Latest from Android Central

Soli doesn't work in India, so Google abandoned its launch plans for the country.After endless leaks and rumors, the Pixel 4 series series is now official. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL bring interesting new features, including a 90Hz display, Soli radar hardware with Motion Sense gestures, and a secondary camera at the back.While the changes are exciting and push Google's hardware ambitions forward, there is a low point: the Pixel 4 and 4 XL will not be launching in India. Google is citing Soli as the reason, with the radar hardware not meeting the requisite guidelines for use in the country. Soli does more than Motion Sense gestures — it works in conjunction with the facial recognition system, which is as secure as a fingerprint reader. It needs to be, because the Pixel 4 doesn't have a traditional fingerprint sensor or an in-screen solution; the IR-based face unlock is the de facto biometric authentication system for the phone.As Soli is necessary for face unlock and ther...

The Google Pixel 4 is a significant switch-up from the previous Pixels — ditching the two-tone glass and the fingerprint sensor. However, it's still a glass-backed flagship phone, and glass-backed flagships get put in cases the second they arrive for their own protection! Whether you want a clear case that can show off the Pixel 4's loveliness or prefer a more robust heavy duty case to keep things locked down, there are great cases aplenty to be had.Slim gripSpigen Liquid AirStaff pickThis slim case features a wonderful texture on the back and sides, allowing you to add a bit of drop protection and a lot of grip without succumbing to the same old siren song of the carbon fiber case.$15 at AmazonDependable protectionTudia Merge SeriesPrefer your cases with a bit more protection? Tudia's Merge Series features the classic hybrid format, four color options, and an excellent price for a long-lasting heavy-duty case.$11 at AmazonLike nothing's thereTotallee ...

Welcome to a new way to play.What you need to knowFortnite Chapter 2 is officially out now.Chapter 2 features a new map with 13 new locations, the ability to swim, fish, and boat, and a streamlined weapon system.A revamped Battle Pass system makes leveling up easier, and less of a grind. After about a day and a half of waiting, Fortnite's black hole has finally closed, and with it came the formal introduction of a brand new way to play Fortnite. After shutting down the servers for a couple of hours for some typical downtime, Fortnite Chapter 2 is now officially out and available to play. As promised in the trailer that leaked on Monday, the revamped Fortnite features a totally new map, new skins, and an overall change in how you'll play the game.There's a lot to take in when it comes to Chapter 2 of Fortnite, but it all starts with a brand new map for players to explore. The latest map features a ton of 13 brand new locations and overhauled areas. The topography has much...

Best answer: Motion Sense uses Google's Soli sensor to detect small movements that can be used to interact with your phone. We've seen the basics, but expect more as the tech matures.The latest and greatest: Google Pixel 4 ($799 at Google Store)Radar on your phoneThe Pixel 4 is the first consumer product to incorporate a Soli sensor — a design from Google's ATAP team that uses a type of RADAR to detect very precise and small movements. A Soli sensor lives in the top bezel of every Pixel 4, and though it can't be used in every country due to wireless spectrum regulations, when it is available it drives what Google calls Motion Sense, which is a new way to interact with your phone using gestures.The Soli sensor itself uses RADAR to watch for movement within its range and it's able to sort out specific types of movement. Early demos have shown it reacting to more than swipes or hand waving, with things like rolling your fingertips as if turning a tiny dial or tapping in the...

Best answer: No, the Pixel 4 doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jack. While that may be annoying for some potential buyers, you can still use the USB-C port for wired audio, or get an adapter. Alternatively, you can connect your favorite wireless headphones/earbuds to the Pixel 4 and listen to music that way, too.Pixel perfect: Google Pixel 4 (From $799 at Google Store)Dongle life: Google Headphone Adapter ($7 at Amazon)Wireless king: Sony WH1000XM3 ($348 at Amazon)No, the Pixel 4 doesn't have a 3.5mm headphone jackOne of the biggest smartphone trends in recent history has been the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Ever since Apple had the "courage" to remove the legacy port from the iPhone 7 in 2016, countless Android phone makers have been in a race to do the same thing.Google first parted ways with the headphone jack in 2017 with the Pixel 2, and as expected, the Pixel 4 ships without the port, too.While not surprising, this could still be a bummer for people that contin...

LG will be bringing the V50S ThinQ's new UI features to the G8 ThinQ and V50 ThinQ with the Android 10 update.What you need to knowLG will launch the Android 10 Preview Program for the G8 ThinQ in Korea this month.LG V50 ThinQ owners will be able to "preview" Android 10 on their devices sometime next month. The stable Android 10 update for the two smartphones is planned to be rolled out before the end of the year.LG today announced that it will let G8 ThinQ owners in South Korea "preview" the upcoming Android 10 soon. While the Android 10 'preview program' for G8 ThinQ will launch later this month, owners of the LG V50 ThinQ will have to wait until next month for the Android 10 'preview program'.Customers who wish to be part of the Android 10 preview program will be able to apply using the 'Quick Help' app on their G8 ThinQ. The update will then be rolled out to users via the over-the-air (OTA) route. LG plans to release the "formal OS upgrade" this year, although it may tak...

