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As the year comes to an end, it's traditional for YouTube to release a Rewind video: a summation of popular creators, events, and trends that stood out during the previous 12 months. This year is not just any year, though, and it looks like YouTube has decided we'll all be better off without having to relive the events of 2020.
Revamped Google Camera app v8.1 appears to be rolling out to older Pixel phones
But installing the APK manually might not work
Google debuted a number of new camera features with the Pixel 5, including a completely revamped interface for the app. Version 8.0 shipped on the new Pixel phones, but some users who tried to install the APK manually ran into trouble. Luckily, it looks like Google is starting to bring the overhauled camera app to older Pixels with v8.1.
BBC Sounds app now available for listeners around the globe
It's time to start saying your goodbyes to iPlayer
The BBC has been in the process of shutting down its iPlayer service for years now in favor of the newer BBC Sounds app, which was introduced in 2018 as a way to provide a more personalized listening experience. Users in the UK were migrated to the new app last year, and now it looks like it's time for international users to follow suit.
Montblanc's stupid-expensive Summit 2+ Wear OS watch comes to Verizon for $1,170
Is an eSIM-capable watch really worth this much coin?
Luxury watch brand Montblanc announced its Summit 2+ smartwatch back in March. The Wear OS watch is now available to order from Verizon for an eye-boggling $1,170. It doesn't offer much that really stands out except for two things: built-in LTE connectivity and a price tag that's higher than anybody should probably pay.
Get a 70" 4K Hisense Android TV for just $400 from Best Buy ($250 off)
Supersize your television set
Big TVs are better, but they're also usually a lot more expensive. Luckily, Best Buy is offering some super savings on a 70" set from Hisense right now. 4K Ultra HD resolution, Dolby Vision, and Android TV baked right in make this television a steal at just $399.99 — a full $250 off the usual MSRP.
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YouTube is arguably the world's largest visual platform, and from redesigning the playback UI on Android TV to adding a new button in the bottom navigation bar, the YouTube team is continually looking for ways to improve the interface. The icons used in the Android app haven't seen major changes since the 2017 material refresh, but now it looks like a significant revamp is rolling out to everyone — and it's not necessarily a change for the better.
Sony shines the spotlight on the Xperia 5 II's video-capturing capabilities in this short film
These are probably some of the prettiest three minutes you'll ever spend watching YouTube
Android phones have never really been known for exceptional camera quality when it comes to taking videos, but Sony is setting out to change that. The company's newest phone, the Xperia 5 II, starts shipping next month, and it purports to offer the world’s first 4K HDR 120fps slow-motion movie recording from a smartphone. Now Sony has partnered with a former Ubisoft director to release a short film shot entirely on the Xperia 5 II — and wouldn't you know it, it looks pretty darn good.
See your work and personal schedules side-by-side with Google Calendar's latest update
Making it much easier to balance work and play
It's important to maintain balance between your work life and your personal time, but that can be difficult when trying to schedule meetings and appointments. Thankfully, Google Calendar is making things easier by adding the ability to view personal and work calendars side-by-side on devices with work profiles running on Android 11.
Enhance your Stadia experience on the web with this new Chrome extension
Selectable codecs, streaming stats, and even a search bar for the Stadia store
Stadia is approaching its first anniversary in just a few weeks, and though the cloud gaming service has grown a lot in the past year, there's still plenty to improve upon — especially when it comes to browser support. A new Chrome extension called Stadia Enhanced aims to address some of those pain points by adding a bunch of useful tweaks and enabling cool customization features that Google has neglected to add itself.
Android Auto prepares to let users change their homescreen wallpaper
Full speed ahead on the road to customization
Android may be all about customization, but Android Auto hasn't allowed much room for self-expression since its launch. That looks to be changing soon, as a recent teardown of the Android Auto app indicates that users might soon be able to choose from a selection of wallpapers to take homescreen theming to the next level.
Get up to $75 off a pair of Master & Dynamic true wireless earbuds from Best Buy
Some of the best-sounding earbuds you'll find at this price point
It seems like everyone is doing wireless earbuds these days. With so many options around, it can be tough to decide on the best fit for you. Thankfully, Best Buy is making the decision a little easier today with big sales on Master & Dynamic earbud products that offer Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, and a lot of aesthetic appeal.
Save up to 53% on select Anker charging products in Amazon's Deal of the Day
Wireless chargers, power banks, and even AAA batteries
Nobody likes dead batteries, and today's Amazon sale is trying to help minimize how often you experience them. A bunch of Anker products are on sale with savings up to 53% off and prices starting at just $6.19. Whether you want a full blown portable power bank or just need to stock up on spare cables, this is the sale for you.A variety of Anker products are on sale today ranging from a fancy HDMI hub (.99) to a pack of 24 AAA batteries (.19) because apparently Anker makes regular old alkaline batteries now. The USB-C to USB-C cable is a solid option since many phones and laptops use that standard now, and Anker's 60W 10' cable is just .99 right now. And if you're looking for a wireless charging stand that's a bit more affordable than other options, the Qi-certified PowerWave Stand is discounted down to a mere .99.
