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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...

The best MVNO carriers work fast to offer a great value with solid coverage in a very competitive market by leveraging the network of one of the major carriers. This setup can lead to a wider range of plans and keep you out of a contract if you don't want to be tied to any carrier. It can also be a good way to try out a new network without spending too much money or time moving numbers over. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overall MVNO offering great data options and plenty of ways to save money with multiple lines.Best overall: Metro by T-MobileMetro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and uses the T-Mobile LTE and 5G network. Years ago, this would have been a reason to pass on the carrier, but T-Mobile's network has become one of the strongest networks in populated areas in recent times. The network has continued to gain ground in rural areas thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum for LTE and 5G. Even with all of the improvements, you should check the coverage map to ensure you're covered....

If you're planning on getting the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S22 flagships, we also suggest pairing them up with the right accessories, with a charger being one of them. You can get up to 45W charging speeds on the Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra — and up to 25W on the S22 — but only if you use a charger that supports both Power Delivery (PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS) technologies. That said, here are some of the best Galaxy S22 chargers that'll ensure you get the best experience out of your new smartphone(s).Straight from SamsungSamsung 45W USB-C Super Fast Charging Wall Charger With CableStaff PickSamsung may not be shipping a charger in the box anymore, but that's okay because it'd most likely be a 25W adapter anyway, and your Galaxy S22+ or S22 Ultra deserve the full 45W of Samsung's Super Fast Charging speeds. You also get a USB-C to USB-C cable as part of the package.$49 at AmazonSmall yet powerfulAnker Nano II 45W Fast Charger - Foldable charger...

Massive phone, tiny pen.I've loved the Galaxy Note series since its inception, but I haven't personally owned a Galaxy Note phone since the Note 9. At the time, I thought it was the most perfect phone imaginable, complete with the best S Pen experience Samsung ever delivered. But, just a year or so later, I realized I didn't use the S Pen as much as I used to and opted to swap the Note 9 out for a Pixel 4 XL.Fast-forward a few years and I had a new reason to care about the S Pen again: the Galaxy Z Fold 3.While the S Pen wasn't nestled inside the foldable body of the Z Fold 3, I didn't mind so much because, to me, the trade-off was worth it. This S Pen was big and comfortable to hold. It was solid and felt like a proper pen in all the right ways. It didn't cramp my hand after a few minutes.I had forgotten how big a difference there was between S Pens until I laid my hands on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The first non-Note-named Galaxy Note-sequel looks and feels nearly identical to ...

Even though the main Marvel storyline has ended, that doesn't mean that future pop culture movies won't arrive that you can't see opening night but don't want spoiled for you. Telegram recently added an extremely convenient feature that allows you (and more importantly, others) to use Spoiler formatting when sending a message. It's quite a bit easier than you might expect to enable, and we're going to walk you through how to use it.How to use Spoiler formatting in Telegram to avoid ruining surprises in your chatsOpen the Telegram app on your phone.Select (or create) a chat. Type out the message that you want to send.Long press on the text in the message box.Highlight the text in the app that you want to format.Select Spoiler from the list.Send the message.If you see the selected text blurred out, it will confirm that you appropriately applied the spoiler formatting in Telegram. The blurring will remain indefinitely after you send the message; anyone who wants to see...

Amazon's most expensive ad-streaming device gets a beefy upgrade.Here's the thing when it comes to the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: it's easily one of the best streaming devices. But it has a major catch. I'm tipping my hand a bit here, but using the Fire TV Stick 4K Max has made me re-think my streaming home solutions entirely — though not for the reasons you might be thinking of.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max review:Price and availabilityWhat you'll like What you won't likeThe competitionShould you buy?Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Bottom line: This is the most powerful Fire TV Stick that Amazon has ever released, but there's one major caveat to be aware of: the endless ads.The GoodHandles anything you want to stream.All of the best video streaming apps are easily accessible. Game streaming is even possibl...

New customers get a free month when they renew their 3-month Mint Mobile plan.Mint Mobile has been making a name for itself with clever advertising and promotions but when it comes down to it, the carrier offers a good value with an easy-to-understand discount structure. Mint Mobile offers reduced rates for those that are willing to buy up to a year of service upfront with the minimum amount being three months. Luckily for new customers, you can get the reduced 12-month rate for their first three months and until March 1, 2021, if they renew, they will get a month for free. The discount of $30, the value of one month of the unlimited plan for 12 months, will be applied to the renewal. The code buy3get1 will be added to your cart when you follow this link, or you can put it in manually.This discount can be applied to any plan so if you don't need unlimited data, you can start with one of Mint's other plans. Mint Mobile has four plans available with 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, or unlimited data...