Best answer: It depends on how expensive your phone is or if you're prone to accidents. Visible Protect offers device replacements and repairs for a discounted rate on devices purchased directly from Visible. Rates range from $10-12 per month depending on the device.Forget about the gigs on your phone: Visible ($40/mo. at Visible)Don't panic: Visible Protect ($10-12/mo. at Visible)Your phone is probably quite expensiveMany phones today are worth several hundred dollars and many customers pay for them a little bit at a time as part of a lease. Make no mistake, if you lose that device or it gets destroyed, you're still on the hook for the full value of the phone unless you have an insurance program like Visible Protect provided by Assurant.If you lease a phone from any carrier and it gets stolen, not only will the carrier not provide you with another one for free, but it'll expect you to keep paying for the device until you've paid the full amount. This is the situation Visible...

Best answer: Yes. One of the features that Sony has confirmed for the PlayStation 5 controller is USB-C charging. At this time, however, we do not know whether the DualShock 4 will be compatible with the PlayStation 5.A classic: PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Jet Black ($44 at Amazon)Will the PlayStation 5 controller use USB-C?Right now, Sony isn't doing a grand reveal event for the PlayStation 5. However, it has been drip-feeding bits of information through a series of interviews and posts on PlayStation Blog. Recently, the company finally committed to the name PlayStation 5 for their next-generation gaming console. Even now, Sony (quite amusingly) won't say that the PlayStation 5 controller is the DualShock 5.Some new non-nomenclature news was revealed though, including the confirmation that the PlayStation 5 controller will use USB-C charging technology. It will also have a larger battery. In theory, this suggests more extended playtime. It will be somewhat heavier than the Dual...

Checkout is unavailable until 7:30 pm ET.What you need to knowThe Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL have been listed on B&H Photo for pre-order ahead of the launch.If you attempt to checkout, you are met with an error message saying 'Checkout will resume at Tuesday 7:30 pm ET.'Shipping will begin on October 22.Happy Pixel day, everybody! Even though Google has yet to even launch the thoroughly leaked device, that hasn't stopped retailers from putting it up for sale. The latest is B&H Photo, which has the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL up for pre-order hours ahead of the Made by Google event scheduled for 10 am ET today.The listings reveal the 64GB and 128GB models in Clearly White, Just Black, and the new Oh So Orange colors. It also further confirms the prices, with the Pixel 4 starting at $799 and the Pixel 4 XL at $899.With Halloween only weeks away, this is quite the treat, or perhaps it's more of a trick. While both models are listed for pre-order, if you do attempt to ma...

Covering your online activity and device data with a virtual private network (VPN) is one way to keep your information and your digital identity private. VPNs mask your identity so it's nearly impossible for anyone to track where you go and what you do. This is done by assigning a different IP address to your device each time you connect through the VPN service. Our top pick for the best VPN for Android devices is IPVanish for its overall ease of use, strong encryption capabilities and over 40,000 IP addresses to use.Best Overall: IPVanishIPVanish features solid encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and lets you connect several devices simultaneously. The Android app offers a clean dark theme and is easy to use for beginners, with features that advanced users will appreciate. Connecting to and switching between servers is quick and easy and makes the overall user experience pretty great. IPVanish has over 40,000 unique IP addresses and you are assigned a new one each time you log on...

The Nest Wifi point will be available in white, light blue, and pink colors.What you need to knowHands-on images showing the Google Nest Wifi system have leaked online.The new Nest Wifi system will consist of the Nest Wifi router and Nest Wifi points that can double as Google Assistant speakers. Google will be taking the wraps off the new Nest Wifi system along with the Pixel 4 series smartphones and a few other new products at the 'Made by Google' event in New York City today.We got our first look at the new Google Nest Mini smart speaker yesterday, revealing a design very similar to its predecessor. Hours before the 'Made by Google' 2019 event kicks off in New York City, images showing Google's Nest Wifi system have now been leaked (via 9to5Google). The images, which come from Engadget, were taken down shortly after they were accidentally published. Fortunately, Reddit user incrediball saved the images and reuploaded them before Engadget took them down. The Nest Wi...

The show gets started at 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT.Following months of nonstop leaks, Google's annual hardware event is nearly upon us. Everything kicks off at 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT, and the best part is that you can watch the entire event right from the comfort of your home.Google's expected to make quite a few big announcements today, most notably the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. These two phones have been leaked and teased to no end leading up to today's event, meaning we already have a pretty good idea of what to expect.Along with that, Google's also expected to announce a Nest Mini (the successor to the Home Mini), Pixelbook Go, and a revamped Google Wifi that'll double as an Assistant speaker. There has also been some talk of Pixel Buds 2, but details on those remain murky.In any case, we don't have long to go before Google takes the stage to make everything official.Grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for the livestream!...

