How to get a VPN: Why you need one & how to download

The process of how to get a VPN can be super simple if you just go online, download the first you see, and install it. But, in reality, it's far more complex than that. Not only do you have to pick the right service if you want the best VPN experience but you also need to know how to set it up correctly for your needs.

Start by working out why you want a VPN. Is your priority getting a secure VPN for better online privacy and anonymity? Do you want a Netflix VPN for streaming internationally? Perhaps a VPN is your way to save money on shopping where the prices adjust to your details.

Then you need to think about where this applies. Will you need it on your computer, your phone, maybe your console and TV? And do you want more than one person to use it in your household?

Price is another big part of your decision. There are free VPN options and there are paid-for VPN choices – do you need to pay or not?

Then, once you've picked one, how do you actually get it up and running? Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to get a VPN.

What do you need a VPN for?

A VPN will use multiple servers to ping your IP address so that you appear to be somewhere you're not. This allows you to remain behind that proxy address, hidden and anonymous. So if you want online anonymity this will do that for you in all cases. Some offer extra security with double-hop servers, meaning you're hidden behind two rather than one server. Some also offer double encryption for the ridiculously secure transmission of your data, like NordVPN.

Perhaps your needs are more aimed at entertainment and shopping? By spoofing your location it becomes possible to get around geo-restrictions. For example, Netflix in the U.S. has a different library of movies and shows than the UK. So if you're away in the UK and want to get to your shows, you'll be blocked. A VPN lets you appear to be back Stateside so you can still catch up on what you want to watch. Equally – but we're not endorsing this – you could appear to be anywhere in the world and enjoy that region's programming.

For shopping, this can help you appear anonymous. Some websites, like flight sales sites, will adapt prices based on where you are. There are even claims they'll look at details on your machine, like a Mac versus a PC, and adjust prices to suit the wealth you appear to have – although that's not proven. Either way, a VPN could make you appear elsewhere and get you a cheaper price.

What devices do you need a VPN for?

Most VPN services offer the ability to use them with one account logged into more than one device at a time but this varies in number from service to service so be sure you know how many you need before you start shopping around. ExpressVPN is one of the best but it limits you to five devices, where the cheaper but also impressive Surfshark gives you unlimited connections.

It's worth also keeping in mind that many VPNs will let you install on your router. That means no matter how many devices you have, they'll all be behind the VPN since they connect to that router for their internet connection. If you're doing this then you won't need to worry about having so many account logins. That said, they're all then on the same region so you can't change that for each device at the same time.

How much does a VPN cost?

This question is varied since you can get free VPN services. The catch here is that most of them are limited by the amount of data you can use, very minimal in most cases. In the rare exception where data is unlimited, on ProtonVPN, you're then very limited by speeds.

In terms of features, like the number of servers and countries you can connect to, security, interfaces, and apps, if you pay you get a lot more. This doesn't mean you have to pay a huge amount. Commit to a longer-term payment upfront and you'll save lots on the price. Surfshark, for example, is $12.95 per month but if you commit to 24 months it drops to just $2.49 per month.

How to install a VPN

First, you'll need to sign up for a service on its website. This will then allow you to download the client (app) for your device. It can be easier to set up on a computer before adding the app version to a smartphone, for example.

Most VPN options will take you through the setup process which can be straightforward. But for some devices, like Android or Chromebooks, it can pay to check out tutorials from the VPN provider's website to get it done correctly.

To set up on something like a router it can be useful to use a third-party OpenVPN compatible client, assuming the VPN supports this. Many already offer this so even this part is easy to do following the install guidance. Failing that you can get tutorials on the VPN provider's website in most cases.

If you have problems try these quick fixes.

• Close down and restart the client, reboot the device and try again.
• If you have other VPN software, stop that running.
• If the drive isn't working try using the Repair function that many VPNs offer, or a similarly named feature in Settings.
• Make sure you're logged in correctly.
• Try switching to other servers to make sure you're getting what you need.
• Try switching protocols too.
• If you have a firewall or antivirus setup be sure they're not causing the block by shutting them down to test.

If all else fails you can usually contact a decent VPN provider by live online chat where a trained professional will be happy to help. ExpressVPN offers a 24/7 live chat support service, for example.

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Samsung's UWB-based Galaxy SmartTag+ is finally available to purchase

It only took Samsung a few months.

Update, Apr 30 (8:10 pm ET): The Galaxy SmartTag+ is available for purchase.

What you need to know

• The Galaxy SmartTag+ is finally up for purchase after being announced in January.
• The tag features UWB for enhanced location tracking with the SmartThings Find app.
• Galaxy SmartTag+ retails for $40 and is available in two colors.

During Galaxy Unpacked in January, Samsung announced its first Bluetooth tracker alongside the Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones. The Galaxy SmartTag was launched as a competitor to some of the best Bluetooth trackers on the market, but then Samsung also teased an even better version of the tracker that would be released at an unspecified date. Although without much fanfare, that date happens to be upon us, with Galaxy SmartTag+ now available for preorder.

Like other Bluetooth trackers, the Galaxy SmartTag and SmartTag+ can be attached to items like backpacks, luggage, or even pets and track them with a Bluetooth signal. Samsung even has a neat crowdsourcing trick where the tag will silently ping other nearby Galaxy devices if you're out of range; that way, you can hone in on its position. We have a handy guide on how to use the Galaxy SmartTag on your Samsung phone to help you get set up with your new tracker.