YouTube is also looking at new ways to catch misinformation before it goes viral.What you need to knowYouTube is considering new measures to deal with misinformation.The video-sharing platform plans to disable the share button or "break the link" on videos that it limits in recommendations. Users may also soon see an interstitial before they watch a "borderline video." YouTube is looking at new ways to tackle the misinformation challenge on its platform. As misinformation continues to spread widely, YouTube is looking at new ways to tackle the problem while preserving free expression on its platform.To catch new misinformation before it goes viral, YouTube is considering additional types of labels that will be added to a video or atop search results for major news events. These labels will warn viewers that there's a "lack of high-quality information."YouTube is also continuing to train its systems on new data by leveraging a more targeted mix of classifiers as well as ...

Best answer: The Samsung Galaxy S22 series smartphones will receive Android software updates for up to four years. This means the phones, including the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra (among other models), will be updated through to the Android 16/One UI 8.The S22 is comingThe upcoming Samsung Galaxy S22 is the company's most powerful smartphone series yet, including the S22, the S22+, and the flagship model, the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It might end up being one of the best Android phones to date. All three offer improvements on everything from the chipset to the cameras, and the overall look features a glass and metal frame.The coolest aesthetic addition is the slot for storing the S Pen in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. These phones are even coming in at around the same price as the previous generation Galaxy S21 phones once they are officially available on February 25, 2022. With all that new launching with this series, how long does Samsung plan to actively keep these smartp...

Keep the important conversations on top.What you need to knowTwitter rolls out Pinned Conversations across the platform.iPhone users can swipe to pin DMs, while Android users press and hold to access the option.The feature was previously available for Twitter Blue subscribers.Pinned Conversations are available across mobile devices and the web.Twitter DMs are getting another upgrade, now with the ability to pin direct messages to the top of your inbox. Twitter announced the feature on Thursday in a tweet that shows off the functionality on iPhones, where users can swipe on an individual conversation to access the option.You can pin up to six conversations, which will be sectioned off from the rest.Keep your fave DM convos easily accessible by pinning them! You can now pin up to six conversations that will stay at the top of your DM inbox.Available on Android, iOS, and web. pic.twitter.com/kIjlzf9XLJ— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) February 17, 2022Meanwhile, t...

Eric Schmidt criticizes 5G speeds and availability in the U.S.What you need to knowGoogle's former CEO complains that China is ahead of the U.S. when it comes to 5G speeds and investment.He notes how 5G speeds are often slower than 4G for Verizon and AT&T, pointing out the lack of mid-band spectrum.The article calls for a stronger push from Washington, which has invested much less in 5G than China.Carriers, chipmakers, and smartphone OEMs have all hailed 5G as a huge leap, giving us access to unprecedented speeds and lower latency to unlock new use cases and possibilities. However, former Google CEO, Eric Schmidt, and Harvard professor Graham Allison argue that this has been far from the case, at least in the U.S., where 5G has fallen behind.In an article penned for The Wall Street Journal, both Schmidt and Allison note how 5G speeds are often slower than 4G in many of the largest cities in the U.S., citing a speed test performed by PCMag in August 2021. The test foun...

Google is bringing a second software update to the Pixel 6 in February.What you need to knowOwners of Pixel 6 devices are seeing a small system update today in the 10MB range.This update is the second system patch in the month of February for Pixel 6 phones.Google issued a mid-November patch targetting the fingerprint scanner.Since the first model launched, Google's Pixel phones have been some of the best Android phones, thanks in part to the fact that these phones stay up to date with regular software patches. However, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro's update cadence has often been a bit different than the rest, and that continues with a second February update rolling out today.First popping up on 9to5Google, we are starting to see more instances of Pixel 6 owners get the update, along with members of the Android Central team. It's unclear what this patch is fixing or introducing, as it is a small OTA to Android 12 at around 10MB. We have reached out to Google to clarify the rea...

The Meta Quest 2 fabric strap has more cons than pros. It's easy to slide on and off, but it absorbs sweat and germs and does nothing to counterbalance the front-heavy design or add cushioning. You can buy the official Elite Strap, but it's a bit pricey and has had plenty of issues with durability. Thankfully, a few third-party straps offer a much more "elite" alternative. Whether you're looking for more cushioning, a more secure fit, better weight distribution, or other improvements, these are the best Quest 2 straps available.Best overall: KIWI Quest 2 elite strapKIWI's Quest 2 elite strap takes some design cues from the failed official Elite Strap from Oculus and improves them in meaningful ways. First off, the construction of KIWI's elite strap is much sturdier than the one from Oculus. In addition, the plastic is thicker without feeling heavier, and the strap itself is quite a bit thicker. The official Elite strap had durability issues, while KIWI built its strap to with...

