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Updated 2026-08-01 16:02
These are the best cheap alternatives to the NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)
The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) is hands down the best Android TV set-top box you can buy, offering a great mix of features for cord cutters and gamers alike. However, all that greatness comes at a fairly high price. If you're looking to save some money on your next streaming box, your best bet is the Xiaomi Mi Box S, but we've rounded up a couple of other options as well.Best Overall: Xiaomi Mi Box SThe Xiaomi Mi Box S is the best option for those wanting the full Android TV experience at a lower price point. Featuring decent specs and compatibility with 4K TVs, this is an affordable option for anyone looking to stream content from the most popular services available from the Google Play Store — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, and so on.Given the price and the compatibility, it might seem like a no-brainer but the Xiaomi Mi Box S does have some shortcomings. While it offers support for 4K content, it struggles to stream in 4K without considerable lag. As writer ...
Here's what a Surface Duo or Neo with a foldable display could look like
While the Duo and Neo feature split displays, Microsoft at least played with the idea of folding displays.What you need to knowA newly published patent by Microsoft shows a design for a device with a folding display.Similar patents have appeared from companies such as Dell.Several devices with foldable displays will be available in 2020.A newly published patent by Microsoft shows off potential designs for a device with a folding display. WindowsUnited discovered the patent, which shows off a design that expands into a single large screen. Microsoft filed the patent on May 6, 2019 and it was published yesterday. While the design appears similar to the Surface Duo, the patent only refers to it as a "hinged device," so it could be a phone or PC.2019 was the year that companies dabbled with foldable devices. Samsung released the Galaxy Fold, and Huawei countered with the Mate X. 2020 appears to be the year that the foldable market could take off. Lenovo will release the first...
Beat Saber just gained three free songs on Steam, PSVR, and Oculus
Beat Saber's library of music continues to expand with three new songs from Cametek.What you need to knowBeat Saber just added three free songs from Cametek.The songs come with the latest update to the popular rhythmic game.The songs are available on Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Oculus Store.Beat Games just added three new songs to the popular rhythmic game Beat Saber. All three songs are from the artist Cametek and come with the latest update to Beat Saber. The songs are available on Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Oculus Store.The three new songs are:"Exit This Earth's Atmosphere""Ghost""Light it Up"フリー新曲出た!💎The new update with 3 new free tracks by one & only @cametek just landed on Steam, PlayStation Store & Oculus Store!We're releasing:> Exit This Earth's Atomosphere> GHOST> Light It Up*Friendly reminder: You should stretch before downloading this update. pic.twitter.com/EQdPi8rIGo— Beat Saber (@BeatSaber) J...
The EU will follow the UK's example in not banning Huawei
Both will ignore US advice.What you need to knowThe EU will not be banning Huawei equipment from 5G networks.The bloc will be following the UK's footsteps in opting for a threat mitigation stance.While US officials are displeased by the decision, Huawei is pleased by the "non-biased and fact-based approach." The EU will follow the UK in allowing Huawei hardware in its 5G networks in a limited capacity as it issues a new toolbox for security risks related to 5G. The bloc allows member states to set their own rules on adoption and choose their own suppliers but urges them to avoid dependency on "single" sources and especially "high-risk" suppliers. While Huawei isn't specifically named, it's clearly the subject of the discussion.Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, said in a statement: A genuine Security Union is one which protects Europe's citizens, companies and critical infrastructure. 5G will be a ground-breaking technology but ...
These card games for Android will rock your world
For some, card games are the ultimate way to relax. Killing time on your morning commute or unwinding at the end of your day playing cards can now all happen on your phone, which is fantastic. You can play solo games, connect with friends or random online opponents over classic card games, or dive into fantasy card games of every kind. Here are some of our favorites now available for Android.Enjoy your card waterfallMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionStaff PickMicrosoft single-handedly made Solitare a household name by including it with every version of Windows since 1990. You now keep yourself distracted on the go with the Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which includes the iconic Klondike version along with Free Cell, Spider, Tri Peaks, and Pyramid. It's a free game supported with ads with the option to pay a monthly or yearly subscription (ew) to remove them. There are daily challenges available and you can link your Xbox Live account to earn achievements and compete against...
Mint Mobile's Super Bowl 2020 promo gives you three free months of service
After you get the free offer, you will have 45 days to activate your plan.What you need to knowMint Mobile has announced a new offer wherein it is offering 3 months of free service to new customers.The offer will start at 3:15 PM PST on February 2 and end at 7: 15 PM. Existing Mint customers will not be eligible for this promo.Just ahead of Super Bowl 2020, Mint Mobile has come up with an amazing new promo, offering three free months of service. The limited time offer will be available from 3:15 PM PST on February 2 until around 7:15 PM, which is when the final whistle in the big game will be blown.As long as you aren't an existing Mint customer, you can avail the offer and get three months of free service. The free plan includes 3GB of 4G LTE data per month, unlimited talk & text, free mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi calling & text, and a 3-in-1 SIM card kit.While there are no hidden fees involved, there is a $0.01 temporary payment verification to make sure that your cr...
