by Keegan Prosser on (#5W764)
All the best movies streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all of HBO's exclusive content. It features a rotating lineup of hundreds of television series and movies from Warner Bros., DC, Studio Ghibli, and more. HBO Max also launched brand new films from WarnerMedia in 2021 without waiting for them to play in theaters first. Here are the best movies on HBO Max right now, from new drama and comedy films to the best in family-friendly franchises and documentary films.The best movies on HBO MaxJust added on HBO MaxBest drama filmsBest comedy filmsKids' & family filmsBest documentary filmsMovies and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind new releases and old favorites on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC, among other studios. Subscribe now to check out new blockbusters or your longtime faves.Just Added on HBO MaxIn addition to being the hub for...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5W765)
When the time comes to find a case for your Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, you'll have various options to sort through. We've made it easier for you by rounding up some of the best Galaxy S22 Ultra wallet and folio cases. Whether you like not having to carry a wallet around or you love a case with a kickstand, there's something here for everyone.Slim durabilityFoluu Galaxy S22 Ultra Flip Folio Wallet CaseStaff PickYou can find slim Galaxy S22 Ultra wallet and folio cases without sacrificing durability. This option from Foluu is proof of that. The case is premium PU leather material with excellent anti-scratch functionality to protect your phone from damage. The versatile design features a card slot and a built-in stand for easy viewing at any angle.$11 at AmazonProtected inside and outOCASE Galaxy S22 Ultra Wallet CaseThis option from OCASE offers maximum protection. The outer PU leather material can resist scratches and fingerprints, with a special TPU inner cas...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5W731)
Feature-packed hybridGarmin Vivomove Sport$180 at AmazonProsFun, lightweight designHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingPulse Ox & Body BatteryConnected GPSConsSmaller case sizeNot as stylish as Vivomove HRThose who want a hybrid smartwatch that's still packed with features will be drawn to the Garmin Vivomove Sport. It comes in a lightweight 40mm case that's compact yet efficient. You'll have connected GPS through your phone, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, Body Battery, and blood oxygen monitoring.Style-focused hybridGarmin Vivomove HR$221 at AmazonProsFashionable designHeart-rate monitoringActivity/sleep trackingStress monitoringLonger battery life in watch modeConsNo GPS optionsNo Pulse Ox or Body BatteryIf you're buying a hybrid smartwatch for a focus on fashion over features, you might prefer the Garmin Vivomove HR. It comes in a sturdy 43mm case with an attractive stainless steel bezel. Some o...
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by Ted Kritsonis on (#5W732)
Motorola should've pumped up the volume on these Moto Buds.As a known brand in communications, you would expect Motorola to be all over the wireless earbuds space. It's certainly tried to make headway, yet we haven't seen a pair really stand out. Why is that? What's missing? It comes down to executing on the key elements that make earbuds worth wearing and listening to.That was the challenge for the Motorola Moto Buds-S ANC, which aren't necessarily premium, but are priced at a level to compete with plenty of great options. The issue is that some important fundamentals aren't firing correctly, and it's unclear what the company can do about it. In the end, the results don't jive with the price.Motorola Moto Buds-S ANC review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceMotorola Moto Buds-S ANC ...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5W6ZQ)
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is here with outstanding camera upgrades, instant dictation/translation thanks to Google Tensor, and a curved 6.7-inch screen with a variable refresh rate. Anyone who's ever owned a curved-screen phone knows that protecting the sides of the phone is crucial to keeping it intact and alive. With that in mind, here are the best Pixel 6 Pro cases to keep your shiny new flagship safe.Slim, but secureSpigen Liquid Air Armor - Google Pixel 6 Pro case matte blackStaff PickIf you don't want to bulk up with a super-sized Pixel 6 Pro case, what you want is something slim but still thick enough to provide some impact protection and significantly add grip. The Liquid Air Armor has great textures both across the back and on the sides, which is why I recommend it over its classic Rugged Armor sibling.$16 at AmazonDesigned for dropsOtterbox Symmetry Clear SeriesThere are few that can make an ultra-protective case better than Otterbox. The Symmetry Clear Ser...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W6ZR)
The phone could make its way to global markets as the POCO F4 GT.What you need to knowXiaomi has unveiled a new value-focused gaming phone.The new Redmi K50 Gaming is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and supports 120W fast charging. Xiaomi has also introduced a special limited edition of the phone in partnership with the Mercedes AMD Petronas Formula One team. Xiaomi has finally unveiled the successor to last year's popular Redmi K40 Gaming. The new Redmi K50 Gaming isn't a huge leap over its predecessor but does offer improved performance and much faster charging.The new Redmi K50 Gaming sports a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 480Hz touch sampling rate. It runs on Qualcomm's 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and comes with a new dual vapor chamber cooling system to ensure optimum performance. As you'd expect, the flagship chip has been paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage.In the camera department...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5W6ZS)
It may not bear the Note name, but the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra carries on its spirit and its garaged S Pen. Powerful, productive, and quite pretty in its Green and Burgundy colorways, your S22 Ultra deserves the best case you can get. After all, it is one of the best Android phones on the market. Whether you want heavy-duty protection or want grip without the bulk, these Galaxy S22 Ultra cases have you covered — literally.Ruggedly handsomePoetic SpartanWhile there are many heavy-duty kickstand cases for the Samsung Galaxy S22, few look as dignified as the Poetic Spartan, with leather-textured panels and deeper blue and green backplates to better match the S22 Ultra's colorways, but fiery red and neutral greys are also available.From $28 at AmazonSlim but sturdy[U] by UAG Lucent Designed for Samsung Galaxy S22 UltraWhile there are thinner clear cases around, you should opt for something with a decent drop-protection rating for the Ultra's larger size. The Lucent k...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5W6ZT)
TP-Link has been making networking equipment for ages, and it's quite good at it. Not only that, TP-Link makes some of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers and more often than not, offers competitive specifications at great prices. Most of us want to buy a router that will last a few years and provide more than enough speed. The TP-Link Archer AX50 is one of the best options you can get with a fast AX3000 connection that can stand up to all the devices in your home with ease and supports fast 160MHz connections.Best overall: Archer AX50The TP-Link Archer AX50 is one of the best values you can get when it comes to Wi-Fi 6 routers thanks to its fast speeds and solid software offerings. The AX3000 connection breaks down to 2,402Mbps on the 5GHz band and 574Mbps at 2.4GHz. This high 5GHz speed is thanks to its support for 160MHz bands which allows high-end Wi-Fi clients like gaming PCs to connect at the full 2,402Mbps. It doesn't even go to waste with support for 2Gbps WAN with link aggregatio...
