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The Stadia Pro catalog continues to get bigger.What you need to knowGoogle will be adding seven games to its Stadia Pro subscription catalog on Feb. 1.The seven games are Life is Strange Remastered, Life is Strange: Before The Storm Remastered, Cosmic Star Heroine, Nanotale - Typing Chronicles, Merek's Market, Phogs!, and One Hand Clapping.With the addition of February's lineup, the Stadia Pro library has reached 50 games for subscribers to claim.Google announced today it will be adding seven more games to its Stadia Pro subscription service in February, including two new games launching on the streaming platform at the beginning of the month.Stadia Pro subscribers can claim Life is Strange Remastered, Life is Strange: Before The Storm Remastered, Cosmic Star Heroine, Nanotale - Typing Chronicles, Merek's Market, Phogs!, and One Hand Clapping beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 1. Racing games Dirt 5 and MotoGP 20 will be leaving the service on the same date.Square Enix's Life i...

Best answer: As of December 2021, the types of files that violate Google Drive's content policy include: child sexual abuse and exploitation, dangerous and illegal activities, harassment, bullying, threats, hate speech, malware, misleading content, explicit non-consensual imagery (NCEI), phishing, sexually explicit material, violence, gore, and violent organizations and movements.What kinds of files violate Google Drive's content policies?Google recently made public the latest terms of its Abuse Program Policies and Enforcement policy. The newest policy spells out exactly how it applies to content uploaded to its Google Workspace services, which includes Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and new Sites features.As part of the update, Google shared a complete list of content that may be removed or blocked on services, including Google Drive based on applicable laws. In addition to applying to offenses such as account hijacking and inactivity, the latest version of the Google Dr...

To reduce the risk of fingerprinting, Google plans to limit the list proposed to around 350 topics.What you need to knowGoogle has given up on the Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC).The search giant has now proposed the Topics API as a replacement for third-party cookies. Google claims the Topics API will take user privacy a "step forward," while ensuring advertisers receive enough relevant information. Back in August 2019, Google introduced a new initiative called Privacy Sandbox to enhance privacy for users on the web. As part of the initiative, Google plans to eliminate third-party cookies completely and replace them with first-party alternatives.While Google proposed Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC) as an alternative to third-party cookies last year, it has now announced a new Privacy Sandbox proposal informed by its "learning and widespread community feedback from earlier FLoC trials."Topics, which is the search giant's new Privacy Sandbox proposal, will ...

If you're dealing with frustrating Wi-Fi dead zones, and upgrading your router isn't an option, the best Wi-Fi extenders should solve the issue. A range extender is a Wi-Fi booster adding more Wi-Fi coverage to your existing network without running an Ethernet line. It can also act as a middleman for devices with reduced Wi-Fi range. The TP-Link RE500X is the best overall range extender thanks to Wi-Fi 6 speeds, OneMesh compatibility, and a compact design. Still, we've laid out different extender types to fit every scenario.Best overall: TP-Link RE500XThe TP-Link RE500X is a compact Wi-Fi extender with a simple design that makes it easy to plug in and forget about. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for those that have already upgraded to the newer tech and still works with 802.11ac devices. This extender has a maximum throughput of 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1200Mbps at 5GHz.Keep in mind that the extender must share this wireless connection with devices and the router backhaul, so even though t...

The Galaxy Watch 4 may be the new kid on the block, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 still stands its ground. It boasts some exciting features like optional LTE connectivity, an electrocardiogram sensor for detecting irregular heartbeats, and much more. When weighing what color Galaxy Watch Active 2 you should buy, there are six shades to choose from, but which is best for you? Here's our list so you can decide.Unique yet subtleAluminum Aqua BlackStaff PickSamsung has always been good about providing decent color options with its releases, even if they stay more or less the same. The second edition brings a refreshing and unique Aqua Black shade to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 series.From $257 at Amazon From $280 at Best Buy $263 at WalmartCloud 9Aluminum Cloud SilverIf you want a smartwatch that will match everything, this is an ideal option. While there was a silver version with the last release, this one comes in an eye-catching shade that shines bright...