The Galaxy SmartTag+ takes things up a notch. Thanks to the benefits of ultra-wideband (UWB), the new version of the tracker can provide users with much more precise positioning and tracking. It can provide an AR-powered map to help guide you towards your tag, making it easier to locate your items. Tile has been rumored to be working on a tracker with UWB, highlighting just how impressive the technology is.

Update, Apr 30 (8:10pm ET) ― Available for purchase from Samsung and Amazon

After a brief preorder period, it seems Samsung is ready to start selling its Galaxy SmartTag+. The new item tracker is now available to purchase, just after Apple launched its own UWB-based Apple AirTag. The Galaxy SmartTag+ is available now for $40. There are two available colors, Black and Denim Blue.

A better tracker

Galaxy SmartTag+

$40 at Amazon $40 at Samsung

A smarter way to keep track of your things

With Bluetooth LE, SmartThings Find, and the power of ultra-wideband, Samsung's Galaxy SmartTag+ makes it easy to keep track of your belongings and your pets. Even if your item is outside Bluetooth range, the Galaxy SmartTag will ping the signal of nearby Galaxy devices to let you know where it is.

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Visible's early upgrade plan will make it easier to snag a Google Pixel 6

Visible is upgrading your upgrades.

What you need to know

• Visible is announcing updates to its early-upgrade plan for both Apple and Android devices.
• Subscribers can upgrade their smartphones with no fee after paying off just half their device.
• The new upgrade plan will start on May 3.

One of the best MVNO carriers is making it easier for subscribers to get the latest and greatest smartphones sooner. Visible subscribers will soon be able to upgrade to some of the best Android phones of the year thanks to Visible's early upgrade plan.

Subscribers financing a new phone through Affirm will not only benefit from 0% APR but will soon be able to upgrade to a new device after at least 50% is paid off. This includes iPhones, devices made by Samsung and Google, and select devices from Motorola, ZTE, and OnePlus. Subscribers will have to send in the old device within 14 days of receiving the new one, which Visible notes must be the same "make" of the one being traded in.

That means if you've got the Google Pixel 5, you can upgrade to the Google Pixel 6 whenever it gets released, so long as the device is at least 50% paid off and most likely in good condition as well.

The program is not unlike what's offered by carriers like T-Mobile, which lets subscribers upgrade after paying off a certain amount of their device. It would let current Visible subscribers get more out of their service, giving them access to the latest compatible devices. Since Visible is a prepaid carrier, the program may give it a leg-up over other prepaid services and be an incentive to switch over.

Visible's new upgrade plan will start on May 3.

Simple and clean

Google Pixel 5

$699 at Best Buy

Basically Android.

The Google Pixel 5 is Google's best smartphone, offering fast performance and even faster updates. If you want access to the latest versions of Android before anyone else, Pixel 5 is the phone to get. And Visible customers will be happy to know that it's compatible with the network so you can have access to one of the most affordable prepaid services.

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Samsung sued over Galaxy S20 'bullet hole glass' defect

Consumers are upset they have to pay more to get their Galaxy S20 fixed.

What you need to know

• Samsung is being sued for a camera defect in S20 series phones.
• Lawyers say Samsung did not disclose this defect.
• Samsung being charged for fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of consumer-protection laws.

Customers are suing Samsung for not disclosing a defect that caused Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone cameras to shatter unexpectedly.

Despite paying a high premium price for the phone, Samsung "refuses to cover the issue under its warranty," according to the lawsuit filed by attorneys at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP. The lawsuit was filed on April 27 and accuses Samsung of fraud, breach of warranty, and violations of several consumer-protection laws.

The defect affects the back camera module's glass covering that "shatters" randomly without any force placed on it, even if the phone is protected by the best Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra cases. The shatter leaves a prominent "bullet hole" pattern.

The lawsuit added that consumers still have to pay $400 to send the phone back to Samsung to investigate the issue or pay $100 if the consumer purchased the Samsung care device insurance.

"Samsung sold its Galaxy S20 as a high-end option for consumers, with a 'professional' grade camera, charging upwards of $1,600 per device, only to have them suddenly lose a major aspect of their functionality," Steve Berman, managing partner at Hagens Berman, said.

Berman, who is also the attorney representing the consumers in the case, said that this issue had caused duress to people during the pandemic when they need a reliable mobile device, "yet Samsung has refused to deliver the reliability it promised its customers."

In 2020, Samsung's revenue was more than $200 billion, and in Q1 2020 captured 20% of the global smartphone market share.

Samsung did indicate that this issue happened to one of its ambassadors and acknowledged the issue was "rooted in a single identifiable cause and attributable to Samsung." But the lawsuit indicated that the company failed to initiate a recall.

The lawsuit calls for Samsung to pay for repairs and other damages faced due to the design defect and warranty breaches.

"The suit also seeks compensation for affected customers regarding a loss of value in the product," it said.

Affected products include smartphones in the Galaxy S20 lineup, including the Galaxy S20 FE. If you own one of these smartphones, click here to learn more about the lawsuit and your rights.

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You can now buy the OnePlus Nord in a slick looking collector's box

A very stylish OnePlus experience.

What you need to know

• You can now buy a limited edition of the Nord in an artsy box designed by Joshua Vides.
• It's called the OnePlus Nord X Reality to Idea Collector Box.
• It'll set you back £469, the same price as the regular non-exclusive Nord Model.

OnePlus phones often come with various collector's editions, and the Nord is no exception. Aside from the OnePlus Nord Literally Only One Edition, there's a OnePlus Nord X Reality to Idea Collector Box — a limited edition of the OnePlus Nord in a stylish box.