The Google Pixel 5a packs a big battery into a very familiar design, and while it might look a little boring on its own, that's what cases are for: protecting your phone and making it look even better! The limited release of the Google Pixel 5a had me concerned we wouldn't see many big-name, high-quality cases, but those fears were unfounded. We've got the best Pixel 5a cases right here to help you protect your new phone, whatever your tastes prefer.Sage colors, serene patternsCaseology Parallax Google Pixel 5a Case (2021)Staff PickSince the Pixel 5a lacks color options, Caseology has given us the best of the Pixel 5's colors along with its tried and true favorites. The Parallax features a fun cubist pattern that adds grip and style across the back. The bumper has a new ultra-textured section, but some might find it abrasive.$16 at Amazon $16 at WalmartGrippy and understatedSpigen Liquid Air ArmorIf you want grip without a case that glows like a rave, Spigen's Liq...

Meet Google's new typeface with a minimal design that's optimized for readability at any point size.What you need to knowGoogle has announced a new typeface that should make reading texts online a bit easier on the eyes.The new Roboto Serif is designed to provide a comfortable reading experience across various screen sizes and print.It is available to download and use for free, joining four other fonts in the Roboto lineup.A lot has changed since the early days of the internet when there were only a few typefaces designed to help make reading texts on low-resolution screens easier on the eyes. Back in 1996, people used to spend less than 30 minutes a month browsing the web, according to a researcher.These days, however, we spend an average of seven hours per day online, according to a more recent study. To provide an ideal reading experience for longer periods, Google announced on Thursday a new typeface that it says makes reading online "more comfortable."Commercial Ty...

All-screen mobile gaming experience.What you need to knowThe new RedMagic 7 series launches in China, with the global version coming "soon."The RedMagic 7 series features Under-Display Cameras with up to 165Hz display refresh rate and 960Hz touch sampling rate.The charging speed has been increased to 135W to top off the 5,000mAh battery on the Pro variant.Nubia has managed to top itself again with the launch of the RedMagic 7 series, outfitting its latest gaming smartphones with some serious horsepower.The "standard" RedMagic 7 features a 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 165Hz and a touch sampling rate of 720Hz for ultra-fast reaction times while gaming. There are also two shoulder triggers to enhance your gaming with custom actions.The RedMagic 7 Pro has the same display size but with a slower 120Hz refresh rate. However, the tradeoff is a faster 960Hz touch sampling rate. The Pro also comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery with a whipping 135W charg...

HBO Max is one of the best, most eclectic streaming services on the market right now. In addition to hosting a variety of exclusive WarnerMedia blockbusters, the platform boasts several original series — including Succession and The Gilded Age. While HBO Max no longer offers a free trial, if you sign up for an account and later decide the service isn't the right for you, it's also pretty easy to cancel. With that in mind, here's how to cancel HBO Max.How to cancel HBO Max on your computerIf you subscribe to HBO Max directly through the platform, one of the easiest ways to cancel your account is on your computer. Here's how to cancel HBO Max via web browser.Go to the HBO Max website and Sign in to your account.Select your Profile.On your profile homepage, click your profile icon in the upper right corner. Scroll down and select Subscription. Next, you should be given the option to Manage Subscription and Cancel Subscription. If you pay for HBO Max through a third-p...

Horizon's world is a bit complicated, but we're here to break it down.Before you dive into the Forbidden West, you might want to familiarize yourself with the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. To start, here's the premise: Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in the 31st century where humanity has regressed to living in tribes with little knowledge of technology. This is due to a technological plague in the 21st century that wiped everybody out and leaving no way for future generations to learn from their mistakes. Machines, meant to rebuild the biosphere after extinction, still roam the lands.Though Horizon Forbidden West does a great job at recapping the events of the first game, there's a lot to its lore that players might miss out on if they skipped Zero Dawn or just don't remember the details. Still, not everyone has the time to pick up a 20+ hour action-RPG ahead of its sequel, so we'll walk you through all of the important terms and events that you'll need to know.This article will c...

Your phone needs RAM to operate, but why? And how much?640K of memory should be enough for anybody. Most people have heard about this quote (oddly enough, Bill Gates probably never even said it) because it's used as a testament to one thing: more memory is always better. But how much do you need on your Android phone in 2022?You can buy a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with up to 12GB of RAM, and the best Android phones can come with even more. That's almost as much as many gaming PCs and about 6 GB more than many other phones. This has a lot of folks scratching their heads and asking why in the world do you need 12GB of RAM, and does that mean my phone needs more?Seeing 6 or more GB of RAM inside a phone, even a budget phone, is fairly common. Let's talk about what RAM is, how your phone uses RAM, and why a phone would have so much more of it than what's "necessary."What is RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term digital storage. Computers (and yes, your phone is a computer)...