The "Frontier 22" could be among the first Android phones to feature a 200MP main camera.What you need to knowAn alleged render and key specs of Motorola's next Android flagship have leaked online.The device is said to be codenamed "Frontier 22" and could feature a 200MP main camera. Other rumored specs of the phone include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 "Plus" chipset and 125W wired charging. Motorola is reportedly working on a new Android flagship with even more impressive specs than the Edge X30 that it launched in China last month. As per WinFuture, the upcoming flagship is codenamed "Frontier 22" and is going to be powered by a "Plus" variant of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.As you can see in the render above, the "Frontier 22" will look quite different from the Edge X30 from all sides. It appears to have a dual-curved display with ultra-thin top and bottom bezels. On the back of the phone, we find a unique camera bump with the classic Motorola batwing logo.The ph...

The cellular coverage maps look good, but they aren't accurate — not even close.I wrote a plea in December 2020 for 5G to be the technology that saved my rural broadband situation in 2021, that situation being that it is essentially non-existent. While there was a brief period in which I was able to use T-Mobile Home Internet to bolster my connectivity situation, ultimately, my internet salvation is beamed to my home from space thanks to SpaceX Starlink Home Internet. Even with 2021's 5G expansion, it's a struggle to get even 4G LTE outside metropolitan eras despite seemingly comprehensive carrier coverage maps.In these ads that sprawl across our TVs, webpages, and social media, we constantly see how one carrier is the fastest or covers the most people—usually accompanied by a map of some form displaying brand colors shading essentially the entire United States. This is to persuade consumers to pick that carrier because it has the best coverage. If you hadn't noticed, all of ...

Microsoft has announced their intent to acquire Activision Blizzard. Our intrepid team analyze what it means for the industry, for gamers, and what's likely to change (or stay the same) as part of this massive deal.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Microsoft is buying Activision Blizzard: What this means for Xbox and gamers in general | Windows CentralReport: Bobby Kotick to step down once Activision Blizzard deal closes | Windows CentralMicrosoft will add 'as many Activision Blizzard games as we can' to Xbox Game Pass | Windows CentralPhil Spencer named Microsoft Gaming CEO following Activision Blizzard deal | Windows CentralHere's why Microsoft made a nearly $70 billion bet on gaming giant Activision Blizzard | Windows CentralXbox CEO Phil Spencer wants to revitalize past Activision games | Windows CentralSony expects Activision games to remain multipla...

Talk to the handGarmin Venu 2 Plus$450 at AmazonProsYou can make calls from your wristGenerous battery lifePlenty of health and wellness featuresConsExpensiveYou'd be hard-pressed to find a smartwatch feature the Garmin Venu 2 Plus doesn't have. While reflected in the high price, this smartwatch can track just about anything, with the added ability to make calls and reply to messages right from your wrist using compatible voice assistants.Solid smartwatchGarmin Venu 2S$350 at AmazonProsBetter battery lifeSmaller, slimmer, lightweight designSlightly more affordableConsNo phone or text capabilitiesLower resolution screenWhile you can't make or receive calls or compose or reply to messages from your wrist using the Garmin Venu 2S, it has all the other health, wellness, and fitness features of the Venu 2 Plus. This makes it an affordable alternative if you don't need, or won't use, voice assistance.The Garmin Venu 2 Plus and the ...

The puzzle pieces are aligning for PS VR2, and one of the biggest could be Horizon Call of the Mountain.PSVR has never had an exclusive killer app. Beat Saber could certainly be considered a system seller, but it's available for several models of virtual reality headsets. Horizon Call of the Mountain could be exactly what PlayStation needs for VR enthusiasts and general consumers alike to take PS VR2 seriously. Not only that, but like Half-Life: Alyx, it could potentially deliver an authentic AAA experience on VR. While plenty of PSVR games have attempted to become that AAA killer app, none quite succeeded. Instead, those experiences ended up being mostly tech demos or short gimmicks. Though we know very little about Horizon Call of the Mountain, I hope it will be different.Sony has described Horizon Call of the Mountain as a brand-new adventure set in the popular Horizon universe, built from the ground up for PS VR2. It stars a new protagonist that we've yet to meet, but Guerril...

Meta began designing the computing infrastructure "from a clean slate" in early 2020.What you need to knowMeta has announced the AI Research SuperCluster (RSC), which it claims is among the fastest AI supercomputers in the world.The RSC will help accelerate the company's AI research and help build better AI models for the metaverse. It is expected to be fully built out in mid-2022. Facebook parent Meta on January 24 unveiled the AI Research SuperCluster (RSC), which it says is among the fastest AI supercomputers on the planet right now. Once it is fully built out in mid-2022, Meta claims it will be the fastest in the world.RSC will aid AI researchers at Meta to develop better AI models capable of learning from trillions of examples, working across hundreds of languages, creating new AR tools, and more. More importantly, RSC will allow the company to make significant strides in AI-driven applications for building the metaverse. With RSC, we can more quickly train model...

