Latest from Android Central

The phone should be here very soon.What you need to knowHands-on images of the new Note 10 Lite have leaked out.It confirms what we had seen in the leaked renders, that the front will look similar to the previous Note 10 models and the back will feature a square camera bump.Samsung is expected to unveil the Note 10 Lite at CES 2020 next week.Samsung's Note lineup of phones is arguably the best when it comes to offering a phone with stylus capabilities. Over the years, Samsung has upgraded the included S Pen with more and more features. We've seen a slew of software improvements and Samsung has even added Bluetooth connectivity to make the S Pen even more functional.Unfortunately, this experience doesn't come cheap. As the Note has matured over the years, we've seen the price steadily increase as well. The starting price of the Note 10 is nearly $1000, and that's a lot to ask for a phone no matter how great it is.However, there is some good news for those of you looking ...

A new kind of clean from the LG appliance team.What you need to knowLG's new robot mop features dual-spinning brushes for a super-scrubbing good clean.Dual Eye camera system maps your home and enables per-room and zone cleaning.Pairs with the CordZero R9 Robot Vacuum.LG is hoping your New Year's resolution includes cleaner floors throughout your home, as it's launching a brand new robot mop that's designed to get the job done better than any robot mop currently on the market. While most robot mops just feature a wet pad and some added pressure while wet-sweeping the floor, the LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Mop features dual-spin brushes underneath its sleek robot chassis. These brushes are designed to buff the stubborn stains and grime off the hard floors in your home, giving it a significant edge over other robot mops on the market.LG is sticking with its tried-and-true Dual Eye camera system, which is situated at an upward angle on the front of the robot mop and is used to id...

Robots and windows and group chats, oh my!What you need to knowSamsung C-Labs Inside grows employee ideas, like an AR keyboard or a scanning highlighter pen.C-Labs Outside is a startup incubator for Korean technology and IT companies.The C-Labs booth will show off concept ideas from both Inside and Outside.Samsung incubator group C-Lab will showcase product concepts from its fledglings startups at CES, including a home robot companion and an artificial sunlight lamp shaped like a window. C-Lab Inside is the company's internal employee incubator, and the company claims 40 startups have been formed with help from the program. C-Lab Outside is an incubator serving Korean startups. These won't be Samsung-branded products on display, just ideas from the incubator groups.Among the more interesting C-Lab Inside projects, SelfieType will show an augmented reality keyboard that uses your selfie camera to create a virtual QWERTY on a surface in front of you. Hyler is a highlighte...

There are eight different emoji to choose from.What you need to knowDuo will now let you react to video messages with emoji.There are only eight emoji to choose from at this time, with the last one changing depending on which holiday is near.You can only send one reaction and choosing another one will replace your original selection.Back on New Year's Eve, our very own Harish wrote an article titled "Google Duo is the best video calling service you're not using", sharing why you should be using the messenger for all of your video and audio calls. One of the most obvious reasons is the fantastic audio and video quality, even on slower connections. However, another would be how Google continues to add features and improve the service over time.In the past year, we've seen the messaging app pick up several new features, with some being quality of life improvements, such as an impressive low-light mode to brighten calls in dark environments. Other features have been less impr...

The phone could go on sale globally sometime in the fourth quarter of the year.What you need to knowA new rumor claims the Nokia 9 PureView successor will arrive in autumn this year.The smartphone will apparently be powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 865 mobile processor. Even though the phone's tech specs remain a mystery currently, we expect it to be a massive upgrade over the Nokia 9 PureView. According to a Nokia Anew, a Twitter account that has a decent track record when it comes to Nokia-related leaks, HMD Global has delayed the launch of the Nokia 9 PureView until Autumn this year. The delay has been attributed to "replacement" of the phone's processor. While it was previously rumored that the phone will have a Snapdragon 855 processor, Nokia Anew now claims it will be powered by the newer and more powerful Snapdragon 865.The announcement of Nokia 9.2 is likely to be delayed until the autumn due to the replacement of the processor on the Snapdragon 865.#Nokia...

Let's have a chat with the AC forums.It's officially 2020, which means we're another step closer to Samsung unveiling its first big flagship of the year. This upcoming phone will be the successor to last year's Galaxy S10, and for a while now, we've been referring to it as the Galaxy S11.However, a new rumor is suggesting that the S11 will actually be branded and marketed as the "Galaxy S20."Taking a look through the AC forums, a lot of our members have some thoughts about this. dendron01 12-30-2019 09:43 PM “ I don't care what they call it but its looking better by the day. Just a few more months... Reply Adam Frix 12-31-2019 12:59 AM “ don't care. It will be remembered as...a bad phone. Snapdragon 865 with forced discrete 5G modem? Every such phone will be remembered as "yeah, let's forg...