Kids love gadgets as much as adults, maybe even more, so it's no surprise the idea of having their own smartwatch gets kids excited. Choosing what watch to get for your child can be daunting, with so many choices out there. Aside from wading through all the options, it's also important to consider privacy, durability, and cost when looking at the choices. One watch that does a great job of these core features is the Coolpad Dyno. There are a lot of choices out there, so let us help you find the best option for you and your child.Best Overall: Coolpad DynoWhile the brand Coolpad may not be all that familiar to you, its watch should is one that should be considered when looking for an excellent smartwatch for your child. The Dyno from Coolpad is not only a fun looking device, but it also has some great features to help keep you connected with your child and let them have some fun.The Dyno can connect via Wi-Fi but also has a SIM card so that it can fully function as a phone. Co...

Best answer: Theoretically, there are two ways to watch Disney+ on a Chromebook: watching via a web player in the browser and via the Android app. At the moment, playback through the Disney+ web player isn't working on Chromebooks, but playback works via the Android app.Limited playback: Disney+ ($70/yr at Disney)Where Chromebook support is right nowThe Netherlands preview is giving us a look at where platform support for Disney+ will be beyond the list Disney shared at the D23 Expo — a list that didn't mention any desktop OS and or Chromebooks, even though the platform support graphic during Investor Day included laptops on it. We know that Disney+ does have a web player, and that on PC and Mac, the Chrome Browser plays fine with it.Unfortunately, the web player doesn't seem to be working on Chromebooks (or any Linux system) right now, according to a number of user reviews left on the Disney+ Android app. However, a silver lining can also be found in the same user re...

Kodi and a Raspberry Pi make for one of the easiest and best media centers you can make yourself.Kodi is a great way to make your TV smart. It's the continuation of XBMC, a free and open-source application that is a great media player and a complete replacement for just about any other media-centric software. It's not a streaming server or DVR. It's the software you use to watch video content and listen to music through any screen with an HDMI connection.Because it's open-source, Kodi runs on just about every platform known to man — Windows, Android, iOS, macOS and a gazillion different flavors of BSD and Linux.Several of those operating system platforms also work really well on the Raspberry Pi. A marriage of the two makes for a cheap media center that's easy to set up and has all the features you'll find on expensive alternatives. It's a DIY project that anyone can do and the results are incredible.Raspberry Pi 4The Raspberry Pi brings a lot of changes to the ...

The Redmi Note series has played an important role in helping Xiaomi dominate the budget smartphone segment in countries like China and India.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced that it has sold over 100 million Redmi Note series smartphones globally.The company's Redmi Note series devices are incredibly popular in markets such as China and India as they offer great hardware at affordable prices.Xiaomi's latest Redmi Note series device, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is slated to be formally launched in India tomorrow.Ahead of the launch of the Redmi Note 8 Pro in India, Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Kumar Jain today announced in tweet that the company's Redmi Note series has crossed the 100 million sales milestone.Xiaomi's first Redmi Note series device, called the Redmi Note, was launched in March 2014. Since the device offered great hardware at a relatively low price tag, it proved to be quite popular among consumers in markets like China and India. Thanks to the variou...

You've moved your contacts and apps from your old phone, but now it's time to really unpack your new phone!Setting up a new phone is like setting up a new apartment: there's a lot to do and it can be easy to forget a few things along the way. Here at Android Central, we set up a lot of new phones during our device reviews — and of course as we play live-in tech support to our families and friends — and so we're here to help remind you of some of the smaller tasks to do after your get all your apps downloaded and your Google account logged in on the new device.A new device is a chance for a new start, which makes it the best time for you to get into some better habits concerning your apps and Android use. Grab a nice soothing beverage, sit down in a comfy chair, and let's unpack your Android experience.Check your Do Not Disturb rulesSet your default appsApply a new system themeCheck out your new phone's gesture shortcuts and navigation optionsRetrain Google Ass...

As NVIDIA proclaims in every piece of marketing, the Shield Android TV box is "the streamer for gamers". It also happens to be the best TV streaming box for playing games developed for Android TV from the Google Play Store.This really only scratches the surface for what's available to play, as there's a ton of popular free-to-play titles that have been optimized for Android TV. But, for our purposes, we're going to focus on highlighting the best games that are worth your time and money from the Google Play Store, including some absolute classics that you could introduce to the younger generation of gamers in your household or enjoy all for yourself.An epic zombie-filled road tripDeath Road To Canada$9.99 at Google Play StoreDeath Road to Canada is one of those incredible games that offers a unique gaming experience every time you play and is full of unexpected surprises. It's a survival game where your goal is to outrun a zombie apocalypse by driving to Canada. Fea...

Realme is going after OnePlus with its latest flagship.What you need to knowThe Realme X2 Pro is now official with an FHD+ AMOLED 90Hz panel.The device features a 64MP primary camera at the back that's joined by three other sensors. It has 50W SuperVOOC wired charging and a 4000mAh battery. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 855+. Realme has dominated the budget segment in India over the course of the last 15 months, and while it has ventured into the mid-range category with devices like the Realme XT in recent months, it didn't have a flagship powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8xx series. All that is changing today with the launch of the X2 Pro.The Realme X2 Pro goes toe to toe with the best that Xiaomi and OnePlus have to offer. The phone features a 6.5-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate. This is the first time Realme has offered a device with high refresh rate, and the panel features HDR10+. There's also an in-screen fingerprint sensor that takes just 0.2...

