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The last few years were a blur. Met a girl, got married, got a dog, bought a house, had a kid. You know, big life stuff.And during that time, while all the important stuff was happening, I saw the rise of, and participated in, the ascent of all the technology trends we take for granted today. Mobile, of course, and the sea change in behavior the smartphone has wrought, but I'd argue the proliferation of the smart home will have more of an impact on many people's lives over the next decade. That's because, while we understand the smartphone to be a consumable of sorts — longer-living ones, mind you, but still of finite utility — smart home tech hasn't been evaluated with the same yardstick.And yet more and more of what we bring into our homes has a shelf life, and not in the typical way that a light bulb burns out or a gasket inevitably wears to nothing. We've grown used to those household inconveniences and learned how to deal with them, but this new generation involves compu...

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 you need to knowThis is the last week to earn the current promotion on Capital One's Spark business credit cards.Earn 200,000 miles on the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business.Earn a $2,000 cash back bonus on the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business.Earn big whether your business takes you local or abroad.This is the last week to take advantage of some of the biggest welcome offers we've ever seen for the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business and Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business credit cards. The company launched these limited-time bonus offers back in October of 2019, but both are set to expire on January 27, 2020.The Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is cur...

From cloud storage to free Play credits and hotel deals, this is Google One.Google One made its debut in May 2018 as a rebranding for paid Google Drive storage. However, Google One's a lot more than a fresh coat of paint. With new storage plans and extra member benefits, there's never been a better time to upgrade your cloud storage game.Here's everything you need to know about Google One!Google One is now the place for buying paid Google Drive storageIf you want to buy more cloud storage for your Google Drive account, that's now handled through Google One. Google provides 15GB of storage for free to all users, and that's shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Should you exceed that limit, you will need to pick up a paid plan, and that goes through Google One now.Your actual files and everything are still in Google Drive — Google One is just the new name under which paid plans are purchased.Here's how much the various plans costIf you end up running out...

Whether you're in a house or apartment, making sure your home is safe while you're away is a key priority. One of the best ways to deter thieves while providing yourself with peace of mind is with a quality smart doorbell like the Nest Hello. We've done the research and made a list of the best smart doorbell cameras for any home. See which one works for you.Best Overall: Nest HelloI love this smart doorbell. It costs a little more than average, but you get plenty of features that make the price worth it. For one thing, you can set it up to give you alerts whenever it detects motion in specific areas of your yard. What's more, it has facial recognition abilities, so it can tell you if a particular friend is approaching before they even ring the bell. The camera operates at 1600x1200 with HDR for clear video quality. When the camera senses that it gets dark, it automatically switches to night vision. It's in grayscale, but it's clearer than many other cameras on the market.When...

The S10 was incredible. Here's what Samsung's doing to improve for 2020.Samsung's Galaxy S series is always one of the most anticipated smartphone releases year after year. Following a modest upgrade with the S9 series, 2019's Galaxy S10 lineup shook things up with an all-new Infinity-O design for the display, triple rear cameras, and even a third "budget" model.In the coming months, it'll be time for Samsung to take the wraps off of the Galaxy S20 (Samsung's expected to ditch the Galaxy S11 name). The phone has big shoes to fill, but knowing Samsung, it'll be up to the task.Without further ado, here's everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy S20!There will probably be three versionsThe S20's design has been revealedHere are the specs we're anticipatingWhy isn't it called the S11?Expect a high priceIt'll be announced on February 11Don't count out the Galaxy S10 just yetFlagship in every waySamsung Galaxy S10From $900 at SamsungSamsung's 2019 flagshi...

Sony's Remote Play is a convenient feature that allows you to stream your PlayStation 4 to compatible devices. It's so you can play your PS4 games even if your TV is being used by somebody else. The setup for it is simple; here's what you need to do.Preparing your PS4First and foremost, you want to make sure your PlayStation 4 has the settings turned on to allow Remote Play connections.Start by going to your PS4 SettingsClick on Remote Play Connection SettingsMake sure the Enable Remote Play box is checkedThe next step is optional but highly recommended to make future Remote Play sessions easier. This will allow you to turn your sleeping PS4 from your PC, Mac, or other devices as you launch Remote Play.Return to your Settings menuClick on Power Save SettingsGo into the Set Features Available in Rest Mode optionsMake sure Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS4 from Network are both enabledInstalling Remote PlayNow that your PlayStation 4 is ...

