveal event is taking place on February 27 at PAX East. You can check out the update from Larian below but be sure to watch through to the end, as there's a neat little teaser.The World Gameplay Reveal of Baldur’s Gate 3 will be happening LIVE at PAX East on Thursday 27th February at 1530ET. Join Swen live on stage with a special guest, and if you can’t, we'll be streamin...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZHGD)
Gaming phones like ASUS ROG Phone I & II, Razer Phone 1 & 2 are also welcome to the party.What you need to knowGoogle is bringing Stadia to other Android phones.The gaming service was previously exclusive to Google's Pixel phones, now it's expanding to more popular phones like the Samsung Galaxy Note and S lines.The expansion will start on February 20th.Google Stadia, the firm's cloud game streaming service, is going to become more accessible to users this week. The firm has announced today that Stadia will be coming to more phones. Previously, users had to own one of Google's own Pixel phones from the Pixel 2 and above to be able to take advantage of the service. From the 20th of February, Google will now be adding some of the most popular Android phones.Starting February 20, you can play Stadia with even more phones. ASUS ROG Phone I & II, Razer Phone 1 & 2, and a variety of Samsung phones, including the Samsung S20 line, are all supported.For the full l...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZHGE)
It could also launch as a more mid-range device than we've expected.What you need to knowA reference to the Pixel 5 has been spotted in AOSP code.This is the first concrete piece of evidence, other than expectation, that Google's next flagship will indeed be called the Pixel 5.There's a possibility that the Pixel 5 may support 5G, and be more midrange than previous Pixels.Google is expected to launch a bunch of new Pixels this year. There's the mid-range Pixel 3a successor, the 4a and the flagship in waiting, the Pixel 5. We've seen a lot about the Pixel 4a so far, but nothing's emerged about the Google Pixel 5, at least, until now.A code snippet spotted by 9to5Google provides a hint: Bounds sanitizer in arch/arm64/kernel/cpufeature.c makes image unbootable for Pixel 4 at 4.14 kernel. I didn't have a chance to test it on Pixel 5 with 4.19, and preemptively disabling UBSan there now to ensure bootability.To be clear, this code snippet isn't exactly something big. T...
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by Jason England on (#4ZHGF)
The Incremental File System will most likely debut in 2021 with Android 12.What you need to knowGoogle has been spotted submitting patches to the Linux kernel to support an Incremental File System.In the documentation, it references the ability to run apps before they have fully downloaded.The Incremental File System could be used to allow users to start playing a large game while they wait for it to finish downloading.Mobile gaming is big business, and as phones get more powerful, and the popularity grows, so do the size of the games. It's not uncommon to see games on the Play Store weighing in at several gigabytes these days, and in some cases, that means waiting a lengthy time for the game to download and install.Even on the fastest connections, it can take several minutes for the download to complete, and that's just too long when you're ready to play right now. Fortunately, Google is working on a way to remedy this situation with a new file system in Android.Recent...
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by Jason England on (#4ZH6Q)
Changes are rolling out today and Ring will email customers once they are active.What you need to knowRing will soon require all customers to use two-factor authentication when logging in.It will also allow customers to opt-out of sharing information with third-party service providers for advertising.The Amazon-owned home security camera company experienced a data breach in 2019, which lead to many customer's cameras becoming compromised.Amazon's Ring security cameras have been in the news a lot these past few months. Most recently, there was a report that showed how footage from Ring cameras has done little to help police identify suspects and make arrests.Then, back in December of 2019, Ring was in the news for a string of camera hacks, where several customers had their cameras compromised. Later that month, it was revealed that Ring had a data breach, and up to 3,600 customers had their usernames and passwords leaked online.Looking to learn from its mistakes, Ring an...
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by Michael Allison on (#4ZH6R)
It'll launch worldwide on March 17th and is priced at $319 in the U.S. and £269 in the U.K.What you need to knowMarshall's Monitor II A.N.C are its newest premium headphones.Their standout features are Active Noise Cancellation and up to 45 hours of battery life on a single charge.They launch worldwide on March 17th for $319.Marshall is launching the Mashall Monitor II A.N.C, its new flagship premium headsets. It'll set you back $319 in the U.S. when it's released globally on March 17th.The flagship feature of these headphones is the active noise cancellation. You can tell, it's in the name. Marshall says these "utilize advanced active noise canceling technology that continuously pinpoints and measures ambient noise in order to block out thethings you don't want to hear."If you think it'll be hard on the battery, you're probably right. Marshall promises up to 30 hours of battery life with noise-canceling engaged, power that's up there with Sony's WH-1000XM3 and even ...
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by Joe Maring on (#4ZH6T)
As much love as we have for the iPhone and what it's done for the mobile industry, we'll never not be excited when someone switches over from it to an Android handset. We'd argue that a lot of Android phones are better than Apple's fruit phone, and if you've finally decided to make the conversion, we have a few tips to help you out. Going from iPhone to Android can be quite daunting, but by keeping a few things in mind, you can make the process substantially easier.There's a learning curveSwitching from iPhone to Android isn't the same as upgrading the from the iPhone X to the iPhone 11. It's more akin to switching from Mac to Windows (though not as drastic). General functions are similar, but major Android phone manufacturers will often have proprietary user interfaces, distinguishing them from other makers.Therein lies the rub. There is no single version of Android in the way that there's only one iOS. Companies take the Android operating system, interpret it and mold it acco...
