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Once upon a time, Chrome OS only came on laptops that had a keyboard built-in, but now we have Chromeboxes, Chromebits, and Chrome tablets. No matter what form your device seems to take, one thing remains absolutely clear: a good keyboard is essential! Chrome OS plays well with most keyboards on the market and whether you're looking for a travel-friendly keyboard to replace your Chromebook's sticking keys or need a wireless keyboard to use in bed, we've got a keyboard for everyone!Made for GoogleLogitech K580 Wireless Keyboard, Chrome OS EditionStaff pickYou can swap between two devices quickly on this slim keyboard, which has Chrome OS function keys up top, as well as a number pad with page up/down, home, and end keys. The layout takes getting used to but the connection is strong and the key travel is a good depth.$50 at Best BuyPremium lookBrydge C-Type Bluetooth Wireless KeyboardBrydge made a couple of Chrome OS keyboard options for the Pixel Slate a year ago, ...

Best Buy and Tile are offering multi-packs with a free smart speakerWhat you need to knowGet eight Tile Stickers and a Google Nest Mini as a bundle.Save about $70 versus buying these separately.Best Buy has a similar deal with other Tile products.Tile, the company that makes little stickers and keychains that beep to help you find your stuff, is offering a bundle of its smallest Tile Sticker product with a Google Nest Mini. Instead of buying four Tile Stickers for $60, you can pay $100 and get eight Tile Stickers as well as a Nest Mini, which is one of our favorite small smart speakers.The Tile Sticker is the smallest of the Tile family, which means it has the quietest beep and the shortest range, still a respectable 150 feet. It also uses a built-in battery, so after about three years, you'll have to toss them and get new ones — presumably bundled with whatever new smart speaker Google is pushing then.The Verge has also spotted an early Black Friday deal at Best B...

A sequel is likely in the works.What you need to knowHorizon Zero Dawn is an action-RPG developed by Guerrilla Games.The game released in February 2017 and was well-received, critically and commercially. A new job listing at Guerrilla Games indicates a sequel may be in development.You can grab the first game for $17 on Amazon.While a handful of major PlayStation 4 exclusives are still on the way, such as The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima, it looks like we might know about one of the next big PlayStation games to be announced. A job listing at Guerrilla Games, the developers of Horizon Zero Dawn, has been spotted, requesting technical artists to work on the environments of Horizon. Considering that Horizon Zero Dawn released years ago, this would appear to point towards a sequel.Still, the idea that Horizon Zero Dawn is getting a sequel isn't surprising. Horizon Zero was well-received critically and has sold 10 million since its release in 2017. The PlayStation 5 ...

Only available in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.What you need to knowGoogle has created the Waze of public transit with the new Pigeon app.Pigeon allows commuters to report incidents such as crowd sizes, power outages, live performers, and more.It's currently only available for iOS devices, but you can sign up to be notified when it is released for Android.If you've ever used public transit before, you know it can sometimes be a mess — delays are inevitable and sometimes cannot be helped. However, what if you could know about these delays in advance and could plan around them? That's what Pigeon sets out to do via crowdsourcing. Think of it as Waze for public transit.The app was created in Google's Area 120 incubator and was first released back in September 2018 for New York City commuters. Now, Google is announcing Pigeon's expansion to five new cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washingt...

Only the Pixel 4 XL's Smooth Display now refreshes at 90Hz at all brightness levels.What you need to knowAfter the latest software update, the Pixel 4's "Smooth Display" switches to 60Hz when the brightness level is set at below 42%.The Google Pixel 4 XL, on the other hand, now runs at 90Hz irrespective of the ambient brightness level.Pixel 4 owners still have the option of forcing the display to refresh at 90Hz at all times from Developer Options.Yesterday, Google began pushing a new software update for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, fixing the screen refresh rate issue and also bringing the latest November security patch. However, as reported by XDA Developers Editor-in-Chief Mishaal Rahman, the Smooth Displays on the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL now behave differently.Okay, looks like cstark sent me the wrong file. Google definitely changed it. They're using the values I tweeted bout earlier. Now ambient brightness threshold is -1 (AKA disabled), and brightness threshold is now 42...

The brand new NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) offers big departure in terms of hardware design, and with it comes some limitations. Most notably, you only get 8GB of internal storage and there aren't any USB ports for convenient external storage upgrades. However, you do get a microSD slot that lets you quickly access content you've previously loaded onto the card, or you can mount your microSD to be used by the Shield TV as internal storage.Products used in this guideTotally tubular: NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) ($150 at Amazon)8x the storage: Samsung 64GB EVO Select microSD ($10 at Amazon)How to upgrade your Shield's storagePlug a microSD card into the slot located above the HDMI port. This will probably require you to unplug your HDMI cable to access the SD card slotWhen your Shield TV boots up, you will likely see a notification pop up about the new storage device.If you don't see the pop-up, go into the SettingsSelect Device PreferencesSelect Storage.Select your SD card from...