The new Orbi WiFi System (RBK14) can cover homes up to 6,000 sq. ft.What you need to knowNetgear has come up with a new Orbi dual band Mesh WiFi system.The company's latest Orbi Home WiFi system is designed for households with several internet-connected devices and delivers combined speeds of up to 1.2Gbps. Netgear's new Orbi Mesh WiFi system is now on sale in the U.S. through authorized partners and other resellers for a starting price of $149.Netgear is expanding its Orbi family of mesh WiFi network systems with the introduction of new Orbi dual band mesh WiFi system. Designed for medium to large sized homes, the Orbi "whole home" mesh WiFi system consists of one router paired with one or more satellites to eliminate dead zones and ensure you get strong WiFi everywhere.Featuring a compact and boxy design, the new Orbi WiFi system is claimed to provide combined speeds of up to 1.2Gbps. Thanks to the Orbi app, you can have the whole system set up easily in minutes. Netgear'...

The Google Pixel 4 series will not feature Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 855+ chipset.What you need to knowQualcomm President Cristiano Amon has confirmed in a tweet that Google's Pixel 4 series smartphones will feature the company's Snapdragon 855 chipset.The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will be officially unveiled at the 'Made by Google' event in New York City later today. Both smartphones will feature 90Hz AMOLED displays, 6GB of RAM, and dual rear cameras. Google's Pixel 4 series phones will finally be made official at the company's event in New York City later today. Thanks to an unending stream of leaks, we already know nearly everything about the two phones. Now, Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon has confirmed that both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL feature the Snapdragon 855 chipset.While it is slightly disappointing that Google decided not to use the newer Snapdragon 855+ chipset for the Pixel 4 series, it isn't completely surprising. The Snapdragon 855+ isn't a major upgra...

Best answer: Disney+ will have a ton of existing shows from places like The Disney Channel, but it'll also be the only place to check out new series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and even Star Wars.All the Disney you can watch: DIsney+ ($70/year at Disney+)What TV shows are on Disney+?Disney+ is supposedly going to launch with a grand 7,000 hours of television for folks to sit down and watch. This will include existing shows from Disney, as well as some awesome new additions that will be exclusive to the streaming network, such as The Mandalorian, a new season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.Disney has announced "basically all" of the TV shows available at launch on Disney+ in the US, but since the thread is so long it can be difficult to search through, we've compilied it into an easy list for you to check for your favorite series.Note: Shows that are currently airing new episodes on a network like Disney Channel or Disney XD may...

Best answer: Disney+ will include Disney movies, Pixar movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and even Star Wars. It's also going to have the best of 20th Century Fox for you to feast your eyes on.All Disney all the time: Disney+ (From $7/month at Disney+)Disney+ will include all of the Disney and Pixar movies you want to watchWith Disney+, you'll be able to watch classic Disney movies and new favorites. It's going to feature hundreds of Disney movies going back decades, along with new releases like Captain Marvel. Disney will have hundreds of movie titles and television shows available in the first year of streaming, and that list is only going to grow. They intend to break the 500 movie mark by the end of the first year, along with over 7,500 episodes of television. Included with all of the major titles that have had theatrical releases, you can also expect to find a handful of Disney originals coming directly to the streaming service.Feature films coming to Disney+These m...

Pixel 4 gets the same start price as last year's Pixel 3.What you need to knowPixel 4 will have a starting price of $799 and 4 XL will be $899.These are the same prices that the Pixel 3 and 3 XL kicked off at. Prices are for the assumed 64GB variants, with an unknown cost increase for additional storage.We are less than 24 hours away from officially knowing everything about Google's newest phones, but we still keep getting leaks. Pricing leaks are now indicating that the Pixel 4 will start at $799 and the 4 XL will have an $899 price tag.Droid Life carrier sources have relayed pricing for the entry storage models, but didn't divulge cost for the increased storage options. We also don't know what carrier the source is quoting from.The Pixel 3 pricing was identical to what we are learning the Pixel 4 will intro with. As such, a $100 price increase to go from 64GB to 128GB of storage doesn't seem unlikely.It will be interesting to see what options from the black, white &...

Protecting your watch's screen is necessary to keep it looking great — and scratch-free. In order to do that for your Galaxy Watch Active, your screen protector has to be 40mm, round, and not completely frustrating to install. Thankfully, there are some solid choices out there that check all of these boxes.Tough as nailsIQ Shield Screen Protector (6-Pack)Staff pickThe IQ Shield screen protectors offer an easy wet-install method for a bubble-free experience. They're made with self-healing durability so your screen is always protected. What's more, it's optically transparent once it's applied so you won't even notice it's applied to your watch.$10 at AmazonNo more bubblesSPGuard Screen Protector (6-Pack)The SPGuard screen protector is a light film protector that shields against scratches and drop damage while leaving your watch's face bubble-free. The film also has a coating that prevents smudging, and is fully transparent so that it won't affect the col...

