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There are many choices when it comes to charging cables. For the Oculus Quest, a USB-C cable is provided for charging. But, what are your options if that cable is lost or damaged? Most cables will provide the charge you need, but why accept a mediocre charge when you can have the best?Link compatibleParty LinkStaff pickNot only is this a great replacement charging cable for your Oculus Quest, but it's also Link compatible with over 1,333 Mbit/s data transfer rate. This will allow you to play Rift S games on your Oculus Quest.$20 at AmazonThe reliable oneAnker Powerline+This strong, braided cable will withstand quite a bit of use. Perfect if you're always on the go and need something that will withstand a lot of wear and tear.$13 at AmazonPrecision manufacturingBelkin USB-IF Certified cableThis cable is manufactured with precision to protect your device's components. Coupled with a power charger, this cable will meet all your Quest charging need...

The Oculus Quest has quickly become the standard for VR headsets. Not only is it an all-in-one 6DOF VR headset that doesn't require a powerful PC, but the Quest now offers hand tracking, and you can even tether your Quest to a PC and play Rift S games. If you own a Quest, you may be asking yourself, what's the best way to carry your headset around when you're not using it? Here are some great case selections that will fit any budget.Official Quest CaseOculus Quest Travel CaseStaff pickThe official Oculus Quest Travel Case is the perfect fit to carry and store your Oculus Quest and accessories. Made specifically for the Quest, this case holds it perfectly in place, keeping everything snug. The controllers have a dedicated foam holder that ensures they do not move around or scratch your lenses.$40 from AmazonVersatile and robustHard EVA Travel Case for Oculus Rift VRThis hard EVA travel case by Hermitshell is modular and well-constructed. Even though it's desi...

Whether you're giving your old Chromebook to your kids, selling it to a stranger, or just giving it a deep cleaning to clear out the cobwebs and slowdowns, factory resetting a Chromebook is drop-dead simple and quick enough to do in your average TV commercial break. Here's how to get your Chromebook cleaned out and ready for a new user.Products used in this guideLong-lasting laptop: Lenovo Chromebook C340-11 ($250 at Best Buy)Back it up: SanDisk Ultra Dual ($14 at Amazon)Powerwashing: What it is and when to do itTo reset a Chromebook to factory condition, you Powerwash it, stripping away all your data and apps until its as shiny and swift as the day you got it. Powerwashing usually only needs to be done when you're wiping a Chromebook to sell it, return it, or send it off to the manufacturer for repairs, but if your Chromebook is misbehaving and a reboot doesn't fix it, Powerwashing is the next step before contacting your manufacturer for support.In the rare instance whe...

The V-series flagship phone will arrive with an upgraded dual screen accessory.What you need to knowLG V60 ThinQ will reportedly be unveiled at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in February.The V60 ThinQ is expected to offer 5G connectivity and will have a dual screen accessory similar to the V50 ThinQ and G8X ThinQ. Its second-screen accessory will come with an upgraded folding structure. At the Mobile World Congress this year, LG unveiled the V50 ThinQ with 5G connectivity and a unique dual screen accessory. According to a new report from South Korea's Yonhap news agency, the successor to V50 ThinQ 5G will be introduced at the Mobile World Congress 2020 in Barcelona in February.As per the report, LG V60 ThinQ will come with a similar second screen accessory, which will offer a dual-screen experience to users. Unlike LG's current dual screen accessory, which uses a "free stop hinge" technology, the V60 ThinQ's dual screen accessory will reportedly have an upgraded foldi...

Samsung usually rolls out major updates for the unlocked versions of its phones in the U.S. several weeks after the carrier-locked versions.What you need to knowSamsung has released the stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update for unlocked Galaxy S10 models in the U.S.The update brings several new features such as gesture-based navigation, system-wide dark mode, and One UI 2.0 improvements. It weighs in at 2.1GB in terms of size and includes the December Android security patch as well. Samsung began rolling out the Android 10 update with One UI 2.0 for carrier models of the Galaxy S10 line in the U.S. last week. Now, the company has started pushing (via SamMobile) the same update for the unlocked Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e, and Galaxy S10+ models in the country.The update, which weighs in at nearly 2.1GB in terms of size, is rolling out in stages, so it may take a while before it becomes available for all users. You can check for the latest update manually from the Softwa...

Smart home tech is becoming a more accessible and popular way of upgrading your current household setup. The best thing about the Amazon Echo family of products and Amazon Alexa is the seemingly endless integration with many popular and emerging smart home devices. Here is a smorgasbord of some of the best Alexa-compatible smart home tools that work with your Amazon Echo device.Alexa, show the front door cameraRing Video Doorbell 2Staff PickThe Ring Video Doorbell 2 works with Echos that have a screen (Spot, Show, Show 5), Fire Tablets, and Fire TVs to show you who is near your doorbell. It has a horizontal field of view of 180 degrees and a vertical field of view of 110 degrees, plus the ability to power the doorbell via your existing wiring or via an independent battery.From $200 at AmazonGotta Keep WatchRing Stick Up CamBeing able to keep your home safe from anywhere is easy with the Ring Stick Up Cam. You can even use your Fire TV, Fire Tablet, or Echo S...