Many of the best Black Friday deals will be able to be found just about anywhere you look on November 29, but if you are looking to go into a physical store an maximize your shopping potential, Walmart may be the place to be. The retailer offers an insane variety in its stores, and year after year continues to offer some crazy doorbuster sales, longer-lasting options, and quite honestly there will be a bunch of stuff you'll impulsively buy to give as gifts or keep for yourself.Knowing where to shop on Black Friday definitely requires some planning and understanding about the benefits of certain retailers. Over the past two or so years, Walmart has made some rather large changes to the way the company handles its online store front, and the outcome has made it far more competitive. From better shipping speeds to a wider variety of products, you'd be silly not to keep an eye on what Walmart is doing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.When does Walmart's Black Friday sale begin?Bla...

Maybe don't bend the Pixel 4 so much if you want it in one pieceWhat you need to knowYouTuber JerryRigEverything stress-tested the Google Pixel 4.The phone cracked in multiple places.The structural weakness is in the frame near the antennae.Professional phone destroyer JerryRigEverything has conducted his durability test on the Google Pixel 4, and the device did not impress the handheld demolition expert.After chipping away a distressing amount of paint, Zack bends the phone and hears a snap, a sound he says he hasn't heard on a flagship phone in a long time. The Google Pixel 4 is shown with a crack running the width of the side of the phone.Further bending produces three more cracks, laterally on each side, about a fifth of the way from each end of the device. By scraping away more of the flaky paint, Zack shows that the cracking coincides with antenna lines on the device. Because of the nature of the metal frame of a smartphone, device makers need to leave room to expos...

Android Auto will be replaced by Assistant Driving Mode in the future.What you need to knowAndroid Auto for phone screens has been released.The new app will allow users to access Android Auto again on their phones that lost access after the Android 10 update.Android Auto on phones is expected to be replaced by Assistant Driving Mode in the future.Back in May 2019, Google announced at I/O that it would be replacing Android Auto on phones in the future with a new solution. It would be known as Assistant Driving Mode, and while it would replace Android Auto on phones, Android Auto would continue to live on as a separate entity on car head units.Assistant Driving Mode never had a set release date, but it was expected to launch by summer with plenty of time before the launch of Android 10. Unfortunately, development has taken longer than expected and Assistant Driving Mode has yet to be released.That would have been fine, except Google was betting on Assistant Driving Mode al...

One ad after sign-up is worth it to get all the Star Wars films in one place.What you need to knowStarz had an license agreement with Disney for several films that Disney wanted to include on Disney+.As a result of modifying the agreement, Disney has agreed to a banner ad for Starz on the Disney+ signup/login page.This banner ad will appear on the login page for the Disney+ Android app and website.Trying to get every title Disney's ever made onto one service is like herding cats, except the cats have all been going to different homes for food and belly rubs. The reason that the films and tv shows that Disney+ will have on Day One — now a week away — is not complete is because Disney's legal teams have been trying to find ways to revise or shorten the deals they have while waiting for others to simply time out.The license agreement with arguably the biggest impact on Disney+'s library was Disney's agreements with Starz, one of which included the rights to Star War...

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

The look of this distinct case is "love it or leave it" but the feel in the hand and affordable protection keep me coming back.Getting a protective case doesn't mean locking it away in Fort Knox these days, and the overlap between rugged cases and clear cases has been growing with each generation of phones. Want to show off your Pixel 4 but still keep it safe? There's a whole host of cases for that now, and the first one I turn to is the Ringke Fusion-X.I've had excellent luck with the Ringke Fusion-X series for the last couple of years, and that luck held out again with the Pixel 4. Even after trying on every Pixel 4 case I could get my hands on, the Fusion-X was the case that I wanted to put back on the most. It felt wonderfully sturdy in the hand, it was a good color that's ready for winter, and while it has a very distinct look it still shows off the design goodness of the Pixel 4.At a glanceRingke Fusion-X Pixel 4 case ...

Lenovo Chromebook C340-11New best Chromebook$301 at AmazonProsDouble the USB portsMore premium look with aluminum lidExpanded configuration optionsConsNo 8GB version yetLimited availability for silver variant so farLenovo's follow-up to its most popular Chromebook brings some class and extra productivity to a compact machine that could already run all day with ease. Combined with aggressive pricing and two color options, the C340-11 is a slam dunk Chromebook.Lenovo Chromebook C330Bargain buy$270 from AmazonProsLower priceSturdy, proven machineShiny white shellConsLess powerful processorWhite shows dirt easyNeeds steeper discountsThe C330 is a great Chromebook, but it's almost the same price as the new model without the extra ports, extra colors, or the iron-clad guarantee that it will receive updates after June 2023. Once it gets steeper sales, it'll be a good budget buy, but it's a waiting game right now.Lenovo hit a home-run with the affordab...

