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What you need to knowFederal judge set to approve T-Mobile / Sprint merger.The ruling comes after more than a dozen states sued to block the merger.The new T-Mobile would have more than 100 million customers when combined.Updated February 11, 2020: As expected the merger of T-Mobile / Sprint has been approved. In his ruling, Southern District of New York judge, Victor Marrero, had this to say about his decision, The court concludes that the proposed merger is not reasonably likely to substantially lessen competition in the" mobile service market and would likely "enhance competition in the relevant markets to the benefit of all consumers."The leading attorney for the opposition, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, issued this statement after the ruling. Our fight to oppose this merger sends a strong message: even in the face of powerful opposition, we won't hesitate to stand up for consumers who deserve choice and fair prices. We'll stand on the side o...

Issues are popping up from San Francisco to New York.What you need to knowAs of February 11, T-Mobile is experiencing service issues across the U.S.Outages are being reported in Chicago, Detroit, New York, Seattle, and more.The funk began shortly after T-Mobile's merger with Sprint was approved.February 11 has been an interesting day for T-Mobile. Not too long after its merger with Sprint was approved, reports of service outages throughout the entire United States began to pop up.Looking at the outage map on Down Detector, there are numerous service issues coming from Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Houston, and New York, just to name a few of the affected areas.I don't have any issues with my T-Mobile service here in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but your mileage will vary.It's also very unlikely that the outage actually has anything to do with the approved merger, and can just be chalked up to unfortunate timing.In any case, once the issues disperse, we'll update this ar...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.What kind of intro offer can you grab with the Citi Double Cash Card?What you need to knowThe Citi Double Cash Card offers an introductory balance transfer.New cardholders can enjoy a 0% intro APR on balance transfer for 18 months.The card also earns cash back twice: once when you pay and another when you pay it off.The Citi® Double Cash Card is a fantastic cash back card that actually earns you cash back twice: 1% cash back when you make a purchase and another 1% cash back when you pay your bill. It's the only card on the market where paying your credit card off plays a major role in earning its rewards. While that might be enough of a reason to get this card alone, you might be wonderin...

This new 2K studio is getting a makeover and a big expansion.What you need to know2K Silicon Valley was established in 2019 under Michael Condrey.Michael has worked as lead on Dead Space and as creative director at Sledgehammer Games.2K announced today 2K Silicon Valley is being rebranded as 31st Union. The studio is also expanding, with a second location in Spain. 2K announced today in a press release that 2K Silicon Valley, a studio established in 2019 under Michael Condrey, is being rebranded as 31st Union. In addition to this name change, the studio will be expanding, with a second location coming in Spain."31st Union is off to an incredible start with a passionate and talented team, an intentioned culture that champions inclusivity and greater representation, and an ambitious and inspired new IP that we're extremely excited about," said Michael Condrey, President at 31st Union. "Our name and studio represent the spirit of California in its rich diversity of thought,...

Best answer: At the moment, yes, you should be able to play your PS4 games on a PS5. Sony intends for the new console to be backwards compatible, but intent isn't always a guarantee and things can change before the console goes on sale.Expand your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)One of our decade favorites: Horizon Zero Dawn ($32 at Amazon)What is backwards compatiblity and why is it so important to us?Backwards compatibility is a process that supports older legacy games on newer generation systems. Basically, for PlayStation and Xbox, you could pop in a disc designed for an older console into your new system and it'll just work. We've seen this work between the Xbox 360 and Xbox One due to Xbox's emulation process, but it would be something new for PlayStation.Almost everybody has favorite games that they go back to time and again. Some stories you just want to play multiple times. With backwards compatibility you will be able to continue playi...

A VPN is super important for anyone. Yup, that's the full sentence – it's that important. But specifically, why? For a start, online security. At the moment, without a Virtual Private Network, aka VPN, you're going online naked where anyone can access your data and even your location.Alright that was a bit of a scare to start with but it's the reality of online browsing these days be it from apps, browsers on computers or even through smart speaker requests. A VPN is there to help you hide your details, including where you are. This means that your data can't simply be taken and sold, nor can you be hacked as easily. It keeps your online anonymity just that, anonymous.But a VPN is also great for accessing geo-restricted content, like U.S. Netflix when out of the country where you would otherwise be denied access. So why should you get a VPN?Why use a VPN for security?When you go online your internet connection is assigned an IP address which is a number that corresponds to yo...

Best answer: The PlayStation 5 will pack a custom Radeon Navi GPU that can support 8K resolution and ray tracing. It is unknown how many teraflops of computing power it will have.Build your library: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 and up at Amazon)PlayStation 3 vs PlayStation 4 graphicsIt was notoriously difficult to develop for the PlayStation 3 because of its CPU, and though this was apparently the case on purpose so developers would be challenged to push its limits, that didn't make it a good thing. Sony used the RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' capable of 400 gigaflops (0.4 teraflops) for the PlayStation 3's GPU and a custom eight-core Cell Broadband Engine for the CPU, which also carried some of the graphics-related work that the console performed. This architecture was completely different from the PS2 and required a significantly greater amount of effort to develop for.Sony opted for a CPU and GPU that was much easier for developers to work with in the PlayStation 4 —...

