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Get your game on — even in the off-season — with the best sports games available for Android.After a few golden years of fantastic entries, it seems like most mobile sports games have succumbed to the freemium model. There are far too few quality titles available that just let you jump into the game without having to deal with player cards, pointless upgrades, or waiting for stamina meters to refill. Nearly all the top mobile sports game franchises have switched over to a team-building system that requires you to unlock (or buy) card packs to upgrade your team.However, there are still great games to be played. We've tried to cover the five major North American sports here with some extras thrown in for fun. Be sure to note which games are more sim-based for the hardcore sports fan and which ones offer a more arcade-like option for casual players.Want something a bit less sporty? We have a list of the best Android games overall, too!Best sports games for AndroidAustra...

Speaking as a passionate mobile gamer, finding the best smartphone gaming accessories can save you from inadequate controls, a dying battery, tinny audio, and limited internal storage. With cloud-based streaming platforms on the rise and the best Android games adding controller support and more demanding graphics, having the right Android gaming accessories on hand can make or break a gaming session. We've rounded up the best controllers, battery packs, and headphones that you should consider if you want to step your game up.One size fits mostRazer Kishi Mobile Game ControllerStaff PickBuilt to slot in almost any Android phone with a center USB-C port, the Razer Kishi runs off your phone battery and supports pass-through charging. So unlike most Bluetooth controllers, you'll never have to charge it. It collapses into a convenient travel size, input lag is never a problem, and it's less conspicuous than a gaming-clip controller when playing on the go.$55 at Amazon$80 at B...

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best Android phones and also one of the most expensive. This phone brings the S Pen, amazing cameras, fast performance, and one gorgeous display. This is why you want to get the best screen protector for the Galaxy S22 Ultra, along with a fantastic case, to make sure your new phone stays safe.Curvy and curedWhitestone Dome Glass Screen Protector for Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraStaff PickCurved screens need curved screen protectors, which are more prone to pull up at the edges when used with thicker cases. UV-cured cases tend to have a stronger grip and won't peel up as quickly, part of why the Whitestone Dome Glass has such a devout following. Plus, this pack comes with two!$40 at AmazonPristine screenZAGG Fusion Curve with D3OYour display is kept safe due to the D3O technology and the flexible hybrid polymers in ZAGG's Fusion Curve screen protector. Not to mention it will also be less germy thanks to the anti-microbi...

No matter where you live, the internet is going to be filled with things you don't like. And it should be.Most Android Central readers are in North America so you might not know about the U.K. Online Safety Bill. It's a proposal by Parliament that is intended to improve user safety while online. It's well-intended, not yet a law or set of laws, and may or may not have any meaningful effect.Case in point: the latest proposed additions to the bill are designed to "protect people from anonymous trolls online." Yes, that's an actual quote from the Right Honorable Nadine Dorries, U.K. Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport; not something I have paraphrased. Besides the candid title, the additions also have the distinction of being absurd.I'll let you read through the actual text here but I'll also summarize for those who won't bother:Online platforms must give users a way to verify their identity and block unverified accounts or users.Online ...

Are you protecting your investment?Smartphones aren't exactly cheap these days. Sure, you can get great value from some budget Android phones, but if you're looking for a flagship smartphone like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, chances are, you're paying in the ballpark of $1,000 or more. That's not exactly cheap, so we expect you'll likely want to protect your investment by purchasing a phone case or screen protector.Do you usually protect your phone with a case or screen protector? Let us know in our latest poll below!Poll: Do you use a case or screen protector with your smartphone?Having a phone case can be a tricky thing for some. On the one hand, you want to appreciate and show off your phone's design, which companies put so much work into. On the other hand, you also don't want to ruin that design without a case, resulting in an unfortunate drop causing your device damage. Of course, the tradeoff here is the added thickness and weight you get from adding a case. The Galaxy S22 U...

Call it the small, the regular, the "baby" Samsung Galaxy S22, but the 6.1-inch model rocks, especially for smaller hands like mine. As the easiest Galaxy S22 model to use one-handed or actually fully fit into your pocket, this phone deserves proper protection and some style. Get both with these best Samsung Galaxy S22 cases.Stylish and secureCaseology Nano Pop for Galaxy S22Staff PickThis was the best Galaxy S21 case and it's shaping up to keep that title another year. The Nano Pop's two-tone provides a nice bit of flair while also adding extra protection around the Samsung Galaxy S22's all-important cameras.$17 at AmazonHeavy hitterSUPCASE UB ProIf you need a case that can survive cars, three-story ladders, and lawnmowers, try the UB Pro case. SUPCASE's Unicorn Beetle Pro beats OtterBox on both durability and price, comes in five colors, and has a wide, stable kickstand for your Galaxy S22.From $27 at AmazonStraps for daysGalaxy S22 Series Silicone Cover w...

