Latest from Android Central

Best answer: Playing Google Stadia on a TV only works with a Chromecast Ultra for now, and beyond that, you also need a Stadia controller. Anyone who owns an earlier Chromecast model should upgrade to an Ultra if you want to play Stadia on a TV, or wait on Google to eventually add support for older Chromecasts.Stadia-ready: Google Chromecast Ultra ($69 at Amazon)Get the bundle: Google Stadia Premiere Edition ($129 at Google Store)You need both a Chromecast Ultra and Stadia controller to play on a TVBy most accounts, Google pretty much bungled the launch of Stadia. As it stands now unless you've bought the Stadia Founders Edition or Premiere Edition you're not going to be able to play Stadia games on your TV.That's because you'll need both a Chromecast Ultra that has the latest Stadia firmware updates, along with a Stadia controller. That's the only configuration that currently works for TV play, so even if you already own a Chromecast Ultra you will still need to buy a s...

That's 30 million more units than last year.What you need to knowHuawei's consumer group CEO estimates his company will have sold a total of 230 million mobile devices this year.That's 30 million more than last year, despite the onset of U.S. sanctions and restrictions on the company earlier this year.Slowly but surely, the company is gaining on Samsung to become the largest smartphone company by market share.2019 has been a tough year for Huawei. It's CFO, who also happens to be the CEO's daughter, was arrested in Canada, while the U.S. government has waged a relentless war against its networking business. It was also placed on the U.S. Entity List, preventing American companies from supplying crucial hardware and software that Huawei depends on for its products.Despite that pressure, Huawei has continued its forward march toward dethroning Samsung and becoming the biggest smartphone maker in the world. Thanks to the willingness of its partners to bend the rules, patriot...

Here's the rundown on Mando's protective covering.One of the most important and valuable pieces of gear for Mando, the protagonist of The Mandalorian, is his armor plating. Capable of taking several direct blaster bolts, it's an extremely effective type of protection — and the fact that it routinely saves his life means he can adequately protect Baby Yoda. What is it specifically that allows the armor to be as capable as it is? What are some of the special tools hidden inside of it? Here's our breakdown of everything you could ever want to know about Mando's shiny suit.A magical streaming serviceDisney+$7/month at DisneyAll your Disney favorites, and so much moreFrom Disney classics to National Geographic, from Marvel to Lucasfilm to 20th Century Fox and beyond, Disney+ delivers a streaming service for all ages.It's all in the materialsThe core of what makes Mando's armor so effective is the material it's made of: beskar, which is an exceedingly rare met...

If you thought the first and second-generation of the 10-inch Echo Show was a tad too big, you're in for a treat. Amazon makes its smart screen in two more manageable sizes — a 5-inch and an 8-inch model. Let's see which one you should get.Echo Show 8Goldilocks zone$80 at AmazonProsGreat compromise sizePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraSimilar specs to more expensive Echo Show (2nd Gen)ConsNo Dolby processingNeed a stand to adjust viewing anglesThe Echo Show 8 has taken pretty much all that was good from the Echo Show (2nd Gen) and the Echo Show 5, and fit them into a perfectly-sized smart screen speaker. On-device privacy controls, a better screen resolution than the smaller Show 5, and better speakers make this a great buy.Echo Show 5Bedside buddy$60 at AmazonProsCompact design to fit anywherePhysical cover/off switch for microphones and cameraBetter speakers than Echo Dot or Echo SpotConsAuto-brightness is...

With the holiday season fast approaching, you may be starting to plan some parties and gatherings with friends and family. Here's how to use Alexa and Amazon Echo products to be a more efficient party planner.Products used in this guideTiny dancer: Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) ($25 at Amazon)Best speaker for most: Amazon Echo (3rd Gen) ($80 at Amazon)Best sound: Amazon Echo Studio ($200 at Amazon) Bring in the bass: Amazon Echo Sub ($130 at Amazon)Smart screen: Amazon Echo Show 8 ($80 at Amazon)Smart lights: Philips Hue White and Color A19 Starter Kit ($200 at Amazon) Smart doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell 2 ($130 at Amazon)Use Alexa for party prepThere are several ways that Amazon Echo products powered by Alexa can be leveraged for planning your next party, whether we're talking about a raging dance party or a more intimate holiday dinner party with close friends.It all starts with party planning, and Alexa can help you with stocking up with what you need in two ways. ...

The first time you saw The Child from The Mandalorian on Disney Plus, or Baby Yoda as everyone calls him, didn't you just want to eat him up? Dessert-makers all over had the same idea and went to work. From extravagant cakes and pies, to well-decorated cookies, to coffee drinks you can order now at Starbucks, there are plenty of sweet options to gobble up the Baby Yoda goodness. Enjoy!Yoda CakeBaby Yoda cakeStaff PickNatalie Sideserf of Sideserf cakes in central Texas has created a phenomenal likeness of the little Baby Yoda. It's so lifelike that it's jarring to see the cake cut, but we'd still take a piece ... with the ears, please.Sideserf cakesYoda PieBaby Yoda raspberry pieThis incredibly detailed pie is from pie evangelist Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin, aka @thePieous on Instagram. She runs Pies Are Awesome (we agree!), and though you can't buy her pies, she does offer tutorials that show how she makes them.Pies Are AwesomeYoda CookiesBaby Yoda c...