Inside the package you'll get the Norditself, then a creative case, a sleeve, and a tote back, all decked out in a monochrome design by artist Joshua Vides. It's all very minimal and intended to reflect OnePlus's stated ethos of "stripping things down to the essentials." You're not getting anything that's not in the regular OnePlus Nord functionality and features-wise, but that is most likely not why you'd be interested in this.

With this purchase, you'll be buying the OnePlus Nord in a 12GB of RAM/256GB model. For £469, it really isn't that bad of an offer. The Pixel 5 will st you back £599 for an 8GB of RAM/25GB configuration, and let's face it, Android has matured to the point where you can afford to wait an extra couple of months for an update. Despite it being a limited edition, it's also the same price as the regular Nord in that configuration, though that appears to be pretty hard to find in UK stores not named John Lewis.

Even at this stage in its life, the OnePlus Nord is a competent Android experience. It now runs Oxygen OS 11 with Android 11, and the 12GB of RAM you'll find on this model would be more than enough to handle anything you want to throw at it.

OnePlus Nord

£469 at OnePlus (Limited Edition) £379 at Amazon)

The OnPlus Nord made waves last year as a very good Android experience for less. Even a year later, it remains competitive with phones like the Pixel 5.

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Here's how to cancel your PlayStation Now subscription

PlayStation Now may not be the hugely popular service that Xbox Game Pass is for players, but the subscription service still has a ton of value. It offers more than 800 games spanning some of the best that the PS2, PS3, and PS4 have to offer and adds new games monthly. However, if you're a member of PlayStation Now and find yourself ready to get rid of your subscription, doing so is incredibly easy.

How to cancel PlayStation Now on your console

Luckily, canceling your PlayStation Now subscription is easy, no matter what console you have. Ending your subscription is as simple as navigating to your account information page on your console and/or website. From there, you simply turn off the auto-renew function or cancel the service, and you're good to go. To cancel your PlayStation Now subscription on your PS4 or PS5, follow these steps:

1. From the dashboard on your PlayStation 4 or 5, head to your Settings app on the console.
2. Scroll all of the way down to Users and Accounts on the PlayStation 5, or Account Management on the PlayStation 4.

3. Navigate to the Subscriptions page inside your account information menu, and turn off auto-renew or cancel PlayStation Now.

   

Other ways to cancel PlayStation Now

1. Sign in to your Account on Sony's website.
2. Select Subscription from the menu on the left of the screen.
3. Select Turn Off Auto-Renew next to the subscription you would like to cancel.

Can I still play PlayStation Now games after canceling?

Depending on when you cancel your PlayStation Now subscription, you should still be able to play through the games for a small amount of time. Your PlayStation Now subscription officially ends on the day that a new payment was set to process. If you wish to spend some time finishing up a game before canceling, it might be beneficial to cancel your subscription early in your final month. This way, you still have access to the games until the service ends.

Otherwise, once your PlayStation Now subscription ends, you won't have access to those games unless you buy them or subscribe again to the service.

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This is what a 'Clearly White' Google Pixel 4a would have looked like

As you would expect, the Clearly White Pixel 4a prototype looks nearly identical to the Clearly White Pixel 4a 5G.

What you need to know

• Google has accidentally revealed an unreleased white Pixel 4a prototype in an Instagram story.
• It is likely that Google may have originally planned to release the phone in black and white colors at launch.
• The Pixel 4a is available in just two color options: Just Black and Barely Blue.

Google posted a new story on its official "Made by Google" Instagram account on the occasion of International Dance Day, showing off its latest Nest Audio smart speaker. As spotted by the folks over at Android Authority, the Instagram story also reveals an unreleased white Pixel 4a.

While the phone looks fairly similar to a Pixel 4a 5G in Clearly White, the orange power button makes it clear that the device is, in fact, a Pixel 4a. Surprisingly, however, the story hasn't been taken down yet.

It is possible that Google may have planned to release the Pixel 4a in both black and white colors at launch, but dropped the idea eventually. As most of you might remember, the phone was originally expected to debut in May. Due to the pandemic, however, Google delayed the launch of the phone to August. While the phone was available only in Just Black at launch, Google introduced a limited edition Barely Blue color two and a half months later.

Since the phone has been on the market for nearly eight months now, it is unlikely that Google will roll out a new white color option. The follow-up to Google's best cheap Android phone is expected to launch later this year and could be offered in at least two color options. But, unlike the Pixel 4a, the Pixel 4a 5G will not be widely available. As confirmed by Google earlier this month, the Pixel 5a 5G will see a limited release in the U.S. and Japan.

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Bowflex Velocore Bike Review: Additional polish required

Bowflex stepped up to make a Peloton-killer, but this ain't it. Not yet, anyway.

A year ago, Bowflex made an amazing bike for half the price of the starter Peloton. The reason I like that bike so much was simple; it did everything a Peloton could do and let me watch whatever I wanted to watch while I'm on the bike. See, I have very little interest in being part of a virtual spin class when I'm on my bike. In fact, when I first started using an indoor bike to lose weight, I binged the entirety of Stargate SG-1 while riding. Being able to bring my own screen to the Bowflex bike so I could ride in my own home and record my rides with my heart rate while I watched whatever I wanted was a dream.

When Bowflex announced the Velocore bike series, I was similarly excited. Instead of having to bring your own screen, there was a 16 or 22-inch display mounted on the edge of the bike with access to dozens of streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+. If you wanted that guided, spin class-style experience, you could have it. If you wanted to catch up on Falcon and the Winter Soldier while you ride, it's all right there. It was promised as an Android-powered indoor bike with connections to all of your favorite cycling and streaming apps. To add a little flavor, the bike offered a pivot and lean system that is supposed to feel just like you're leaning into a turn on a real bike to complete that real feel when riding.