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 has been pushing its pedigree in the audio space, particularly with its growing line of earbuds as complementary pieces to its mobile devices. The Galaxy Buds Pro stand out as the best Samsung earbuds you can buy right now, but if your ears are looking for something else, there are other options to think about.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Buds ProThe Galaxy Buds Pro are a combination of past features, with new tweaks sprinkled in, to create the best wireless earbuds from the company to date. It took a while for Samsung to get to this level of performance, and there are several reasons why it worked out this time. The design is very much in line with the Galaxy Buds and Buds+, only the slightly larger frame means the fit won't be quite as nestled and snug right off the bat. They're small, lightweight, and the matte finish on the inside makes them easier to grip. The IPX7 rating also makes these earbuds the most rugged Samsung has made for water and sweat resistance.The...

Make music with instruments like the "Oorgan" and the "Wharp."What you need to knowVirtuoso is a music creation sandbox game with tools and instruments used from within virtual reality.Originally launched in 2020 as a Quest Lab App.Now coming to the official Quest Store and SteamVR headsets on March 10, 2022.Publisher Fast Travel Games announced today that the musical creation virtual reality title Virtuoso will be releasing for Quest and SteamVR headsets on March 10. The game allows players to create full music tracks entirely in VR.Virtuoso contains six instruments made to work in VR: Board, Clustr, Empads, Oorgan, Wavemin, and Wharp. Players can use a virtual microphone to record their singing, rapping, or beat-boxing along to the beat. Quick loops can be made with the Looper tool alongside other features to help stay in time and pitch like Tempo Sync and preset scales. It also includes an interactive tutorial, and tracks can be saved and shared with the Virtuoso commu...

If you're captivated by the market's most stylish fitness tracker, make sure you find the best Fitbit Luxe band for your needs. Whether you're headed outdoors, to the gym, or have a formal event to attend, there are many options. The Fitbit Luxe is one of the latest trackers from the company, so it has a lot to offer in terms of features and fashion. We've rounded up some of the best options for you to explore!Endless optionsMaledan Silicone Fitbit Luxe Band (6-pack)Staff PickIf you like having plenty of options to choose from, this six-pack of bands might be just what you need. You can't beat the value, but more importantly, these bands are designed for superior comfort. The silicone material is durable and stain-resistant, so it can withstand daily workouts. The sturdy buckle & fail-safe loops keep your tracker secure.$16 at AmazonClassic comfortFitbit Luxe Classic BandIf you're like most people and you plan to use your wearable for fitness tracking, y...

Thinking about joining Verizon's 5G network? Here's everything you should know to make your decision.Verizon's 5G network has continued to grow and evolve since its introduction, starting with a very fast mmWave network before moving on to a slower, but much more practical, low-band nationwide solution. Its mmWave network could produce download speeds over 1Gbps though coverage was very lacking, often requiring a direct line of sight to the mast to stay connected. In October of 2020, Verizon launched its nationwide 5G network and worked fast to close the gap to AT&T and T-Mobile, both of which launched nationwide 5G networks in late 2019. This network delivered speeds more in line with the LTE network with which it shares spectrum.In January 2022, Verizon finally got its C-band network off the ground following multiple delays caused by the airline industry. Advertised as Ultra Wideband, a name previously used to represent its mmWave 5G, Verizon's C-band network is set to deli...

The bill will hold social media platforms legally accountable for keeping children from online harm.What you need to knowThe Senate has introduced a bipartisan bill to improve child safety online.The Kids Online Safety Act will give children more control over their social media information as well as the ability to turn off "addictive product features."It also seeks to hold social media platforms accountable for the online safety of minors.A bombshell report last year shed light on the toxic effects social media sites have on teens, prompting some Senators to look into those platforms' insufficient efforts to protect children from harm. On Wednesday, after five subcommittee hearings, the Senate introduced the Kids Online Safety Act.Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn have proposed a new bill that addresses various online threats to children and provides additional safeguards for minor users. It essentially gives users under the age of 16 more control over the...

What is Ghostwire: Tokyo? There are a lot of unknowns, but it looks to be mysterious and creepy in all the best ways possible.At Bethesda's E3 2019 press conference, they showed off two entirely brand new IPs — one of which was called Ghostwire: Tokyo. Creative director Ikumi Nakamura took the stage with a level of confidence, enthusiasm, and sincerity that immediately charmed the audience and deeply contrasted with the level of creepiness and dark aesthetic of the trailer she led into. Whatever Ghostwire: Tokyo is exactly, the concepts for it presented in a CGI video look incredible.Since then, more has been revealed, with some significant footage shown since Sony's June 2020 PS5 showcase, the Future of Gaming. Nakamura is no longer on the project; Kenji Kimura is now director, and this game is a timed console exclusive. Here's what we now know about Ghostwire: Tokyo.Jump to:What is Ghostwire: Tokyo?What is the story?Check out the trailersWhat's the gameplay like?Yo...