Xiaomi's latest smartphone camera experiments channel point-and-shoot vibes
It's unclear when the new technology will come to consumers
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Xiaomi revolutionized wireless charging last month, and now it looks like it might be poised to do the same thing to smartphone photography. The company has developed new camera technology, including a retractable wide-aperture lens that can increase the amount of light input by up to 300% for clearer, sharper photos — and much like traditional point-and-shoot cameras, the lens retracts into the phone body when not in use.
Google Drive tests feature that may let users encrypt files offline
Screenshots of the feature were posted to Twitter
Storing files in Google Drive might be good for saving space on your computer, but it's never been the most secure option, since Drive doesn't support encrypting individual files. It looks like that might be changing in the future, though, as a teardown of the latest app update reveals work towards adding support for encryption.
Get a pair of EarFun true wireless earbuds starting at just $32 from Amazon
Discounts on models with USB-C, wireless charging, and active noise cancellation
When we reviewed the EarFun Free wireless earbuds earlier this year, we called them "$35 true wireless earbuds that are actually good." These earbuds are still good, but now they're even cheaper thanks to an Amazon sale paired with our coupon code. And if you're looking for something a little bit up market, we've also got coupons for the EarFun Air and Air Pro buds at prices up to 35% off.The EarFun Free are the most affordable pair of the bunch. They offer premium features like USB-C and wireless charging, but at a price that's about as low as you can find for earbuds this good. Regularly priced at $49.99, the Free are on sale at Amazon for $39.99 this week — and when you use the discount code EFFREEDEAL you'll save an additional 10%, dropping the final price down to just $31.99. Check out our full review of the EarFun Free to learn more about what to expect.
Slingbox discontinued, existing devices to stop working within 2 years
The cable TV streaming platform is succumbing to the never-ending static
Sling Media introduced the Slingbox back in 2005 as a way to upgrade existing TV subscriptions by allowing users to stream programs from phones, tablets, and even other TVs. It was fun while it lasted, but it looks like the usefulness of Slingbox products is coming to an end. The company has announced that it is discontinuing the product, and that existing Slingboxes will stop working within the next two years.
Grab a refurbished 46mm Galaxy Watch for just $170 on Amazon
This sale is almost 40% cheaper than buying one brand new
Samsung's Tizen-powered smartwatches are worthy competitors to Wear OS, and even manage to beat Google's wearable platform in a number of ways. Right now, you can grab a refurbished Galaxy Watch in the 46mm size for just $169.99 from Amazon — one of the most affordable ways to get your hands on a Samsung wearable.Fitness buffs will enjoy the built-in health tracking features the Galaxy Watch offers, and everyone can appreciate its multiple days of battery life on a single charge. When it does need to be juiced up, it can draw power from any wireless Qi charger, which is super convenient if you've invested in wireless charging and have plenty of pads and stands lying around. And if that wasn't cool enough, this watch even has a fancy rotating bezel that's lots of fun to use while navigating around Tizen OS.
Android Enterprise Recommended program welcomes select Samsung devices
Plus new enrollment options for enterprise customers
Lots of workplaces give out phones to employees, but making sure those devices are secure and up to date can be difficult. That's why Google introduced the Android Enterprise Recommended program two years ago, letting businesses know which devices meet certain standards for security and reliability. Samsung has been absent from the program until now, but the company is finally joining forces with Google to get select Galaxy devices certified.
Save up to 43% off SD cards, flash drives, and more with today's sale at Amazon
Time to store those pesky files taking up space on your desktop
Even the best devices these days run out of storage eventually. That's why it's important to have reliable backups like SD cards, USB sticks, and hard drives on hand. In Amazon's Deal of the Day today, the company is offering big savings on data storage options from brands like PNY, Lexar, Seagate, and more.You can check out the entire lineup of deals over at Amazon's DOTD hub, but here's a summary of some of the best options available:
Snag an Arlo Pro 2 single-camera kit for just $90 from Amazon (~$40 off)
A great deal on everything you need to get started with Arlo
Arlo is one of the most respected names in smart home security. We called the Arlo Pro 2 the "best wireless camera" when we reviewed it back in 2018, and it still holds up today. Right now, Amazon is offering a single-camera kit that includes the hub, camera, and mounting accessory for just $89.99 — a full 32% off the normal price of $131.94.The Arlo Pro 2 offers a full 130-degree field of view with 1080p HD video quality that's crisp and visible even in the dark thanks to IR illumination capabilities. The battery is rechargeable with fast charging, and lasts for several months at a time. There are mics and speakers on the camera to enable two-way audio, and the kit is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and other smart home services. There's even a siren onboard to scare off potential snoopers.