Stop wondering which service has what and watch more.What you need to knowGoogle Play Movies has now added support for Netflix and Disney Plus.With these services added, you'll now be able to search for even more movies and TV shows within the app.You must still have the apps installed and subscribe to the services, Google Play Movies can only help you find which service the movie or TV show you are searching for is currently streaming on.These days, the video streaming landscape is already pretty crowded, and in the future, it's not going to get any better. As the number of services continues to add up, it can make keeping track of what titles are available on which service a bit of a headache.Thankfully, Google Play Movies has the ability to search through most of these services, making it easier to find what you want to watch without hopping between several apps.The problem, however, is that the service must be supported by Google Play Movies, and up until recently, ...

Portal is one of my favorite video games of all time. I love the concept and the gameplay, along with those the storyline twists, but above all else, I love the GLaDOS, the AI system with the razor-sharp wit that controls everything in the test environment.So you can imagine my reaction when I stumbled upon this indie game called $ S.E.B. >, an indie puzzle-platformer that just so happens to be a wonderfully minimalist homage to Portal. Check out the trailer to see what I mean.The game has you control a SEB square, just one of the thousands of identical test subjects that are stuck in a simulated test environment controlled by GUSTAV, an omnipotently present AI system that exists to configure and guide you through the testing protocols (sound familiar?).You control the black square by tapping anywhere on the screen to make the square jump in the exact opposite direction. Each time you tap the screen, you'll see a line and angle that seems unnecessary at first, but you so...

Android 10 isn't the biggest platform update, but it has a good set of features that can be tweaked to improve your battery life. Coincidentally, some of the changes you can now make to protect your privacy also have knock-on effects in saving power as well. Here's how you can maximize your battery life with a few simple changes on Android 10.Options for Google Pixel and Android OneBattery savers for OnePlus Oxygen OSSome options for Samsung One UI 2For all Android 10 phonesGoogle Pixel and Android OneMake sure Adaptive Battery is turned onThis tip is as simple as it gets, and every Pixel owner should make sure it's turned on: Adaptive Battery. This is a system that looks at how you use your phone, and limits how often infrequently-used apps can run in the background. Google says this only gets better over time as well.Go into your phone's Settings, select Battery and then Adaptive Battery and make sure the toggle is turned on. After that, there's nothing else to do....

Let's not let subscriptions become the dominating revenue stream for the next decade of mobile gaming.The 2010s was a huge decade for mobile gaming, both in terms of the quality of games released and the heaps of money that publishers raked in through exploiting freemium models and in-app purchases.Some of the most notable examples that come to my mind are classics like Clash of Clans and Candy Crush Saga — both are still among the Google Play Store's top-grossing games in 2019 — and more recent trendsetting games such as Pokémon GO and PUBG Mobile.While each of those games is unique in its own way, the common thread that ties them all together is how the developers and publishers capitalized on the free-to-play model of getting the game installed on millions of phones and then enticing hooked gamers to drop obscene amounts of cash in exchange for in-game currency or items.This has proven to be a lucrative model that continues to dominate the app store &mda...

The Huawei P40 and P40 Pro are slated to be launched at an event in Paris in March 2020.What you need to knowAnalyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the upcoming Huawei P40 Pro will use an 8MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom.If the information is accurate, the P40 Pro will have an edge over the Samsung Galaxy S11, which is expected to have a 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. The standard Huawei P40 is said to offer 5x optical zoom. Yesterday, we got our first look at the design of Huawei's upcoming P40 and P40 Pro flagship smartphones, courtesy of early CAD-based renders. Famed industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has now claimed (via HuaweiCentral) that the P40 Pro will be Huawei's first phone to come with a 10x optical zoom camera.The Huawei P40 Pro will apparently use a new 8MP periscope zoom lens with an f/4.0 aperture. Unlike the P30 Pro, which uses just a prism lens, the P40 Pro's periscope module is said to feature two mirrors as well as an extended field o...

Achievements can only be viewed via Chrome or Chromecast at this time.What you need to knowYou can now view achievements in Stadia using Chrome or Chromecast.Achievements have been counted since Stadia's launch, and now you can view all the ones you've racked up while playing.There is currently no way to view achievements with the Stadia app.If there is one thing that gamers love to do, it's to rack up achievements. Unfortunately, when Stadia launched it lacked the ability to view achievements, among a laundry list of other features. However, even though you couldn't see the achievements, Google said they were being counted in the background all along.Starting on December 19, Google finally pushed out a way to view your achievements. True to its word, achievements have been silently racking up in the background all this time, and now there is finally a way to view them.You can check out all the awards you've earned the past few weeks by viewing it with either the Chrome...