The January security update will probably include a fix for the minor bug.What you need to knowAn unusual bug with the December security update for Pixel phones is causing app icons to disappear randomly from the homescreen.While the app icons disappear randomly, the app name still remains visible. Even though the issue doesn't appear to be widespread, a fix is expected to be included in the upcoming January security update. Google rolled out its first Pixel "feature drop" last month, along with the December security patch. Unfortunately, the update also included a minor bug with the Pixel Launcher app, causing apps icons to disappear from the homescreen randomly. The bug appears to have affected some Pixel 2, Pixel 3a, as well as Pixel 4 series phones. As reported by 9to5Google, the bug with the Pixel Launcher is making app icons randomly become invisible on Pixel phones. After the app icon disappears, users can only see the name of the app on the homescreen. Once ...

The update will be released early next week.What you need to knowGoogle will soon begin rolling out a joint January and December security update for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL.While most Pixel phones started receiving the December security update three weeks back, several Pixel 3 and 3 XL owners did not receive it. The joint December and January security update is expected to be released next Monday. Google began rolling out the December security update for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL phones a week after other Pixel phones last month. In addition to the December security update, it also brought a few other improvements to the latest Pixel phones.Many Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL units, however, are yet to receive the December update. Responding to the concerns of several Pixel 3 and 3 XL owners on Twitter, Google has now revealed that it plans to roll out a "joint January and December security update" for the two phones in the coming days.We understand your concern, Mike. If you did...

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There's a reason the Shield TV is the best Android TV box.There's no shortage of smart TV platforms, but in our household, we went all-in on Android TV. It started with a Sony 950D back in 2015, and over the last four years, we amassed three additional TVs that ran Android TV out of the box.The end result is that I didn't need a standalone Android TV box. I bought a Mi Box S to use with my Xiaomi Mi Laser Projector (the U.S. model comes with Android TV, but not the Chinese variant), but aside from that, there wasn't a good enough reason to get a device like the Shield TV. That changed earlier this year when I noticed just how laggy Sony's Android TV interface has gotten. The TV still gets security updates from time to time, but it is running Marshmallow. And while the Mi Box S is a decent product for under $50, it doesn't handle 4K content well. That meant I had to look for an alternative, and I inevitably ended up with the Shield TV Pro (2019).I used the Shield TV f...

Virtual reality had a great 2019, and could have an even better 2020.Virtual reality turned a bit of a corner in 2019. The rise of the Oculus Quest and the announcement of Half-Life: Alyx brought VR more into the mainstream and created a fair bit of buzz. 2020 looks to be another great year for VR, with added functionality for the Oculus Quest, the potential growth of wireless VR, and the release of one of the most anticipated games in VR's history. Additionally, rumors circle a potential PSVR 2, and several other impressive-looking titles are on the way. The announcement of Half-Life: Alyx was quite a surprise in the gaming industry. People have clamored for a sequel to the Half-Life series for 12 years, but most didn't expect the sequel to come in the form of a VR title; in fact, some people are upset that the title is a VR-exclusive. But in mid-November, Valve shared the news that a Half-Life sequel was on the way.Half-Life: Alyx looks to continue the feel of previo...

The Mijia Quartz Watch doesn't look like your average fitness tracker, but it is hiding a lot of smarts.Xiaomi is known primarily for its phones, but the Chinese brand is the second-largest wearable manufacturer in the world. That's down to its affordable line of fitness bands under the Mi Band label, but that's not all Xiaomi makes. It introduced a full-fledged smartwatch last month, and over the years it has launched a few hybrid wearables, like the Mijia Quartz Watch.As a refresher, Xiaomi uses Mijia branding for devices it sells under its smart home and lifestyle portfolio. These include everything from action and security cameras to razors, desk lights, cordless vacuums, home automation tech, and much more.Like every other product that Xiaomi makes, affordability is a key trait here. The Mijia Quartz Watch retails for under $50, making it an enticing option if you're looking for a fitness band disguised as a regular watch.At a glanceXiaomi Mijia Quartz Watch ...

If you're thinking about buying a Wear OS smartwatch, you may have noticed there are a lot of nice-looking options from top brands. However, not everyone is looking to spend hundreds of dollars. Luckily, there are quality options available at lower price points. One of the most affordable yet feature-packed Android smartwatches out there is the TicWatch S2, which is all about providing users with rugged durability. There's plenty more where that came from.Best Overall: TicWatch S2The TicWatch S2 isn't for the faint of heart. This smartwatch was designed with the active individual in mind. Whether you're the outdoorsy type or a certified gym fiend, you'll be glad to have this level of strength on your wrist. The large 1.39-inch display is crisp and easy to read. It's not only waterproof but it was also built with military-grade durability, so you know it's tough. You won't have trouble keeping track of your stats, either. The combination of Google Fit and TicMotion will help you...