The JioPhone 5G is key to Jio's 5G ambitions in India.With over 420 million subscribers, Jio is India's largest cellular network by some margin. It partnered with Google last year to deliver the JioPhone Next, a budget phone running a customized version of Android that retails for the equivalent of $87 ($6,499).Jio is now turning to 5G as a differentiator in 2022, and as such the company is working on its first 5G-enabled phone, the JioPhone 5G. While the best budget phones sold in India come with a 5G modem, there's no 5G service to speak of, and Jio is aiming to change that later this year as it rolls out 5G connectivity in major Indian cities.To coincide with the launch of its 5G service, Jio intends to roll out the budget-focused JioPhone 5G. An insider source revealed key details about the upcoming phone, including hardware specs and software information, so let's take a look at what the JioPhone 5G has to offer.JioPhone 5G specsThe JioPhone 5G is betting on 5G as the ...

The Galaxy Tab S8 series is expected to be unveiled on February 9.What you need to knowOfficial-looking renders of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 have leaked online.The vanilla Galaxy Tab S8 will have a similar design to the Galaxy Tab S7, with a black stripe on the back to hold the S Pen. Samsung is rumored to unveil the Galaxy Tab S8 at its Unpacked event next month. Samsung's Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets were briefly listed by Amazon Italy last week, revealing nearly all the key specs and features. Official-looking renders showing off the Galaxy Tab S8 in three different colors have now surfaced, courtesy of legendary leaker Evan Blass. The renders seem to confirm that the Galaxy Tab S8 will not bring any significant changes in the design department. It will have a similar black stripe on the back to hold the S Pen, along with a dual-camera setup. We can also see that the follow-up to one of Samsung's best Android tablets will have a single USB-C port at the bott...

Google is looking to launch a cheaper foldable phone.What you need to knowGoogle reportedly wants its first foldable to be much more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.A new report suggests the target price for the Pixel Notepad is $1400.Google could release the device by the end of the year.While we don't expect to see Google's rumored Pixel foldable for a while, there have been rumors that it will be much more affordable than Samsung's best foldable phone when it launches. Now, we may have an idea of just how much it will cost if and when it launches.9to5Google reports that Google is reportedly targeting a price that will undercut the Galaxy Z Fold 3 by several hundred dollars. At the present time, it's being said that Google is looking at a $1400 price tag for its "Pixel Notepad."While that could change as time goes on, it might explain why the rumored device is taking longer than expected to come to market. It was reported at one point that work on the Pixel foldab...

Pixels will finally be a thing of the past.What you need to knowIn its weekly report, Display Supply Chain Consultants said that the PS VR2's display will sport greater than 800 pixels-per-inch density per eye.This comes as a massive improvement over the original, which was lower than 200 PPI per eye.Sony will continue using an RGB stripe OLED panel, which is also important to display density and quality.The PS VR2 is expected to launch later in 2022 but has no confirmed release date.The PlayStation VR2 is set to have the most pixel-dense display of any modern VR headset, according to a report by Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC). In its weekly industry supply chain report, CEO of DSCC, Ross Young, says that it won't reveal the display provider for Sony's upcoming next-generation PS VR2 but that the display itself features a greater than 800 PPI (pixels per inch) display density per eye.That last part is particularly important because it means that Sony will be abl...

It is said to include AV1 video format support.Update, Jan 24 (4:45 p.m. ET): New information emerges of low-end Google TV dongleWhat you need to knowA new Chromecast with Google TV device is reportedly in the works.No information has been provided, although we suspect it could include support for the AV1 video format.Google may release the new dongle later in 2022.The Chromecast with Google TV debuted only a year and a half ago, but a successor is reportedly in the pipeline already. The search giant is rumored to be preparing to introduce an upgraded Chromecast with Google TV later this year.Internal documentation and code analysis confirm the existence of the device, codenamed "Boreal," according to 9to5Google. The streaming dongle could potentially be an upgrade over the existing Chromecast with Google TV, though its specifications are unknown.That said, a new processing power and AV1 video format support may be in the cards. The latter, in particular, is being rep...

