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For the last few years, one of the biggest reasons why Google's Pixel is one of the best Android phones is for the various and unique software features. For example, Hold For Me makes it possible to see whether an incoming call is worth picking up or just another spam call. Google continues to push the limits of what its phones can do, as evidenced by the introduction of Wait Times alongside the Pixel 6 launch. With this feature, Google is now making it possible for you to check call wait times right from your phone without waiting on hold.How to check call wait times on a Google Pixel phoneOpen the Google app on your Pixel phone.Search for the company's contact number that you are trying to reach.Once the results are loaded, tap the number listed.View the chart at the top of the page to check call wait times.When searching looking to check call wait times for a company, you'll be able to tap on the different times throughout the day. This provides an estimated wait time...

Central cooling and heating are wonderful, but sometimes, it makes more sense to mainly heat or cool the room you spend the most time in. If you're looking for a way to help lower your power bill and save on heating and cooling costs, we've got a few suggestions for how a smart plug can help to save you money.How to set up your smart plugSmart plugs can turn on space heaters or fans to help keep the occupants of a room warm or cool and can intelligently tie into routines for the most efficient operation.Manually controlling a fan or heater is easy with your favorite virtual assistant. Whether you're looking to yell across the house so your smart speaker can hear, or you'd rather tap a button on your phone, it's easy-to-use control devices connected to a smart plug. Here's how to get started.Setup your smart plug according to the manufacturer's instructions. You'll probably need to download an app to get started.Make sure you give your smart plugs a name you'll remember. For...

At its annual Google I/O event in 2021, Google announced the launch of Android digital car key, which would come as part of the Android 12 OS update. While the ability to use a compatible Android phone to lock, unlock, and even start a vehicle has been around for some time, this new feature available in the "coming months" would make it possible to do so without even having to take out your phone.How does Android digital car key work?With an Android digital car key, your phone becomes a digital key for a compatible vehicle. It works using Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, so you can hold your phone up to the door handle to lock or unlock the vehicle. Once inside, you can also place the phone on the car key reader and press the "start" button to get the engine running.With Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and compatible phones, which the Android digital car key will soon support, you would be able to accomplish this without holding the phone up to the lock or key reader....

The new policy is said to take effect on March 14.What you need to knowA Material You-style theming engine may become mandatory for all devices updating to or shipping with Android 12 in the near future.OEMs have the option to develop their own dynamic theming engine or adopt Google's Monet engine.The theming system must be capable of producing a full color scheme consisting of three accent colors and two neutrals, similar to the five tonal palettes used in Google Pixel phones.Following the debut of Android 12 on Google Pixel phones, other manufacturers such as Samsung started rolling out their own take on the Material You theming system. However, because OEMs make their own tweaks, the current dynamic colors you see on other Android devices may differ from what's available on the Google Pixel 6.In the future, though, dynamic colors might be more consistent across many of the best Android phones. Android Police reports that Google is planning to require any device that's ...

Unlike the Redmi Note 11T, the Note 11 and Note 11S phones do not feature 5G connectivity.What you need to knowXiaomi has launched two new Redmi Note 11 series phones in India.The Redmi Note 11 features a Snapdragon 680 chipset, a 50MP main camera, and 33W fast charging. Redmi Note 11S, on the other hand, comes with a 108MP main camera and MediaTek's Helio G96 chipset. Last month, Xiaomi introduced the global variants of its Redmi Note 11 series phones. The vanilla Redmi Note 11 and Note 11S have now been launched in India to challenge the best budget Android phones.The Redmi Note 11 has a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen featuring a 90Hz refresh rate. Powering the budget phone is Qualcomm's 6nm Snapdragon 680 chipset, paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.On the back of the phone is a quad-lens camera system with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. There's a 13MP camera on the front for selfies and vid...

This isn't likely to replace the the WF-1000XM4, though.What you need to knowA pair of strange-looking Sony earbuds, dubbed the WF-L900, have been leaked.The earbuds appear to replace the silicone ear tips with doughnut-shaped rings of holes.There are no visible buttons as well, so it's possible the body will support touch controls.Sony's next pair of earbuds might have a weird-looking design, if a new leak is anything to go by. Courtesy of TechInsiderBlog (via TheWalkmanBlog), we now have probably the best look yet at a new set of upcoming truly wireless earbuds called the Sony WF-L900 or Linkbuds.The leak reveals that the Linkbuds will still have a circular body like Sony's best wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM4. What sets it apart from any other models of earbuds are its doughnut-like rings that will presumably keep the Linkbuds in place on top of the ear canal.There are apparently no ear tips, which will supposedly be replaced by the rings. Nonetheless, the earbuds a...

