Latest from Android Central

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's chat with the AC forums.Buying a smartphone in 2019 is a big deal. There are endless options to choose from at various price ranges, a laundry list of features to consider, and with things like size/feel-in-hand, you sometimes need to get your hands on a phone to get a feel for whether or not it's a good fit.With all of that being the case, some people go the route of buying a phone with the sole intent of not keeping it. That way, if you're uncertain about a particular handset, you can try it for a few days, test it out, and then send it back during the return window.Here's what some of our AC forum members have to say about this practice. B. Diddy 10-30-2019 03:43 PM “ Not me. I'll only return something if it's faulty or significantly unsatisfying in some way. Reply Smply_Rckless 11-03-2019 03:28 AM “ Nope, ca...

Best answer: The NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) was trained using machine learning algorithms to know how to add 4K details to enhance HD content from 720p or 1080p at 30 frames per second (FPS). Because this is a system-level feature, AI-enhanced upscaling will work with content across any streaming app you use.Best gets better: NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) ($150 at Amazon)Go Pro: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) ($200 at Amazon)What kind of sorcery is this?Video upscaling is a necessary requirement anytime you're watching standard HD content on a 4K display. If your source video is running at 1080p, with 1920x1080 pixels, and you play it on a 4K device that displays 3840x2160 pixels, there are more pixels being displayed on screen than available from the source material. Upscaling attempts to fill in those missing pixels as best as possible.Older NVIDIA Shield TV models already offered basic upscaling to support 4K displays. What makes NVIDIA's AI-enhanced upscaling different is that it kno...

U.S. tech companies will finally be able to legally resume shipments of 'non-sensitive' components to Huawei.What you need to knowU.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has said that U.S. companies will "very shortly" receive licenses that will allow them to sell components to Huawei.Ross also revealed that the U.S. government received a total of 206 license applications.A "phase one" trade deal between the U.S. and China is expected to be announced this month.Last month, The New York Times had reported that the Trump administration would soon issue licenses to U.S. companies to sell 'non-sensitive' goods to Huawei. Speaking to Bloomberg, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has now confirmed that the licenses will indeed be issued "very shortly."He added that the U.S. government received a total of 206 license requests. While no timeline was confirmed by Ross, there is a good chance that the companies that had sent applications will be granted licenses to sell to Huawei before ...

Both the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL top out at 4K/30fps.What you need to knowPixel camera product manager Isaac Reynolds has said that the Pixel 4 series doesn't support 4K/60fps because "nobody actually needs it."Most Android flagship phones released this year support 4K video recording at up to 60fps. Reynolds also revealed that the face-retouching feature for the two phones was developed by utilizing the expertise of wedding photographers. In an interview with the The Vergecast, Pixel camera product manager Isaac Reynolds revealed that Google reached out to wedding photographers to help build the Pixel 4's face retouching feature. According to Reynolds, Google did not want to cross certain lines such as making faces appear thinner or lips larger. The feature instead gets rid of small features such as pores on faces, to get rid of "what you look like today that isn't toy." In addition to removing such features, the camera also raises the exposure to add a "glow" to the user's fa...

Frozen mountains and treacherous swamps await.What you need to knowDiablo IV was recently announced at BlizzCon 2019.Blizzard has since released a bunch of concept art for the game.This concept art shows the dark, Gothic art direction, a more open world and some of the evils lurking about.Diablo IV currently does not have a release date. Diablo IV was announced at BlizzCon 2019. While it's still early days, Blizzard has released a sizeable amount of information on the game. Blizzard has also shared a fair bit of concept art, which shows the dark, haunted direction of the game. Below, you can check out artwork of some of the five regions in the game that Blizzard has released, alongside artwork of the different enemies, classes and more. First up is the region of Scosglen.This is the realm of Druids, a place where savage nature has taken hold. Werewolves lurk in the forests, while a new enemy type called the Drowned waits along the shores. Next up is the Fractured Peaks....