Just around the corner...What you need to knowA leaked promo image supposedly reveals the Galaxy S22 launch date.The Galaxy Unpacked will reportedly happen on February 9.So far, Samsung has only confirmed that the event will occur in February.According to a newly leaked promotional image, the Galaxy S22 launch may be just around the corner.Leaker Evan Blass (AKA @evleaks) posted the image on Monday, which apparently reveals the date and time of the event and when we'll get a full look at the successors to Samsung's best Android phones.If the information is to be believed, the Galaxy S22 launch is launching on February 9, roughly two weeks away at the time of writing. The image also says 15:00, or 3 p.m., although it's unclear what time zone it's referring to.The date seems to match some previous rumors that we would see Samsung's Galaxy S22 series at an early February launch, with dates fluctuating between February 8 and 9.No other information can be gleaned from ...

The bipartisan lawsuit accuses Google of tracking users even after they've turned off location history.What you need to knowWashington, D.C.'s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Google over location tracking.The AGs from Indiana, Texas, and Washington state have also sued Google in their own state courts.Google is accused of "deceiving" users and "invading their privacy."Google's location tracking practices resulted in a number of legal battles, including a lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco in 2018 and another similar case filed by the state of Arizona in 2020. Four state attorneys general have now sued Google over how it collects and uses location data from users.Karl A. Racine, the attorney general of Washington, D.C., has led a bipartisan lawsuit accusing Google of duping users into sharing their location data. Attorneys general from Indiana, Texas, and Washington state have also filed lawsuits against Google in their respective states.The law...

Now let's start talking about getting Android 12L on the Surface Duo.What you need to knowMicrosoft has released Android 11 for the original Surface Duo.The update comes with enhanced features and apps for the Duo, as well as a new function for the Surface Slim Pen 2.Unlocked devices are being updated first, with AT&T-branded devices receiving it at a later date.The time has finally come. After a long wait, owners of the original Microsoft Surface Duo are now being treated to the Android 11 update.While we should expect the typical Android 11 goodies to arrive with the update, such as Conversation Bubbles, there are plenty of new features specific to the Surface Duo. This should make the device more like the Surface Duo 2, with an updated launcher, an optimized UI to take better advantage of the dual screens, and new pen features.These are the new features that Surface Duo owners can expect from the update, as per Microsoft's release notes:Upgrades the Android op...

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 for Google Pixel 6Staff PickWhile not many cases yet highlight that pop of red at the top of the Kinda Coral Pixel 6, Caseology leaped 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 case this year, but at least Bellroy is back ...

Whether you're trying to save a bit of information for later or want to share something you came across, it's hard to find a more useful feature on our smartphone these days than the ability to take a screenshot. Thankfully, most Android manufacturers have standardized this process, so learning how to take a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy phone should be a piece of cake. Don't believe me? I'll show you how below!Jump to:Take screenshots using a key combinationTake screenshots using a palm swipeTake screenshots using Bixby VoiceCapture more with "scroll capture"How to take a screenshot on a Samsung Galaxy S or Note phoneThere are a bunch of ways to take a screenshot with a Samsung phone, one is pretty obvious and the other two ways... a little less so. We'll walk you through all three of these methods below.Note: These methods apply to most Samsung Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S and Note lines, along with most modern Galaxy A models from the last three y...

The upcoming PS VR2 could be huge.The original PlayStation VR is one of the most successful headsets of its kind, with over 5 million units sold. Due to its success, and the growing appetite for VR within the gaming industry, Sony announced the PlayStation VR2 with a release scheduled for sometime later this year, using the considerable advancements in VR technology since the first PS VR released in 2016.Some remain skeptical of VR as anything other than a gimmick, a growing view in the console space as PS VR increasingly shows its age compared to headsets like the Oculus Quest 2. The announcement of greatly improved specs and other quality of life enhancements is far from PS VR2's more primitive predecessor, and Sony's upcoming headset represents huge potential for the PlayStation brand.Better gamesA key reason for PS VR2 great potential is the technology announced for its headset, with vast improvements to the quality and variation of releases. Many current PS VR games ar...

Skydance Interactive is working on a sequel to The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners.What you need to knowThe Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners came out two years ago today.As part of the two-year anniversary celebration Skydance Interactive and Skybound Entertainment have announced a sequel to their 2020 hit.The game has no release date but will serve as a direct sequel to the original.Skydance Interactive announced a sequel to 2020's The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners called The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners with Chapter 2: Retribution. In Retribution, players will reprise their role as The Tourist and explore old and new parts of the same ruined New Orleans as the first game.This one is a standalone sequel and doesn't require players to have played the original — although it would be helpful to know what happened in the story.The announcement also came part-in-parcel with the news that the original game generated $60 million since its release in 2020, making i...