We also know what some of the official cases will look like.What you need to knowA leaked promotional image confirms the existence of Samsung's Galaxy Buds+.You'll get them for free when pre-ordering the Galaxy S20+ or S20 Ultra.Another leak showcases official case options Samsung will offer for the S20 series.We're less than a month away from Samsung's Galaxy S20 Unpacked event, and while it seems like we already know everything about the upcoming phones, there's apparently still more to learn. Most recently, new details surfaced regarding a pretty sweet pre-order promotion Samsung will offer.Thanks to a leaked promotional image Evan Blass shared on Twitter, it appears that Samsung will give away its upcoming Galaxy Buds+ earbuds for free if you pre-order the Galaxy S20+ or Galaxy S20 Ultra. Based on the image, regular S20 pre-orders won't qualify you for this freebie.The Galaxy Buds+ are shaping up to be pretty solid true wireless earbuds, with the biggest improvement...

Beat Saber is one of the best titles on the Oculus Quest. It has you slash blocks and dodge bombs to the rhythm of pop, drum, bass, and more. While Beat Saber has a nice selection of songs built-in and has more songs through DLC, it falls short when it comes to most contemporary music. Thankfully, users have created custom song levels for Beat Saber.Updated January 23, 2020: An update to Beat Saber stopped some methods for sideloading songs from working. This updated guide has a newer method that does work and the old method in case you're running an older version of Beat Saber.Getting your Oculus Quest ready for sideloadingSideloading content onto your Oculus Quest is relatively easy thanks to a program called SideQuest. You can check out our full guide to sideloading apps on the Oculus Quest or read the relevant steps for sideloading custom songs onto Beat Saber below. If you've already set up SideQuest on your PC, you can skip directly to the steps to prepare to install song...

Microsoft is treating dual-screen devices the way they need to be treated — as a new platform.Foldables and other dual-display extra-large phone screens are already a thing. The Galaxy Fold may not have sold millions and millions of units, but after some changes were made to the initial design, the people invested in it love the thing. Motorola is slated to release one very soon. LG has something very similar with the LG G8X. And Microsoft made the internet gasp when it showed off the Surface Duo. Foldables aren't the future. They're here right now.Android has support for foldable screen devices built-in, but it's not very comprehensive. That's why Samsung's apps look and act better on the Fold than most apps from the Play Store do. It all hearkens back to the tablet support thing, where support means it will work, but might not work great. This is because most apps have been designed for a 5-inch or so display and there are things in an app that need to stay in ...

You don't need to jump through hoops in order to get the kind of bundle you want anymore.What you need to knowYou can now upgrade to a Disney+ bundle with No Ads Hulu or Hulu Live TV.Previously, users could not bundle with Live TV and could not upgrade to No Ads after signing up for the Disney+ bundle.Current or new bundle subscribers can upgrade in the Account section of Hulu's app or website.When it launched in November, Disney Plus (Disney+) offered a monthly bundle with ESPN and basic ad-supported Hulu for $12.99 per month, but you couldn't upgrade that plan to No Ads or Live TV, which hobbled the experience for Hulu subscribers who wanted to expand their options and unlock more content within the service. There was a workaround that allowed users to get the Disney+ Bundle with No Ads Hulu, but if you'd already signed up for the bundle, you were out of luck.Until now, that is.Bundle and saveDisney+ Bundle$13/month at Disney+This is the streaming bundle you a...

Sleeping better can affect your day-to-day life dramatically, which is why everyone should have one of these LectroFan Sleep Machines. Whether it's too noisy in your room at night, or too quiet, these sleep machines can help lull you to sleep with their various sounds for sleep and relaxation, from fan whirrings to white noise variations and of course, a calming ocean sound. The pricier the machine, the more features and sounds it includes, but luckily Woot is having a one-day sale on LectroFan Sleep Machines so you can rest easy knowing you didn't spend too much, no matter which option you choose. Woot includes free shipping for Amazon Prime members, while everyone else is stuck paying a $6 shipping fee.One of the best options for your home is the High Fidelity White Noise Machine which comes in black for just $32.99, saving you nearly $20 off its usual cost at Amazon. This model features 20 unique sounds, a 60-minute timer, volume controls, and more. It's small enough to bring ar...

Less than a month away!What you need to knowEpic Games announced that Fortnite Chapter 2 - Season 2 will arrive on February 20.Players can expect to see a ton of changes coming with the new season, although Epic is keeping their lips sealed on just what to look forward to.Before Season 1 ends, Fortnite will get some additional Overtime Challenges and a new two-week event..Fortnite players around the world had been going crazy over the past couple of weeks, as anticipation for the latest season to arrive had reached a peak. Thankfully for them, the wait is nearly over, as Epic Games has revealed just when to expect the next season of the hit battle royale game.In a blog post on Friday, the Fortnite team announced that the next season for Fortnite Chapter 2, simply titled Season 2, is scheduled to arrive on February 20. In the same blog post, the team also announced that the next update to Fortnite - the 11.50 patch - will arrive in early February, and bring with it a sli...

