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Save an extra 20% on these headphones for Father’s Day 2021

AG Deals Team
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With Father’s Day 2021 fast approaching, there’s no time like the present to pick up a gift for that dad in your life. If you’re spinning your wheels, trying to figure out what to get dad, we’re going to help you out. In fact, we’ll let you in on a secret: dads love music.

Pick up a pair of wireless headphones, earbuds, or something else that lets him play his favorite tunes or listen to his favorite podcasts and he’ll be pleased with your thoughtfulness.

Here are a handful of headphones worth checking out as you shop for dad this year. Already priced to move, we’ve got an extra 20% promo code for you to apply at checkout. That’s right, you can save even more with your purchase.

Use “WELOVEDAD” at checkout and you’ll get the instant savings! Hurry, this code won’t last long!

Zulu Exero Bone Conduction Headphones

Zulu Exero is a bone conduction headset that lets you experience truly personal out-of-ear audio. Using a light vibration in the headset as they rest around your ears, music is generated just for you, without blocking out your surroundings. There are many situations where noise cancellation is unsafe and also uncomfortable. These headphones are the perfect alternative. Better than normal headphones because you can still hear the world around you. They’re better than earbuds because they won’t fall out; they stay rested around your ears. $40 $32

PowerHBQ Pro Bluetooth 5.0 Headphones

Say goodbye to the hassle of tangled wires with these PowerHBQ Pro Bluetooth 5.0 Headphones. Built for elite athletes, these totally wireless earphones have no wires to hold you back. The adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks are customizable with multiple ear tip options for extended comfort and are made to stay in place, no matter how hard you go. These lightweight earphones are IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant, so you can take your workouts to the next level. With up to 10 hours of listening time in each earbud and powerful, balanced sound, you’ll always have your music to motivate you. $55 $44

PaMu Quiet Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

If your top priority is sound quality, you must try active noise canceling wireless earphones. Because with active noise canceling, you can immerse yourself fully in music and hear every detail without distractions. This next-generation tech can not be found on normal TWS earphones in the market. Blessed by Qualcomm QCC5124 and ams3460, PaMu Quiet promises you the most affordable and comfortable active noise-canceling earphones you can find in the market. Unlike most other active noise canceling earphones that use either feedback or feed-forward noise cancellation, it uses both, delivering a better active noise cancelation experience with hybrid noise cancellation. Focus on your audio and nothing else. $100 $80

Crave Octane Sport Earphones (Red)

Attack every workout with voracity and keep the beats going strong with premium sound and unmatched comfort. Whether you love running, lifting, Yoga, or CrossFit, you want earbuds that stay in no matter how intense your workout gets. Crave Octane Sport Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds provide high-fidelity sound and the reliability to stay in your ears comfortably even when you’re going all out. Attack every workout with voracity and keep the beats going strong with premium sound and unmatched comfort. Providing a reliable 6 hours of playback time, these earbuds let you take calls on the fly, are water-resistant so they don’t slip out when you get a little sweaty and help block out external noises, so you can focus on crushing your goals. $30 $24

TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The Z2’s earned their name because they feature twice the sound, twice the battery life, and twice the convenience of competing headphones. This updated version of the original Z2s comes with a new all-black design and Bluetooth 5.0. Packed with TREBLAB’s most advanced Sound2.0™ technology with aptX and T-Quiet™ active noise-cancellation, these headphones deliver goosebump-inducing audio while drowning out unwanted background noise. It’s like you’re at a concert every time you turn up the volume. $79 $63

ComfoBuds Pro True Wireless Headphones

1MORE’s proprietary QuietMax active noise cancellation technology combines hybrid ANC technology, precise audio tuning, dual-band ANC and wind noise reduction in one suite for effective noise cancellation for an uncompromised Hi-Fi sound. These ComfoBuds Pro True Wireless Headphones have adjustable ANC modes: strong, so you can enjoy your music and pass-through so you can hear your surroundings. Each earbud has 3 microphones, each with a precise algorithm that works seamlessly to suppress noise and amplify your voice for crystal clear phone calls. ComfoBuds are designed and tested to fit ears of all shapes and sizes. $90 $72

Sony has officially launched the WF-1000XM4 ANC earbuds

Jason England
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Some of the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy come from Sony, and today it announced the latest pair to join its roster. The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the follow-up to the fantastic WF-1000XM3 earbuds that I reviewed a couple of years ago. To this date, they remain my favorite pair of ANC earbuds, although, it looks like the WF-1000XM4s might be ready to unseat them.

