Latest from Android Central

I still wish there was an ultrawide camera, but the zoom shots you can get are really great.Do I still wish Google included an ultrawide camera on the Pixel 4? You bet I do. But all of the complaints about the lack of an ultrawide shouldn't cast a shadow on the telephoto camera's excellent quality.I've long been cold on digital zoom on phone cameras because when you simply digitally crop in on an image, the quality loss just isn't worth it. And until recently, I haven't been a big fan of telephoto cameras either because they're usually saddled with inferior sensors, lenses, or both. It's the combination of a proper 2X lens and incredible digital zoom that makes this system great.The Pixel 4 changed that, with the combination of a secondary telephoto camera and its incredible software called Super Res Zoom that processes multiple frames (not unlike HDR+) to provide improved clarity. So to say this is the "telephoto" camera's quality isn't exactly accurate, because I'm not j...

Currently only works when connected to Chromecast and with certain commands.What you need to knowThe Google Assistant button now works on Stadia controllers.It is currently part of an early access program with limited functionality and only works when connected via Chromecast to your TV on the main Stadia screen.In the future, Google says Assistant will be available "while playing games as well as in the Stadia app and website."Stadia, Google's big venture into cloud-based gaming, launched a little less than a month ago with mixed reviews. Our own Russell Holly called it "embarrassingly incomplete, staggeringly good", pointing out what Stadia does, it does well.However, the main problem is not what Stadia does, but the laundry list of features Stadia launched without. Now, one of those can be scratched off the list, at least partially. Beginning on December 3, Google enabled the Google Assistant button on the Stadia controller.Previously, pressing the button would dis...

Dance the night away.With a brand new season of Fortnite comes brand new challenges, and Chapter 2 has once again changed up the way players will be taking them on. One of the challenges in this week's Chaos Rising will have you dancing at a handful of different colored steel bridges.In your time with the game, it's likely that you have encountered these bridges plenty of times, but if you're unsure of where to go, we've got you covered.Knowing the challengeFirst and foremost, this challenge won't be live until Thursday, Dec. 5, at 9:30 a.m. EST. After that time, you'll be able to jump in and tackle it, but just know that it won't be live until the weekly missions go live in Fortnite.You'll only be able to do this challenge once you've completed one of the Chaos Rising missions, which shouldn't be too hard at all. After finding the structures, simply start dancing in front of them, and it'll count as the challenge. Finally, make sure to refer to the map below for their loca...

The latest challenges leaked ahead of the weekly update.Fortnite Chapter 2 is officially here, and with it comes a significant change to the way players will be leveling up their Battle Pass. While Missions will still be in the game, players will no longer be competing for Battle Stars. Instead, the goal is to get normal XP. With a larger focus on XP and less grinding, players should be able to level up their Battle Pass even faster, earning a variety of rewards on the way.Unlike Season X's mission setup, there will be no time prestige missions, and the focal point is to simply complete tasks as you play the game. Instead of having to complete the same mission with added difficulty, now you'll just be unlocking new missions as you complete the ones already available to you. The eighth week of Fortnite Chapter 2 isn't live until Thursday morning, but that didn't stop the missions for the week leaking a bit early.Twitter user iFireMonkey — who is well-known for datamining...

The portable Echo speaker will only be sold in India, at least initially.What you need to knowAmazon today launched the Echo Input Portable Smart Speaker Edition in India.The Echo Input Portable Smart Speaker Edition comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, which makes it possible for users to access Alexa from anywhere in their home. The portable smart speaker has been priced at ₹4,999 ($70) in the country and is now available for pre-order via Amazon.in. Amazon today expanded its Echo speaker lineup in India with the launch (via TechCrunch) of the Echo Input Portable Smart Speaker Edition. The new smart speaker is nearly identical to the Echo Input when it comes to the "hardware architecture" but packs a built-in rechargeable 4,800mAh battery. Amazon says the large battery can provide up to 10 hours of continuous music playback time.Thanks to its built-in battery and compact dimensions, you can easily carry the Echo Input Portable Smart Speaker Edition anywhere...

Before you make the switch, you need to think about a few things.Having good cellular service has become an important thing for most people. We use our phones for everything from keeping in touch to keeping entertained when we have a few quiet moments. It's pretty great that we have such powerful machines in our pockets and nobody is happy when their service lets them down. That's why it's worth taking your time and checking out a few things before you switch carriers.This can be especially important when switching to a prepaid alternative carrier, also known as an MVNO. Because they aren't the ones installing new facilities and building out the physical networks they operate on, they sometimes have to do things a little differently. These differences usually mean the service is cheaper every month, but it can also pose a few problems if you haven't done your homework before you made the switch.What is an alternative carrier?That's what we're here for! Android phones and the ...

The Korea Fair Trade Commission had imposed the fine on Qualcomm in December 2016.What you need to knowA South Korean court today upheld a record $873 million fine imposed by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) against Qualcomm for unfair business practices.Qualcomm Executive Vice President Dan Rosenberg says the company will soon appeal to the Korea Supreme Court. The KFTC, however, is yet to issue any comment on whether it would also lodge an appeal. In what comes as a major setback for Qualcomm, a Seoul High Court today upheld (via Reuters) the record $873 million fine imposed against the company by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) over unfair business practices relating to sales of its modem chips and patent licensing.Rejecting Qualcomm's appeal against the penalty, the court said the chipmaker had indeed abused its dominant position in the market.Seoul High Court Judge Noh Tae-ak said in his ruling: The defendant exerted a significant influence over m...