The TicWatch Pro is a fabulous smartwatch, but like most watches, the bands will eventually get worn out. It's a natural occurrence and an annoying one at that. Fortunately, you can easily replace these 22mm bands. All you have to do is find the one that's right for you. Whether you're looking for a fitness-friendly band or one that allows you to dress up your smartwatch for formal events, there's plenty more where that came from.For multiple devicesMobvoi Genuine Leather Watch BandStaff pickThe leather Mobvoi band isn't just suitable for the TicWatch Pro but is also compatible with the TicWatch S2 and E2. The band itself is ideal for wrist sizes of 5.31" to 7.68" so you can easily adjust the length of the strap to your liking. Even better, while the exterior is a stylish leather, the interior is silicone, making it a smooth, comfortable fit.$16 at AmazonFlexible durabilityXYFELE Silicone Soft Rubber Watch BandWith more than a dozen unique colors to choose f...

For serious audio enthusiasts.I'm not as well-versed in microphones as some other people, but I know good audio quality when I hear it. That's exactly what the MXL Blizzard 990 delivers. And unwanted noises are a thing of the past with this cardioid mic. This microphone is leagues above what you'd find connected to a headset, and it can go toe to toe — and come out the victor — with many of today's most popular mics among streamers like the Blue Yeti.I've spent about two weeks with the MXL Blizzard 990, and it's quickly become my go-to microphone for podcasting. Minor annoyances — it lacks a dedicated mute button — don't outweigh its indesputable quality in every other factor.At a glanceMXL Blizzard 990 Overstream Pro Bundle Bottom line: The MXL Blizzard 900 microphone offers near-crystal clear quality with...

There are 28 million active Fitbit users, a number that CEO James Park recently said he is pretty proud of — not necessarily for the number itself, which is considerable in the wearables space, but for the number that stay loyal to the Fitbit brand.If you look at the market overhead, though, you'll notice a distinct trend over the past few quarters: Apple leads the way in terms of volume and market share, while companies you didn't associate with wearables just a few years ago — Xiaomi, Huawei, and Samsung — have all surpassed Fitbit in terms of shipments. Fitbit's products have never been particularly expensive, but their core tenets, turning accelerometer and heart rate data into visualizations and actionable intent, have been largely commoditized.On the other hand, Fitbit still has enormous mind share — it was among the earliest wrist-worn wearables companies, and outside of Apple still does the best job taking all of that raw data and making it into so...

We're only just into November, but we're already seeing a bunch of Black Friday ads popping up online as we get nearer the year's biggest shopping season. HP is the latest retailer to have its ad revealed which means we have time to take a look and assess whether HP should be a destination for you this Black Friday.Deals worth consideringAs you might expect, HP's ad is chock-full of deals on laptop and desktop PCs making it worth a look if you're in the market for a computer upgrade. There are also Chromebooks, monitors, and other related accessories with some sweet savings. Of course, not all deals on Black Friday are worth jumping on, so we've outlined a few choice picks you should consider as well as a some to avoid.HP Laptop 15tOne of HP's Doorbuster deals makes for an enticing offer. This laptop sells for as much as $1,350 and will be going for $499.99 during the Black Friday sale and only $480 for the first $480 for the first customers to buy it at midnight PST on Novem...

PlayStation 4 gamers already have access to one of the best controllers in the world with DualShock 4 included in the box, but it's not great for everything. While Sony has put a ton of work into making the controller better for typing on the PS4, it's still not ideal. The fix, if you're really interested in typing on your PS4, is to use a mouse and keyboard. This isn't going to make your gaming any better — in fact, most console games won't recognize the mouse and keyboard as valid inputs for gaming — but if you chat with friends a lot or you want to use the included browser, you'll find some use with this combo.Products used in this guideWired and inspired: Amazon Keyboard and Mouse Bundle ($15 at Amazon)Wireless chatting: Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard ($30 at Amazon)How to add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouseIf you have a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse without a dongle, things are a little different. To connect one of these:Go to Settings on your P...

When it comes to enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows in all of their cinematic glory, your laptop screen, or even a flatscreen TV, just doesn’t cut it compared to a good projector.This incredibly compact and lightweight CIRQ projector lets you turn any space into a full-fledged movie theater, and it’s available for 50% off at just $299.This travel-ready projector delivers a high-resolution cinematic experience along with a supremely portable design that lets you toss it in your bag at a moment’s notice.You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite content with 240 inches of projection on virtually any surface, watch your favorite shows and movies in full HD 1080p resolution, and enjoy rich sound thanks to dual HiFi speakers that pack a rich bass and crystal-clear highs.And since this projector utilizes the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, it’s easy to quickly connect to all of your go-to streaming sources without having to worry about cu...