No word on global availability yet.What you need to knowMi Watch is Xiaomi's very first smartwatch to run on the Wear OS platform.It will be going on sale in China next week for 1,299 yuan ($185). The smartwatch features a 1.78-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon Wear 3100 4G chipset, a 570mAh battery, and eSIM support. The Mi CC9 Pro wasn't the only impressive new product that Xiaomi launched today. It also introduced its very smartwatch to run on Google's Wear OS platform. The smartwatch, dubbed Mi Watch, looks very similar to the Apple Watch, featuring a square design and a crown on the right side.Xiaomi Mi Watch sports a 1.78-inch AMOLED Always-on display and a 44mm case size. The display offers 410 x 410 resolution and is protected by a layer of "toughened curved glass." Only the limited edition "Exclusive" variant of the watch gets Sapphire Glass on top.Running under the hood is a Snapdragon Wear 3100 4G chipset, along with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. The watch uses a 570mA...

RCS may be the savior of unified messaging someday — but it isn't right now, and you don't have to deal with it.The Android enthusiast community is stoked about RCS messaging. Being excited about a new messaging protocol is the exact kind of thing Android nerds would get excited about, and the fact that it's generally being positioned as a new unified messaging platform to be "iMessage for Android" has elevated its appeal.But sadly, RCS continues to have a rocky rollout. Carriers are dragging their feet in supporting it, as are phone makers — and while the latter can be addressed with a third-party messaging app, there's little you can do about the former. Cross-carrier (to say nothing of cross-country) RCS support is a mixed bag, and in some cases they're forming messaging alliances on the side to muddy the waters further. RCS isn't ready for prime time yet, and you don't have to use it until it is.With all of the tumult surrounding the rollout of RCS, I just ...

Let's check in with the AC forums.Yesterday, November 4, Google began rolling out its November 2019 security patch to Pixel devices. As usual, the security patch comes with a host of fixes for various bugs and vulnerabilities.For Pixel 4 handsets, specifically, this month's patch also brings improvements to the camera and the 90Hz Smooth Display.Taking a look through the AC forums, the update is gradually starting to make its way to folks. davidnc 11-04-2019 03:34 PM “ Google Store Unlocked 4 XL nothing yet. Pixel 2 XL updated gets the win this time :) Reply almath 11-04-2019 11:36 PM “ Just got it.. Sprint Reply Mathrania 11-04-2019 05:57 PM “ Pixel 4 XL Unlocked Google store Canada... downloading this huge 21 MB update R...

Best answer: No, you can't download PlayStation Now games to your PC. PlayStation Now only supports streaming to PC. You can only download PlayStation Now games to a PlayStation 4 console.Stream hundreds of games: PlayStation Now 12-month ($60 at Amazon)Nearly limitless choices: PlayStation Store Gift Card (From $10 at Amazon)What is PlayStation Now?PlayStation Now is an on-demand subscription service similar to Xbox Game Pass or Netflix. By subscribing each month, members get access to a catalog of over 800 games that can be downloaded or streamed to their PlayStation 4 consoles or PC.It received a massive price drop lately so that you can subscribe for a whole year for just $60, which is half the price of Xbox Game Pass.Can I download PlayStation Now games to PS4?Yes. Though not every game supports installation on PS4 and PS4 Pro, most of them can be downloaded to your console. When you're browsing for which title you want to play, you'll see an option to either stream ...

Google is using well-established tech to securely unlock the Pixel 4 using your face, but the addition of the Soli sensor makes it super fast.The Pixel 4 does not have a fingerprint sensor and relies on using your facial features for biometrics — that means unlocking the phone and accessing apps that depend on you proving your identity. A lot of folks aren't happy with the change, but the powers that be at Google want this for its future phones, so that's what we get.Besides the back and forth about which method is better, the biggest question about face unlock is how it works. While I can't come up with any real answers to why Google dropped the fingerprint sensor, I can tackle this one: face unlock works by using infrared light to make a 3D map of your facial features. And believe it or not, it's not as complicated as you might think.The hardwareThere is a lot of stuff in the Pixel 4's top bezel. Too much to hide in a slim bezel or a notch, which is why there isn't ...

More and more often, phones are being released with shiny glass backs, smooth metal frames, and other design elements to make them as attractive as can be. That's great if you prefer form over function, but what about if you're in the market for a smartphone that you don't need to baby nonstop? Here are the best rugged Android phones we could find!Excellent valueBlackview BV5500Staff pickRugged phones don't always have to be expensive, and the Blackview BV5500 is a perfect example of just that. This rugged phone features a MIL-STD-810G and IP68 ratings, meaning that it's drop-proof and you can submerge it in two meters of water for up to two hours. There's also a big 4,400 mAh battery, a 5.5-inch HD screen, and dual rear cameras.$110 at AmazonDoes it allCAT S61Do you know the Caterpillar brand that makes construction equipment? That same company also makes Android phones, and the CAT S61 is its best yet. The S61 can be submerged in water up to 3 meters for 30 minu...