The 2FA tool is made in collaboration with Yubico.Google has been one of the key players in developing many of the technologies and standards relating to two-factor authentication (2FA) in recent years. Alongside allowing you to use your Bluetooth devices or even your phone as an authentication key, the company also sells dedicated security keys aimed at higher-risk users.Now the company is announcing its embrace of the increasingly omnipresent USB-C standard for its security keys, with the USB-C Titan Security Key being available for $40 in the U.S. The key will work with not just your Android phone but also Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows machines.Made in partnership with Yubico, the keys support the FIDO standard, meaning you can use the keys on a number of platforms, including your Google Account, 1Password, Coinbase, Dropbox, Facebook, GitHub, Salesforce, Stripe, Twitter, and others. Google also sells USB-A/NFC and Bluetooth/NFC/USB variants of the Titan Security Key, wh...

The short versionI'll cut to the chase: we are hiring a full-time news writer, ideally someone with experience in the field, and if that's you, you should apply right now by submitting your resume and cover letter.The full listingHere's the longer version: Android Central has always been about breaking news, and there is more of it to cover than ever. We're looking for someone with experience in the field, ideally at another Android blog or online publication, with a passion for Android, Google, and the wider world of mobile technology.The ideal candidate gets up every morning with a passion for writing — if you don't have that, don't even apply. You need to be able to dig deeper into the stories that others are writing, providing context and background on a topic so the reader is able to glean more faster about what they're reading.The ideal candidate should know Android phones, versions, and the wider ecosystem like the back of their hand. This means knowing more ...

You'll get free TV shows and movies without having to sign up for a Sling account.What you need to knowSling is bringing some free content to Android and Amazon Fire TV devices.It's already doing this on Roku.That'll include the Oct. 15 presidential debate.Sling today announced that it's bringing a bunch of free content to Android and Amazon Fire TV devices. that means no credit cards required. No Sling account sign-ups, even. Just load the app and start watching.As you'd expect, the content is a bit limited. You'll be able to browse the "ribbons" (think menus) within the Sling app on Android phones and tablets, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices and Fire tablets. And whether you'll actually want to watch the free stuff is certainly a matter of taste; Sling calls out Live PD: Police Patrol, Hell's Kitchen, 3rd Rock From The Sun or movies such as The Illusionist and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New OrleansThe move to a smattering of free stuff is almost certainly in dir...

There might be light beyond the event horizon of that black hole after all.What you need to knowFortnite Chapter 2 - Season 1 launches on Tuesday, October 15.Chapter 2 looks to bring about an entirely new island to play on, including tons of new activities and vehicles.There will be brand new ways to play and level up, including fishing and other surprising activities.Unless you're been hiding under a rock the past 24 hours, you've probably heard about the big black hole that sucked up everything players loved about Fortnite. Since the game has been completely unplayable for the past day, players are left with nothing but speculation as to what the next season will bring. However, a leaked trailer for Chapter 2 - Season 1 (previously known as Fortnite Season 11) ends that speculation once and for all.If you'd rather not have Chapter 2 spoiled for you, now is probably the time to head back to the spinning black hole screen.Posted on Reddit and already taken down on Twitter,...

Grab ghoulish garments for a limited time in this new seasonal event.What you need to knowApex Legends Season 3 is currently ongoing.There's a new event called Fight or Fright to celebrate the spooky season.The event begins tomorrow, bringing a new mode, limited time cosmetics and more. Apex Legends is free-to-play and you can download it from the PlayStation Store. Apex Legends Season 3 is well underway, bringing a new map and character for players to enjoy. That's not all Respawn Entertainment is adding in the month of October however, as it just wouldn't be right for a game to not acknowledge the creepy season. As such, there's a new trailer, celebrating the new nightmarish nirvana that's coming with Apex Legends Fight or Fright Collection event. You can check out the spooky trailer below:This event is bringing a spooky version of the Kings Canyon map alongside several new skins to grab for each Apex Legends champion, allowing you to deck out your favorites as zombie...

Motorola's all-in-one GoPro competitor is affordable and features robust ultra-wide video recording.What you need to knowPre-orders for the Motorola One Action are open now on Motorola.com.There are lots of promotions for pre-orders, including a free Moto G6 in some circumstances.Record proper horizontal ultra-wide-angle video while holding the phone vertically.The Motorola One Action is now available for pre-order in the U.S. with units shipping just in time for Halloween on October 31. Aside from being an impressive $349 out-the-door, the Motorola One Action will ship with a free 32GB Deep Indigo color Moto G6 when you pre-order it through Motorola's website through November 3. That's two phones for under $400!Other retailers, like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Amazon, will be offering various promotions for the Motorola One Action, too, such as a $50 instant discount. The phone will also be available unlocked in Canada at motorola.ca on October 31. What's so great about th...