Best answer: No. While HBO Max offered a 7-day free trial when it launched in May 2020, it took away the free trial option when it announced it would be releasing a number of Warner Bros. films on the same day they hit theaters.HBO Max free trial:Can you try HBO Max for free?Will the free trial come back?What exclusive movies are streaming on HBO Max?What plans and deals does HBO Max currently offer?Can you try HBO Max for free?If you're looking for an HBO Max free trial though, we have good news and bad news. Sadly, HBO stopped running this option quite some time ago and it doesn't look like it's coming back. On the plus side, you do have cheaper sign-up options than before thanks to a new ad-supported tier starting at just $9.99 a month on a rolling contract that you can cancel at any time.The ad-supported tier shows content in HD but for just $5 extra a month, you get resplendent 4K streaming and access to the day-and-date cinema movies, which is the one you nee...

Lacking powerMoto G Power (2022)$250 at Verizon WirelessProsFantastic battery lifeLow priceExpandable storage50MP camera is a great upgradeConsThe display is just badPerformance is slower than it should beBig battery handcuffed by slow chargingSoftware updatesMotorola is taking major steps in the wrong direction with the G Power (2022). The phone's display is subpar, to say the least, which might help to explain why battery life is so good. On the bright side, the 50MP main camera does perform better than you might expect.Good ol' daysMoto G Power (2020)$225 at Amazon (Renewed)ProsMore versatile camera systemHigher-resolution displayStorage can be expanded with a microSD cardSolid performanceConsTwo years oldNo NFCFrustratingly slow charging speedsSoftware updatesIgnoring the fact that the G Power is more than two years old, there are plenty of reasons why you won't want to upgrade. The original G Power offers a more versati...

MWC is a "unifying event" with no place for war.What you need to knowGSMA has announced that there will not be a Russian Pavilion at MWC 2022.The organization announced events in Ukraine unfold, with the GSMA condemning the invasion.A "handful" of companies have reportedly been banned from the show.MWC 2022 is just days away, but some significant changes are already taking place following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.GSMA, the organization that hosts MWC, announced on the event website that it does not agree with the invasion of Ukraine and that it's not hosting a Russian Pavilion at MWC 2022."The GSMA strongly condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine," the organization said in its statement. "The situation is fast-moving, and we understand that various governments are considering broader sanctions against Russia. In light of this emerging situation and considering the tragic loss of life, MWC seems immaterial under the circumstances. MWC is a unifying event with a visi...

Fighting misinformation and helping keep users safe online.What you need to knowGoogle's European team outlines its response to the Ukraine invasion.Google says it has increased security measures in Ukraine to protect against online threats.YouTube is surfacing content from trusted news sources, removing videos and ads that promote misinformation.Google is also providing $2 million in donated ads to aid with resources.Amid the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the war in Ukraine, Google's European team has outlined ways that it is helping keep users and employees safe.The company posted a series of tweets on Friday highlighting the various steps it's taking to provide accurate information and help prevent cyber attacks.Our threat intel teams continue to look out for and disrupt disinfo campaigns, hacking, and financially motivated abuse, and are working with other companies and relevant government bodies to address these threats.— Google Europe (@googleeurope) Fe...

When you're playing something with your friends, be it a co-op game or competitive multiplayer, you often don't want to bother with game chat and want to stay separated, talking only to your friends. Hopping into a party, or Voice Chat, with another player isn't totally straightforward on PS5. Fortunately, it's a simple enough process to repeat once you've gone through it once. Here's how to set up a party on PS5.Products used in this guideGrab a headset: Razer Kraken XStay charged: PS5 DualSense controllerPS5 GuidesHow to transfer games and save dataHow to attach the PS5 baseHow to set up parental controlsHow to connect to Wi-FiHow to increase download speedsHow to manage multiple accountsHow to set up 2FAHow to update your PS5 system softwareHow to use Game HelpHow to enable 4K/8K resolutionHow to factory reset your PS5How to set up a party on PS5Parties on PS5 are referred to as Voice Chats, which are included in a general Party. Following recent fir...

First post-Android 11 update for the original Surface Duo.What you need to knowMicrosoft has updated its Surface Duo phones with the February security patch.The Surface Duo 2 is receiving several performance enhancements.The original Surface Duo receives support for app streaming via the Microsoft Your Phone app.The Microsoft Surface Duo duo is receiving new updates on Friday, including the February security patch and some notable enhancements, particularly for the original Duo.After finally receiving the Android 11 update in January, the original Surface Duo is getting its first monthly security update, which includes not only performance improvements but also a new feature. Now, Surface Duo owners will be able to stream their apps on Windows PC using the Your Phone app.Aside from running Android apps natively on Windows 11 PCs, a feature that is still on its way, the Your Phone app is able to run Android apps on your computer directly from your smartphone. This functi...

A fully charged Oculus Quest or Meta Quest 2 will give you about two to three hours of battery life, but if you have one of the best Quest battery packs, you can go even longer. For some players, the built-in battery is not nearly long enough for a good gaming session or for an extended media session in an app like Netflix. Battery packs are some of the best accessories you can get for your Quest and can double, or even triple, the battery life of your headset.The perfect pairingOculus Quest 2 Elite Strap with BatteryStaff pickThe Quest 2 Elite Strap comes with a battery pack built-in for extra playtime while keeping with the same design language and quality you've come to expect from your Quest 2. Besides increasing the comfort of your headset, the battery offers double the playtime and can be charged at the same time as your Quest 2 without needing to unplug it.$109 at Amazon$109 at Best Buy$109 at B&HJust what the doctor orderedDestek Capsule Battery Pa...