It's a scenario that we're all familiar with. You get home with an armful of groceries, purse, briefcase, backpack, etc, put everything down, and then can't find your phone anywhere. PANIC sets in. Where is my phone!? Luckily, you remembered to enable one of the many great Alexa Skills that can help you find your phone when it's been misplaced. Need a refresher? Let's go over how to find that phone.Products used in this guideSmart Speaker Saver: Amazon Echo (3rd Gen) ($60 at Amazon)Alexa to the rescue: Amazon Alexa app (Free at Google Play)Dude, Where's my Phone?: Find My Phone Alexa Skill (Free at Amazon or in Alexa app)How to activate the SkillOpen up the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on the menu icon in the top left corner of the screen.Tap on Skills and Games.Tap on the magnifying glass/search icon in the top right corner.Type on Find My Phone.Tap on the top search result to see a list of options, or click on the Find My Phone skill by that name that appears wit...

The standard Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ are slated to receive the Android 10 update next month.What you need to knowT-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G will ship with Android 10-based One UI 2.0 right out of the box.The 5G-enabled smartphone is now available for pre-order via T-Mobile and is expected to begin shipping on December 6. You can get a Galaxy Note 10+ 5G free if you buy another Note 10+ 5G and add a line. T-Mobile rolled out its nationwide 5G network earlier this week, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to do so. The first two 5G-enabled smartphones that it is selling are the OnePlus 7T Pro 5G McLaren and Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G. While the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ are currently shipping with Android 9 Pie-based One UI 1.5, T-Mobile's Note 10+ 5G will ship with the latest Android 10-based One UI 2.0 out of the box.I CAN CONFIRM ✅ #Note10Plus5G DOES HAVE #Android 10 OOTB! pic.twitter.com/3Nv4HH03w0— Des (@askdes) December 3, 2019The in...

Now available for non-beta users as well.What you need to knowThe stable Android 10 update for the Galaxy S10 is now rolling out in India.In addition to all the Android 10 features, the update brings new One UI 2.0 goodies as well as the latest December security patch. Apart from India, the Galaxy S10 Android 10 update is currently rolling out in nine other markets. Samsung surprised everyone by rolling out the stable Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update for beta users in Germany last week. The Galaxy S10 Android update has now started rolling out in a few more countries, including India. And unlike the initial rollout in Germany, the update is now hitting non-beta users as well.The update brings the latest December security patch, along with the new One UI 2.0 features. Some of the key highlights include a streamlined UI design, enhanced system-wide dark mode, more customization options, digital wellbeing, and visibility enhancements.Weirdly, Samsung's Android 10 updat...

For those thinking about making the leap to US Mobile, you're probably wondering which phone you should bring over, or if you need to buy one from them. The good news is that 99% of phones in America will run on US Mobile! This includes the latest Android devices like the OnePlus 7T, Pixel 4, Galaxy Note 10, and Galaxy S10.There are a few caveats to keep in mind:The device needs to be unlocked. You'll get two SIM cards in the US Mobile Starter Kit. If one doesn't work, use the other. Your device needs to be able to run on Band 2 1900 MHz for 2G network access - all you need for talk and text.Your device needs to be able to run on Band 4 1700/2100 MHz, Band 2 1900 MHz and Band 12 700 MHz for LTE access.US Mobile's best coverage is via their Super LTE network. To see if your device is compatible, just punch in its IMEI number on US Mobile's networks page.If you don't have a serviceable phone at the ready, you can always get a device directly from US Mobile. If you do, there'...

25 years of a historic company.What you need to knowYesterday, the PlayStation brand celebrated its 25th anniversary.This occasion was marked by a series of celebratory interviews and blog posts. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan says the company won't be making a successor to the PlayStation Vita. The PlayStation brand has been a part of gaming for a long time and is now celebrating its 25th anniversary. In a blog post, Jim Ryan, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated that "It's truly humbling to see fans who grew up on PlayStation passing down their love of gaming to their children, who are now playing on PS4. On behalf of all of us at PlayStation – thank you for taking this journey with us. We can't wait to celebrate what comes next with you!"In an interview with Game Informer looking back over PlayStation's history, Jim Ryan noted in regards to the PlayStation Vita that "PlayStation Vita was brilliant in many ways, and the actual gaming experie...

Looks like we'll need to wait a little longer for Campo Santo's next game.What you need to knowFirewatch developer Campo Santo was acquired by Valve in 2018.Its expected next game, In The Valley of Gods, has been put on hold by Valve.Campo Santo is focusing on Half-Life: Alyx and other projects for Valve instead.Campo Santo's In The Valley of Gods has been put on hold while the former indie developer, now working under Valve, is focusing on other projects for the company. Notably, Valve recently announced Half-Life: Alyx, a dedicated VR game set in the Half-Life universe.Judging from a statement by Camp Santo founder co-founder Jake Rodkin made to Polygon, Valve's infamous "work on what you want" culture is true, and much of the In The Valley of Gods team moved to other projects as they saw fit. To fans looking forward to In the Valley of Gods, it's probably clear that the optimistic "2019" at the end of the announcement trailer isn't going to be accurate. In the end,...