Another year of Android fun awaits.We just spent a considerable amount of effort covering all of the milestones of the past decade, but now it's time to look forward to 2020. The Android world always keeps us on our toes with tons of variety and innovation coming from unexpected places, and the start of a new year gives us an opportunity to speculate where it's all headed. These are the trends and changes I'm expecting in the coming year.Foldable phones (for real this time)2019 was supposed to be the year where foldable phones entered the mainstream. It didn't happen. The Galaxy Fold failed and re-launched after it had lost all momentum, and the Huawei Mate X never really launched in the first place. And so, we look forward to 2020 as the real start of foldables. Not only will we see more foldables, we'll see a wider variety of designs.The year will kick off strong with the new Motorola RAZR, which is not only a foldable but also the first clamshell-style foldable to...

What 2FA is, why it's important, and why you should use it.You see a lot of talk on the internet about two-factor authentication (or 2FA as it's commonly called), and most of the time you just see people like us telling you to use it.We'll continue that trend and start this bit of prose by telling you to use 2FA whenever and wherever you can. However, we're also going to let you know what it is, and why you must use it.Ready to learn more? Read on.What is two-factor authentication?Is it truly secure?Here's how to start using itWhy 2FA is so importantLock it downYubico Security Key$20 at AmazonKeep your accounts extra safe with a physical 2FA keyEveryone should be using two-factor authentication (yes, you!), and one of the best ways to start is with the Yubico Security Key. This USB key fits in any USB-A port and securely saves 2FA login codes for your Google, Facebook, Dropbox, and other online accounts. It's also extremely durable and can be attached to a ...

"We firmly deny this baseless accusation, and we are profoundly saddened by this complete fabrication that was thrown at us."What you need to knowThe co-founder of ToTok has taken to Twitter in a public appeal to Apple and Google.Giacomo Ziani posted a messaged on Twitter pleading with both companies to reinstate its messaging app.The app was removed from both app stores over concerns it was being used as a spy tool by the UAE.The co-founder of ToTok has taken to Twitter to plead with both Google and Apple, asking that they reinstate ToTok on the App Store and Google Play.The app was removed from the App Store and Google Play earlier this month over concerns it was being used by intelligence agencies in the United Arab Emirates to spy on its users.Now, in a video message, Giacomo Ziani, co-founder of the app, says the move "is seriously hurting our company and putting all of our efforts at risk".As reported by Arabian Business, he said that ToTok were international en...

Best Answer: No. The Oculus Quest was built with a mobile experience in mind and, surprisingly, casting to a TV or another external device will not negatively affect battery life in any noticeable way.Freedom of wireless VR: Oculus Quest (From $399 at Amazon)Keep playing longer: Anker Powercore 10000 ($30 at Amazon) How long will the Oculus Quest battery last then?The Oculus Quest is rated to last around three hours on a single charge. Some games will be more demanding than others and may bring that number closer to two hours, but the battery life is approximately the same as other portable gaming systems, such as the Nintendo Switch. While two and a half or three hours doesn't sound like a lot of time, most gaming experiences will still feel fulfilling even after a relatively short amount of time.For example, popular titles like Beat Saber and Pistol Whip will get you sweating and your heart pumping in just a few minutes' time. After playing for even an hour, many of thes...

Eero is no stranger to the mesh router space. Its original mesh system, released in 2016, was one of the first to combine small, stylish design with an easy-to-use app that made home networking far less daunting — though it came with a hefty price tag that made it hard to recommend over similar options like Google Wifi.A subsequent second-gen model later arrived with simpler Beacon access points that plugged straight into your AC outlets, but at $400 for the three-piece kit, it was still hard for many to justify. Now, the once-independent company is releasing its first product since being bought by Amazon in 2019: a third-generation mesh system that further simplifies the setup process and finally offers competitive pricing.Networking simplifiedEero Mesh WiFi System (Gen 3) Bottom line: Eero's third-generation mesh system...

For play, for work, or both, 2020 is looking like a good year for Chromebooks.Chromebooks have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the early 2010s, but the last year and a half, in particular, has been quite the whirlwind. Affordable Chromebooks like the Lenovo C330 and now the Lenovo C340 have become the go-to laptop for a great and growing number of people looking for a laptop that can do what they need without costing an arm and a leg. 4K screens, numpad keyboards, and fingerprint sensors all arrived on Chromebooks for the first time, and we saw a myriad of new features come to all Chromebooks, from Virtual Desks to Google Assistant for non-Pixel Chromebooks.2019 also saw some unprecedented developments in the support life for Chromebooks, extending the lifespan of hundreds of current Chromebook models by one-three years. This was a great gift, and one that I expect to keep giving in 2020. As Chromebooks move full steam ahead into the new decade, there are a few m...