She will be taking up a new role within Google.What you need to knowGoogle's HR head Eileen Naughton will be stepping down later this year amid rising tensions between the company's employees and the top brass.She has been the vice president of people operations at Google since 2016. Naughton has said that she is stepping down to be closer to her family. The head of human resources at Google, Eileen Naughton has decided to step down from her position later this year. Naughton, who was appointed as the vice president of People Operations at Google in 2016, had to deal with intense tensions between employees and the management over the last few years.Tensions between Google's top brass and employees started growing in 2018, after a report revealed that Android co-founder Andy Rubin was given a $90 million 'exit package', despite strong evidence of sexual misconduct. On November 1, 2018, nearly 20,000 Google employees staged a walkout in front of the company's offices around...

The coronavirus outbreak has forced retail stores to close and is hampering production.What you need to knowA report suggests that Q1 smartphone sales in China may halve due to the coronavirus outbreak.It could see the cancellation of product launches in the country because large public events are prohibitedCanalys also says it could dampen 5G shipments.A report suggests that the coronavirus outbreak could see smartphone sales in the country fall by half in Q1.According to Reuters analysts are predicting a sharp decline in sales due to retail closures, with firm Canalysis saying shipments could fall by 50%. The report notes: China's smartphone sales may plunge by as much as 50% in the first quarter, as many retail shops have closed for an extended period and production has yet to fully resume due to the fast spread of a new coronavirus, according to research reports. Canalys expects China's smartphone shipments to halve in the first quarter from a year ago, while...

Vivo has confirmed that it will no longer attend MWC.What you need to knowVivo has pulled out of MWC, citing coronavirus worries.The brand was slated to introduce its latest bezel-less phone at the conference, and it says it will introduce the device at a later date. LG and Sony have already pulled out of the show, and with Vivo following suit this year's event will be severely diminished.Following LG and Sony, Vivo has announced that it is no longer attending Mobile World Congress. Like everyone else that has pulled out of the show thus far, Vivo cited the coronavirus as the reason for not attending this year's event.Vivo was planning to showcase its latest bezel-less phone at the conference, but it says it will introduce the device at a later date.Here's the full statement Vivo provided to Android Central: Vivo has been closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (NCP) outbreak and continuously evaluating planned activities. The health and safety of our emp...

Aside from an upgraded dual-camera setup, the "new" Redmi 8A Dual is not very different from the Redmi 8A.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi sub-brand today launched the entry-level Redmi 8A Dual in India.The phone has been priced at ₹6,499 ($91) for the 2GB/32GB variant and ₹6,999 ($98) for the 3GB/32GB variant.It will be available for purchase in the country starting February 18.Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi launched an upgraded variant of its entry-level Redmi 8A smartphone in India today, dubbed the Redmi 8A Dual. It happens to be identical to the Redmi 8A in many areas, but brings an upgraded dual-camera setup and a few other improvements.Redmi 8A Dual will be available in India in two variants. While the 2GB/32GB variant will cost ₹6,499 ($91), consumers in the country will have to shell out ₹6,999 ($98) for the 3GB/32GB variant of the phone. It will go on sale starting February 18 via Mi.com, Amazon.in, as well as Mi Home stores across the country. The company sa...

It isn't expected to be a major upgrade over the current Galaxy M30s.What you need to knowSamsung Galaxy M31 will debut in India on February 25.The budget Android smartphone will feature a 64MP quad-camera setup and a huge 6000mAh battery. It is rumored to be powered by a 10nm Exynos 9611 chipset. In January last year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy M series, aiming to take on Chinese rivals in the highly competitive budget segment. Thanks to aggressive pricing and solid hardware specs, the M series lineup helped Samsung increase its smartphone shipments last year, even though it didn't succeed in clawing back market share from rivals such as Xiaomi in India and a few other markets.The company today confirmed that it will be taking the wraps off its next M series phone at an event in India on February 25. Called the Galaxy M31, the upcoming budget smartphone from Samsung will pack a monstrous 6,000mAh battery. While the battery size isn't an improvement over the Galaxy M30...

OnePlus is all set to introduce its first power bank, and it will have fast charging.What you need to knowA recent tweet by Carl Pei suggests OnePlus will release its first power bank this year.The timing of the tweet indicates the power bank will release alongside the OnePlus 8. The OnePlus 8 is also likely to pick up wireless charging. I asked OnePlus executives countless times about wireless charging and power banks, but the response has always been along the lines of, "We'll do it only if it's as fast as our wired charging standard." It looks like OnePlus finally figured out how to bring fast charging to either medium, because if a recent tweet by Carl Pei is any indication, we'll see a OnePlus-branded power bank this year.RT if you'd like a fast charging power bank ⚡⚡⚡— Carl Pei (@getpeid) February 10, 2020The OnePlus 8 hype train is starting to build steam, and Carl is firmly in the driver's seat, stoking the flames. The exec is known to tease details of...