Larry Page and Sergey Brin will continue to be Board members.What you need to knowLarry Page and Sergey Brin are stepping down from their leadership roles at Alphabet, Google's parent company.Google CEO Sundar Pichai is being appointed as Alphabet's new CEO.Sundar will retain his role at Google, too.Big things are changing in the Google and Alphabet world. On December 3, 2019, Larry Page and Sergey Brin — the co-founders of both companies — published a letter announcing that Google CEO Sundar Pichai will be taking over as the new Alphabet CEO. Going forward, Sundar will be the CEO of both Google and Alphabet. He will be the executive responsible and accountable for leading Google, and managing Alphabet's investment in our portfolio of Other Bets.Larry and Sergey noted that "Alphabet and Google no longer need two CEOs and a President." As for their involvement with the companies, they note: We are deeply committed to Google and Alphabet for the lo...

Bose Noise Canceling 700Modern ANC cans$399 at AmazonProsUSB-C for chargingIntuitive touch controls11 steps of noise cancelationFast charging with two hours of listening with 15 minutes of chargingConsNon-foldable designHeavier due to more premium designBose has clearly learned from its QC35 IIs and is looking to reinvent itself with its new Noise Canceling Headphones 700. It made necessary changes, such as a more premium design and USB-C.Bose QC35 IIClassic ANC cans$279 at AmazonProsGreat ANC performanceSuper portable and lightweightSolid, treble boosted soundExcellent comfortConsLacks higher quality Bluetooth audio codecs (sans AAC)Micro-USB for chargingMostly plastic buildThe Bose QC35 IIs have been one of the top ANC headphones on the market for quite some time now. They're a reliable pair of headphones, but they've shown their age when it comes to charging tech and ANC performance.The Bose QC35 IIs are simply a classic. Ther...

Developers, speak out. Where is the software industry going next? The new Developer Economics survey Q4 2019 is now open to all developers around the world until January 17th. Every year, more than 40,000 developers from 165+ countries participate in the Developer Economics surveys to set new trends in software development. This is a chance for all developers to be part of something great and set the industry trends, opportunities, and challenges for 2019.What skills do you think are necessary for today's developers? Which popular dev tools, platforms, technologies, and frameworks do you enjoy using or you have tried but disliked or want to learn more about? Answers to such questions will help us discover what's missing in the industry.Answer a few questions about your favorite tools, languages, and frameworks, and you may win one of the awesome prizes up for grabs — including a Samsung Chromebook 3, Microsoft Surface Pro 6, JetBrains IDE, Oculus Rift S, AWS Deep Racer, Sa...

It also hopes to build a factory in Europe for its 5G equipment.What you need to knowHuawei founder Ren Zhengfei announced that the company is moving its research center.It's being relocated from the United States to Canada.This past Friday, it was reported that the U.S. was aiming to crack down further on Huawei's access to U.S. technology.To say that Huawei has had a rocky relationship with the United States over the last year would be quite an understatement. The U.S. has been on a mission to cut ties with Huawei in every way imaginable on the idea that it represents a national security threat, and we're now seeing the latest development of this feud.On December 2 in an interview with The Globe and Mail, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei announced that Huawei will be moving its U.S.-based research center to Canada. [Huawei's] center for research and development will be moved out of the U.S. And that will be relocated to Canada.The interview also reveals that Huawei in...

You can also do group chats within the app.What you need to knowGoogle is adding chat functionality to the Photos app.The feature requires both users to have a Google account.You can chat with one or multiple users.As Google continues its uphill battle to create a viable — and successful — chat platform for Android, it's also experimenting with providing piecemeal chat functionality within its already successful apps. The Photos app now allows you to chat with your friends about the pictures you've sent them.The change also simplifies sharing individual photos, which previously required you to create one-off albums for sharing, as Google's Jaanvi Shah explains. You now get a 'Send in Google Photos' option when you want to share your latest birthday bash pics. You can then select either a friend or a group of people to send the pictures to, which automatically creates — or adds the picture to — a chat between you and them.You can seemingly also ...

Ever want to play Double Dare with Jar Jar? No? Now's your chance.What you need to knowStar Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge will be a game show for kids.There will be three set pieces — a forest planet, a spaceship, and a temple.Ahmed Best, the voice of Jar Jar Binks, will host.Star Wars fans can look forward to a game show for kids coming to Disney Plus (Disney Plus+) in 2020. The new Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge sounds like a fun and active game show, similar to Ninja Warrior type shows. The show will take place on a forest planet, a Jedi star cruiser, and inside a Jedi temple, so it seems contestants will have to climb trees, escape trash compactors, and drink blue milk. Lucasfilm's director of Online Content and Programming, Mickey Capoferri, describes the show as "a kids game show like no other .. a fun, humorous, and exciting competition."The game will feature a mix of challenges that test a young padawan's strength, knowledge, and bravery. Yes, of course the...