Best answer: Yes, Stadia supports cross-platform play. However Google has not specified which outside services or devices cross-platform will work with in the future.Stream to your TV pack: Stadia Premeire Pack ($129 at Google)Portability: Lenovo Chromebook 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop ($254 at Amazon)Google's own: Pixel 4 (From $800 at Google)What is cross-platform play?Cross-platform play is a term used when those playing on different devices can play multiplayer games with each other. For example, when PlayStation 4 users can hop into a match against someone on PC or Nintendo Switch, that is cross-platform play. Most games on consoles today only allow people to play against others using the same console as they are, but cross-platform between devices opens up a whole new world for players.Which devices will support cross-platform play with Stadia?It is unknown if Stadia will support cross-play between consoles like Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch, but at the...

Best answer: Stream Connect is Stadia's way of supporting multiplayer gaming experiences. In particular, local couch co-op experiences via split-screen.Bring couch co-op back: Chromecast Ultra ($69 at Amazon)Play the right way: Stadia Controller ($69 at Google Store)How does multiplayer work on Stadia?According to Google's Erin Hoffman-John, lead designer for research and development on Stadia, the service will utilize Google's data centers. "Using Google's unique infrastructure, developers can create games built to house hundreds of players with low latency and perfect synchronization," she said.How does Stream Connect work?Modern games have become so robust that the utilization of split-screen technology has steadily declined because rendering two or more scenes at the same time is too taxing on current hardware. Because Stadia's clients reside in the cloud, Google hopes for a local couch co-op resurgence. Each screen on a split-screen view will be powered by a separat...

Best answer: Google's Stadia supports 4K resolution at 60FPS, though it can go lower to 1080p and 720p resolution. At some point in the future, the company aims for it to support 8K at 120FPS.Stream to your TV: Chromecast Ultra ($69 at Amazon)Start playing Stadia: Stadia Premiere Edition ($130 at Google Store)How do I get my games to stream in 4K?The ability to stream games in 4K resolution is dependent on your internet bandwidth. If your internet quality is bad, you won't be able to reach the best resolutions possible. Google has not revealed the exact speed that you will need, but in comparison streaming in 1080p requires around 25mbps.What if my screen does not support 4K resolution?You'll still get a high-quality stream (provided your internet connection is good enough) even if your display does not support 4K resolution, it just won't be in true 4K.What if my internet is too slow to stream in 4K?If your internet is too slow your streams may come through in 1080p...

A brand new adventure in Tamriel awaits!The Elder Scrolls: Blades was first revealed Bethesda's 2018 E3 showcase and the beta version of the game has been live for Android and iOS for quite some time now — long enough for some players to have already maxed out their characters and completed all in-game quests.Bethesda has absolutely delivered on the promise of a first-person RPG Elder Scrolls game with console-quality graphics that you can play on your smartphone, albeit with repetitive combat and a rather stark reliance on in-app purchases. The latest update has finally addressed some of the biggest issues holding the game back including the removal of time-locked loot chests and introduction of proper multiplayer features.If you've been waiting to check this game out, now's a great time to dive in to see what TES: Blades has to offer!The latest update makes the game worth playingEverything you need to know about TES: BladesWhat phones does the game officially support?...

The Ghost is rising.What you need to knowGhost of Tsushima is set to be available in Summer 2020.Sucker Punch, the developers of the game, have released a new free dynamic PlayStation 4 theme.The theme is available until January 31, 2020. Ghost of Tsushima isn't here yet but Sucker Punch is spreading some holiday cheer with a new free dynamic theme for fans. The theme pulls from the latest trailer for the game. You can see the code for the free theme in the tweet below. Make sure you choose the correct code for your region, since PlayStation codes are region-specific. Once you've got the code, you can go here to redeem it or just enter the code on your PlayStation 4.Here’s a free #GhostOfTsushima PS4 Dynamic Theme 🍂Americas: BEFB-AMNR-R4F6Europe/AU/NZ/Russia/Middle East/Africa/India: 38BE-G6N8-L93AJapan: N4TK-59NH-2LH3Korea: EM56-NTNC-EHX8Rest of Asia: DHLN-HANF-F6LHCodes expire Jan 31, 2020. Redeem region-specific code on PS Store. pic.twitter.com/3uhAZepBr1— Ghos...

You can now safely Griswold your home.What you need to knowThe Oculus Rift S and Oculus Quest use a visual tracking system called the Oculus Insight that sees LEDs in the Oculus controllers.Some types of Christmas lights were tricking the Insight system into thinking the controller was moving when it wasn't.Oculus Insight now tracks lights in 3D space and will no longer be confused by small LEDs like Christmas lights.If you've been playing Beat Saber nonstop this Holiday season, you've likely experienced a time or two when the controllers would "wig out" and move in a way your hand wasn't. More than likely this is because you've been playing in the vicinity of the nascent Christmas lights that began appearing throughout your home. The brains behind the incredible Oculus Insight tracking system realized this issue would crop up and have debuted a patch for the Oculus Quest just in time for the biggest gift-giving holiday of the year.The Oculus firmware v12 that was sent ou...