A trusty laptop is essential for any businessperson these days, and if you're open to the idea of not getting a Windows machine or a MacBook, there are quite a few Chromebooks out there that work incredibly well in the office. Today, we're going to highlight six of our favorite business Chromebooks, including the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 as our top overall pick.Best Overall: ASUS Chromebook Flip C434Kicking off this list is the Chromebook we think is best-suited for spreadsheets, an endless stream of emails, and presentations. It's the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434, and it's one heck of a package.Right off the bat, the C434 impresses with an outstanding aluminum design. It gives the C434 an unmistakable premium look and feel, along with making it extremely durable. The 14-inch display looks fantastic thanks to the Full HD 1920x1080 resolution, Intel's Core m3 processor offers plenty of horsepower, and you have your choice of 4 or 8GB of RAM. You can even flip the screen all the ...

I love the camera on this thing, but in most other areas the Pixel 4 XL comes up short.Another year, another Pixel launch that's dominated by hardware shortcomings. I thought Google would take a good look at the hardware side of things after all the issues with the Pixel 3 series last year, but clearly that was too much to ask for.So in the Pixel 4 XL we get a flagship phone with a flagship camera and corresponding pricing, but internal hardware that fails to pass muster yet again. To its credit, Google made a few welcome changes — the 90Hz screen is a great addition, and 6GB of RAM means you can actually use the camera and not having everything else in the background automatically close.But because this is a phone made by Google, there are bound to be drawbacks, and this time it's battery life. The 90Hz screen is particularly power-hungry, so much so that the 3700mAh battery just isn't able to keep up.I used the Pixel 4 XL for just over a month, and here's what I think...

We take a look back on some of the best, worst, and weirdest things to happen in games over the last decade.The 2010s sure flew by, didn't they? 2020 is almost here, so the Android Central gaming team decided to sit down and discuss some of our favorite games, characters, and more that graced our lives over the last decade. Some picks were easier than others, and a few strong voices managed to get nominations onto the final list. Take a look at what we loved (and didn't) over the last 10 years in gaming, starting with the best PlayStation 4 exclusives.Decade in games retrospectiveBest PS4 exclusivesWorst things to happen in gamingBest things to happen in gamingBest gaming twists and surprisesBest new IPBest lead character in gamingBest PSVR gamesHardest video gamesGames that made us cryMost annoying video game villainsBest video game dogsBest flushable video game toiletsBest gaming beardsBest gaming dadsBest romance optionsBest video game soundtracksBest phot...

My Pixel 4 came off the charger at 4 a.m. to head to the airport. Walking out of the airport at 11:30, it was down to 33%. That's when I reached for my trusty power bank. If you don't have one for your Pixel 4 or Pixel 4 XL yet, then you should get on that right now because your phone won't do you any good if it's dead.Phone-sized phenomAukey 10,000mAh Battery PackStaff pickThis bank is the same size as the Pixel 4 and can recharge it twice before it'll run dead. Since this bank charges over USB-C, you can use the same cable your phone does with it.$30 at AmazonGreat for accessoriesAnker PowerCore 10000 PD ReduxFor a bank that's basically the size of a Milky Way candy bar, this 10,000mAh bank is good for your Pixel 4 and for accessories as well. You can double-click the button to trickle-charge smaller devices.$46 at AmazonBudget pickXcentz USB-C Power Bank 5000 PDThis tiny bank may not have the biggest capacity, but it's the most pocket-and-purse-friend...

Time to chat with the AC forums.2019 saw a lot of smartphone advancements, particularly when it comes to cameras. Additional sensors were added, low-light modes further improved, and so much more.Samsung, Huawei, Google, and others all had great years in regards to their phones' cameras, and as you might expect, our AC forum members have their own thoughts about which phone does the best in these regards.Here's what some of them had to say. mgbosshogg 12-19-2019 09:29 AM “ I'm impressed by the note 10+. I have used the pixel 3a, 4, OP7P. The OP7P was not great. Not bad, but definitely noticeable. In 99% of situations the rest are only a ball hair different. As usual the main differentiator is behind the camera. Reply DARK Vader777 12-20-2019 12:03 AM “ That note 10 plus cam...

Best answer: The Note 9 is still a capable and modern phone in late 2019, over a year after its release. Most of what makes its successor, the Note 10, great can be found in the Note 9 with the latest software. The only question is whether you really need an S Pen, because if you don't you can save a bunch of money buying a Galaxy S9+ instead.Good at a discount: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ($825 at Amazon)Save more: Samsung Galaxy S9+ ($550 at Amazon)The Galaxy Note 9 is still good, and priceyGalaxy Notes seem to hold their value over time better than the Galaxy S models. Sure the Note 9's gone on sale over the past year since it was released, but not nearly as often as the mass-market Galaxy S9. With a higher starting price, its discounts don't feel so dramatic either. Now over a year after it first went on sale, the Note 9 is still over $800, even with the new Note 10 and Note 10+ available. The Note 9 still feels modern from top to bottom — improvements in the Note 10...