Only available for beta users currently.What you need to knowThe stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 beta for the Galaxy Note 9 has started rolling out.Currently, the update is being rolled out only to beta users in India. It is likely that the stable Android 10 update will be released for users running Android Pie within the next few days. Just a month after opening the One UI 2.0 beta program for the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung has now started pushing the stable Android 10 update for the smartphone. As reported by the folks over at SamMobile, the update is currently rolling out to beta users in India.The update arrives as version N960FXXU4DSLB and weighs in at 100MB in terms of size. Weirdly, however, the update includes the December 2019 security patch instead of the January 2020 security patch that Samsung rolled out to a few Galaxy devices recently.While the update has only been released in a single market so far, it is likely to soon begin rolling out in other markets...

A really great gesture to end the year.What you need to knowVodafone has announced it will donate a copy of #Goldilocks to every UK primary (elementary) school in the UK.#Goldilocks is an updated fairytale that helps to educate young children about social media, especially the need to be kind. It was originally released in December of 2018 to very positive feedback. UK carrier Vodafone has announced it will donate a copy of its #Goldilocks story to every primary (elementary) school in the UK.By way of a press release, Vodafone announced that every primary school in the UK will receive a copy of #Goldilocks, to help start conversations about responsible social media use amongst young children. The release states: Vodafone will deliver a copy of #Goldilocks, a book written to help parents and children talk about social media and how to use it responsibly, to every primary school in the UK. Over 20,000 copies of the book will be sent to schools as a resource to enco...

Google Duo has transformed into a robust video and audio messaging service.Google's messaging strategy has been an unmitigated disaster, with the search giant bouncing from service to service over the years as it tried to take on the likes of WhatsApp. Allo and Duo debuted in 2016 to lofty ambitions, but in typical Google fashion, both services were hobbled from the start. Allo didn't have SMS integration, and there wasn't a good enough reason to switch from existing services at the time.Duo didn't have any flaws of its own at launch, but convincing anyone to install another app just for video calling was a Sisyphean task. Google ultimately killed off Allo earlier this year, and its messaging efforts are now revolved around Android Messages and the RCS rollout, and Duo. Duo has largely flown under the radar, but in the last three years, it has picked up a host of updates that make it an excellent video and audio messaging platform. Duo comes pre-installed with every ne...

A lot of people think of an MVNO as a carrier you get to just save money, but in the last few years these carriers have become a stronger choice even for heavy users. A data hungry user wants to have fast and reliable internet everywhere they go. There are more options than ever for unlimited MVNO data plans and the prices keep coming down as well. Our current favorite is Visible because of its simplicity compared to other carriers.Best Overall: VisibleVisible keeps things simple like no other carrier. Besides being easy to understand, its service is rated highly, prices are competitive, and there are no service contracts. Utilizing Verizon's LTE network, Visible has great coverage out of the gate. You should still check the coverage map to be sure.Unlimited talk, text, and data are all included in the $40 per month price. Unlike some other unlimited plans, all of Visible's data is LTE with download speeds around 5-12Mbps in most areas, which is more than enough for most HD s...

There's nothing quite like Google Fi when it comes to service and coverage. Not everyone needs all of the features Fi offers, and if you aren't traveling internationally, the data can be quite pricey. If you've been looking to Google Fi for your phone service but don't think it's quite the right fit, here are some of the best alternatives you can get.Best overall: VisibleVisible debuted in May 2018 as a new carrier powered by Verizon's network, and at the time, we couldn't thoroughly recommend it as it only supported iPhones. However, as of January 2019, Visible now works with Android!For $40/month, Visible gives you unlimited talk, text, and LTE data on Verizon's vast LTE network. Video streaming is limited to 480p, but you can use as much data as you'd like throughout the month.That's a good enough deal on its own, but Visible goes the extra mile by being about as customer-friendly as cell providers come. After ordering a SIM through its website, wait for it to be deliver...

Get the lowdown on Mint Mobile's coverage, pricing, phones, and more.The wireless carrier space is a neverending battle between T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. However, underneath the four big dogs is a collection of smaller brands tapping into their networks to deliver excellent wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.One such company is Mint Mobile (formally known as Mint SIM), and if you've been searching for a new way to buy phone service that can help you save a heap of money, it may be worth a look.Here's everything you need to know!Start by reading our reviewLet's talk pricingMint Mobile has great coverageHotspot access is freeSo, what phones does Mint sell?You can also BYOPBuy in bulkMint MobileFrom $15/month at Mint MobileA unique take on affordable wireless serviceBuying things in bulk usually results in a lower price over the long-term, and Mint Mobile brings that mentality to the wireless space. You buy three, six, or 12 months o...

Huawei made a similar jump when it went from the P10 to the P20.What you need to knowSamsung may be launching its S11 line of devices as the S20.It may also be dropping the "e" line, shipping the regular S20 as the smallest device.A larger S20 Ultra is said to be making its debut as Samsung's top-end phone.Samsung may be changing the naming sequence for its Galaxy-S line of flagships if a new report is to be believed. As per Samsung leaker Ice Universe, the device we've been thinking of as the S11 may actually hit markets as the Samsung Galaxy S20.Next year is 2020, and 20 is a new beginning.— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) December 24, 2019While the tweet isn't entirely clear, an additional report from WinFuture supports this interpretation, adding in a report of an even larger S20 Ultra model in addition to the company's regular line-up.Samsung will also not ship a successor to the excellent S10e. This means that instead of an S11e, an S11, and an S11 Plus, Samsung...