If you've recently invested in an Amazfit Bip smartwatch, you're probably wading through all the accessory options to make it truly your own. Or maybe you've had one for a while now, and it's time for a new band. Either way, choosing the right band is crucial, so make sure you fully explore your options before reaching a decision.Perfectly permeableTroyalroom Silicone Watch BandStaff pickWhen you're an athletic individual, it's important to choose band that can move with you. This two-tone silicone band is soft and durable, but more importantly, it feels comfortable on your wrist. It'll also be perfectly permeable as you work out so your wrist can breathe freely. There are six unique colors to choose from.$7 at AmazonComfortable cushioningSIKAI CASE Nylon Sport Loop Watch BandThis nylon sport loop band is ultra-soft, yet it remains sturdy on the wrist. You'll love the hook-and-loop fastener that allows quick and easy adjustments. Not to mention, the double-l...

When you're looking to upgrade your home to a smart home, you don't want to forget the garage door. Being able to open it from your phone makes it easier for you to enter your house when you don't have a remote or keypad handy. More than that, at some point, you or one of your kids might leave the garage door open. Most smart garage door openers, including the Chamberlain MyQ, let you check the status of your garage door and close it from a distance. Here are the best smart garage door openers for any home.Best Overall: Chamberlain MyQConsidering how well it works, it's seriously surprising how inexpensive the Chamberlain MyQ Garage Hub is. In addition to being able to open your garage door using your app, the device sends notifications to your phone to let you know when there's activity or if the door has been left open. If you're out running errands and suddenly wonder if you left the garage door open, you can check the app, and it will tell you the status. You can then close...

It's unclear when this feature will be rolling outWhat you need to knowGoogle Translate adding flashcards to phrasebook sectionThe feature has not yet rolled out to consumers.The feature might negate the need for third-party language learning apps.It appears that Google is working to make its Google Translate app even more valuable for not only communicating in real-time, but also in learning and improving one's language skills. The company is adding a flashcards feature to the phrasebook section of the app, according to developer Jane Manchun Wong, who has been poking around and has noticed the feature being tested internally. It is not clear when the feature will roll out to consumers at large, but it looks to be a nice addition to a helpful utility app.Google Translate is working on Flashcards for Phrasebook pic.twitter.com/277BNsltql— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) December 20, 2019Currently, the in-app language learning market has been cornered by apps like Duo...

That's slightly later than a previously-expected reveal before the end of the year.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite have been making the waves in the tech community for a while now.The phones were previously expected to be revealed by the end of the year, but a report suggests the phones' launch has been delayed to January.The two phones will reportedly join OnePlus' Concept One at CES 2020.Samsung's planning on refreshing its 2019 flagships at a lower asking price next year, thanks to the Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite. The devices bearing the 'lite' moniker will feature many similarities to their 'regular' counterparts.However, their task will be to keep budget-conscious buyers who can't afford the next generation of the Korean giant's latest and greatest — the Galaxy S11 and the Note 11 — within the company's ecosystem.While the phones were previously said to in line for a launch before the year's end, December is nearly ov...

Huawei is getting more aggressive with special incentives for app developers.What you need to knowHuawei is building a Google Services replacement for its mobile phones with big monetary incentives for developers.Official replacements for navigation, payments, gaming, and messages will debut by the end of December.Huawei is building replacements for all Google Services, including popular platforms such as YouTube and Gmail.Huawei is looking to toss off the shackles of a Google-run Android in 2020 in a big way by rolling out its own version of Google Mobile Services (GMS). This replacement set of services, appropriately entitled Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), is Huawei's way forward for guiding its ship full of customers to the apps and services that work best in the regions Huawei does most of its business. Speaking to ETTelecom, CEO of Huawei and Honor India, Charles Peng, said that Honor has been in talks with the developers of 150 top apps in India to ensure their availab...

The Forerunner 945 is one of the most popular running smartwatches in the Garmin lineup. With all of the premium features it comes with, it's the type of watch you never want to take off. This means you'll need a comfortable, reliable band that can handle all of your activities. The Forerunner 945 is compatible with QuickFit 22 bands, so there are a ton of options to choose from.Sturdy and secureStaff favoriteANCOOL Soft Silicone BandThis soft silicone band is for you if you're always on the go with your smartwatch. It's specifically designed to endure frequent exercise and daily movement. It's also equipped with double strap holders to ensure comfortable all-day wear, so you never have to worry about it sliding off your wrist during a workout.$14 at AmazonBreathable, skin-friendly designFintie Soft Woven Nylon Sport BandIf you prefer a soft fabric that your skin will thank you for, this woven nylon sport band will be a great fit. There are ten different hol...

Testing is being done with a small percentage of users.What you need to knowYouTube is testing a new "featured in this video" section.It is currently only available to a small percentage of users as YouTube tests it and gathers feedback.If it is available for you, then you'll see a section under the video with links to the YouTubers featured in the video and the option to subscribe.YouTube is currently testing a new feature that will be a great help to both creators and their audience. The new "featured in this video" section will make it easier for viewers to find and subscribe to YouTubers when they appear in videos from other channels.Previously, creators would have to go through the trouble of manually adding all of the links in the description of the video, detailing each YouTuber that appeared in the video. A perfect example of this was shown off in Rene Ritchie's Tech YouTube Rewind: Best of 2019 video. In the video, he features some of his favorite tech YouTubers ...