On paper, this bike seems to be the perfect upgrade to a bike I already loved. After a month of use, it's clear Bowflex needs some help with its software before it's ready to recommend to everyone.

Push Harder

Bowflex Velocore Bike

Bottom line: Bowflex has what it takes to compete with Peloton, but it's going to require some big software help.

The Good

• Excellent hardware
• Flexible design for multiple body types
• Lots of entertainment options
• Decent speakers

The Bad

• Skinned Android is Real Bad
• Pricey

$2,199 at Bowflex

Jump to:

• Price and availability
• What I like
• What needs to change
• Competition
• Should you buy it?

Bowflex Velocore Bike: Price and availability

Bowflex announces the Velocore series of bikes at CES 2020, making it clear there would be a model with a 16-inch display and a model with a 22-inch display. These bikes are otherwise identical physically, but those displays make a significant difference in pricing.

The 16-inch Bowflex Velocore is available on the Bowflex website for $1,699, while the 22-inch model is available for $2,199. Each comes with a set of large speakers in the front of the screen, and each comes with a two-month free trial of the subscription service.

Bowflex Velocore Bike: What I like

Out of the box, the Bowflex Velocore series supports a lot of different kinds of cyclists. The dual-sided pedals make it so I can use the same SPD cleats I use with my outdoor bike, while anyone else can hop on and ride using regular shoes. The magnetic resistance knob makes it easy to ramp up the difficulty for simulating terrain quickly. The handlebars now feature multiple grip positions alongside a media cradle, so your phone can be front and center if you need it. The screen can be adjusted quickly for a ton of different viewing angles to support a lot of different body types, and while the speakers on the screen are plenty loud, you can also pair a Bluetooth headset so you can ride even when everyone around you needs quiet. Like its predecessor, the seat can be changed to any standard bike seat with ease.

Put simply, Bowflex has done the work to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy this bike, and that is a very good thing.

The Velocore series of bikes encourages a whole-body workout with the fairly unique leaning mode. At any point in your ride, you can pull this large red pin and lean the bike. The act of leaning on the bike engages your core, and after a few minutes of riding like that, you can really feel the impact it makes. There are included training videos specifically for this method of riding, and while there aren't a ton of them right now, they really do feel like a more complete workout. Couple a lean-in ride with the included weights, and you can walk away knowing you've hit just about every muscle group in your body in a single workout. It's impressive just how worn out I felt after 45 minutes on this thing.

While assembly isn't terribly challenging, the added weight of the screen and the leaning arm makes this bike considerably harder to get up and down a flight of stairs. Which is a thing I know because I had to move it down two flights of stairs to get it out of my apartment a few weeks ago (I am so sorry for asking you to do that with me, Alex and Jeremy). That having been said, the larger wheels in the front of the bike make it a great deal easier to move around in a single room than its predecessor. So if you find yourself wanting to change positions, you won't need three people to do so. Just about anyone can do it.

Bowflex Velocore Bike: What needs to change

The 22-inch screen attached to the front of this bike runs Android but with a Bowflex-designed frontend focusing on the fitness experience. After a few hours of using this custom-skinned version of Android, I found myself having violent flashbacks to the first generation of Motorola phones. The UI stutters in places, and occasionally the Android system menus are covered up by the Bowflex skin, so I can't actually interact with them and need to reboot the screen. At one point, and for three straight days, I couldn't open the Disney+ app because it needed a software update, but the Bowflex UI won't let you access the Play Store. The only course of action was to sit and wait for the Bowflex system to eventually update the software for me. Two days later, the exact same thing happened to Netflix.

The software and services around this experience are in so much need of polish.

The instructional videos, and the spin-class style experience Bowflex offers, are available for free for two months. Afterward, the platform, called JRNY, is $20/month. That's $7/month more than Peloton charges for its monthly subscription, and what you get from JRNY right now is not in any way $7 better than the Peloton experience. For starters, the volume of content and the variety of trainers to work with simply isn't there yet. The app will deliver results from your workout to the JRNY app on your phone, but it's not easy to sync up with other JRNY members for group rides or competitions between one another.

The big unique feature on this bike, the ability to lean in your workouts on the bike, makes up about 15% of the total workouts available in JRNY.

To be clear, this experience has enormous potential. It does some very cool things, but the software and services around this experience are in so much need of polish to make it as easy for everyone to use as the rest of the bike.

Bowflex Velocore Bike: Competition

If you are looking for a great bike that allows you to ride and watch whatever you want, as well as connect with all of your favorite apps, get the Bowflex C6 and pick up a cheap tablet to leave in it. You'll end up spending a lot less, have a lot of the same great experiences, and it'll take up a little less space in your house in the process. Bowflex has done a great job with the hardware part of this bike. Provide your own screen, and you'll have a great time.

This bike is clearly designed to compete with Peloton, and while I'm not a fan of how limited the software experience is on that platform, it's superior to what Bowflex is offering here. The starter kit for a Peloton is $1900, which is $300 cheaper than the 22-inch Velocore bike. As it stands right now, this bike is not $300 better than what Peloton is offering. Similarly, the Peloton bike is $200 better than the 16-inch screen version of the Velocore.

Bowflex Velocore Bike: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

• You really like Bowflex hardware
• You need Netflix or Hulu in order to ride indoors

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You want a seamless software experience
• You want group guided training sessions

You should never buy something based on what it could be in the future, and I'm never going to recommend something with that in mind. Bowflex has a fantastic idea and most of a great product with its Velocore bikes, but the software situation absolutely needs to be addressed before this is something worth having in your workout room.

