Latest from Android Central

The Galaxy S9 is still a beauty in 2019. Samsung sure knows how to contort glass and metal into a sleek smartphone. However, as pretty as it all is, what a shame it would be if it got scratched or smashed up. If you're concerned about dropping and damaging your phone — perhaps you know that you're prone to the dropsies — you should invest in a case designed to stand up to abuse.Most reliable rugged caseOtterBox Commuter SeriesStaff pickFew names are as synonymous with phone cases as OtterBox. They're built a reputation as a trusted brand by designing really rugged cases and backing their products with superior customer service. We'd recommend the Commuter series case which is a pocket-friendly case that still delivers the rugged protection you've come to expect from an OtterBox case. It's got one big cutout on the back for the camera and fingerprint sensor, and includes port covers to keep dirt out.From $25 at AmazonClearance pricesSamsung Rugged Military ...

There are several reasons why you might want to automate your home heating and air conditioning systems. Whether for convenience, energy efficiency, or that "cool" factor, connected smart thermostats are a great investment. If you are in the Amazon ecosystem, there are a growing number of great options. The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is our top choice because it has Alexa built-in, includes a room sensor, and is easy to use.Best Overall: ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice ControlBelieve it or not, it's only been a couple of years since ecobee launched the ecobee4 with Alexa built-in. Before that, we had to talk to Alexa from another device, like cave people! But in all seriousness, the concept was a hit, and ecobee has followed up on the success of the ecobee4 with its newer SmartThermostat with Voice Control.So what's new or better you may ask? It's got a newer, cleaner design with a more vivid touch display. It has a quad-core processor (yeah, in a thermostat!...

Here's the thing: like most Apple accessories, the AirPods Pro work best with Apple products. They're pretty great if you use an iPhone, an iPad, or a MacBook. They connect instantly and feature hands-free Siri along with sensor-based play/pause when you remove one or both earbuds.But with Android phones, the AirPods Pro are just another pair of true wireless earbuds, albeit ones with excellent noise cancellation, some handy capacitive controls, and a relatively portable case. But that doesn't stop people from thinking about buying them over the competition. But back in 2016, when the first AirPods were released, there weren't a lot of better options for Android users. Now there are.So, should you buy them if you're outside of the Apple ecosystem? Let's take a look at the, um, highs and lows.H1ve mindAirPods ProBottom line: The AirPods Pro are amazing for users in the iOS ecosystem, but there are better options out there for someone primarily on Android. However, Apple'...

The ban will now come into effect on February 16, 2020.What you need to knowIt has been nearly six months now since Huawei was added to the U.S. Entity List.The ban effectively forbids the company from having any dealings with U.S. companies.Following two previous reprieves, the company is being granted another 90-day stay on the ban.The ongoing feud between Huawei and the U.S. government is fraught with ups and downs. After the Trump administration supposedly launched an irreparable salvo against the Chinese giant's business by placing it on the Entity List and forbidding any trade activity between it and American firms, it then allowed Huawei to continue procuring some materials from U.S. suppliers for 90 more days.Following a second 90-day reprieve, the Commerce Department is yet again giving the perceived national security threat (Huawei) an additional three months' lease on life (via The Verge). Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross justified the previous extension as being...

The 'Vista' brand should be beyond repair, damaged by an operating system few miss (and fewer used). So it was surprising that the name's audacious revival should come from none other than Jaybird, whose Run, Tarah and X-series earbuds have been favorites of the running class for many years.Jaybird's Vista earbuds are truly wireless, which means like the Run and Run XT before it, and popularized by Apple's AirPods, they are not connected by wires. It also means they can be used independently. But unlike the Run series, Vista is incredibly light and conveniently magnetic. And unlike the AirPods, they actually sound great.At $180, they're not cheap, but they're also pretty compelling for the right kind of person. Are you that person? Let's find out.Lightweight, deep bassJaybird Vista Truly Wireless Sport Headphones$180 at Amazon $243 at WalmartJaybird goes mainstream ...

Buy in bulkMint MobileFrom $45/three months at Mint MobileProsT-Mobile LTE networkUnlimited talk and textUnlimited slowed data after allowanceFree calls to Canada and MexicoHotspot on every planConsMust buy in bulkNo unlimited optionSave money by buying in bulk. Plans come with unlimited talk and text and have no overages after you've used your data. Speeds are lowered, but you can upgrade your plan mid-cycle or easily add more data.Big on dataBoost MobileFrom $35 per month at Boost MobileProsSprint LTE networkUnlimited dataHotspot on all plansUnlimited music streamingSave with more linesConsSD video streams on two lower plansGet a ton of data on the Sprint network for your phone and your Wi-Fi devices with Boost Mobile. With savings on multiple lines and unlimited music streaming on the 3GB plan, this is an excellent plan for streamers.Mint Mobile is going to be cheaper overall, but Boost has a lot of features going for ...