Discover your ancestry and reach your health goals with these DNA kits
At-home DNA tests are all the rage these days, and with good reason. Through a simple and painless process, these kits can unearth generations of genealogical data that most of us would otherwise never know about. Vitagene is making a name for itself in the field not only for its ability to pinpoint where your ancestors may have come from, but also by adding in actionable health plans that are informed by the same genetic information. That way, you can learn about where you came from and how you can live a healthier life down the road.Right now, Vitagene has multiple at-home test kits available, and they're all on sale for up to 59% off the usual price. Read on for details.1. Vitagene DNA Ancestry Premium Test Kit & Health Plan VoucherMSRP: $139 | Sale Price: $100 (28% off)In addition to teaching you about your global ancestry, Vitagene's premium test kit breaks down how your genetics influence your diet and which supplements and workouts are best for you. Plus, as a s...
Build you own phone cleaning kit without breaking the bank
Human beings are filthy, and as we use our phones anywhere and everywhere, we expose our phones to all that filth as well. And since you can't give your phone a hot, soapy shower every day (like you do with yourself, I hope), you should build yourself a cleaning kit to keep the grime and nastiness under control before those germs migrate back from your phone to you and get you sick.Clean screen on the goZEISS Mobile Screen Wipes (60ct Box)Staff pickIf you need your screen clean when you're not home with your spritzer bottles, I absolutely adore these single-serve wipes. I keep a few of them in my bag for wiping my screen after it gets all sweaty and grimy when I'm out and about.$11 at AmazonLet there be lightPhoneSoap 3 UV Cell Phone SanitizerThis phone-sized tanning bed uses UV lights to kill the surface bacteria on your phone in order to keep the germs on your phone from getting you sick. I also run car keys and my credit cards through here from time to time.$...
Get all the channels with the best over-the-air antenna
If you're looking to pick out an over-the-air antenna, there can be an overwhelming amount of choices to pick through. Whether you're looking for a large range or a cheap price, you could be shuffling through antennas for hours. I'd recommend taking a look at the ClearStream 1MAX outdoor antenna if you're looking for a decent antenna at a good price. Make sure to keep reading for even more information on what makes this the best overall antenna. There are several great antennas to choose from, based on what you need and what you're looking to spend on them.Best Overall: ClearStream 1MAXThe ClearStream 1MAX is the clear choice for the best overall antenna with all of the great features it has to offer in the antenna world. With this price range and the addition of an amplifier, it helps to push home the beauty of this product. The design is nice and simple, and it won't take up much space indoors or out. As with all antennas, the accuracy of the stated range may not be true for ...
Who makes the better video doorbell, Ring or Eufy?
Eufy Video DoorbellVideo value$130 at AmazonProsCheaper than Ring Video Doorbell 2Subscription not requiredDoorbell chime included Local storage optionsWorks with Amazon Alexa and Google AssistantConsWired version onlyNo real IFTTT supportIssues with the quality of motion capture and AI featuresThe Eufy Video Doorbell is our top pick for several reasons, including the fact that it's a one-time purchase. You don't need to subscribe to a plan to view your content, it offers local storage, and it's substantially cheaper than the Ring Video Doorbell 2.Ring Video Doorbell 2Popular people portal$200 at AmazonProsWorks great with Alexa and Amazon devicesWired and battery-powered optionsInfrared night visionCustomizable faceplatesConsDoesn't work with Google AssistantSubscription required to access recordingsDoorbell chime is an additional purchaseWhile Ring may be at the center of privacy scandals, its products are still top-notch. ...
Your Google Pixel will soon be able to record and transcribe calls
It's taken a while, but its almost here.What you need to knowThe call recording functionality of the Google Phone app has been enabled in one of the beta builds.Users will be able to transcribe recordings, converting them to text for note-taking and data retention purposes.The app will also notify both parties once the recording has begun to avoid legal contentions..Google has been working on call recording for its phone app for a while now. Today, we're finally able to see how it works due to the good folks at XDA Developers.The team managed to fully enable the call recording feature on beta builds of the Google Phone app, and it apparently works pretty well. The first thing to note is that it's a call recording feature, so if it works there really isn't anything to say other than it does what it says it does.The second thing of note is that Google alerts both the recorder and the recorded party of the potential legal issues around recordings. Callers will hear a short...
The first Android-powered feature phone might be the Nokia 400 4G
It's been coming since 2019.What you need to knowHMD Global is reportedly working on an Android feature phone.Called the Nokia 400 4G, it'll ship with a new variant of Android customised for the form factor.New evidence of its existence was just spotted on the Wi-Fi Alliance. HMD Global, the company behind the Nokia brand, might be getting ready to bring Android to the feature phone world. A phone known as the Nokia 400 4G was spotted on the Wi-Fi Alliance website. While ordinarily not interesting, what drew attention was the operating system it was said to run, GAFP.As recalled by XDA Developers, GAFP was first referenced a year ago in the very first leak of an Android-powered feature phone. The report came from 9to5Google, showing off Android apps and the Google Assistant. In the About Phone header, GAFP was listed as the operating system on a later video that surfaced. It's not clear what GAFP stands for (Google Android for Feature Phones?), nor has it been officially...