The Oculus Quest is a brilliant combination of hardware and software. The experience on the Oculus Quest will only improve as the software is updated with new features and bug fixes. Several major features have arrived on the Oculus Quest through updates, including Passthrough+ and support for compatible Oculus Go games. In the future, features like hand tracking, Oculus Link, and arena scale tracking will roll out through updates. If your Oculus Quest is running version 9.0 or later, you can manually trigger updates to make sure you're up to date.How to manually trigger updatesIf your Oculus Quest is running version 9.0 or newer, you're able to trigger updates manually.Put on your Oculus Quest.Select Settings.Select your See All.Tap About.In the About section your device's version number is listed on the top. If there is an update available, you will see an option to update your Oculus Quest in this section manually. Just press the Install button if one appears.How to se...

A more powerful speaker also seems likely.What you need to knowWinFuture has provided renders and promotional images of the Google Nest Mini.This is the successor to the Google Home Mini, and it has a built-in wall mount.The Nest Mini will likely be announced on October 15 alongside the Pixel 4.Google's long-awaited Pixel 4 event finally takes place on October 15, and we can't wait for the phone to be official following an endless stream of leaks over the last few months. There's been talk of a refreshed Google Home Mini that will be announced alongside the Pixel 4, and today, we have our best look yet at the new smart speaker.First thing's first, this new speaker goes by the name of "Google Nest Mini." In an alternate universe, this would be the Google Home Mini 2, but as we've previously seen with the Nest Hub rebrand, the Nest brand is being used to gradually encompass all of the company's smart home gadgets. Visually, the Nest Mini is virtually indistinguishable from...

Kojima's first independent game is just as weird and mysterious as you thought it'd be.If you don't know who Hideo Kojima is, it's time to pay attention. He's the creator of the world-renowned Metal Gear franchise, known best for his works with the mainline series Metal Gear Solid.Well, he left Konami, the company that controls the Metal Gear IP, and is now doing his own thing under independent label Kojima Productions. Their first work is Death Stranding, a forthcoming PlayStation 4 exclusive that not even Kojima himself can easily explain. Here's everything we know about it so far.What is Death Stranding?The story so farThe human connection and what "strands" meanDeath means something in Death StrandingTop-notch visualsStar-studded castDeath Stranding releases this NovemberKojima's next ventureDeath Stranding$60 at AmazonIt's about to get really weirdIf you aren't already excited for this game, I don't know what to tell you. Kojima is keeping it weird in the ...

Supplies will be limited.What you need to knowA report from cnBeta has revealed that Huawei's first foldable phone, the Mate X, will debut in China at the end of October.The Mate X was originally expected to be released in June but was delayed for "extra tests."There is no word on when the Mate X would launch globally, but supplies will be limited at launch due to the difficulties in manufacturing the device.Foldable phones are set to be the next generation of smartphones, but so far Samsung and Huawei have struggled to get them into the hands of consumers. Samsung was first out of the gate, but it quickly paid the price for rushing the Galaxy Fold after several journalists experienced issues with the display and hinge.That lead to Samsung recalling the Galaxy Fold and months of waiting as the smartphone maker investigated and improved the device. Samsung has since re-released the Galaxy Fold and began selling units on September 27 in the U.S.Huawei, on the other hand, was...

What you need to knowAs of October 14, Snapchat is down for users in the US and across Europe.There are also outages throughout the U.S.Currently no word as to when things will be back to normal.Snapchat is current down across the United States and Europe. There are numerous reports indicating as such on the Downdetector website.Over at Outrage.Report the news is the same with outtage reports being noted from users in Chicago, Brooklyn, Minneapolis, and 290 other cities.This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates....

As the name would suggest, the Motorola One Action is the world's first smartphone with a built-in ultra-wide action camera. This awesome camera turns your smartphone into a GoPro replacement of sorts, which means you'll be taking it out with you on the go. You'll definitely want to keep it protected during your adventures.Flexible ProtectionOlixar Flexishield CoverStaff pickThe Olixar Flexishield Cover is a great option for those who want a slim case while keeping the One Action protected. Coming with a Gel exterior, this will help make it easier to keep your phone in your hands and not on the ground.$7 at AmazonExtra VersatilityLifeepro PU Leather WalletOut smartphones are extremely versatile, so why not have a case that keeps up with that trend? The Lifeepro Leather Wallet case offers a card slot, along with the ability to use it as a kickstand. There is even a magnetic lock to ensure that your case doesn't accidentally open up when the time isn't right....

It’s been proven time and time again that electric toothbrushes are far better for your teeth and gums than traditional toothbrushes. But not all electric toothbrushes are created equal, and you no longer need to spend an extravagant amount of money on an electric brush that offers a wide range of helpful features.This AquaSonic Black Series Toothbrush & Travel Case With 8 Dupont Brush Heads removes up to ten times more plaque than its competitors, and it’s currently available for over 70% off at just $39.99.Whether your primary goal is to remove plaque or whiten your smile, this powerful electric toothbrush has you covered.This intrepid brush boasts a 40,000 VPN motor that provides a deep clean while dissolving stains and whitening your teeth at the same time.You’ll be able to choose between soft, whiten, massage, and cleaning modes in order to fine-tune your brushing experience to match your needs, and your order comes with a travel case and addit...