Samsung is one of the biggest phone manufacturers in the world, and with good reason — it makes some pretty incredible phones, combining outstanding hardware design with long lists of handy features that differentiate its phones from the competition. The Galaxy S10+ is the company's top phone, but there's also a range of other devices that hit different sizes, price points and value propositions.Best Overall — Samsung Galaxy S10+The Galaxy S10+ is the culmination of years of iteration and improvement. Samsung has been sticking with this general design language since the Galaxy S6, but it feels like it might have finally perfected it; the S10+ is sleek and thin, yet manages to squeeze in top-of-the-line specs and a massive 4100mAh battery.It has the best display we've ever seen on a phone. Of course, it has plenty of other great hardware features, too, including microSD expansion, water resistance, and wireless charging. It runs Samsung's most mature software yet...

Let's do this whole time change thing again.Twice a year the clocks change (for most of us). We "spring forward" an hour and then "fall back" the hour later in the year, and depending on where we live that happens on a different day. It's all sort of convoluted. And this inevitably leads to folks wondering what they have to do to their Android phone so things work right after the switch. If this sounds like you, we've got good news:You don't have to do anything. This is the best thing you'll never have to do for your phone!Unless you went into your phone's settings and switched away from the automatic network time (in which case you already know what to do), you won't have to do a thing. Your Android will check the network for the correct date and time and switch itself on it's own overnight, changing the system time so that things like calendars and alarms will still be right. The same thing applies when other parts of the world move an hour forward or back on their sched...

We're not going to be jumping into story missions for a while.What you need to knowBlizzard announced Overwatch 2 during the opening ceremony of BlizzCon 2019.No release date has been announced for Overwatch 2. According to Blizzard, the release date won't be announced for some time yet. You can grab the original Overwatch for $24 at Amazon.One of Blizzard's multiple announcements during BlizzCon 2019 was Overwatch 2, an ostensible sequel that is bringing engine improvements, new heroes, story missions and more, while keeping the same multiplayer playerbase as the original game. In fact, players of both games will be able to play multiplayer together. Unfortunately, if you were hoping to find out when you'd jump into Overwatch 2 soon, it'll be a while yet.Speaking to VG247, Jeff Kaplan, game director at Blizzard of Overwatch 2, confirmed that the release date won't be revealed for some time. "I know it's a lame answer, I'm super sorry, and it's not like this top-secret thin...

As soon as Disney+ was announced, there were a lot of questions regarding what the streaming service would offer, other than the lineup of content. The company delivered by expressing that Disney+ would support videos with 4K, Ultra HD, or HDR content, providing for a great viewing experience. With that said, we have found some of the best 4K TVs you should consider if you plan on subscribing to Disney+.Best overallSamsung QN55Q60 QLED 4K TVStaff pickSamsung makes some of the best display panels, and the same goes for the TV lineup. The QN55Q60 4K TV not only sports 4K HDR capabilities but also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice support. There is even built-in Bixby voice along with SmartThings to connect to your existing smart home setup.$698 at AmazonBuilt-in ChromecastVIZIO M-SeriesGetting support for Google Assistant is all fine and dandy, but the VIZIO M-Series steps it up a notch with a built-in Chromecast. That means you can find the lat...

PlayStation 4 Pro enhancements vary from game to game, with some focusing on visuals while others pump energy into their performance. Just because a game looks good, though, doesn't mean it is good. The games below strike the perfect balance of being top-quality games regardless of any enhancements, but their improvements only make them that much better.★ Featured favoriteCall of Duty: Modern WarfareStaff pickModern Warfare is a return to world-class form for Infinity Ward and Activision. The campaign is engaging, while the multiplayer modes offer many hours of entertainment with your friends. If you haven't played a Call of Duty game before, now is the time to pick up this modern classic.$60 at AmazonTense and scaryResident Evil 2 RemakeHorror fans owe it to themselves to play the Resident Evil 2 Remake, and it's not something anyone else should miss out on either — if you can stomach it. Quickly regarded as one of the greatest remakes of all ...