How to change your phone's resolution and refresh rate
Throughout 2019, flagships from brands like Google, ASUS, and OnePlus started shipping with 90Hz panels, making for a far snappier-feeling experience than the 60Hz panels we're all used to. There's just one problem: higher refresh rates, along with the higher resolutions that have become commonplace, can have a pretty heavy impact on battery life. Here's how to take control of your phone's resolution.Products used in this guideAdjustable resolution: Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ ($900 at Amazon)Adjustable refresh rate: Google Pixel 4 ($635 at Amazon)How to change your phone's resolutionWhether you already have one of the aforementioned phones, or you're gearing up for the upcoming Galaxy S20 and its rumored 120Hz WQHD+ display, lowering your phone's resolution is a quick and simple process. Just bear in mind that the exact steps will differ a bit depending on what kind of phone you're using — we're using a Galaxy Note 10+ for the sake of this guide, but the steps are generally...
Google may take on Slack with a new ‘unified’ messaging app for businesses
The mobile app is currently being tested internally by the company.What you need to knowGoogle is apparently developing a unified new communications app aimed at businesses.It is expected to include Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat functionality as well. The app will compete with enterprise communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack. Google is said to be working on a new "unified" messaging app for businesses, in order to better compete against application suites from rivals such as Microsoft. As per The Information, the app will combine the functionality of multiple standalone apps that Google currently offers, including Gmail and Drive.Google's upcoming mobile app is likely to include Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat functionality as well. The application suite is expected to be part of G Suite, which is Google's collection of online productivity apps and services.The upcoming all-in-one solution from Google will allow the company to take on Microsoft Te...
Are Android phones 'safe' from viruses & for banking?
No online device is really safe, but your Android phone gets pretty darn close.Android phones have always had a terrible reputation when it comes to security. In the early days, it might have been warranted because manufacturers made hundreds of models and never cared about updating any of them. When you combine this with those same manufacturers not really following any sort of best practices when it comes to online security, there will be people who get hit with malware. Android security has come a long way in the past ten years.Google wasn't that great at things ten years ago, either. The company knew how to harden a server and protect both the hardware and the data it holds from intrusion and hacking, but phones were a whole different ball game because of one thing: users.When you have phones that probably aren't secured as well as they could be and users who will do the unpredictable, it's a recipe for disaster.Thankfully, that large scale disaster never really happ...
Are the Jabra Elite 75t true wireless earbuds waterproof?
Best answer: No, the Jabra Elite 75t are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant. They can resist a low-pressure water jet spray, which means you can wear them while running in the rain, splashing by a pool, or sweating during a workout. However, they aren't designed for swimming.Water-resistant: Jabra Elite 75t ($180 at Amazon)Better for Swimming: Jabra Elite Active 75t ($200 at Best Buy)Not waterproof, but you can still get them wetThe Jabra Elite 75t true wireless earbuds offer the same waterproof rating as the previous-generation 65t true wireless earbuds. This is IP55, which means it can withstand a low-pressure water jet spray, as well as dust. So, you can go for a run in the rain while wearing them, or even wear them by the pool without worry about splashes of water getting on them. However, you don't want to wear them while swimming or in the shower.Not only is the IP rating not sufficient to withstand actual submersion in water, but salt, chlorine, chemicals,...
Is it better to buy new or used smartphones?
Let's chat with the AC forums.When buying a smartphone, there are a lot of factors to consider — battery life, screen size, and camera quality, just to name a few. In addition to all of that, you also need to think about what sort of condition you want the phone to be in.Buying a new phone is typically the more expensive way to go, but you also have the guarantee of the warranty it comes with and peace of mind that you're the only person who's owned it. Used phones can often be the source of great savings, but you need to be careful you're buying through a reliable source and that you can trust the individual seller.Some of our AC forum members recently got to talking about whether they prefer buying new or used, and this is what they had to say. Mark Squires 01-24-2020 08:31 PM “ I think, with me, buying new is that safe idea. If something isn't right, simply return it. Again, with a pri...
How to watch the Super Bowl on PlayStation in 2020
Time to get everything you need for the Super Bowl.When you're preparing for the big game day with your friends and family, you'll want to make sure that everything is ready well ahead of time. If you were planning on streaming over your PlayStation 4, you might run into some issues. Since the death of PlayStation Vue, you might not be sure about exactly how to watch the Superbowl on your PlayStation. Luckily, you have a few options.Since there is no proper FoxSports app on PlayStation, at the forefront of your viable options is YouTube TV. PlayStation has actively encouraged former PlayStation Vue users to swap over to YouTube TV. Recently, a full YouTube TV app was added to PlayStation and this will be the simplest way to get ready for the Super Bowl.If you haven't signed up for YouTube TV before, you should be able to redeem a free trial. Whether you're on a free trial or an active subscriber, you'll want to download the YouTube TV app to your PlayStation 4. From there, find...
Samsung's new Galaxy Tab S6 5G is the world’s first 5G-enabled tablet
It will only be sold in South Korea, at least initially.What you need to knowSamsung today unveiled a variant of the Galaxy Tab S6 with 5G connectivity.The tablet is set to go on sale in South Korea tomorrow for KRW 999,900 ($850). There is no word yet on whether the new Galaxy Tab S6 5G will be launched in markets outside of South Korea. Samsung today announced a 5G-enabled variant of its impressive Galaxy Tab S6 Android tablet, dubbed the Galaxy Tab S6 5G. Aside from 5G connectivity, the new model is no different from the Galaxy Tab S6. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G will be going on sale in South Korea tomorrow for KRW 999,900 ($850). Consumers who purchase the tablet by March 31 will receive several purchase benefits, including a free Samsung Book Cover keyboardSamsung's Galaxy Tab S6 5G is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor as the 4G and Wi-Fi only variants of the tablet. However, instead of the integrated X24 LTE modem, it uses the Snapdragon X50 5G...