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by Courtney Lynch on (#5W6XE)
When you're a dedicated runner, having the right accessories can make or break your workout experience. With exciting new changes such as the release of Android 12, who wants to leave their phone behind? If you're searching for the best phone armband for running, we've got you covered. No matter what type of phone you have, you'll be able to find a product that offers the protection you need. While you're at it, check out our roundup of the best headphones for runners, too!Premium qualityTRIBE Water Resistant Phone ArmbandStaff PickWant an affordable armband that's made of premium-grade quality materials? This phone armband from TRIBE Fitness is the perfect solution. Its no-slip design, plus its weatherproof and water-resistant technology protects your phone from rain and sweat. There's also a reflective strip to ensure safe running at nighttime. All of these reasons make it one of the best phone armbands for running.$13 at AmazonOne size fits allTrianium Water ...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W6XF)
You'll need to grant access to Chrome's "Your device use" permission to enable the feature.What you need to knowGoogle is working on a useful new feature for Gmail.You will soon be able to pause notifications on your phone when you're using the Gmail desktop client. Google appears to have rolled out the feature only to a small number of users so far. Earlier this week, Google began rolling out a new integrated view for Gmail on the web to personal accounts. It looks like the search giant could soon release another new feature to make Gmail notifications even smarter.As reported by the folks over at 9to5Google, some Gmail users have started seeing a new option that allows them to pause notifications on their Android phones while actively using the desktop client. To enable the feature, however, users will have to allow their browser to detect if they're active or away. For now, though, it looks like Google is testing the feature with only a small number of users.If you...
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by Alex Dobie on (#5W6XG)
Good, small Android phones are a rare thing.Samsung's latest Galaxy S22 Ultra is all the rage right now, giving the Samsung faithful their first Note device in more than a year. It's crammed with high-end specs, including the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and quad-camera array boasting 10X optical zoom. It's easily one of the best Android phones you can buy, and it'll set you back a cool $1,200 when it launches later in February. But the device occupying the opposite end of the S22 spectrum is arguably just as important.Small but mightyThe smaller Galaxy S22, selling for $799, is a flagship Android phone in a small form factor, which is quite the rarity in 2022. Usually, stepping down in terms of screen size means also taking an inevitable downgrade in terms of performance. And while the base model S22 lacks some features of the Ultra, like the S Pen and extreme telephoto cameras, the core experience is unaltered: you get the same processor, smooth refresh rate...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W6SP)
The Realme 9 Pro series is the first to feature the company's new "Light Shift" design.What you need to knowRealme's 9 Pro and 9 Pro+ phones are now official.The Realme 9 Pro+ comes equipped with the same 50MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor as the company's flagship GT 2 Pro. The more affordable Realme 9 Pro features a 120Hz display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 695 chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery. Realme on February 16 took the wraps off its latest "number series" devices: the Realme 9 Pro and 9 Pro+. Both phones offer 5G connectivity and have the specs to give the best budget Android phones a run for their money.The Realme 9 Pro+ has a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and an under-screen fingerprint scanner. Under the hood, it has MediaTek's Dimensity 920 5G chipset, which has been paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.The phone's biggest selling point, however, is its impressive triple-camera system. It has a 50MP Sony IMX766 main ...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5W6QV)
Google Workspace supercharges its smart canvas platform with new productivity features.What you need to knowGoogle has announced new Smart Canvas features for Google Docs.The productivity service now lets you add a brief overview to your shared document with a content summary.Google Docs also now includes a new pageless format, which eliminates the traditional page boundaries in documents.Since releasing its Smart Canvas platform to the best laptops late last year, Google has rolled out a few helpful improvements to it such as the ability to insert various types of rich content into your document with the universal @ menu. The search giant is now pushing a handful of new updates to Smart Canvas meant to make it significantly easier to work on shared documents at the same time.Smart Canvas now includes the ability to summarize a document in Google Docs. This feature allows you to include a helpful content overview in your document to help readers quickly understand what it...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W6BM)
Samsung is doubling down on the S Pen this year.What you need to knowA report indicates the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will include a built-in S Pen slot.The report says the display will be slightly larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.The Galaxy Z Flip 4 may have a slightly larger external display.Given that we're already six months since the launch of Samsung's best foldable phones, it seems that rumors for the next generation are due. The latest includes some exciting information about the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which will follow after the Galaxy S22 Ultra in the best way possible.According to a report from The Elec, the upcoming large-screen foldable will feature a slot for Samsung's iconic S Pen, similar to the S22 Ultra and the Galaxy Note series. This would differ from the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which gained support for the S Pen but kept it as an optional accessory you would need to buy along with a case to hold it with.Given the evolution of Samsung's Ultra lineup adjacent to the Z Fold, ...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W694)