Hand tracking doesn't do much at the moment.The Oculus Quest is a standalone virtual reality (VR) headset that doesn't require any cables to be connected to your PC. The device has received a number of new features in recent months, but hand tracking may be the most significant. Yesterday, Oculus updated the Quest software so that you can enable hand tracking as an Experimental Feature.Menu navigationYou can interact with the Oculus Quest menu from the Library to the Store. Just point at and pinch whatever you want to select. The same applies to fast-forwarding or rewinding trailers in the Oculus Store.Oculus servicesSelect apps like the Oculus Browser, Oculus TV, photo library, and more work with hand tracking as well. However, it's not perfect and deleting screenshots is cumbersome because you have to select minuscule trash can icons.Coming soonOn Twitter, many developers have said that they plan to support hand tracking on Quest soon. Right now, we know tha...

Best answer: At the moment, Visible is only compatible with select Android phones. These include the Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+, S8/S8+, Google Pixel phones, Moto G7 Power, and Moto Z4. You can also use Visible's own Visible R2 phone.Great choice: Visible ($40/month at Visible)Incredible camera: Google Pixel 3a ($299 at Amazon)Battery for days: Moto G7 Power ($180 at Amazon)Visible only works with select Android phonesVisible is one of the most enticing carrier options on the market right now. Still, at least for the time being, the most significant limiting factor is its lineup of supported Android phones.GooglePixel 4Pixel 4 XLPixel 3Pixel 3 XLPixel 3aPixel 3a XLLGG8 (unlocked Verizon version)Stylo 5/M7 (unlocked Verizon version)V40 (unlocked Verizon version)MotorolaMoto G7 PowerMoto Z4SamsungGalaxy S9Galaxy S9+Galaxy S8Galaxy S8+OnePlus7 Pro (T-Mobile version not compatible)7T (T-Mobile version not compatible)If you're wondering abo...

These are the stories that mattered this decade.GoogleTop Google stories of the decadeGoogle Home & Google AssistantMoto XRokuChromecast & Google CastHDR+Samsung Galaxy S7Alexa & Amazon EchoHTC One M7Robot VacuumsGoogle CardboardGoogle WifiAppleApple across the decadeRene Ritchie's product of the decadeThe iPadiPhone 4sQi chargingiPhone 5ciOS 8Apple WatchPokémon GoNintendo SwitchiPad ProiPhone 11 ProMicrosoftTop Microsoft news storiesSurface Pro Windows as a serviceThe Xbox revolutionAMD vs. IntelOneDriveTen years. It's an impossibly long time in the tech space, and it's similarly impossible to highlight all of the major events and stories that shaped the world during the period. So we're not going to do that.Instead, we're going to highlight a few of what we think are the biggest Google and Android-related stories from each year in this decade, starting with 2010.We're not pretending this is every story pertaining...

The Amazon Echo Dot alone is a pretty unassuming product, but it's all you really need to control many different smart home products using just your voice. We've rounded up the ten best smart home accessories to buy with your Amazon Echo Dot.Don't scream across the roomAmazon Voice RemoteWith this remote, you can press a button to ask things of Alexa without shouting across the room, and it also gives you handy play controls for when you don't want to get up. It works with the first two generations of the Echo and Echo Show, as well as the Echo Spot and all Echo Dots.$20 at AmazonKeep your speaker off the counterTotalMount Echo Dot Wall MountMounting an Amazon Echo speaker in the kitchen is a great idea because it frees up valuable countertop space and also keeps your speaker from getting dirty. It also ensures that Alexa can always hear you and vice versa. This mount includes 3M adhesion strips to protect your wall paint or screw holes for a more permanent installa...

It's hard to deny that these devices have had a major impact on us as technology consumers.GoogleTop Google stories of the decadeGoogle Home & Google AssistantMoto XRokuChromecast & Google CastHDR+Samsung Galaxy S7Alexa & Amazon EchoHTC One M7Robot VacuumsGoogle CardboardGoogle WifiAppleApple across the decadeRene Ritchie's product of the decadeThe iPadiPhone 4sQi chargingiPhone 5ciOS 8Apple WatchPokémon GoNintendo SwitchiPad ProiPhone 11 ProMicrosoftTop Microsoft news storiesSurface Pro Windows as a serviceThe Xbox revolutionAMD vs. IntelOneDriveLove it or hate it, the virtual assistant Alexa and its physical incarnation the Echo have played a major role in the development of software and hardware technologies over the past half-decade or so. The idea of #voicefirst computing and even the takeoff of the smart home industry owe a huge debt to these innovations from Amazon. If anything, Alexa and the Amazon Echo were to...