Best answer: Faster than the PS4, at least. We don't know the exact speed specs for the PS5 just yet. However, between seeing the comparison to the PS4 and what we have learned from systems architect Mark Cerny, we'll definitely see some improvements.Friendly neighborhood: Marvel's Spider-Man ($25 at Amazon)Take your pick: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)Here's what we know about the build so farIt now uses an SSDA massive change in the world of PlayStation is the choice to build the system with a solid-state drive (SSD) over a basic hard-disk drive (HDD). If you have ever used an SSD on your computer after using an HDD, you will understand why this is such an important change. SSDs are well known for being faster, more powerful, and make for a better experience than HDDs.You can see the difference in load times during a interview between Wired and Cerny, using Marvel's Spider-Man as an example. Going from the PS4 Pro, which sported a traditional HDD to r...

Do it for the Byte!What you need to knowVine is back! But now it's got a different name.Byte is a new app that can be used to create 6-second looping videos. The new app was made by the creators of Vine and basically this is awesome.The long-awaited successor to Vine, Byte, is now available on iOS and Android!The team behind Byte made the announced on Twitter in the small hours of Saturday, January 25:dear friends,today we’re bringing back 6-second looping videos and a new community for people who love them.it’s called byte and it’s both familiar and new. we hope it’ll resonate with people who feel something’s been missing. https://t.co/g5qOIdM8qG— byte (@byte_app) January 25, 2020The team said: You know the drill: upload from your camera roll or use the byte camera to capture stuff. there are lots of ways to find new personalities and moments. explore what the community is watching and loving, view posts handpicked by our editors, or browse on your ...

One of the most requested features in WhatsApp over the last couple of years has been dark mode. It is finally available on Android — you can now manually set dark mode for WhatsApp, or have the app match the system theme automatically. Here's how you can get started with dark mode on WhatsApp for Android.Products used in this guideTake great photos: Google Pixel 3a XL ($429 at Amazon)How to enable dark mode in WhatsApp for AndroidOpen WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen. Tap the action overflow menu (three vertical dots in the top right corner). Hit Settings.Select Chats.Choose Themes. In the Choose Theme dialog box, select Dark. You should see the interface switch to a dark theme.That's it! You should now have dark mode set up for the messaging service. Dark mode looks particularly good on WhatsApp because of the green accents that are present throughout the interface, and they bring a bit of visual flair to the app.Do note that this setting is ...

New Huawei bans are in limbo because of disagreement in the Trump administration.What you need to knowThe U.S. Commerce Department was set to put new bans on the sale of U.S. technology to Huawei.Pentagon officials reportedly disagreed with the ban, and the Commerce Department has pulled the ruling.A Trump administration Cabinet meeting next week will likely decide the fate of this ban.Earlier today, we found out that the U.S. Commerce Department had put forth a ruling that would further limit the sale of U.S. technology to Huawei. Now, it turns out, the Commerce Department has pulled the ruling, citing disagreements from within the Pentagon. According to Reuters, Pentagon officials are siding with some U.S. businesses that don't want the government to regulate the sale of U.S. products to Huawei.These businesses are pushing back against the measure because, they say, it will encourage Huawei to rely even less on the U.S. than it already does. Huawei founder and CEO Ren Z...

Sometimes simple is better. Take your wireless carrier, for example.Have you ever looked at your phone bill? I mean really, really took a good, hard look at it?How much data are you using? Do you actually talk to people on the phone? If you wanted, could you change your plan on the fly? Truth is, almost everyone has most likely been with their current carrier for years and never paid attention to how much (or how little) connectivity they use. We're paying for the privilege of not having to check by getting an unlimited plan.How much is that costing us? On average Americans pay more than $70/month on their phone bill when in reality they don't actually need all that unlimited talk, text or data. By switching to a smarter plan that better fits their needs most users can save over $800/yr per line on their phone bills.Once you get over the shock, turn your attention to US Mobile.If you're like most, you're probably overpaying for an unlimited data plan. And if everyone in y...

A major change is coming for Google and Activision Blizzard.What you need to knowActivision Blizzard and Google have announced a major new partnership.Google Cloud will provide the gaming infrastructure for further Activision Blizzard titles. Additionally, Activision Blizzard will exclusively stream events through YouTube, including OWL (Overwatch League).In a press release, Activision Blizzard and Google announced a new partnership that will see Activision Blizzard stream exclusively through YouTube (except in China). This includes major broadcasts like the Overwatch League, Call of Duty League and Hearthstone Esports. This partnership will also see Google Cloud providing the game hosting infrastructure for Activision Blizzard titles."We've worked closely with Activision Blizzard for the past few years across mobile titles to boost its analytics capabilities and overall player experience," said Sunil Rayan, Head of Gaming at Google Cloud. "We are excited to now expand ou...