Better cameras, battery, and charging are high on our list.When Samsung came out the gate with a large-screened foldable in 2019, Motorola decided to tackle the new form-factor by going back to its roots with the Motorola Razr (2019). It was a visually impressive smartphone that ticked the right nostalgia box, but it was far from perfect. Motorola made some notable improvements with the Razr 5G in 2020 but unfortunately still fell short and failed to compete with Samsung. Now, we look to the Razr 3 to see just how Motorola plans to counter Samsung's foldable assault.Motorola skipped out on launching a new foldable in 2021, but we expect the company to make a comeback for 2022 to challenge some of the best foldable phones from Samsung. There have already been some rumors, and the company has teased a little bit about what we might expect. That said, there's still a lot we don't know, and now that foldables are on their way to becoming more mainstream, here's what we want to see fr...

So you've already picked up the best Raspberry Pi kit, but you want to be able to actually see things, so you'll need to find the best Raspberry Pi screen. Then, of course, you'll need to find a display to use, regardless of whether you grabbed the Raspberry Pi 4 or even the Raspberry Pi 400. So we've rounded up the best options to give your mini computer a display worth using.Super low powerGeeekPi 7 Inch 1024x600 Capacitive Touch Screen - HDMI Monitor DIY Kit for Raspberry PiStaff PickThis 7-inch capacitive display has a 1024x600 resolution and connects via HDMI. It also only requires 500mAh of power for its backlight. There are two additional USB ports for you to take advantage of and expand and extend. Plus, you won't have to worry about meddling around with any display drivers and can just plug and play this GeeekPi monitor with your Raspberry Pi.$60 at AmazonUltimate flexibilityASUS VP28UQG 28" Monitor 4K/UHD - 3840x2160 1ms DP HDMI Adaptive Sync/FreeSync ...

The phone will go on sale in India starting next week.What you need to knowOnePlus has announced the Nord CE 2 5G.The phone features a Dimensity 900 chipset, a 64MP main camera, and 65W charging. OnePlus has also unveiled the OnePlus TV Y1S series alongside the mid-range Android phone. OnePlus has taken the wraps off its first Nord series phone of 2022, the Nord CE 2 5G. Along with the mid-range Nord phone, the company has also announced two new smart TVs aimed at the budget segment.As suggested by rumors, the "new" OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G is based on OPPO's Reno 7 SE 5G. While the two phones are quite similar from the outside, there are a few key differences on the inside.The Nord CE 2 5G features a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen featuring FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the phone has a MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.On the back of the Nord CE 2 5G is a triple-lens camera setup that i...

Chromebooks serve as excellent, lightweight, and long-lasting laptops for students and working professionals alike. HP may not be the first name to pop in your head when you think of Chromebooks. But as we've seen with the spectacular HP Chromebook X2 11 and the HP Chromebook x360 14az-cb000, these devices should definitely be on your radar. Now premium options like the HP Chromebook X2 11 would normally cost you a decent chunk of money. Thanks to an opportunistic sale commemorating Presidents' Day, you can purchase upper-tier HP Chromebooks for almost half their original prices.Take the HP Chromebook X2 11 for instance. Powered by the Snapdragon 7c compute platform, it's a powerful laptop equipped with Bang & Olufsen dual speakers, a fingerprint reader, and a beautiful 11-inch 2K touchscreen display. Normally, you'd have to pay $680 for this exquisitely built Chromebook. HP's ongoing deals, you can score one for $200 less than the retail price. It's a real bargain, bringing do...

$200 and a bit of gymnastics can get you a brand new phone.So, you're in the market for a new phone and the Samsung Galaxy S22 caught your eye. Samsung is offering three tiers of models in the Galaxy S22, but all of them have one thing in common: they're all quite expensive. $800 isn't a small amount of money to drop on anything, let alone a new phone.But that's what the Galaxy S22 costs, and the Plus and Ultra models are even more than that.But you don't have to spend that much. You really don't need to spend more than $200, and you might be able to get one for even less than that.You can get a Galaxy S22 for cheap by trading in a new phone to your carrier, not Samsung.Out with the oldWhen you preorder a Galaxy S22, both carriers and Samsung are offering discounts right off the top and are further discounting a new phone when you have an old one to trade-in.But it doesn't have to be the phone you're using right now. In fact, if you head to the Galaxy S10 page on Swap...

Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are all the rage these days, and rightfully so. However, Bluetooth headsets are less bulky for some people and focus on delivering a great hands-free phone call experience, so they might just be the better purchase. Whether home or on the go, a headset is an easy way to stay on top of your work in a distracting environment. For us, the Plantronics Voyager Legend is one of the best Bluetooth headsets around, but there are plenty of other options on this list worth considering.Best overall: Plantronics Voyager Legend (Poly)Even though wireless earbuds are the new hot ticket item, there's a surprising amount of Bluetooth headsets still kicking around in 2021. Among them all, we think the best pick for most people is the Plantronics Voyager Legend. The Voyager isn't the most premium Bluetooth headset out there, but we believe it offers the best overall experience and value.Plantronics' design for the Voyager Legend is simple and minimalistic in al...

If you work from home, you'll find online storage space is invaluable for keeping all your notes, research, and projects in one place. There's more to consider than just pricing, but how much cloud storage you get for how little is probably the first thing you want to know. The best option right now is Google Drive. You get the most space for nothing, and if you do choose to pay for more storage, its pricing and options out-pace everyone else.Best overall: Google DriveGoogle Drive starts out by giving you 15GB of cloud storage for free. With this storage, you also get access to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, which will automatically save in your online Drive folders as you work in them. To get started, you just need a Google account, which is essentially a Gmail account. You can upload and save images and files from mobile devices to your Drive storage, or access them from your cell phone or tablet at any time.If you use Google Meet for video conferencing, you can access Dr...

The Android Central Podcast has been named among Feedspot's "Best 15 Android Podcasts." Feedspot says it ranks podcasts by "traffic, social media followers, domain authority, and freshness."On the Android Central Podcast, we not only cover weekly news but also focus on new launches and share our opinions on what's happening in the world of technology. However, what sets the Android Central Podcast apart from other similar podcasts is that it's fun and geared towards everyone.This past week, the AC Podcast was focused on Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, where the company introduced its latest S series flagships and new Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets. As you'd expect, the main focus was on the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which, unlike last year's Galaxy S21 Ultra, is a Galaxy Note device in all but name.Subscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioYou can listen to the AC Podcast every week on the best music streaming services...

In 2022, accessing all the features for a smart home device shouldn't mean overloading our phones with apps.I have written about many excellent smart home devices and how I love the concept of a connected home — even though it regularly frustrates me. But, I persist in using these devices because, in the end, I do find value in them. However, I have recently found myself pausing when I come across a new product that interests me. Not because I don't see its point, but because it will mean another app, and I am so tired of all the apps.Currently, I have no fewer than 21 apps that control various smart home devices on my phone. Yes, I know it's excessive that I have that many devices. But it highlights part of the problem that comes with setting up a smart home. While there are a lot of great smart home devices for Google Home and Amazon Alexa, many of those products still require an initial set up using the manufacturer's app.Once you have made it through the setup process, ...

The one S22 model where Samsung didn't overcomplicate things.In terms of pre-release chatter, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ is the phone least likely to inspire much conversation. Below it, you have the affordable, shrunken Galaxy S22 that's the closest Samsung has come to a powerful Mini phone. Above it, you have the reincarnation of the Note lineup disguised as an Ultra flagship. Compared to those, the S22 Plus plays it safe, sticking close to what we saw in its 2021 predecessor.If the radically redesigned Galaxy S22 Ultra hasn't already tempted you, the S22+ has taken the Ultra's place as the "traditional" Galaxy phone many Samsung fans will prefer. Samsung reserved some key upgrades for the Ultra to upsell you, as it does every year, but the Plus only compromises for specs and features most people can live without.With the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a blazingly bright display, upgraded rear and front camera sensors, and the best battery life of the S22 lineup, the Galaxy S22+ easily...

You can now remove idle devices to make Google Assistant much faster.What you need to knowGoogle Assistant has received a new tweak that allows you to unlink unused devices.The most recent update will make the digital assistant much faster at responding to voice commands.Removing a certain device will also reset it to default factory settings.If you've used a lot of Google devices in the past several years, including any of the best Android phones or Nest smart displays, and linked them to Google Assistant, you may have noticed a lag in how they respond to your command. It appears that having Assistant set up on a large number of devices has an impact on its speed.Google addresses this issue with a new update that has been quietly rolled out to users over the last few months, as spotted by Mishaal Rahman. In its settings, Assistant now has a new feature that allows you to remove idle devices. The new feature is only available for Assistant-enabled devices that yo...

Start your journey right with our guidance.Horizon Forbidden West is finally here. Guerrilla Games' latest adventure sees Aloy exploring a whole new region of the former United States as she seeks to stop a mysterious blight. There's wonder and beauty around every corner, but also danger. Aloy isn't on vacation, she's facing new challenges greater than anything before. As such, we've compiled a list of tips and tricks that'll help beginners out in Horizon Forbidden West. Don't worry, we haven't included any story spoilers or things that will tarnish your experience. Instead, this is just meant to make sure you get off on the right foot.Stay on the main path for a bitWhile it's tempting to start exploring the wide world of Horizon Forbidden West immediately, this isn't actually a good idea. Large amounts of side activities and side quests are locked off until you acquire a couple of pieces of equipment through the main game. Specifically, you'll want to have the Igniter, Divin...

