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The world has changed, our lives have changed, and so too will our technology.

In an article published 54 days ago, I noted in passing that COVID-19 would surely become one of the defining stories of the year. Looking back now, that statement seems equally optimistic and naive. Lockdown-enhanced clarity, of course, is 20/20. This mess and its extensive fallout is clearly going to be the only story of this year, and probably also the next.

Everyone’s lives have been impacted in some way by the pandemic — whether directly by its immediate health effects, the economy being thoroughly clobbered, the travel restrictions, the curbs on usual freedoms, or the psychological effects of isolation. It’s become clichéd to point out how not-normal things have become.

As much as everyone desperately wants a return to the old normal, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that the new one isn’t going away anytime soon. In recent days, scientists have warned of a very slow return to the pre-coronav…

There are a number of reasons why you might need to factory reset your Android phone. Maybe your phone is overloaded with apps and running slow, or you’ve downloaded a recent update and it’s causing problems with your phone’s functionality. Maybe you just want to reset it because you’re selling your phone (you should always do this when selling an old device, by the way). Here’s how to factory reset your Android phone through the phone settings or via the recovery mode.

How to factory reset your phone from the settings menu

Before we get started, know that a factory reset will erase all the data on your phone. If you haven’t backed up your contacts, pictures, videos, documents, and anything else (preferably in the cloud), you should do so now. Not sure where to back up your data before a factory reset? Read our guide on how to do that first.

Given the variety of phones available on Android, I’ll be using the Pixel 3a and Samsung’s Galaxy A51 as the examples for this guide. The P…

Head on over to BuyDig and you can get two amazing start home devices bundled together and discounted. The Nest Thermostat E and Nest Hello video doorbell are down to $239 with code LSR27. Individually, these devices sell for $338. And that’s only because the Thermostat E is currently on sale for $139 at most places. If it was going for it’s regular $169 price, that’d be another $30 worth of savings in this bundle. BuyDig also offers free shipping.

If you’re gearing up for summer and the increased energy costs that go with it, you should really consider a smart thermostat like the Thermostat E. It can save you money not only because of the cheaper price but because it can save on energy costs in the long term. It’s smart enough to adapt the temperature to your preferences, and this one takes about a week to learn how hot or cold you prefer it. For example, if you initially tell it to set the temperature to 70 in the morning but then spend the next week manually changing it to 75, th…

The Toshiba 55-inch 4K HDR Fire TV Edition is down to $299.99 at Best Buy. This is part of Best Buy’s deals of the day, and the price won’t last forever. This is a unique TV featuring a partnership between Best Buy and Amazon, and because of that you’ll only find it sold at Best Buy. The normal price is around $450. It generally only goes on sale during one-day events like this.

As the name suggests, Toshiba’s TV has a Fire TV built right into it. With Fire TV and an HDTV antenna like the Mohu Arc on sale for $29.99, you combine live over-the-air TV with your favorite streaming apps for as much content as you want to watch. You’ll also get access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes using Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, and more, and you can access all your favorite streaming apps even without an HDTV antenna.

Use the included remote to talk to Alexa. Just click the microphone button and you can launch apps on your TV, search for shows, and more. You’ll even be able to cont…

A near-perfect balance of quality, features, and price.

When I sit down to write a review for a gadget here at AC, it’s usually for a new pair of headphones/earbuds, a smartwatch, or a new Android phone. Today’s a little different, however. Some time ago, Hisense reached out and asked if I wanted to take a look at its new H8G Quantum Series television. I’m not the biggest TV buff by any means, but I figured it’d at least be a good excuse to re-familiarize myself with Android TV.

After having the 65-inch variant of the H8G Quantum in my living room for a few weeks, I’ve come to realize a couple of things — 1) Android TV has gotten a lot better since I last used it, and 2) Hisense has crafted a seriously excellent TV at an extremely competitive price.

This isn’t the cheapest or the best-looking television you can buy, but if you’re looking for a near-perfect mix of picture quality, features, and cost, the H8G Quantum Series should be at the top of your short-list.