The stable One UI 2.0 update for the two phones is expected to begin rolling out in January.What you need to knowThe third Android 10-based One UI 2.0 beta has been released for the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus.It comes with the January 2020 security patch, along with a few bug fixes. Both the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus are slated to begin receiving the stable Android update next month. Samsung rolled out the third Android 10 beta build for the Galaxy Note 9 earlier this week. Just days later, the company is now pushing (via SamMobile) the third Android 10 beta for the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus phones as well. The latest update is currently available only in India but is soon expected to become available in other markets as well.Interestingly, the latest One UI 2.0 beta for the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus includes the January 2020 security patch. Along with the latest Android security patch, the third beta includes a few bug fixes and updated Samsung apps. Since the list of bug fixes is rela...

Ok, we all know who's number one, but what about the rest?Pictured: The Mandalorian.Disney Plus's first and biggest hit to date has been the Star Wars universe series entitled The Mandalorian. While we've all gone goo goo ga ga for The Child, aka Baby Yoda, there is a whole host of other fascinating characters in the show. Here is our initial ranking of all of the characters in The Mandalorian, in descending order from worst to first. Do you agree with our assessment? Oh, and a spoiler warning is in effect. So, if you haven't caught up, you should!The also-ransThe secondary crewThe show-stealersThe also-rans 32 through 13Pictured: Jawas.#32 - WintaWinta is the daughter of Omera, a villager in a krill farm on the planet Sorgan in the Outer Rim. She is cute but has a very minor roll in episode four, mostly limited to playing with The Child.#31, 30 and 29 - Trapper Wolf, Jib Dodger, and Sash KetterThese may be some of the silliest "human" names in the series thus far...

Dish claims its wireless service will go live within 30 days of the T-Mobile/Sprint merger deal closing.What you need to knowDish chairman Charlie Ergen has said that his company's new wireless service will compete with the largest operators in the U.S. right from day one.He added that it would be suicidal for the company not to build its own 5G network. Dish is set to become the country's fourth major wireless player after T-Mobile's merger with Sprint is completed. Dish Chairman and co-founder Charlie Ergen has revealed his plans (via CNET) for the company's wireless service and expressed confidence that it would be able to emerge as a strong rival to the new T-Mobile/Sprint entity. Ergen had testified earlier this week at an antitrust trial in New York as a witness called by T-Mobile. A coalition of state attorneys general are seeking to block T-Mobile's merger with Sprint, claiming that the deal would result in prices going up for consumers as it would reduce competiti...

Kicking off the next generation of wireless.All of the major U.S. carriers are hard at work on their 5G strategy. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have launched 5G networks and are aggressively expanding those networks through 2019. 5G service not only provides faster speeds but also reduced response times allowing for new services and cloud computing not previously available. For now, the major difference between LTE and 5G will be speed but as coverage continues to roll out to new areas, more services that rely on instant connectivity should become possible.VerizonVerizon is starting small with two cities deploying what it calls 5G Ultra Wideband (UWB). In short, this version of 5G uses large chunks of high-frequency bandwidth that produce very high speeds but suffer in other areas such as coverage over distance and building penetration. While coverage is dense enough in cities to be included on the list, Verizon is being conservative and offering much more specific ...

AT&T has perhaps one of the most developed 5G networks out there right now. With millimeter wave coverage alongside low-band coverage in several cities. AT&T, however, has only rolled out millimeter-wave 5G service to its business customers.At some point, this network will be available to more customers, but AT&T currently does not have a date set for this. If you do have a business account, it makes a lot of sense to buy into this network with some of the best data speeds we've seen from any carrier. For consumers, with only the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G being able to access the low-band network, it still might be worth it to wait.When will my area even get 5G?Which devices should I get to be ready for 5G?Which plan do I need for access?What tech is AT&T using?What is 5Ge?Is 5G worth it for most people?When will my area even get 5G?AT&T has a lot of cities listed for its 5G+ network. 5G+ refers to real 5G NR used in AT&T's network. 5G NR is wha...

5G is the next big technology and every carrier wants in on that action. With the exception of AT&T's 5Ge network, seeing 5G on your device means that you are using the newest and fastest wireless technology available. The only problem is that every carrier has a different plan for implementing it. Verizon, for example, is making sure it's at the front of the pack in terms of deployment and overall speed.Understanding how each carrier will deploy 5G can be confusing but we've been keeping tabs on all of them. Here is everything you need to know about Verizon's newest and fastest wireless network.When will my area even get 5G?Which devices should I get to be 5G ready?Which plan do I need for access?What tech is Verizon using?Does it do home internet?Is 5G worth it for most people?The 5G GalaxySamsung Galaxy S10 5GFrom $55 per month at VerizonFast, smooth, and cutting edgeOne of the most complete feeling flagship phones only gets better with 5G support and ...