Game streaming on Android devices with GeForce NOW gets a little bit closer.What you need to knowNVIDIA GeForce NOW streaming has previously been confirmed to come to Android.Users in South Korea can now download the app and begin testing the beta.It's not available in other countries yet.The NVIDIA SHIELD TV is currently $189 on Amazon.A while ago, we reported that NVIDIA GeForce NOW streaming was coming to Android devices. Today, it appears that users in South Korea can finally download theNVIDIA GeForce NOW app. It's possible that with this limited roll-out beginning, the app will soon be available to download in other countries.According to the app description on the Google Play Store, it's required that you have Android 5.0 or higher installed, with at least 2GB of memory. It's also highly recommended that you be running it off of 5GHz WiFi with at least 15mbs down. RTX servers have been rolling out in Germany and California, with plans to expand elsewhere soon.As N...

More colors could also launch.What you need to knowRenders of the new Pixel 4 fabric cases have leaked.The cases will come in black, gray, and a new light blue color.The fabric used this year is a thicker weave.Google will officially announce the Pixel 4 smartphones on October 15 at its Made by Google event. With there being only one more day before the event and the phone thoroughly leaking weeks ago, you would think there isn't anything left to learn.The leaks just keep on coming, however, and now we're getting our first look at renders for the official fabric cases that'll be available for the phones.The above image comes to us via Twitter from notable leaker Ishan Agarwal, and it shows off the cases in black, blue, and gray. While Google has used fabric cases in the past, this year, the cases differ by using a thicker weave pattern. The chunkier fabric weave looks as if it will add a lot more texture to the cases and make them easier to grip.Seems like these have not...

Best answer: Yes, Ring products pair perfectly with the Echo Show 8, allowing you to monitor and control your smart home security from this latest Amazon touch screen smart speaker.Multiuse monitor: Echo Show 8 ($130 at Amazon)Keep an eye out: Ring Stick Up Cam ($100 at Amazon)Amazon and Ring relationshipAmazon was among the first large companies to see the value in smart home devices and smart home automation, and early on it began working on initiatives to integrate smart home products and services with its Echo smart speakers and Alexa smart assistant. In February of 2018, Amazon acquired Ring, and since then it has continued to develop and expand the available product offerings and integrations with Echo.Echo Show 8 and Ring integrationsIn addition to using your Echo Show 8 to view recipes, watch YouTube videos and Amazon Prime content like Jack Ryan, or sing along to on-screen lyrics, you can use this smart screen speaker to manage and control your Ring security produc...

What you need to knowRedmi General Manager Lu Weibing has confirmed that the Redmi K30 will be the brand's first smartphone to offer 5G connectivity.The Redmi K30 will also include an elongated hole-punch cutout for two selfie cameras. Redmi K30 is expected to be launched sometime early next year.Redmi General Manager Lu Weibing today shared (via GSMArena) an early look at the company's upcoming Redmi K30 during the launch of the Redmi 8 in China. As revealed by Weibing in August, the Redmi K30 will be Redmi's first device to support 5G connectivity.The image shared by the company's General Manager shows the Redmi K30 will have an elongated hole-punch cutout, similar to the one on Samsung's Galaxy S10+. Just like the Galaxy S10+, the Redmi K30's display cutout will house two selfie cameras. While it was already known that the Redmi K30 will include 5G support, Weibing today revealed that the smartphone will actually have dual 5G support. It will work in both SA (Standal...

Currently rolling out to Germany and South Korea.What you need to knowSamsung has officially announced the One UI 2 / Android 10 beta for the Galaxy S10e, S10, S10+, and S10 5G.Key features are minimized notifications, an enhanced Dark Mode, Digital Wellbeing, and a revamped Device Care menu.If you would like to try out the Android 10 One UI 2 beta on your Galaxy 10, use the Samsung Members app to sign up and wait for the update to roll out to your area. Back on October 9, Samsung teased us with a promotional image for the Android 10 One UI 2 beta coming to the Galaxy S10. Less than a day later, we saw the beta roll out to some select users, but most of us were left waiting.Now, Samsung is finally making good on its initial tease with an announcement and the beta officially beginning to roll out. The post goes on to detail some of One UI 2's newest features that are said to "make the experience more natural, seamless and efficient."First up are minimized pop-up notificatio...

A virtual private network, or VPN, makes it hard for someone to track your online activity by covering your IP address with a virtual invisibility cloak. While a free VPN service is tempting, a paid service is a better option because it's more secure with most using AES 265-bit encryption — the same level of security used by banks and military to protect their digital data — and is less likely to keep logs of your activity. ExpressVPN is one of the fastest and most secure VPN services out there with servers in nearly 100 countries.Best Overall: ExpressVPNExpressVPN is one of the most popular services with thousands of servers positioned in 160 locations and 94 countries. It's easy to set up, but if you need help, ExpressVPN has 24-hour live support. Hosted in the British Virgin Islands, this VPN service is very secure, using AES 265-bit encryption and never keeping tabs about what you're doing online.This service has a VPN solution for just about every possible de...