The wait is finally over, and the long-anticipated Disney Plus (or Disney+) streaming service is finally available. It enters a space that's already pretty crowded, but stands out thanks to its unique family-friendly offerings that include titles not only from Disney itself, but also Start Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and more. It may not directly compete with services like Netflix and Prime Video, but the number of Disney Plus shows that are available makes it worth checking out.Now, on to the key bit of information here: how much does Disney Plus cost? Well, there are a few different plans for Disney Plus that you can sign up for, making the price for Disney Plus range from $6.99 to $12.99 per month. The lower cost is the best Disney Plus price you'll get right now, while more expensive is a pretty sweet Disney Plus bundle that you'll need to check out. You can sign up for an annual plan to save a little extra, and there's even a free trial available. Let's take a second to...

Google's game streaming service looks to be off to a rocky start. Everyone pretend to act surprised.Google's anticipated game streaming service Google Stadia releases tomorrow and early impressions have already gone out. While we haven't been able to test it out for ourselves — you can expect a proper review from us sometime later — most members of the press appear to think Stadia wasn't ready to hit the market just yet.Vice's Patrick Klepek spent a week with the service and said it is "At times, a disaster. At times, a revelation," and encouraged people to stay away for now. His full review details that he tested out Stadia in less than ideal environments, like at a Starbucks, but emphasized that the purpose of Stadia is to work for people in these environments.When he described using it at home, he said, "It's a service with a crappy UI and without games, but it works!" And for those who opt to do this, you'll need to be wary of data caps as Stadia can eat up to 2...

Using a Chinese ODM will help it lower prices on budget level phones.What you need to knowSamsung is partnering with a Chinese ODM Wingtech to produce its Galaxy A series phones in China to save money.The South Korean company plans to ship 60 million made in China phones, according to sources.Critics fear there could be quality issues with the ODM-made phones and that it could likely backfire, lowering the costs for all companies instead of just Samsung.In a surprise move, Samsung will outsource one-fifth of its smartphone production to China next year after shutting down its last smartphone factory in the country in October. The move comes as Samsung faces increasing pressure and competition in the budget segment of the market from Chinese brands. An unnamed Samsung insider said: It is crucial to cut costs to maintain competitiveness with Huawei and other Chinese handset makers.As part of the strategy, Samsung will move production of its Galaxy A phones to China and...

Star Wars finally received the type of game that the franchise deserves.As excited as I was for Jedi: Fallen Order leading up to its release, I could still say I was cautiously optimistic, being burned one too many times. I hadn't truly enjoyed a Star Wars game Since The Force Unleashed series — Yes, I know they're not great. Yes, I still love them. But after Disney bought Lucasfilm, any ideas for The Force Unleashed 3 never came to fruition, and even the much-anticipated Star Wars 1313 never saw the light of day.After practically squandering the Star Wars license, EA needed a win. That's exactly what Respawn provided. A game that isn't mired in controversy. A single-player game that actually released, unlike Visceral's project, which was thrown in the metaphorical trash compactor after the studio closure. A game without microtransactions or loot boxes that finally takes full advantage of the universe that Star Wars has to offer. It could have easily missed the landing, but...

Tile Slim, Tile Pro, and Tile Sticker are now available for order in India.Tile made its long-awaited debut in India earlier this year with the Tile Mate, and the brand is now launching its latest products in the country. The Tile Sticker, Tile Pro, and Tile Slim are all available on Amazon India, with the new trackers offering extended range and more features.As its name suggests, the Tile Sticker has a 3M adhesive that sticks to "virtually anything." It is Tile's smallest tracker to date, and has a built-in battery that lasts for three years. You also get a range of 150 feet, making it ideal for attaching to outdoor gear or cameras.The Tile Slim looks like a credit card, and the low profile allows it to be tucked into wallets, passport holders, or luggage tags. It also has a battery that lasts three years, and Tile says it is twice as loud as the previous-gen Slim. It has a range of 200 feet.Tile's new trackers go further and last longer — and they stick to thingsFi...

Oculus Quest users can now connect their headset to a PC and play PCVR games like Asgard's Wrath.What you need to knowOculus Link is now available in beta for testing.The feature allows you to connect your Oculus Quest to a PC to play PCVR games on the Oculus Quest.Oculus released minimum PC requirements and minimum cable requirements for Oculus Link.Players and VR users can now test out Oculus Link beta on the Oculus Quest. Oculus announced that the beta version of Oculus Link is now available, bringing another option for VR users to play powerful PCVR games. We went hands-on with Oculus Link in September, and our managing editor Russell Holly said, "This really does work as advertised, which is damned impressive." Now, anyone with the required hardware can give Oculus Link a try.Oculus Link allows you to connect your Oculus Quest to a PC with a USB cable. With this setup, you can play AAA games on your Oculus Quest previously unavailable to Oculus Quest users. When usin...