How to use Google Cast from your Chrome browser
Google Cast is the protocol behind Chromecast, and you can easily stream content to your TV or other Chromecast device directly from your Chrome browser. Even if a website or streaming service doesn't work with Chromecast, you have the ability to cast a particular tab or your entire desktop directly in Chrome. Here's how you can get started.Products used in this guideStream in 4K: Chromecast Ultra ($69 at Amazon)How to cast to your Chromecast or Android TV from ChromeNavigate to the action overflow menu (three vertical dots) located in the right corner of the browser.Select the Cast button.Hit Sources to pull up options for casting content. Choose Cast tab to cast the particular tab, or select Cast desktop to project the screen to your Chromecast device. Cast file lets you stream an individual file.Choose your Chromecast target device and you'll see a blue indicator at the bottom that tells you what tab is currently casting. Hit Stop to finish casting media to you...
Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A51 launches in India for ₹23,999 ($337)
The mid-range phone will be available in three color options – Prism Black, Prism White, and Blue.What you need to knowSamsung today launched its mid-range Galaxy A51 in the Indian market.The smartphone has been priced at ₹23,999 ($337) in the country.It will be available via both online and offline stores across India from January 31. Samsung's mid-range Galaxy A51, which made its debut in Vietnam last month alongside the Galaxy A71, was launched in India today. The phone succeeds the Galaxy A50 and the Galaxy A50s that were launched last year. While it isn't a massive upgrade over the Galaxy A50, it does come with a few notable improvements and runs Android 10-based One UI 2.0 right out of the box.Samsung has launched just a single variant of the Galaxy A51 in India, featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. Priced at ₹23,999 ($337), the Galaxy A51 will be sold in the country through online as well as offline stores starting January 31. Consumers who purcha...
Google Translate will soon get a real-time transcription feature
The feature is expected to start rolling out to users sometime later this year.What you need to knowGoogle will be adding a live transcription feature to the Google Translate app on Android sometime in the coming months.The feature was previewed by the search giant at an artificial intelligence event held in San Francisco. It will require an active internet connection to work, as the translation will be done on Google's servers. The Google Translate app received a minor upgrade last month, gaining offline transliteration support for ten new languages. Google is now set to add a new feature to its Google Translate app for Android, which will allow it to transcribe and translate speech from one language to another in real-time. The tech giant previewed the upcoming feature at an event in San Francisco on Tuesday.The "transcribe mode" within Google Translate app has been developed to translate long-form speeches. It will reportedly only work by capturing live audio through y...
Who's playing in the Super Bowl for 2020?
With the regular season behind us, and the playoffs finally finished, we now know which two teams will be playing in Super Bowl 2020. After some intense AFC and NFC championship games, the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs will be going head to head on February 2 in Miami to see who will come out on top this year.The Kansas City Chiefs beat out the Tennessee Titans by a score of 35 to 24. The team heads to the Super Bowl with a record of 14-4. As for the 49ers, the team beat out the Green Bay Packers by 17 points, with a final score of 37 to 20. San Franscisco managed a 15-3 record.When it comes to the Super Bowl, neither of these teams is all too familiar with heading there. San Franciscos's 49ers have appeared in the Super Bowl six times to date, (2013, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1982), while the Kansas City Chiefs have only appeared in two other Super Bowls, (1967 and 1970). The 49ers have won five of its previous appearances, and the franchise was actually the first to ha...
People into rooting and modding should check out these phones
Rooting isn't as popular as it used to be, but there's still a vibrant community of modders involved in launching new ROMs. If you're just getting started or are looking to delve back into the world of modding, these are the devices you need to consider.Staff pickOnePlus 7 ProStaff PickThe OnePlus 7 Pro brings the latest internal hardware, does away with the display notch, and uses an improved in-display fingerprint sensor. The hardware on offer makes it one of the fastest phones in the market today, and it's easy to recommend the 7 Pro if you're interested in tinkering with custom ROMs.$570 at AmazonThat Cheap PixelGoogle Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a is rocking a solid OLED display, the latest available version of Android, and is guaranteed to be updated for the next three years. Plus, if you care about camera quality at all, absolutely nothing comes close to it. Google also makes it extremely straightforward to unlock the bootloader and install custom ROMs.$399 ...
The Echo Buds offer great sound and Alexa access at a great price
At a jam-packed fall product launch this past September, Amazon announced over a dozen new Echo and Alexa products to a gathering of tech reporters and enthusiasts. Leading up to that announcement, perhaps no device was as widely anticipated as the Echo Buds, and initial reviews and impressions were mostly favorable.But what are the Echo Buds, you might ask? The simple answer is that they're Amazon's first real attempt at truly wireless smart earbuds. The more complicated answer is that they're part of the company's larger efforts to make their smart assistant even more ubiquitous in the wider world.From the smart assistant's earliest days, Amazon recognized the need to remove Alexa from her black cylindrical prison and push her out the front door. After the initial Echo speaker launched in late 2014, the next batch of products to come out included the now-defunct Amazon Tap, which was a portable Bluetooth speaker with Alexa built-in. With the Fire Phone DOA in 2014 and the Tap n...