For starters, Sony has shrunk the WF-1000XM4, leading not only to smaller buds, but also a smaller case. One of the biggest complaints about the previous generation was how large the buds and case were, so it’s great to see that addressed with the latest version.

Improved active noise cancellation

On top of making them smaller and sleeker, the active noise cancellation capabilities have been taken to the next level, thanks to the new Integrated Processor V1 chip developed by Sony. The new chip promises industry-leading noise cancellation while consuming less battery power. Perhaps that’s how Sony was able to trim some of the fat off of the WF-1000XM4 buds. Furthermore, the WF-1000XM4s now have Automatic Wind Noise Reduction to detect wind and suppress it to help keep you fully immersed in your music.

Better sound quality

Besides the improvements to noise cancellation, Sony has also enhanced the sound quality of its flagship earbuds. The WF-1000XM4 now supports the LDAC wireless audio codec. For the uninitiated, LDAC transmits wireless audio at a high-resolution bit rate of 990kbps, which is up to three times higher than aptX.

What this means for you, is a fuller richer sound that nearly matches a wired connection. Additionally, Sony’s Edge-AI DSEE Extreme processing technology upscales compressed music in real-time to provide an even better listening experience.

The WF-1000XM4 buds also feature newly-developed earbud tips made from polyurethane foam that is soft and elastic to create a better seal. These will not only improve the noise cancellation capabilities of the WF-1000XM4s, but they will also enhance the sound of the new 6mm drivers.

Plus, with Adaptive Sound Control, the WF-1000XM4 can sense your surroundings and what you’re doing to help tailor the listening experience.

Smarter

If better sound quality and ANC weren’t enough for you, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds also feature a host of smart features, some of which are present in its larger over-ear WH-1000XM4 headphones.

For example, Speak-to-chat, which automatically lets in ambient sound for having a conversation while wearing the buds when it hears your voice. There’s also a way to manually trigger ambient mode by placing your finger over one of the buds. Pairing them is also a breeze with Fast Pair technology, and Google Assistant support is on board.

Longer battery life

Finally, one last place Sony improved the WF-1000XM4 earbuds is with battery life. Sony rates them for eight hours of continuous listening and an additional 16 hours from the case. A five-minute quick charge will even give you up to 60 minutes of listening time. Also, with the new case, it allows for wireless Qi charging, it even works with smartphones that support reverse wireless charging.

Where to buy

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are available starting today for $280. They can be purchased on Amazon in Black or Silver, as well as from Best Buy and other retailers.

H20 Wireless Buyer’s Guide

AndroidGuys
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A growing number of US consumers are becoming familiar with Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Metro, Boost Mobile, and Straight Talk. They operate using the towers and infrastructure from the big players but have their own rates, customer service, and phone selection.

Let’s take a look at one of them in particular: H20 Wireless

About

H20 Wireless launched in 2005 and is a US-based (New Jersey) prepaid wireless service provider. It offers its own, albeit small, lineup of GSM phones, many of which are also found at other carriers. Coverage comes from AT&T and its network.

Where are H20 Wireless stores located?

You won’t find an actual retail store for H20 Wireless. Instead, it has availability inside many other retailers and convenience stores. Key among them are Best Buy, Target, 7-Eleven, Office Depot, Circle K, and Speedway.

SEE ALSO

What are H20 Wireless rate plans like?

H2O Wireless provides options to subscribers: Monthly Unlimited and Pay-As-You-Go.  Each of the Monthly Unlimited plans include unlimited text and international text, an allotment of data, unlimited international talk to 50+ countries, and up to $20 international talk credit.