T-Mobile first started selling Pixel devices this past May.What you need to knowT-Mobile CEO, John Legere, had retail boxes for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL in the kitchen during his Slowcooker Sunday cooking series on social media.The Pixel 3 phones previously were only sold at Verizon. There was finally some expansion to T-Mobile and Sprint with the Pixel 3a series earlier this year. It looks like getting your hands on Google's new Pixel 4 phones will be a little easier when they launch. On Sunday, October 13, T-Mobile CEO John Legere showed off some retail boxes for the Pixel 4 and 4 XL. He had them prominently placed around his kitchen during the Slowcooker Sunday series he hosts weekly on social media.In his Instagram post, the CEO is caught magenta-handed with his slow cooker and with the Pixel 4 retail boxes not-so-subtly placed beside the cooker with a post calling out the co-stars: Thankenstein 🧟‍here to tell you that 🍞bread🍞 pudding is INN!!...

This is the best way to blowup my Twitter feed on a Monday morning.What you need to knowDisney+ is 4 weeks from launch and is now sharing what you can see at launch.The Disney+ twitter absolutely exploded with a massive thread of available titles.Previous lists had abounded online based on the selection available on the Netherlands preview, but this is the definitive list.There are some surprises in the lineup, especially for Fox fans and 90's kids.It. Is. Time. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to The Mandalorian, check out basically everything coming to #DisneyPlus in the U.S. on November 12.Pre-order in the U.S. at https://t.co/wJig4STf4P today: https://t.co/tlWvp23gLF pic.twitter.com/0q3PTuaDWT— Disney+ (@disneyplus) October 14, 2019Disney+ launches in the US and Canada on November 12, and while many potential lists of its content library were compiled by well-meaning fans based upon the current catalog for Disney+'s Netherlands preview, I'm happy to say that we...

Echo StudioIt's the Echo Plus PLUS$200 at AmazonProsPhysical mic mute switchBooming room-filling soundBuilt-in Zigbee smart home hubCan be paired with another Echo Studio and/or Fire TV for surround soundConsFirst gen productMost expensive Echo deviceThe Echo Studio is Amazon's shot across the bow to Apple's Homepod, Google's Home Max, and Sonos' collection of high-end speakers. It offers amazing sound and smarts for a great price. This device just might be the successor to the Echo Plus.Echo PlusSmaller speaker smart hub$150 at AmazonProsGreat sound in a smaller packageAlso has built-in Zigbee smart home hubCan get with free smart bulbConsSame sound architecture as cheaper, newer EchoPriced a little high at this point The Echo Plus was Amazon's first stab at better Echo audio, and with its Zigbee integration it was the first Echo device that could serve as a smart home hub. The device is on its 2nd generation, but it hasn't been updated in ...

The Nubia Z20 is one of the few smartphones currently available to support 8K video recording.What you need to knowThe Nubia Z20 is now on sale in North America, Europe, and Asia.Nubia's dual screen flagship was launched in China in August. It sports a 6.42-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display on the front and a secondary 5.1-inch HD+ AMOLED panel on the back. In August this year, ZTE sub-brand Nubia launched its first Snapdragon 855 Plus-powered smartphone in China, dubbed the Nubia Z20. Two months after its debut in China, the flagship smartphone is finally available globally. The Nubia Z20 is now available for purchase in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Israel, Indonesia, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, and the UK.While the Nubia Z20 is available with up to 512GB storage in China, the company is only offering a single variant with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage in global markets. Color options include Diamond Black and Twilight Blue, although the Blue version isn't cu...

Time to chat with the AC forums.Over the last few years, waterproof ratings for smartphones have become much more common. What used to be reserved for high-end flagships is now found on devices of all price tags, making phones more resistant to the elements than ever before.Waterproof ratings are ideal for keeping phones safe while spending a day at the pool or getting caught out in the rain, but some people take it to the next level by using their phones to take pictures underwater.We don't recommend going out of your way to do this as pushing waterproof ratings to the max isn't something we're all that fond of, and taking a look through the AC forums, our members seem to be pretty split on the topic. Lepa79 10-13-2019 11:53 AM “ I took video in a pool under water with my Note 9. Absolutely fantastic. Never an issue with the phone. Didn't do the same with my Note 10 yet but it should be just fine. ...

Google's take on a "lite" Pixel 4 could be very interesting.We're just one short day away from Google's annual hardware event, and it's expected to be a big one. Along with the Pixelbook Go, Nest Mini 2, and Pixel Buds 2, we're also anticipating Google to formally unveil the Pixel 4 and 4 XL.It's always exciting when a company officially takes the wraps off of its latest gadget, but in the case of the Pixel 4 series, we already know just about everything there is to know about the two phones. We know what they look like, what kind of specs they'll be touting, what the camera package is capable of, and more. Sure, there are bound to be a few small details that haven't leaked quite yet, but for the most part, we know what we're getting into. That may take the fun out of these events for some people, but the more I've been thinking about it, the more excited I've been getting. Not necessarily for the Pixel 4 (though it does look great), but for the inevitable Pixel ...