Earbud prices can run all over the place — and unfortunately, the ones you typically hear about most often are super expensive. Still, there are some great budget options out there, such as the Creative Outlier Air V3, which offer fantastic battery life, exceptional comfort, and superb sound quality. But besides those, we've done the research and gathered some of the best cheap true wireless earbuds for any style and budget.Best overall: Creative Outlier Air V3It's hard to beat the Outlier Air V3 on battery life. Even compared to the best wireless earbuds, they outperform most of them with up to 10 hours of audio playback per charge at default volume. Add another three charges in the case, and you've got about 40 hours of total listening time. Creative also finally added wireless charging, making charging easier when you don't want to plug in.Creative largely based the design on the previous Outlier Air V2, which are a little bigger, though used the same ear tips for improv...

Garmin has followed up its popular Venu 2 smartwatch, one of the best Garmin smartwatches you can buy, with the new Venu 2 Plus, which the company revealed at CES 2022 in early January. Along with more software capabilities, the Venu 2 Plus adds an exciting new feature: you can make phone calls from it when the device is tethered to your phone thanks to the built-in mic and button. How do you accomplish this? Through voice assistant capability, which also allows you to dictate text messages to send right from your wrist.Of course, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus also includes all the usual features you'd expect from a premium smartwatch, like health monitoring, fitness tracking, GPS, music, and access to apps. And like some other best Garmin smartwatches, it's compatible with both Android and iOS devices.Which smart voice assistants work with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus?The Garmin Venu 2 Plus works with several of the most popular smart voice assistants, including Google Assistant, Apple S...

New rumor claims it will make its debut at Google I/O.What you need to knowGoogle is tipped to unveil the upcoming Pixel 6a in May.The rumored launch window is three months earlier than when the Pixel 5a debuted.It's also in line with the launch schedule of the Pixel 3a and 3a XL before the pandemic.Google unveiled the Pixel 5a and Pixel 4a in August 2020 and 2021, respectively, which was a little later than usual due to supply chain delays caused by the pandemic. However, it appears that the search giant is bringing the upcoming Google Pixel 6a to market much sooner than the previous Pixel A-series models.The Pixel 6a will be announced in May, according to reliable tipster Max Jambor. If the tip is correct, Google's challenger to this year's best budget Android phones will make its debut at Google I/O, which is usually held during that month.Pixel 6A scheduled for May— Max Jambor (@MaxJmb) January 22, 2022Notably, the rumored release window indicates that the Pix...

The smart speaker could make an appearance at Samsung's Unpacked event next month.What you need to knowSamsung's Galaxy Home Mini successor has been spotted on the Bluetooth SIG website.The listing reveals the Galaxy Home Mini 2 bears the model number SM-V320 and supports the Bluetooth 5.2 standard. The smart speaker is rumored to have entered mass production and could be announced "soon."Samsung quietly announced the Galaxy Home Mini at its Galaxy S20 series Unpacked event in February 2020. Unfortunately, the smart speaker was never released globally. However, it now looks like Samsung could soon unveil a successor to the Galaxy Home Mini.As spotted by the folks at MySmartPrice, the Galaxy Home Mini 2 has been certified by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). As per the listing on the Bluetooth SIG website, the device carries the model number SM-V230 and supports Bluetooth version 5.2.A report published by SamMobile in November last year had claimed that the G...

The new Chromebooks also feature mechanically-anchored keyboards.What you need to knowAcer has introduced four new durable education-focused Chromebooks.The new models are made using post-consumer recycled plastic. The OceanGlass touchpad on the new Chromebooks is built entirely using abandoned ocean-bound plastic waste. Acer, which makes some of the best Chromebooks on the market, has unveiled four new rugged models that are both durable and eco-friendly. All four new Chromebooks have a MIL-STD-810H rating and feature OceanGlass touchpads made using ocean-bound plastic waste.The new Chromebook 512 (C852) features a 12-inch display with a taller 3:2 aspect ratio, offering 18% more vertical space compared to 16:9 displays that you find on most laptops. You can also configure it with a multi-touch display. Powered by Intel's latest N-series processors, the updated Chromebook 512 is claimed to provide up to 12 hours of battery life. It also comes with two built-in micropho...