Monthly Unlimited

  • $20/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 2GB of high-speed data, $1.50 international talk credit
  • $30/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 6GB of high-speed data, $5 international talk credit
  • $40/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 15GB of high-speed data, $5 international talk credit
  • $50/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with unlimited high-speed data, $5 international talk credit
  • $60/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with unlimited high-speed data w/ mobile hotspot, $5 international talk credit

While both the $50 and $60 options provide unlimited high-speed data, the latter provides mobile hotspot. If you don’t need, or plan, to use that feature, go with the cheaper option.

Customers can save a few dollars per month on their rate plans if they sign up for automatic bill payment, which H20 calls Auto Recharge. And really, all of the plans provide unlimited data, but only a specific amount of it is at 4G LTE speeds. The small print says that the unlimited plan allows for up to 30GB of data before speeds are slowed.

Pay-As-You-Go

Customers who prefer to only pay for the services they’ve used might want to check out the Pay-As-You-Go option. There are 90-day ($10, $20, $30) and 12-month ($100) plans and each can be set up for Auto Recharge discounts.

  • 5¢ talk and text
  • 10¢ data and MMS

Can you get family plans with H20 Wireless?

H20 Wireless offers multi-line plans for two-line and four-line accounts. For the money, each line gets unlimited talk and text, with 6GB data, unlimited international talk to 50+ countries, unlimited international text, and $10 international talk credit.

  • 2 Lines – $50/mo
  • 4 Lines – $100/mo

It’s worth reinforcing here that this is not the all-out, high-speed 4G LTE stuff you might expect. Rather, you’ll find it’s capped at 3Mbps speeds. This may be more than sufficient for many of you, especially if you’re not primarily using your phone for watching streaming videos.

Which major prepaid carrier has the best $40 rate plan?

What phones are available at H20 Wireless?

As of today there are just under two dozen phones to choose from at H20 Wireless. While the selection isn’t very big, it does feature some respectable models. Currently available are devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Galaxy A32 5G, and a few Nokia products. There is a fairly wide selection of iPhone options, too.

Can I use my own phone at H20 Wireless?

You can often use your current unlocked GSM phone, especially if it was previously paired with AT&T.

June Pixel drop includes Astrophotography videos, Locked Folders in Google Photos, and more

Jason England
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From time to time, Google rolls out updates packed full of features for Pixel phones that it calls Pixel Drops. The latest Pixel Drop started hitting Pixel smartphones yesterday, and it comes with a couple of really cool features.

Astrophotography videos

With summer about to kick off in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head outside and enjoy the stars on those warm nights. Pixel smartphones already have the ability to help you capture those late-night memories with astrophotography, and now, Google has taken it a step further by capturing video as well.

Going forward, when you take a photo of the night sky using Night Sight with Pixel 4 phones and above, it will save a video along with the photo. Now, you’ll be able to watch the stars move across the sky as well as having a frozen moment in time captured.

Locked Folder

Another photography feature we were teased with back at Google I/O was the ability to have a private folder in Google Photos protected by a passcode or fingerprint. The June Pixel Drop is bringing that feature to Pixel users. Not only will you be able to stash away all of your personal photos, but you’ll also be able to save photos taken with the camera directly to a Locked Folder. Better yet, all the photos are saved locally and won’t show up in “shared albums, Memories or any other apps on your device.”

Car crash detection expansion

Along with some great new photography features, the Pixel phones are also expanding some of its safety features. The Pixel car crash detection is rolling out to users in Ireland, Singapore, and Spain. Now, if your Pixel detects you’ve been in an accident it will check if you’re OK and if not it can automatically call emergency responders and share your location. Car crash detection was previously only available in Australia, the UK, and the U.S.

Heads Up

What about when you’re not in a vehicle and you’re walking around with your eyes glued to the phone screen? Google has you covered there as well with its new Heads Up feature inside of Digital Wellbeing. With Heads Up, Pixel smartphones will detect when you’re walking and remind you to look up from the screen periodically. Of course, whether or not you actually do that remains to be seen.