It's a physics-based wreck fest, from the looks of things.What you need to knowDevolver Digital's next VR game, Tentacular, is being developed by indie developer Firepunchd.The small studio has been developing the game for several years, with teases going back to 2020.No platforms have been announced yet but the game is expected to release this year.Devolver Digital has finally pulled the curtain back on its next VR title in a series of short trailers. One narrated trailer gives a brief intro of the town players will find themselves wrecking, while the second trailer, found below, shows the player wreaking havoc on said town.“Yet in the monster there is a sense of something else. Pleasure in the joy of glorious physics.” pic.twitter.com/2u9zObM9uv— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) February 8, 2022Devolver Digital hasn't announced which platforms Tentacular VR will be coming to, but we're hoping it'll make its debut sometime this year. Devolver Digital previou...

While the Oculus Quest 2 has built-in speakers, they're not designed for proper surround sound. You can plug in any 3.5mm headphones — or some USB-C headphones — but most headphones' cords are too long and will dangle annoyingly from the headset. Your old Quest 1 headphones won't work, nor will wireless earbuds. We've collected the best Oculus Quest 2 headphones designed specifically for the headset.Best overall: Logitech G333 VR gaming earphonesMany VR fans prefer over-ear to in-ear headphones for VR for enveloping sound, but action or exercise games really benefit from letting your ears breathe. So we've chosen the Logitech G333s — designed specifically for the Quest 2 — for our top slot. These earphones offer solid audio performance for a lower price than most hardcore headphones and mods and are easier to take out quickly when you need to talk to someone in the room.Make sure to buy the VR version of the Logitech G333, which uses custom-length 3.5mm cables, so the...

What you need to knowThe latest Oculus SDK for Unity features a new experimental option called body tracking.The SDK doesn't specify a Quest headset model, meaning this could be in the works for the Quest 2 and upcoming Quest Pro.Quest Pro leaks last year suggested body tracking could be done via a full-height mirror in the room.If you've ever wondered why VR avatars are often legless blobs hovering in the air, it's because current VR headsets can only accurately track a user's arms and head movements. But the latest release of the Oculus Software Development Kit for Unity (SDK for short) has a new reference in it that could solve this problem: body tracking.First found by UploadVR, the latest SDK features a new "body tracking" entry under the experimental features, nested between the existing hand tracking and tracked keyboard features. Supernatural VR creator, Chris Milk, previously teased this feature on the Quest 2 just a few days ago.The SDK doesn't specifically refe...

Chrome also gets new Actions and a bigger presence on your Android phone.What you need to knowGoogle rolls out the new Journeys feature for the Chrome desktop browser.Google also enables new Chrome Actions to get more things done from the address bar.New Chrome widgets are rolling out for Android devices for quick access to searches and other features.Google is finally rolling out Journeys for Chrome desktop browsers, a feature that the company has been testing since October and hopes will enhance your browser history.Journeys takes your past searches and page visits and groups them together based on the topic. This way, it may be easier to pick up where you left off, whether it was a page you visited today or months ago. Additionally, Google will suggest other relevant searches related to the pages you visited to help you expand your search.Google says it considers how often you visit certain sites, so it'll show you the most relevant items first. And users have the ...

If you're looking for the best Android smartwatch, you'll notice many of the options are Wear OS watches, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic. Now that Wear OS 3 has arrived, the smartwatch landscape is changing. However, not all existing watches on the current platform are eligible to upgrade, which is something to consider when making your decision. If you want to enjoy the new platform now, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 might be the best Wear OS watch. Fortunately, there are many other Android smartwatches for Wear OS users to choose from.Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4By now, you've probably heard that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has arrived. While this typically wouldn't mean anything to Wear OS users, this Samsung smartwatch is the first wearable to run on Wear OS 3. There are two variants to pick from: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The only difference between these two is case size and physical design elements. The Watch...

It started as a small outfit catering to enthusiasts back in 2014, but OnePlus has quickly exploded into a mainstream hit that's responsible for making some of the best Android phones every year. So if you're looking for the best OnePlus phone but aren't sure which model to get, we've got a quick list featuring the very best Android phones to help you decide which one is right for you.Ultimate flagshipOnePlus 9 Pro Morning Mist, 5G Unlocked Android Smartphone U.S VersionStaff PickThe OnePlus 9 Pro sets a new standard for OnePlus, with the phone offering a Hasselblad-tuned camera that holds its own against the best in the industry. You also get a sublime 120Hz AMOLED display, the latest internal hardware with mmWave 5G, 65W wired and 50W wireless charging, a gorgeous design, and bloat-free software.$800 at Amazon$750 at Best Buy$800 at OnePlus₹59,999 at Amazon IndiaAll about the valueOnePlus 9 5GIf you're looking for a more affordable option, the OnePlus 9 is ...

Free Play Day weekend also returns next week with multiplayer party games.What you need to knowFighting game My Hero One's Justice 2 and Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires will be launching for Stadia on Feb. 15.Rainbow Six Extraction receives a free demo on Stadia.Stadia players can access The Jackbox Party Pack 7 for free next weekend.Google announced today a new game coming to Stadia next week, a free weekend for Jackbox fans, and covered several smaller updates for other titles available on the streaming gaming platform.The company revealed in its community blog post that fighting game My Hero One's Justice 2 will be coming to Stadia on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The 3D arena brawler is based on the anime My Hero Academia, and was released on PC and consoles in 2020. While the sequel will be releasing on Stadia next week alongside Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires, the first game is currently not available on the platform.Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Extraction released last month and Stadia play...