The Facebook News Feed drops a syllable.What you need to knowMeta has renamed the Facebook News Feed, which is now just "Feed."The rebrand comes after the company and its products were recently rebranded.The new "Feed" should remain functionally the same as it did before.Meta has announced via Twitter that it is renaming the "News Feed" for the first time since it was introduced to the platform in 2006. From now on, it will just be referred to as "Feed."This marks the latest name change after last year's big company rebrand from "Facebook" to "Meta," which earlier this year has expanded to the company's VR headsets like the Quest 2, dropping the well-known "Oculus" branding for "Meta." That said, this rebranding is not nearly as drastic.Starting today, our News Feed will now be known as "Feed." Happy scrolling! pic.twitter.com/T6rjO9qzFc— Facebook App (@facebookapp) February 15, 2022It's a curious change for the company to make in the following controversies aroun...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5W64Z)
Search chips are finding more places in Google's ecosystem.Update, Feb 15 (4:25 p.m. ET): Rolling out to all Workspace usersWhat you need to knowGoogle launched a new beta for Google Drive to better filter search results.The new feature works in a similar manner to Gmail's search chips.The beta release is available to all Google Workspace editions.Gmail's handy feature for narrowing down search results in order to locate certain files faster is coming to Google Drive with a new beta update.Google announced today that search chips are available on Google Drive as a beta update. As you might expect, it allows you to refine your search results when looking for specific files stored in Drive. This capability makes the search process faster, taking irrelevant results out of the equation.Search chips appear only after you've entered your initial query. Above the list of results, you can use different chips to refine your search further. Multiple chips can be used at the s...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W650)
But app selection is pretty limited for now.What you need to knowMicrosoft and Amazon launch a public preview of the Appstore on Windows 11.The preview includes a selection of more than 1000 Android apps for users to try out.Microsoft and Amazon will share "General Availability" details later this year.Keeping its promise, Microsoft has released a public preview of the Amazon Appstore on Windows 11 so users can download and use Android apps.The public preview will be fairly limited, giving users access to just over 1000 apps. That's only a fraction of the apps you can find on the Play Store. Some notable apps mentioned in the blog post include War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, Audible, and Khan Academy Kids. There's notably no mention of more popular apps like TikTok, despite the app being shown off in previous announcements.That said, you'll be able to sideload Android APKs if you prefer, which may help bridge the gap. Amazon says it's testing new apps to...
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by David Jagneaux on (#5W651)
Best answer: Google Stadia launched in 2019 as a way for players to access the games they love without needing a console or dedicated gaming PC. Since its initial launch, Stadia's modest amount of playable games continues to grow, with a ton of new titles available in the months to come and many more on the horizon.Full Google Stadia game list (new titles in bold)A Place for the UnwillingARK: Survival Evolved Assassin's Creed Odyssey Assassin's Creed OriginsAssassin's Creed SyndicateAssassin's Creed UnityAssassin's Creed ValhallaAttack on Titan 2: Final BattleAVICII InvectorBaldur's Gate III Early AccessBloodstained: Ritual of the Night Borderlands 3Cake BashCelesteChronos: Before the AshesControl Ultimate Edition Cosmic Star HeroineCraytaCthulhu Saves ChristmasCyberpunk 2077Darksiders Genesis Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition Darksiders III The Darkside Detective The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the DarkDead by DaylightDestiny 2Destroy All Humans...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5W62P)
You can only snap up the 128GB storage configuration in the country.What you need to knowGoogle has launched the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in Singapore for S$999 and S$1,299, respectively.However, there are limits to the color options that you can purchase in the country.The phones were previously released in limited memory configurations and color options in Italy and Spain.The Google Pixel 6 series originally launched in nine countries in October before being expanded to Spain and Italy earlier this month. In addition to those countries, Google's best Android phones are now available in Singapore (via Android Police).This means the devices are up for grabs in a total of 12 countries so far. It makes sense for Google to expand the regional availability of its latest flagship phones given their high market demand, with CEO Sundar Pichai recently noting that the Pixel phones had record quarterly sales in Q4 2021.Shortly after the release of the Pro model, in particular, Google h...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W62Q)
Rolling out now and over the next few days.What you need to knowNVIDIA is releasing a new update to its Shield TV devices.The update addresses storage problems and playback issues introduced alongside the Android 11 update.The 9.0.1 update should roll out over "the next few days."One of the best streaming devices has been marred with a buggy Android 11 update, but it seems NVIDIA is finally ready to address the problems thanks to a new update that's rolling out to its Shield TV devices now.NVIDIA states that Shield Experience 9.0.1 is rolling out to address issues that were introduced when the company pushed Android 11 to its Shield TV devices in January. This includes playback problems as well as issues with storage permissions and PLEX Media servers.While NVIDIA previously released hotfixes to address the problems, those required a bit more effort and were not Google certified. They also have some limitations, such as the inability to roll back from the HotFix or down...