Answer calls with Google Assistant

Have you ever been close enough to see your phone when a call comes in but not close enough to reach it and answer? Google is here to help by adding the ability to answer it using Google Assistant voice commands. Pixel users will now be able to pick up or reject a call by simply saying “Hey Google, answer call” or “Hey Google, reject call.”

Smarter Gboard

Gboard is also getting smarter, from now on when you copy and paste certain information, it will be smart enough to suggest the important snippets from it. For example, if you copy text that includes an email address, phone number, or URL–Gboard will be smart enough to suggest those when pasting.

Call Screen and Recorder expansions

The June Pixel Drop also expands some previously released features to new countries. Call Screen, which helps block spam calls by answering them for you is now available in Japan.

While the Recorder app, which transcribes audio into text allowing you to search, edit, and share recordings is gaining some new English dialects, including Australian, British English, Irish, and Singaporean. This will roll out to Pixel 3 phones or newer by the end of July.

New Pride wallpapers

June is Pride month and Google has some new wallpapers and ringtones to celebrate. The bold colorful wallpapers were created exclusively for the Pixel by artist Ashton Attzs. Check out Google’s blog post for a look at them.

FaceTime calls are finally coming to Android and Windows….kind of

Jason England
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Yesterday, Apple took to the virtual stage for its big WWDC event, it’s a lot like what Google I/O is for Android. Among the new features, it teased was a way to have FaceTime calls on Android or Windows. Previously, FaceTime calls were only available for users on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a FaceTime app for Android, but rather a way for users to join FaceTime calls via a link, similar to how Zoom calls work. It’s clear Apple is feeling left out as many people turned to Zoom and other cross-platform alternatives during the pandemic, and a year after the pandemic was raging they’ve finally caught up.

Regardless of the reasons, it will be nice to take FaceTime calls on our Android and Windows devices in the future. I say in the future, because no date has been released for when the feature will roll out. Presumably, it will launch sometime later this year when iOS 15 comes out, but it could show up earlier.

Along with its new cross-platform capabilities, Apple also announced some exciting new features for FaceTime. Most notably is the SharePlay feature that allows you to share music or streaming video from services such as Apple TV Plus, Apple Music, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Hulu, Twitch, and more.

During the pandemic ways to watch videos remotely together gained popularity with many services adding a way to host watch parties. SharePlay takes it a step further by allowing you to be on a video call with people as you watch together.

Both of these features are highly anticipated, especially the cross-platform FaceTime calls. Finally, us Android users will be able to have calls with all of our family and friends on iOS and Mac devices without having to walk them through grabbing a third-party app.

How to take a screenshot on a Chromebook

Jason England
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There are plenty of reasons you may need to take a screenshot with your phone or device. For example, we use them here all the time for writing articles and tutorials — just like this one.

However, you might just be trying to create a meme or share your highest score in a game with a friend. Whatever the reason may be, if you need to capture a screenshot on your Chromebook, we’ve got you covered.

When capturing your screen on a Chromebook, there are two different options. One of them will capture the entire screen, while the second will allow you to capture only a portion. That’s perfect for times when you want to only snap a pic of a smaller region on your screen, such as a photo from a website or chat window. Below we’ll teach you how to accomplish both of these.

How to take a fullscreen screenshot

To take a screenshot of the entire screen, then press the Ctrl+Show Windows keys at the same time.

How to take a partial screenshot

To take a partial screenshot of a smaller section of the screen, then press the Ctrl+Shift+Show Windows keys at the same time.

Now that you know how to take a screenshot, I bet you’re wondering how you access them to share or edit the image. All of your most recent screenshots should show up in the taskbar in the bottom right-hand corner.

To open the file, just double click on it, alternatively, you can open the Files app and find them saved under the Downloads folder. From there, you can edit the image, make annotations, crop it, share it, or even delete it if you made a mistake.

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FIIL T1 XS true wireless earbuds review

Andrew Allen
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Bluetooth audio has changed the way we enjoy media. Being untethered from our phones was quite a step forward in music enjoyment and personal usage. Then truly wireless earbuds came about and have taken that another step further.