Blink home security cameras are affordable indoor/outdoor units that are weather-resistant, offer HD video, provide motion alerts, and have detailed night vision. The cameras are great on their own, but these accessories will help you get the most out of your security system.Staff pickBlink Classic Sync ModuleBlink's Classic Sync Module lets you connect up to 10 cameras and create zones among them for schedules and more granular control. This enables you to schedule indoor cameras for when you're at work and outdoor cameras for nightfall or whatever suits your lifestyle and your needs.$50 at AmazonIncognitoBlink XT Covers (Set of 3)These white covers change your black XT2 to white without changing how your camera works so that it blends into your decor better. All of the cutouts are precise, since these come straight from Blink, so the lens and microphone won't be blocked in any way.$20 at AmazonA firm gripSully Hard Case Mount for Blink Cameras (Set of 3)...

There’s no better way to drown out distractions than with a solid pair of headphones. However, standard headphones only offer passive noise cancellation; they won’t completely protect your ears in loud environments like a plane or a train. Instead, you’ll need headphones with active noise cancellation, and we recommend this $70 pair by TREBLAB. The TREBLAB Z2s are wireless Bluetooth headphones built for comfortable listening. They contain powerful 40mm neodymium drivers to produce high fidelity audio quality. On top of that, they feature T-Quiet ANC technology that filters unwanted background noise and allows you to listen to your music the way it was meant to be heard. Finally, Z2 boasts 35 hours of battery life off a single charge and an ergonomic design, so you can comfortably listen to your favorite tunes for days on end.The outside world can be quite distracting, but you can shut it all out with these TREBLAB Z2 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphon...

This is why we can't have good things.We all love the latest RCS hack for Android Messages, but it has begun its inevitable death spiral. When I saw you needed to use a beta version of the app and configure it to use a Google sandbox server I knew it would happen eventually. And I knew another thing: it showed every user who tried it how much better messaging on Android could be if carriers did not suck so hard.That's the thing, too. Sprint and Google Fi users who only message other Sprint and Google Fi users know how great "real" RCS is. The same can be said for Verizon users who only talk to other Verizon users via the Verizon Messages + or whatever it's called app. The list goes on, and so does what every entry on it has in common — carrier interference. At least carriers aren't still trying to sell us "text bundles" for $10 a month. For now.I write many harsh words about U.S. carriers, mostly centered around the big four (soon to be the big three)...

The Nest Hello is your window to the outside (you know, aside from the actual windows on your home), and that means it's outside — all the time. It's a good idea to protect it or, at the very least, cover it so that it's not getting weather-worn and scuffed. These are the best covers and wall plates for your video doorbell.Jazz it upElago Nest Hello caseStaff favoriteThese silicone cases are UV-resistant and come in six colors to add a bit of pizzazz to an otherwise boring-looking device. Elago's cases will protect your doorbell from the elements, and it won't block the camera, microphone, or any other necessary components.$9 at AmazonOn a pedestalElago wall plateElago's wall plates are a great backdrop to your Nest Hello. They come in four colors and are UV-resistant, double-coated for extra weather resistance, and they help to cover up any marks or holes behind your Nest Hello.$12 at AmazonGet whackySlickwraps skinsCome in a variety of fun colors...

Most of us have a lot of photos on Facebook, but don't actually use that platform as a long-term storage solution. Google Photos has become the go-to service for saving digital photographs, and if you haven't yet moved your collection of Facebook pictures to Google Photos, there's never been a better time to finally make the switch. The process can be a bit tricky, so here are a few tips on how to make the transition as seamless as possible.Products used in this guideThe social network: Facebook (Free at Google Play)Digital photobook: Google Photos (Free at Google Play)How to get your pictures out of Facebook and into Google PhotosThe first step of this process begins in the Facebook app. Specifically, you need to download all of your photos on your Facebook account to a local file so you can then upload them to Google Photos. Here's the best way to do that.Open the Facebook app on your phone.Tap the three lines on the top navigation bar.Scroll down and tap on Settings &a...