It's like deja vu.What you need to knowThe Pixel 6 February update has been causing some users Wi-Fi connectivity to randomly drop.This issue hasn't been acknowledged by Google just yet and didn't occur in previous software releases.This connectivity bug comes after a similar bug in the December update, which made some Pixel 6 phones unable to connect to cellular networks.Google Pixel 6 owners may have just begun to receive the February update for their phones, but it turns out that update might cause more problems for some users than others. Android Police noted that several folks on Twitter and Reddit have posted that their Wi-Fi connection seems to randomly drop. This sometimes occurs when Bluetooth is enabled, but that doesn't seem to be consistent across all users.While the Pixel 6 February update was designed to fix a number of connectivity updates — which included both cellular connectivity issues caused by the December update and Bluetooth bugs that have been ar...

Samsung is set to formally introduce its Galaxy S22 series phones at the Galaxy Unpacked 2022 event on Wednesday. The flagship trio is expected to bring quite a few significant upgrades — including new camera hardware and improved screen tech.Needless to say, the most interesting of the three Galaxy S22 series phones will be the range-topping Galaxy S22 Ultra. As various leaks have shown, the S22 Ultra will be a spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The phone will have a boxy shape with a curved screen and a dedicated slot for storing the S Pen.The rumored specs of the phone are also quite impressive. It will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in the U.S. and most other markets, while the European variants will have Samsung's Exynos 2200 under the hood. Going by recent leaks, the S22 Ultra will also have a 6.8-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 108MP primary camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging. What may disappoint some peo...

Although there's a PET film and IPX8 water resistance on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can never be too careful. Samsung even upgraded the Cover Screen, bringing its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. So if you want to make sure both displays are protected forever, we've rounded up the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 screen protectors.The ultimate optionWhitestone Dome Glass for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3Sponsored PickSince the Galaxy Z Fold 3 already has a screen protector installed from the factory, the Dome Glass from Whitestone offers the best-tempered glass screen protector for your Cover Screen. This kit includes two screen protectors and an installation kit, which uses UV curing light to make sure your screen protector remains bubble-free.$50 at AmazonNo compromisesOlixar Screen Protector (2-pack)Staff PickThis two-pack of screen protectors from Olixar offers excellent protection for the inner display of your Galaxy Z Fold 3. There's an oleophobic coating and anti-s...

Google Assistant can't come soon enough on the Galaxy Watch 4.(Feb 8, 11:45 a.m. ET) Updated to include more information about Google Assistant and YouTube Music updates.What you need to knowSamsung is pushing out a new update to the Galaxy Watch 4 soon with new watch faces and an improved setup experience.Updated health features include more comprehensive body composition insights and a sleep coaching program.Features coming soon include Google Assistant and Wi-Fi or LTE streaming for the YouTube Music app.Samsung is announcing a new update for the Galaxy Watch 4, giving owners new health features, watch faces, and an improved setup process. Plus, Samsung provides an update on the availability of Google Assistant, which it teased following the watch's launch.With this new update, Samsung is partnering with Chris Hemsworth's Centr fitness program to provide deeper insights into one's body composition. These insights will be available in the Samsung Health app and powere...

Mobvoi's latest earbuds bring a lot to the table in the budget wireless earbud category — even if not all the features pan out.Mobvoi is a brand mostly known for making some of the best Android smartwatches like the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra, but it also makes a few accessories. One such accessory is earbuds and headphones, and the latest in that product lineup is the Mobvoi Earbuds ANC.Instead of aiming to take over the lead in best wireless earbuds category with higher price tags, the Mobvoi Earbuds ANC are attacking the midrange tier. However, this doesn't mean that Mobvoi slacked on including useful features to reach the lower price point. These earbuds offer active noise canceling, a transparency mode, and a standard mode without any assistance from the onboard microphones.I've used a few earbuds from Mobvoi in the past and some mid-tier earbuds from other brands and found that just because the price is low doesn't mean the earbuds will be bad. Here are my thoughts on how the...

You might have a nice selection of USB-C cables along with microUSB, Lightning, and more creating an electrical rat's nest in your drawer. Getting one of the best 3-in-1 USB cables not only simplifies the act of charging multiple devices with different ports, but can also help you keep your desk organized. Yet srangely, most people don't think of getting a 3-in-1 cable to take the place of three separate ones. Chances are that your various electronics rely on a mix of USB-C, microUSB, and (for Apple users) Lightning chargers to stay running. Because of that, you probably have to bring one cable per device on road trips, when you could just rely on one multi-pronged USB cable that can fuel up any device that needs recharging. Avoid tangled wires and missing cables during road trips with just one of these 3-in-1 cables.Trusted brandAnker Powerline II 3-in-1 Cable - 3ft, BlackStaff PickAnker is one of the biggest names in the charging business, so it makes sense that the compa...