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by Daniel Rubino on (#4ZH6V)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and the Surface Pro X are a mobile power team.Screens that fold and PCs that can make phone calls are no longer things of the future.Over the weekend, I was one of the lucky few to have my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip order ship from Best Buy. The folding phone is not without controversy, but it is also winning the hearts of many early adopters brave enough to plop down $1,400.I'll review the Galaxy Z Flip and detail how it works with Microsoft's Android app suite in the coming weeks, but for now, I want to talk about Windows 10's Your Phone feature and how it has me intrigued and especially exited for the upcoming Surface Duo.Game changerYour Phone CompanionFree at Google PlayMerging phones and PCsYour Phone allows you to sync text messages, photos, and notifications from your phone to your Windows 10 PC. Now, when used with Galaxy 20 series phones, it supports RCS messages.Next generationSamsung Galaxy Z Flip$1,380 at Samsung$1,330 at B...
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by Samantha Nelson on (#4ZH6X)
The PlayStation 5 will be backward compatible with the PlayStation 4 and might even allow cross-generational play where you can start a game on your current system and then continue it on the new console without losing any progress. That means now is a great chance to stock up on the best of this generation's titles while looking ahead to some of the upcoming releases that will mark the end of the era. With only one new title announced for the PlayStation 5 so far, you're likely to have plenty of time to enjoy these games. Here are all the games so far:NewAvailable nowRelease dates confirmedComing soon?NewScouting missionJourney to the Savage PlanetExplore an uncharted planet and catalog its plants and animals in this cheery co-op game. Use what little gear you have to determine if you've landed somewhere humans can survive and if you're really alone.$30 at AmazonWith great powerLife Is Strange 2The moving sequel to Life Is Strange tells a new story a...
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by Harish Jonnalagadda on (#4ZH6Y)
The X60 is the first 5G modem to feature carrier aggregation between Sub-6 and mmWave.What you need to knowQualcomm has unveiled the X60, its first 5G modem built on a 5nm node.The X60 includes carrier aggregation between Sub-6 and mmWave, with a maximum bandwidth of 7.5 Gbps. The 5nm node means the modem has a smaller footprint while delivering better energy efficiency. Qualcomm has unveiled its third 5G modem, the X60, and there's a lot to like. The modem has a smaller footprint than the X50 and X55, and has better energy efficiency figures. But what's even more impressive is that it comes with global 5G connectivity, thanks to Qualcomm's third-gen QTM535 mmWave antenna module.The highlight here is that the X60 offers carrier aggregation between Sub-6 and mmWave bands in FDD-TDD, leading to higher maximum throughput. The X60 will be able to achieve downloads of an incredible 7.5 Gbps over mmWave, and 5 Gbps on Sub-6. Basically, the X60 is the closest we've come to a un...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZH6Z)
All three new K-series phones are MIL-STD 810G compliant.What you need to knowLG today announced three new K series smartphones.The new K61, K51S, and K41S phones sport quad rear cameras and "cinematically proportioned displays" with thin bezels. They are slated to go on sale in the second quarter in the Americas, followed by select markets in Europe and Asia. LG Electronics today quietly introduced its latest K series smartphone lineup. The new K61, K51S, and K41S smartphones come with upgraded cameras and a more modern design compared to last year's lineup.The LG K61 sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ FullVision display with a hole-punch cutout and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It is powered by an unnamed octa-core processor running at 2.3GHz, paired with 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of expandable storage. The quad-camera array on the back of the phone houses a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. Some of the other key highlights of the LG ...
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by Joe Maring on (#4ZH71)
Chatting in the AC forums!Over the weekend, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip received a lot of unwanted press. Samsung makes a big deal about the phone's display being "Ultra Thin Glass", but a durability test video showed the screen easily scratching the same way plastic does.Following all of this, Samsung clarified that the Z Flip does have a glass screen, but there's a layer of plastic covering it to ensure better overall durability. So, while Samsung is technically correct in saying that the Z Flip's display is glass, the company could have been a lot more transparent about plastic still being present.In any case, here's what some of our AC forum members had to say about the whole situation. milleniumdroid 02-16-2020 03:55 PM “ Why do you think I hate foldable devices... As it is our smartphones don't last enough and the last thing we need is this BS. I'm pretty sure that if electronics companies t...
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by Babu Mohan on (#4ZGYS)
The move could have a devastating impact on China's biggest smartphone maker.What you need to knowThe Trump administration is reportedly planning to change U.S. regulations to allow it to block chip supplies to Huawei from TSMC and other chipmakers.If the proposal is approved, it would be a massive blow to Huawei's smartphone business. The U.S. Commerce Department has declined to comment on the proposal. Huawei lost access to Google services last year after the Chinese company was put on the U.S. Commerce Department's "Entity List." While Huawei's smartphone business has not been severely affected by the U.S. blacklist so far, a new report from Reuters claims the Trump administration is mulling changing U.S. regulations that could cut Huawei off from global chip suppliers. The news comes less than a week after the U.S. Commerce Department issued a 45-day extension to allow American firms to continue trading with Huawei.By altering the Foreign Direct Product Rule, the U.S...
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