Just as expected, Samsung isn't bringing the Green S22 Ultra variant to India.What you need to knowSamsung has launched its Galaxy S22 series phones in India.The Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra will be available to pre-order in the country starting February 21.Samsung's latest flagship lineup starts at ₹72,999.Earlier this month, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S22 series at its first Unpacked event of 2022. The company has now formally announced the launch of the flagship trio in India. As confirmed by Samsung recently, the Indian variants of the S22 series phones are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and not the in-house developed Exynos 2200.The standard Galaxy S22 will be available in two configurations in the Indian market: 8GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB. While the 128GB version is priced at ₹72,999 (about $972), the 256GB version will retail for ₹76,999 (about $1,025).The Galaxy S22+ will also be offered in the exact same memory configurations as the ...

It's not entirely sure what we're getting, but it sounds like a lot of PC-related stuff.What you need to knowSamsung announced the date of its Galaxy event at MWC.The company teased a "new era of connected devices" related to its range of products.Samsung says it will reveal its next Galaxy Book at the event.Despite plenty of companies pulling out of in-person attendance, MWC 2022 must go on. On the heels of its Galaxy S22 launch, Samsung is giving us a taste of what we can expect from its Galaxy lineup at MWC.The company pushed out its Galaxy MWC Event invitation for "new era of connected devices," with a show animation of its range of products, including phones, foldables, smartwatches, tablets, and PCs. The teaser itself is pretty vague, but the company subsequently published another MWC teaser which provides a bit more insight into what we can expect.Hark-Sang Kim, Samsung's executive vice president and head of its New Computing R&D team, said Samsung would unv...

OPPO refines its futuristic design with the OPPO Find X5 series.What you need to knowOPPO is launching the Find X5 series on February 24.The OPPO Find X Pro will feature a ceramic back and the company's new MariSilicon imaging chip.OPPO also touts Qualcomm's latest chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.The OPPO is preparing to unveil its next-generation imaging experience with the launch of the Find X5 series on February 24. The OPPO Find X5 Pro will be headlining the launch, building on last year's impressive Find X3 Pro.The official image shows that the rear will feature a "futuristic" uniform design that encases the camera hump. OPPO says the Find X5 Pro will sport an ultra-hard "true ceramic" back to reduce fingerprints while remaining cool and smooth to the touch.As for the camera system, it will be powered by the MariSilicon X imaging chip OPPO announced in December. The company has yet to go into detail about the camera setup, but we know that the imaging chip will e...

It's now impossible to miss the button for contactless cards.What you need to knowGoogle has rolled out a minor redesign to its interface, making it easier to access NFC cards.The tweak apparently went live for a handful of users in mid-January.You'll need to update the Google Pay app to the latest version in order to get the new look.Google Pay has gained a new quality-of-life improvement that should make your NFC payment cards more visible than they were previously. The digital wallet's interface has been slightly tweaked to give the button for your contactless cards a more prominent location.According to 9to5Google, the new look has been available in the most recent version of Google Pay on the best Android phones since at least mid-January, though availability was limited at the time. It now appears to be available to a broader range of users.The tweak should make it a lot easier to access your NFC payment cards without having to dig through an easy-to-miss icon. Yo...

You know what's better than an awesome deal on an old phone? An even more awesome deal on a new phone. Saving big bucks on what may well be the best Android phone of 2022 sure is something to be pleased about. If you haven't already guessed, we're talking about the deluxe Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra here. Thanks to Verizon, you can score sweet savings on a spanking new S22 Ultra, leaving more room in your budget for the fanciest S22 Ultra cases.When Samsung introduced us to the S22 series, the Note iteration was clearly missing. The Korean smartphone maker has done away with Note phones, consolidating its most over-the-top offerings into the Ultra branding. That's why you can expect nothing but the best from the Galaxy S22 Ultra, including the fanciest new SoC from Snapdragon, an S Pen, and state-of-the-art cameras. Verizon carries all four color variants of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra that we saw at launch: Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green, and Burgundy.Should you choose to pre...

Google extends its love for widgets to your desktop.What you need to knowGoogle appears to be testing out widgets for desktop search.The widgets display information such as weather, trending news, entertainment, and more.It's unclear how widely available the new widgets are.The Google Search page on desktop appears to be getting a new feature in the form of widgets, although don't expect anything like the Discover feed on the best Android phones.9to5Google noticed the widgets appear on some of their accounts, sitting at the bottom of the Search home page. The widgets form a row and appear to cover different topics per card, such as weather, trending news, "what to watch," Covid information, and more.It appears that hovering over one will expand it to display more information, while clicking the widget will open up a results page. Below the widgets, Google displays your location, a notice that the information displayed is based on past activity, and a toggle on the far r...

