Articles by Andrew Myrick

The all-new NVIDIA Shield TV (2019) is here for all of your Android TV streaming and gaming needs, but you’ll definitely want to grab one of the best Shield TV microSD cards. Despite having just 8GB of onboard storage, NVIDIA included a built-in microSD card slot so that you can house your entire video, music, or game library. Then you can load your new “console” up with some sweet games and grab the best Shield TV and TV Pro controllers. We have found the best microSD cards that follow with NVIDIA’s requirements for Speed Class 10 and UHS Speed Class 1.

Perfect Middle Ground

SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC Card

Staff pick

SanDisk’s Ultra 256GB microSD card has read speeds of up to 100MB/s, which is more than fast enough to handle your videos. Plus, there is a 10-year manufacturer warranty in the event that you need to replace the card.

$30 at Amazon
$44 at Walmart
$40 at B&H Photo

All the Storage

Samsung EVO Select 512GB MicroSDXC Card

If you’re the type to want …

Best answer: Yes, you can control Nest devices with Amazon Alexa, but you’ll need to enable the proper Alexa Skill before getting started.

Smarter temperature controls: Nest Learning Thermostat ($250 at Amazon)
The latest Dot: Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) ($50 at Amazon)

Nest works with Amazon Alexa but there are limitations

Thanks to the wonderous world of Amazon Alexa Skills, it’s actually possible for you to control some of your Nest devices with the help of Alexa. However, there are some limitations, as Amazon and Google have limited the types of devices that can be controlled with an Alexa-enabled spekaer.

Currently, the only products that Amazon Alexa supports are Nest Cameras, video doorbells, and thermostats. That leaves out the ability to control other products like your Chromecast, or the recently-launched Nest Audio.

Another limitation is that your “old” Nest Account must have been migrated to a traditional Google account. Those with G Suite accounts will also be lef…

Samsung’s latest device is here, and despite the rest of the device being made from plastic, chances are you are looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors. Paired up with some of the best Galaxy S20 FE cases and you have all the protection you’ll need. This new smartphone is already turning heads with its sleek design and a spec-sheet that could rival some of the best Android phones on the market.

Screen and eye protection

ZAGG InvisibleShield Glass+

Staff Pick

ZAGG makes some of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors with the InvisibleShield Glass+. This screen protector is not only rated to be four times stronger than the competition but also has some benefits for your eyes. The built-in Eyesafe layer also helps to filter out the HEV blue light, making it easier on your eyes.

$25 at Best Buy

All the glass

MP-Mall Anti-Fingerprint Tempered Glass

Since the Galaxy S20 FE now features a plastic and aluminum build, you now have two pieces of glass to prote…

Cases are practically a necessity nowadays, and that remains true for those looking for the best Galaxy S20 FE cases. This could be the way that Samsung owns 2020, as it has all the specs you could want with a sleek design and more color options than you can shake a stick at. Once you find the right case and one of the best Galaxy S20 FE screen protectors, you’ll be right as rain and ready to do everything.

Straight from Samsung

Samsung Silicone Cover

Staff Pick

There are few things better than a no-nonsense silicone case, and Samsung provides with its Silicon Cover. This case wraps around all four corners while leaving plenty of room at the bottom for the speakers and charging port.

$30 at Samsung

3D effects

Caseology Parallax

The Caseology Parallax is another one of those cases that have become a favorite for many. The unique 3D design on the back improves grip and ergonomics, while the rest of the case gives you the protection you need. Caseology also ensures thi…

Make your Android app experience a good one.

Our phones are pocket-sized supercomputers with professional-grade cameras and battery for days, but without the best Android apps to take advantage of it, what would be the point? There are millions upon millions of Android apps that transform our phones from shiny glass slabs into productivity powerhouses, and over the last year, these are the apps that have seized the day and made our lives easier, faster, and better. So now that you have one of best Android phones of the year, make sure you download all of the best Android apps.

The Best Assistant apps

Who needs a personal assistant when you have services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa available wherever you go? These types of apps aim to help alleviate the stresses and pressures of your day-to-day life to make things easier. From automation to smart home products, and everything in between, these apps allow you to get work done with some help.