The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) is the best Android streaming box that money can buy right now. It comes with a beefy Tegra X1+ chipset and 3GB of RAM, but the internal storage is limited at 16GB. If that doesn't sound like enough storage space for your media needs, you can make use of the NVIDIA Shield TV's USB ports and mount an external storage device to easily expand your available storage.Best valueSeagate Portable External Hard Drive 5TBStaff pickLooking to get the best value for your money? Then the 5TB Seagate Portable drive should be your go-to choice. The drive works over USB 3.0, easily pairs to your Shield TV, and gives you better gigabyte-to-dollar value than the rest of the options listed here.$100 at AmazonStore everythingWestern Digital My Passport Ultra 4TBWestern Digital's My Passport Ultra external hard drive is one of the best you'll find in the market today, and this particular option gives you 4TB of storage. Considering how much you're payin...

What lurks at the end of the breadcrumb trail?What you need to knowFrictional Games has developed and published multiple horror titles including Amnesia: The Dark Descent and SOMA.A website for Frictional Games is teasing a new project, with clues leading into an alternate reality game (ARG). We don't know anything else about the new game at this time. Frictional Games is known for making horror titles, developing the Penumbra series, Amnesia: The Dark Descent and SOMA, while publishing Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (which was developed by The Chinese Room) as a semi-sequel to the original Amnesia. According to a new website literally titled "nextFrictionalgame.com," the company has a new project on the way. Going to the website shows an interesting image, which you can see below.This is a screenshot of a gif that is constantly repeating. To me, it kind of looks like a small embryo, which could be related to the nature of the game, or simply symbolic of how early things a...

Echo StudioIt's the Echo Plus PLUS$200 at AmazonProsPhysical mic mute switchBooming room-filling soundBuilt-in Zigbee smart home hubCan be paired with another Echo Studio and/or Fire TV for surround soundConsFirst-gen productMost expensive Echo deviceThe Echo Studio is Amazon's shot across the bow to Apple's Homepod, Google's Home Max, and Sonos' collection of high-end speakers. It offers amazing sound and smarts for a great price. This device just might be the successor to the Echo Plus.Echo Plus (2nd Gen)Smaller speaker smart hub$150 at AmazonProsGreat sound in a smaller packageAlso has built-in Zigbee smart home hubCan get with a free smart bulbConsSame sound architecture as cheaper, newer EchoPriced a little high at this point The Echo Plus was Amazon's first stab at better Echo audio, and with its Zigbee integration, it was the first Echo device that could serve as a smart home hub. The device is on its 2nd generation, but i...

Google is responding to a crescendo of criticism.What you need to knowGoogle tested a more colorful design for desktop Search, inspired by a similar mobile UI.The new design was criticized for the use of favicons which dulled the distinction between ads and content. Google has now stripped favicons from the design in response and plans to iterate on the UI a little more. Last week, Google started rolling out a new, more colorful Search interface for desktop users. The firm billed it as a way for users to more easily see what sites they were clicking into. However, a second, more concerning side-effect emerged. The distinction between ads and content was blurred.On the one hand, Google had a bolded AD label, on the other hand, the excess of visual clutter on the page lead to confusion and widespread criticism. It appeared that the firm had taken this design decision to bolster its ads business and lead more users to click on ads where they may otherwise not have.They're ...

It can be fun to accessorize but sometimes it's a battle to find the perfect blend of function and fashion, like when choosing a smartwatch. The good news is that there are tons of options for women these days. Our favorite is the Fossil Gen 5 Julianna, which offers premium features while boasting a classic, stylish design. We've rounded up the best picks to help you choose the one that's right for you.Best Overall: Fossil Gen 5 JuliannaIf you were a fan of the Gen 4 smartwatches from Fossil but hoped for improvements, the moment has arrived. The Gen 5 smartwatches — including the gorgeous Julianna — come with a new stylish design, more RAM, and an external speaker. It also does everything you need it to do: activity and heart rate tracking, 3 ATM water resistance (depth of up to 30 meters), Google Pay, Google Assistant, GPS, and notifications. The new Snapdragon Wear 3100 is finally here, too, which helps with battery life. If you were hoping for a major upgrade, you might...

No matter if you're hitting up the gym, going for a 3-mile run, or are out on a bike ride, having the right pair of headphones can turn any dull workout into a great one. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks are excellent ways to keep yourself motivated while breaking a sweat, and below are 12 options that we think will serve you admirably no matter how hard you're pushing yourself.Can't go wrongSoundcore Spirit XStaff pickYou can spend a lot of money on wireless headphones, or you can be thrifty and pick up the Soundcore Spirit X. These headphones punch way above their small price tag, featuring 10mm drivers for powerful sound, gentle over-ear hooks for a comfortable fit, 12 hours of battery life, and IPX7 water resistance. You seriously can't go wrong here.From $36 at AmazonHigh quality soundBose SoundSport WirelessThe Bose SoundSport Wireless doesn't have the best battery life in its class, but it makes up for this in sound quality. These are among the best-sounding...