This week, the gang talk about Sony's purchase of Bungie, Rebecca reviews Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and more.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Sony acquires Destiny developer Bungie for PlayStation Studios | Android CentralBungie joining PlayStation makes more sense than you think | Android CentralSony is buying Bungie: What this means for Destiny 2 players on Xbox and PC | Windows CentralNintendo Switch crosses 103 million units shipped, per Nintendo Q3 results | iMorePokémon Legends: Arceus for Nintendo Switch review — Breathing fresh air into a stale formula | iMoreNintendo recap — Pokémon Legends: Arceus has second-best sales in Japan's history and more NFT shenanigans | iMoreGhostwire: Tokyo for PS5 preview — Western audiences should check this one out | Android Central...

No, the latest Chrome OS update doesn't bring the "new" Chrome logo.What you need to knowChrome OS 98 has hit the stable channel.The update is slowly rolling out to "most Chrome OS devices." It brings Emoji 14.0 support, improved language settings, new virtual desk shortcuts, and more. Google's stable Chrome OS 98 update has started making its way to most Chrome OS devices. As per the latest release update from the Chrome team, the stable channel is being updated to 98.0.4758.91.While Google is yet to detail the changes included with the update, the folks over at Android Police have highlighted a few of the key additions and improvements based on source code changes. Google has updated the Emoji picker on Chrome OS 98 to emoji 14.0, which brings mixed skin tone support for the Handshake emoji and a bunch of new emojis.Besides new emojis, the Chrome OS 98 stable update also brings revamped language settings, network based recovery, additional virtual desk shortcuts, a ne...

The best cheap NAS (network-attached storage) enclosure gives you all the features that you'd look for in an internet-connected storage drive for less. Ideally, it should be able to back up the data and photos on all devices on your home network, play your media collection across devices, and provide adequate storage for all your data needs. There are plenty of great options that do just that, but our favorite is the Synology DiskStation DS220j, which is a great starter model if you're looking to upgrade your home network.1. Synology DiskStation DS220j: Best overallIf you're looking to build a NAS for backing up data from all the phones and Windows and macOS machines in your house or storing your audio and media library, Synology is the ideal place to start. The brand makes the best home NAS enclosures and sells dozens of enclosures across all price points. If you're looking at a budget model to get started, the DiskStation DS220j is a great option.The DS220j has two drive ba...

Which carrier delivers the best 5G experience?The 5G experience was a bit underwhelming at first, with mmWave's unreliable coverage and low-band nationwide coverage failing to meet speed expectations. Carriers have continued to plow forward on their 5G networks with the spectrum they already had access to and with new mid-band spectrum gained from FCC auctions and, in the case of T-Mobile, buying Sprint.AT&T and Verizon got a late start on mid-band coverage, waiting for C-band to become available, as well as dealing with delays and limitations imposed by the FAA. Still, as of February 2022, C-band deployment is underway, and AT&T and Verizon are already starting to close the coverage gap to T-Mobile. It's also nice that most of the best cell phone plans now support 5G, including prepaid options, so no matter which carrier you want to go with, you'll be able to get connected.For all its advancements, 4G LTE coverage is still greater than 5G for many people. While 5G depl...

Best answer: No, most people find the Wi-Fi 6 routers provided by T-Mobile and Verizon more than fast enough for their internet speeds. If more coverage is needed, a properly configured mesh system can come in handy due to 5G routers needing to be near the window for optimal coverage.T-Mobile and Verizon include free Wi-Fi 6 routersFor the first time in years, competition in the home internet market is heating up, and there's a good chance that you've started to see ads for newly available 5G home internet in your area. The problem is that 5G networks and the devices that utilize them evolved since they were introduced, ranging from mmWave to low-band and, more recently, mid-band and C-band. So how do you know what equipment you should buy? And do you need your own router with 5G home internet?Keep in mind that most routers have a 5GHz mode often displayed as your Wi-Fi name with "5G" at the end. This is not the same as 5G home internet.Luckily, the leading providers of 5G ho...

Ready for a new messaging app? You've come to the right place.Messaging apps are a dime-a-dozen these days, but when it comes to the big leagues, three options stand out above the rest. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal have all seen varying levels of success over the years. However, after the major Facebook outages last year, which brought WhatsApp to its knees and caused millions to switch to Telegram — you may be wondering whether you should switch too.WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are all seen as some of the best Android messaging apps currently available, but depending on where your needs lie, one is likely a better fit over the rest. So today, we will help you sift through everything and make the best decision possible.Whether you're an existing WhatsApp user looking for a new home or are just getting started in third-party messaging services, here's everything you need to know about Telegram vs. Signal vs. WhatsApp.Jump to:AvailabilityEncryptionPrivacyInterface...