More spectrum, but the Navy might step on your signalWhat you need to knowThe FCC has been allowing wireless carriers to use Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum for service.The Navy has priority over these bands, but authorized carriers can use them for free.Next summer, the FCC will sell priority access licenses for this signal range.The CitIzen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) channels are used primarily by the U.S. Navy for communication, but that leaves enough available spectrum for the FCC to give wireless carriers access to the bands as part of a new broadband experiment. Currently, companies can register to use the CBRS swath for free, and network traffic monitors will control and give the Navy priority access, according to a Wall Street Journal story.Next June, the FCC will begin selling "priority access" licenses to use the CBRS, and this will allow companies to pay to step on the carriers using the service for free. Those priority access customers will...

It's another potentially bold choice from LG.What you need to knowLG has just published a new patent for an updated version of its Dual Screen accessory.The new patented smart display wraps around the phone, allowing for a more traditional-looking foldable device.Unlike the previous display, you'll also be able to place the phone outside the display case area, allowing for an even larger canvas. Foldable phones are nice and all, but LG's been thinking of them in a whole other way this past year. Rather than making a full time foldable, LG's been pushing its Dual Screen display case that lets select LG flagship phones moonlight as foldables in their spare time. It's a nice idea, but the firm's devices didn't receive as much airtime as flashier rivals like the Galaxy Fold and the Huawei Mate X.The South Korean tech giant has been working on another version of its flexible case, revealed in patents spotted by LetsGoDigital. Like LG's older Dual Screen case, it's an external ...

Obi-Wan Kenobi might not be the only big name in the upcoming series.What you need to knowCasting calls are reportedly looking for an eight-year-old Luke Skywalker to appear on the upcoming Kenobi series.Kenobi explores the 19-year gap between the end of Revenge of the Sith (Episode 3) and the beginning of A New Hope (Episode 4).There's no confirmed release date for Kenobi, and details remain light on exactly what will be explored in the series.Looking for a little more Luke in your Skywalker stories? Word is that casting calls have been sent out to find the first portrayal of Luke Skywalker as a child, specifically to appear in the upcoming Star Wars: Kenobi series on Disney Plus (Disney+). Tipster Daniel Richtman noted on his Patreon page (via Star Wars Stuff) that the creators of the upcoming Kenobi series are looking to explore the distant relationship that "old Ben" had with Luke as he was a child.Kenobi is an upcoming series exclusive to Disney+ that explores the le...

Because more is always better, right?What you need to knowNew patent filings indicate three different layouts of four hole punch cutouts in the display.This is only a patent filing, so these designs are not guaranteed to make it to production. This patent shows the holes would be for cameras, but the type of cameras is unclear.Vivo is no stranger to showing off phone designs that can seem futuristic and a bit out there, and this new patent continues that trend. GizChina found a filing in China's intellectual property office for a screen design that has four cameras using hole punch cutouts.The filing shows these punches off in three different arrays — one hole in each corner of the screen, two in the upper left and upper right with no gap between each hole, and then two in the upper right and left with a gap between holes. While it can be assumed the holes would be for cameras, we don't know for sure if these cameras would be for selfies or have other functions as wel...

The change is supposed to make tab grouping work better with the larger 'Duet' redesign for the browser.What you need to knowGoogle is looking to harmonize tab groups with a more extensive redesign of Chrome on Android.Tabs in the open tab group are currently displayed at the bottom of the screen.With the design in question, these would be moved to a floating bar above the tabs button.Google's engineers are currently testing a new UI for the recently released tab grouping feature for Chrome on Android (via 9to5Google. In the current UI, the tabs in your open tab group are shown in a bar at the bottom of the screen. However, with the 'Duet' redesign, Google plans on moving most of the browser's controls — minus the Omnibar — to the bottom of the screen, leading to an obvious conflict.As a result, the company is moving the tab groups UI to a floating box above the tabs button. You can access it by long-pressing the tabs button. The floating strip also includes a downwar...

Best answer: Currently, Google's Stadia controller is your only option if you want to play Stadia games on your TV. For Stadia gaming on a Pixel phone or PC, any USB or Bluetooth controller you already own and love should work.TV streaming: Stadia Controller ($69 at Google)USB controller: Logitech F310 controller ($13 at Amazon) Bluetooth controller: SteelSeries Stratus Duo ($60 at Amazon)Stadia unlimitedThe Stadia controller is the main piece of hardware players will use to interact with Google's new Stadia gaming service. It looks like a typical controller for the most part, but it comes with two unique buttons: a Share and Google Assistant button.The buttons will be at the core of Stadia (once everything Google originally promised about the service is up and running). You can hit the Share button to broadcast or share a clip directly to YouTube. The Google Assistant button connects you to, you guessed it, Google's smart assistant. There's a built-in microphone on the c...