GoogleTop Google stories of the decadeGoogle Home & Google AssistantMoto XRokuChromecast & Google CastHDR+Samsung Galaxy S7Alexa & Amazon EchoHTC One M7Robot VacuumsGoogle CardboardGoogle WifiAppleApple across the decadeRene Ritchie's product of the decadeThe iPadiPhone 4sQi chargingiPhone 5ciOS 8Apple WatchPokémon GoNintendo SwitchiPad ProiPhone 11 ProMicrosoftTop Microsoft news storiesSurface Pro Windows as a serviceThe Xbox revolutionAMD vs. IntelOneDriveIt wasn't the first consumer mesh Wi-Fi router set, nor is it the best, but Google Wifi was cheap and accessible to everyone.It seems like every company makes a mesh Wi-Fi kit you can bring home and install yourself these days. When it comes to affordability, ease of use, and availability, however, Google did it first, if not the best. It brought mesh Wi-Fi to millions of people, and made it very easy to understand. That's why it's one of our favorite products of th...

The Google Assistant fundamentally changed how we interact with Google services.GoogleTop Google stories of the decadeGoogle Home & Google AssistantMoto XRokuChromecast & Google CastHDR+Samsung Galaxy S7Alexa & Amazon EchoHTC One M7Robot VacuumsGoogle CardboardGoogle WifiAppleApple across the decadeRene Ritchie's product of the decadeThe iPadiPhone 4sQi chargingiPhone 5ciOS 8Apple WatchPokémon GoNintendo SwitchiPad ProiPhone 11 ProMicrosoftTop Microsoft news storiesSurface Pro Windows as a serviceThe Xbox revolutionAMD vs. IntelOneDriveGoogle had a particularly fruitful decade, with the brand dominating on several fronts. Google Search is now the runaway leader for search, YouTube is the world's largest video streaming platform, and there are over two billion Android-powered devices being used globally.The one service that stood out for me this decade is Google Assistant. The company wasn't the first to roll out a di...

Auto-playing videos show up under sections such as "Suggested for you" and "Explore Recommended games."What you need to knowThe setting for disabling auto-playing videos in the Play Store has now rolled out more widely to users.It will allow users to choose between always auto-playing videos over mobile and Wi-Fi networks, only playing over Wi-Fi, or completely disabling automatic playback.Google first began testing auto-playing videos in the Play Store back in September.If there is one thing I hate, it's auto-playing videos. Whether it's on Netflix, YouTube, or a news site, I simply cannot stand videos playing without my permission. That's why back in September, I loathed when the Play Store began testing the automatic playback of videos in the app.If you haven't spotted any of these auto-playing annoyances yet, that's because they only appear in a few different places in the Play Store — one of the most prominent being the main feed on the Games section. Here, the...

Competition makes for better products, and the Android ecosystem is more competitive than ever. If you want a new Android phone at any price range, we've done the research to separate the great from the good, and the good from the bad. This list will help you make your next purchase easier.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy S10+No matter your smartphone needs, the Galaxy S10+ is a great starting point — if not the best pick without any other consideration. Think of just about any spec or feature you want from a smartphone, and the Galaxy S10+ will have you covered. And it does so in a complete package of great hardware and a beautiful display. Think of any spec or feature you want in a smartphone, and the GS10+ has it.Samsung takes everything that people crave in a high-end smartphone and packages it all up into a single device: the Galaxy S10+. It matches or beats the competition in hardware, with every little spec and feature you could ask for, and ties it up in...

Let's open the door to the wonderful world of Google.Google Play, Chromebooks, Gmail, all these wonderful services start with — and require — a Google Account. Whether you're setting up a professional account to help field headhunters and job offers or finally offloading one of your kiddies to their own account when they outgrow the Family Link profiles, setting up a Google account is simple and quick. Here's how to do it on whichever device you have handy.Products used in this guideBest of Google for less: Pixel 3a ($400 at Amazon)How to set up a Google Account on your Android phoneOpen the Settings app.Scroll down to Accounts.Tap Add account.Tap Google.Tap Create account.Type in the name associated with the account. While you do not have to use your real name, if this is going to be your main account, using your real name is recommended.Tap Next.Enter the birthdate associated with the account. Google requires all account users to be at least 13 yea...

I've been using Peak Design bags for years. I bought an Everyday Backpack in 2017 after reading almost universally glowing reviews, and watched it quickly become the bag on just about every tech blogger's back at press events and trade shows.Seriously, I can't tell you how many times someone on the Android Central team has grabbed the wrong Everyday Backpack on their way out during work trips and had to turn around, and with CES right around the corner I can see this happening again soon. This wouldn't be a problem if any of us would just get a different bag, but the fact of the matter is that Peak Design makes great bags (along with camera straps and other accessories) for photographers and videographers alike.With a starting price of $260, though, these are some of the most expensive backpacks around — excluding bags from luxury brands like Gucci. But unlike a Gucci bag, I think the Everyday Backpack v2 is still well worth the money for the right kind of person...

The "Feature Drop" update began rolling out to Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL users in the U.S. earlier this month.What you need to knowThe first Pixel "Feature Drop" includes a few new hidden features.In addition to automatic call screen and new Portrait Blur feature, the update also includes Face Unlock improvements and adds dual-frequency GNSS support to the Pixel 4 series phones.Additionally, the update enables eSIM support on T-Mobile. The first "Feature Drop" update for the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL phones arrived earlier this month, bringing new features such as automatic call screening, Portrait Blur, auto-framing in Google Duo, and improved on-device computing for better location quality in Google Maps. In addition to these features and improvements, the update comes with a few other changes as well.As noted by the folks over at XDA Developers, the December update for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL adds support for dual-frequency GNSS. With dual-frequency GNSS support, Pixel ...