Does my iPhone support PS4 Remote Play?
Best answer: As long as your iPhone has iOS 12.1 or later installed, it will support PS4 Remote Play. We recommend an iPhone 7 or newer.Grab games to play on the go: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)What is PS4 Remote Play?PS4 Remote Play is an app that allows PlayStation users to stream their games to PC and select mobile devices. It is not a separate streaming service that you need to pay monthly for. To use it you'll need to have a PlayStation 4 console and own the games that you want to stream.How do I know which version of iOS my iPhone is running?Finding out which version of iOS your iPhone is running is incredibly easy, and it's the same process no matter which model you have.Go to Settings.Select General.Select About.On the following screen, it will list which software version you have. PS4 Remote Play will not work with an earlier version (before 12.1) of iOS installed. You'll either need to update your iPhone or purchase a new one for it to ...
The IHG Premier card just hit an all-time high of 140,000 bonus points
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.Stay forever with IHG's biggest offer ever..What you need to knowIHG has launched a new welcome bonus offer on its credit card.New cardholders can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000.This offer is an all-time high for the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.If you ever stay at one of the hotels that are part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, this is the best welcome offer we have ever seen for its credit card. Right now, new cardholders can earn 140,000 bonus points** after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, an all-time high for the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.The welcome bonus shakes out to about $700 in free stay...
We'll need to wait until September to get our hands on Marvel's Avengers
Play as your favorite Marvel heroes and save the world from horrific evil.The Marvel Cinematic Universe brought to life our favorite comic book heroes like never before. Due to its success, we've seen the team grace nearly every form of media recently. Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics, along with several other studios lending a hand, were tasked with creating a new video game to do the Earth's Mightiest Heroes justice.Avengers, reassemble!What is Marvel's AvengersWhich characters are in itWhat's the storyWhat's the gameplay likeIs it connected to Spider-Man on PS4?Platform exclusive contentNo loot boxesYou can play it in SeptemberSave the planetMarvel's Avengers$50 at AmazonAn ever-expanding online gameAfter a horrific event leaves San Francisco in ruins, the Avengers have been disbanded. However, an even bigger evil threatens the planet five years later, and it's up to you to assemble the crew and save the world once again.What is Marvel's Avengers?...
Can PS4's Remote Play stream movies to other devices?
Best answer: No, not at all. PlayStation's Remote Play doesn't allow streaming of movies and it makes us sad. Apps and portable drives seem to be our best hope.Movies on the go: LG External Optical Drive ($26 at Amazon)Grab digital media: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)What is Remote Play?Remote Play is a Sony gaming console feature that allows you to stream your PS4 games to a remote device. It was initially developed for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and Vita but was expanded to include macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. By installing the free program (Remote Play) on a compatible device that can support a DualShock controller, you can remotely use your PS4 on that device's screen. This means when you don't have access to your TV, or if it's in use by somebody else, you can still access your PlayStation 4.The rules of Remote PlayRemote Play is not available when the PS4 is being used for the following:When you're broadcasting streamed gameplay from ...
Google has a new web app that makes flashing updates easier than ever
All you need is a browser and a Pixel.What you need to knowGoogle has just made it easy for developers to try out the newest Android builds on their phones with the new Android Flash Tool.It runs with a simple web-app in Chrome on all desktop platforms.You'll need a Pixel 2 or later to take advantage of this. Interested in knowing how your hip new app is going to work on upcoming Android builds? Google's just made it easier to find out. The firm today unveiled the Android Flash Tool, a tool that makes it easy for developers to flash their phones with the latest AOSP builds.Google's Mitchell Wills, Android Build Software Engineer explained in a blog post: In order to support developers working in AOSP we are launching Android Flash Tool, which allows developers to flash devices with builds listed on the Continuous Integration Dashboard. This can be used by developers working on the Android OS to test changes or App developers to test compatibility with the latest AOSP ...
How to effectively optimize your Google Photos library
Google Photos is an amazing tool that lets you back up all of your photos and videos in one place. You get free unlimited storage so long as you don't mind a bit of compression on your backups — and if you'd rather keep your material in pristine quality, you can just as easily pull from your Google One cloud storage. However, as you upload more and more media, your library can quickly become a cluttered mess. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools available at your disposal to keep things organized.Phone recommended in this guideTake the best photos: Google Pixel 4 ($635 at Amazon)Delete duplicate photosThis first tip may be obvious, but we've all been in this situation: you're taking a selfie or group photo, or trying to nab the perfect landscape shot to show off your vacation, and you take dozens of photos to maximize the potential for the right shot. That's a great strategy, but it also leads to a lot of clutter. Take some time after your photo shoot to pick the winne...
Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Flip fully revealed in high-quality renders
The phone should be announced in February alongside the Galaxy S20.What you need to knowLeaked renders have fully revealed the design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.The main display is 6.7-inches and has an ultra-tall 22:9 aspect ratio.There's also a second display on the outer portion of the phone to show the time, notifications, and other info.Following last year's groundbreaking Galaxy Fold, Samsung is expected to launch its second foldable device alongside the Galaxy S20 next month. It's called the Galaxy Z Flip, and thanks to leaked renders from Evan Blass and WinFuture, we now have our clearest look yet at the phone.Where the Galaxy Fold has a traditional smartphone form factor that opens up horizontally to turn into a miniature tablet, the Galaxy Z Flip goes the route of the Motorola RAZR by having an ultra-compact footprint that opens vertically to reveal a familiar smartphone form factor.The main internal display is using Samsung's "Infinity Flex" screen techno...
The Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can buy for under $400
When your budget maxes out at $400, the Google Pixel 3a is the best phone you can get. That's because it offers the same core experience as the higher-end Pixel 3 that preceded it. You get the same software and features, and the exact same camera experience. The only shortcomings come in the hardware and a couple of the specs — a fine trade-off to save hundreds of dollars.Best Overall: Google Pixel 3aThe Pixel 3a strikes a good balance between hardware, specs, and experience. Yes, it's made out of plastic, but it's really well executed. Yes, it has cut specs compared to the Pixel 3, but it fits right in with the phones at this price. Its features, too, match the competition, but unlike the other phones, the Pixel 3a has great Google software that's filled with nice little features and guaranteed to get updates for years.However, what sets the Pixel 3a apart from the competition at this price is its camera. Where it's completely acceptable for a sub-$400 phone to have an "ok...
Google tests macOS-like 'Quick Answers' in Chrome OS Canary builds
Google Assistant is geting more to do on the desktop platform.What you need to knowGoogle is testing Quick Answers, a Chrome OS feature that uses the Google Assistant to provide resources based on highlighted text.Quick Answers works a lot like macOS' 'Look Up' feature.Google is currently testing it out on Chrome OS 81.Google is working on a new feature for Chrome OS — Quick Answers. Doing exactly what the name implies, Quick Answers is a feature that leverages the Google Assistant to quickly answer queries. It's a lot like Look Up on macOS, offering definitions of highlighted words, as well as pronunciations and google translations for foreign languages. You'll need to have a Google Assistant Chromebook. In other words, all modern ones aren't running on G-Suite accounts.As spotted by Chrome Unboxed it's now rolled out to the Canary build in Chrome OS 81. Enabling it as trivial as switching the #enable-quick-answers flash in Chrome://flags. While the flag was present i...
How to watch Super Bowl 2020: stream it free without cable
The biggest NFL game of the year, Super Bowl 2020, takes place on February 2 which is less than a week away. Whether you are attending a party, planning to stay home, or will be traveling, one thing you may be wondering is how to watch the Super Bowl. Well, there are a lot of different ways, and a lot to know about the various ways.It's been a crazy season so far, and for once the New England Patriots won't be playing in the big game. This year, we have the San Francisco 49ers playing against the Kansas City Chiefs.Whether you care about football or not, there is a whole lot to enjoy about the Super Bowl. From the epic Super Bowl half-time performances to the amazing commercials that will debut, you are going to want to find a way to tune in and watch. Luckily, it doesn't matter very much where in the world you are located, it's pretty easy to find a way to tune in and watch the Super Bowl for free.How to watch Super Bowl 2020 online with a VPNA Virtual Private Network, or VP...
Google Stadia Pro subscribers get Gylt and Metro Exodus in February
Stadia Pro subscribers just got some amazing games!Today, Google announced new free games coming to Stadia in February. If you're a Stadia Pro subscriber, you can claim Gylt and Metro Exodus as part of your subscription. Descriptions of both games can be seen below.Gylt Face your fears in Gylt, a haunting tale about bullying and childhood nightmares, as you help Sally navigate a creepy world to rescue her missing cousin Emily. Gylt is available only on Stadia.Metro Exodus Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year.Metro Exodus is one of the best games ever made in my opinion and it's amazing that Stadia Pro subscribers get access to the title. However, there are other features coming to Stadia, too.You'll receive ...
Adjust the volume, the channel, or turn off the TV with an Amazon Echo
As nice as it would be for every television to include a simple local network access function, most TVs still rely on good old-fashioned Infrared (IR) to receive commands. This isn't the best news for someone looking to convert their living room into Smart Home 2.0, but there are some tools available that make this a little easier to deal with than you'd think. If you have a newer, smart TV, you may be able to enable an Alexa Skill to help control your device, whereas if your TV is a bit older or doesn't support any Alexa Skills, there may be some hardware workarounds available. We'll show you three tricks we've found to give you power over your TV with an Amazon Echo.Products used in this guidePerfect harmony: Logitech Harmony Hub ($70 at Amazon)Master blaster: Fire TV Blaster ($35 at Amazon)Alexa's got skills: Vizio SmartCast (Free at Amazon)How to control your TV with the Logitech Harmony HubThis solution works well on older or newer TVs.Logitech's Harmony line has b...
New Google Assistant coming soon to 3-button navigation on Pixel 4
Don't like navigation gestures? Soon, you can experience the best Google Assistant without them.What you need to knowThe new Google Assistant will soon be available for Pixel 4 users that prefer 3-button navigation over gestural navigation.A specific version of the Google App seems to enable the feature, which should be showing up as an app update for all users soon.The new Google Assistant enables several new features, such as replying to messages by only using your voice.The Pixel 4 ships with a brand new version of Google Assistant; one that can perform powerful new tasks, like transcribing your voice into text so you can reply to messages without touching a button. But, up until now, it was a Pixel 4-exclusive that could only be used with the new gestural navigation system and, to top it off, couldn't be used when you had a G-Suite account on your phone. But Google is working on fixes for those limitations, beginning with compatibility for 3-button navigation.As And...