This acquisition is the beginning, not the end, of Google's work on its fitness platform.Google just splashed a bunch of cash to acquire Fitbit, and right out of the gate it has a lot to say about what the new company will bring and what it means for Google's wearable strategy going forward. The obvious assumption is that this will renew Google's focus on wearables, and fitness wearables in particular.Buying Fitbit doesn't just magically make Google's wearables competitive in the fitness space. Fitbit was already struggling to differentiate itself in a world dominated by the Apple Watch, much cheaper basic fitness trackers, and dedicated high-end fitness watches — after all, there's a reason why it was for sale in the first place. At its peak in 2015, Fitbit was valued over 10 times what Google just acquired it for.Fitbit's strength has always been in hardware; making simple, effective wearables that stand up to constant use and have really good battery life. Its reputa...

It's pretty — and chunky.What you need to knowThe upcoming RAZR from Motorola is a recreation of the company's popular feature phone.Earlier in the week, we saw our first renders, and we now have a live shot of the phone.It is said to be a midranger in terms of specs, boasting a Snapdragon 710 and up to 6GB of RAM.If all the leaks of Motorola's brazen attempt at profiting off your nostalgia for its iconic RAZR and the renders showing the phone every which way haven't sated you yet, you might be pleased to know the upcoming midrange foldable from the company has now been captured in the wild.Thanks to Slashleaks, we now have a good sense of what the phone will look like in your hands. In its unfolded configuration, the device looks almost like a regular phone. Though, its large bottom chin with the fingerprint sensor looks incredibly chunky and sticks out like a sore thumb. The bottom bezels on the screen are also much larger than they seem in the renders, making the ph...

Getting the gang back together...again.Overwatch 2 has been announced at BlizzCon 2019 after being leaked over the past couple of weeks. While the original Overwatch lacked any sort of campaign, with a story that was told via character videos and special, seasonal event flashbacks from time to time, Overwatch 2 is clearly addressing that issue, with story missions and a full narrative.What is Overwatch 2?Overwatch 2 is the sequel to 2016's Overwatch. Characters like Tracer, Brigitte and more return. In fact, all 31 heroes are returning and there are some new heroes as well. You can check out the cinematic reveal trailer for Overwatch 2 below.Overwatch 2 featuresFor players of the original game, your time will be respected. All the cosmetics you unlocked will be coming forward into Overwatch 2. One of the biggest new mechanics in Overwatch 2 is the ability for the game to share a multiplayer pool with the original Overwatch. The two games will share a PvP pool. Overwatch...

The Huawei P30 is here, and whether you're looking for a phone with great cameras, fast performance, or a stunning design, it's a seriously great choice. However, with a slippery glass back that's just asking to be shattered, you'd be wise to outfit the P30 with a case. Here are our favorite ones.Great all aroundSpigen Rugged ArmorStaff pickYou can't go wrong with Spigen's Rugged Armor case. The design is kind of basic, but it offers seriously impressive protection without adding too much bulk or putting a big dent in your wallet. Spigen's Air Cushion tech protects the P30 from nasty drops, the button covers are tactile, and it's easy to take on/off.$13 at AmazonBuilt-in kickstandLiuShan Combo HybridWe like LiuShan's case so much because of how much functionality you get out of it. On one hand, it offers some of the best protection you'll find. The two-layer design, including a shock-absorbing TPU inner sleeve and hard impact-resistance outer shell, keep the P30 s...

Super Mario is almost synonymous with platforming, but unfortunately he's stuck on Nintendo's systems. However, if you want to play some quality platformers on your PS4, you're in luck! PlayStation has a slew of great titles ranging from 2D side-scrollers to 3D platformers like Spyro. There's a little something for everyone no matter your taste or skill set.★ Featured favoriteCelesteCeleste isn't for the faint of heart. You wouldn't tell from its graphics, but this is one diabolical and challenging platformer. Making your way to the top of Celeste Mountain is a tremendous test of your capabilities. Luckily for some, Celeste offers an Assist Mode that allows players to turn on invincibility, making it accessible to nearly everyone.$20 at PlayStationCrash is backCrash Bandicoot N. Sane TrilogyStaff favoriteCrash Bandicoot may be Naughty Dog's baby, but Vicarious Visions masterfully remade it for current-gen consoles. Compiling the first three titles in t...