Best answer: Visible is a carrier that's powered by Verizon's LTE network. For $40/month with no contract, you get unlimited talk, text, and data. It's a great deal and worth checking out, but the limited support for Android phones might keep you from joining.Great choice: Visible ($40/month at Visible)Pixel perfect: Google Pixel 3a ($347 at Amazon)Visible is a carrier powered by Verizon's networkFirst thing's first, Visible is a company that's pushing itself as a "digital carrier." This means that you won't find a physical Visible store anywhere and can manage your entire account through either the Visible website or app.Visible first debuted in May 2018 and is powered by Verizon's fantastic LTE network. The Verizon LTE network is definitely one of the strongest available, although it's worth noting that Visible, like most MVNOs, doesn't have access to Verizon's LTE roaming partners. It also doesn't have access to 3G of any kind so there is no falling back to the older ...

Although much of the smartphone world these days is geared towards younger users, there is still plenty of demand for senior-friendly devices and cellphone plans in the market due to the peace of mind, security, and feeling of independence that owning a cellphone can offer.That demand means there's plenty of options out there in the world when it comes to choosing a cellphone for seniors, but not all of them are created equal. Here are four important tips to consider when purchasing a cellphone plan for seniors.CoverageGiven some of the main reasons for seniors getting a cellphone are to stay connected to friends, loved ones, and in the case of emergenices, having a carrier that offers fantastic coverage when you need it is essential.Before deciding to agree to a plan, you will want to review the coverage available in the area where the cellphone will be used. Additionally, you'll want to account for any other areas that may be traveled. Most carriers offer coverage lookup ma...

Visible has quickly proven to be one of the most exciting options in the carrier space. For just $40/month with no extra taxes or fees, you get access to Verizon's LTE network with unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot usage. If you like the sound of that and want to get signed up for Visible ASAP, here's a step-by-step guide on how to do so.Products used in this guideDigital carrier: Visible ($40/month at Visible)Mid-range master: Google Pixel 3a ($347 at Amazon)How to download the Visible appOne of the big draws to Visible is that everything for the carrier is handled through its app. This includes paying for your bill, buying a new phone, and even signing up for the service for the first time. To get started, you'll need to first download the Visible app from the Play Store.Open the Google Play Store on your phone.Tap the search bar and type in "Visible".Tap Visible Phone Service.Tap Install. AdvertisementHow to sign up for VisibleWhen you open up the...

Chewie, we're home.What you need to knowGoogle Maps has a new Star Wars-themed addition.Switching between planets on Maps now triggers a hyperspace animation.It's unclear when the change was made.The Force is strong with Google Maps, as a Redditor recently discovered. The Palo Alto giant's navigation service has a new Star Wars-themed addition aimed at making exploring our solar system a little bit cooler. When switching between planets, you now see a new animation similar to the one you might have encountered when the Millenium Falcon jumps into hyperspace.The company has, in partnership with NASA and the European Space Agency, offered the ability to explore more than just our planet since 2017. As the announcement from back then explains, you can check out the feature for yourself by continuing to zoom out as far as possible on the Maps website on a PC, and enabling satellite view. You'll then get a list of locations you can explore, and that's where you can find the ne...

Nest makes great Wi-Fi-connected security cameras, but they can get expensive, starting at $200 for the Nest Cam Indoor and reaching all the way up to $350 for the Cam IQ. Whether you're after the absolute cheapest camera you can buy or something with just as many features as Nest for a little less, we've got you covered. Here are some of our favorite Nest alternatives.Best overallLogitech Circle 2Staff favoriteThe Circle 2 is an excellent 1080p security camera with a wide-angle lens and night vision that's rated for visibility up to 15 feet. Like Nest's cameras, you get two-way audio and person detection. There's also a convenient day brief feature that condenses the last 24 hours into a 30-second time-lapse so you don't have to scrub through hours of footage.$180 at AmazonBest for AlexaRing Indoor CamLike other cameras on this list, Ring's Indoor Cam captures 1080p video with customizable motion zones, night vision, and two-way audio. You can stream your video f...

Let's talk about one of 2020's most anticipated smartphones.Starting in 2016 with the release of the original Pixel, Google's lineup of Android phones has been marketed towards people looking to buy premium, high-end flagships. That notion has continued to hold true, but in May 2019, Google decided to try something a bit different with the release of the Pixel 3a.The Pixel 3a was the first mid-range Pixel phone to be released by the company, and it was an instant hit. Critics and consumers alike were immediately drawn to the 3a, thanks to its offering of great specs, solid build quality, and outstanding camera performance — all for less than $400.We were absolutely smitten with the Pixel 3a here at AC, and now, the rumor mill is buzzing with information regarding its successor. From specs, design, features, and more, here's everything we know about the Google Pixel 4a.We'll get two modelsThe design is pretty interestingMid-range specs are expectedThere looks to be just ...