id Software doubles down on DOOM's gory renaissance.At E3 2018, id Software announced a new entry in the DOOM franchise. Dubbed DOOM Eternal, it's a continuation of the 2016 reboot that set the franchise on a new path. Here's everything you need to know about it.What is DOOM Eternal?Story: What's going on in DOOM Eternal?Gameplay: What do you do in DOOM Eternal?Invasion ModeSnapMap is not coming backDOOM Eternal releases in March 2020Conquer HellDOOM Eternal$60 at AmazonSlay demonic forcesPrepare yourself for all of the blood and gore you can handle in DOOM Eternal, id Software's next entry in the franchise that is kicking the action up a notch for new and returning players.What is DOOM Eternal?For quite some time, DOOM was an IP that existed in a state closely resembling limbo. Sure, the games haven't been totally terrible, but it was clear how far removed we were from the glory years. That changed with the reboot of the franchise in 2016.Aptly and succ...

Phones are less susceptible to such attacks as they use voice authentication.What you need to knowResearchers have found that smart speakers such as Google Home and Amazon Echo can be hacked with the help of laser-powered "light commands."Apart from smart speakers, Facebook's Portal devices as well as smartphones can also be easily tricked by "light commands" from as far as a few hundred feet away. Researchers suggest smart speaker makers can fix this vulnerability by adding a light shield around the microphone or using two different microphones on opposite sides to listen to voice commands.Researchers have discovered (via WIRED) that it is possible to "speak" to devices such as Google Home and Amazon Echo smart speakers with the help of "light commands." In order to do this, they had to point a laser at the target device's microphone using a telephoto lens and a tripod to change the intensity to a specific frequency. This would trick the device's voice assistant into respondi...

Blizzard is bringing the Diablo series to your mobile phone, and we cannot wait.While Blizzard was announcing Diablo IV at Blizzcon this year, they also dropped a lot of information about Diablo: Immortal. Immortal will be a fully-fledged Diablo game, with a few awesome extras, and designed from the ground up to be mobile.Here is everything we know about the game so far.What is Diablo?What type of game is Diablo: Immortal?What Classes are there?Are there microtransactions?What is the control system like?When will you be able to play Diablo: Immortal?What is Diablo?Diablo is a game franchise made by Blizzard and centered around the world of Sanctuary. In previous games, you have fought off hordes of demons to collect loot and defend the fragments of the destroyed Worldstone.Diablo: Immortal takes place between the events in Diablo II and III and puts you in the role of a hero, joining forces with other factions and even other players to stem the tattered invasion for...

If you didn't know you were using a Facebook app, now you will.What you need to knowFacebook has a colorful new way of writing its name.The corporate logo will not replace the familiar blue "f" in the Facebook app.Facebook will include the logo in Instagram, WhatsApp, and other services.On November 4, Facebook separated its parental corporate entity from its ubiquitous social network app and service, creating a new (and boring) logo that will identify all Facebook-owned properties. The new logo is a simple all-caps text representation in a custom font. Other than that, there's not much else to say about it.In a blog post, the company admits that users of its services don't always realize they are using Facebook-owned sites. While the company had its corporate brand on hardware like the Oculus VR gear and the Portal smart display, the new logo will be spread with "from Facebook" messaging across all of its apps — including the original Facebook app, Messenger, Instagram...

Best answer: Yes, but it's not without its drawbacks. The new plan covers all Nest devices in your home, and includes advanced audio sensing along with all the features of the old Nest Aware. The only trade-off is fewer days of continuous recording, and the potential loss of some third-party integrations if you switch over.A powerful new Wifi mesh router: Nest Wifi Router ($169 at Amazon)Nest Aware 2.0 is a serious upgradeGoogle made some pretty exciting announcements at its October 15 Pixel event in New York. From a smart home perspective, the unveiling of its new Nest Wifi hardware was definitely the high point. Yet that announcement came hand-in-hand with a revelation some users — new and existing alike — might find a bit confusing.Namely, that Google is changing the subscription model for Nest Aware, the cloud-based service attached to its Nest devices — and the new subscription service is a definite step up from the old. While the new Nest Aware subscrip...

Both the Sony WF-1000XM3 and AirPods Pro are major updates to its previous counterparts and you can't go wrong with either pair. It really just boils down to whether or not you care about ecosystem integration.AirPods ProExcellent all-around buds$250 at AmazonProsSeamless integration with Apple devices24 hours of audio with wireless charging caseExcellent sound qualityGreat ANC performanceClass-leading microphone quality for phone callsConsProprietary ear tipsBattery life could be better with ANC enabledOnly basic support on non-Apple devicesWhile the battery life with ANC enabled isn't all that great, the AirPods Pro still has its advantages, such as great microphone quality and seamless integration with your Apple devices.Sony WF-1000XM3For ANC fans$228 at AmazonPros24 hours of battery life with charging caseExcellent bud battery lifeUSB-C for chargingGood app to customize sound signature and ANCConsTreble response could be better with ANC en...