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by Ara Wagoner on (#5W606)
The regular Google Pixel 6 was the only one to get actual color options and not just metallic shades, and we deserve to flaunt those fun colors and bold accents around that eye-catching camera bar stretching across the back. This is one of the best Android phones with half a decade of updates ahead of it, and if you want your new phone to last that long, you need to grab one of the best Pixel 6 cases you can.Come to the dark sideCaseology Parallax Protective Case Compatible with Google Pixel 6 CaseStaff PickWhile not many Pixel cases highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaps right in. So whether you're tracking rebel scum across the galaxy or lording over your domain, the Parallax will help you keep an iron grip upon your Pixel 6, thanks to the new diamond grip pads along the bumper.$15 at Amazon $15 at WalmartBe still, my blue heartBellroy Leather Case for Pixel 6We might not be getting an official fabric Pixel 6 cover this ...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5W607)
Samsung's Expert RAW app is coming to more flagship Galaxy devices from February 25.What you need to knowSamsung will roll out its Expert RAW app to more Galaxy smartphones on February 25.The app, which is currently in beta, will also transition to a stable version on that date.However, the app will only be available on Samsung's high-end flagship models.Mobile camera enthusiasts were ecstatic late last year when Samsung released an app that allowed the Galaxy S21 Ultra's telephoto lenses to be used in Pro mode. The Expert RAW app is also one of the headline features of the recently announced Galaxy S22 Ultra, and it's obviously a good thing as experts say the Galaxy S22 series' camera is targeting a group of users invested in sharing content on social media platforms.That app appears to be on its way to more Galaxy phones. The app will be available on additional Galaxy devices beginning February 25, according to a community moderator on Samsung's Korean forums page (via ...
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by Matt Shore on (#5W5XH)
With people struggling to find consoles and stock issues set to continue for some time, those that have snapped up a shiny new PS5 will want to prolong its life as much as possible. Keeping the console cool is an essential part of this. Many PS4 owners will have experienced the loud hum of aging fans towards the end of its life cycle, and while the PS5 generation is still very new, the added power and tech under the hood make cooling the internals of the console even more important. There are a range of external cooling fans available to help the PS5 in this regard, and we've gathered the best of them in one place.Best overallOIVO PS5 StandStaff PickThis all-in-one stand contains many features that can improve your gaming setup. While cooling the PS5 is its primary function, this compact OIVO stand contains a high speed Dualsense charging station for two controllers and storage space for up to 12 games. While there are other all-in-one cooling stands out there, this one t...
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by Thomas J Meyer on (#5W5XJ)
Still available on PlayStation for a very short time.What you need to knowUbisoft's Star Trek: Bridge Crew has been suddenly delisted from multiple online marketplaces.No reason or warnings were given for the removal, but is most likely due to the licensing deal expiring.The PC version has been delisted from several stores, but the PlayStation version can still be purchased and is on sale for a very limited time. Star Trek: Bridge Crew, the 2017 PC and PlayStation game based on the iconic franchise, has been suddenly delisted from several online game stores. The game allowed up to four players to command a ship together and explore space with or without a virtual reality headset.The store listing for the Quest 2 version is still up, but the option to purchase has been removed. The Steam store page is also live, but no option to buy with the message, "At the request of the publisher, Star Trek: Bridge Crew is no longer available for sale on Steam." The game had been remove...
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by Samuel Contreras on (#5W5TV)
Mint Mobile is all about offering great service for a fraction of the price compared to other big carriers. For many, Mint Mobile's philosophy also extends to the phone they choose. Thankfully, tons of great Android phones embody the same idea: getting a great experience with the latest specs and features while not paying top dollar for it. The best phone to use with Mint Mobile is the Google Pixel 6, thanks to its reasonable prices, impressive hardware specifications, great Android update support, and of course, support for the entire T-Mobile network, including all 5G bands.Best overall phone for Mint Mobile: Google Pixel 6If you're looking for the purest Android experience on Mint Mobile, you can't go wrong with a Pixel from Google. The Google Pixel series has led the industry in user experience thanks to its simple hardware and outstanding software support. The Pixel 6 keeps this trend up with flagship-tier performance and an upgraded camera system that borrows from the alr...