Manually transferring your number might help.What you need to knowSome Galaxy S22 owners on AT&T or T-Mobile in the U.S. might experience a delay when trying to send messages upon initial setup of the phone.AT&T and T-Mobile have their own RCS servers, so data needs to be transferred from Google's servers to your carrier's.This issue does not affect Verizon customers, as they will still use Google's servers.Google has a webpage that'll manually remove your phone number from its servers if you're having trouble.The Samsung Galaxy S22 family ships with Google Messages as the default messaging app for the first time in history, which enables better messaging through a technology called RCS. While most Android users who download and use Google Messages connect directly to Google's servers to send messages, AT&T and T-Mobile Galaxy S22 units will connect to their carrier's servers, instead.While this is made to be seamless and should require no user intervention, ...

Experience VR on the PlayStation with these exciting upcoming game titles.PlayStation VR is becoming an increasingly larger platform, especially with the upcoming PS5 VR release. But no matter where you play your VR games, whether on a PS4 or PS5, you're in for an incredible experience. With PlayStation unleashing new games almost every month, it's easy to get overwhelmed by what's out there. Here are some of the unreleased VR games slated to hit PSVR in the coming months. We look forward to adding more upcoming PlayStation VR games to this list as they become available. For now, we hope some of our favorite picks on this list catch your eye.PlayStation VR games:StrideMoss: Book 2FirmamentLOW-FIHumanity Blunt ForceStrideEver wonder what Mirror's Edge would look like in virtual reality? Well, this is the closest thing you might get. Since you probably can't do parkour in real life, do it in the safety of VR with Stride. It's not exclusively about parkour eithe...

The international code for Ukraine is 380.Verizon, T-Mobile, and UScellular are waiving long-distance fees to and from Ukraine.What you need to knowVerizon Wireless customers can call to or from Ukraine from February 25 through March 10 for free, including SMS.T-Mobile customers can make and receive calls from Ukraine for free from February 25 through March 3. Customers roaming in Ukraine can also call local Ukraine numbers for free.UScellular customers can make and receive calls from Ukraine for free from February 25 through March 31.U.S. carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon have announced that they are supporting customers by offering free calls to Ukraine beginning Friday, February 25.Verizon has announced that it will waive all long-distance fees for calls and texts made to or received from Ukraine. This will last from February 25 through March 10. This also includes business wireless customers and landline phone customers. If you're a Verizon customer in Ukraine, y...

Cue Spongebob narrator: Three months later...What you need to knowOnePlus has announced the OxygenOS 12 Open Beta for the OnePlus 8 series.The beta is also available for the OnePlus 8T and includes enhancements like improved Dark Mode, Canvas AOD, and more.OnePlus 8 and 8T owners can download the necessary files now to take part in the beta.Three months after launching the OxygenOS 12 (Android 12) closed beta for the OnePlus 8 series, OnePlus has finally announced that the open beta is now available.The OxygenOS 12 closed beta was limited to some OnePlus forum members, but if you were unable to join the closed beta, now's your chance to try out OxygenOS 12 on your OnePlus 8 series phone before the stable version rolls out.As far as what you can expect in this version, it's largely similar to what we got on the OnePlus 9 series, with features such as an enhanced Dark Mode, improvements to the Gallery app, new options to the Shelf, and more. Of course, since this is a bet...

PS5 stock is selling out fast, so be sure to have your credit card ready.Looking to buy a PS5? Well, so are millions of other people. It doesn't help that stock levels remain tight, even nearly a year after its launch. Every time a retailer puts stock up for sale, it sells out super quickly. The longest we here at Android Central have seen PS5s stay in stock is between 15 to 20 minutes (often just a few minutes, though). That's also at random times, so finding a PS5 is a truly challenging task. Sony warned it would be hard to find stock throughout the year and well into 2022, if not further, but retailers promise more are coming and that Sony has secured additional semiconductor chips to make them.In our PS5 review, we called the system a technical marvel with a groundbreaking controller. And after spending over a year with the PS5, it's nearly impossible to go back to the PS4. Everything about the PS5 is better, from the games and faster loading to the DualSense haptic feedback ...

Samsung is clearly trying to impress its loyal customers.What you need to knowGalaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus, and Galaxy S22 Ultra phones are now receiving the March 1, 2022 security update.The update carries a build number ending in AVBH and means Samsung is the first company to roll out the security patch.While unconfirmed, this patch could address the display issues that International Galaxy S22 Ultra models have been having.If you're the proud owner of a brand new Samsung Galaxy S22, your pride is about to swell just a bit more. Samsung has already begun rolling out the March 2022 Android security update to its latest line of phones, making them the first phones in the world to get the March update.It's entirely possible that this patch was pushed out early to address the display glitch bug that's causing problems for some early Galaxy S22 Ultra adopters who are using the International version with Samsung's Exynos processor inside.Beyond that, Samsung hasn't published...