Everything you need to know about the upcoming Moto G8 family
The iconic budget family is returning once more.Thanks to the immense popularity of the original Moto G from 2013 and continuous updates to the product line, the G-series is now synonymous with low-cost Android phones that offer worthwhile user experiences.Last year's Moto G7 lineup impressed with great displays, top-notch build quality, and more choice than ever before. Motorola is now in the process of preparing its Moto G8 lineup, and if you're going to be in the market for an affordable smartphone this year, this is something you'll want to keep an eye on.From all of the latest news, rumors, renders, and more, here's everything we know so far about the Moto G8 family!We should get four modelsThe G8 Play and G8 Plus are now outLeaked renders have surfaced for the regular G8These are all of the specsLet's talk pricing and availabilityThe Moto G7 is still greatAll about valueMoto G7$300 at Amazon $158 at WalmartFlagships are so overratedEven with the Mot...
Should you buy the Garmin Vivomove HR or Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch HR??
Brilliant batteryFossil Hybrid Smartwatch HR$195 at AmazonProsGorgeous designOutstanding battery lifeCustomizable displayHeart-rate monitoringActivity and sleep trackingConsNo GPS optionsNot fully waterproofFossil's newest hybrid is dressed to impress. In addition to a gorgeous selection of designs, it also delivers heart-rate monitoring, activity and sleep tracking, smartphone notifications, music controls, and outstanding battery life.Pretty performanceGarmin Vivomove HR$180 at AmazonProsStylish designCustomizable display5 ATM water resistanceHeart-rate monitoringActivity and sleep trackingConsNo GPS optionsTouchscreen can be trickyHard to read in sunlightThe Vivomove HR hits many important marks of a solid hybrid smartwatch, including heart-rate monitoring, activity and sleep tracking, water resistance, smartphone notifications, music controls, and a stylish design.When it comes to choosing a watch, it's often about ...
$30 true wireless earbuds? They exist and are better than you might think
This is seriously mind-blowing.When I first came across the Aukey EP-T21 on Amazon, I had a good chuckle to myself. I've seen a lot of true wireless earbuds trying to target budget-minded shoppers, usually hitting prices of anywhere from $50 to $100. That's a good price range to go after to get a good mix of features, performance, and value, so I thought to myself, "How in the world is Aukey selling a pair for $30?"It's true that wireless earbuds like this are becoming more and more of a commodity with each day that passes, but $30 just sounded way too cheap for what Aukey was promoting. So, with nothing to lose other than three Hamiltons, I bought the EP-T21 and anxiously awaited their arrival.After rocking these earbuds for the last few days, I'm happy to say they surprised the hell out of me. No, they won't be replacing your AirPods Pro or Jabra Elite 75t anytime soon, but if you set your expectations right, they're phenomenal.How low can you goAukey EP-T21 ...
Galaxy S9 stable Android 10 update now rolling out in the U.S. and Germany
For now, the update is only rolling out to Galaxy S9 and S9+ users running Android Pie.What you need to knowSamsung has released the stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ phones.The update is currently rolling out to users in Germany and the U.S. Samsung is yet to begin pushing the stable Android 10 update for One UI 2.0 beta users. Nearly a month after releasing the stable Android 10 update for Galaxy Note 9 users, Samsung today started rolling out the One UI 2.0 update for the Galaxy S9 and S9+.SamMobile reports the stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is now rolling out in Germany and in the U.S. for users on Xfinity Mobile. Surprisingly, however, the stable Android 10 build hasn't been rolled out to One UI 2.0 beta users yet. It is currently available only for users who are on Android Pie.The Android 10 update for the two phones weighs in at nearly 2GB in terms of size and comes with the latest January A...
How to watch Super Bowl 2020 in 4K
February 2 will be here before you know it, and then it's Super Bowl 2020 time. Odds are that you'll want to stream the Super Bowl action at home, and there are a lot of ways to do that this year. Unfortunately, not all of them are offering 4K streams, which means that you won't be able to maximize the resolution of that new TV you just bought for the big game. For Super Bowl 2020, Fox is the channel of choice for broadcasting the big game.If you want to stream in 4K, your best bet this year will be via Fox Sports. Creating a free account will score you access to the free 4K stream, and you won't need any additional subscriptions to watch the big game. Once registered, you can use the Fox Sports App or the FoxSports website to see all the coverage.The Fox Sports app is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Xbox, AndroidTV, and Samsung's Smart TVs. For these streaming platforms, the 4K option is only available on the 4K variants of the Apple ...