Google Assistant in Ambient Mode turns your phone into a smart display when it's being charged.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant's Ambient Mode is now rolling out to all OnePlus devices.The feature turns your phone into a smart display, letting you control smart home lights and much more. The rollout will be staged, with OnePlus noting that everyone should receive the feature in a week's time. Right now, OnePlus' OxygenOS is the software experience to beat on Android. Consistent updates with bug fixes and new feature additions allowed OnePlus to take the lead in this area, and OxygenOS is now picking up another enticing feature: Google Assistant's Ambient Mode. The feature is rolling out to all OnePlus devices (OnePlus 3 and above), and it lets you turn your phone into a smart display while charging.Boost your productivity with a proactive Google Assistant experience courtesy of @Android's Ambient Mode, now available on #OxygenOS. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/QchAW8Oa...

What you need to knowFederal judge set to approve T-Mobile / Sprint merger.The ruling comes after more than a dozen states sued to block the merger.The new T-Mobile would have more than 100 million customers when combined.After nearly two years in regulatory limbo, a federal judge is slated to approve the T-Mobile / Sprint merger, overturning state-level lawsuits that were separately filed in June 2019 and setting the stage for the largest telecommunications merger in years. The announcement is expected to be made early Tuesday, February 11 — the same day as the Samsung Galaxy S20 launch, where 5G is likely to be front and center during the event.The new T-Mobile, as it will be called, will have a combined customer base of over 100 million, still below AT&T and Verizon, but positioning the company as a much stronger contender in the race to own 5G in the U.S.While the judge's conditions for the approval have not been shared, the ruling isn't expected to dramatically...

This was always going to happen.What you need to knowGoogle is ending chat in Messages for users who enabled it using an unsupported hack.Chat features will be turned off at the end of February for those users who still have it active at this point.The firm has committed to bringing its chat features online to all regions as soon as it can.Last year, Google began rolling out RCS, its enhanced chat solution for Android devices. While not technically new (or specifically Google's), this was the first time the service was being attempted on a wide-scale by someone which as much clout and market reach as Google. Suffice to say, there was a lot of excitement online.Unfortunately, Google's fairly slow region-based roll-out meant that not everyone could access it outside of places like the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and France. An unreliable hack emerged that allowed some users to switch on RCS outside of those regions, but Google is now officially cutting off that route at the en...

The Skagen Falster 3 has arrived and it's better than ever. In addition to some major software upgrades, the watch itself is bigger. Now in a 42 mm case, the new edition is compatible with 22 mm bands. Whether you just bought the watch or you're looking to stock up on some amazing bands first, we've got what you need. Whether you're dressing up for a special event or you're hitting the gym, you'll be able to find a band that works for you.Best for durabilityBarton Elite Silicone Watch BandStaff pickIf you're looking for a band that can withstand high-intensity workouts and look good doing it, go for a silicone band from Barton. Each purchase comes with different two lengths for the long side of the band to ensure you get a perfect fit. The proprietary locking feature will keep it securely in place. Did we mention there are 20 vibrant colors to choose from?$20 at AmazonA touch of classRitche Leather Watch BandThe Skagen Falster 3 is a classy watch, so it make...

Samsung's mid-range smartphone options have typically been less than impressive, but with the Galaxy A50, the company's finally crafted a handset that doesn't skimp out on presentation or features while coming in at a price tag that everyone can get behind. If you have the A50 or plan on getting it, we recommend checking out any of the below cases to keep the phone safe and secure for years to come.All you needSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickThe Galaxy A50 is a no-nonsense phone that offers a great user experience without any big compromises. In the case world, that's precisely what the Spigen Rugged Armor sets out to do. It has a simple, yet effective design, shock-absorption technology, and raised edges over the display to prevent unwanted scratches.$11 at AmazonSleek and protectiveOtterbox Commuter LITEOtterbox has been in the case game for awhile and the Commuter series is one of the most popular. With the Galaxy A50, you get a two-piece case with a TPU inn...

It's 2020, and flagship smartphones are all nearly a thousand dollars or more. But as high-end phones get more expensive, cheaper phones are getting better. Phones under $300 are beautifully designed, with great screens, super-long battery life, excellent cameras, and awesome speakers. We've researched and ranked all of the best cheap Android phones you can buy, and with our buyer's guide, you'll find the perfect phone for you.Best Overall: Moto G7The Moto G7 and its other budget counterparts on this list have impressive, high-resolution touchscreens, reliable software, and great cameras. Some features, like NFC, drive up manufacturing costs, so you have to weigh whether you need NFC-enabled features like mobile payments. And the Moto G7 also lacks the same graphical power as its more expensive competitors, but most games play without issue, even at medium or high settings, because Android games are designed to play on hardware of all sizes and prices.At the same time, Motoro...