NVIDIA Shield TV (2019)A compact redesign$150 at Amazon$150 at Best Buy$150 at WalmartProsClever and compact designUpdated remote is fantasticStill the best Android TV experienceImproved AI Upscaling is greatConsMight run into issues running some Android gamesNot novice-friendly out of the boxThe most striking change for the 2019 NVIDIA Shield TV refresh is its unique tube shape and the redesigned remote. This streamlined and portable stream box with upgraded processing power still delivers the best Android TV experience you can buy.NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019)Subtle upgrade$200 at Amazon$200 at Best Buy$200 at B&H PhotoProsSleek Shield TV designMore RAM and double the onboard storageOffers USB ports for external storageThe one you'll want for Plex and gamingConsLess internal storage than older Pro modelMore expensive than the tubeNot enough new features to justify upgradingThe NVIDIA Shield TV Pro (2019) looks and runs nearly...

Yes, you can have both form and function with a hybrid smartwatch.With each year that passes, Garmin manages to further expand its smartwatch lineup. This year started with two new releases at CES: the Garmin Vivomove Sport and the Venu 2 Plus. These two watches are a shining example of Garmin's unbelievable range.While there are plenty of differences between the two, the Vivomove Sport is a perfect demonstration of how Garmin has mastered the art of packing essential features into its more affordable and traditional-looking hybrid smartwatches. It's less than half the price of some of the other Garmin smartwatches on the market, which will appeal to budget shoppers who don't need all the bells and whistles.A hybrid smartwatch like the Garmin Vivomove Sport may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're shopping for an Android smartwatch, but don't be too quick to judge. Whether you're new to wearables or you know that you'll only need a few essential features, the G...

Get the most out of your new phone.If you're the proud new owner of a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, congratulations! You just saved a bunch of money versus the Galaxy S21. One of the biggest perks of the Galaxy S21 FE is the inclusion of all the great software features from the Galaxy S21, meaning you get all the best parts without spending the extra cash. Best yet, the S21 FE launches with One UI 4 — that's Samsung's flavor of Android 12 — meaning you've got all the latest and greatest features to try out.If you're just getting started with the phone, we have several suggestions to make the experience even better. Here's how to get the most out of your shiny new phone.Jump to:Unlock your phone fasterFind apps easierGet better game performanceAdd a little colorCustomize the displayGestural navigationSamsung PayBixby and the power buttonEnable call screeningGet a better keyboardPrivacy dashboardSmart home controlsGood LockKids modeUnlock your phone fasterTh...

Samsung would lose its competitive edge over Google and that's not goodWhat's the first thing you do when you get a new Samsung phone? For many, the answer is to disable Bixby, Samsung's virtual assistant, and to replace Samsung Keyboard with Google's GBoard.So why doesn't Samsung just remove these often complained about features? In short, analysts argue that it would not be a viable or fiscally smart option for Samsung to abandon all of its proprietary software and apps with the purpose of only sticking with Googe's offerings.However, they do agree, Samsung needs to focus on "creating better-differentiated software rather than trying to replicate something someone else does better."Last week, Android Police wrote an article detailing how Samsung pushes its users to use specific software that is not good (i.e. Bixby and Samsung Keyboard). For example, the article notes how Samsung ties Bixby to the "already limited selection of hardware buttons on its products." Even as the ...

Wear OS 3 is here, and it's not.Wear OS 3 is the latest update to Google's smartwatch platform, announced at Google I/O 2021. It's being co-developed by Google and Samsung, the latter of which has adopted Wear OS in lieu of its long-time Tizen platform. It brings some notable changes compared to previous iterations of Wear OS, which should give it a boost when compared to both Google and Samsung's efforts in the space, combining the best of both companies.We've already tasted what Wear OS 3 can do thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which proved quite popular. However, that's only Samsung's flavor of Wear OS, and despite some teasers from Google and a few uncovered snippets, we still don't have a clear picture of what's in store for the "stock" Wear OS 3 update on some of the best Wear OS watches. This is the experience we would expect to see on a potential Pixel Watch, similar to how Google's Pixel smartphones provide a "stock" version of Android.That said, we're learning mo...