The flippy-faced cameraphone will get gestures and the latest securityWhat you need to knowASUS ZenFone 6 is getting Android 10 now.Impatient owners can flash the updated firmware.Android 10 adds gesture navigation and dark mode.One of the benefits of buying a plucky unlocked phone from a smaller manufacturer is the possibility of receiving the newest software faster, and that's just what ASUS is delivering with the latest ZenFone 6 update. Android Police reports that ASUS is rolling out Android 10 with the latest October 2019 security updates right now. It is possible to force the download by flashing your firmware, but this could bork your phone if you don't know what you're doing.Android 10 brings gesture controls to the ZenFone 6, as well as improved permission dialogues and more stuff that you can read about here in our big Android 10 round-up! ASUS keeps its software footprint minimal on the user interface, so ZenFone 6 owners should see all of the new Android 10 goodn...

After only three years the first Google Pixel is losing all of its supportWhat you need to knowGoogle Pixel and Pixel XL left out of November 2019 security update list.Google originally slated October 2019 as the final security update.Phone and online support also ends.The Android November 2019 update list is available and the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL, launched in 2016, will not be getting the latest security patch. While Google has not officially terminated support for the original Google Pixel devices, a separate support page indicates that security updates will no longer be guaranteed after October 2019. That page essentially gives all Pixel devices a three-year deadline on guaranteed security updates as well as new versions of Android. The Google Pixel was no longer guaranteed Android version updates as of October 2018, though it did receive Android 10.Google will no longer support the original Pixel and Pixel XL by telephone or online customer support channels. ...

ByteDance worked with Smartisan to launch a phone you can't buy in the U.S.What you need to knowTikTok owner ByteDance released the Jianguo Pro 3 smartphone in China.The device will be released under the Smartisan brand.Swipe up from the lock screen to launch the Chinese version of TikTok.Video sharing service, and enigma to older techies, TikTok is going to be featured on a new smartphone launched by its parent company, ByteDance. After an acquihire of some patents and talent from the Smartisan phone brand, ByteDance will be launching the Smartisan Jianguo Pro 3 in China for ¥2899.The phone had apparently been in development before the deal was made with ByteDance, and the latter company's involvement led to including a shortcut for TikTok users to swipe up from the lock screen to quickly jump into TikTok, or rather Douyin, which is the version of TikTok that ByteDance offers in China. There doesn't seem to be any more meddling from the TikTok folks in this device beyon...

Plus, you can flip-flop between cell networks at will with dual-SIM supportWhat you need to knowGoogle has enabled RCS messaging on Pixel 4 on Google Fi.Pixel 4 users can also now use two SIM accounts for different tasks.Google Senior Director Sanaz Ahari slipped this info on Twitter.The Google Pixel 4 is getting a software update that will enable features like RCS messaging and DSDS, according to tweets posted by Sanaz Ahari, Sr. Director of Product & Design at Google. Of course, the Pixel 4's capability to handle the next-gen Rich Messaging Service (RCS) will be dictated by carrier support, but at least now the handset has software capable of the iMessage-like SMS successor.Ahari also indicated that Google Fi version of the Pixel 4 is the first one to work with RCS, which makes sense since Google Fi partners with Sprint, a carrier that has already declared its support for RCS.Pixel 4 users with two SIM cards will also see support for Dual-SIM, Dual Standby mode (DSDS...

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network.What you need to knowMarriott has launched a new 100K bonus limited time offerThe Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card are eligibleThe bonus is worth about $800 according to The Points GuyJump in on Marriott's biggest offer for a limited time.Update: This offer is set to end on Wednesday, November 6. Be sure to get your application in before so you don't miss out on this great reward.When Marriott acquired SPG hotels and brought their rewards program under the Bonvoy program, it had offered new cardholders of its Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card a limited time 100K points bonus. For anyone who missed that offer and has held out in hopes of its return, Marriott is back. For ...

We're big fans of Fitbit here at AC. The company's been leading the fitness tracker market for years, and now, is one of the biggest names when it comes to smartwatches. If you need help deciding which Fitbit is a good fit for you, you're in the right place.Our pickFitbit Versa 2$200 at FitbitProsComfy, lightweight designWaterproof up to 50 metersBuilt-in Amazon AlexaFitbit Pay is includedOver five days of battery lifeConsDoesn't have GPSReleased in 2019, the Versa 2 is Fitbit's best smartwatch ever made. It has a fantastic design, an easy-to-read AMOLED display, and offers 24/7 heart-rate monitoring. Compared to the Versa Lite, the Versa 2 has considerably more smarts with the inclusion of Alexa and Fitbit Pay.Best for lessFitbit Versa Lite$160 at FitbitProsSame exact design as the VersaAvailable in more vibrant colorsWaterpoofHeart-rate sensorConsLacks on-screen workoutsNo local music storageDoesn't track floors climbedIf you really like the...