After your first two months, service is $25 per month with Party Pay.Visible is a Verizon-based prepaid carrier that offers just one unlimited plan. Visible's plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data on the Verizon Wireless LTE and 5G network with unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps. For a limited time, you can get your first two months with Visible for just $22. That's $11 per month when you create a new account and bring your number with you. After that, the price increases to $40 per month, though you'll once again be able to reduce your bill to $25 per month by joining a free Visible party.Visible relies on Verizon's LTE and 5G network for coverage and does not include 3G or roaming. If you frequent areas with drops to 3G on this network, Visible might not be the best fit for you. Still, Verizon's network covers the majority of Americans so there's a good chance the service will work for you. With plenty of data for smartphones, Visible is one of the best cell phone plans you c...

High-speed home internet with just one wire.What you need to knowT-Mobile's 5G home internet service is available for 5 million homes in 62 cities, in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio with its latest service expansion.T-Mobile points out Greensburg, IN and Morgantown, KY as two cities it's covering with this update that have more than 25% of residents without access to high-speed internet.T-Mobile Home Internet costs $50 per month with no added taxes or fees, free equipment, and unlimited data.T-Mobile has expanded its home internet coverage to 5 million more homes across cities and towns in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. This has allowed T-Mobile to reach 30 million homes covered across the country leveraging its 5G coverage to deliver high-speed home internet with unlimited data. This gives underserved customers a new option for internet beyond satellite providers and limited hotspot options.With 62 new cities covered, T-Mobile is working to provide customers another option fo...

You may be waiting a little longer than you'd hoped to leave that wallet behind.What you need to knowNew evidence shows that devices launching with Android 13 will require special hardware to support mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) and digital IDs.That hardware must be able to support Identity Credential Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) at feature version 202201 or later.Google cannot mandate this change for older devices supporting Android 13, but it will require it for new devices launching with the latest OS.Ever since Android 11, Google has been building in the functionality to support digital IDs such as mobile driver's licenses (mDLs) on all of the devices running its latest mobile operating system, from budget handsets up to the best Android phones. However, now that more and more federal, state, and local governments are warming up to the idea of digital IDs — at least 30 states so far — and now that Apple has vowed to support this feature from iOS 15 onwards as...

Enjoy the rush of competition from the comfort of your living room.The PS4 has an immense catalog of great games that let you relax, visit a new world, or hang out with friends online. That includes a vast number of sports games catering to fans and competitors of every type. So whether you want to put together a dream team featuring your favorite professional athletes or play a wild, futuristic sport that will test your reflexes and situational awareness, there's a game for that. We've put together a guide to some of the best PS4 sports games available now so you can enjoy all the thrills.Some of these games even support free upgrades to the current-generation version, meaning you'll have a nice library of PS5 titles waiting whenever you get Sony's latest console. Stock remains supply-constrained but you'll have a good chance if you keep an eye on the PS5 restocks.Jump to:Rocket LeagueRider's RepublicFutureGrindBOXVReFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020Everybody's Golf...

Google's Privacy Sandbox proves it wants to have its cake and eat it too.What you need to knowGoogle announced its new Privacy Sandbox initiative, which will update Google's ad policies over the next two years.Google claims its Sandbox will limit 3rd-party user data and covert data collection while still offering targeted ads.The statement suggested that other platforms like iOS have had an "ineffective" approach by prioritizing blanket privacy at the expense of advertisers.Google recently received regulatory approval in the UK for this initiative.Just a few days after receiving UK regulatory approval for its new initiative, Google officially announced its new Privacy Sandbox for Android on Wednesday. It's a "multi-year initiative" that will "limit sharing of user data with third parties and operate without cross-app identifiers, including advertising ID."Essentially, Google wants eliminate "covert data collection" and secret ad profiles of its Android customers, while s...

If your budget for a pair of headphones allows, then something under $100 is within reach. They range from over-ear headphones to true wireless earbuds, giving you some variety to select from. For the best of the bunch, you'd have to start with the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 because of their excellent sound quality, comfort, and consistency.Best overall: Anker Soundcore Life Q30Need long battery life? With the Anker Soundcore Life Q30, you get up to 40 hours of playback while ANC is enabled, with that number going up to a ridiculous 60 hours when ANC is off. That's an impressive figure for a pair of budget headphones, and adding USB-C now makes fast charging possible. Plug in for five minutes and get four hours of playtime.That kind of long battery life makes comfort a more significant factor, and thankfully, Anker delivers there. It improved the design and materials from the previous iteration, with a nice headband with deep and wide ear cups to accommodate even the biggest ea...