Recent reports indicate that Google is giving its tablet division some new love with its somewhat recent hire. The company brought in Rich Miner as its CTO of Android tablets, a role that he's held since March 2021, according to his LinkedIn page. Given that Miner is one of the founders of Android, the largest smartphone OS, it sounds like Google is finally taking a fresh look at the Android tablet space.While Android 12L might be more focused on improving the platform for the best foldable phones, bigger screen devices like tablets are also benefitting the upcoming update. It's shaping up to be a decent first step to making Android tablets truly great, but it'll take more than a fresh coat of paint to convince anyone.Android 12L is a good first stepOur Alex Dobie took a look at the Android 12L beta, which is only running on a Lenovo Tab P12 Pro at the moment, and notes that the UI is a marked improvement over previous attempts at a proper tablet interface. Instead of just ...

After a challenging Android 12 rollout, here's what we want to see from the next Android release.Although it seems like Android 12 has only just arrived, we're likely just a few weeks away from Android 13 appearing in developer preview form. In years past, the first preview builds of new Android releases have dropped around February or March. So even with Android 12L still in development, it's time to look ahead to Android 13 — the release that'll eventually power the best Android phones of 2023.The late-2022 release of Android could land as early as August, if details dug up by code sleuths are to be believed. And with Google having just completely overhauled its design language through Material You, it's unlikely we'll see many major visual changes in Android 13. But that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of new features to look forward to. On the contrary, with fewer development resources focused on Android's UI, Android 13 could be a pretty feature-packed release. Early le...

Google's vision for the future of gaming is here.The world of gaming is changing, thanks in part to new cloud gaming platforms like Google Stadia. Rather than coming to market with another console or PC competitor, Google employed its powerful cloud-streaming tech to allow anyone with a fast internet connection to play AAA games on their phones, tablets, Chromebooks, Macbooks, and other underpowered devices. While we're big fans of Stadia, it's undeniable that the service is going through some serious issues lately.Ready to learn more? Let's dive in.Everything you needPlay and Watch with Google TV Package$109 at GoogleA good way to startPlay and Watch with Google TV Package is the latest bundle that contains the Chromecast with Google TV and a Stadia controller to easily start playing Stadia games on the television.Stadia:How it worksPlans and global availabilityReviews and recent newsIs Stadia shutting down?Supported devicesStadia controllers and acce...

The phone is based on the Redmi Note 11T 5G, which has been on sale in India since December.What you need to knowThe POCO M4 Pro 5G is finally launching in India next week.It was launched globally in November last year. The Redmi Note 11T clone features a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, MediaTek's Dimensity 810 5G chipset, and a 50MP main camera. Back in November last year, Xiaomi's POCO brand launched the M4 Pro 5G to take the fight to the best budget Android phones on the market. A follow-up to the popular POCO M3 Pro 5G, the POCO M4 Pro 5G is actually a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 11T 5G. Nearly three months later, POCO has finally confirmed plans of launching the phone in India.Get ready to #StepUpUrGame with the all new POCO M4 Pro 5G. Launching on 15th February. #StayTuned#POCOIndia #MadeofMad pic.twitter.com/8cGgcUTZiW— POCO India (@IndiaPOCO) February 8, 2022The POCO M4 Pro 5G will debut in the country at a virtual event on February 15. Unsurprisingly, the te...

Arm's chief executive has also stepped down.What you need to knowNvidia's $40 billion acquisition of Arm from SoftBank has reportedly fallen through.The GPU manufacturer supposedly walked back the merger amid regulatory challenges in the U.S., EU and UK.SoftBank is rumored to be planning an initial public offering to divest Arm as a recourse.Nvidia's $40 billion acquisition of Arm from SoftBank has been met with tough regulatory hurdles from the beginning that rumors of the deal collapsing came as no surprise last month. Those rumors appear to have been true, as the GPU maker has reportedly backed out of the transaction.The Financial Times reports that Nvidia has abandoned its takeover of Arm, citing people privy to the matter. The deal became official in September 2020 in what would have been the biggest transaction in the chip industry.However, due to competition concerns, regulators in the European Union, United Kingdom, and the United States were immediately put on ...

Breakout rooms and video meeting livestreams may be in the pipeline.What you need to knowGoogle Duo may add the ability to divide video chat participants into groups with breakout rooms in the future.The app could also let users live stream and record a video call in a future update, similar to Meet's feature.These features were discovered during a teardown of Duo's most recent version.Updates for Google Duo have been few and far between ever since the search giant shifted its focus to Google Meet. However, for the first time in a long while, Duo may finally get some love in a future update after it received a simplified home screen interface in July of last year.Google has rolled out a new version of the Duo app on Android phones, and a teardown performed by XDA Developers reveals some familiar discoveries. The updated version contains some strings of code suggesting that the video chat app will pick up breakout rooms.If you've often used Google Meet to hold virtual me...