We're almost there.What you need to knowGoogle Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will get the December update next week.Fixes for bugs in Spotify and third-party camera apps will be included.The Pixel 4 had been absent from the original update bulletin.Google Pixel 4 owners will see a software and security update rolling out in the next week, according to an addendum to Google's Pixel Security Update page. The software and security update includes a number of fixes aimed directly at the Pixel 4, the newest member of Google's self-branded phone lineup. If you've had trouble with static noise in Spotify, or staticky audio when using a third-party camera app, the next update may solve your problems. However, Pixel 4 owners will need to wait a week for the next update.The Pixel 4 was originally left out of the loop on software updates, but the new package will include fixes for Bluetooth pairing, with Garmin devices specifically called out, as well as some fixes to the haptics and motio...

Find out what Straight Talk has to offer!Straight Talk Wireless is an alternative carrier, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), that offers prepaid wireless service through a partnership with TracFone and Walmart. Straight Talk offers support for both CDMA and GSM devices, as it piggybacks on the T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon's networks.Straight Talk offers no-contract plans for individuals on 30-day refills that start at basic talk, text, and limited data, all the way up to unlimited data. Straight Talk Wireless is provided by TracFone, which is owned by América Móvil. It focuses mainly on selling budget devices but you can still pick out the outstanding Samsung Galaxy Note 10, or opt to bring your own device.Straight Talk has a lot to offer for a price conscious consumer, so read on and find a plan that works for you!The plansWhat about phones?How to cancel Straight TalkHow to unlock a Straight Talk phoneNo frills, just serviceStraig...

This year takes 5G to 11.What you need to knowQualcomm is announcing two new high-end chips at its Tech Summit in Maui, Hawaii.The Snapdragon 865 is the flagship chip that will debut in the Galaxy S11. There's also a Snapdragon 765 and 765G on deck, with integrated 5G.We'll know more about these chips tomorrow, December 4.Qualcomm is roaring into 2020 with a bunch of new announcements, including two major SoCs that it hopes will put it in good stead against Apple, Huawei, and, surprisingly, MediaTek going into the new year.The main piece on the agenda is the Snapdragon 865, which comes standard with the X55 5G chip announced earlier this year. The upside is that while the Snapdragon 865 will support 5G, it's not on-die the way the Snapdragon 855 and previous Qualcomm chips have LTE built into the chip itself. Instead, manufacturers will need to add 5G separately using the X55 modem if they want to, adding heat and making their phones less battery efficient.ere's what t...

First the November patch, and now this.What you need to knowThe December 2019 security patch began rolling out on December 2.It made its way to all Pixel devices, except the Pixel 4, which is getting it next week.Last month's November update was delayed for many, and has still yet to arrive on some handsets.One of the main reasons to buy a Pixel phone is that it's the first to receive software updates and security patches as they're released. Timely updates are an issue with just about every Android device out there, but Pixels stand out as an exception to this rule. At least, they usually do.For the last two monthly security patches, the Pixel 4 hasn't gotten them on time — most recently with the December patch that started rolling out on December 2. This latest patch added new features and security fixes for the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3a, but nothing for the Pixel 4. What gives?Google published a post on its Pixel Phone Help forums highlighting what the Dec...

Samsung DeX is a wonderful system that is tragically overlooked by most users today. That's a shame because, in 2019, DeX has never been easier to use, especially because you don't have to shell out $50–$130 for one of Samsung's branded DeX stations. There are third-party USB-C hubs that work perfectly fine with DeX, and then, of course, there are tons of affordable, high-quality peripherals for adding a keyboard, mouse, and more!Third-party DeX hubAUKEY Link PD Pro USB-C HubStaff pickOur favorite USB-C hub for Chromebooks is also our favorite USB-C hub for DeX, and includes an HDMI port, three USB-A ports, USB-C passthrough charging, and even Ethernet, should you want to really turn your phone into a PC for a while.$32 at AmazonGo minimalAnker 6ft 4K 60Hz USB-C to HDMI CableWant to use DeX to play a video on your hotel room's big screen? Users have been able to activate DeX mode with this Anker USB-C to HDMI cable. Remember that this won't let you charge yo...

It's alive!What you need to knowAvatar is an incredibly popular film now owned by Disney.A game has been in development at Ubisoft since at least 2017. Many gamers thought the project had been canceled. Today, the official Twitter account confirmed it was still in development. A few years ago, news stories circulated that Ubisoft was making an open-world Avatar game for Fox. Since then, Fox has been acquired by Disney and it was unclear if the project was still in development. According to a report by Xbox Achievements, the debate was put to rest because the official Avatar Twitter account confirmed that the game was still in the works.Still being developed! https://t.co/vdWvzyNZEQ— Avatar (@officialavatar) November 29, 2019It's unclear how far along the project is, but it seems like Ubisoft is still hiring developers for the game. There are a lot of open positions on the website the Avatar account linked to. Hopefully, we'll know more about it at E3 2020 bec...

