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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overseeing the food, the drinks, the festivities, and the delinquents you invited into your humble abode is enough to drive any party planner mad, but don't worry about not getting to have any fun playing host! You can make your party look effortless with the help of Google Assistant and the many devices it can interact with before and during your party.Products used in this guideAssistant with a screen: Google Nest Hub ($130)Bring Assistant to any room: Google Nest Mini ($50)Google Play: Google Home app (Free)Pre-party prep with Google AssistantGoogle Assistant is just as much of an asset when planning or preparing your home for a party as it is during the actual event, and you can command it to do thousands of party prep activities such as:Step-by-step recipe guides by asking "How do I make [sugar cookies]?"Set reminders for yourself by saying "Remind me to [take out the trash] [at 4 PM tomorrow]."Add items to shopping list before heading to the store by saying "Ad...

Big business and big government have a long history of exploitation when it comes to Africa and its people. It's time to start making things right.Recently Google, Apple, Microsoft, Tesla and other tech companies were named in a lawsuit that claims each knew that forced child labor is being used to mine the cobalt that goes into a lithium-ion battery. The cobalt in question is being mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and if history is any indication everything in the lawsuit is likely true.Africa is an actual and literal gold mine when it comes to many of the metals and other raw materials that are used to build the tech products we use every day. And it's no secret that how these materials are gathered is done in a way that makes corrupt African officials rich and keeps the price down for companies who make goods from the materials in question. I've worked in Africa, and several people that work at Future Labs were born in South Africa. During my time in ...

It's part of an effort to "address existing and emerging threats".What you need to knowThe US Navy has banned TikTok from government-issued mobile devices.It says it's part of an effort to deal with "existing and emerging threats".Users of government issue phones who do not remove the app will be denied access to the Navy Marine Corps Intranet.The US Navy has banned TikTok from government-issued mobile devices, stating that any users who do not remove the app will not de granted access to the Navy Marine Corps Intranet.As reported by Reuters, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Uriah Orland said the move was part of an effort to "address existing and emerging threats." No further information was given as to what danger the app presents. TikTok has come under increasing scrutiny recently because of its ties to China.The report states: A Navy spokesman said Naval and Marine personnel who use government-issued smart devices are generally allowed to use popular commer...

The Scuf vantage 2 is the best controller I've ever used, and I have used a lot of controllers in my time.When it comes to professional gaming controllers, there are few names in the business bigger than Scuf. Professional players around the world reach for a Scuf controller when they go into battle, and it's easy to see why. The Vantage 2 is the updated model from the original Vantage and is a practically perfect gaming controller.I've spent several weeks and hundreds of hours using the Vantage 2 that Scuf sent me for review, and it's easily the nicest controller I've used for the PlayStation 4. Let's deep dive into what makes it so good.At a glanceScuf Vantage 2 Bottom line: The Scuf Vantage 2 is hands down the best controller I have ever used. The interchangeable parts may be a gimmick, but the responsiveness and build...

Best answer: No. While the Galaxy S7's hardware is great, its software isn't expected to be updated for much longer. Instead, you should opt for the Galaxy S8 with its updated specs, design, and improved software experience.Old bessie: Samsung Galaxy S7 ($180)Get the upgrade: Samsung Galaxy S8 ($370)Why the Galaxy S7 isn't the right buy in 2019The Galaxy S7 was released back in March of 2016, meaning we are coming up on the third "birthday" of the device. At launch, there were mixed reactions as Samsung continued to lead the charge in hardware, but the software left a bit to be desired.In our original review, we gave the S7 good marks for providing a great camera, and "excellent refinement of the GS6." However, software features, carrier bloatware, and the lack of future-proofing made it tough to really recommend the Galaxy S7.Things have slightly improved for Galaxy S7 owners over the years, and Samsung has even brought over Android 8.0 Oreo to device owners. However, a...

It's a tiny but powerful computer that does a lot more than you think. Until you think of it.There is a really cool non-profit in the UK called the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It's a group of really smart people who decided that kids needed a way to learn to do more with a computer than just scroll through Facebook if they wanted to, and found a way to make it affordable so almost anyone can.But the Raspberry Pi, now at version 4, is not a kids toy. It's a full-on computer with support for things like 4K video in a tiny package that's also super-affordable. This has also fostered a huge developer community as well as a long list of after-market accessories that will let you do almost anything with a Raspberry Pi 4 without spending a lot of money. And you'll probably learn something on the way, too.It's a Desktop PCMost people with a desktop computer aren't using it for any really heavy lifting. We surf the web, maybe buy something online once in a while, use social media or st...