If the regular model costs $1,400-ish, how much will this cost?What you need to knowSamsung's working on an even more premium version of its already-very-expensive foldable.A leaked ad shows a limited edition of the Galaxy Z Flip is apparently in the works.It'll be made in partnership with fashion designer Thom Browne.We've got yet another Galaxy Z Flip leak this week, though from a somewhat unexpected source. Instead of Evan Blass (of @evleaks fame) continuing his crusade against the South Korean giant, this time it's noted Windows leaker WalkingCat throwing cold water on Samsung's plans for secrecy:a detour pic.twitter.com/AirJTtIn3h— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) February 10, 2020The 2:20 minutes long ad starts off without much fanfare, but soon betrays its purpose near the end, when its subject — who, for whatever reason, really likes staring at waterfalls — pulls out a seemingly familiar phone. Once he folds the device, the waterfall apparently opens up for him to pa...

Samsung is likely one of the first names that come to mind when you think about possible flagship smartphone options. However, the company has also its hands in the budget market with options such as the Galaxy A20. After you get your hands on this fantastic device, you'll want to make sure that it stays protected and we have found the best cases for your A20.Trusted brandSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickEveryone has heard about Spigen in some capacity, and for good reason as the company offers some of the best cases and accessories around. The trend continues with the Spigen Rugged Armor, thanks to the company's Air Cushion technology for improved shock absorption, along with spider-web interior pattern and raised edges.$11 at AmazonLeather and woodNagaBee Hybrid Shockproof CaseIf you can't decide on the right leather or wooden case, why not get both? The NagaBee Hybrid Case offers this with its unique hybrid design. You can find the wood cutout at the top, wit...

It may have taken its sweet time getting here, but the long-anticipated Disney Plus (or Disney+) streaming service is now available in five countries — soon to be fifteen! It's made its way in a space that's already pretty crowded, standing out thanks to its exclusive family-friendly offerings from not only from Disney itself, but also Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and 20th Century Studios. The catalog size may not directly compete with services like Netflix and Prime Video quite yet, but the number of Disney+ original shows that are available makes it worth checking out.Now, on to the key bit of information here: how much does Disney+ cost? Well, there are a few different plans for Disney+ that you can sign up for, making the price for Disney+ range from $6.99 to $12.99 per month. The lower cost is the best Disney+ price you'll get right now — with one big exception — while the more expensive is a pretty sweet Disney+ bundle that you'll need to check out. You can s...

Looks like the S20 Ultra's got one big camera.What you need to knowEven more Galaxy S20 series leaks dropped today.This time, it's the phones' marketing materials.They do a good job of differentiating the phones' camera sensors.There's just one more day to go before Samsung's execs take to the stage in San Francisco to unveil the company's upcoming flagships — and let's not forget that cute foldable. Yet, there's very little that they might say on the stage that will be new to most followers of this site, given that just about everything from the phones' looks to their specs to their pricing has now been leaked.Evan Blass, the merciless leaker leading the charge in stripping Samsung's execs from any hope of surprising us with anything, just littered the internet with even more S20 material. This time, it's the company's marketing promos. This batch of leaks, in particular, does an excellent job of highlighting the differences between the S20 series' cameras and thos...

Pairing a wallet case with a larger phone like the Samsung Galaxy S10+ just makes sense — you're already going to have to deal with fitting a bigger device into your pocket or bag, so why not buy an accessory that protects and cuts down on your daily carry? These are the best options for carrying your cards and cash with your S10+.Carry all your cardsFYY Luxury Wallet CaseStaff pickThis FYY wallet case effectively turns your Galaxy S10+ into a wallet. You get three card slots (including a dedicated ID card slot) along with a cash pocket all made from genuine cowhide leather. It also folds over into a stand for watching media and features RFID blocking technology. There are six colors to choose from.$34 at AmazonDesigned by SamsungSamsung LED Wallet CoverSamsung offers a multifunctional wallet case that features handy LED notifications on the screen cover and a card slot on the inside. Your Galaxy S10+ is held in place and protected by a slim shell casing while t...

It's a little more convenient than the current copy and paste method.What you need to knowGoogle is testing out an auto-fill feature for SMS One-Time Passwords (OTP).This lets OTP fields automatically pull in verification codes from the texts sent to the Messages app.It's enabled on beta builds of the Android Messages app. Google is working on a new Android Messages feature that'll make entering two-factor authentication (2FA) and OTP codes much simpler, and it appears to be rolling out now (via Android Police).Currently, Google already offers a means of easily copying codes from the Messages app notification to make entering them as simple as two taps. Upon getting an SMS with a verification code, the 2FA code is displayed with the option to copy it and you can paste it into the field of your choice. This new method goes a bit further. Once an SMS OTP is received on our handset, the Messages app will retrieve it from the SMS and suggest it as an autofill option in the OT...