With you everywhere

…

It’s no secret that you probably want to find the best Eero mounts for those who have recently grabbed one of the best Wi-Fi routers that money can buy. Your Eero router is the cornerstone of your digital life and the foundation of your connected home devices. And it simply wouldn’t do to have it damaged or dirtied as you go about your experience. That’s where wall mounts come in. They keep your router out of sight, out of reach, and out of harm’s way while also boosting your signal range, even for the Eero Pro, which has better range than any of the other products in Eero’s lineup of routers. These are the best Eero mounts to keep your router out of the way of harm in your home.

Clean and professional

Mrount Eero Wall Mount Bracket

Staff Pick

Specially designed for the Eero, this mount’s shell is made from solid plastic and is designed so that it never interferes with the connection of the Eero router. It also comes with three wall anchors and screws for easy installation. Whi…

The Galaxy A51 makes a great case for being one of best cheap Android phones on the market, so you’ll want to make sure you get the best Galaxy A51 cases. With a sleek and overhauled design, to go along with one of the best displays on a budget-friendly smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A51 is sure to turn a few heads. But you’ll still want to make sure you keep that design looking great for the years to come, so check out some of our favorites case options.

Form-fitting safety

Spigen Liquid Air Armor

Staff Pick

Not many folks want a big and bulky case to put their new phone into. The Spigen Liquid Air Armor solves this by offering a form-fitted solution. And the anti-slip surface will help prevent fingerprints while adding comfort and grip.

$11 at Amazon

Keep it classy

32nd Classic Series Leather Wallet

Sometimes, you need a case that is both fashionable and functional. The 32nd Classic Leather Wallet falls under both categories with a built-in card slot and a pocket …

The Android tablet market is a mess; you won’t have to spend much to find the best Android tablet under $100. You’ll find some pretty sweet diamonds in the rough without needing to break the bank. In fact, some of the best options are also worthy of being ranked with the best Android tablets overall.

Best Overall: Amazon Fire HD 8

Amazon does a fantastic job of producing tablets for those in need of a budget-friendly device. The Fire HD 8 is one of our favorites with its 12 hours of battery life, 8-inch HD display, and easy access to the world of Amazon services.

The Fire HD 8 has access to hands-free Alexa, meaning it can act as a smart speaker of sorts if you have questions. Plus, you will be able to clearly hear Alexa’s answers with the dual Dolby Atmos speakers built-in.

As one would expect, Amazon’s Fire Tablet runs a modified version of Android, without out-of-the-box access to the Google Play Store. Instead, you’ll need to rely on the Amazon App Store or sideload the Pla…

The best soundbars have come a long way in the last few years. While full-sized speakers will still sound better — sound needs space, after all — soundbars are great for their size. That size also requires a smaller footprint in your living room, so it’s great for people who want to save space. With something like the Sonos Beam, you’ll get great sound without a head-scratching installation process, and more. Plus, if it’s paired up with one of the best Android TVs, then this creates the ultimate home theater setup so you can grab some popcorn and enjoy your favorite movies. There are other great soundbars available, and we have detailed some of the best soundbar options for your home.

Best Soundbar Overall: Sonos Beam Smart TV Sound Bar

With the Sonos Beam, you get the best soundbar with some basic smarts. The Sonos Beam connects to your TV with HDMI-ARC or with the included HDMI-to-Optical adapter. A recent update has brought the ability for integration between Sonos produc…

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

Value king

$600 at Amazon
$600 at Best Buy
$600 at B&H Photo

Pros

Flat display
More color options
Less expensive
4,500mAh battery
5G-capable

Cons

Color options are not available everywhere
Plastic back, Gorilla Glass 3 front
Lower telephoto and ultrawide quality than S20
Slower 15W charger in the box

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the new hotness and shows that you can get incredible value without sacrificing much. Between the flat display, fun colors, and larger battery, Samsung has shown the market how to make an upper mid-range device.

Samsung Galaxy S20

True flagship

$1,000 at Amazon
From $1,000 at Microsoft
From $1,000 at Best Buy

Pros

Improved cameras over the FE
More RAM than the FE
Gorilla Glass 6 on the front and back
Display has a higher resolution
Faster 25W charger included in the box

Cons

More expensive
Smaller battery

It’s going to be tough to recommend the Galaxy S20 to anyone, unless that person really needs the…