Gamers rejoice! Razer has followed up its intriguing-yet-flawed first attempt at a mobile phone with the refined Razer Phone 2. It features better features including water resistance, wireless charging, and that stylin' RGB Chroma logo on the back and is still an absolute beast for gaming. You're going to want to keep it protected with a case, and you'll for sure want to get something like one of the options below.Best on a budgetTopAce Clear CaseStaff PickA clear case is a natural choice for the Razer Phone 2 given the unique design and the eye-catching Chroma logo on the back. This clear case from TopAce is a great choice at a great price.$8 at AmazonThin case with textureSpigen Liquid Air ArmorThe Spigen Liquid Air Armor is a slim and lightweight case that's designed to protect your Razer Phone 2. It has raised edges around the screen and camera bump while also enhancing its look with a grippy texture. This is a great option from a reputable case maker that's a...

Most modern companies are implementing or investigating how to implement cloud technologies within their operations, and being certified in Microsoft Azure can lead to a lucrative career in the cloud. Microsoft estimates that Azure is being used by 50 percent of Fortune 500 companies, and Azure Architects are landing careers with six-figure salaries.Jumping into Azure without any guidance isn’t recommended, however, but training programs generally aren’t cheap. Right now, however, Windows Central Digital Offers has a deal on a complete Microsoft Azure Architect certification prep bundle that contains four separate courses that prepare you for necessary certification exams. Instead of paying the regular price of about $387, you’ll instead pay just $29. That’s a saving of 92 percent!This four-course bundle includes 23 hours of training and countless lectures. Access also remains open forever, so you can tackle learning at your own speed. ...

Best answer: Yes, and no. There's no built-in SmartCast app, and the built-in Chromecast feature doesn't work at all. Apple's AirPlay feature does, however.A galaxy of videos: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Here's what's going onThere's no Disney+ app in the built-in SmartCast operating system. That's a shame — especially for those who only use the built-in OS with their Vizio TV without any other sort of streaming device plugged in. And that shouldn't be (and in fact isn't quite) the end of the world because all modern Vizio TVs also serve as a target for Chromecast — Google's (and Android's) method of getting video from a phone to a TV — and Apple's AirPlay protocol.AirPlay works just fine. If you have Disney+ on an iPhone or iPad, you can use it to to get Disney+ onto your Vizio TV without anything else plugged into it.Chromecast, however, does not work. Try, and you'll be greeted with an error message.All's not lost, though. You c...

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.Tis the season for limited-time credit card offers. The holiday shopping season is already upon us so it makes sense that companies are putting their best foot forward when it comes to welcome offers. These bonuses are always the quickest way to grab the most cash back or points as fast as possible if you find a card that matches your spending needs.This month, there are a ton of various kinds of welcome bonuses that give you extra cash back or points for cards built for flights, hotels, or even business purchases. We've amassed a list of some of the best limited-time offers out there that are sure to expire soon, so if you find one that fits your need, make sure to jump on it soon.Hilton Hono...

I like this more than the Galaxy Fold. There, I said it.I'll be honest with you. Up until now, I've been pretty lukewarm on the whole foldable phone thing. I think the technology behind phones like the Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X is damn impressive, and I'm ecstatic that these sorts of devices are being made. However, as something I'd go out and spend money on, they've missed the mark for me.Then came the Motorola RAZR. I never owned the OG RAZR that the new foldable is modeled after (ok millennial), but the phone absolutely captivated me the moment I saw it. Sure, it suffers from an assortment of gen-one quirks, but it's the first foldable I've been compelled to buy.That's probably an unpopular take, so let me explain myself. We're still in the very early days of folding smartphones, but already, we've seen quite a few different ways that companies are approaching the functionality. With the Galaxy Fold and Mate X, you're essentially getting a large, unwield...

Legere will continue to focus on a smooth leadership transition and closing the Sprint acquisition.What you need to knowT-Mobile today announced that Mike Sievert will succeed John Legere as T-Mobile CEO on May 1, 2020.John Legere will continue as the CEO of T-Mobile till the end of his contract on April 30, 2020. Legere will also remain a member of the board. T-Mobile has announced that its current President and COO Mike Sievert will replace John Legere as the company's CEO on May 1, 2020. Legere will continue to serve as T-Mobile CEO until April 30, 2020, which is when his contact is set to come to an end.‼️ I’ve got some important news! On May 1, I’ll be handing the magenta CEO reigns over to @SievertMike as my successor. This move has been under development for a long time and I couldn’t be more confident in the future of @TMobile under his leadership.— John Legere (@JohnLegere) November 18, 2019Tim Höttges, Deutsche Tele...

Time to chat with the AC forums.Say what you will about the Pixel lineup, one thing Google gets right time and time again is the software experience. By offering a perfect melding of hardware and software, Google can optimize the stock UI to be as buttery smooth and responsive as possible — creating for a fantastic out-of-the-box experience.That's no different with this year's Pixel 4, and taking a look through the AC forums, it seems to have been enough to have some of our members stick with the stock Pixel Launcher. dmxjago 11-13-2019 07:09 PM “ I stuck with stock launcher and haven't bothered with third party. One thing I do miss is custom icons that's about it. Although I appreciate the theming Google Pixel Launcher provides I wish they had the option to load a custom icons pack then it would be absolutely perfect. Reply pats...