The major streaming services are starting off the new decade right. And we get to reap the rewards.Now that smartphones have hit their stride, we look to the services we use to shake things up. And you could well argue that streaming video has done more to shape our daily ingestment of entertainment over the past 10 years than all the Crossy Roads and Flappy Birds and Fortnites combined. (OK, maybe not Fortnite.)So what's in store for the next decade? Only time will tell. But meanwhile we've got another stellar stable of shows on the way in the first month of the first year of the next 10 years.What's new on Netflix in January 2020What could Netflix possibly do in the new decade that it hasn't already done in the past 10 years? Quite frankly, we don't know.Maybe instead of revolutionizing the way we watch TV — again — it'll just be more of the same. And maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing. It'd just mean more great original shows alongside some of t...

Amazon Music UnlimitedPrime valueFrom $8/month at AmazonProsGreat deal for Amazon Prime membersSeveral plans, including HD audio optionsWorks well cross-platformFastest-growing music serviceConsPersonalization not greatSocial aspects are underdevelopedDoesn't have the "cool" factor Amazon Music Unlimited is a premium streaming service with a similarly large catalog as Apple Music. What it may lack in personalization, it makes up for in options and pricing.Apple MusicNot just for fanboysFrom $10/month at AppleProsAvailable on Android (and Apple, of course)Fantastic music curation and personalizationWorks well cross-platformBeats 1 radioConsParts of the interface feel confusing and redundantDifficult to find recently played songsNo free or ad-supported optionsApple Music brings personalization and custom curation on par with Spotify, along with tons of original content and exclusives. It's been a good citizen on Android for year...

For a company this big, its app shouldn't be this bad.Growing up in a rural town of about 1,000 people where going to a grocery or superstore required a 15-45-minute drive, online shopping has been my go-to for a good portion of my life. It's how my parents and I ordered countless things while I was growing up, and it's how my wife and I now do a lot of our shopping. When I was a kid and to this very day, Amazon is the site that gets most of my money.Even though I now live a stone's throw away from stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc., Amazon is where I often go to buy cleaning supplies, Tim Horton's coffee, phone cases, you name it. And, I imagine that's the case for a lot of people. With two-day (and now one-day shipping in a lot of areas) for Prime subscribers, the convenience Amazon offers remains unmatched.None of this looks goodAs much as I use and rely on the company, however, that doesn't excuse my distaste for its objectively bad Android app.When you're ...

Registrations will open soon.What you need to knowOnePlus has announced Red Cable Club membership for consumers in India.The free membership program is available to all OnePlus users and offers several exciting benefits. Some of the membership benefits include free 50GB cloud storage for 1 year, free 1-year extended warranty, 50% discount on battery replacement, and upgrade offers for all models.OnePlus announced the OnePlus Care program for the Indian market in October this year, offering several exclusive benefits to customers in the country. The company has now launched the Red Cable Club membership program officially, promising to give "exclusive benefits, the best of rewards and many more privileges" to all OnePlus users.Red Cable Club is a lifetime-free membership program designed to reward OnePlus users. In addition to all the OnePlus Care benefits, the Red Cable Club membership offers free 50GB cloud photo storage for a year. Members will also be able to parti...

Best answer: Yes, Disney has an agreement with Samsung to distribute Disney Plus (Disney+) on its smart TVs on models running Samsung's Tizen OS all the way from 2016 to its latest TVs. For TVs that are not, there's always the Chromecast.Marvel on demand: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Cast away: Chromecast ($35 at Amazon)Disney+ is finally here!Disney+ is now available in many places and platforms, including on most newer model Samsung TVs. Basically, if you have a Samsung TV from 2016 or newer that is running Samsung's Tizen OS, then you should be able to download the Disney+ app and watch it natively.This is great news for users who have a relatively recent Samsung TV, as being able to watch natively offers a great experience and means you won't have to go digging through a secondary console device or use your phone as a remote while Chromecasting them.What's it like watching Disney+ on a Samsung TV?Samsung smart TVs use Tizen, which is an operating system built by Sa...

Amazon's ecosystem of Echo devices (or Echosystem) has helped turn average homes into modern smart homes. We love how convenient Alexa makes it to control devices, listen to music, check the news, find shows, and do so many other things. Enhance your Echo experience further with one of the many useful accessories available for the varying Alexa units. We begin our list with accessories that work with multiple Echo devices and then transition into products for specific Echo devices after that. Let's get to it.Wireless chargeCaramote Portable Battery BaseStaff pickThis portable battery base allows you to use your Echo (3rd Gen) or Echo Plus (2st Gen) wirelessly for 6-9 hours. It's great for playing music at parties or events where you don't have access to outlets. On the back, you'll find a USB port, DC input port, DC output cable, and LED battery life indicators.$54 at AmazonDing DingEcho Buttons (2-Pack)These buttons are great for families who love playing games. ...