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by Jerry Hildenbrand on (#5W5TW)
Chrome OS Flex is Google's way to breathe new life into older or underpowered laptops.A while ago we looked at using software from CloudReady to run Chrome OS on almost any computer using a virtual machine. It was the sort of thing that plenty of people would think was pretty cool, but it wasn't very practical.One place where it would be practical though is any organization that already had a large number of outdated laptops and either didn't want to spend the money to replace them, or just couldn't justify the cost. That means plenty of businesses and schools, which is where Google decided to come into the picture.In 2020, Google purchased Neverware, the company behind CloudReady, and hasn't spent much time making very many changes since. That changed today as Google has announced a fully new product called Chrome OS Flex that's built from the CloudReady platform.Seeing Google buy companies or announce things isn't anything new, but this sounds really interesting.What is C...
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by Jim Metzendorf on (#5W5TX)
There is a ton of news to consume Kirby-style from the latest Nintendo Direct. The team do exactly that and more, including Jen's review of Horizon Forbidden West, and rumors about a Resident Evil 4 remake.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Everything announced at the February 2022 Nintendo Direct | iMoreFebruary's Nintendo Direct turned Kirby into a car, but also a meme | iMoreMicrosoft: Call of Duty will come to PlayStation after Activision Blizzard deal closes | Windows CentralThe Wolf Among Us 2 is coming in 2023 | Windows CentralUbisoft plans stealth-focused Assassin's Creed game | Windows CentralResident Evil 4 remake reportedly takes spookier tone | Windows CentralHorizon Forbidden West for PS5 review: The pinnacle of excellence | Android Central...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W5TZ)
Google's CloudReady customers will be upgraded to the cloud-first OS for free later this year.What you need to knowGoogle has announced a new cloud-first version of Chrome OS for PCs and Macs.Chrome OS Flex has been built specifically for businesses and schools. A stable version of the operating system is expected to become available in the coming months. Google has introduced a new version of Chrome OS that it claims is a "sustainable way" to modernize old PCs and Macs. The cloud-first OS, dubbed Chrome OS Flex, is now available in early access and has been designed specifically with businesses and schools in mind.The free-to-download OS is fully compatible with Google's powerful cloud-based management and allows businesses and schools to modernize their existing devices with a "fast and modern work experience." Chrome OS Flex can be installed by IT on devices within minutes through either USB or network deployment.It offers several other advantages — including quick...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W5TY)
You won't find ANC here because that kind of defeats the purpose.What you need to knowSony launches its new LinkBuds wireless earbuds with a unique circular design.The open ring is designed to let outside noise in for a "never off" listening experience.The new LinkBuds retail for $180 and are available in grey or white colorways.Sony is announcing new wireless earbuds, but you won't find active noise cancellation here like you would on the best wireless earbuds. Instead, the company is going all-in on the "work from anywhere" lifestyle with the launch of the Sony Linkbuds.The first thing you'll notice with the new LinkBuds is the strange circular shape with an obvious hole in the middle. Since that's where the audio is supposed to come out, you wouldn't normally expect there to be a hole on your earbuds, much less where your ear canal is. But Sony says that's the point.The new LinkBuds are supposed to link your online and offline worlds with little effort. That means yo...
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by Rajat Sharma on (#5W5V0)
Find and use the best camera appShooting with your Android camera is usually great, but third-party apps can often pack a punch in ways you didn't even know existed! From manual controls to real-time filters to creative extras, you can achieve a lot more than you think you can with your smartphone's camera(s), all by shooting with one of the best third-party Android camera apps.The top 3 apps1. ProCam X2. FiLMIC Pro3. InstagramMore optionsOpen CameraHedgeCam 2: Advanced CameraVSCOAdobe LightroomPixtica: Camera and EditorCamera Zoom FX PremiumShoot like a pro with the best camera apps for AndroidProCam X is an easy pick for the best camera app on Android, thanks to the versatility it offers. The whole interface is customizable, it's compatible with most of the best Android phones, and you can even use it to record videos.Speaking of video recording, FiLMiC Pro is our pick for the best camera app if you're a videographer. Professionals have used it to rec...
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by Jeramy Johnson on (#5W5RF)
Just how much do you want to know about yourself?In late 2020, Amazon surprised us all with an intriguing product drop in the form of the Amazon Halo band, a holistic fitness wearable that has some fairly ambitious capabilities hidden in a pretty non-descript, understated wrist strap.Like every other fitness tracker on the market today, the Amazon Halo has sensors and software to track your steps, heart rate, and sleep, and it can even analyze your overall activity levels. In addition, there is a Halo subscription plan that provides access to guided workouts, training plans, and enhanced health metrics similar to what Fitbit Premium offers. It is $3.99/month, but the device comes with a free six-month trial, just like Fitbit's latest wearables.What's more interesting about the Halo are its voice tone and body composition analysis capabilities. Amazon touts how secure this personal data is on its platform, but you will likely either be fascinated by these new features or be terr...
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by Christine Persaud on (#5W5P2)
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a feature-packed phone with a sizable 6.1-inch AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor, improved cameras, and ample storage. Since it's also available in some slick color options, including Phantom black or white as well as playful green, pink, or gold, you'll want to show it off. And given how stunning this phone is, you might want to consider a clear case to let its beauty shine through. We have rounded up some of the best clear cases for the Samsung Galaxy S22 that are available now.Brand reputationSpigen Ultra Hybrid Designed for Galaxy S22 CaseStaff pickNo matter the phone, one of our all-time favorite brands is Spigen because it always delivers the looks, design, and protection you'd want out of a case. The clear version of this popular bumper case is made out of TPU and other materials for durability. While you can still see the phone through it, it also has raised bezels for added protection of the screen.$15 at Amazon...