Sony dropped a neat chunk of change to pick up Insomniac Games.What you need to knowSony acquired Insomniac Games in 2019.The purchase price has been revealed to be $229 million USD, mostly in cash.Insomniac Games released Marvel's Spider-Man in 2018, which has become the best-selling superhero game ever.Back in August 2019, Sony made waves when it announced that it had bought Insomniac Games, a studio that long had ties to PlayStation. We now know exactly how much that deal cost Sony. According to an SEC filing (Securities and Exchange Commission) that was first pointed out by Daniel Ahmad, an analyst at Niko Partners, Sony purchased Insomniac Games for $229 million USD, which was mostly in cash.$229 million isn't a small amount, especially when made mostly in cash on-hand however, it's certainly not an unsusual number. Electronic Arts acquired Respawn Entertainment in 2017 for $315 million, with a $140 million bonus being possible. Marvel's Spider-Man has sold over 13 m...

Best answer: Unfortunately, there's no concrete answer on this yet, but due to the fact that Sony has confirmed the PlayStation 5 will support backward compatability with PlayStation 4 titles, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the company will find a way to help players with older titles.Pick up a game: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $20 at Amazon)Will the PlayStation 5 support PS3 titles?Sony has made no secret that the PlayStation 5 will be backward compatible. However, it hasn't specified just how far back that will go. PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan has spoken about backward compatibility before, but it's been strictly about the PlayStation 4. Because the company is looking into it, however, many are wondering if PlayStation 2 or PS3 titles will also be supported.Adding to the rumors are the facts that Sony has filed patents related to backward compatibility, leading many to believe that the next PlayStation will offer it with every past PlayStation console. The ...

It started as a small enthusiast brand back in 2014, but OnePlus has quickly exploded into a mainstream hit that's responsible for making some of the best Android smartphones every year. If you know you want to buy a OnePlus phone but aren't sure which model to get, we've got a quick list to help you decide which one is right for you!Superb valueOnePlus 7TStaff pickThe OnePlus 7T is the latest offering in OnePlus's lineup, and while it may not technically be the most impressive, it is the phone we recommend most people buy. It has a stunning 90Hz AMOLED display with a 2400x1080 resolution, three rear cameras that allow for a lot of photography opportunities, a fast in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 855+ CPU paired with 8GB of RAM.$599 at OnePlusPop-up cameraOnePlus 7 ProWhile it may have been released a few months before the 7T, the OnePlus 7 Pro continues to be the more "premium" smartphone in the company's lineup. The display is stil...

Here's how to make the switch.WhatsApp is one of the more popular chat apps on the Play Store. This is largely in part due to cross-platform compatibility, but what are you supposed to do when switching from iPhone to Android? Despite Apple's "walled-garden" practice for its apps and iCloud, there is a way for you to still transfer chats to your Android device.How to export WhatsApp chats from iPhoneHow to import WhatsApp chats to AndroidHow to set up backup to Google Drive on AndroidHow to manually back upHow to export WhatsApp chats from iPhoneOpen WhatsApp on iPhone.Swipe to the left on the chat that you want to export.Tap the More button.Select Export Chat.From the share sheet, choose Mail.Enter the email address to access it from your Android phone.Tap the Send icon in the top right-hand corner.Repeat steps for each chat.Once you click Send, the chat will be sent to your email, where it can be retrieved from your Android device. The catch, however, is...

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is launching on February 11, 2020.What you need to knowMax Weinbach of XDA has given us a couple of Night Mode images from the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S10 to compare.In the two sets of images, the Galaxy S20 comes out on top easily by providing a brighter and clearer photo in both situations.The Samsung Galaxy S20 also did a better job of balancing out the exposure and provided a more accurate white balance.Over the past couple of years, night time photography modes have become a big deal on smartphones. Companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Huawei have all introduced dedicated camera modes to help take better photos in extreme low-light conditions, with each one battling it out to be the best.Now, on the eve of Samsung's big Unpacked event, we're getting a look at some samples comparing Night Mode on the Galaxy S20 versus the Galaxy S10. The photos come to us courtesy of XDA's Max Weinbach, who tweeted out two real-world examples for us to an...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.Quadruple your bonus points with IHG this spring.What you need to knowIHG has launched a new limited-time promotion on hotel stays.Travelers can earn up to 4X Bonus Points between now and May 15, 2020.You'll also immediately earn 1,000 Bonus Points on your first night.IHG has just launched a new limited-time promotion that is offering up to 4X points on stays at one of its participating hotels. To entice potential patrons even more, the hotel group is also offering 1000 Bonus Points on the first night booked. After that, you'll continuously earn more bonus points the more nights you stay. Here is the breakdown of the offer:Earn 1000 Bonus Points on your First NightEarn 2X Bonus Points ...