It is expected to be unveiled alongside the Galaxy Note 10 Lite before the end of this month.What you need to knowKey specs of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite have surfaced.The smartphone will have a 6.7-inch Infinity-O Super AMOLED display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset under the hood. It will have a triple camera setup on the back, featuring a 48MP main camera with "tOIS."Samsung is soon expected to take the wraps off two new affordable flagship phones: Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy Note 10 Lite. Ahead of their official unveiling, German publication WinFuture.de has shared nearly the complete spec sheet of the Galaxy S10 Lite.According to the report, Galaxy S10 Lite has a 6.7-inch Infinity-O Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and 20:9 aspect ratio. Powering the phone will be a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. Like most Samsung phones, it will have a microSD card slot for further storage expansion up to 1TB.On t...

Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit.At the Game Awards 2019, we got our first look at in-engine footage for a PlayStation 5 game, Godfall. Developed by Counterplay Games and published by Gearbox Publishing, Godfall is a new IP, set in a world of knights and realms of magical elements. Described as a "third-person Looter-Slasher," this game is the first official PlayStation 5 that has been revealed. Here's everything we know about Godfall.What is the story in GodfallGodfall gameplay and featuresIs Godfall coming to PlayStation 4?Is Godfall coming to PC?When is the release date for Godfall?Godfall storyGodfall is set in a world with multiple, distinct realms: Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit. You play as a member of the Knight's Order, who are attempting to keep the apocalypse at bay. Counterplay Games says the world was inspired by works such as Brandon Sanderson's The Stormlight Archive and Isaac Asimov's Foundation. You can take a look at the reveal trailer from the G...

You can get some sweet deals on Redbox's used video games while supplies last.What you need to knowRedbox is leaving the video gaming rental business.The company wants to quickly get rid of its video game inventory.Right now you can purchase used Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch games for ridiculously cheap.The best options will go quickly, so you'll want to snatch these deals up fast. Unfortunately, some kiosks don't have any video games or don't have very many to choose from.Earlier this month, Redbox revealed that it was getting out of the gaming rental business in order to focus solely on movie rentals. Given that Redbox has been renting out video games for the past few years, the company has acquired a rather large inventory of Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Nintendo Switch games. As part of their transition to movie-only rentals, Redbox is selling off this enormous inventory for ridiculously low prices.The thing is that you can only purchase these games ...

The leaked information included Facebook IDs, phone numbers, and real names.What you need to knowA massive data leak affecting 267 million Facebook users was publicized this week.The database was exposed on the internet and accessible without any authentication or password requirements.It contained users' IDs, phone numbers, and real names.While Facebook's busy making its own OS, millions of the company's users' data has been leaked, thanks to one of the largest data leaks in the company's history.Cybersecurity firm Comparitech and researcher Bob Diachenko say they've found a database containing the Facebook IDs, phone numbers, and names of 267 million users on the web. The database, they claim, was entirely exposed on the internet and did not require a password or any other form of authentication to access.They posit that the origins of the database probably lie in Facebook API abuse by criminals in Vietnam or an illegal data scraping operation. While Diachenko immedia...

Silicon Labs, the producer of Z-Wave radios, is opening up parts of the standard to better compete in the internet of things realm.What you need to knowZigbee and Z-Wave are the two primary standards for smart home devices.Up until today, only one company had provided all of the chips for Z-Wave radios. Zigbee Alliance, along with Google, Amazon, and Apple, joined forces to create a new connectivity standard for smart home products on December 18.Z-Wave is one of two main smart home standards, but it's also found itself closed off from outside manufacturers in terms of making chips to power the device's radios. Well, according to The Verge, that changes today as its owner, Silicon Labs, has announced a plan to open up the smart home protocol.On December 18, Zigbee Alliance — the other main play in smart home connectivity standards — along with Google, Amazon, and Apple created a new group to create a new standard that will improve connected devices. Z-Wave has...

Development is being led by a former Microsoft veteran.What you need to knowFacebook is reportedly working on its own OS to replace Android.The company is reportedly aiming for an Apple-esque hardware strategy, with complete control over its hardware and software.A former Microsoft veteran is leading the OS' development.Facebook may be looking to reignite the OS wars in a big way: by creating its own operating system to take on Google. The Information reports that the company's ambitions go far beyond just creating a new smart display or releasing a payment platform for its apps. If its desire to control the future of currencies (if things go its way) and transport us from this reality to a virtual one wasn't enough of an indication of Mark Zuckerberg's grand ambitions, The Information says the company is looking to create its own operating system, and possibly pursue an Apple-esque model for first-party hardware in the future.We've already known for a while that Facebook...