You won't be able to use WhatsApp on Android devices running versions 2.3.7 and older after February 1.What you need to knowWhatsApp has quietly ended support for outdated versions of Android.The popular messaging service now supports devices running Android 4.0.3 or higher. Users running Android 2.3.7 and older versions will be able to continue using WhatsApp only till February 1, 2020. WhatsApp has confirmed that it will soon stop supporting devices running outdated Android versions. On its support page, the company notes that it provides support for and recommends Android devices running 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich or higher.Those of you with a device that runs Android 2.3.7 and older will no longer be able to create a new account or reverify an existing account. However, those of you already using WhatsApp will be able to continue to do so until February 1, 2020. WhatsApp also notes that some features "might stop functioning at any time" for Android versions that are not...

Best answer: There are a lot of homes that were wired before the National Electric Code required every light switch junction box have a neutral wire. If you live in one, you'll be faced with some obstacles should you decide to install smart switches in your wall. The good news is that there are smart switches you can use that don't need a neutral wire. The bad news is that they all require the purchase of a second bridge or hub to get them "active" on your smart home network.The best option: Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch ($60 at Amazon)You'll need this hub: Lutron Caseta SmartBridge Pro ($110 at Amazon)A value pick: Insteon Smart Dimmer ($44 at Amazon)You'll need this Hub: Insteon Central Controller Hub ($70 at Amazon)Smart switches never sleepThere's a reason why almost every smart switch needs a neutral wire attached: it needs to stay powered all the time.That's what a neutral wire does (in this case); it allows the circuit to be completed and the switch ...

These just may be the real specifications.What you need to knowFor many months, rumors have been floating around about the PlayStation 5's chip.Digital Foundry contacted an analysis of the leaks and uncovered possible new information. The PlayStation 5 may feature 9.2 teraflops of power. The Xbox Series X is rumored to be around 12 teraflops. For a few months now, there's been a rumor floating around that the upcoming PlayStation 5 (PS5) would feature around 9 teraflops (tflops) of power. The data was posted on GitHub, but due to codenames and other hurdles, it took a while to analyze. Luckily, Digital Foundry looked over the information and uncovered possible new details about the PS5.Digital Foundry said that there may be validity to these leaks because the chip features a couple of different modes, which line up exactly with past PlayStation specifications. This confirms the backward compatibility feature. As always, take this with a grain of salt. For all we know, th...

Microsoft Edge on Android is getting ready for the release of the new Microsoft Edge.What you need to knowMicrosoft Edge on Android is preparing for the launch of the new Microsoft Edge.Edge on Android now refers to Microsoft Edge Legacy and the new Microsoft Edge.The new Microsoft Edge launches on January 15, 2020 for Windows and macOS.The new version of Microsoft Edge that's powered by Chromium launches on Windows and macOS on January 15, 2020. As that release is only a couple weeks away, some Microsoft apps are getting ready for the switch. Microsoft Edge on Android now refers to the new Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge Legacy in its sync settings.Within the Sync to settings section for Edge for Android, the app now lists two destinations to sync to, the new Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge Legacy. It also includes a note that clarifies that, for now, people will have to sign in to their Microsoft accounts to sync favorites, passwords, and other data. It specifies th...

The Moto E5 is a fan favorite for its great design, minimal software additions, and overall reliability. When it comes to getting a phone that is as reliable as the E5, you'll want a case that will last for as long as you have the phone. We have found the best cases you can get for the Moto E5, with options for just about everyone.Tough outer shellDEVMO Hard Plastic Shell CaseStaff PickDEVMO's Hard Plastic Case comes in four different colors and offers a soft TPU inner shell along with a polycarbonate outer shell. This combines to add extra protection and keep your Moto E5 safe from any drops.$12 at AmazonLeather ruggednessNagaBee Leather Rugged CaseThe NagaBee Leather Rugged Case is great for a few reasons. You get the good looks from the leather, an included tempered glass screen protector, and a flap at the bottom to keep your charging port free of dust and dirt.$13 at AmazonSlim but durableYMH Durable Armor CoverSometimes you don't need a c...

Get ready for another year of refinement.Looking back on wearables during 2019, it was a relatively calm year without any major leaps or bounds being made. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor was made widely available in Wear OS smartwatches (with mediocre results), Samsung continued its Galaxy Watch lineup with the Galaxy Watch Active 2, and Fitbit's offering of fitness trackers and smartwatches saw some great additions.We were treated to some excellent wearables in 2019, but all of them were really just subtle updates to existing gadgets. That's not to say 2019 was a bad year for wearables, but it certainly wasn't the most exciting we've ever had. 2020 is shaping up to be a very similar year, though new tech from Qualcomm and Google's Fitbit acquisition could allow for some big developments. Without further ado, here's what we're looking forward to in wearables for 2020.Improvements to processing speed and battery lifeEvery year, new technology allows our...