The phone will support both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks.What you need to knowXiaomi's Redmi sub-brand has revealed the design of its upcoming K30 smartphone in a series of new teasers on Weibo.The teaser images confirm the phone will have a quad camera setup on the back and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. It is set to be officially unveiled in China on December 10. Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi today posted several images on Weibo (via XDA Developers) teasing the upcoming K30. As confirmed by the company already, the Redmi K30 will be a 5G-enabled smartphone with dual-mode 5G support. While live images of the device had been leaked recently, the official teasers give us our first clear look at the phone's design. As you can see in the images above, the Redmi K30 will have four cameras on the back, all housed within a large circle. Below the camera module, we find a dual-LED flash as well. On the side of the phone will be a fingerprint sensor, emb...

Early access users can purchase it now.What you need to knowThe lock will get Alexa and Google Assistant support in 2020.Door position detection is also built-in, so it can automatically lock behind you.The Wyze Lock will be $90 and will not require a subscription wheny it fully launches February 2020.Wyze was founded in 2017, and its first product was the $20 Wi-Fi-connected camera that has become a highly successful device. Wyze is now entering further into the smart home realm with a smart door lock aptly named the Wyze Lock.The Wyze Lock comes into the marketplace at $90 and will have some pretty intriguing features available without a subscription. Wyze will include built-in door position detection without the need for additional sensors outside of the lock itself. This means that it can lock automatically behind you when the door is closed. The lock will also be able to unlock automatically as you near it. It will, of course, also have the ability to lock or unl...

Missed out on Final Fantasy 7 when it first released? Just want to revisit your favorite classic? Here's everything you need to know about the Final Fantasy 7 RemakeI still remember when the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trailer debuted on Sony's stage at E3 2015. I remember the disbelief at its existence; the utter awe of its cinematics; the complete euphoria of the crowd when the word "remake" appeared at the end of the trailer, squashing all thoughts that what they had just watched was for a movie or half-hearted remaster. It's a complete remake, and Final Fantasy 7 deserves nothing less. (Hello Final Fantasy 7 PS4 port! At a time when the remake was kept under wraps, you were the last thing that people wanted.)Whether you're a new fan to the legendary JRPG franchise or returning to Midgar, here's everything you need to know about the remake.Complete remakeFinal Fantasy 7$60 at AmazonMidgar never looked so goodOne of the greatest games of all time is finally getting the t...

The promotion ran for eight hours in Miami Beach on Cyber Monday.What you need to knowGoogle and Dominos came together to deliver Pixel 4 smartphones and pizzas on Cyber Monday.The limited-time offer was available to residents of Miami Beach, FL for eight hours through the pizzawithpixel.com website.The promo included the Cyber Monday $200 discount, a special edition case, and a free 12-inch pizza.Back in October, Google and Dominos teamed up to deliver Pixel 4 smartphones with a Dominos pizza. At the time, the pizza and Pixel combo was only a special promotion for influencers and retail salespeople. However, on Cyber Monday, Google expanded the promo to one lucky city. For eight hours, Google allowed residents of Miami Beach, FL to get a Pixel 4 delivered from Dominos.GOOGLE PIXEL 4 UNBOXING @madebygoogle x @dominos pic.twitter.com/alNNTlqQ1H— Justin Tse (@JustinTse) October 15, 2019As you can see in the above unboxing video, the Dominos pizza box comes with a ...

Cyber Monday is finally upon us, and there’s never been a better time to save big on certification courses that can help you land a lucrative career in IT. Here are some of the best and most popular certification courses around, each of which is available for an additional 60% off when you enter the coupon code CMSAVE60 at checkout.1. Complete Microsoft Azure Certification Prep Bundle 2019MSRP: $387 | Sale Price: $29 | Price w/ code CMSAVE60: $12This 23-hour bundle will help you earn some of the field’s most important certifications through training that focusses on server maintenance, networking, cloud security, and more.2. The Complete Six Sigma Training & Certification BundleMSRP: $2300 | Sale Price: $59 | Price w/ code CMSAVE60: $24With six courses and over 75 hours of training, this bundle will help you ace the exams for the famed Six Sigma certifications through training that uses real-world examples.3. The Cisco CCNA & CCNP ...

The lists also include books and audiobooks, but no category for music.What you need to knowGoogle has revealed the best apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books for 2019 in its annual Best of Play awards.Highlights include users' choice app Video Editor — Glitch Video Effects, Call of Duty: Mobile as best game chosen by Google and users' votes, and the best selling movie and by votes was Avengers: Endgame.Google also has a list of its winners in several categories, including best hidden gems, best apps for fun, and more.Every year, Google rounds up the best apps on the Play Store and allows users to vote for their favorites. With 2019 quickly coming to an end, the results of the Best of Play have officially been released.The users' choice awards featured four different categories this year, including users' choice app, users' choice game, users' choice movie, and users' choice book. Voting took place between November 11-25, and the winner of each are as follows....

"We are exploring this issue in terms of data protection and whether stronger transparency and legislation is needed in this area."What you need to knowApple and Google are to appear before Irish lawmakers today (December 3) to discuss privacy concerns around voice-activated digital assistants.The joint committee on communications, climate action, and environment wants to clarify how Apple and Google handle audio data.Given Apple's operations in the country, any change in law might hit the Cupertino company harder.Apple and Google are both set to appear before Irish lawmakers to discuss privacy concerns surrounding voice-activated assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, today, December 3.According to a report from Irish Legal News: Internet giants Google and Apple will appear before an Oireachtas committee this afternoon to discuss privacy concerns surrounding their voice-activated digital assistants.Concerns were raised earlier this year after it emerged tha...