Best answer: Yes, you can buy someone a Disney+ subscription as a holiday gift. You can now buy 12-month subscription cards for Disney Plus (Disney+) as gifts in the U.S. The cards are only available at Disney Stores in the U.S. and at certain stores at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.Share the magic: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)In a galaxy not so far away...Disney has long been the home to magic and wonderment, so many people have longed to have access to it all on a whim. Well, that wait is over now that Disney+ has landed.The list of things that make this streaming service exciting is a long one. From movies and TV shows that span decades, to some of the most recent releases like Captain Marvel, Disney+ has so much for us to consume. Aside from all the classics we know and love from Disney, there's also brand new original content available only on Disney+. Shows in the Star Wars universe like The Mandalorian and even High School Musical: The Musical: The ...

It's time to give your phone a tune-up.You bought a shiny new phone, and a few months later realize it isn't quite as fast as it used to be. We've all been there, and the issue isn't limited to budget devices — a few high-end phones are also prone to the occasional slowdown after several months of usage.Thankfully, there are a few things you can try to get your phone running back at full speed. We've also listed a few battery optimizations that should help you get the most out of your phone's battery.Use Files by Google to clear cached data and clean storageGoogle's file management app is awesome. It not only analyzes your phone for unused files and apps, but also lets you easily transfer files.The app has a minimalist design with two tabs: Storage and Files. From the Storage tab, you get an overview of the amount of storage you have left on your phone, as well as tips on how to free up space. You'll also be able to easily clear apps' cached data from within Files....

Never leave home without this quarter-sized quick charger.Stocking stuffers may be one of the hardest places to shop for — limited space and limited budget — but if you want to give your friends and loved ones a gift that will keep on giving all year long, give them my favorite charger on the planet: the Aukey PA-Y18 18W USB-C Wall Charger. Whether I'm sitting at a cafe or waiting for another oversold flight in the airport lounge, this charger never leaves me hanging and is never too big to fit into that overcrowded power strip.Aukey's PA-Y18 has been part of my theme park essentials for a year now, and even a year of being dragged around Walt Disney World and used as a fidget toy when I'm bored hasn't killed this affordable plug yet. Best of all, you can buy it for less than most holiday lotto scratchers, and it'll last your recipient way longer.18W Power Delivery is the top speed for wired charging on the newest iPhones and for most Android phones on the market &m...

Twas three nights before Christmas, and all through the 'net, every techie is stirring, shopping late with their pet.Whoo! This week has been a whirlwind — this whole month, really — and the prettiest sight to see this Christmas will be a few days to slow down and catch my breath. Between a truly insane Black Friday weekend, moving to a newer, bigger apartment, and the unending whirlwind of holiday sights, sounds, and articles, finding time to decompress and unwind has been sparse, and I'm sure I'm not alone here.I have some of the hardest-working, passionate badass writers and editors around me here at Android Central, and this week we celebrated their determination with the Future Labs Crushies. I'm still not really sure I deserve to be in there, but Joe Maring, Carli Velocci, and Hayato Huseman all totally crushed it in 2019, as does the invincible Russell Holly. My 2020 resolution is to try and work as hard as these fellow maniacs and keep churning out more fun co...

So, you just got a new Pixel phone. Awesome! Google's Pixel devices are among the best money can buy, and now that you own one, you're probably eager to get it set up so you can start using it. Here's a step-by-step guide of what to expect during that initial set up process.Products used in this guideLatest and greatest: Google Pixel 4 (From $675 at Amazon)How to set up your new Pixel phoneTap the blue Start button near the bottom right.Tap the Wi-Fi network you want to use (or use your mobile network instead).Enter your Wi-Fi password.Your Pixel will check for any available updates.If you want to copy apps & data, tap Next at the bottom right.For this guide, we're tapping the Don't copy option.Type in your Google account email and password.Tap the I agree button.Have Google Fi? you'll see a welcome screen for the service.Tap the Accept button to agree to the available Google services.Tap I accept to agree to Google's "additional legal terms."Tap Nex...

We're rounding up the best Android games you can play.If you're looking for the best new games available in the Google Play Store, you've come to the right place. We update this list whenever a new game comes out that's worthy of being added to this list, so you'll always know about the latest and greatest games.Whether you're new to Android and need some fresh, new games to start building out your Google Play library or simply looking for the latest trendy games that are worthy of your time and attention, these are the best Android games you can find right now.Call of Duty MobileVectronomStardew Valley Graveyard KeeperPUBG Mobile Brawl StarsOddmarHoledownBattleChasers: NightWarChameleon RunThe Room: Old Sins Pokemon GoJYDGETesla vs LovecraftDeath Road to CanadaStranger Things: The Game Reigns: Her Majesty Call of Duty MobileThere was a ton of hype surrounding Call of Duty Mobile throughout the beta and ahead of it's global launch, and to the credit of...