From live wallpapers to 2020 Supporter wallpapers, v45 is here to make your phone more festive.What you need to knowAction Launcher v45 is rolling out to users now along with an ActionDash update.Quicktheme now can pull colors from live wallpapers, but there's a few caveats to keep in mind.New ActionDash integrations allow you to see your usage in a widget or pause apps for the rest of the day.Support 2020 is here with 5 new supporter wallpapers, including a darling winter scene and a trippy rainbow ride.Christmas came early for Action Launcher users this year, as v45 rolls out today with new enhancements to ActionDash, Quicktheme, search, dual apps support, and the new Supporter badge for the new year. Action Launcher is also touting Android 10 gesture compatibility with v45, but that's contingent upon our phone being a Pixel that got the most recent batches of "feature drops", so if you're on a Samsung Galaxy S10 that just got One UI 2.0, I'm sorry to say you're still pr...

Dynamic Fixed Foveated Rendering will help performance and image quality improve.What you need to knowDevelopers can now choose to let the Oculus Quest decide what level of Fixed Foveated Rendering is best.This change will improve performance in games as well as visual quality when not needed.Developers need to implement this, so there's no changes for you to make on your Quest at this time.Thanks to a development kit update, Oculus Quest developers can now allow the Oculus Quest to decide when to use Fixed Foveated Rendering (FFR). UploadVR noticed this change in the latest development tools update, and it's probably one of the biggest changes in helping developers more easily translate games to the Quest since the system launched in October. While you may never have heard of FFR, you've likely seen it if you've ever taken screenshots on your Oculus Quest or looked around at the edges of the screen.Think of it like this: stare at something right now and try to take in th...

The company says it's not aware of any attacks exploiting the vulnerability, but it can't be sure.What you need to knowTwitter this week revealed a major vulnerability in its Android app.The exploit could allow an attacker to get access to sensitive information or even take control of a Twitter account.The company is communicating mitigation strategies to users it believes are at risk and is advising everyone to update the app.Twitter's Android app was exposed to a nasty vulnerability for a bit, the company informed users in a new post on its privacy blog. The exploit could allow an attacker to "see nonpublic account information or to control your account (i.e., send Tweets or Direct Messages)."The exploit, which involved uploading malicious code to restricted storage areas of the app, has not yet been used to the company's knowledge, but the Twitter is cautioning users that it can't be sure. It's already fixed the issue in the latest version of the app and is asking all ...

Issues have been resolved.What you need to knowCD Projekt had been in a legal disagreement with the author of The Witcher novels, Andrzej Sapkowski.An agreement was reached today, with both parties cooperating moving forward. The agreement also granted CD Projekt new rights to The Witcher. CD Projekt (the parent company of CD Projekt Red) had recently been in a legal disagreement with Andrzej Sapkowski, the author of The Witcher novels. When Sapkowski originally sold the rights for The Witcher to be developed into a game series, it was in the form of a lump sum payment, instead of CD Projekt's initial offer of a percentage of the overall profit.After the rousing success the games have seen, Sapkowski's lawyers argued that the initial deal was unlawful and that additional reparations of roughly $16 million USD were needed. Today, CD Projekt announced that both the company and Sapkowski have reached an agreement, with CD Projekt gaining "new rights" and reaffirming the comp...

Navigate those on-screen elements a bit more elegantly from your phone.What you need to knowThe casting menu in the YouTube app is getting an overhaul with more advanced control methods.A new directional pad will allow users to navigate on-screen elements on the YouTube app for smart TVs.This update is a server-side rollout and should be made available to all users soon.Ever since Google debuted the Chromecast, people have gotten used to sending videos and other media from their phones to their TVs or smart speakers throughout their homes. Most of the time, though, casting functionality has been limited to basic functions like pausing or resuming the media playing, as well as adjusting the volume on supported devices. Now, Google is trying to make controlling those on-screen elements on the TV a bit easier by including a virtual remote that can control the YouTube apps on your TV.In most cases, smart TVs that include a YouTube app can have videos sent to it by a smartphon...

Fulfillment fees for third-part sellers will go up by 3% next year.What you need to knowAmazon is informing merchants on its platform of an impending fee hike of 3%.The company says its increased spending on improving delivery times is part of the reason behind the increase.However, it says it's committed to the Fulfilled by Amazon program, and the investments should help sellers grow sales overall.While Amazon makes or stocks a lot of what it sells, it also boasts the largest community of third-party sellers on an e-commerce platform in the U.S., thanks to its Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) program. The venture allows sellers to not only list their items on Amazon's online storefront but also rely on the tech giant for warehousing and shipping their products.It's these services that Amazon is planning to charge more for. The company is already known for having the fastest delivery times in the business, and now also ships the majority of its packages via its in-house shipping...