Cheap no-name fitness trackers can be tempting, but you should use Black Friday to score a reputable product at a great price. Pictured: Xiaomi Mi Band 4When you're deciding between two products on Black Friday, it's easy to settle for the cheaper option. Cheap is always better, right? Wrong. In some cases, this may not affect the performance of the product. However, that's not the case when choosing a fitness tracker or smartwatch. Sure, low price tags are tempting, especially when Black Friday rolls around, but don't forget that you can get a cheap no-name tracker at any point during the year. The result is often the same no matter when you opt for a generic fitness tracker: unreliable performance and an inevitably short lifespan. The good news is that Black Friday is your chance to find a brand-name fitness tracker or smartwatch at a reduced price.As you begin your search, you'll quickly notice just how many no-name trackers are out there. Not to mention the fact that t...

Now rolling out in South Korea and India.What you need to knowThe second Android 10 beta update for the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ has started rolling out.Samsung may release the first Android 10 beta build for the Galaxy Note 9 later this week. Both the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 series are expected to receive the stable Android 10 update before the end of the year. Following the release of the fourth and final Android 10 beta update for the Galaxy S10 series last week, Samsung today rolled out the second Android 10 beta for the Galaxy Note 10 series. The update is currently available (via TizenHelp) for users in South Korea and India. It is soon expected to be available for download in the U.S. as well.The second Android 10 beta build for the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ brings numerous bug fixes, improved gesture interactions, improved Bluetooth stability, and a few other enhancements. You can download the latest Android 10-based One UI 2.0 beta on your Galaxy Note 10 o...

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, we've rounded up our picks for the best alternatives to the Shield TV.A streamlined experienceXiaomi Mi Box SStaff pickThe 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 — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and so on.$65 at AmazonStreaming channels aplentyRoku UltraThe latest streaming box from Roku offers 1080p and 4K UHD content with a remote that includes a headphone jack, voice search, and a built-in speaker for the times when it gets lost in a couch cushion. There's sup...

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are premium phones that deserve a premium case to keep them safe. And nothing screams "premium" like leather, am I right? Leather cases also tend to be more functional, often with a folio design and built-in card slots for an all-in-one solution for your phone and wallet — but even if you don't dig that style, there are still great leather cases available! Let's dive in!Made with genuine European leatherSnakehive Genuine Leather Wallet caseStaff pick$35 (S9) at Amazon $35 (S9+) at AmazonNot all leather cases are made with genuine leather, but Snakehive's are. These cases are available in seven colors and will age quite nicely over time. Every case is handstitched and features the card slots and features you'd expect from a folio wallet case.A functional wallet caseCase Mate Wallet Folio Case$37 (S9) at Amazon $14 (S9+) at Amazon When you think of leather cases, you likely imagine a folio wallet case as it's the most comm...

It used to be that Black Friday deals were only available on Friday, but now it's turned into a month-long event that seems to get bigger and bigger each year. While some of the best deals may only be available on Black Friday, and doorbuster offerings may start as early as the evening of Thanksgiving Day, that doesn't mean that you can't already score some pretty wild deals right this very minute.Retailers are trying to maximize exposure during this time of the year, which means that select items are going on sale ahead of the big day. You may be wondering if the prices will drop lower on Black Friday, or if it's worth shopping early, so let's answer some of your questions, and show you some of the best deals. We are currently just 11 days away from Black Friday, so it's time to get serious here.Best Black Friday deals available right now! Product or Service Deal Price Amazon Fire TV 4K w/ Echo Dot Bundle $47 at Amazon Fitbit Versa 2 $150 at Amazon Sony...

The stable EMUI 10 update is now available for owners of Huawei's P30 and Mate 20 series phones in the U.S. as well.What you need to knowThe stable Android 10-based EMUI 10 update for Huawei's Mate 20 and P30 series phones is now rolling out globally.Huawei began rolling out the stable EMUI 10 update for the P30 series in China earlier this month.You can check for the update manually by going to Settings > System > Software update > Check for Updates. Huawei began pushing the stable EMUI 10 update for the P30 and Mate 20 series phones in Europe a few days back. Now, the same update has started rolling out in a few other regions, including the U.S. Based on Android 10, the EMUI 10 update brings several new features and improvements to the table.As reported by HuaweiCentral, the update comes with EMUI version 10.0.0.168 for the P30 series and 10.0.0.154 for the Mate 20 series. If you have a Huawei P30 or Mate 20 series smartphone, you can try looking for the update...