A newer company in the portable audio space, FIIL, has stepped into the increasingly crowded market and let me sample the latest earbuds it has to offer, the T1 XS.

I’ve spent the last three weeks with the FIIL T1 XS and I have some thoughts. Find out what those are in this full review.

Design

The design of the FIIL T1 XS earbuds isn’t earth-shattering. You’ll find familiar circular bud-style earphones with a silicone loop to help secure the buds inside your ear. Another silicone tip fits snug inside your ear to channel the sound while also keep the earbud comfortably seated.

On the outside of each earbud is the FIIL logo that doubles as a touch panel for some basic tap gestures. Around the other side of each are two pogo pins for charging inside the case. Otherwise, the T1 XS is void of buttons.

Sound

The FIIL T1 XS doesn’t disappoint on sound. I wouldn’t call them premium, but most truly wireless earbuds are more about convenience. These earbuds fall into this category. The audio is crisp and has a good punch of highs and mids. Bass does leave a bit to desire, but I’d personally take that instead of overbearing drum beats any day.

Calls are also solid while using the FIIL T1 XS. Both sides of the line had no issues hearing or understanding one another. I never had callers on the other end ask for me to repeat myself and vice versa.

One additional feature to mention is the music modes. FIIL has created profiles for pre-set EQ settings for different listening environments. This includes Game Mode, Music Mode, and Video Mode.

Battery life

Endurance is exceptional with the T1 XS. Each earbud is rated for around seven hours. I’ve found this to be fairly accurate. I can make it through most of an eight-hour workday minus my lunch break without reaching for a charger.

When you do need to recharge the banks, you can easily use the included charging case. Thankfully, this is capable of USB-C charging but does lack wireless charging. This allows for upwards of 25-hours of playtime.

One key omission is Qi wireless charging. In the current market most truly wireless earbuds with a charging case are starting to include this feature. The FIIL T1 XS misses this mark and I would love to see a refreshed model with this added.

Controls

The touch controls of the FIIL T1 XS are pretty straightforward. You double-tap to start or stop music on the left ear or the same combination on the right side will answer and end calls. Holding a tap on the left for two seconds will reject an incoming call. On the alternate side, you get to choose between the monitor modes for noise cancellation.

Single taps can also interact with each earbud for the FIIL T1 XS. While listening to music, the left earpiece will increase the volume. The right side would then go to the next track on a singular touch.

Lastly, a triple-tap of each earphone also allows the user to add one more control option. The left raises the volume and the right sends the audio to the previous track.

Additionally, the FIIL T1 XS has wear detection. This has a sensor that pauses and resumes playback when the earbud is removed from your ear. I found this works very well. Removing the earpiece immediately stops audio and then immediately resumes on inserting the bud back inside your ear.

Closing thoughts

FIIL has a really good offering with the T1 XS wireless earbuds. You get a lightweight design with decent sound. In addition, you get great battery life and touch controls. You also have a choice of black or white editions.

Finally, it comes down to pricing. The FIIL T1 XS will set you back a modest $50. That’s it. A fresh-faced President Grant will snag you a set of these earbuds. Even better, as of this writing, you can get another 15% off the retail price on Amazon.

Stadia support is finally coming to Chromecast with Google TV and Android TV devices

Jason England
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One of Stadia’s biggest benefits, when it was first shown off, was the ability to play on any screen. Unfortunately, Stadia has yet to live up to that promise. When it first launched we were limited to a handful of devices, but over time that list of devices has grown.

Today, Google announced one more place you’ll be able to play Stadia, and this could be the biggest one yet. Literally, this could be the biggest one, because it’s finally coming to Chromecast with Google TV and other Android TV devices on June 23, 2021. Check the list below to see if your TV or set-top box is on the list of officially supported Android TV devices.