One of the biggest perks of having a PlayStation Plus membership is the free games you get every month. The games PlayStation is offering this month include two franchise games, with varying degrees of awesome. Check out the list below, start downloading these games on December 3rd and enjoy them until January 6, 2020.★ Featured favoriteTitanfall 2Respawn stumbled with the first Titanfall but found its stride in the sequel. Titanfall 2 features one of the best FPS single-player campaigns of the last few years and has a ton of fun multiplayer content to boot. If you're looking to get your fill of gigantic mechs battling it out with insane weaponry, now's your chance. You can't beat the offer when it's free for PS Plus.See at PlayStation Store★ Branded contentMonster Energy SupercrossBranded content is everywhere thanks to Monster sponsoring some real-world championship racing. Before Monster Energy invaded Death Stranded, it bore the name for ...

The One Hyper is expected to be a part of the Android One program.What you need to knowPress renders of the Motorola One Hyper have leaked ahead of the smartphone's formal debut later today.The Motorola One Hyper will be the company's first smartphone with a pop-up selfie camera. It will have a dual camera setup on the back, featuring a 64MP primary sensor. Motorola will be launching its first smartphone with a pop-up selfie camera later today, called the One Hyper. Right before its formal launch, press renders of the phone have surfaced, courtesy of German publication WinFuture.de. Since hands-on images showing the Motorola One Hyper's design had already been leaked in September, the press renders don't reveal any surprises. They only give us a clearer look at the phone from nearly every angle.Thanks to a 32MP pop-up selfie camera, the One Hyper's 6.39-inch FHD+ display will not feature a notch or hole-punch cutout. On the back of the phone, we see a dual-camera...

Gaming has never looked better and it's great for work, too.I'm in front of a computer screen for too many hours every day. I've stared into plenty of screens, and haven't found one I like as well as Samsung's curved 240Hz CRG5 Gaming Monitor.And as it turns out, using it for writing or social media-ing or photo editing is really great too. This one's an all-around winner, folks.Samaung has a winnerSamsung 240Hz CRG5 Gaming Monitor Bottom line: If you're looking for a curved monitor built for 1080p gaming and want the best response time, the deepest blacks, ultra-high contrast, and sick framerates, this one is built just for you. It's also really nice to use for boring stuff like working for a living, too.ProsThree inputsPlenty of picture modesLiquid blacksGsync and 240 Hz refreshA great priceConsThe stand ...

The Nemesis returns.What you need to knowThe Resident Evil 2 remake released earlier in 2019 and was successful critically and commercially.Since then, there have been rumors that the next game in the series, Resident Evil 3, was getting a remake. The cover art for Resident Evil 3 remake has now been leaked online. A reveal trailer for the game could happen sometime this month. Speculation has run rampant about the possibility of a Resident Evil 3 remake, especially after the release of the incredibly ambitious Resident Evil 2 remake that released earlier in 2019. It appears players might be getting their hands on a new version of Resident Evil 3 soon, as the official logos for the game have leaked thanks to Gamestat, which tracks new additions to PlayStation Network. It accomplishes this by pulling information from the PlayStation Network API. You can take a look at the images below:The artwork clearly shows Jill Valentine's updated look, as well as the ruthless, drea...

Does iRobot's first Internet-connected flagship robot vacuum still hold up?Tried and trueiRobot Roomba 980$799 at AmazonProsSilicone brushes are easy to clean and made to lastDirt detection sensor can make multiple passes to clean extra dirty spotsConsNo real-time locationNo zone cleaning featureLacks no-go zones that newer Roombas haveNo mopping abilityNeeds physical lighthouses to block off areasiRobot's Roomba 980 has been around for a few years now. It's the robot vacuum that ushered in the era of smart, connected robot vacuums.Vacuum and mopRoborock S6$649 at AmazonProsReal-time mapping with virtual walls and no-go zonesAdvanced laser-guided navigationZone cleaning and per-room cleaningMoppingGreat priceGreater suction yet makes less noiseSide brush lasts longer and works more efficientlyConsThe traditional brush bristles can be more challenging to cleanThe Roborock S6 does it all. From vacuuming to mopping, it'll cove...

The mid-range 2020 Galaxy A-series phones are expected to feature Infinity-O displays.What you need to knowSamsung will introduce its next-generation A-series smartphone lineup on December 12.A YouTube video teasing the upcoming phones has been posted by Samsung Vietnam. The upcoming A-series phones are expected to feature Infinity-O displays with a centered hole-punch cutout. Samsung Vietnam today posted a short video on YouTube, confirming that the company's new A-series smartphones will arrive on December 12. Apart from confirming the launch date, the video also confirms that the 2020 A-series lineup will have a refreshed design with a hole-punch cutout in the middle.Among the new A-series phones that will debut next week could be the mid-range Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71. Leaked renders showing the design of the two phones had surfaced online last month, revealing a Galaxy Note 10-like design on the front with a centered hole-punch cutout. Both phones are expected t...