Which products are the best, according to YOU? Vote now and enter to WIN!What are your favorite products of the year? Is the iPhone 11 Pro your favorite smartphone, or does Google do it better? What about your favorite laptop, tablet, game console, headphones and more? That's what we want to know for the first annual Future Tech Awards Reader's Choice awards!Throughout 2019, we've used thousands of products, and narrowing it down to the best of the best is difficult. At least 50 flagship phones, more than 100 computers, and millions of different accessories were launched this year. Across Future Tech, we've seen the good, bad, and great this year, and we've shortlisted the best products and services across a range of categories.What's the best way to celebrate the best tech of the year? How about getting it in your hands in time for the holidays? There are four prizes available and you could win BIG. Here's what's on offer:Grand Prize: Apple iPhone 11 Pro, Apple Watch Series...

Back in the game.What you need to knowGoogle Stadia is an upcoming cloud gaming service.It's expected to launch on November 19. Only 22 games will be available at launch, with some more coming before 2020. You can purchase the Stadia Premiere Edition for $129 on the Google Play Store. A few days ago, the Google Stadia team said that the service would only launch with 12 games. As expected, this sparked a lively debate on social media because a lot of the games were older experiences. Today, Android Central received another press release saying that Stadia was now launching with 22 games. You can read about them below.Assassin's Creed OdysseyAttack on Titan: Final Battle 2 Destiny 2: The Collection Farming Simulator 2019Final Fantasy XV Football Manager 2020 Grid 2019 Gylt Just Dance 2020 Kine Metro Exodus Mortal Kombat 11 NBA 2K20 Rage 2 Rise of the Tomb Raider Red Dead Redemption 2 Samurai Shodown Shadow of the Tomb Raider Thumper Tomb Raider 201...

Daniel Bader is joined by Myriam Joire of Mobile Tech Podcast for a lively conversation about the 2020 incarnation of Motorola's venerable RAZR.Listen nowSubscribe in Google Play Music: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: Audio Subscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioShow Notes and Links:Mobile Tech Podcast - with tnkgrl (Myriam Joire) - World PodcastsMyriam Joire - YouTubeHOW TO CEO | Murray NewlandsMotorola RAZR hands-on: Back to the future | Android CentralSponsors:Mack Weldon: For 20% off your first order, visit mackweldon.com and enter promo code ACP....

Best answer: Whether you are rocking an Android or an iPhone, your favorite Disney movies and TV shows can be right at your fingertips with the Disney+ app. You can also use the Android and iOS apps to cast videos to your TVs using Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.Disney on the go: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)Watch Disney+ wherever you areDisney+ offers hundreds of movies and television shows for you to feast your eyes on. This means that you'll probably end up watching even when you aren't at home.This is an easy task since the streaming service has apps out for a variety of devices — almost all of them. You can stream from your phone, Android TV, and even Chromecast. This means that keeping your kids happy during long car rides and plane trips will now be easier than ever, since they'll have access to so much content.You can even turn your old phone into a dedicated Disney+ device for your kids to watch on the go. While the Disney+ app doesn't support every mob...

Updates to come regularly in 2020.What you need to knowDiablo IV was revealed at BlizzCon 2019.Game Director Luis Barriga has written a blog post, stating that quarterly updates will be provided for the game.These updates will start sometime in February 2020. Diablo IV does not currently have a release window. When Diablo IV was revealed at BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard quickly squashed any notions of the game releasing sometime soon. "We are not coming anytime soon, not even Blizzard soon" was the line used. With that said, it doesn't look like fans will have to wait too long to learn more about the game, as a blog post from Luis Barriga, Game Director for Diablo IV, indicates that new updates will come over the next year in a quarterly fashion, starting in February 2020.Luis writes that "We've been taking this week to assess and discuss our takeaways from BlizzCon, and we love all the deep discussions happening around the art, features, systems, and world of Diablo IV. We're...

Yoda's species is shrouded in mystery, and only a few members of the species are known in canon Star Wars lore.Best answer: We don't know. Yoda's species is shrouded in mystery, and only a few members of the species are known in canon Star Wars lore. Whether The Mandalorian will delve deeper into the mysterious species is unknown.A galaxy far, far away: Disney+ ($7/month at Disney+)What has George Lucas said about Yoda's species?Spoilers ahead for The Mandalorian.George Lucas has famously said that Yoda has no background and has kept his species a secret. So he's a mystery character, he's a magical character. He has no background. He comes and he goes. He's the subversive secret mysterious stranger that enters the film and to then exits at the end.Star Wars' website is also coy, simply referring to the species as "unknown." Here's what we do know. Yoda's species tend to be green-skinned, grow to only a couple feet in height, have three fingers and large pointy ears, ...

A galaxy far, far away is coming to your living room again very soon.The recent Star Wars resurgence thanks to Disney's acquisition of the franchise and the new sequel trilogy of movies has caused an explosion in the number of Star Wars fans around the galaxy. Many of these newer fans didn't grow up on the original Star Wars, but this generation of younglings can still experience them in other ways. When a dated movie just doesn't cut it, video games can step in to help. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is aiming to do just that.And let's be honest. Adults love the LEGO video game series too.All nine filmsLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga$60 at AmazonA galaxy far, far awayLEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will be the first game to compile all nine of the series' main entries into one package. We'll just need to wait until after The Rise of Skywalker releases to find out how it all ends.What is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga?LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalke...