Get Alexa smarts baked into this kitchen gadget for less than the competition.What you need to knowAmazon Smart Oven now available for purchase for $250The device is less than half the price of the comparable June Oven.Smart Oven works with Alexa and has 4-in-1 functionality.At its fall 2019 product event, Amazon unleashed dozens of new products and announcements for upcoming gadgets, including the Amazon Smart Oven, the company's successor to 2018's AmazonBasics Microwave.Retailing for $250, the Smart Oven is a four-in-one device, capable of performing the cooking tasks of a microwave, convection oven, food warmer, and air fryer. It works with Alexa, so users can ask their Echo or Alexa-enabled device to preheat the oven or reheat their leftovers. The Smart Oven will communicate the status of your meal to Alexa, using the smart voice assistant to notify you when your food is done. It can also scan food products from partners and many Whole Foods products to cook them in ...

Sony is gearing up to release the PlayStation 5, 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 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 the future does look to...

Formerly known as Fast Share.What you need to knowGoogle's AirDrop competitor Nearby Sharing gets shown off in new hands-on video.Developers over at XDA were able to get it enabled and running on multiple devices, including Pixel and OnePlus phones.Nearby Sharing is now one of three different AirDrop clones that are being worked on for Android devices.AirDrop competitors on Android are all the rage recently. So far, we have Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi working together to create their own sharing service. Then, yesterday, we saw Samsung's version for Galaxy devices leak out under the name Quick Share, which is expected to launch with the Galaxy S20 in February. Not to be left out, Google is also working on one named Nearby Sharing, formerly known as Fast Share.Previously, the guys over at XDA-Developers gave us a first look at Nearby Sharing last year with some screenshots, but at the time, it wasn't functional. Now, we're actually getting a hands-on video of Nearby Sharing wor...

See when your phone will get the latest version of Android.The full roundupAndroid Pie has been around a while by now. The fact is that not every phone will be updated to Android 10 — the latest version as of this writing — and Pie will be the final bit of software for them. The good news is that Android phones can be super-functional and secure while running Pie, so for the people waiting for this is pretty important.While most devices that will be updated already have been, it's still important to keep track of how the rollout of Android Pie is progressing. Let's break it down by the major manufacturers of the phones we love.GoogleSamsungLGHuaweiMotorolaOnePlusNokiaHTCSonyGoogleAll Pixel phones have been fully updated past Pie to Android 10. Even the original Pixel, which was a nice surprise.And that's it. Prior to the Pixel, Google promised two years of full support and three years of security updates for phones they sell under their own brand. The Ne...

Google Play Pass continues to offer a great value for Android users looking to save on premium apps and indie-developed games in 2020. There are a ton of great games that have already been added to the service across multiple genres — from intense strategy games and action-packed indie platformers to relaxing puzzle experiences and immersive RPGs.Pre-pay for Play PassGoogle Play Gift CardFrom $25 at AmazonPay to playGetting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards Play Pass without forgetting about it.Down on the farmStardew ValleyStaff pick$8 at Google Play StoreJust like Terraria, Stardew Valley is another beloved PC game that has been ported over to mobile fully intact and optimized for touchscreen devices. Stardew Valley is an open-ended RPG that opens with you taking over the old family farm, with you getting to know the townsfolk and exploring the nearby countryside. Your first task is to fix up the...

Not sure if your phone will get Android 10? You've come to the right place.Android 10 is upon us, and whether you're excited about its new permission settings for apps or the glorious dark mode, there are plenty of reasons to be eager for Google's latest and greatest.However, as with all Android updates, there's a difference between when Google launches the final build and when the new software actually arrives on your smartphone. Today, we'll be taking a look at all of the major OEMs and breakdown when exactly you can expect an Android 10 update for your device.Google PixelSamsungLGHuaweiMotorolaNokiaOnePlusOdds & EndsGoogle PixelLet's start with Google's own phones, the Pixel series. Android 10 has been guaranteed for every existing Pixel device, with the full list being as follows:Pixel 3a / Pixel 3a XLPixel 3 / Pixel 3 XLPixel 2 / Pixel 2 XLPixel / Pixel XLAs of September 3, Android 10 started rolling out for all of these handsets, making them th...

December Android security patch in tow.What you need to knowOxygenOS 10.3.1 began rolling out for the OnePlus 6 and 6T on January 21, 2020.The update includes many improvements, including a fix for the black screen issue when unlocking using your fingerprint, device heating up while charging, and the random disconnects when using a 5Ghz hotspot.Includes the December 2019 Android security patch.After a little trouble with the initial rollout of the Android 10 update for the OnePlus 6 and 6T, the company is now back on track and pushing bug fixes for the devices. Lots of bug fixes.On January 21, 2020, OnePlus announced the OxygenOS 10.3.1 update for the 6 and 6T models. Along with usual general bug fixes and improved system stability, the update also included several important improvements. For starters, OnePlus fixed the issue with a black screen appearing after unlocking the device with your fingerprint. It also took care of the problem with random disconnects when using ...