Google Assistant can't come soon enough on the Galaxy Watch 4.What you need to knowSamsung is pushing out a new update to the Galaxy Watch 4 soon with new watch faces and an improved setup experience.Updated health features include more comprehensive body composition insights and a sleep coaching program.Features coming soon include Google Assistant and Wi-Fi or LTE streaming for the YouTube Music app.Samsung is announcing a new update for the Galaxy Watch 4, giving owners new health features, watch faces, and an improved setup process. Plus, Samsung provides an update on the availability of Google Assistant, which it teased following the watch's launch.With this new update, Samsung is partnering with Chris Hemsworth's Centr fitness program to provide deeper insights into one's body composition. These insights will be available in the Samsung Health app and powered by Centr, while Samsung is also giving users a free 30-day trial to the full Centr app. Additionally, the Ga...

Is Prime still worth it to you now that it's going to cost you more?What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they were keeping their Prime subscriptions.The responses were mostly split, with 35% saying yet, nearly 30% voting maybe, and 28% voting no.Of the votes, 8% say they already canceled their subscriptions.Prices are going up in many places, and Amazon is the latest to announce that it is following suit by increasing the price of its Prime subscription. For those that pay yearly, it will cost $139, while those that pay monthly will tack on an additional $2 for a 12-month cost of $180.With this news, we asked our readers if they were keeping their subscriptions. Of the votes, 32% say that they think it's still worth it. However, 29% are unsure, and 28% don't think it's worth it. While 8% say they've already canceled the service, the votes indicate that our readers are split on whether Prime is worth it after the price increase.One reader, wyelkins, seems to th...

New and exciting PS4 releases seem to come out each month, giving dedicated gamers plenty of worlds to choose from. With the PS5 officially here, fans now keep track of multiple new releases and updates more than ever. Fortunately, we've gathered all of the best titles and listed other worthy games for you to consider adding to your collection. Here are all the PS4 and PS5 releases to look out for in February.★ Journey west — Feb. 18Horizon Forbidden West — PS5 & PS4Staff PickThe highly anticipated sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn has gone through a handful of delays, but is now ready to launch. The following entry, Horizon Forbidden West, sees players continuing the journey of Aloy as she travels across the Forbidden West. This new landscape contains new threats and mysteries to uncover.$70 at PlayStation StoreFeb. 8Dying Light 2 Stay Human — PS5 & PS4The sequel to 2015's Dying Light picks up 20 years after the original game and stars a brand-new p...

PriceRunner wants Google to compensate for the harm it has causedWhat you need to knowPriceRunner sues Google for manipulating search results.The company says Google has caused harm to European consumers who are overpaying when shopping online.PriceRunner says Google has not complied with the European Commission's 2017 decision.PriceRunner is suing Google for €2.1 billion ($2.4 billion) for breaching EU antitrust laws by manipulating search results in favor of their own comparison shopping services.The company says in a press release that by manipulating search results, Google has caused harm to European consumers who are overpaying when shopping online and has caused harm to PriceRunner and other comparison shopping services.PriceRunner is a comparison service with 2.3 million products from 6,000 retailers. The company's services are used every month by consumers who can compare products, prices, specifications, read professional product tests, and consumer reviews....

February's Android 12 update will be the final one for the Pixel 3.What you need to knowThe February update to the Pixel 3 series is the first since Android 12 last October.The Pixel 3's unlimited full-quality backups in Google Photos ended on February 1.Officially, Google stopped support for the Pixel 3 in October 2021.Google Pixel phones have been some of the best Android phones since they arrived on the scene, and that includes the Pixel 3. Even though it's been over three years since it was released, many have held onto it for the unlimited full-quality backups in Google Photos, but that ended last week. Today, the Pixel 3 takes another hit as it appears the February Pixel update is its last.When the Pixel 3 received its update to Android 12 in October 2021, we thought that was the last one. But there were some rumblings that the phone could see one more software update in early 2022. Google did confirm to us that with the Pixel 3 lineup getting in on the February pat...

You probably already use Amazon Alexa for reminders, notifications, and timers to help you stay organized, but did you know that you can sync your calendars with Alexa too? Just ask Alexa how your day's shaping up, find out what appointments you have left before you can escape work for the afternoon, or get an overview of the week's schedule. With Alexa managing your calendars, you'll never miss another appointment again. Here's how to sync your calendar with Amazon Alexa.How to sync your calendar with AlexaYou can sync Google, Apple, or Microsoft calendars with Amazon Alexa, and the setup process is pretty similar for all three. Here's how to sync your calendar to get the lowdown on your day from your Echo Dot, Echo Show 10, or any other Alexa speaker. Bear in mind that you'll need to know your login details for the calendar account you want to use before getting started.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on More in the lower right of the screen.Select Settings.Choose Ca...

People often pick up one of the many excellent Alexa speakers on the market as a stepping stone to building out their smart home — and why not? Once you have your smart speaker set up, perhaps the easiest way to take the next step in creating your perfect smart home is to add a smart light to the Alexa app.How to set up your smart lights in the Alexa appWhen picking out the best smart lights for your house, you'll find that there are a lot of different form factors and prices to choose from. Once you find the light that works for you, you'll need to set it up in the companion app that works with the brand you bought. For example, if you bought a Philips Hue light, you'd first add it to the Hue app, Govee with the Govee app, and so on. With that part of the way, it's time to add it to your Alexa app.Open the Alexa app on your phone.Tap on Devices at the bottom of the screen.Select the ➕ in the upper right corner of the screen.Choose Add Device.Pick Light.Scroll throu...