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by Samuel Tolbert on (#5W5P3)
Store more games with these special edition hard drives.What you need to knowSeagate is launching new limited edition Horizon Forbidden West hard drives.These drives are slated to launch at $100 for the 2TB model and $160 for the 5TB model.They aren't available yet, but you can sign up to be notified when preorders become available. Horizon Forbidden West is scheduled to launch on Feb. 18, 2022. Seagate revealed a Horizon Forbidden West-themed hard drive on Tuesday, with both 2TB and 5TB models, depending on your price range and storage needs. These limited edition game drives aren't available right now but are scheduled to launch at $100 for the 2TB version and $160 for the 5TB version. You can take a look at the design below:These game drives are compatible with both PS4 and PS5, though naturally, if you use it with a PS5, you'll only be able to play backward compatible PS4 games on it, or use it as cold storage for PS5 games. If you're playing Horizon Forbidden West...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5W5P4)
Kid-firstAmazon Echo Dot Kids Edition (4th Gen)$45 at Amazon$45 at Best Buy$45 at Kohl'sProsFun, kid-friendly designsComes with Amazon Kids+ subscriptionLower costWorks with Echo Glow lampConsLacks visible clockNo accessory charging dockThe Echo Dot Kids Edition brings a fun look and interactivity to a child's room. With the included year of Amazon Kids+, there will be plenty of content and safety from the start. Plus, there's a two-year worry-free warranty should something happen to the device.A little extraLenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa$70 at Lenovo$70 at Amazon$70 at Best BuyProsThe display shows only basic informationCompatible with multiple Lenovo docksScreen can act as a night lightSee alarm status at a glanceConsMore expensiveAdditional cost for Amazon Kids+Display could be distractingNo kid-specific designsThe Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa is a helpful device, thanks to its access to Alexa and th...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5W5KW)
Bluestacks let you play 2 million Play Store games on your PC or browser. What will Google bring to the table?Right now, Google is beta-testing Google Play Games for PC, an app for playing Android games on your computer. Announced during the Game Awards last year, it's available to try in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan and will likely come to other countries soon. While I'm tentatively excited to see what this app brings to the table, I also have to ask the obvious question: what will this app do that Bluestacks doesn't already?Bluestacks has existed for over a decade, giving Android users a way to access over 2 million games on a PC (or Intel Macs). Bluestacks claims it has nearly 150 million users and that it hosted 6 billion game sessions on computers in 2020, so evidently, there's a healthy market for Android games on PC. You simply log into your Play Store account and use your keyboard and mouse to dive into the mobile action.I decided to test out some of the best Andr...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W5CV)
OPPO will work together with Hasselblad to establish a "new benchmark" for smartphone color science.What you need to knowOPPO has partnered with Hasselblad to co-develop camera technologies for Find series phones.The company's upcoming Find X series flagships will be the first to use Hasselblad camera tech. OnePlus, which is now an OPPO sub-brand, had entered into a similar partnership with Hasselblad last year. Last year, popular smartphone maker OnePlus teamed up with premium camera brand Hasselblad to bring a superior mobile photography experience to its consumers. Now, OPPO has announced that it has entered a three-year partnership with Hasselblad to "co-develop industry-leading camera technologies" for its flagship Find series phones.Pete Lau, chief product officer of OPPO, said in a statement: Following the success of OnePlus and Hasselblad's collaboration in the past year, we are very pleased to see the partnership enter a new stage of development, giving more ...
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by Jay Bonggolto on (#5W5CW)
Android 13 DP1 promises deeper integration with Chrome OS and Windows machines.What you need to knowGoogle may enable streaming Android apps to Chromebooks or Windows PCs with Android 13.The new capability has been discovered in the first developer preview of the next version of Android.This cross-device experience will create a virtual display where your apps will appear to avoid disrupting other apps running on your phone.At CES 2022, Google unveiled a cross-device functionality that would let you access your phone's chat apps directly from your Chromebook, even if your phone is far away and the apps aren't installed on your Chrome OS machine. It now appears that there's more to this capability than just mirroring messaging apps on your Chromebook.The folks at 9to5Google discovered a new feature in the first developer preview of Android 13 that will allow you to stream apps to your Chromebook or Windows PC, using a special web app to enable the feature on both machines....