If phone hardware is going to become more than a hobby project for Google, things need to change.Three years on from the launch of the first Pixel phone, I'm lukewarm on the future of the series. That's not because they're bad products -- at least outside of a couple of misjudged forays into tablet hardware that I'll gladly sweep under the rug for the purposes of this editorial. On the phone side, Google continues to excel in imaging, for instance, which is one of the major areas of competition right now. Its Android software experience, too, is among the best.Rather, my Pixel enthusiasm is waning because of a pattern of obvious blunders that have afflicted almost every generation of Pixel, and which shows no sign of letting up.Or to put it another way: Year after year, Google makes excellent icing but half-asses the cake. Google makes excellent icing but half-asses the cake.Pixel phones have always been flawed, and their flaws have almost always been obvious and often r...

If you’re still browsing the web without the protection of a VPN, you’re leaving your device open to a growing number of cyberattacks that can compromise everything from your credit card numbers to your banking information. These top-tier VPNs offer unlimited protection without inhibiting your browsing speed, and each one is available at a significant discount on or before Black Friday.1. KeepSolid VPN Unlimited: Lifetime SubscriptionMSRP: $499 | Sale Price: $39 (92% off)This best-selling VPN keeps your devices fully protected regardless of whether you’re on a private network or browsing on a public connection. You’ll be able to surf with no limits on bandwidth and access a growing number of over 400 super-secure servers across the globe.2. FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices)MSRP: $1,200 | Sale Price: $25 (97% off)FastestVPN lives up to its name by allowing you to browse...

You can't do anything worth mentioning on your PlayStation 4 without first creating a profile. Whether it's tied to a proper PSN account is up to you, but you'll still need some sort of profile to access any games on your system. If you happen to have created one too many profiles and want to declutter the sign-in page, it's easy to delete one (or more) in a few simple steps.Creating a PS4 profileThere are two different ways to create a new user profile on your PlayStation 4 console.Turn on your PS4 console.Select New User.Select Create a User.Accept the User Agreement.If you already have a PSN account, select Skip. Set up your avatar.Choose a new name.Hit Confirm.The second way can be done while you're already on your account, and are the same steps you'd follow if you wanted to delete a user.Go to Settings. Scroll down to Login Settings.Select User Management.Select Create User.Accept the User Agreement.If you already have a PSN account, select Skip. S...

Travel the path of a Padawan.Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order features eight different lightsaber colors, but only two are unlocked at the beginning. In order to find the rest, you'll need to work your way through a significant chunk of the story first. They aren't missable and are related to a story mission on the planet Ilum, which you cannot access right away. Once you can get to Ilum, though, finding your kyber crystal is a breeze.Where to find all lightsaber colorsIlum is a playable location in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, but it's much smaller than the other planets. In Star Wars lore, it's the location where Jedi younglings complete a rite of passage to harvest a kyber crystal for their lightsaber, becoming one step closer to the rank of Padawan. You'll need to complete a majority of the game on Kashyyyk and Dathomir before you can visit it.Other than some platforming and large puzzles, you'll only encounter a few Imperial probe droids on your path to the kyber crystal....

Our pickNokia 6.2$249 at AmazonProsExcellent hardwareTriple rear camerasClean Android One softwareGoogle Assistant buttonNFC for Google PayConsOnly works on GSM networksThe Nokia 6.2 stands out as one of the best smartphone values on the market. It gets the basics right, featuring a fantastic design, excellent battery life, and top-notch software support. It also offers some premium goodies we don't usually see at this price, such as NFC for Google Pay and a dedicated Google Assistant button.Works with all carriersMoto G7$300 at AmazonProsLarge and vibrant displayDual rear camerasMotorola's software is greatHands-free AlexaWorks on GSM and CDMA networksConsNo Google Pay supportWon't get updates beyond Android 10Motorola's G-series features some of the most popular mid-range phones, and the Moto G7 continues the lineup's legendary reputation. It offers a great display, dual rear cameras, and hands-free Alexa access at a competit...

It used to be that Black Friday deals were only available on Friday, but now it's turned into a month-long event that seems to get bigger and bigger each year. While some of the best deals may only be available on Black Friday, and door buster offerings may start as early as the evening of Thanksgiving Day, that doesn't mean that you can't already score some pretty wild deals right this very minute.Retailers are trying to maximize exposure during this time of the year, which means that select items are going on sale ahead of the big day. You may be wondering if the prices will drop lower on Black Friday, or if it's worth shopping early, so let's answer some of your questions, and show you some of the best deals. We are currently just 12 days away from Black Friday, so it's time to get serious here.Best Black Friday deals available right now! Product or Service Deal Price Google Pixel 3a $299 at Amazon Household Essentials 30% Off at Amazon Dyson V7 Anima...