It's a free-to-play mobile version of the console game released in 2017.What you need to knowNBA 2K Playgrounds is a two-on-two arcade-style basketball game licensed by the NBA.A version for Android is currently being beta-tested in select regions. It will be a free-to-play title with a reliance on unlocking player packs and in-app purchases.NBA 2K Playgrounds is a two-on-two arcade-style basketball game that first landed on consoles back in 2017. Now, it would seem 2K is keen on bringing the franchise to mobile as a free-to-play title, with beta testing currently underway in select regions.2K Playgrounds features exaggerated character models and simplified gameplay that should translate well to mobile. I mean, this is a tried and tested format that we've seen before from NBA Jam. It's nice to see more sports arcade games hitting the Google Play Store, but I am discouraged by the free-to-play mechanics that 2K is building this game around.Unlike NBA Jam, which gives yo...

Nest Wifi's fantastic range extender doubles as a Google Assistant-powered speaker, but do you really need it?Google announced its second-generation wireless router just a few weeks back, and now the Nest Wifi is available at all your favorite retail destinations. Nest Wifi comes in three different colors to better match your home's decor: Sand, Snow, and Mist. While Google isn't yet supporting the new Wi-Fi 6 standard on its routers, it does have a much faster 4x4 5GHz radio setup and support for AC2200 speeds.Now, a router isn't necessarily a cut-and-dry purchase. There are a few variables you should consider, and we're here to help with that. Folks with smaller homes or apartments (read: anything under 2,200 square feet) can comfortably pick up just the Nest Wifi router by itself, which will set you back $169.Sometimes your home is just a bit too big for a single router, either because of the square footage or because of a multi-floor design. Basements, too, often have troub...

Get hands-on with Microsoft Office for iOS and Android today.Microsoft has unveiled work on a new Office app soon headed to iOS and Android, bundling Word, Excel, and PowerPoint into a central hub for productivity needs. Operating as a one-stop-shop for core Office experiences, it retains the full functionality of each application, now streamlined into one interface. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint reside as standalone experiences on Apple's Apple Store and the Google Play Store, with the app set to eliminate that disconnect.While Office hasn't formally launched on iOS and Android, Microsoft has kicked off beta testing via TestFlight for iOS and Google Play for Android. Here's how to try the new Microsoft Office app today.How to install Office Preview on iPhone and iPadMicrosoft hosts the Office iOS beta via TestFlight, Apple's dedicated portal for public app testing. The app allows for simple registration by following the steps below. Visit this guide on your iOS device to str...

If you're looking for helpful advice/tips on Android phones from knowledgeable, trustworthy people, Android Central is for you. We spend countless hours testing all of the latest devices to make sure you buy the tech that's right for your life.Samsung Galaxy S10The true flagship$900 at SamsungProsGorgeous designLarger, higher-res AMOLED displayThree rear camerasSlightly bigger batteryConsIn-screen fingerprint sensor is so-soCosts $150 moreSamsung's outfitted the Galaxy S10 with everything you could ask for in a 2019 flagship. It's got a curved AMOLED display, three rear cameras, in-screen fingerprint sensor, and even staples like expandable storage and a headphone jack.Samsung Galaxy S10eBetter value$750 at SamsungProsFlat, non-curved displayGlass/metal constructionExpandable storage3.5mm headphone jackConsOnly has two rear camerasDisplay maxes out at Full HD+If you're OK with having a non-curved display, just two rear cameras, and a side-moun...

Wireless headphones are great, and once you find a pair that works for you, you'll never want to go back to the wired life ever again. The biggest difference between wired and wireless headphones is that they need to be charged when the battery dies, and to make your life a whole lot easier, you want to pick up a pair that charge via USB-C (the same connector that's probably on your phone). Here are all of the best ones we were able to find!Some of the bestSony WH-1000XM3Staff pickHave a lot of money to throw down on your next pair of wireless headphones? Go for the Sony WH-1000XM3. These have quickly asserted themselves as having some of the best sound quality and active noise cancelation of any wireless headphones on the market, and all of that goodness is packed in a sleek design with 30+ hours of battery life. When it comes time to charge, the USB-C port can be easily found on the left earcup.$348 at AmazonBudget pickBluedio T5If you like the idea of the WH100...

We could be seeing a Kojima film on the big screen, and he certaunly has some famous friends to get in on any potential projects.What you need to knowDeath Stranding releases on November 8th.The BBC released a short documentary about its development.In the documentary, Kojima says he would like to make films in the future.Well, this was always inevitable. In a new short documentary from the BBC (via PC Gamer) that chronicled Death Stranding's development in the final days of its production, Hideo Kojima revealed that his studio would indeed create films at some point."In the future, Kojima Productions will start making films," Kojima said. "If you can do one thing well, then you can do everything well."If you're familiar with Kojima and his work, none of this should be surprising. He's known for creating long cinematics and convoluted plots, to the point that many have said he would be better off creating movies instead of games. There don't appear to be any concrete p...