3.5 out of 5

If that day comes, however, the folks at Peloton will have to seriously consider allowing streaming services in its walled garden in order to remain relevant.

Push Harder

Bowflex Velocore Bike

A great indoor bike with a large screen and questionable software.

Bowflex has what it takes to compete with Peloton, but it's going to require some big software help. Hopefully, that happens someday.

$2,199 at Bowflex

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Is it worth upgrading to the Ring Video Doorbell 3 from the Doorbell 2?

Privacy at its core

Ring Video Doorbell 3

$180 at Amazon

Pros

• Adjustable motion zones
• Dual-band 2.4Ghz/5Ghz Wi-Fi
• Privacy zones
• No wiring needed since it's battery-powered

Cons

• Poor Google Assistant integration

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 isn't a mind-blowing generational leap, but it's a worthwhile product upgrade nonetheless. With a focus on privacy, better motion detection, and improved compatibility with faster, modern Wi-Fi networks, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful battery-operated video doorbell.

Now discontinued

Ring Video Doorbell 2

See it at Amazon

Pros

• No wiring needed since it's battery-powered

Cons

• Only supports 2.4GHz networks
• Poor Google Assistant integration
• Can't customize motion detection
• Officially discontinued

Ring has made a name for itself over the years, and the Ring Video Doorbell 2 has been at the forefront of that. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 isn't being sold at many places nowadays, so if you need a new video doorbell, it's probably time to look elsewhere.

Ring launched the Ring Video Doorbell 3 in 2020 with a big set of upgrades. Newfound support for 5GHz networks makes it more compatible with modern wireless home networks, meaning it'll last longer than the Ring Video Doorbell 2 did. It's also got customizable motion zones and the ability to add privacy zones to your videos, letting you block out portions you don't want to be recorded. Ring Video Doorbell 3 also improved battery life and overall performance when compared to Ring Video Doorbell 2.

2021's Ring Video Doorbell 4 continues those trends with support for pre-roll footage and quick replies, which were previously reserved for Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus or the Ring Video Doorbell Pro family. Ring has also dropped the price of Ring Video Doorbell 3, making it a more affordable upgrade than previously. Either way, it's time to ditch that old Ring Video Doorbell 2 and get an upgrade.

Ring Video Doorbell 3: It's all in the motions

From the outside, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the second and third-generation Ring Video Doorbells. The hardware that resides under that familiar plastic housing is a very different story, though, and it directly affects how motion is detected. A brand new adjustable motion zone, called the Near Zone, can detect motion within 5-15 feet of the Ring Video Doorbell 3's camera. That helps cut down on the number of false notifications caused by cars driving by (usually more than 15ft away) and bugs flying or crawling in front of the camera (which are much closer than 5ft from the camera).

You can also adjust any specific section of the video within the app that you want the Ring Video Doorbell 3 to monitor for motion. This helps significantly cut down on the number of erroneous motion detection notifications that pop up. For example, you'll finally be able to block out sections of the video where a flag regularly waves, cars drive by, or trees tend to blow. That means the doorbell can now detect motion only where it's actually wanted — on your porch.

Cutting down on notifications is essential in a world where we're constantly bombarded by too much information all day long. No one wants their video doorbell to spam them with useless notifications. This could eventually create an environment where you ignore the notifications designed to help secure your property.

These features have been offered on the older wired Ring Doorbell Pro, but that requires quite a bit of extra installation and wiring that renters aren't normally allowed to do. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 brings these features to the battery-powered world with a rechargeable battery and doesn't skimp on features.

	Ring Video Doorbell 3	Ring Video Doorbell 2
Price (MSRP)	$180	$200 (discontinued)
Video Quality	1080p	1080p
Field of view	160 degrees	160 degrees
Dimensions	5.1in.x2.4in.x1.1in.	5.05in.x2.50in.x1.08 in.
Motion Detection	Advanced motion detection with adjustable motion zones	Basic detection
Privacy Zones	Yes	No
Connectivity	2.4GHz and 5GHz	2.4GHz
Smart Assistant Integration	Amazon Alexa	Amazon Alexa
Power Source	Quick-release rechargeable battery pack	Quick-release rechargeable battery pack

Ring Video Doorbell 3: Privacy and connectivity

While the ability to exclude certain sections of the video from recording motion detection is excellent, blocking them out from recording completely is even better. That new ability is a massive step in the right direction for privacy advocates and concerned consumers alike, and it's rightly called Privacy Zones.

There are several reasons you might want to exclude portions of the Ring Video Doorbell 3's video from recording, and, thankfully, the way to do it is easy. From within the app, you can simply draw a shape around the area you'd like to exclude, and from then on, recordings from the camera will black this section out and ignore its existence altogether.

In addition to being better in touch with privacy concerns, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 can be better in touch with your network thanks to the addition of 5GHz Wi-Fi support. Home routers began offering 5GHz signals years ago to increase bandwidth and speed and help reduce wireless traffic interference. While 5GHz won't physically go as far in the home, the best mesh routers like Google WiFi or Ubiquiti AmpliFi will help extend this faster network while increasing coverage.

The Ring Video Doorbell 2 only supports the slower 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are also more prone to interference from common appliances like microwaves and cordless home phones. Ring Video Doorbell 3's ability to utilize both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands means that it can select the faster 5GHz band to deliver higher quality audio and video, but can always fall back on the 2.4GHz band if that 5GHz one isn't strong enough outside your front door.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 vs. 2: Small changes make a big difference

The leap between generations of Ring Video Doorbells isn't massive, but a few key differences make the Ring Video Doorbell 3 an easy choice. Ring Video Doorbell 3 is actually $20 less expensive than Ring Video Doorbell 2 was brand new and offers better connectivity, more privacy options, and the ability to hone motion detection to help reduce erroneous notifications. Those are all essential upgrades and create a more trustworthy product that's more likely to inform you of something important while still protecting your personal privacy.