Here's what you need to know about the future of Disney Plus' hit sci-fi series following the conclusion of the first season.The first season of the hit DIsney Plus series The Mandalorian has sadly come to an end, its exemplary quality leaving fans eager to see what comes next. On a positive note, there are plenty of clues that hint to what the second season will be about, and there's also some important information to know regarding when it's officially going to release. Here's everything you need to know about The Mandalorian Season 2.A magical streaming serviceDisney+$7/month at DisneyAll your Disney favorites, and so much moreFrom Disney classics to National Geographic, from Marvel to Lucasfilm to 20th Century Fox and beyond, Disney+ delivers a streaming service for all ages.Story rumors, speculation, and official informationThough there's not much concrete information about the next season of The Mandalorian, we can piece together what to expect based on ...

It could be officially unveiled in Las Vegas next week, along with the Galaxy Note 10 Lite.What you need to knowA user manual for Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S10 Lite has been leaked.The user manual reaffirms the phone's design as well as a few key features. Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite at CES 2020 in Las Vegas next week. Samsung is soon expected to take the wraps off its rumored Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite smartphones. Ahead of their imminent launch, the folks over at SamMobile have managed to get their hands on the Galaxy S10 Lite user manual.The user manual, which happens to be in Portuguese, reaffirms the presence of a centered hole-punch cutout on the front, similar to the Galaxy Note 10 and Samsung's latest A-series phones. The upcoming phone will also include an in-display fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C port, MST for Samsung Pay, and a triple-camera setup on the back. The phone's user manual nearly confirms the omissio...

The Pixel 4 picks up another PR issue.What you need to knowGoogle has been shipping Pixel 4 units carrier-locked to Xfinity Mobile.These devices were billed as unlocked devices and sold directly from the Google Store.Some replacement devices have also been shipped with the same carrier lock.Google's Pixel 4 has stumbled into yet another PR issue. As per a report from 9to5Google, the company has somehow sent out a batch of carrier-locked devices to some Google Store buyers. As these devices were sold with the understanding of being unlocked units, customers were understandably irate at being locked to Xfinity Mobile. Making matters worse, when Google Support sent out new devices to replace the flawed ones, some of those were carrier-locked to Xfinity as well. Whoopsie.It's not entirely clear how this happened, with the most likely explanation being a mix-up somewhere on the supply chain. With that being said, it has to be frustrating for consumers, especially during the ho...

Ready to make 2020 the best year yet?Trying to stop biting your nails? Want to make time to meditate each day? Need to catch up on your reading? Whatever it may be, the start of a new year is a great time to start working on building healthy habits and/or breaking bad ones.Doing this on your own can be pretty tricky, but with the help of these apps, you can put yourself in the best position possible to stick with your goals throughout the entire year.GrowOur first pick, Grow, is a simple and beautiful app that you'll want to use each day. Adding a habit takes just a few seconds, and after you do that, you can add as many other ones as you'd like.You can set start and end dates for your goals, certain times during the day you want to complete them, and as you keep going, you'll see a tree gradually grow with each day that you successfully meet it.Grow doesn't have quite as many features compared to some of the other apps on this list, but if you just want something that'...

Like YouTube's Watch Later but for the entire webWhat you need to knowGoogle is rolling out a new watchlist feature for searches revolving around movies and TV shows.The feature lets you bookmark movies to a search collection for faster access later.It's rolling out now on mobile devices both on the web and Google's Search app.Google Search has always been good at suggesting collections for searches that lend themselves to bookmarking, and now it's adding a new category to that — a watchlist for movies. Some users who search for movies or TV shows via Google have discovered a new option in recent weeks, dubbed "watchlist".Spotted by users on Reddit and other social media, when a search about a movie is performed, Google's knowledge panel for that movie will now populate with an add to Watchlist option in addition to all the regular info. If the user chooses to add to the Watchlist, the movie will be saved to a collection that is accessible in the Google Search app.U...

Say hello to one of 2019's most enticing phones.Ever since it debuted with the OnePlus One in 2014, OnePlus's mission in this industry has been to create flagship smartphones without flagship pricing. OnePlus phones get better and better with each year that passes, but this also always results in a price hike of around $20.In May 2019, the OnePlus 7 Pro was released to the masses with a lot of fanfare. It will go down in history as one of the most premium phones OnePlus has ever created, and while it isn't the company's latest handset these days, it's still more than worth talking about.From specs, impressions, cases, and more, here's everything you could possibly need to know about the OnePlus 7 Pro.Never settleOnePlus 7 ProFrom $499 at OnePlusA fully-featured flagship for not much moneyThe OnePlus 7 Pro was OnePlus's first big flagship for 2019, and it's still something special. The pop-up selfie camera allows for a display without any bezels or notches, there a...