5G is moving quickly and with coverage finally reaching more people thanks to Sub-6 5G. Verizon has been moving quickly on its Ultra Wideband network as well consistently adding new cities and towers. The best plan for you might depend on whether or not you get coverage. The best overall plan for 5G is T-Mobile's Magenta plan with unlimited data and Netflix included.Best Overall: T-Mobile MagentaUnlike other carriers, T-Mobile doesn't relegate its most expensive plans for 5G so if you upgrade to a 5G capable device, you can get connected on any plan. T-Mobile's 5G network isn't the fastest right now but it has the most coverage by far. The speeds on T-Mobile 5G should be plenty for normal phone usage. With that in mind, the Magenta plan is one of the best values on T-Mobile thanks to its unlimited data with deprioritization at 50GB and Netflix included.This plan only includes 3GB of LTE hotspot so it may be worth it to step up to the Magenta Plus plan for $15 more if you use ...

The Galaxy Buds+ are expected to make their official debut tomorrow.What you need to knowNew hands-on video shows off the Galaxy Buds+ ahead of launch.Much of what was already leaked has been confirmed, such as the larger batteries, lack of ANC, and the use of an additional audio driver.The Galaxy Buds+ are expected to launch at Samsung's Unpacked event on February 11, 2020, for $169.Samsung's Unpacked event is scheduled for February 11, 2020, where we expect it to launch the Galaxy S20, among other products. One of those being the Galaxy Buds+, which have already been shown off in a hands-on video, thanks to European retailer that shipped them early.The video comes to us courtesy of WinFuture's Roland Quandt, where he unboxes the new true wireless buds and then gives a quick tour of the product and the app. He also details some of the improvements over last year's Galaxy Buds, confirming much of what has already leaked out.One of the most significant changes is the...

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

What's better than finding a game you love, finding a game you love and only having to pay for it once to play it on two devices. Many popular games support cross-buy between the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift. If you buy any of the games in this collection for one platform, you'll get them on the other without having to spend another penny.Shoot to the musicPistol WhipStaff pickThis rhythmic shooter brings the action to you. You shoot, dodge, dance, and defeat enemies to the rhythm of the music to feel like you're in an action movie.$25 Oculus StoreBang bangAUDICANewThis new title from Harmonix, the makers of Rock Band and Dance Central, has you shoot blasters to the rhythm of songs. It includes songs from popular artists and looks great for replayability as you'll aim to raise your score.$30 at OculusFacing VaderVader Immortal: Episode IIIIn the third installment of the Vader Immortal series, you raid Vader's fortress alongside an army. You'l...

Too many compromises, for too much money.Motorola RAZR: The reviewStunning designFolding displayAverage BatteryPoor CameraMid-range SpecsGood PerformanceGreat SoftwareFinal VerdictThis is the hardest review I've ever written. We're at the beginning of the foldable era, and we've already seen one foldable go through some questionable times, although Samsung was able to rectify the issues with the Galaxy Fold.When Motorola revealed the 2020 RAZR back in November, the world — along with I — stood up and took notice. Motorola was back, challenging at the top of the industry and bringing back the legends in a big way.It's hard to emphasise just how much interest there has been in the RAZR; Motorola itself pushed back the launch as they couldn't make enough to meet the demand, and even now shipping dates are several weeks out. The first question everyone asks when they see my Galaxy Fold is whether it's the new RAZR.The Motorola RAZR is probably the most antici...

China called for more transparent criteria that Huawei could work towards.What you need to knowChina's ambassador to the U.K. accused the Conservative party of engaging in a witch-hunt over Huawei's 5G security fears.In France, the government said that further reprisal against Huawei could see similar sanctions enacted against European firms like Nokia and Ericsson in China The Chinese government also requested for more transparent criteria in France.As the UK continues to make decisions over its 5G network, China takes umbrage with Huawei's role as a villain on this stage. While the U.K. government decided not to ban Huawei from its 5G network, senior conservatives have argued that Huawei and other high-risk vendors be phased out slowly from key parts of telecoms infrastructure — or be ruled out entirely."I think what they are doing is a kind of a witch-hunt," China's ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming told the BBC, "Huawei is a private-owned company, nothing to do wit...

What will I listen to now?What you need to knowSpotify is currently down for some people.Users have reported issues streaming music, accessing the website, and checking their accounts.It's not a total global outage so not everyone is afflicted. Something off with your music streaming today? It's not just you, your wifi or your phone. Spotify is down in some parts of the world as per Down Detector.Over the past hour, some users have reported that loading up the website and trying to access their accounts has failed all day, while some haven't even been able to access the website. It's not a total outage mind you, so more than a few will still be able to stream music. From the outage map, it seems mostly localized to Europe with relatively few issues in North America.If you're affected, just give it an hour or two for service to be restored. Your ears will thank you for it.Spotify: Everything you need to know...