This might be the biggest reason to get the latest Galaxy smartphones.What you need to knowSamsung's upcoming Galaxy S22 and Tab S8 series is tipped to receive four OS upgrades.Its new phones may also receive five years of security patches.Samsung may also apply this new update promise to its 2021 flagship smartphones.With only a couple of days until the Galaxy S22 launch, we thought we knew all there was to know about these phones, thanks to the bevy of leaks we've seen. However, the latest appears to give us a surprising look at a new update promise that Samsung may announce with its new flagship, which could give even the Pixel 6 a run for its money.A tweet from BDTech appears to reveal information they received from Evan Blass (Evleaks) related to the upcoming launch event. The image looks like an excerpt from a press release and mentions that the upcoming flagship series will receive four OS upgrades and five years of security updates.CONFIRMED!Galaxy S21, S22Galax...

It may be a little old at this point, but the Google Pixel 5a is still one of the best Android phones you can buy. And if you're planning on getting one, we recommend grabbing one of the best Pixel 5a screen protectors to shield that 6.34-inch OLED panel from dings and scratches. There are many different options to choose from, and we've rounded up our favorites to help out.The bestFerilinso Screen Protector (3+2 pack)Staff PickThere's more to protecting the Pixel 5a than just the big slab of glass on the front. This kit from Ferilinso includes three screen protectors for the main display and two more for the rear camera module, made to avoid any distortion.$8 at AmazonPlastic shieldSupershieldz PET Clear Shield (6 pack)Tempered glass screen protectors aren't for everyone, and thankfully Supershieldz makes some great PET film screen protectors. Not only do you get six of these in a single pack, but they are straightforward to install, and they add very littl...

Fixing the latest bugs and exploits in Android every month.Google has detailed the latest Android Security Bulletin and released the fixes for Pixel devices.These are exploits and other security concerns that affect Android as a whole. Issues with the operating system, kernel patches, and driver updates may not affect any particular device, but these need to be fixed in the Android base by the folks maintaining the operating system code — you know, Google. The company has detailed the things it's improved for this month.Updated factory images for Pixel devices that are still supported are available, and over-the-air updates are rolling out to users. If you don't want to wait, you can download and flash the factory image or OTA update file manually. Follow the link to get started. The company that made your phone uses these patches to send an update out to you.These changes have been released to the people making the best Android phones for at least 30 days, but Google ...

Google's latest monthly Android update arrives on Pixel phones.What you need to knowGoogle releases the latest Android security update for its Pixel phones.The update brings several bug fixes for various Pixel models.It is rolling out now on all Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6 series.Google has announced the latest monthly Android update for its Pixel smartphones running Android 12, which started rolling out on Monday.The update brings the usual Android security bulletin updates that we expect that ensures your phone will stay safe and secure. Beyond that, Google's best Android phones are also receiving several bug fixes with the update that address some Bluetooth, camera, and connectivity issues.The following bug fixes are included in the update:Framework (Pixel 3a and newer)Fix for issue causing keyboard to display over input text in certain conditions.Telephony (select Pixel 4 models, Pixel 5)Connectivity fixes for specific carrier networks.Camera (...

Meta's ability to serve targeted ads to users in Europe could be "severely limited" by European data regulations.What you need to knowMeta has warned in an SEC filing that it could pull Facebook and Instagram from Europe if it isn't allowed to transfer user data from the European Union to the U.S.A ruling by the EU Court of Justice in July 2020 voided the U.S. Privacy Shield, which allowed American companies like Meta to collect and transfer data of EU subjects. Meta says the new limitations on transatlantic data transfers would have an adverse effect on its advertising business. Meta has "warned" in its 2021 annual report submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it may not be able to continue offering Facebook and Instagram in Europe if it can no longer move data of its users from Europe to the U.S.Until July 2020, Facebook and other American tech giants like Google could transfer the data of EU subjects to U.S. servers under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield....

Best answer: In a PlayStation blog post at the beginning of the year, Sony confirmed that the PS VR2 would support adjustable lens separation, also known as IPD adjustment.What is IPD adjustment, and why does it matter?IPD, which stands for interpupillary distance, is the distance between the center of a person's eyes. Players come in different shapes and sizes, so IPD drastically varies from person to person. Because the screens on VR headsets are designed to be held so close to the user's face, even just a few millimeters can make a world of difference. Therefore, headsets must cover a range of IPDs to accommodate a range of players.Since the first PS VR launched nearly five years ago, companies like Oculus and Valve have made massive strides in improving the VR experience. That includes adjusting the IPD on the headset by using a small slider on the bottom of the headset as a standard. Sony, among other companies, refers to IPD adjustment as lens separation adjustment.Does...