Checks all th…

Heads up! We share savvy shopping and personal finance tips to put extra cash in your wallet. Android Central may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network. Please note that the offers mentioned below are subject to change at any time and some may no longer be available.

Your credit card benefits can significantly offset the annual fee on a card — but that only applies if you actually can make use of the perks. For instance, one of the many upsides to having The Platinum Card® from American Express is an up to $200 annual Uber credit. The credit is split into monthly $15 increments, except for December, when you receive $35 in credit.

That Uber benefit — along with other great perks such as lounge access, an up to $200 annual airline fee credit, and hotel and car rental elite status — substantially offset the Platinum card’s $550 annual fee (see rates and fees).

However, with coronavirus paralyzing travel and with millions of people staying at home social…

Sling TV is intent on keeping everyone entertained while we practice social distancing by staying at home. Now, thanks to its latest offer, you don’t have to pay a cent to watch live TV channels like Fox, NBC, FX, Syfy, Comedy Central and more. With Sling’s “Happy Hour Across America” promotion, the Sling Blue plan is free to watch for everyone between the hours of 5p.m. and midnight EST every single night. Though this opportunity surely won’t last forever, there’s no known end to the promotion, so take advantage of it while you can.

Free Streaming

Sling TV

Sling is curing our quarantine blues with free access to its Sling Blue live TV streaming plan during 5p.m. and midnight EST every night. That includes over 45 channels, over 50,000 on-demand movies and shows, and a free Cloud DVR. No credit card required.

See at Sling

Not sure what to watch tonight? The on-screen guide at Sling makes it easy to see what’s airing and when, so whether you want to stream Property Brothers live…

Max data, domestically

Visible

From $40/month at Visible

Pros

Unlimited talk, text
Unlimited data
Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps)
Bigger Verizon LTE network
Simple plan

Cons

No Canada or Mexico option
No international roaming

Visible offers a simple plan with unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S. With Verizon’s robust network providing the backbone, you’ll be able to confidently stay connected even on the move. However, you might have some issues internationally.

Max data, even in Mexico

Boost Mobile

From $30/month at Boost Mobile

Pros

Mexico service
Unlimited talk and text
Save with more lines
Multiple plans

Cons

Smaller hotspot
More expensive for unlimited
Smaller Sprint LTE network

Making use of Sprint’s LTE network, Boost mobile offers a lot of data at a great price. If you’re covered, this can be a great network. Boost is also a much stronger option for customers that may want to call or travel to Mexico.

Visible offers the strongest overall …

Parks and Recreation is returning to the air five years after the show’s finale for a new 30-minute reunion special on Thursday, April 30 and we have all the details on how you can watch the original cast return on TV or online. Staying connected with family and friends is more important than ever during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and that is exactly what Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope will be trying to do in the new reunion special.

In addition to Amy Poehler, all of the show’s original cast including Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Rob Lowe, Jim O’Heir, and Retta will return along with a few special guest stars from the Parks & Rec universe.

If the news that the show is returning for a special reunion episode isn’t enough, it will also help raise funds for Feeding America’s Covid-19 Response Fund. State Farm, Subaru of America and NBC will be making a total of $500,000 in matching donations to raise …

When it comes to putting up a security system in your home you want to make sure you purchase the right one for your needs. With many options on the market, it can be hard making sure you’ve picked the one best suited to you. Familiar brand names such as Nest and Ring are ones most people gravitate towards, but there are other great brands out there that you may want to consider as well. We’ve rounded up a selection of outdoor cameras to help you decide.

Bright floodlights

Ring Floodlight Cam

Staff pick

If you want a quality security camera/lighting combination with great Amazon Alexa integration, then the Ring Floodlight Cam is a good pick. When motion is detected, the floodlights come on, you’re notified, and the camera rolls. There’s 2-way audio to speak to whoever is on the other side of the lens and the ability to activate a siren to ward off intruders. The two floodlights shine at 1,800 lumens, casting a bright light on your chosen area. The camera is weather-resistant …