Best answer: Yes. The Pixel 4's main camera presents better results because the software does so much of the heavy lifting. With manual sliders for both exposure and shadows, users have more control over dynamic range, and Night Sight is elective, rather than a mode that kicks in on its own.Stay cool and get close: Google Pixel 4 (From $630 at Amazon)The Pixel 4 gives good odds on getting a good photoA sunset scene with the Pixel 4 (left) and iPhone 11 (right)Despite sticking with the same 12MP image sensor and lens from the previous Pixel 3, the Pixel 4's camera is buoyed by Google's computational photography that interprets and interpolates any given scene when shooting it. There's plenty at work in how Google pulls this off, but the results often speak for themselves. The camera captures a burst of photos at different exposures to render more realistic colors and dynamic range.Pixel photos are usually higher in contrast compared to the warmer tones and color temperat...

Samsung is hoping to ship a total of 6 million foldable phones this year.What you need to knowAs per a new report, Samsung aims to ship 2.5 million units of its Galaxy Z Flip foldable this year.Samsung's second foldable phone is set to be formally unveiled at its Unpacked event in San Francisco on Tuesday. A direct successor to the Galaxy Fold is expected to be launched in August this year. At CES 2020 last month, Samsung had revealed that it had shipped half a million units of the Galaxy Fold in 2019. For its second foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung has reportedly set a much more ambitious sales target. As per a report from The Korea Herald, Samsung plans to ship around 2.5 million units of the Galaxy Z Flip in 2020.Citing "industry sources," the report claims Samsung is preparing to roll out an initial batch of 500,000 Galaxy Z Flip units. Some industry insiders, however, are skeptical about Samsung's volume forecasts for the clamshell foldable. Even though the...

Every VR user wants their headset to seal them in a black vacuum of perfect immersion. Unfortunately, most new headsets, including the Oculus Quest, sport a sizable nose gap that lets light seep in. The nose gap design has several positives. It enables you to check your phone or surroundings without removing your headset, it circulates cold air in to prevent foggy lenses, and accommodates noses of all sizes and shapes. However, you may still want to try sealing the gap. Here are some of the best official and DIY options to remove light bleed from your Quest.Products used in this guideExtra cushion: AMVR VR Facial Interface Set ($36 at Amazon)Built-in mask: Esimen VR Face Silicone Mask Pad & Face Cover ($12 at Amazon)Light shield secure: Hook and Loop Cinch Strap ($12 at Amazon)Reliable adhesion: Gorilla 6065001Double Sided Mounting Tape ($6 at Amazon)Sticky, skinny fabric: Caydo Craft Black Adhesive Back Felt Sheets ($9 at Amazon)Preparing to installThe standard ...

Chatting with the AC forums.Samsung's Galaxy S20 lineup will be made official tomorrow, February 11. We can't wait for the phones to finally be unveiled to the world, even if we already know virtually everything about them.Over the years, Samsung has been known to offer some pretty great colors for its smartphones. For the S20, we're expecting a total of four colors — Cloud Blue, Cloud Pink, Cosmic Grey, and Cosmic Black.Looking through the AC forums, here's what our members have to say about this year's colors. sulla1965 02-06-2020 10:40 PM “ yeah I'm not feeling that light blue at all. I really liked the Blue note 10+, shame they didn't offer it for the S20. I'm dismayed they didn't even offer black for the S20. Looks like I may have to go with the 20+ then. Reply pags11 02-07-2020 12:26 AM “ ...

It is shaping up to be a solid upgrade over the V50 ThinQ.What you need to knowA screenshot from an LG V60 ThinQ promo video has revealed the upcoming LG flagship will have a massive 5,000mAh battery.The V60 ThinQ will also come with a total of four microphones and a quad-camera setup at the back. It is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset, like most other upcoming 2020 flagship Android phones.LG's smartphone business may be performing poorly, but the company is still hopeful that it can turn things around with a strong lineup of 5G phones. Two screenshots from a promotional video for the company's next 5G flagship, the LG Time (V60ThinQ), have leaked, courtesy of legendary leakster Evan Blass. The screenshots reveal that the next LG flagship phone will be equipped with four microphone channels, which should allow for more impressive audio recording capabilities compared to its rivals. In addition to four microphones, the V60 ThinQ will also have a 3.5...

Google makes it easy to mirror the screen of any Android phone to a TV connected to a Chromecast. With Pixel phones, you'll actually find the option to cast your screen right in the notification shade, but for any other phone you can cast your screen from right in the Google Home app.How to mirror your Android screen with ChromecastMake sure your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.Open the Google Home app on your phone.Tap the Chromecast you want to mirror your phone to.Tap Cast my screen.Tap Cast screen.Google will warn you not to show any passwords or other sensitive data while screen recording or casting your screen. Tap Start now to cast your screen to your Chromecast.You can control the volume in the Home app and also tap the Stop mirroring button when you're done.And that's it! When you're done casting your phone to your TV, you can find the controls for turning off screen casting in the Google Home app or in the notification shade....