An extra $20 (for a total of $200) will net you a Ring Video Doorbell 4, as well, which delivers all the same great features of Ring Video Doorbell 3 will a few extras. For that $20, you'll get the addition of 4-second pre-roll footage — a great way to get additional context by seeing what happened 4 seconds before motion was detected — as well as quick replies for when you can't (or don't want to) answer the door.

See all the right things

Ring Video Doorbell 3 in Satin/Nickel

A substantive choice

$180 at Amazon $180 at Best Buy $180 at Home Depot

Ring Video Doorbell 3 brings a few key improvements to the table, like better motion detection and privacy features, as well as the ability to handle faster, modern 5GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Saying goodbye to a legend

Ring Video Doorbell 2 with HD Video

Great if you've already got one

See it at Amazon $120 at Home Depot

The Ring Video Doorbell 2 was notable for its time, but it's getting harder to find since it's now discontinued.

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EU accuses Apple of violating competition law in Spotify antitrust case

The EU says consumers are losing out due to Apple's anti-competitive App Store practices.

What you need to know

• The European Commission has found Apple's app store practices to be in violation of the EU competition law.
• It is concerned with the mandatory use of Apple's own in-app purchase system imposed on third-party music streaming apps distributed via the App Store.
• Apple will have to respond to the European Commission's objections within the next twelve weeks.

The European Commission today issued a "Statement of Objections" against Apple, nearly two years after Spotify filed an antitrust complaint with the European Union over "Apple Tax." The Commission's preliminary conclusion is that the Cupertino-based tech giant is in breach of the EU competition law.

The Statement of Objections takes issue with the imposition of Apple's own in-app purchase system on all third-party music streaming apps that are distributed via the App Store. A preliminary investigation by the Commission found that nearly all the best music streaming services pass on the 30% commission fee imposed by Apple on purchases made through the system to end-users, which has resulted in higher in-app music subscription prices. It is also concerned that Apple enforces restrictions on app developers that prevent them from informing users about alternative purchasing options.

Responding to the European Commission's findings, Apple said in a statement sent to The Verge:

Spotify has become the largest music subscription service in the world, and we're proud for the role we played in that. Spotify does not pay Apple any commission on over 99% of their subscribers, and only pays a 15% commission on those remaining subscribers that they acquired through the App Store. At the core of this case is Spotify's demand they should be able to advertise alternative deals on their iOS app, a practice that no store in the world allows. Once again, they want all the benefits of the App Store but don't think they should have to pay anything for that. The Commission's argument on Spotify's behalf is the opposite of fair competition.

The Commission believes Apple's App Store rules "distort competition in the market for music streaming services by raising costs of competing music streaming app developers." If Apple is found to be guilty of abusing its dominant market position under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), it may have to pay 10% of its annual revenue as a fine, which would be around $27 billion. Apple will have to respond to the European Commission's preliminary charges within a period of 12 weeks.

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Ready for Android 11? Here's when your phone will get the latest update

Android 11 is coming to more and more phones every day.

The stable version of Android 11 was released a few months ago, and while it isn't the most revolutionary update we've ever seen, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about it. Whether you're looking forward to the new conversation notifications, chat bubbles for messaging apps, or the upgraded permission handling, it may be a while before you can actually start messing around with all of these software goodies.

The update is available for the Pixels and select OnePlus phones, while the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 lineups have also received their One UI 3.0 update which is based on Android 11. We've rounded up all of the current info to help give you a better idea of when Android 11 will arrive on your device.

The timelines change based on manufacturer and region, but the list below should give you a broad overview of if and when you will get the Android 11 update on your phone.

Jump to:

• Google Pixel
• Samsung
• OnePlus
• Xiaomi
• OPPO
• Realme
• Huawei
• LG
• Motorola
• Nokia

When will my Google Pixel phone get Android 11?

The phrase "fast Android updates" is usually an oxymoron, but Google's lineup of Pixel phones is the exception to that rule. Whenever a new update or security patch is released, Pixels are the first-in-line for that software — making this one of the biggest benefits of owning a Pixel in the first place.

The Android 11 stable update is now available to download on all Pixels starting with the Pixel 2 series. Here's the full list:

• Pixel 2
• Pixel 2 XL
• Pixel 3
• Pixel 3 XL
• Pixel 3a
• Pixel 3a XL
• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4a 5G
• Pixel 5

When will my Samsung phone get Android 11?

Samsung used to be one of those manufacturers that you couldn't rely on for good software support, but within the last year, it's improved significantly. Samsung announced that it's now committed to three years of major OS updates for all of its flagship phones, starting with the Galaxy S10 series.

The company has been on a tear as of late, releasing the final version of One UI 3.0 (based on Android 11) to the likes of the Galaxy S20, Note 20, and even the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. A few other devices are seeing the update as well that weren't exactly expected as soon as they have arrived.