Whether you're looking to advance in your IT career or interested in entering the field, the best way to do so is by earning an IT certification. Cisco is one of the most popular IT certification providers, and its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam will be updated as of February 2020. If you want to earn your CCNA certification, you need to stay up to date with the latest skills and technologies, and this $39 course can help.The Complete 2020 Cisco CCNA Certification Prep Course will prepare you for the CCNA 200-301 exam, which you'll need to land jobs as a network administrator, support engineer, or in data center operations. This course features over 30 hours of training content across 64 lectures covering the wireless and security fundamentals, but it also covers new topics such as automation, programmability, and SDN. By the end of the course, you'll know how to configure and manage wired and wireless connectivity using Cisco's new internet connection model.The I...

Once upon a time, high-powered laptop chargers were bulky, expensive, and proprietary. Now with Power Delivery, you can now find 100W chargers that will charge even the most powerful laptops quickly and will charge even lower-powered devices as alongside your laptop with ease. The scene is shifting on 100W chargers pretty quickly these days as gallium nitride (GaN) starts making its way into this class of charger, but right now, we have a clear winner in the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 4.Best by a mileAnker PowerPort Atom PD 4Staff pickThis desk-friendly charging station can charge at up to 20V/5A for one device or intelligently breaks it up to charge 2-4 devices at once. The form factor and split of two USB-C and 2 USB-A make it great for charging a wide variety of devices in a variety of situations.$100 at AmazonRunner-upSatechi 108W Pro USB-C PD Desktop ChargerSatechi breaks up its ports' power in a more concrete manner: one port does 90W, one does 18W, and the two...

The roll-out starts in February.What you need to knowLG has finally announced its Android 10 update plans.In Europe, the rollout will start in February with the LG V50 ThinQ.The firm hopes to conclude with the G7 and other assorted phones in the last quarter of 2020. LG has finally given some sort of indication about its Android 10 update plans. The firm had previously started rolling out the update haphazardly in the US and South Korea, with radio silence for Europe and the rest of the world. Now we're getting a more complete look at what devices will get the Android 10 update, and when we should expect them.The update will come to the LG V40, V50, G8X, G8S, G7, K50S, K40S, K50, and Q60, but it won't be all at once.As per LG Italia's blog post (spotted via XDA); The first smartphone to get the new update to Android 10 - scheduled for early February - will be LG V50 ThinQ, the first LG mobile device with 5G connectivity and equipped with a Dual Screen accessory. ...

When it comes to our Android devices, we tend to go through and organize everything, including changing all of our settings and anything else. However, for some reason, the organization of our contact list feels like a chore, and we end up with duplicate entries for just a single person. Thankfully, the days of having to go through and find every single duplicate manually are gone, as there are apps that do the hard work for us.Products used in this guideThe best from Google: Google Pixel 4 ($700 at Amazon)Stock Contacts: Google Contacts (Free at Google Play)Next-level organization: Duplicate Contacts Fixer and Remover (Free w/ IAP at Google Play)How to delete a contact from your Android phoneOpen the Google Contacts app on your phone.Locate the contact you wish to delete and tap on it.Tap on the three-dots in the top right-hand corner. Select Delete.Confirm that you wish to delete the contact.How to find and merge duplicatesOpen the Google Contacts app on yo...

The foldable phone could also sport a tiny 1-inch secondary display and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.What you need to knowA new leak has reaffirmed the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip will use an 'ultra-thin' glass cover.The leak has also revealed that the phone will have a crease in the middle of the screen. Samsung's next foldable phone is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 855+ processor and feature a tiny 1.0-inch outer display. Earlier this month, leaker Max Weinbach had claimed that Samsung's next foldable phone will feature an ultra-thin glass display with a protective plastic layer on top. In a series of new tweets, Weinbach has revealed a few more interesting details regarding the foldable phone's display as well as other tech specs.So Galaxy Z Flip. Capacitive fingerprint scanner on the side. Dual 12MP cameras, wide and ultra wide. 15W charging. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are supported. It will use "Samsung Ultra Thin Glass" which has crease...

Here's our summary of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, just in time for you to get caught up before the final season airs.Star Wars: The Clone Wars (available on Disney Plus) is coming back for a seventh and final season on Feb. 21, and it's important that fans who plan on watching it know what's happened in the show so far. Whether you're a brand new fan or someone who's just looking for a refresher on the story, this summary of the show will provide you with the context you need to understand the events of the new season.A new galaxy of contentDisney+$7/month at DisneyWatch all your Star Wars favorites and much moreDisney+ is chock-full of classic Disney films, TV shows, and more, including Star Wars hits such as The Mandalorian and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.Begun, the Clone Wars haveFollowing the events of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, the Republic and Separatist factions engage in a full-scale war across the galaxy. Led by the Jedi Order, the R...