"The FBI considers any mobile application or similar product developed in Russia, such as FaceApp, to be a potential counterintelligence threat..."What you need to knowThe FBI has said that FaceApp may be a potential counterintelligence threat.According to reports, this is because of its links to Russia.The revelation was a response to calls for an FBI investigation from US Senator Chuck Schumer.A report suggests that the FBI believes FaceApp is a "potential counterintelligence threat" because of its links to Russia.Previously, US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had called upon the FBI to investigate the app over his concerns regarding data protection. Now according to a report the FBI has responded stating: The FBI considers any mobile application or similar product developed in Russia, such as FaceApp, to be a potential counterintelligence threat, based on the data the product collects, its privacy and terms of use policies, and the legal mechanisms available t...

Surprisingly, Google is yet to begin rolling out the December update for the Pixel 4 and 4XL.What you need to knowThe latest December update for older Pixel phones brings gesture navigation support on third-party launchers.It also adds Pixel Themes customization feature that Google introduced with the Pixel 4 series. The update is currently rolling out to the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3a series phones. Google has started rolling out the December security update for its Pixel smartphones. In addition to the latest security patch, the update also brings a few other goodies to Google's older Pixels. The Pixel Themes app, which debuted with the Pixel 4 and 4 XL earlier this year, is now available on the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, and Pixel 2 series phones.The new customization options can be found under Settings > Display > Styles & Wallpapers. When you tap on the Style tab at the bottom left, you will be able to change and customize the front, icons, as well as accent co...

The phone's tech specs remain a mystery at this point.What you need to knowA report out of South Korea claims Samsung's next foldable smartphone is likely to be priced at around 1 million won ($845).The device is expected to have a clamshell form-factor, similar to the Motorola's new RAZR. Samsung plans to ship around 6 million foldable smartphones next year. Samsung's first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold finally went on sale in September this year, after numerous delays. Despite its exorbitant $2,000 price tag, Samsung has sold nearly half a million Galaxy Folds already. The company's next foldable smartphone, however, will reportedly be a lot more affordable.A new report from The Korea Herald suggests the company's clamshell foldable phone, which is expected to be launched early next year, could be priced around 1 million won ($845) in South Korea, which would make it significantly more affordable than the Galaxy Fold as well as Motorola's new RAZR. Needless to sa...

If you aren't one of the millions of people who already signed up for Disney Plus, you may actually be excited that you waited. The streaming media service has proven to be wildly popular so far, and ahead of the official launch Disney offered a few discounts, but nothing since the service actually launched. Cyber Monday changes that, and brings the first major discount (bundle pricing aside) to the service. For a limited time only, you can sign up and prepay for one year and get it for just $59.99.Disney Plus Annual Subscription$59.99 at Disney PlusYou could pay for the service monthly, which would cost you $84 a year, or pay $60 today to get access for a full year. The choice seems simple!Disney has a few different pricing options that are offered for the service, with the basic one starting at $6.99 a month. If you were to sign up now to pay monthly, it would cost you just under $84 for the year. If you opted to prepay for the year, Disney drops the pricing down to $69...

Cyber Monday is here! Most Canadian retailers have updated their prices for Cyber Monday, and you can get some incredible deals in Canada, from retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and others.Best Cyber Monday deals in CanadaFire TV Stick 4K with Alexa Voice Remote (CAD$24.99 at Amazon.ca)Fitbit Versa Lite (CAD$130 at Amazon.ca)Fitbit Versa 2 (CAD$200 at Amazon.ca)Logitech G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse (CAD$40 at Amazon.ca)Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (CAD$250 at Amazon.ca)Echo Dot 3rd gen (CAD$30 at Amazon.ca)Kindle Paperwhite (CAD$110 at Amazon.ca)Apple iPad 10.2" (CAD$371 at Best Buy Canada)Bose QuietComfort 35 II (CAD$379 at Amazon.ca)ASUS Chromebook 2-in-1 14" Touchscreen (CAD$549 at Amazon.ca)Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam 1080P (CAD$80 at Amazon.ca)Eero Pro Mesh WiFi Router/range Extender (CAD$188 at Amazon.ca)We're constantly updating this list, so check back often!Best SellersNewest DealsAmazon DevicesApple DevicesCamerasConsole GamingDrones, Wear...

We're winding down on Cyber Monday, but there's still a few more deals worth snagging before you drift off to sleep. When I'm done writing this post, I'm heading into my pitch black bedroom, slipping under my weighted blanket, and throwing my Pixel 4 on a charger so that it recovers after a long day of video calls and Disney Emoji Blitz.I won't have to hassle with getting a cable lined up or plugged in all the way, like you probably do right now. I'll plop my phone down on my charging pad in total darkness, see the screen light up to indicate it's charging, and then I'll roll over and pass out. And you can do the same with this charging pad from Anker.Look, ma! No wires!Anker PowerWave PadThis charger can go up to 10W fast charging for Samsung phones and 7.5W for Apple phones, but the best part is that this round charger is easy to line up your phone no matter how tired you are.$8 at AmazonAnker's pad isn't the fastest wireless charging speed ever released, but it's still...