We can look forward to all of the following phones to get an Android 11 update:

• Galaxy S10
• Galaxy S10+
• Galaxy S10e
• Galaxy S10 Lite
• Galaxy S20
• Galaxy S20+
• Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Galaxy S20 FE
• Galaxy S21
• Galaxy S21+
• Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Galaxy Note 10 Lite
• Galaxy Note 10
• Galaxy Note 10+
• Galaxy Note 20
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Galaxy Fold
• Galaxy Z Fold 2
• Galaxy Z Flip 5G
• Galaxy A52 / A52 5G
• Galaxy A72 / A72 5G
• Galaxy A32 5G
• Galaxy A71
• Galaxy A51
• Galaxy M21
• Galaxy M31 / M31s
• Galaxy M42

The Galaxy S9 series should be able to run Android 11, but Samsung revealed its roadmap for which devices would see the update. Sadly, the S9 was not on the list. However, the company did commit to bringing security updates to these devices for at least the next year.

As for the speed at which Samsung will roll out Android 11 to its phones, we're anticipating the update to drop within a few months of the initial launch. Google introduced Android 10 on September 3, 2019. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S9 got the update in December and January, and Samsung has been following the same trajectory with Android 11 for its enormous lineup of smartphones, with many devices being updated in late December 2020 or throughout January and into February 2021.

When will my OnePlus phone get Android 11?

What started out as a small enthusiast brand has transformed itself into a mainstream player in the U.S. smartphone space. OnePlus kicks out some of the best Android phones, and thankfully, it's quite good when it comes to updating them to new software builds.

OnePlus is rolling out the Android 11 stable update to the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro. There's a new visual layout in OxygenOS 11, along with a host of exciting features.

Despite seeing a few issues with the official OxygenOS 11 rollout for the OnePlus Nord, it seems that everything is back on track.

Here are the OnePlus devices that will make the switch to Android 11:

• OnePlus 9
• OnePlus 9 Pro
• OnePlus 9R
• OnePlus 8T
• OnePlus 8 Pro
• OnePlus 8
• OnePlus Nord
• OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition
• OnePlus 7T Pro
• OnePlus 7T
• OnePlus 7 Pro 5G
• OnePlus 7 Pro
• OnePlus 7
• OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition
• OnePlus 6T
• OnePlus 6

With the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro making their arrival, that adds a couple of more devices that are running Android 11. Plus, both of those devices will see the update to Android 12 and at least Android 13. Which is more than we can say about the OnePlus Nord N10 5G and Nord N100 which are slated for only one major Android release. Meanwhile, those are still running Android 10, and the company has not given any indication as to when Android 11 will come to the budget-friendly handsets.

OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T owners who have been waiting patiently for the arrival of Android 11 will have to keep waiting a little bit longer. The company has confirmed that the Android 11 update won't be arriving until after the release of Android 12, which is currently slated to launch this fall.

When will my Xiaomi phone get Android 11?

Xiaomi is one of the world's largest phone manufacturers, and the brand has turned its attention to Western markets in the last two years. Xiaomi sells phones from $100 all the way to $1,200, and it has made a name for itself as the go-to player for value.

The company has already pushed the Android 11 update live for owners of the Xiaomi Mi 10 and has turned its focus onto the Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro. A new beta program has opened for these devices, as Xiaomi continues to bring the latest version of Android to its vast lineup of smartphones.

Based on a post that showed up on Xiaomi's MIUI community forums, the Android 11 update will be going out to 30 models across Xiaomi, POCO, and Redmi product lines. More phones will be added to the list, but for now, these are the Xiaomi phones that will be updated to Android 11:

• Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold
• Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
• Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro
• Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite / Lite 5G
• Xiaomi Mi 11 Youth
• Xiaomi Mi 11i
• Xiaomi Mi 11
• Xiaomi Mi 11X
• Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro
• Xiaomi Mi 10T
• Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro
• Xiaomi Mi 10
• Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro
• Xiaomi Mi 10 Youth Edition
• Xiaomi Mi Note 10
• Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro
• Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Lite
• Xiaomi Mi 9
• Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
• Xiaomi Mi 9 SE
• Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite
• Xiaomi Mi 9T
• Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro
• Xiaomi Mi A3
• Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition
• Redmi K30 Pro Zoom
• Redmi K30 Pro
• Redmi K30
• Redmi K30 5G
• Redmi K30i 5G
• Redmi K20 Pro
• Redmi K20
• Redmi Note 9
• Redmi Note 9 Pro
• Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
• Redmi 10X Pro
• Redmi 10X 5G
• Redmi 9
• Redmi 9C
• Redmi 9A
• POCO F3
• POCO F2 Pro
• POCO X3 / X3 Pro
• POCO X2
• POCO M2 Pro
• Black Shark 4 / 4 Pro

When will my OPPO phone get Android 11?

OPPO is also turning its attention to Western markets. The Chinese manufacturer made a lot of changes to its ColorOS interface over the last 12 months, making it more palatable to a global audience.

OPPO has introduced ColorOS 11 based on Android 11 in closed beta for the Find X2 series and the Reno 3 Pro series, with a stable update slated to arrive before the end of the year.

We have a tentative timeline for when OPPO phones will get the ColorOS 11 beta based on Android 11. These are the OPPO devices that have already received the update to ColorOS 11:

• A94 5G
• A93 5G
• A74 / A74 5G
• A54 5G
• Find X2 / X2 Pro
• Find X3 Pro
• Ace2
• A9
• Reno 2 F
• Reno3
• Reno3 Pro
• Reno 4 5G
• Reno 4 Pro 4G / Pro 5G
• Reno 5 Lite
• Reno 5 Pro+
• Reno 5 Pro 5G
• Reno 5 Z
• F15
• F17 Pro
• F19

Note that these are the expected timelines for the beta builds and not the stable update:

• From October: Reno 4 Pro 5G
• From November: Reno 4 5G, Reno 4 Pro 4G
• From December: Reno 4 4G, F11, F11 Pro, F11 Pro Avengers Edition, A9, A92, A72, A52, Find X2 Pro Automobili Lamborghini Edition
• From Q1 2021: Reno 10x Zoom, Reno 2, Reno 2F, Reno 2Z, Reno 3 Pro 5G, A91, F15
• From Q2 2021: Reno, Reno Z, A5 2020, A9 2020

When will my Realme phone get Android 11?