There's also better mapping for the Xbox wireless controller.What you need to knowGoogle is now rolling out the November 2019 security patch for Pixel phones.The Pixel 4, specifically, is getting improvements for Smooth Display.There's also the usual array of patches/fixes to secure any vulnerabilities.It's a new month, and in the Android world, that means a new security patch. On November 4, 2019, Google began rolling out its November 2019 patch to the Pixel 2, 3, 3a, and 4 series of devices.You'll find the usual assortment of bug fixes and security patches in this month's update, but what really stands out this time around are the Pixel 4-specific features.Taking a look at the Pixel Update Bulletin, Google calls out two functional updates that have piqued our interest — improvements to the camera and 90Hz Smooth Display.There's not much to go on here, with Google simply noting that the update includes "Smooth Display improvements" and "Camera quality improve...

Soli has potential, but we need more than a skip button.Motion Sense is one of the new Pixel 4's new features enabled by the Soli radar sensor, which detects precise movement in close proximity to the phone. But it's been largely underutilized so far, with only a handful of gestures enabled that let you swipe above your phone to change songs and dismiss calls or alarms. Because of that, it's not a terribly compelling feature at the moment, but there are a few features we'd love to see that would make it vastly more appealing.Play/pause musicBeing able to gesture left or right in front of the Pixel 4 to change tracks can be convenient, especially while it's sitting on a wireless charger or in a car mount, but there's currently no way to pause your songs ... which feels like a huge oversight. It's one of the first missing features I noticed when using Motion Sense for the first time, and one of the few things that LG got right with Air Motion on the G8 ThinQ. Soli is still l...

Turn everything you do on the Play Store into points you can spend however you like.What you need to knowPlay Points is a free program that rewards you for just about everything you do on Google Play.Points can be earned for buying apps, media, and in-app purchases, but also installing free apps.Redemption options include in-app content and Google Play credit to spend anywhere.It feels like we all participate in dozens of different rewards or loyalty programs, so why not add one more? Google Play is expanding its Play Points program to the U.S. after a successful run in Japan and South Korea, and it's really a win-win for everyone involved. You'll get points for just about everything you do on Google Play, without jumping through any hoops.Anyone can sign up for Play Points in a couple taps, and there's no charge or obligation whatsoever to do so. But once you sign up, you'll start earning Play Points for things you are already doing across Google Play: buying apps, ren...

More dataMetro by T-MobileFrom $30/mo. at Metro by T-MobileProsLarger data packagesNo overage chargeMulti-line discountUnlimited talk and textConsPhones only sold in storeMore expensiveNo international roamingMetro by T-Mobile is a great option for someone that needs a lot of data. If you find yourself using more than 12GB of data and are unwilling to change your habits, Metro is the only option. Discounts for bringing more lines help narrow the price gap as well.Bulk savingsMint MobileFrom $45/3mo. at Mint MobileProsSave in bulkFree calls to Mexico and CanadaNo overage chargeUnlimited talk and textinternational roaming optionsConsNo larger data packagesNo multi-line discountsNo stores for supportMinimum of three monthsMint Mobile is a great value for many people. Most people will find the data packages to be more than enough. Buying in bulk can also be convenient if you want to get service for a family member or child without adding th...

The company will still keep a massive presence in Texas.What you need to knowSamsung is rumored to be considering eliminating its CPU chip design team.The company notified Texas of impending layoffs at the labs that house CPU research.Samsung manufacturing in Austin will not be affected.Samsung has filed documents with the Texas Workforce Commission notifying the state of impending layoffs, a move that comes amid rumors that the electronics giant will cease work on its own CPU cores and license entirely from ARM instead.While the company employs 3,000 workers in a manufacturing facility in Austin, those workers would not be affected and the labs in question would not be shut down entirely.The so-called Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter sent to the state notifies of layoffs in Austin as well as at the Advanced Computer Lab in San Jose, CA. The letter does not specify how many workers in each state would be let go, but in total 290 workers on the CP...

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 de...

Nothing embodies the Internet of Things revolution like Arduino—a fully-customizable platform that allows you to build everything from talking robots to full-fledged computers in the comfort of your own home.The Complete Arduino Starter Kit & Course Bundle will teach you everything you need to know about this increasingly powerful tool, and it’s available for 85% off at just $89.99.Complete with an Arduino board and six courses led by industry experts, this training will show you how to build games, electronics and much more through easy-to-follow lessons.After an introduction to the basics, you’ll learn how to create apps that can automate a wide range of tasks throughout the home, how to create electronics modules that utilize LCDs, how to build devices that can detect temperature, and much more.There’s even an entire module that’s dedicated to showing you how to build a fully-functional robot that can avoid obstacles on its own.Embrace t...