AT&T provides great coverage to a vast majority of Americans, and it's rapidly developing its 5G network to increase that number of people. It's by far one of the best wireless carriers you could join today and one that you can count on for great performance and reliable speeds. Though AT&T offers a variety of plans with competitive pricing to meet each customer's needs, its most complete plan is AT&T Unlimited Elite. With this plan, you'll get 100GB of premium data, HD video streaming, 40GB of mobile hotspot, and everything you need to be prepared for AT&T's steadily growing 5G footprint.Best overall: AT&T Unlimited EliteThe AT&T Unlimited Elite plan will get you the best of the best when it comes to phone plans. With access to AT&T's rapidly growing 5G network, you'll have unlimited premium data. This means no matter how much data you use, you will always get the full speed of the network. You'll also have unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S....

The update initially arrived for the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy S20 phones and Galaxy A50s in other countries.Update, Feb 7 (9:30 a.m. ET): The update is now rolling out to Samsung phones in the U.S.What you need to knowSamsung starts rolling out the February 2022 security update to its flagship and mid-range Galaxy devices.The patch is now available for the Galaxy S20 phones and Galaxy A50s, following its release to the Galaxy Note 20 series.The update includes some security fixes and improvements.Samsung has maintained its impressive update pace by scaling up the number of Galaxy phones receiving its updates while keeping the same speed, overtaking other Android OEMs. The company shows no signs of slowing down, as it is now rolling out the February 2022 security update to some of its Galaxy phones.The latest security patch has started arriving on the Galaxy S20 series in the United Kingdom following its release to the Galaxy Note 20 series on January 28 (via 9to5Go...

Put on your thinking hat.We're rounding up some of our favorite strategy games on Android for the deep thinkers out there. These are more than just simple puzzle games — these require careful planning and forethought to emerge victoriously. You'll find some great replay value in games like these as well since the same strategy won't always work twice.Strategy gamers, pop on your thinking caps and get downloading these outstanding Android games. And if you're looking for the best games in other genres, we have those, too.The gamesBad NorthThe Battle for PolytopiaBloons TD 6Card ThiefChess by AI Factory LimitedCrying SunsThe Escapists 2: Pocket BreakoutEnyoFire Emblem: HeroesGwentHello NeighborHeroes of FlatlandiaHoledown Legends of RuneterraMindustryMushroom Wars 2Night of the Full MoonROME: Total WarTiny GuardiansTropicoXCOM: Enemy WithinBad NorthBad North is one of those unique games that comes along every so often and wows us all. The dev...

Leading the AR/VR field is an expensive proposition, and that money has to come from somewhere.The revelation that Meta's Reality Labs lost a net $10 billion despite record-breaking Quest profits over the holidays raised plenty of eyebrows. But with the dust settled, analysts argue that Meta fully needs to burn through billions to keep up its lead in the VR/AR space. The problem is that Meta intended to bankroll these costs with ad profits that have dried up, which could lead to a breaking point for the company.Meta's 2021 earnings call couldn't have gone much worse. After Apple, Google, and Microsoft all reported record-setting profits last week, Meta brought much more dour news. Facebook user numbers declined for the first time in its history, ad revenue dropped, and stocks plummeted as a result.Meta had reasonable explanations for its failings. Global "supply chain shortages" reduced small businesses' advertising budgets, cutting off Meta's bread-and-butter. Apple's new cust...

Samsung is also expanding the use of recycled post-consumer material and recycled paper for Galaxy devices.What you need to knowSamsung has developed a new material to give ocean-bound plastics "a new life."The Galaxy S22 series will be the first to incorporate repurposed ocean-bound plastics. Samsung plans to use eco-conscious materials throughout its entire product lineup in the future. Samsung is set to take the wraps off its Galaxy S22 series phones on February 9. Ahead of its first Unpacked event of 2022, Samsung has announced that the flagship phones incorporate a "new material" made with repurposed ocean-bound discarded fishing nets.The use of this new material marks an important step in Samsung's Galaxy for the Planet journey, which aims to minimize the company's environmental footprint and "help foster more sustainable lifestyles for the Galaxy community." By giving new life to discarded fishing nets that would otherwise become dangerous waste, Samsung – th...

Not a lot of cash to build your PS5 collection? That's not a problem.So, you've finally managed to acquire a PS5 — now it's just an issue of finding games to play. While different paid titles are all over, you might want to relax with something free to play if your budget is a little tight. So, we've rounded up the best PS5 games that can be played for free. There are a lot of shooters and cross-play games, but everyone can find something they'll want to check out. Some are even updated to take advantage of the PS5 DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.Jump to:Astro's PlayroomApex LegendsCall of Duty: Warzone DauntlessDestiny 2 FortniteGenshin ImpactRocket LeagueSplitgateWarframePlayStation PlusAstro's PlayroomAstro's Playroom is a charming adventure title that takes players down a nostalgic trip of PlayStation hardware while showcasing the different advanced features of the DualSense controller. Best of all? It's entirely free and comes prei...