For just $20/month for unlimited calls/texts and $10 per GB of data you use (any data past 6GB is free), Google Fi is one of the most compelling MVNOs around. Factor in its excellent roaming support, nationwide coverage, and Bill Protection feature that credits back whatever data you don't use, and you have an even more appealing purchase. Fi works on almost any unlocked phone these days, but certain features work better on some phones than others. The Pixel 4 XL is our top recommendation for the network, but if that doesn't fit your needs, there are plenty of other handsets to choose from.Best Overall: Google Pixel 4 XLWhen it comes to phones that work with Google Fi, the one we think is the best overall option is the Google Pixel 4 XL. Not only is the 4 XL an exciting phone on its own, it was also built with Fi in mind to provide the best possible experience when used on the network.Looking at the phone itself, the Pixel 4 XL brings a lot to the table. It has a large 6.3-in...

A few other companies are still contemplating their next steps.What you need to knowAfter LG, ZTE, and Ericsson, Sony has announced that it is pulling out of MWC 2020 over Coronavirus concerns.Sony's press conference will instead take place on February 24 as a video via its official YouTube channel.Amazon too has confirmed that it will not be participating at MWC 2020 due to the outbreak. Following similar announcements by LG, ZTE, and Ericsson last week, Sony today confirmed that it has decided to withdraw from exhibiting and participating at the Mobile World Congress this year.Here's what the company said in a statement posted on its website: Sony has been closely monitoring the evolving situation following the novel coronavirus outbreak, which was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization on January 30th, 2020. As we place the utmost importance on the safety and wellbeing of our customers, partners, media and employees, we have taken the dif...

It is expected to sport a dual hole-punch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.What you need to knowRealme will announce its first 5G flagship smartphone at MWC 2020.The Snapdragon 865 chipset will power the Realme X50 Pro 5G.Like the recently announced Realme X50, the X50 Pro 5G is expected to have a pill-shaped hole-punch cutout with two selfie cameras. Realme today announced that its first 5G flagship phone, the Realme X50 Pro 5G, will debut at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2020 in Barcelona. Realme's first-ever MWC press conference will begin at 9:30 AM CET on February 24.The upcoming flagship phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset and is expected to have a similar design to the Realme X50 5G launched in China last month. A screenshot showing the Realme X50 Pro 5G's About Phone section was shared on Weibo by Realme CMO Xu Qi Chase recently, which revealed some of its key tech specs.As per the screenshot shared by Chase, the upcoming Realme flagshi...

The Mi 10 will be Xiaomi's first flagship phone to be unveiled at an online-only event.What you need to knowOfficial renders of the Xiaomi Mi 10 have surfaced ahead of its official unveiling.Xiaomi's upcoming Mi 10 smartphone series will be launched at an online-only event on February 13. The Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro flagship phones will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 chipset. LG, ZTE, Ericsson, and NVIDIA recently announced that they have decided to pull out of the Mobile World Congress this year, due to the Coronavirus outbreak. While Xiaomi is still going to hold a global launch event in Barcelona on February 23 for its flagship Mi 10 series, the company has announced that the Chinese launch will be held at an online-only event on February 13. Official renders of the Mi 10 have now surfaced on Weibo , revealing its design and confirming a few key tech specs.The official render shared by Xiaomi on Weibo shows the Mi 10 will have a curved display with a razor-thin bezel ...

The company couldn't wait till Tuesday.What you need to knowSamsung preempted itself by showing off the Galaxy Z Flip two days before its official unveiling.The foldable was found flipping its way around TVs earlier today during the Oscars' commercial break.The phone is expected to cost between $1,300 and $1,400 in the U.S.Samsung took the wraps off its newest foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip, in the most dramatic way possible: during an event filled with dramatists — i.e., the Oscars. Well, before you scold me for misinformation, let me clarify that, no, Brad Pitt didn't run onto the stage with a Flip in hand. It was during the commercial break, but that's close enough, no?With its marquee "Change the shape of the future" tagline and some truly questionable music, Samsung introduced the millions tuning in to the awards function to its most innovative smartphone yet. And true to its name, the phone flipped and flopped around the screen a lot:Samsung just showed off its new...

The perfect gift for your valentine.What you need to knowThe Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will reportedly be launched on Valentine's Day.T-Mobile and Sprint — and possibly AT&T — will carry the handset.There might also be an unlocked version of the phone.Unlike with the Galaxy S20 series, it has been hard to nail down many of the details surrounding the Galaxy Z Flip's availability and pricing. As we draw closer to both phones' launch, we've seen a flurry of leaks about the foldable, often with contradictory details.Many of these details have come via XDA's Max Weinbach, who acknowledged the confusion surrounding the phone's pricing but claimed he was quite certain about the phone's launch date, at least:I've heard so many weird stuff about the Galaxy Z Flip. Different prices, different carriers, but the one thing that stays the same is the date. February 14th. Also I'm now hearing T-Mobile and Sprint with a 99% chance on AT&T. Unlocked will exist as well.— Max W...