A first in the streaming world.What you need to knowNBC is planning on entering the streaming space with its own platform, named after its famous peacock logo.The company is reportedly mulling over making the service free to use.An ad-free tier will be made available for an additional cost.The Peacock Company is looking to contend with Netflix and WarnerMedia with its own streaming service, cheekily named Peacock. Set to feature 15,000 hours of content, including new originals and fan favorites like The Office and Parks and Recreation, the service will roll out in April.What might make Peacock really stand out from the increasingly crowded on-demand streaming space is how NBC is planning on monetizing its offering. CNBC reports that execs at the company are currently mulling over making the base product free for all, with the company showing anywhere from three to five minutes of ads per hour of programming. This would make it the first major player in the streaming space to...

If you've bought a new PlayStation 4 you'll need to transfer all of your data from your old console to the new one. Luckily, you can do this on your own without having to take it to a store. These instructions are pretty straight forward, but it's going to take a lot of time. This is something you want to set up before heading to work or going out with your friends, so it can be ready when you get back.Products used in this guideGet the console: PlayStation 4 Pro ($362 at Amazon)Connect to the internet: 50ft Ethernet (LAN) Cable ($10 at Amazon)Stock up on storage: PNY Elite Turbo 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive ($35 at Best Buy)A quick indexThere are a lot of steps when it comes to transferring the data between consoles. You'll have to connect to the internet, make sure both consoles are updated, take a separate step to take trophies with you, and then transfer the data. You can use these links to jump directly to the section of the article you need.If you've already tried trans...

During Black Friday is a brilliant time to make a big purchase. Major discounts are hitting retailers everywhere on products like computers, game consoles, smartwatches, and more during the event, and Microsoft is getting in on the action this year too. A sneak peek of its Black Friday deals was just released so we can get a glimpse of what to expect, and a few of these deals should not be missed! Microsoft is making it easier to shop online this year too, which we'll get into below.Deals worth consideringAnyone looking to buy a Surface Pro or Surface Laptop this holiday season will be stoked to learn that there are multiple deals worth considering during Black Friday. Microsoft has a bunch of other great deals to choose from on HP laptops, Samsung Galaxy phones, and more, though some are a bit better than others. We've picked out a few of our favorites below:Surface Pro 7 with Type CoverOne of the most versatile mobile computing options you can buy is becoming more affordabl...

We don't know exactly how Google and Fitbit will integrate, but what happens to your Fitbit data has already been addressed.Google announcing that it has bought Fitbit (pending approval by the right regulatory agencies) leaves us with plenty of questions about how the two companies will operate, or even if Fitbit still remains as more than a brand name. But for many of us the biggest question is what happens to all the data we have stored with Fitbit or through the Fitbit Wellness program with our health insurance company. It's important to know where our Fitbit data is going so we know if we want to keep using any Fitbit products.This is important for Google, too. Health data walks a thin line between personal data we collect for our own use and any data that is designed to be shared with health professionals. The latter needs to be HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) compliant and that means special handling — as well as restrictions o...

Best answer: When Disney+ launches on November 12, it will support 4K playback on several devices that also support it like the Chromecast Ultra, Roku Premiere, NVIDIA Shield TV, and more.Magical pictures: Disney+ ($7/mo at Disney+)Beautiful cast: Chromecast Ultra ($69 at Amazon)Disney never looked betterWhen Disney+ goes live on November 12, there is going to a lot of fantastic content available. With everything from classics like Mary Poppins to modern hits such as Captain Marvel, we are going to have a bunch of entertainment at our fingertips. Of course, we want to see these shows in the best possible way, and right now, that is 4K. Thankfully Disney will be including 4K Ultra HD video playback in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid imaging, HDR10, and Dolby Atmos in your subscription.Now, just because the video stream from Disney+ can be in 4K doesn't mean that you can enjoy that show at full resolution. The display you are viewing the content on must be at the proper resolution to ...

By three they come.At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard revealed the long-awaited Diablo IV, latest in the series of top-down, demon-obliterating games. Diablo IV is a sort of return to form for the series, with art and styles that longtime fans will appreciate. Blizzard stated that the game is a world of gore, occultism, and horror, where victories are never clean or guaranteed.What is Diablo IV?Diablo IV is the long-anticipated sequel to Diablo III, which first released on PC back in 2011. At BlizzCon 2019, Blizzard confirmed that multiple Diablo titles were in development, one of which was clearly Diablo IV. You can check out the Diablo IV reveal trailer below:What does Diablo IV's gameplay look like?While Diablo IV is using a far harsher tone than Diablo III, the gameplay is still classic top-down action-RPG. There will be friendly towns where you can meet up and trade with other players. There'll also be PvP zones. You can take a look at the first gameplay trailer here:...