The Empire's army is diverse and elite. Here's our guide to each trooper and vehicle you'll face.In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, the military of the Galactic Empire is filled with tons of different soldiers, and each of them are dangerous in their own unique ways. These troops make up the majority of the enemies that you'll be fighting over the course of the game, so it's a good idea to get a strong understanding of how each foe behaves, as well as what their strengths and weaknesses are. Here's our guide to every Imperial enemy you'll fight in the game (excluding boss encounters).Your new adventure awaitsStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order$60 at Amazon $60 at WalmartWelcome to the galaxy far, far awayStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the first single-player Star Wars game in a long time, and thanks to its tense combat and expansive worlds, it doesn't disappoint.Standard troopersThe vast majority of the time, you'll be fighting the standard troopers of the Empire. Tho...

The Disney+ subscription video service is here and it's looking pretty cool. If you've got unlimited internet with Verizon you can get Disney+ for free for a year if you've got the right plan. As well as Disney content, Disney+ has content from Marvel, Lucasfilm, Fox, and National Geographic. Current or future Verizon customers, make sure you don't miss out.What is Disney+?Which wireless plan do you need?Pick the right planHow much data does it use?Does it work with Fios and 5G Home?What's the fine print?Disney and moreDisney+$7/mo. at Disney+Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and so much more.Watch Disney classics as well as favorites from other studios without limits. You can pay just a little per month for it, or get it for free through Verizon.What is Disney+?Disney Plus (Disney+) is a streaming service from Disney similar to Netflix and Amazon Prime, with movies, TV shows, and shorts. With content from Disney, Pixar, Fox, National Geographic, and Lucasfilm, ...

With options for 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB in storage, the Samsung Galaxy S9 has you covered no matter what you need. However, should you buy the phone and realize you need more space after the fact, the S9's microSD card slot makes it easy to upgrade your storage at any time. There are a ton of microSD cards out there to choose from, but without a doubt, these are the very best ones you can get.Best on a budgetSamsung 32GB EVO SelectEven the base 64GB Galaxy S9 offers plenty of space out of the box, so if you just need a bit more wiggle room, 32GB is a really good affordable option.$7 at AmazonDurable and fastSanDisk Extreme 64GBDouble your phone storage with the 64GB SanDisk Extreme, an ideal card for capturing HD video with high data transfer speeds.$19 at AmazonBest overall pickSamsung 128GB EVO PlusStaff pickSamsung's Evo Plus is the best option for most people. The 128GB card delivers 100Mb/s read speeds, and 90Mb/s write speeds at a great value.$20...

The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) is a fantastic device for streaming the best movies and TV shows from your favorite streaming services — but the included remotes and gaming controllers are pretty lousy for inputting your log-in credentials or searching for content. Fortunately, there's support for wireless and Bluetooth keyboards that will make things oh so much easier!The best right nowXiaomi Miiiw Bluetooth Multi-Device KeyboardStaff pickThe Miiiw Bluetooth keyboard has an elegant desgin, keys that offer great tactile feedback, and seamless connectivity with several devices at once.$50 at AmazonWireless USB with trackpadLogitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch TV KeyboardThis compact and comfortable keyboard connects via USB with a 33-foot range that's perfect for your living room. The built-in trackpad and volume controls are great, as is the battery life.$25 at AmazonMulti-device goodnessLogitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480One of the key features...

BD-1 is a useful little droid with the right upgrades. And he's just cute.Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has been compared to Metroidvanias for a good reason: it encourages exploration and has tons of hidden areas you'll need to come back to because you won't be able to access them yet in the beginning of the game. You'll notice some of these areas are blocked off by doors that won't open because you need to repair your Scomp Link first. This can be done early on after you have completed the Zeffo temple.How to repair your Scomp LinkIn order to repair BD-1's Scomp Link, you'll first need to have completed the Zeffo temple to unlock Cal's Force Push ability. At the location marked on the map above, you'll find a wall of rocks that can only be destroyed with Force Push. Once you're inside, just follow the path up to the top and you'll come across a bench that can be used to upgrade BD-1. This is then immediately used to progress to the next area.A repaired Scomp Link allows BD-...

A great smile is the best first impression, but dental care involves much more than maintaining a set of pearly whites. You’ll have a much harder time getting rid of plaque with an old plastic toothbrush, but with this early Black Friday deal, you can get a high-quality electric toothbrush for just $34.The AquaSonic Black Series is an electric toothbrush designed to eliminate 10 times more plaque than a regular plastic toothbrush. Its 40,000 VPN motor easily dissolves hard-to-remove stains while whitening your teeth. The AquaSonic features soft, whiten, massage, and cleaning modes, allowing you to personalize your dental routine to suit your needs. Additionally, the AquaSonic comes with a handy travel case and 8 dupont brush heads, so you and a loved one can maintain your perfect smile wherever you go.We only get one set of adult teeth, so why not give them the treatment they deserve? The AquaSonic Black Series can be yours with this 75% off early Black Friday dea...