Paramount Plus launched in early 2021 as the new version of CBS All Access. In addition to being the new and improved home for the likes of Big Brother, Star Trek: Discovery, and all the NCIS episodes you can stomach, the platform also hosts tons of content from BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and the Smithsonian Channel. Nearly a year later, Paramount+ has also added a ton of new original series and films. Here's everything you need to know about Paramount+.Paramount+ Streaming Service:What is Paramount+?How much does Paramount+ cost?Are there any Paramount+ deals?Where is Paramount+ available?What's streaming on Paramount+?What devices support Paramount+?Account limits and profilesTry Paramount+ for freeParamount+Binge it hereFrom $5/mo. at Paramount+So much content, so little timeParamount+ is the hub for all the content you don't want to miss from networks including CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.What is Paramount+?...

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great Bluetooth speaker, so we've rounded up what we believe are some of the best Bluetooth speakers under $100 to help save you money. So whether you're looking to pick up a speaker to listen to music, play your favorite podcasts by the pool, or stream music from your phone, there are plenty of great affordable options available. Our top pick would be the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 for versatility and excellent sound quality.Best overall: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2The WONDERBOOM 2 delivers everything you're looking for in an affordable Bluetooth speaker. It has IP67 water resistance, astonishingly great sound quality, and 13-hour battery life. The speaker also has multi-directional sound, and you can even pair two speakers together to create a stereo effect (although you can only pair it with other Wonderboom speakers).The versatility here makes the WONDERBOOM 2 stand out from the pack. You can take it to the pool without worry...

A new round of government funding for rural broadband expansion is leaving me with old familiar feelings.Living out in the countryside of rural America may sound romantic to some. But even as appealing as that lifestyle can be, it's still 2022, and connectivity is king. The unfortunate reality that we currently have to face is that if someone wants to live outside of a populated area, there will have to be some concessions. Aside from travel time for things like getting groceries and property maintenance, the most impactful concession for most rural families is the lack of reliable broadband.I've spent the better part of my life living in rural Kansas, anywhere from eight to 30 miles from the nearest town of considerable population. For the past six years, I have battled with obtaining any real semblance of legitimate broadband to my home. While the nearest town — a mere eight miles away — offers a few ISP options with gigabit connectivity, none of that is available to me....

Google announced that its Stadia video game streaming service would be available for more Android TV devices. Before, people who wanted to stream games from the cloud to their televisions needed the aging Chromecast Ultra. While the Chromecast Ultra worked well and was bundled with the Stadia Controller, it was the only option to play Stadia games on the television. Here is a list of every Android TV device that supports Stadia.Google's ownChromecast with Google TV - SnowStaff PickThe Chromecast with Google TV replaces the Chromecast Ultra and does everything of its predecessor and more. It can cast content from an Android or iOS device, allow users to browse content among several apps without switching, and control smart home devices. It also comes with a dedicated voice remote equipped with Google Assistant.$50 at Google $50 at Best BuyNew TVHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)Those looking to upgrade their screen can go with the 2021 suite of Hisense...

While Qualcomm saw its shipments rise by 18%, MediaTek's shipments saw a decline in Q4 2021.What you need to knowMediaTek continued to lead the global smartphone AP market in Q4 2021.It held a 33% share of the market, while Qualcomm's share stood at 30%. Counterpoint expects MediaTek to have a strong 2022 due to 5G migration in several parts of the world, combined with continued LTE demand. The global smartphone AP/SoC market grew by 5% YoY in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to new research from Counterpoint. Unsurprisingly, demand for 5G smartphone SoCs continued to grow and accounted for almost half of the total SoC shipments during the quarter.MediaTek led the smartphone SoC market in the October to December period with a market share of 33%. When compared to the same period a year earlier, however, MediaTek's market share fell by 4%. Its shipments also declined due to "inventory corrections" by Chinese smartphone OEMs.Qualcomm's shipments grew by 18% in Q4 2...

As top dog when it comes to building phones, Samsung has the most to gain when it comes to profitable sustainability.Samsung is, by all accounts, one of the biggest companies in tech. It consistently ranks among the top three phone manufacturers every year, and more importantly builds some of the key parts inside its top two rivals' devices. Samsung makes all kinds of tech products that aren't phones or phone parts, either — even heavy artillery. Yes, even massive war machine weaponry needs technological mastery to work well.Because of this, Samsung probably saves enough money each year by using recycled products to feed a small country. While I would love to see Samsung take a year-long hiatus from making tech and feed some hungry people, what's important to the people in charge is the saving money part. Recycling is a big part of sustainability, but it's also a way to cut down on costs — especially when you're as big as Samsung and actively recycle everything yourself.Equ...