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...

Whether or not developers take advantage of the two displays on both Surface Neo and Surface Duo will be vital to their success. But what might that look like?When Microsoft unveiled the dual-screen Surface Neo and Surface Duo last month, it took everyone off guard. Not only was the Andromeda concept, which had been rumored for years, alive and well, but Microsoft went even further by revealing a PC and a phone.While phones like the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X have already shown us some of what we can expect from devices with folding screens, the Neo and Duo are different beasts. Instead of utilizing folding screens and all of the problems that come with them, Microsoft opted for two separate screens while still embracing the folding form factor. And from its presentation, it's clear the company is focusing hard on productivity with both devices.The result is a set of hardware that, at first glance, impresses with Microsoft's usual Surface touch. But some burning ques...

New Cast media controls now allow you to transfer streams to other devices.What you need to knowThe Google Home app is getting some UI changes with the new 2.15 version of the app.The add devices button has been relocated, there is now an account switcher, and the Discover feed cards have a new design.Cast media controls have also received a massive UI refresh, but it is currently rolling out server-side and may not be available to all users yet.The Google Home app has a new simpler design rolling out with version 2.15. With this new UI, Google has cleaned up a lot of the clutter and streamlines the app quite a bit.For starters, the add new device button has been relocated to the top left corner of the app, while in the right corner the three-dot menu button has been replaced with an account switcher. Similar to the account switcher in many of Google's latest app updates, it now allows you to swap accounts with a quick swipe down over your profile photo.The bottom of the...

It may have to undo its $1 billion purchase of Musical.ly.What you need to knowTikTok is a social media video app that allows users to share punchy, short videos with others.The company is owned by ByteDance, one of the fastest-growing tech startups in China.The U.S. government is launching an inquiry into its $1 billion acquisition of Musical.ly, citing concerns over national security and censorship.The U.S. government is seemingly growing more suspicions of Chinese companies, as it has put yet another Chinese tech giant in its crosshairs, citing national security concerns: TikTok. The social media app has become increasingly more popular among teens and tweens in the U.S., though you'd never know the company behind it, ByteDance, is actually Chinese.And that heritage is starting to land the 'new Vine' in trouble, as the Trump administration launches a probe into the firm's $1 billion acquisition of Musical.ly, a full two years after the transaction took place in November 2...

Whether you own the NVIDIA Shield TV 2019 or the Pro variant, there may come a time when you need to clear everything out and start fresh. Thankfully, factory resetting an NVIDIA Shield TV is just as easy as factory resetting any Android phone or tablet.Products used in this guideTubular delight: NVIDIA Shield TV 2019 ($150 at Amazon)Play AAA games: NVIDIA Shield TV Pro 2019 ($200 at Amazon)Before you get startedThe best and easiest way to delete all the data off your NVIDIA Shield TV 2019 is to factory reset it, which will wipe all user data and return the device to its original condition for you to set up from scratch again. You can't undo a factory reset, so be sure to back up any local videos or files on your Shield TV 2019 you want to keep.How to factory reset your NVIDIA Shield TV 2019Go to Settings from the Shield home screen. Scroll down to Storage & resetScroll down and select Factory data reset.Select Factory data reset to confirm the action.Your NVI...

Whether you want an easy way to check the weather, control smart home devices, stream music, or any other multitude of things, Google Assistant speakers are the way to go. They come in many shapes, sizes, and prices, but no matter which one you buy, you get the same core experience. If you're in the market for your first Assistant device or need another for your growing collection, here's a list of our current favorites — including the Google Nest Hub as our top overall choice.Best Overall: Google Nest HubKicking off our list, let's talk about the Google Nest Hub and why it's our favorite Google Assistant speaker currently on the market. If your ideal speaker strikes a good balance of design, features, and price, the Nest Hub is perfect.Starting with that first point, this thing looks great. The fabric base is available in a bunch of fun colors, and the way the screen is positioned on it gives off the impression that it's floating in mid-air. The quality of the 7-inch s...