The new Telltale wants to do things differently.What you need to knowTelltale Games was revived by LCG Entertainment after the original company closed.The new Telltale is trying to make a crunch-free studio. The first new project under the new Telltale is a reboot of the The Wolf Among Us 2. After Telltale Games began shutting down, it was eventually restarted by LCG Entertainment, who purchased Telltale's assets. While the new Telltale is still growing, it appears that leadership wants to avoid the mistakes that led to problems with the original company, including crunch.In an interview with IGN, Telltale said "All we can do is be forthcoming; we can't control whether critics hear or believe us. The truth is we are a new company — with different ownership and management, and a different approach as to how we structure a studio in today's market." Telltale also stated that "We are taking a measured and methodical approach to growth in order to ensure we can provide ...

You'll be waiting for a while before there's news of Destiny 3.What you need to knowDestiny 2's latest major event, the Season of Dawn, recently kicked off.In a recent interview, Bungie stated that it'll be a while before there's any news on Destiny 3.Destiny 2: Shadowkeep Deluxe Edition is $60 for PlayStation 4.Destiny 2 first released in 2017 and since then, it's seen plentiful new expansions and updates, alongside some bold changes after Bungie took full control of the game and began self-publishing it, moving away from Activision. Still, players shouldn't expect news of a sequel quite yet. In a recent interview with PCGamesN, David Dague, comms director at Bungie, stated that it's going to be a while before players hear anything about Destiny 3.When asked directly about any news of what's coming past Destiny 2, Dague stated that "Right now our commitment and our attention is to make the seasons that will unfold over the course of the next year interesting and sustain ...

The company plans to have 4,800 customer support agents by the end of next year.What you need to knowGoogle is doubling down on its Operations Centers.The company will expand its in-house customer service facilities in India and the Philippines — and build a new one in Mississippi.Operations Center staff is expected to grow from 1,000 to 4,800 by the end of the next year.Tech companies have often outsourced call center and customer service jobs to countries with cheaper labor around the world. While the tactic has resulted in massive savings for these institutions, customers have often found the resulting quality of service lacking. For companies like Facebook, outsourcing the oversight of its platforms to third parties has resulted in massive controversies and the sub-par moderation of its platforms. Moreover, these jobs are often cited as being incredibly low-paid and often exhibit poor conditions for workers.As a result, Google last year decided to experiment wit...

The newest wireless buds from Samsung were seen in the code for its smart home app SmartThings.What you need to knowThe update to the Galaxy Buds doesn't appear to have any physical changes in design.Galaxy Buds+ will likely launch when Samsung announces the new Galaxy S11 devices.One of the most exciting updates for these buds is the potential for active noise canceling.The Galaxy Buds from Samsung were first announced with the Galaxy S10 phones, and with the S11 devices around the corner, it makes sense we are getting rumors for new buds too. The folks over at XDA Developers have dug up code in Samsung's SmartThing smart home app pointing to Galaxy Buds+, and even have a render to go along with it.The first version of Samsung's truly wireless earbuds has been well-received as a great addition to your everyday carry bag. It seems that Samsung has listened to fans of the original buds and isn't going to change what works in terms of design. The render shows both a case ...

You can also mimic dual-SIM functionality by using a physical SIM card at the same time.What you need to knowThe December update for the Pixel 4 has enabled eSIM capability for T-Mobile's network.Thanks to the phone's dual-SIM dual-standby support, you can also have another network's SIM in the physical SIM slot.Calls, text, and data from both carriers can then work simultaneously.Better facial recognition isn't the only convenience the Pixel 4 series is going to get with the December security update; it also includes eSIM support for T-Mobile's network. As spotted by Android Police, T-Mobile's latest software release for the phone includes "various bug fixes and system improvements," alongside the highly-requested feature.Not only this but thanks to dual-standby support on the latest Pixels, you can actually mimic dual-SIM capability on the phone, despite the single SIM slot found on its left side. If you're using a mobile operator that supports eSIMs — like T-Mobi...

Ring screws up yet again.What you need to knowThe credentials and user data of 3,600 cameras have been leaked online.This includes log-in emails, passwords, and camera nicknames. An additional cache belonging to 1,500 users have also been discovered for sale on the dark web. It's not yet clear whether these are from the same data set or if it's an additional leak. Smart home security firm, Ring has been caught in a cycle of screwup after screwup, but this one might just be the most egregious. The firm has, according to a report from Buzzfeed News, had the data of 3,600 users leaked online. This data included usernames, passwords, and information about the cameras like what they were named — hinting at their location in users' homes. Another leak of 1,500 users was also discovered for sale on the dark web (as reported by TechCrunch.) Much like the earlier leak, the data contained in was much of the same.While Ring has yet to comment on the latter leak, a spokesperson...

Ad networks and trackers are bad, but they aren't the only way your phone tracks your every move.The New York Times has published a bombshell of a story that goes into great detail about how software SDKs (especially advertisement-based ones) can track your every move no matter how "anonymized" they claim to be. It's a great article and really goes in-depth about how it all works and more importantly, why it's something you might want to care about. Be sure to read it.The article might seem more important to me than it does to you. That's because each of us has a threshold for this sort of privacy abuse and none of the companies involved have actually done anything nefarious with the huge amount of location data that's being stored. Foursquare, one of the popular companies named by the Times, is a popular app that can be fun to use when you have friends who also use it. Foursquare hasn't done any harm, right? I doubt Foursquare will ever do any harmful things with our ...