Latest and greatestSamsung Galaxy S22 Plus$1,000 at AmazonProsTons of color options, including exclusive onesBeautiful, bezel-less designUpgraded triple camera systemMore powerful processorConsExpensiveNo headphone jackNo optional microSD storageAs one of the latest smartphones in the Samsung Galaxy line, the S22+ has tons of features, looks gorgeous, supports fast charging, and has a wonderful camera system. There's little more you could ask for in a premium phone.Still a great choiceSamsung Galaxy S20 Plus$720 at AmazonProsHigher-resolution screenSupports optional memory cards up to 1TBQuad camera systemMuch cheaperConsNo headphone jackOlder modelOutdated Android OSIt might be a few years old now, but the Samsung Galaxy S20+ is still a solid option worth hanging onto. It even bests the S22+ in some departments, offers a snappy processor, takes great photos, and has expandable memory.Samsung's latest trio of devices inc...

Music is the heartbeat of our lives. It amps us up before a big test or a cardio workout, and soothes us through grief and loss. Because we expect our music to follow us from device to device, from home to car to work to cafe, having a music streaming service that fits your lifestyle is essential. While there are several music streaming services out there, we're going to focus on services available to much of the world.Best Overall: Tidal HiFiTidal was one of the first music services to provide high-quality lossless audio over streaming, even though it launched with a rather bare selection of artists and songs. Since its inception, Tidal has continued to grow its catalog and added some extra goodies, including high-definition music videos. In addition to the high-quality music available, the company offers more than its fair share of artist exclusive releases and was even live-streaming concerts before it was cool.The feature-set for Tidal is also rather robust since it's ava...

I just started using the iQOO 9 Pro. The brand won't be familiar to those in the west; it is the latest entrant from BBK, the Chinese conglomerate that owns OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, and Realme. BBK positioned iQOO as a Vivo sub-brand, similar to how Realme started off under OPPO's tutelage three years ago.Back to the device in question. The iQOO 9 Pro is aimed at the flagship segment and takes on the best Android phones, and as such it has a QHD+ AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh and dynamic scaling, Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and a 50MP gimbal camera that is fantastic for taking videos. The part that's particularly intriguing to me is the battery — the iQOO 9 Pro has a 4700mAh battery and charges at a frankly ridiculous 120W and 50W wirelessly. iQOO advertises a full charge in just 20 minutes, with zero to 50% taking just 8 minutes.Although iQOO kicked off the 120W trend last year, it isn't the only brand to do so. Xiaomi's 11T Pro and 11...

You might find yourself circling back to other earbuds.When it comes to wireless earbuds, most people's first priority is active noise cancellation, or ANC, to drown out the world while immersing yourself in tunes, movies, and other entertainment. However, in this work-from-anywhere world we now live in, ANC isn't well suited for those split-second interactions with people and things that need our attention in the real world. That's where the Sony LinkBuds come in.You won't find ANC here because it's not what these earbuds are for. Sony has taken an interesting design approach with the LinkBuds, outfitting them with a ring-shaped driver with a hole in the middle. That hole is there to let outside noise in, as opposed to keeping it out, so that you can remain aware of the important things around you, whether you're working, working out, or simply taking a stroll. It might sound strange, but it addresses a fairly specific pain point with the best wireless earbuds without relying on...

The best wireless chargers are a bit of a dream, breaking you out of the old rut of having to plug in your phone every time to sit down to work or sleep. Ditch your cables and quit wearing out your phone's charging port by getting yourself a handy wireless charger. It's easier than ever now that more wireless chargers are switching to USB-C so you can stick to one cable.Cool and compactAnker 15W Max Wireless ChargerStaff Pick$27 at Amazon $27 at WalmartThis Qi charger can output 15W for the few devices that support it right now, plus 10W/7.5W/5W for everyone else as needed, from Samsung to Apple and beyond. It's got a sleek look and takes Power Delivery or Qualcomm QuickCharge wall adapters.Best for PixeliOttie iON Wireless Duo (Made For Google Edition) - Dark Grey$43 at AmazoniOttie is better known for its car mounts, but it actually makes the best current Pixel stand on the market — yes, even better than Google's. The 15W EPP coils on the stand will charge y...

It has some decent specs, but the OPPO Find X5 series stole its thunder.What you need to knowThe OPPO Pad debuted in China alongside the Find X5 series of smartphones.OPPO's first Android tablet is powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM.It retails at a starting price of CNY 2,299 (roughly $364) from March 3, though a global launch remains uncertain.OPPO used to churn out both affordable and premium smartphones over the last several years, the most recent of which is the Find X5 series. But it's now making inroads into a relatively new market for the company.The firm unveiled its first Android tablet, the OPPO Pad, which will go on sale in China on March 3 at a starting price of CNY 2,299 (approximately $364) for the base model and CNY 2,999 (roughly $474) for the higher-end variant (via GSMArena).The new device is OPPO's first Android tablet with some premium specs, making it a solid contender for the best Android tablets around. For instance, ...