It's surprisingly easy to get if you know where to look.What was kept a secret up until shortly before launch, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order lets players wield a double-bladed lightsaber. The iconic design first graced theaters in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace thanks to Darth Maul, and ever since it's become quite a popular weapon among fans.Luckily, you can acquire it fairly early in the game, and Respawn doesn't make you jump through too many hoops in order to get it.Where to find the double-bladed lightsaberAfter you complete the opening on Bracca and Bogono, you'll be free to explore a few different planets, one of which being Dathomir, the home of the Nightsisters and Nightbrothers, along with Darth Maul. If you're familiar with The Clone Wars animated series, you'll know that Dathomir isn't a place to trifle with. The Nightsisters and Nightbrothers are powerful enemies. As such, I'd recommend taking a trip to Zeffo first to gain some skill points before trave...

Best answer: No. Mario Kart Tour and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe don't sync. While they share characters, karts, and items, these are two games that don't have shared progression.Mamma mia!: Mario Kart Tour for Android (Free on Goggle Play)Okey-dokey!: Mario Kart Tour for iOS (Free on the App Store)That's-a Me!: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe ($60 from Amazon)A-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa!If you want to sync up your Mario Kart Tour data with your Mario Kart 8 Deluxe progress, you're out of luck. Syncing between different devices would usually mean you can play a game on one device, save your progress, and then continue from that save on another device. This would mean all of the time spent playing in a game progresses you, no matter where you are playing.In a game like Mario Kart, syncing data would mean having any unlocked items available to you no matter what device you are using. However, syncing data usually only works if you are playing the same game on a similar device. Even then, not all compa...

Fast Pair is a technology that lets you quickly pair your Bluetooth headphones to your Android phone without having to dig through multiple menus. Simply place them into pairing mode and bring your headphones and Android phone close together. There aren't too many options on the market (yet), but the Jaybird Tarah are the best we can find thanks to its overall solid battery life, sound quality, and comfort.Best Overall: Jaybird TarahThe Jaybird Tarah are solid, versatile earbuds. First and foremost, they are IPX7 water resistant, which means you'll be able to use them in practically any scenario (aside from swimming). Whether you're running a treadmill, or accidentally drop them in a puddle, the Jaybird Tarah will be able to withstand it.Sound quality is good with a neutral low- and mid-bass, a slightly boosted upper-bass and low-mid, and a recessed mid-mid, neutral high-mid and low-treble, along with an overall boosted treble. This gives the Tarah an overall mid and treble f...

What you need to knowThe Cortana app on Android and iOS is going away.This includes the Cortana experience inside Microsoft Launcher.Micrososft has not said which markets will be affected. Microsoft has today announced that the Cortana app on iOS and Android, including Cortana inside the Microsoft Launcher, is being phased out early next year in certain markets. I reported last week that Microsoft was planning to remove Cortana from the Microsoft Launcher in certain markets, and now Microsoft has confirmed these plans in a support document.The Cortana app on Android and iOS will cease to function on January 31, and this includes the Cortana experience via the Microsoft Launcher, just as I had mentioned previously. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not provided a list of markets where this change will be put into affect. I can confirm that Cortana will stop working on mobile platforms in Canada and the United Kingdom, but there's no word on if this will extend to the United State...

The wait is finally over, and the long-anticipated Disney Plus (or Disney+) streaming service is finally available. It enters a space that's already pretty crowded, but stands out thanks to its unique family-friendly offerings that include titles not only from Disney itself, but also Start Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and more. It may not directly compete with services like Netflix and Prime Video, but the number of Disney Plus shows that are available makes it worth checking out.Now, on to the key bit of information here: how much does Disney Plus cost? Well, there are a few different plans for Disney Plus that you can sign up for, making the price for Disney Plus range from $6.99 to $12.99 per month. The lower cost is the best Disney Plus price you'll get right now, while more expensive is a pretty sweet Disney Plus bundle that you'll need to check out. You can sign up for an annual plan to save a little extra, and there's even a free trial available. Let's take a second to...

Don't look down on a year-old Pixel; there's a lot of value to be found here.If you're feeling like the Pixel 4 (in particular) and Pixel 4 XL just aren't worth the money considering their battery shortcomings, but still want that Pixel camera and software experience, you have another choice: buy a Pixel 3 or 3 XL during the Black Friday sale season. You may forgive the Pixel 3 and 3 XL's shortcomings at these prices.I won't blame anyone for thinking the Pixel 4 and 4 XL are too expensive; that's kind of been par for the course for Pixel phones given their corner-cutting in specs and odd shortcomings in some areas that are very important to people. Yes the new Pixels are getting their own Black Friday discounts, with $200 off either model, but that still puts them at $600 and $700, respectively. A good deal, but some people just won't pay that much no matter what.Right now, before the Black Friday fun even gets moving in earnest, the Pixel 3 is just $450, and Pixel 3 XL ju...