Whether you're upgrading to a new device or are resetting your phone, it's incredibly easy to restore your apps and settings. Google automatically backs up information like contacts, calendar entries, call logs, texts, Do Not Disturb settings, and more to the cloud, allowing you to pick up from where you left off. Here's how you can restore your apps and settings when moving to a new Android phone.Products used in this guideTake great photos: Google Pixel 3a XL ($359 at Amazon)Android One goodness: Nokia 7.2 ($350 at Amazon)How to enable the Android backup serviceBefore we get started with restoring data, you have to make sure that the backup service is running on your current phone. Here's how you can get started:Open Settings from the home screen or app drawer. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Tap System.Select Backup. Ensure the Back up to Google Drive toggle is selected. You'll be able to see the data that is being backed up.Now that you've enabled...

It's what the renders don't show that matters.What you need to knowHuawei's next big phones, the P40 and P40 Pro, have shown up in leaked renders.The phones are expected to be launched in early Spring 2020.Renders show screens that curve over every edge and no 3.5mm headphone jack.Huawei's next big thing may have leaked if renders posted by leaker @OnLeaks and rumor site 91Mobiles prove to be the real deal. The renders are quite dark but show off the screen and edges of both the Huawei P40 and the Huawei P40 Pro. There is not much new information to gather from the renders, but they may prove Huawei is advancing its curve aesthetic, bending the screen slightly over the top and bottom of the device as well as the sides.There are no obvious camera cutouts to be seen, so it is possible Huawei is moving forward with a subscreen selfie camera like the one we recently saw demonstrated by Oppo. Or it could just be that the renders opted not to show every nook and cranny of the...

Smart lighting isn't just limited to turning your bulbs on and off from your phone or changing their colors. With the right smart bulbs, you can even soup up your gaming rig with lights that follow the rhythm and beats of your games, turning your entire room into a living visualizer.Bulbs for your lampsPhilips Hue Premium Starter KitStaff pickIf you don't already have an elaborate smart lighting rig, why not start simple with a couple of bulbs? The Philips Hue Starter Kit comes with two bulbs, along with the necessary Hue Bridge, and Philips Hue partners with gaming brands like Razer so that your lights can match the changing colors of your Chroma-powered peripherals.$128 at AmazonAmbient glowPhilips Hue Light StripJust like the light bulbs, Philips Hue's LightStrip Plus can connect with Razer Chroma devices like Razer's RGB gaming mice and keyboards and match their colors to give a unique ambience to your room. You can stick the LightStrip to the bottom or edges ...

It was not revealed why the team went with OLED instead.What you need to knowThe Pixel 3 almost launched with a 120Hz LCD display.The revelation came out on the recent Android Developer's Backstage podcast from Chet Haase, a member of the Android Developer Relations team.However, the team eventually decided on an OLED display and it wasn't revealed why it scraped the 120Hz LCD.The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL launched back in October using 90Hz displays, making them the first Pixel phones to feature displays with high refresh rates. However, it turns out that Google thought about launching the Pixel 3 with a display using an even higher refresh rate.According to the recent Android Developer's Backstage podcast, the team contemplated putting Sharp's 120Hz LCD display in the Pixel 3 phone. Chet Haase from the Android Developer Relations team, detailed in the podcast how originally the smaller Pixel 3 wasn't slated to use an OLED display for various reasons.In lieu of an ...

Know someone who's really into Android and tech-related stuff and looking for that perfect but unexpected gift? It can be hard trying to find the perfect gift for anyone, and we're here to help. From the practical to the whimsical, these are the non-tech gifts your Android fan will love.Keep your life organizedPeak Design Everyday Backpack (Version 2)Staff PickAlthough this isn't tech related, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is sure to make that Android fan happy. The bag has customizable compartments and is capable of holding much more than just a laptop and a spare phone for traveling.$260 at AmazonShow off your fandomDead Zebra Andy Android Vinyl FigureThe obvious choice for that Android fan is this Andy vinyl figure from Dead Zebra. This is one of the latest editions of the collectible figurine designed by Andrew Bell and shows Andy holding onto his Android device. Plus, the figure measures in at just 4 inches, so it can comfortably be displayed on any...

OnePlus hopes the two new initiatives will help it protect its users from cyber security threats.What you need to knowOnePlus has launched a new bug bounty program that will pay up to $7,000 to security professionals who can discover and report potential threats to the company's systems.Researchers can report any potential threats that they discover on the company's official website.Along with the bounty program, OnePlus has also joined hands with HackerOne to discover security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. OnePlus suffered its second data breach in two years last month. Even though it did not reveal exactly how many users were affected, the company did say that order information of some of its customers was accessed by an unauthorized party. With an aim to boost the security of its systems, OnePlus today announced a new bug bounty program that is open to security experts from around the world.Pete Lau, CEO and founder of OnePlus, said in a statement: ...