The Nubia Z40 Pro is the third Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-powered phone that ZTE has announced this month.What you need to knowZTE has announced a new Android flagship powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip.The new Nubia Z40 Pro comes with a 64MP Sony IMX787 primary sensor featuring a 35mm equivalent lens. There's also a "Gravity Edition" of the Z40 Pro with 66W wired and 15W magnetic wireless charging. Chinese smartphone maker ZTE unveiled its first Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-powered phones last week, the Nubia RedMagic 7 and RedMagic 7 Pro. The company has now announced another flagship phone powered by the 4nm Qualcomm chip, dubbed Nubia Z40 Pro.As you can tell from the image above, the Z40 Pro isn't targeted at gamers. It is more of a Galaxy S22+ rival with an impressive camera setup and innovative charging tech. The phone sports a 6.67-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Nubia has paired the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset on the Z40 Pro with up to 16G...

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra takes all the best features of Galaxy devices to date and elevates them to another level. If you want this glorious titan to last you a long time (while showing some skin), dress it up in the best Galaxy S22 Ultra clear cases. Our top picks up the ante, bringing you durability, added grip, and some serious eye candy.All-rounderCaseology Skyfall Clear CaseStaff PickCaseology's Skyfall Clear Case ticks all the right boxes for the ultimate Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra clear cover. It has reinforced corners, drop protection, and textured sides to add grip. The raised edges around the camera bump strengthen your S22 Ultra's military-grade defenses.$16 at AmazonA sprinkle of magicOtterbox Symmetry Clear Series - StardustTired of the vanilla transparent covers for your Galaxy S22 Ultra? Grab this pretty little case from the Otterbox Symmetry Clear Series in Stardust. It may look cute, but it's tough enough to withstand many drops. And it'll...

Keep your information safe and secure.Online privacy and security has been a hot subject for years now, even more so with recent concerns that some companies are tracking our data and spying on us. That's where encryption comes in. No matter if you're using the best Android phones or not, you want to make sure that your information is safe. Facebook has enabled end-to-end encryption for group chats on its Messenger app for Android. Here's how you can easily enable it to keep your conversations away from prying eyes.How to encrypt your chats on Facebook MessengerOpen up the Facebook Messenger app. Create a new group chat by selecting the pencil icon in the upper right.Toggle the lock symbol in the upper right on. (This will encrypt the chat).Select Create a group chat.Select who you want to be in the chat. Name the chat.Select Create. What is end-to-end encryption?Encryption can be a bit complicated, but at its core it means that third-parties cannot see encrypte...

Xiaomi is likely to bring the global variants of the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Note 11 Pro 5G to India.What you need to knowXiaomi has announced that the Redmi Note 11 Pro phones will launch in India on March 9.Both phones are expected to come equipped with a 108MP main camera. Xiaomi has already launched the vanilla Note 11 and Note 11S models in the country. Earlier this month, Xiaomi launched its Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S phones in India. The company has now revealed that the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Note 11 Pro 5G will make their debut in the country on March 9.Xiaomi's official teaser for the upcoming Redmi Note 11 Pro launch event confirms both phones will feature a 108MP main camera and 120Hz displays. While the rest of the specs of the Indian variants are yet to be confirmed, we expect the phones to be identical to the global variants announced by Xiaomi late last month.The global Redmi Note 11 Pro has MediaTek's Helio G96 chipset under the hood, paired with up to 8GB...

What you need to knowGarmin has registered a patent for solar charging display modules for smartwatches.The display could potentially be used in OLED displays while extending battery life between charges.Many Garmin smartwatches feature solar charging displays, but they are not OLED.Garmin makes some of the best Android smartwatches on the market, particularly for fitness enthusiasts. Still, it seems the company wants to improve the battery life of its premium smartwatches like the Garmin Venu series. Garmin has registered a new patent that could do just that by giving them a new type of OLED display.The patent (via TechRadar) described "energy-collecting display modules" that would be placed among the subpixels of a smartwatch's display. This would differ from the current method that Garmin uses for its Power Glass displays on watches such as the fēnix and Instinct series, with the photovoltaic layer placed between the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display and the glass cover....

The basic tier would essentially replace PlayStation Plus as it exists right now.What you need to knowBack in December 2021, we learned that Sony is possibly planning a new game subscription service, codenamed Spartacus.A new report indicates that Spartacus will have three tiers, with $10, $13 and $16 monthly options.The basic tier is stated to replace PlayStation Plus, while the most expensive tier adds in game trials, streaming and classic games. Sony's upcoming rumored "Spartacus" gaming service could have three subscription tiers, with the most expensive option capping out at $16 per month.According to a new report from GamesBeat's Jeff Grubb, Sony is in fact planning for Spartacus to have three tiers, in line with prior reports. The first tier would be $10 a month and essentially replace PlayStation Plus, offering free monthly games and discounts.The second tier would be $13 a month and throws in a catalogue of games. Finally, at $16 a month, the third and final ti...