Chatting with the AC forums.Just like you'll find for your desktop computer, a quick look on the Google Play Store will reveal a ton of antivirus apps that can be used to protect your Android phone. Some of the most popular ones are AVG, Avast, Lookout, and Norton.Antivirus apps promise to help keep your device as safe and secure as can be, but on its own, viruses on Android are a lot less common than your typical PC.Taking a look through the AC forums, not many of our members bother with these antivirus apps at all. mustang7757 01-22-2020 11:20 PM “ I never use them , I feel they cause system lag or freezes more harm then good . Reply Laura Knotek 01-22-2020 11:26 PM “ I never use any on Linux, and Android is a type of Linux. However, I do not visit dodgy sites or install shady apps outside o...

If you can't beat them, copy them.When Apple launched the first AirPods back in 2016, who would have thought that it would spark a revolution in the next big form factor for wireless audio? Since the AirPods' debut, big-name companies to lesser-known brands that exist solely on Amazon have all been jumping on the true wireless earbud train. Some have been great, others not so much.Taking a chance on a product from a company you've never heard of can be a scary thing, and that's exactly what I decided to do with the TOZO T6. These regularly appear in my searches for true wireless earbuds, and between that and the unabashed AirPods design rip-off, I figured it was time to actually get my hands on them to see what they're all about.It turns out that if you can overlook the silly copycat design, the TOZO T6 stand out as one of the best values in their niche.AirPordsTOZO T6 ...

Two-factor authentication is a must on any account that supports it, but it's especially important for protecting your personal files. Dropbox is used for everything from personal to business file storage, which is why it's crucial to secure your account to the best of your abilities and keep those files out of the wrong hands. Luckily, enabling two-factor authentication is a quick and easy process.How to enable two-factor authenticationThere's no way to set up two-factor authentication from the Dropbox app on your phone, so you'll instead need to sign into the website on your computer. Thankfully it's still a simple process, and you might still need your phone throughout the setup process if you use an authenticator app like Authy.Click on your profile icon and select Settings.Under Personal Account, click on the Security tab.Click the switch next to Two-Step Verification.On the following popup prompt, click Get Started.Enter your password and click Next to continue....

You can avail the deal even if you are not a Sprint subscriber.What you need to knowSprint has announced a new screen repair program for Samsung Galaxy devices.You can walk in to a participating Sprint store and get your Galaxy phone's cracked screen fixed for $49. Eligible Samsung Galaxy phones include the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 8. Replacing a cracked smartphone screen is usually a pricey affair, especially if it is a flagship-grade device. For a limited time, however, Samsung Galaxy owners can get their screen fixed at a Sprint store near them for just $49.Sprint will be running the screen repair program for Samsung Galaxy phones until February 9th, 2020. Phones eligible for the repair program include the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and the Galaxy Note 8. Unsurprisingly, Samsung's newer Galaxy S10 and Note 10 series devices aren't eligible.However, it is important to note that eligible Gala...

Given the news that EA is killing the official Tetris apps for Android you might have a sudden urge to play Tetris on your phone. Fortunately, the is no shortage of Tetris lookalikes on the Google Play Store, and we've rounded up the best ones.Retro visualsClassic BlocksStaff PickThere are a few reasons why Classic Blocks is my favorite Tetris clone for Android, but it mostly comes down to the simplistic and retro design. This game harkens back to the original Tetris for the GameBoy, and features an endless Classic mode, Time mode which puts three minutes on the clock, and Manual mode that lets you set the drop and attack speed. You're able to customize the position of the on-screen controls remove ads with a one-time in-app purchase. Oh, and it's also got the iconic Tetris music to complete the experience.Free w/Ads at Google Play StoreThe new "official" appTetrisThis appears to be the new official Tetris app, developed by N3TWORK Inc., and it's a solid ver...

Lenovo Chromebook C340-11Great for everyone$260 at Best Buy (32GB)$320 at Amazon (64GB)Pros64GB models availableShinier, prettier lookBetter keyboardConsNot as durableHarder to find right nowNo stylus option Lenovo knocked it out of the park with the C340-11, giving us a nice look to an affordable Chromebook that would fit in at a busy office, crowded classroom or home on the couch. Whether you want a pink Chromebook or just want a light-duty laptop that can go all day, this is for you.ASUS Chromebook Flip C214For kids and klutzes$350 at AmazonProsRugged and rubberizedBuilt-in stylus model availableSpill resistant keyboardConsMore expensive for 32GB models64GB models are impossible to findNot as beautiful a machineThe C214 shares much of the same hardware and capability as the Lenovo C340-11, but instead of being gussied up for the mass market, ASUS prepped the C214 for the war zone that is academia. Rubberized edges, reinforced po...