Google just acquired a game studio!What you need to knowStadia is a cloud game streaming service from Google.It's been criticized for the lack of exclusive content. Google just acquire Typhoon Studios. Journey to the Savage Planet will still be released on Xbox One and other platforms. Ever since Google Stadia launched, it's been criticized for its lack of exclusives. Gylt isn't really a title anyone would subscribe to the service for if they're only making the decision based on that. Luckily, Google is on track to change that. Today, the company announced that it has acquired Typhoon Studios, the makers of Journey to the Savage Planet.Google sent the following statement to Android Central in a press release. Working with some of the best game creators in the world, we've learned that a successful studio comes down to great people who have a vision to execute on the best ideas. We're always looking for people who share our passion and vision for the future of gamin...

There will also be special restrictions placed on alcohol and diet supplements starting next year.What you need to knowInstagram will begin banning influencers from promoting "vaping, tobacco products, and weapons."Branded content that features alcohol and diet supplements will also require "special restrictions" starting next year.It will also open up access to the Facebook Brand Collabs Manager for select creators to provide them with new ways to search for brands to work with, as well as making it easier to share insights and engagement stats.In the very near future, your Instagram feed should become a lot less clogged with vaping posts. The news comes after Instagram announced on December 18 that influencers would now be banned from promoting "vaping, tobacco products, and weapons."The policy is actually not new for the photo-sharing service, but Instagram now says it will begin enforcing the policy on branded content in the "coming weeks."Additionally, branded cont...

Syncing your photos and videos between your Galaxy Note 10 and OneDrive just got a bit easier.What you need to knowOneDrive now integrates with the Galaxy Note 10's photo gallery.The feature is part of a growing partnership between Microsoft and Samsung.The feature natively integrates the photo gallery with OneDrive, rather than relying on the OneDrive app.Samsung and Microsoft announced several aspects of a partnership in August, including OneDrive natively integrating with the Galaxy Note 10 photo gallery. Microsoft announced that the feature begins to roll out today in Europe, with devices in the U.S. set to receive it soon.The integration replaces Samsung Cloud in the photos gallery and allows people to sync photos and videos to OneDrive directly from the gallery app. These images and videos can then be viewed in the OneDrive app on iOS, Android, or Windows, as well as on the web. A new photo experience arrives in January for OneDrive online that loads images quickly ...

Motorola is going all-out this year with the Moto G7 series, launching four models at the same time. We've been covering Motorola phones for years and know that its budget phones have always stood for reliability and value.Moto G7Budget king$180 at AmazonProsReliable performancePremium designWorks on all U.S. carriersClean softwareConsSlow updatesNo NFCThe Moto G7 is an all-rounder that gets the basics right. The hardware on offer is powerful for most day-to-day tasks, and the camera also holds up well. The glass back gives it a more premium feel, and Motorola has cut down on the bezels up front by switching to a waterdrop cutout. The 3000mAh battery easily delivers a day's worth of use, and the software doesn't have a lot of clutter. Overall, the Moto G7 is a great budget phone for 2019.Moto G7 PowerBattery champion$180 at AmazonProsGreat valueInsane battery lifeRobust internalsWorks on all U.S. carriersCons720p display No NFCSlow up...

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$180 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...

Whatever your reason is for shopping for a new band, you'll find there's a wide variety of options. Maybe you're looking to change up your style or you need something that's more practical for day-to-day wear. Either way, we've gathered some outstanding bands for you to consider.Soft but durableBarton Soft Silicone Watch BandStaff pickIt's safe to say that Barton's quick-release silicone bands are some of the best bands you buy today. Not only are they easy to put on and take off, but they're also reasonably priced. This means you can buy as many as you'd like and switch it up whenever you want. These bands are washable and waterproof, so they're perfect for fitness fans. You'll love that the textured back prevents slipping and improves airflow.$15 at AmazonMake it fashionMOTONG Genuine Leather Watch BandWant to make your Huawei Watch more fashionable? No problem. These Italian genuine leather watch bands from MOTONG are an ideal pick. They're sleek and styl...

Everyone has something they're passionate about, and at Android Central, we're crazy about Android phones. We test and play with all of the latest devices out there to ensure you're spending your money on products that are a good fit for your lifestyle.Most affordableMoto G7 Play$130 at AmazonProsSame processor as G7 PowerMatte plastic finishFlash for selfie cameraCheapest of the two phonesConsLess RAMSmaller displayWeaker batteryThe Moto G7 Play is for people that want a smartphone that can handle all of the basics without spending a heap of money. It's got competent specs, a solid display, expandable storage, a headphone jack, and a water-repellent coating. It's not the flashiest or most powerful handset out there, but for the price, it's one heck of a bargain.Legendary batteryMoto G7 Power$180 at AmazonProsLarger screen with smaller notchSlightly more RAMMassive 5,000 mAh batteryExpandable storageConsGlossy plastic backNo fla...