Video stills are exclusive to the Pixel 4.What you need to knowPixel 4 users can now export video frames as a still image in version 4.28 of the Google Photos app.Album sorting is rolling out to all users and allows you to sort by Most recent photo, Last modified, or Reverse chronological order.Album sorting is a server-side change and may take some time to roll out more widely.Photos is one of Google's most successful products, and for good reason, because it never stops improving the app. Over the past couple of months, we've seen Google enhance it with a way to control what photos show up on your smart display using Photo frames and the ability to order same-day prints from CVS.Now, Google is rolling out a couple of new features, one exclusive to the Pixel 4 and the other is for all users. Beginning with version 4.28 of Google Photos, Pixel 4 users will now be able to export video frames as a photo.The feature is found in the new, slightly redesigned video editor. Pre...

This won't solve the green bubble dilemma.A few times every year, people talk about iMessage for Android. Apple's wildly popular messaging platform has established itself as the defacto messaging service in the U.S. for the last few years, and unsurprisingly, it makes a lot of Android users quite jealous. Whether it be folks wanting an iMessage app to come to Android or for Google to create its own version of it, there's a constant clamoring for something to happen.In the near future, it looks like we may finally get the latter of those two things. A couple of weekends ago, a big development in the RCS world came to light. While we still wait for Google to officially flip the switch so all Google Messages users around the world can experience RCS goodness for themselves, a small hack was discovered that allows you to do this for yourself in just a few minutes. Once enabled, you can use the Google Messages app to send RCS messages to anyone else that has it enable...

Cortana is entering new areas with new features for people who want to stay productive at work.What you need to knowCortana AI brings new features to Outlook.Cortana adds the ability to read emails aloud and send you a daily briefing.Cortana's natural conversation features to arrive in the coming months.Microsoft is expanding the role of Cortana to be more than just a typical virtual assistant that can tell you the weather or turn on your lights. Microsoft wants Cortana to be a true virtual assistant, a feature that's always working in the background to help you keep productive. Today, Microsoft announced that Cortana is coming to Outlook, and will be gaining new capabilities to help people stay in their flow while at work.Starting with something simple, Cortana will now be able to read your emails aloud for you to listen to, just like a podcast. Microsoft says this is handy for those who drive to work in the mornings, or can't pull out their phone or laptop on a busy train....

All current Samsung flagship phones feature a 12MP primary rear camera.What you need to knowChinese leaker Ice Universe has claimed that Samsung Galaxy S11 will use a "new" 108MP camera sensor.Samsung's first 108MP camera sensor, ISOCELL Bright HMX, was announced in August this year.Samsung's Galaxy S11 family is rumored to be announced sometime in February next year.A report published by The Elec in September had claimed the Samsung Galaxy S11 will feature a quad-camera setup at the back with a 108MP primary sensor. While many of us had assumed that the next flagship would use the ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor that was announced earlier this year, Chinese tipster Ice Universe suggests Samsung will instead use a new 108MP sensor.The Galaxy S11 has a high probability of using a new 108MP sensor.— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) November 4, 2019Unfortunately, the tipster hasn't revealed any information on how the "new" 108MP sensor will differ from the ISOCELL Bright HMX sensor...

An Office 'hub' app is coming to Android and iOS.Microsoft is building a brand new Office app for Android and iOS users that's very similar to the Office app that comes bundled with Windows 10 today. It's a single entry point into the Office ecosystem, allowing you to open Word, PowerPoint, or Excel documents straight through the app without having to install each app individually. It's a much cleaner way of having Office installed on your phone.The Office Mobile app has been around for quite some time on Samsung devices, but Microsoft is now extending support for the app to other Android devices, in addition to iOS as well. Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, says the following: The new Office app uses the unique advantages of mobile devices to make content creation easier. You can snap a picture of a document and turn it into an editable word file, for instance, or transform tables from a printed page into an Excel spreadsheet.Android users can hea...

The Nokia 7.1 has quickly affirmed itself as one of the best smartphone values of the year, and it deserves this title for a few different reasons — one of which is its excellent build quality. Built out of aluminum and glass, the Nokia 7.1 feels incredibly premium and looks downright gorgeous. However, if you want to ensure it stays that way for years to come, you'll want to get a case for it. Here are your best options.It just worksDretal Shock Resistant CaseStaff pickDretal makes cases for just about every phone out there, and its offering for the Nokia 7.1 is as good as ever. The flexible TPU material is shockproof and durable without being overly bulky, and when it comes to looks, the carbon fiber accents on the top and bottom are pretty nice.$7 at AmazonLuscious leatherFree-Case Leather Wallet CaseIf you like the look and feel of leather or are simply looking for a more "grown-up" case for your Nokia 7.1, then check out Free-Case's leather wallet. It h...