The legal loophole being used by U.S. chipmakers to get around the ban may soon be closed too.What you need to knowCommerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has confirmed that more limits will soon be placed on U.S. companies trading with Huawei.The new rules are expected to be announced in the near term. Additionally, the U.S. government is working on a new regulation that will allow it to restrict exports of products designed in the country but manufactured overseas. Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei had recently said at the World Economic Forum at Davos that his company was ready for further U.S. escalation and is spending billions on a backup plan to ensure its business is not affected significantly. Strangely enough, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross today revealed that new rules that will put more limits on companies doing business with Huawei are coming soon.Ross told Bloomberg that the new rules are "works in progress" and will come into effect in the near-term. He added that t...

In a world where most people in the United States buy smartphones through carriers like Verizon and AT&T, it's important to highlight the market of unlocked phones. When you buy a phone unlocked, you have the freedom to use it on any carrier you want (so long as it's supported) and often save money in the long haul compared to purchasing it on a contract or installment plan. The Pixel 3a is the best unlocked Android phone you can buy in 2020, but it's not the only one we recommend checking out. Here's a list of our favorites!Best Overall: Pixel 3aReleased in May 2019, the Pixel 3a is the first mid-range phone to be sold under Google's "Pixel" brand. And, you know what? It's pretty darn great.What helps the 3a stand out the most is its impressive 12.2-megapixel single rear camera. That may not sound very impressive in a world with multi-camera phones reaching 40 megapixels and beyond, but the Pixel 3a captures some of the most consistently-great pictures of any handset you...

CES 2020 has come and gone, and like we see every year, there were two distinct groups of things that were announced — actual products you'll be able to buy and jaw-dropping concepts that'll never hit store shelves. Today, we're focusing on the former of those groups and highlighting all of the products announced at CES 2020 you can buy right now. There's a lot to go over, so without further ado, let's dive in.Checks all the boxesSkagen Falster 3Staff PickEven though it's so early in 2020, the Skagen Falster 3 already looks to be one of the best Wear OS watches that we see all year. The design is sleek and stylish, there are three physical buttons for easy navigation, and a built-in speaker for taking phone calls. You also get 5ATM water-resistance, NFC for Google Pay, a heart-rate sensor, and robust performance thanks to the Snapdragon 3100 processor and 1GB of RAM.$295 at AmazonRunner's dreamSuunto 7Suunto has made a name for itself as one of the premier...

What you need to knowThe Obi-Wan series for Disney+ has reportedly been put on hold, according to a report.Producer Kathleen Kennedy was allegedly unhappy with the scripts.The series was supposed to start filming in 2020.Rumors have been swirling (a lot of them from unreliable sources) that the Obi-Wan Kenobi solo series at Disney Plus was in trouble. A recent report, however, cites two sources with knowledge of the situation and they confirm that the series has been put on hold.The report comes from Collider, which has broken scoops before, so it's reasonable to assume that the reports are legitimate. The Hollywood Reporter has also confirmed the news with its sources. Needless to say, it's not good news for anybody who was looking forward to the long-gestating solo outing for Ewan McGregor as the famous Jedi.According to the sources, the crew that was on set at Pinewood Studios in London has been sent home "indefinitely." There are also rumblings that producer Kathleen ...

The company is now looking to incorporate electronic elements into the visual designs of its phones.What you need to knowOnePlus' Concept One prototype once featured an all-black leather back.In a write-up about the industrial design of the phone, OnePlus also shared some pictures of this black beauty.In the future, OnePlus intends to incorporate more electronic elements into the material design of its phones.Despite all the fanfare about OnePlus possibly unveiling a foldable phone at CES 2020, the Concept One it turned out was a mostly traditional phone with only one trick up its sleeve: an electrochromic piece of glass, whose opacity can be changed on the fly.OnePlus used the tech — lifted from the sunroof on McLaren's 720S — to dynamically hide the camera on the back, and termed the whole thing the "invisible camera" phone. Gimmick or not, the contrast of that pitch-black sheet of glass and the bold shade of yellow OnePlus is called "Papaya" made for an awfully sex...

Is Motorola finally making a flagship?What you need to knowNew leaks point to a new Motorola phone in the making.Like the RAZR, it's set to be a Verizon exclusive.It could be one of the new flagships Motorola promised to reveal this year.Much like the wildly popular and recently resurrected RAZR, Motorola is cooking up yet another Verizon exclusive to go with the likes of its Moto Z4. However, unlike those phones, this one may be a proper flagship with top-of-the-line specs, as per the company's announcement last year that it plans to return to the premium segment of the smartphone space in 2020.A cryptic new tweet from the venerable Evan Blass (@evleaks) refers to a Motorola Edge+. Blass doesn't give too many other details about the phone, but he does mention the likelihood of it being a Verizon exclusive and adopting the hole-punch camera craze that's sweeping smartphone makers the world over.Motorola already makes some of the best phones in the budget segment. It's G...