Cyber Monday is a great time to pick up a new laptop, whether it be for yourself or a Christmas present for a loved one. There are plenty of Windows and Mac options out there, but have you ever considered a Chromebook?So long as you don't plan on using your future laptop for video editing or high-end gaming, a Chromebook is kind of perfect. They're much easier to use, often cost a lot less money, and can do just about anything you want.The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is one of the many Chromebooks on sale for Cyber Monday 2019, but this particular model stands out as one of our favorites. It's a premium-looking and feeling machine without the premium price, and this new Cyber Monday deal makes it darn-near irresistible.A premium dealASUS Chromebook Flip C434Tons of power in a sleek, sturdy bodyAs far as Chromebooks go, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is one of our favorites. It has a gorgeous 14-inch display with a Full HD resolution, battery life that lasts all day long, s...

Don't go to bed without snagging this deal on a kid-friendly Chromebook.Cyber Monday is almost over, but there are still great deals to be found on Chromebooks in every price range. Of the Chromebooks still on sale today, there's still an affordable little gem in today's Amazon Gold Box that will be gone by the time you wake up tomorrow. If you're looking for a Chromebook to give your kid but don't know how well they'll actually be able to take care of a laptop, Acer has you covered with a durable little diamond that you can grab for $125.Affordable durabilityAcer Chromebook 11Military-spec durability for a kid-ready Chromebook.This 11.6-inch Chromebook has a spill-resistant keyboard, military-grade impact-resistance to withstand drops, and up to 12 hours of battery life in a rugged little package that's perfect for your little ones.$124.99 $219.99 $95 off$125 at AmazonDespite the rock-bottom pricing, this Chromebook has mil-spec durability that is designed to withsta...

It's rare that I'm totally shocked by a product I'm sent for review, but the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro can easily be put in that category. For a company new to the headphone space, Anker has come a long way in a very short amount of time, and the Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro build on everything the first generation headphones built into some of the best-sounding true wireless earbuds I've ever used.At $150 on a regular day, they're a bargain. At $110 for Cyber Monday, they're a steal.Insane sound for the priceAnker Soundcore Liberty 2 ProSoundcore's best and most expensive true wireless earbuds are truly worthy of the "pro" moniker, offering the best sound in the category under $200. At $110, they're an amazing deal.$110 $150 $40 offSee at AmazonHere's why you should care: they have huge sound, enabled by two drivers that are basically cocooned together inside the bud itself to form something called "Astria Coaxial Acoustic Architecture". It sounds like mumbo jumbo, but wh...

Wear OS isn't as popular as it used to be, but Fossil's still fighting the good fight, putting its timeless design prowess into a gorgeous watch that actually looks like a watch.The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle is absolutely stunning, and if you ask me it's one of the best-looking smartwatches on the market. You can get it with either a leather or stainless steel band, and either option works great for both casual and formal wear. In the last few hours of Cyber Monday, you can grab it for just $205, down from its usual $295 going rate.Fashionable techFossil Gen 5 CarlyleOne of the best-looking smartwatchesThe Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle is available with both stainless steel and leather bands, and either option can be dressed up or down. You also get a Snapdragon Wear 3100 and three smart battery modes.$205.00 $295.00 31% offSee at AmazonThe Fossil Gen 5 is more than just a pretty face. It's also one of the very best Wear OS watches on the market, with a lightweight and comforta...

Your Wi-Fi router is boring tech. A Wi-Fi router should be one of those things you fiddle with once then never have to touch again and it just sits there like a lump of plastic and does its thing, day in and day out. A Wi-Fi router is just not cool the way something like a Nest Mini is.Unless your Wi-Fi router is a Nest Wifi.Speaker or speed, it's up to youNest Wifi$259 at AmazonOne, two, three, or four?Whether it's for the Assistant support in the Wifi point or the pure power of the 4x4MIMO in each router, there's a Nest Wifi setup for everyone. Amazon is your go-to place if you want all the power with its exclusive two router bundle.Nest Wifi takes everything good from the original Google Wifi and everything good from the Nest Mini. It then mashes everything together to create a mesh Wi-Fi setup that's robust, fast, easy to set up, and fills your house with Google Assistant.This bundle from Amazon addresses one of the Nest Wifi downsides for the prosumer &mdas...

Smart home equipment can be really handy, but it can also be a little expensive to start setting everything up. Cue this Cyber Monday deal from Wyze, which bundles an indoor connected camera with a starter kit of sensors for just $36. That's a lot of stuff for not a lot of money.Get connectedWyze Cam V2 with Wyze Sense Starter Kit$36 at AmazonThis Wyze starter kit gives you everything you need to get started with home monitoring, including a camera, motion sensors, and more.This little kit gives you everything you need to get started with securing your home. The big highlight is the Wyze Cam V2, which gives you a crisp 1080p video feed you can check in on at any time. The camera can record motion and sounds and it saves your recordings for 14 days without paying any sort of subscription fee.The rest of the kit is all about the sensors. You'll get contact sensors that can let you know when something is opened, closed, or left open. There are also motion sensors to tell...