Jiggle Physics Podcast #19: Console Wars: The Next Generation
eSports based on Activision Blizzard games are coming exclusively to YouTube through a new partnership with Google. Carli, Rebecca, and Jen also examine the next wave of console wars and why specs don't really matter. On a related note, they discuss why Nintendo doesn't have much to fear from PS5 and Xbox Series X even though they may be working on a Switch Pro. Finally, Carli has spent some time playing Doom Eternal. As has been the case with pretty much all the previous Doom games, the plot is stupid. But she means that in the best, most loving way possible!Hosted by: Russell Holly, Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Activision Blizzard to exclusively stream through YouTube in new partnership with Google | Android CentralI don't care whether PS5 or Xbox Series X has better graphics, and neither should you | Android Central5 Reasons why the Nintendo Switch has nothing...
Google doesn't have to make big changes for the Pixel 4a to be great
There's already a winning formula here; just update it for 2020.Google's somewhat-odd staggering of its phone releases, with months between the flagship-level Pixel and the mid-range "a" version, introduces an interesting dynamic. We all have lots of time to analyze the latest high-end Pixel and wonder what features and design elements will be carried over to the cheaper model. This year, with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL being rather divisive in their value proposition, lots of people have immediately shifted to wondering what Google can bring to the table in the value segment with the Pixel 4a.But here's the thing: Google doesn't really have to do much, or make a bunch of changes from the Pixel 3a, in order for the Pixel 4a to be a success.As a mid-range phone with a reasonable price, the Pixel 3a is already focused on value and not being on the bleeding edge of specs and features. By design, if you're selling a phone for about $400, you're going to have compromises — and buyer...
Do you see a lot of people using Pixel phones?
Let's chat with the AC forums.Here at AC, we talk a lot about Google's Pixel phones. For better or worse, each new generation of the Pixel gives us plenty to discuss — whether it be the excellent cameras or consistently disappointing battery life.The Pixel lineup is obviously something we all know and are familiar with, but what about "general consumers?" Most folks are aware of the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, but what about the Pixel?A fun way to gauge a phone's popularity is by how often you see it being used by other people out in public, and recently, some AC forum members got to talking about how often/rarely they see Pixels being used. Mike Dee 01-26-2020 07:32 PM “ I work in Manhattan. It's been awhile since I've seen any Pixel Reply Morty2264 01-26-2020 08:47 PM “ I have yet to see a...
Your Phone's calling feature seems to be available for more people
Your Phone's calling feature is now available on more devices.What you need to knowYour Phone's calling feature appears to be available on more devices.The feature allows you to make and receive calls from your PC.The feature became generally available last month, but many didn't see the feature until more recently.Microsoft's Your Phone app continues to gain more features. Now, more people seem to have the ability to make phone calls from their PCs through their Android phones with the Your Phone app. This feature became generally available last month according to Microsoft, but many people didn't see the feature on their devices until more recently.The calling feature allows you to make phone calls through your PC. You can browse through recent calls and click to dial one of them again or use a dial pad to call any number you'd like. You can also search through your contacts to easily make phone calls.Without word from Microsoft or specific data, it's impossible to sa...
Google Opinion Rewards: Everything you need to know
Google Opinion Rewards is an easy way to pick up Play Store credits for buying apps, movies rentals, books, or games.Google Opinion Rewards is a survey app that lets you earn Play Store credits by answering questions and providing feedback. You can then redeem those credits toward the purchase of apps, music, movies, and games on the Play Store. It's all pretty straightforward, and it's a great way to pick up credits on the Play Store. Here's what you need to know about Google Opinion Rewards, and how you can get started.Get rewarded for taking surveysSee the countries you can get rewardsYou can get more surveys based on your localeLearn how you can use those rewardsYou can also join in from an iPhoneGet paid to answer surveysTo get started with Google Opinion Rewards, you'll have to download the app from the Play Store and sign in with your Google account. This is the account that will receive Play Store credits, so it's recommended that you use your primary Google acc...
Here are the best robot vacuums on the market right now
When you live in a busy household, keeping everything clean isn't the easiest thing to do. That's why having a reliable robot vacuum like the iRobot Roomba 960 is so appealing. You'll be able to focus on other tasks or simply allow yourself to relax for a moment while the vacuum does work for you. We've done the research and have gathered the best robot vacuums on the market to fit a variety of homes. See which one works for you.Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 960Using this robot vacuum's Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll be able to control it using the iRobot HOME App, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant. It uses visual navigation and mapping to clean every section of your floors. You can also tell it not to clean a specific area. The included sensors warn the device if it is getting near an obstacle or if it's about to fall down a flight of stairs.You can schedule this device to begin cleaning at specific times. We recommend programming the unit to work when your home has the least amou...
2019: App Store subscription spending outstrips Google Play by $2.5 billion
Revenue as a whole grew 21% to $4.6 billion!What you need to knowSensor Tower data has revealed that App Store subscription spending outstripped Google Play by $2.5 billion in 2019.App Store users spent a whopping $3.6 billion on the top 100 US subscription apps.In comparison, Google Play users spent just over $1 billion, but both enjoyed significant growth.Sensor Tower data has revealed that App Store subscription spending in the US outstripped Google Play by a whopping $2.5 billion, as overall revenue grew 21% to $4.6 billion.According to the report: Consumers in the United States spent more than $4.6 billion in the top 100 non-game mobile apps offering subscriptions during 2019, new research based on Sensor Tower Store Intelligence data shows. This figure represents 21 percent year-over-year growth from the $3.8 billion generated by the top 100 subscription apps in the U.S. during 2018. Our research found that revenue generated by these apps in 2019 accounted for...
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