  • Chromecast with Google TV
  • Hisense® Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)
  • Nvidia® Shield TV
  • Nvidia® Shield TV Pro
  • Onn™ FHD Streaming Stick and UHD Streaming Device
  • Philips® 8215, 8505, and OLED 935/805 Series Android TVs
  • Xiaomi® MIBOX3 and MIBOX4

The most notable devices on the list, besides the $50 Chromecast with Google TV, are the Nvidia Shield TV boxes and the popular Xiaomi Mi Box 3 and Mi Box 4. Honestly, this should have been a no-brainer from the beginning, and how Stadia launched without support for Google’s TV platform is beyond me. Even worse, is the replacement for the Chromecast Ultra, the Chromecast with Google TV, didn’t even ship with Stadia support. It’s taken nearly eight months to add the feature.

If you don’t see your Android TV device listed above, there is still a chance you might be able to play Stadia on it. Much like the Stadia app on phones, there will be a way to enable experimental support on devices that are not officially certified.

To get started, just download and install the Stadia app from the Google Play Store on your Android TV or Chromecast with Google TV. Afterward, you’ll be able to launch and play games with either the Stadia controller or a supported third-party Bluetooth controller.

Finally, you’ll be able to play Stadia on your Android TV and it won’t even require Stadia’s proprietary controller to do so.

Republic Wireless Buyer’s Guide

AndroidGuys
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Many Americans are familiar with the big names in wireless: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Far fewer know about the smaller brands like Mint, Ting, Tello, or H20 Wireless.

Let’s take a closer look at one that you might not be all that familiar with: Republic Wireless.

How is Republic Wireless coverage?

Republic Wireless launched in 2010 as a service provider that defaults to Wi-Fi for connectivity instead of 3G or 4G LTE. Nevertheless, it does have partnerships with T-Mobile and Sprint, giving subscribers networks for supplemental coverage.

The Republic model utilizes a proprietary VoIP app so that Android phones can switch quickly between T-Mobile’s GSM and Sprint’s CDMA mobile networks. It provides free roaming and hops to and from WiFi, depending on which is available.

What are Republic Wireless rate plans like?

Republic rate plans are no-contract, meaning there’s no long-term commitment and subscribers can go month-to-month. There is a 14-day cancellation policy.

Things are really quite simple at Republic Wireless and there are only a few options to worry about. In essence you start with a $15 plan with unlimited talk and text and then decide on how much data you’ll need. Data is priced $5 per gigabyte with up to 15GB offered in a month.

  • $15/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with no data
  • $20/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 1GB of high-speed data
  • $40/month: Unlimited Talk and Text with 5GB of high-speed data

There are no overage fees for hitting the data allotment and Republic does not throttle speeds for the rest of the month. Instead, data simply stops until you purchase more. Subscribers can purchase up to 15GB of data per month.

Customers can also opt for a yearly plan and save a couple of dollars each month. In fact, going that route can be like getting a month or two of service for free.

What’s Republic Wireless phone selection like?

Looking through the current lineup of phones offered through Republic we find familiar names like Samsung, Google, Motorola, and LG with prices that start at about $150.

As is the case with many prepaid providers and MVNOs, selection is a mixed bag. There are only nine phones to choose from, but it’s evenly mixed across the low, mid, and high end. At the top are the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20.

If you’d like to spread payments out, you can set up monthly payments through Affirm. Options include 6, 12, and 18 months. The terms are set based on the cost of the phone.

There are plenty of wireless service providers to choose from, at least here in the United States. In fact, it may seem as if there are too many options to consider. But when it comes down to it, many of them rely on the networks offered by Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Republic Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), is one such carrier. Indeed, it has its own rate plans and features, but it licenses coverage from T-Mobile.

When it comes to buying a phone for use on Republic Wireless there are a few options to consider. For starters, you can bring your current T-Mobile device to the carrier. Additionally, you can buy an unlocked phone for use on Republic Wireless.

Customers can also purchase a phone directly from Republic Wireless. While there’s a fairly robust handset selection to peruse, a few key models rise to the top.

What follows are some of the best Android phones available at Republic Wireless today. These aren’t the most powerful, but rather the best for particular needs.

Samsung Galaxy S21

“The flagship Samsung experience for 2021 is not only powerful, but it’s gorgeous, too. It looks unlike any of its predecessors on the surface and we couldn’t be happier.