Get 'em while they're hot!What you need to knowSamsung says preorders of the Galaxy S22 series more than doubled compared to the Galaxy S21.The Galaxy Tab S8 also saw impressive preorder numbers, led by the Tab S8 Ultra.Samsung highlights launch deals for its latest devices, which officially go on sale on February 25.Samsung's latest smartphones are a hit, and they haven't even officially launched yet. Samsung announced on Thursday that the Galaxy S22 series saw impressive preorder numbers, as did the new GalaxtyTab S8 series, just ahead of the official launch on Friday.Preorders for the Galaxy S22 series "more than doubled" compared to the Galaxy S21 series. This was led by the impressive Galaxy S22 Ultra, which acts as the spiritual successor to the Note series thanks to the inclusion of the S Pen. According to Samsung, the Ultra saw 60% of S22 sales. That said, the Galaxy S22 Plus remains our favorite.The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra also sold out worldwide and drove nearly...

It's the first major revamp to its mobile app in almost two years.What you need to knowReddit announced a new overhaul to its mobile app called Discover.The new Discover tab will coexist with the r/all entry point for finding new content and communities.The service also introduced a new navigation system that lets users quickly access their communities and profile in the app.Reddit has a reputation for being the front page of the internet, but exploring content and communities on the platform hasn't always been a smooth experience. The website seems to recognize this, and today it announced a couple of new features meant to keep you longer on the platform.The headline new feature is the Discover tab, which is akin to Instagram's Explore page. It's rolling out to the Reddit app on the best Android phones and iOS devices, and it's the first redesign to the Reddit app in nearly two years.Discover is a new navigation system designed to make it easier for redditors to sear...

They've been available in India for some time now.What you need to knowCategories on Google Messages are reportedly arriving for users outside India.The feature first appeared in mid-2021 and uses machine learning to sort messages based on the sender and message contents.This also allows users to auto-delete OTP codes after 24 hours.The categories were recently shown off by Google following the Galaxy S22 Ultra launch.Google Messages appears to be rolling out with a couple of helpful "new" features, according to some users who have spotted message categories on their Android phones.The features aren't exactly "new" perse, but it has been exclusive to India since mid-2021. However, 9to5Google notes that it has begun to appear in more parts of the world, signaling the first expansion of the feature.Those that are receiving the feature are met with an introductory popup explaining how messages are sorted based on the sender and message content, noting that the informati...

Last week's Pixel 6 and 6 Pro update is blocking users from downloading the Android 12L beta.What you need to knowPixel 6 and 6 Pro devices can't download the Android 12L beta after installing last week's software update.Google will release a fourth Android 12L beta in March to resolve the Pixel 6 exclusions.Android 12L is slated for an early 2022 official release.Google rolled out a new software patch to its Pixel 6 and 6 Pro last week, and owners of fully-updated devices are reporting issues enrolling in the latest Android 12L beta. However, in March, Google plans to address the affected devices in another Android 12L update.A small, unexpected software update landed last week for Pixel 6 devices gave few details aside from fixing critical bugs and improving the performance and stability of the device. It appears that part of the update disabled Pixel 6 devices from being enrolled into the Android 12L beta if they weren't already.First seen on 9to5Google, full-updated...

The Oculus Quest 2 may be a mobile headset, but it's actually dangerous to take it on the go without protection. Carry it in a backpack, and stray junk like a pencil could scratch the unprotected lenses and ruin them. Even if you only keep it at home, sunlight permanently damages the lenses, so you'll need to keep it enclosed when not in use. Oculus sells a Carrying Case with plenty of capacity for your Elite Strap and accessories; or, if you want something more travel-sized or hard-shelled, we've chosen the other best Oculus Quest 2 cases to consider.Best overall: Oculus Quest 2 Official Carrying CaseIt's no coincidence that the official case leads the pack. While most cases are designed for the original Quest, this one was made with the slightly smaller Quest 2 in mind. Thanks to its compact, stylish design, the Official Quest 2 carrying case is ideal.It'll easily keep all your accessories secure in most situations, and there's room for everything here. Tuck away your heads...

Best answer: Samsung Knox is a multi-layer security platform built into Android on Samsung devices, including software and hardware isolation for sensitive data.What is Samsung Knox?Samsung Knox is a layer, or rather several layers, of security protection included in the software of many Samsung phones. Some high-end Galaxy devices even have hardware isolation for even greater security. These layers help protect your data from exploits by isolating your data and reducing the effectiveness of exploits. This means that an exploit in one app doesn't allow access to the rest of your phone.Samsung Knox is built into the software of most Samsung devices that release using Android, so if you have a Samsung from the past couple of years, there's a good chance you benefit from these protections. Some of the best budget phones you can buy are Samsung Galaxy A series phones like the Galaxy A52, and they come with Knox.For the most part, Samsung Knox protects things like passwords, biome...

There are a variety of reasons that someone might want to add smart devices to their homes. It could be a convenience factor, to automate non-smart appliances, or perhaps for safety reasons. Unfortunately, one consideration that some may not see is home much using smart devices can positively or negatively impact your home's energy usage. Thanks to Amazon, you can easily monitor your smart device's energy impact if you know how to access the Alexa energy dashboard.How to access your Alexa Energy DashboardAmazon has implemented a way for the best Alexa speakers to help you see how much energy your smart devices are using. This feature is part of the company's Climate Pledge Friendly program, which is a larger effort to help the environment. Now, let's get you set up to check out how much energy your smart home uses.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on Devices at the bottom of the screen.Select Energy Dashboard towards the top of the page.You'll see usage for all the con...