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W578)
The M4 Pro 5G is POCO's first M-series phone to support 33W MMT charging.What you need to knowPOCO's M4 Pro 5G has finally made its way to the Indian market.It launched in Europe in November last year.The phone features a 90Hz IPS display, MediaTek's Dimensity 810 chipset, and a 50MP main camera.POCO's M4 Pro 5G, which made its global debut in November last year as a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 11T 5G, has finally been launched in India. While its specs sheet is identical to that of its Redmi counterpart, the phone has a few design tweaks that help set it apart.POCO's answer to the best budget Android phones sports a 6.6-inch FHD+ display featuring a 90Hz refresh rate and a touch sampling rate of 240Hz. Powering the phone is MediaTek's Dimensity 810 octa-core processor, which includes an ARM Mali-G57 GPU. POCO has paired the 6nm chip with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.On the back of the M4 Pro 5G is a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main ca...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W522)
We've heard this before, haven't we?What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly preparing to start panel production on the Pixel foldable in Q3 2022.The company may launch the device in Q4 of this year, likely following Samsung's next foldables.Google was previously rumored to launch the foldable in late 2021 or early 2022.While Google was once said to have put its rumored Pixel foldable plans on hold, it seems things are back on track for a launch in late 2022.Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants (DCSS), tweeted on Monday that Google is set to start panel production on the Pixel foldable in Q3 of 2022, which could be anywhere between July and September. Based on that, he expects the launch to happen in Q4, likely October.Despite leaker Jon Prosser maintaining that the rumored device was never canceled to begin with, Young states that Google canceled its original order for the device. He previously noted that Google was rethinking its approach for its folda...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W50B)
Samsung is holding out on us.What you need to knowThe Galaxy S22 series doesn't support seamless updates on Android.Seamless updates allow users to continue using their phones as it applies updates in the background.Android has supported this feature since 2016, with Samsung continuing to be a major holdout.Samsung may be great at providing quick updates for its phones, whether they're monthly security patches or major OS upgrades. However, the company continues to skip out on support for A/B (Seamless) System Updates, and it seems the Galaxy S22 series is no exception.9to5Google was able to verify that the new Galaxy S22 phones are missing out on the partitions that would make "Seamless Updates" available.A/B (Seamless) System Updates have been available on many of the best Android phones for years, with the biggest benefit being that it allows the user to continue using the device while the system installs updates in the background. However, it also allows the user to...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5W4ZC)
Google Messages and RCS gain major support in the United States now that it is the default messaging app on Samsung's phones.What you need to knowGoogle Messages is the default messaging app for the Samsung Galaxy S22 series in the United States.Last year, the Galaxy S21 series included Google Messages as the default service in Europe and regions.Google Messages supports RCS messaging in addition to traditional SMS and MMS texting.Google Messages isn't the first messaging app from Google, by a longshot, but it is the one that is gaining the most traction, and that is in large part to the implementation of RCS messaging. The good news is that starting with the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, Google Messages is the default messaging app in the United States. Alongside 9to5Google, we have confirmed that this is the case on our Galaxy S22 review samples.In the US, all of the best Android smartphones are using Google Messages as the default — except Samsung. Though Samsungs own s...
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by Derrek Lee on (#5W4X4)
Not the return of Windows Phone many were quite expecting.What you need to knowA developer was able to get Windows 11 to run on a Pixel 6.The developer utilized an exploit in Android 13 to run the virtual machine on a Pixel 6.Android 13 is currently available on Pixel smartphones as an early developer preview.While Microsoft is busy getting Android apps to run on Windows 11, a developer managed to get Windows 11 to run on their Android phone — a Pixel 6 running Android 13.XDA developer, kdrag0n, was able to run Windows 11 on their Pixel 6 as a virtual machine, using the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) found on the recently released Android 13 developer preview.And here's Windows 11 as a VM on Pixel 6 https://t.co/0557SfeJtN pic.twitter.com/v7OIcWC3Ab— kdrag0n (@kdrag0n) February 13, 2022From a performance standpoint, kdrag0n says it's "really usable" despite there being no graphics acceleration. They were even able to play old-school Doom on the Windows VM....
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by Paula Beaton on (#5W4X5)
Don't want to carry over every contact you've ever had? We can help.If you've been using Telegram for a while now — like many of us at Android Central — you probably automatically synced your contacts when signing up for the app. True, syncing your phone's contacts makes life easier when it comes to getting in touch with friends and colleagues, but what if you're one of those people who never clears out their contacts list? The phone number for your old neighborhood's pizza place, that guy or girl you went on a date with once three years ago, your ex… the list goes on.The last thing anybody wants is notifications when somebody they've forgotten about — or don't want to hear from — joins Telegram. Luckily, there's no need for syncing regret. You can quickly and easily disable contact syncing in Telegram and delete any contacts you've already synced with the app. We'll show you how.How to disable contact syncing in TelegramOpen the Telegram app.Tap on the Settings m...
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by Chris Wedel on (#5W4VC)
For guys, finding the best men's Android smartwatches can be a bit overwhelming, sifting through all the different styles and types of devices across the many excellent Android smartwatches out there. There's a lot to consider: from fitness-focused wearables to minimalistic designs and so many in between. The best all-around option for most guys, though, is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series for various reasons. But who doesn't like choice? Not to worry, we've got you covered.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4Samsung has long been one of the top brands for making smartwatches for Android users. But up until 2021, the company had focused on watches that ran its own OS, Tizen, with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series it moved to a co-developed option with Google — Wear OS 3. As Winter 2022, it is still the only wearable running this version of the operating system, and along with that status, it also has some other features exclusive to the watch.There are two watches to pick ...