Realme is also doing a closed Android 11 beta based on Realme UI 2.0 for the X50 Pro. Realme UI 2.0 comes with a host of new features, but at this moment, there's no indication of when the stable build will be made available.

We don't know how many Realme phones will be updated to Android 11, but most devices released in the last 18 months should qualify for the update. Here's the list:

• Realme X50 Pro 5G
• Realme X50 Pro
• Realme X50
• Realme X7 Pro / X7 Pro Ultra
• Realme X3
• Realme X2 Pro
• Realme X2
• Realme XT
• Realme X
• Realme 8 Pro
• Realme 8 5G
• Realme 8
• Realme 7 Pro
• Realme 7
• Realme 6 Pro
• Realme 6
• Realme 6i
• Realme 6S
• Realme 5
• Realme 5 Pro
• Realme 5i
• Realme 5s
• Realme 3 Pro
• Realme 3
• Realme Narzo 10
• Realme Narzo 10A
• Realme V5 5G
• Realme Q2 5G / Q2 Pro 5G
• Realme Q3 5G / Q3 Pro
• Realme Q3i 5G
• Realme GT Neo
• Realme V13 5G
• Realme C25

When will my Huawei phone get Android 11?

Although Huawei phones aren't very common/popular in the United States, the manufacturer gets a lot of attention in other parts of the world.

Huawei's Android 11 update will take the form of EMUI 11, and the company has finally shared its roadmap for what devices will receive this update. The list is surprisingly long, with even some tablets getting in on the Android 11 action.

There are a lot of Huawei phones we expect to get Android 11/EMUI 11, including:

• Huawei Mate 40 series
• Huawei P40 series
• Huawei P30 series
• Huawei Mate 30 series
• Huawei Mate 20 series
• Huawei Mate X/Xs
• Huawei Nova 5T

Regarding how fast those updates will be pushed out, you'll likely have to wait a few months. The Huawei P30 and P30 Pro received Android 10 in mid-November, shortly followed by the Mate 20 series.

When will my Motorola phone get Android 11?

This past year has been an exciting one for Motorola. The company is still churning out high-quality budget devices, and alongside those, we're seeing Moto's return to the flagship space. However, it's still straggling behind in an area that's been a pain point for years — software updates.

After staying mum for a little while, Motorola finally revealed which of its latest devices will be receiving an update to Android 11, and the list is as follows:

• Motorola Edge+
• Motorola Edge
• Motorola RAZR / RAZR 5G
• Moto G Stylus
• Moto G Power
• Moto G Fast
• Moto G 5G / 5G Plus
• Moto G Pro
• Motorola One Fusion / Fusion+
• Motorola One Hyper
• Motorola One Zoom
• Motorola One Action
• Motorola One Macro
• Motorola One 5G
• Moto G8
• Moto G8 Plus
• Moto G8 Power
• Moto G10
• Moto G40 Fusion
• Moto G50
• Moto G60
• Moto G100
• Moto G9
• Moto G9 Play
• Moto G9 Plus
• Moto G9 Power
• Lenovo K12 Note

That's a solid list at first glance, but it comes with a big caveat. For every phone but the Edge+ and RAZR, Android 11 is the one and only software update they'll receive. There's also the fact that Motorola took its time with the Android 10 update, with the platform version not coming to the Moto G7 until May 11, 2020.

When will my LG phone get Android 11?

Keeping with the theme of manufacturers that often drop the ball for software updates, we have LG. With no update roadmap in place, here are the devices we think will get Android 11:

• LG Wing
• LG Velvet
• LG G8
• LG G8X
• LG V60
• LG V50
• LG V50S

Android 10 was made available for the LG G8 in December 2019, with the LG V50 starting its Android 10 update in February 2020. We don't consider that to be a fast turnaround time, but it is better than what we usually see from LG.

Our fingers are crossed that LG gets even faster with rolling out Android 11, but we'll have to wait and see if that pans out.

When will my Nokia phone get Android 11?

Nokia has announced its Android 11 update schedule, with the first slate of devices set to receive the update by the end of 2020. While Nokia's devices fall under the Android One initiative, phones like the Nokia 7.2 and Nokia 9 PureView won't get the Android 11 update until Q2 2021.

After officially rolling out Android 11 to the Nokia 8.3 5G, the company's Chief Product Officer took to Twitter, suggesting that the rollout would be coming much quicker than expected for the rest of Nokia's devices. Only time will tell if that's to be believed, but Nokia seems to be sticking to its timeline that was laid out late in 2020.

• Nokia G10
• Nokia G20
• Nokia X10
• Nokia C20

Nokia Android 11 first wave (Q4 2020 - Q1 2021)

• Nokia 8.3 5G
• Nokia 2.2
• Nokia 5.3
• Nokia 8.1

Nokia Android 11 second wave (Q1 2021)

• Nokia 1.3
• Nokia 4.2
• Nokia 2.4
• Nokia 2.3
• Nokia 3.4

Nokia Android 11 third wave (Q1 - Q2 2021)

• Nokia 3.2
• Nokia 7.2
• Nokia 6.2

Nokia Android 11 fourth wave (Q2 2021)

• Nokia 1 Plus
• Nokia 9 PureView

Android 11: Everything you need to know!

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