Competition makes for better products, and the Android ecosystem is more competitive than ever. If you want a new Android phone at any price range, we've done the research to separate the great from the good, and the good from the bad. This list will help you make your next purchase easier.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy S10+No matter your smartphone needs, the Galaxy S10+ is a great starting point — if not the best pick without any other consideration. Think of just about any spec or feature you want from a smartphone, and the Galaxy S10+ will have you covered. And it does so in a complete package of great hardware and a beautiful display. Think of any spec or feature you want in a smartphone, and the GS10+ has it.Samsung takes everything that people crave in a high-end smartphone and packages it all up into a single device: the Galaxy S10+. It matches or beats the competition in hardware, with every little spec and feature you could ask for, and ties it up in...

More people than ever are using their phones to take memorable photos these days. Make sure you know how to keep them all safe!If you're spending the holidays with your family — and you should be! — there's a good chance you'll be taking photos together and making new memories. But there's also the chance that someone gets too excited and accidentally drops and breaks their phone, and poof. There go your fun new memories. That's why this holiday season might finally be the time to get your family on board with Google Photos.Backing up your photos has never been easier. Once you set up Google Photos, it works in the background to automatically upload your shots to the cloud as you take them. The best part is that it's not just limited to Android users; Google Photos is also available on iOS, and its unlimited storage options gives it a big advantage over iCloud.Setting up Google PhotosSetting up Google Photos is as easy as opening the app and tapping Done during ...

The Oculus Quest is an excellent standalone headset. It plays immersive virtual reality titles without requiring a PC, phone, external sensors, or external wires. But just because the Oculus Quest comes with what you need to get started in the box, doesn't mean there aren't ways to make the experience even better. These accessories help you play longer, more comfortably, and let you play more powerful games.Quest on the goOculus Quest travel caseStaff pickThis softshell case has enough room for your headset, Touch Controllers, charging cable, and adapter. The compartment of the case that holds the Touch Controllers keeps them separate from the headset, which helps protect the lenses.$40 at AmazonGetting comfyStudioform Creative Quest Deluxe StrapThis strap reaches across the top of your head and pulls the headset's weight off of your face. It's a simple accessory that makes a big difference for longer playing sessions.$20 at Studioform CreativeSharing with fri...

Ecobee is now on a 5th generation of smart thermostat. The company has been doing this for so long, you've got to be asking yourself "Why don't I have one of these yet?" Well, Black Friday is your chance to change that. Ecobee is discounting the newest SmartThermostat and the Ecobee3 Lite. Grab the first for $199, $50 off its regular price, and grab the second for $139, $30 off what it normally sells for. This is only the second time we've seen the SmartThermostat go on sale since it was released earlier this year, and the Ecobee3 Lite's deal price is the lowest it has gone since May. You can also find these prices at Best Buy.What are the differences between these two devices? Well, the Ecobee3 Lite is a couple generations behind, but more than that it's designed to be an entry-level thermostat with only the most basic of features. If money is an issue or you're worried a new smart thermostat might be too technical or complicated for you, the Ecobee3 Lite is the one you want. In o...

Xbox Game Streaming with the Razer Junglecat controller.In November Microsoft confirmed that Project XCloud and Xbox Game Streaming would roll out to more countries at the start of 2020, it looks like they're ahead of schedule.In November Microsoft announced that it would be bringing the Project XCloud Android preview to more countries, including Canada, India, Japan, and Western Europe. It seems as though they might be ahead of schedule.This morning, I noticed that the Xbox Game Streaming (Preview) app for Android now allows me to stream my Xbox console to my Android devices. Previously it was unavailable in Germany where I am based. This means that it may be gearing up to roll out to the additional countries Microsoft previously mentioned. As of writing, the app itself is unavailable for download in Germany and other unlisted regions, but if you're able to get it via sideloading or region switching, the app is no longer geo-restricted as was the case previously. You may also h...

The Oculus Quest is one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. If you were lucky to get one, you'll want to grab these accessories to get the most out of your headset. While the Oculus Quest is a standalone device, these accessories help you play for longer and in more comfort. One even allows you to play PCVR games on your Oculus Quest if you have a gaming PC.Quest on the goOculus Quest travel caseStaff pickThe Oculus Quest is easy to take with you to parties or a friend's house. This case has enough room for your headset, Touch Controllers, and the headset's charging cable. It also keeps your Touch Controllers separated from your headset while inside the case to prevent scratches.$40 at AmazonGetting comfyStudioform Creative Quest Deluxe StrapThe Oculus Quest can be a bit front-heavy, putting pressure on your face that becomes more noticeable over time. This strap redistributes the weight across the top of your head.$20 at Studioform CreativeSharing with ...

Whether you're a pro photographer or just enjoy snapping photos with your phone, Google Photos is a must. It's one of the best services Google currently offers and is a great way to save your pictures and videos in the cloud, access them from all of your devices, and keep them with high-quality backups. If you need some help getting started with Google Photos, you've come to the right place.Products used in this guideCloud storage done right: Google Photos (Free at Google Play Store)Best camera: Google Pixel 4 (From $799 at Amazon)How to set up Google PhotosIf you're just opening Google Photos on your phone for the first time, this is the initial setup process you'll go through.Open Google Photos.Sign in to your Google account.Choose Desired quality settings.Wait for your photos to sync.How to choose device foldersAfter getting logged into Google Photos, it's time to choose which folders on your phone you wanted backed up to the service. Here's how to do it....