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by Matt Shore on (#5W4SB)
EA is bringing one of its most popular shooters to mobile.Apex Legends is one of Electronic Arts' most successful games, with more than 100 million unique players. EA announced that it'd be bringing the game to mobile audiences, and after rounds of testing, interested users in select countries can currently pre-register ahead of a planned soft release.The game follows in the footsteps of other successful shooters that have made their way to mobile, such Fortnite, Call of Duty, and PUBG (all three of which made our list of best Android games). There's a massive audience for battle royale games on Android, and Apex Legends will fit right in when it launches.Jump to:What is Apex MobileHow is it different from other versions?What phones support Apex Mobile?When will the game launch?How much will Apex Mobile cost?What is Apex Legends Mobile?Apex Legends is a battle royale hero shooter in which you play as various characters, called Legends, participating in fights ...
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by Babu Mohan on (#5W4HW)
India has banned over 300 apps over similar concerns since mid-2020.What you need to knowThe Indian government has banned 54 more apps of Chinese origin.Some of the newly banned apps include Garena's Free Fire, Tencent's Xriver, AppLock, and Astracraft. Many of these apps are rebadged versions of apps that were banned by India in 2020.India on February 14 banned Garena's Free Fire: Illuminate and 53 more apps of Chinese origin that apparently pose a threat to the country's national security.54 Chinese Apps banned by Indian Government including Tencent owned apps and Beauty Camera Selfie App Full List of 54 Chinese Apps courtesy @MajorPoonia #54ChineseApps #ChineseApps pic.twitter.com/H8FKFEYuis— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) February 14, 2022Free Fire is among the most popular Android games in the world currently. The game is owned by Singapore-based Sea Ltd., which is backed by China's Tencent. Last month, the WeChat creator cut its stake in Sea from 21.3% to 18.7...
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by Namerah Saud Fatmi on (#5W4HX)
Google Pixel 6Top-notch cameras$599 at AmazonProsOutstanding camerasPleasingly smooth performanceAndroid 12 with Material You looks sweetUnusual, bold designCons90Hz panel could be brighterNo charger in the boxNot everyone likes the camera unitGoogle's Pixel 6 is the perfect affordable flagship without any big compromises. You get top-notch software, unbeatable cameras, and snappy performance. The only factors that aren't so hot are the 90Hz refresh rate on its 6.4-inch OLED display and the missing charger in the box.OnePlus 9One glorious screen$600 at AmazonProsGlorious 6.55-inch 120Hz AMOLED displayExpeditious performerSolid set of cameras65W fast chargingConsOnly T-Mobile variant is water-resistantUnlocked version lacks 5G supportRuns Android 11 (upgradable to Android 12)OnePlus hit a home run with the OnePlus 9, cramming some powerful hardware in a sleek body. You get great Hasselblad cameras, a bright and beautiful 120Hz ...
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by Rachel Mogan on (#5W4DD)
Gaming is simply better with a controller in your hands.Gaming on Android typically requires you to settle for using touchscreen controls. However, some gracious game developers take the time and effort to add support for Bluetooth gamepads — and we love them for it. Since so few games provide this feature, we've taken the time to test as many as possible. Here is our list of the best games that let you play with the best Bluetooth controller in your hands.We'd also recommend getting a Style Ring or PopSocket, which can help prop your phone up at a good angle for gaming.You might recognize some of these games from the best Android games roundup, and for good reason. But you're here for the best games with controller support, after all, so here I present to you the best you can find on the Play Store.The gamesBrawlhallaBridge Constructor PortalCall of Duty MobileCastlevania: Symphony of the NightDandaraDead CellsDoom & Doom IIEvoland 2 GRID AutosportGrimval...
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by Michael L Hicks on (#5W4AV)
Easy-to-use workout workhorseGarmin Venu 2 Plus$450 at AmazonProsGPS, NFC, HRM, SpO2Beautiful AMOLED displayThree buttons for navigationAnimated HIIT workoutsIn-depth Garmin metrics don't require subscriptionUp to nine days battery lifeConsMore expensiveFewer health sensorsThe Garmin Venu 2 Plus offers heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep and stress tracking, fitness age and Body Battery scores, a daily Health Snapshot, and other health tools. For fitness, you'll find over 25 sports modes and tons of useful metrics offered for free, plus customizable workouts and free training plans. You'll just have to pay a premium to get it.Stylish and thoroughFitbit Sense$200 at AmazonProsGPS, NFC, HRM, SpO2Attractive OLED displayECG, EDA trackersCheaper, often on saleUp to six days battery lifeConsRequires $10/month Fitbit Premium for best experienceNavigation more touch-dependentIn addition to the health tools offered by Fitbit...
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by Shruti Shekar on (#5W4AW)
The company understands the value of the younger generationSamsung believes consumers aren't as concerned with professional filmmaking from their phones, as much as Apple does, some experts believe and they say that's okay. They add that Samsung is targeting a very different audience that values creating and sharing content on social media platforms, which gives Samsung a leg-up on Apple.Samsung launched its Galaxy S22 series last Wednesday and the phones are a considerable change from previous generations. The Ultra is the lost Note 21 that consumers never got and the less expensive S22 and S22+ are smaller but Samsung has not compromised top-quality cameras and other components. The series of phones start at $799 and are available in many colors.In his hands-on article, Android Central's Nick Sutrich says the Ultra "packs the best camera hardware of all three phones, sporting a primary 108mp sensor - an upgraded one over last year's sensors - and three additional rear cameras...
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