Internally, the phone is as about as powerful as they come, and should be more than sufficient for the needs of pretty much anyone. Whether you’re gaming, snapping ultra-wide photos, recording 4K video, or just hitting up your social media platforms, the Galaxy S21 is here for it.

Key features for the phone include a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, at least 128GB storage, and an all-day 4,000mAh battery. You’ve also got an amazing camera setup, 8GB RAM, a monster of a processor, and an improved in-display fingerprint reader.”

Shop Samsung Galaxy S21 at Republic Wireless

Google Pixel 4a

All-around Champ

One of the newest phones at the carrier, this is an excellent option for pretty much any user. It’s powerful enough for a large majority of the population but priced about half of what other brands charge.

Powered by the latest in Android, you’ll have a tough time finding a better camera experience. Small in stature, there’s a decent screen, generous battery, and solid array of hardware hiding inside.

Shop Google Pixel 4a at Republic Wireless

Samsung Galaxy Note 20

Big and Beautiful

This powerhouse sits near the top of the food chain and packs all of the cutting-edge features one could want. If you’re on the hunt for latest and greatest at this carrier, you’ve found it.

Here, you get a large 6.7-inch display, a ton of storage, and hardware that will last you multiple years. Come for the multi-function capabilities of the S Pen, stay for the incredible camera that captures 8K video.

Shop Samsung Galaxy Note 20 at Republic Wireless

Motorola Moto G Stylus

Affordable Taskmaster

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly approach to a phone with a digital stylus, this Motorola is your ticket. Priced a fraction of the Samsung counterpart, it’s an incredible mid-range phone with a quad-camera experience.

Powered by a largely untouched Android 10, it offers up a 6.4-inch screen, a bunch of storage (128GB), and a strong battery. Throw in a headphone jack, USB Type-C charging port, and dual speakers and we’ve got an affordable winner that suits many users.

Shop Motorola Moto G Stylus at Republic Wireless

Motorola Moto E

First-time Users

If you’re starting out with a smartphone for the first time, you have no idea as to what you truly need. Why drop hundreds of dollars on something only to find out it’s more than you want or use?

For your money you get a generous 6.2-inch screen, a 13-megapixel dual-camera setup, headphone jack, and decent battery. It runs a very current and largely stock Android software experience and looks really cool in Dark Sea blue.

Shop Motorola Moto E at Republic Wireless

Can I use my own phone with Republic Wireless?

You can often use your current GSM phone, especially if it was purchased unlocked and directly from the manufacturer. Head to Republic’s website to check whether your specific model is supported.

YouTube is testing timed comments on videos

Jason England
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Back in April, Google announced it was testing a new feature called “timed comments” on some videos with a small group of people. What exactly are “timed comments?” Essentially, it’s a way to leave a comment at a certain point and time on a video to share your reaction to only that part.

Testing new timed comments: We’re currently testing a new feature that allows you to view comments timed to the exact moment you’re watching in a video. This experiment is available on some videos to a small group of people and we’ll consider rolling this out more broadly based on feedback. To see if you’re part of the experiment, go to the comments section on iOS or Android, and tap the Sort button to select “Timed Beta”.

If you’re familiar with Soundcloud then you’ve probably already seen this in action before. The way it works on the Android app is different though. While watching the video you can enable the timed comment view, and during playback you’ll see the stream of comments load up each time you near a new timed comment.

Whether or not this enhances the YouTube experience is left to be determined. If you’ve ever browsed the comments section, then you know it’s not always filled with useful or entertaining content. At the same time, being able to share your reaction to your favorite part of a video is a promising prospect.

Since the test is only rolling out to some videos and to select users, it can be difficult to tell if you even have access to “timed comments.” However, Android Police spotted a Transformers figure review video with “timed comments” enabled to test out if you’re one of the lucky few.

I gave it a shot myself and found that it was active on one of my Google accounts but not the other. If you want to find out for yourself, then click on the link to the video above in the Android app, open the comments section, and tap on the sort button to see if you have the “Timed” option.

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