Simple can be betterFitbit Inspire 2$80 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingOne year of Fitbit PremiumAutomatic exercise recognitionUp to 10 days of battery lifeConsLacks color AMOLEDNo extra perksWant to keep things simple but efficient? The Fitbit Inspire 2 might be right up your alley. This fitness tracker might be small and unassuming, but it's mighty powerful with tons of activity/health tracking perks. You'll get nearly two weeks of battery life out of it, too.A closer lookAmazon Halo View$80 at AmazonProsHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingMovement HealthAMOLED displayA week of battery lifeConsNo GPS optionsNo extra perksSubscription required for many featuresAre you seeking a fitness tracker that takes a different route? The Amazon Halo View fits that description. It offers basic activity/health tracking, but it also zooms in on details you may not have thought about such as body compositi...

The Google Play Console listing only shows a 6GB variant.What you need to knowThe key specs and design of the upcoming Galaxy A53 5G have appeared on Google Play Console.Samsung's next mid-range phone could be powered by an Exynos 1200 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM.That said, previous rumors claimed an 8GB variant is also in the cards.Samsung's upcoming successor to the Galaxy A52 5G could be making its debut soon. The Galaxy A53 5G has popped up in a Google Play Console listing, revealing its key specs and design (via MySmartPrice).The phone will apparently be powered by an Exynos 1200 chipset, corroborating previous leaks and rumors. Interestingly, the listing only shows a model with 6GB of RAM. However, it's unlikely that this will be the phone's only memory configuration when it becomes available. Recent rumors previously suggested an 8GB variant was in the works as well.This isn't the first time we've heard about this device, as previous rumors have shed light on ...

While there is no shortage of standout features on the Samsung Galaxy S21, perhaps the one that stands out the most in this flagship from an aesthetic perspective, which is literally in your face all the time, is its stunning 6.2-inch screen. But even though the S21's display has a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on top, you should still consider getting one of the best Samsung Galaxy S21 screen protectors for maximum protection against falls, dings, and scratches. Here are some of the best options available out there.Durable and dependableZAGG InvisibleShield GlassFusion+ D30 Screen Protector for Galaxy S21Staff PickThe GlassFusion+ is a hybrid glass solution that protects the screen of your Samsung Galaxy S21 with military strength protection that is nearly unbreakable. It looks and feels like just the glass on the display while also ensuring clear visuals and proper fingerprint sensor sensitivity.$37 at AmazonEasy applicationSupershieldz Tempered Glass ...

Set to drop on March 17, the update will introduce new weapons and quality of life upgrades.What you need to knowThis will update the game to version 1.3.The update will introduce three new weapons, new quality of life upgrades, and bug fixes.All new content will be immediately available to players who've already completed the game.Schell Games revealed a free content update for Until You Fall that's set to introduce bug fixes and quality of life upgrades alongside new weapons for the game. Currently slated to release for all platforms where you can buy Until You Fall, this will be the first new content update the game since version 1.1 launched in October 2020.The three new one-handed weapons coming to the acclaimed VR hack-and-slash include the Cold Iron Greataxe, Captain's Warhammer, and Fate's End. These three new weapons will be unlockable as players progress through the story. Players who've already beaten the game will be able to forge them right away, however....

Best answer: Yes, you can play Stadia games on Google TV. There's a limited list of hardware that officially supports Stadia through Google TV. Still, any device that can run Google TV will play Stadia games in some capacity.Official Google TV devicesIf you've ever asked yourself: Can I play Stadia on Google TV? It's important to note when Google Stadia first launched in November 2019, users could stream games directly to their PC, television, and some mobile devices through the cloud. However, during that time, the only way to play Stadia games through the television was through the company's own Chromecast Ultra device with a Stadia controller.But times change. Google announced in mid-2021 it was extending Stadia support to more existing hardware. The list of officially supported Android TV and Google TV devices includes the following:Chromecast with Google TVDirecTV Stream DeviceHisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)MagentaTV OneNokia Streaming Box 8000Nvidia Shie...

Phones, tablets, TVs, browsers, and other devices that support Stadia.Finding a complete list of Stadia devices can be tricky. Most of the best Android phones support it by default, or you can hook up one of several streaming devices to your TV for a more traditional gaming experience. However, it is not always clear which Stadia-enabled hardware is officially supported or not. Below are all the Stadia-compatible phones, tablets, computers, and TVs today, as well as the devices that have planned Stadia support in the future.Jump to:Officially supported Android phonesUnofficial Android phonesStadia tablet supportStadia on iOSStadia on TVBest way to playAll Stadia-compatible Android phonesSo long as your Android phone is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or better — and if it isn't, you really should upgrade already — Stadia should technically run on it. If you want it to run Stadia well, Google has a list of officially supported devices that should play Stadia g...