You can now use Gmail to enter Google Meet callsSeeing the rise in work-from-home setups and video conferences, Google decided to introduce a Meet tab in its email client, Gmail. The new app design makes it easier for you to start or join a Google Meet event via the Gmail app.If you use the Gmail app on iOS or Android and somebody sends you a Google Meet event invite, you can join the meeting right from your email inbox. Here's how you can start or join a Google Meet call directly from the Gmail app.How to start or join a Google Meet call directly from the Gmail appGoogle has merged its Meet app with a tab on the Gmail app. You don't need to install the dedicated Meet app to join a call. If somebody sends you a Meet invite, you can join the call directly from Google's email client. Here's how you do it.Join a Google Meet call via invite on GmailYou can join a Google Meet call in Gmail if somebody has invited you to a call. The invite link will be waiting for you in the Me...

The January 2022 update is available now for Pixel 6 phones. It brings some quality of life improvements for their users. But the the news isn't so good for NVIDIA Shield TV after an Android 11 update. However, NVIDIA says fixes for Plex, Kodi, and more are on the way.The crew also dig into a lot of other news, such as why Airlines have such a bee in their bonnet about 5G, YouTube Premium discounts, scaling back on original content, and lousy trade-in values from Apple for Android phones.Listen nowSubscribe in Spotify: AudioSubscribe in iTunes: AudioSubscribe in RSS: AudioDownload directly: AudioLinks:How does 5G pose a threat to the airline industry? | Android CentralAT&T and Verizon 5G upgrades delayed as airlines warn of 'major disruption' | Android CentralAT&T and Dish outspend T-Mobile in mid-band 5G spectrum auction, Verizon sits this one out | Android CentralJanuary 2022 update for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is finally available | Android CentralNV...

For some, the best Android card games are the ultimate way to relax. Killing time on your morning commute or unwinding at the end of your day playing cards can now all happen on your phone, which is fantastic. You can play solo games, connect with friends or random online opponents over classic card games, or dive into fantasy card games of every kind.Here are some of our favorites now available for Android. When you're all wrapped up here, check out our best Android games!The gamesAscensionCard ThiefEvil Apples: You Against HumanityExploding KittensGin RummyGwentHearthstoneLegends of RuneterraMagic: the Gathering ArenaMicrosoft Solitaire CollectionNova IslandReigns: Her MajestyShards of InfinityShelter FreeSlay the SpireStar RealmsUno!Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel LinksAscensionAscension is a deck-building game designed by a small team of Magic: The Gathering tournament champions. The game is available as a physical card game, and in this digital version, you c...

PlayStation's game lineup is as strong as ever — but stumbling blocks loom large.A new year means new opportunities and new head-scratching decisions in the gaming industry, with one of the biggest players being Sony and its gaming division at PlayStation. While PlayStation had a somewhat quiet 2021, it was by no means boring, releasing a handful of titles while investing in new teams for PlayStation Studios.With the PS5 entering its second year on the market, more games are on the way, in addition to exciting new tech and absolutely massive industry shakeups. There's a lot to go over, so let's take a look at what to expect from PlayStation in 2022.Back to back blockbuster releases — and what's nextSony isn't waiting far into the year to launch some big games. Guerrilla Games' Horizon Forbidden West is slated to arrive on Feb. 18, 2022. Hot on its heels is Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 7, a racing title that'll be out on March 4. Meanwhile, Sony Santa Monica's God of...

This deal could help sell more Xbox Series Xs in the short term, but Microsoft has much bigger VR/AR fish to fry.Microsoft claims its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition is about more than just gaming: it will "provide building blocks for the metaverse." So while everyone initially freaked out about Game Pass exclusives and whether Call of Duty will remain on the PS5 (it will), most people didn't notice that Microsoft's ambitions go well beyond the traditional console wars with Sony and Nintendo.When I first read the announcement, I'll admit I groaned a bit. Since Facebook announced its own Metaverse plans last year, it's been the go-to buzzword for tons of companies. Particularly at CES, where companies claimed they were building it without any basis in reality. It's become hard to take any metaverse plans seriously when no one can agree on what, exactly, it is.In this thread I will post every ridiculous usage of metaverse I see at #CES.— VR Nima (@NimaZeighami) January 5...

Extraction sounds a lot more freeing than quarantine.Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction is a first-person shooter where up to three players work together to defeat alien-like parasites and save the world. It's based on a limited-time mode that appeared in the Rainbow Six Siege, Ubisoft's competitive multiplayer game, back in 2018.Now it has been fleshed out into its own game while retaining most of the Rainbow Six Siege DNA. It takes a lot of familiar aspects from weapons, abilities, and characters (called Operators) into a player versus environment (PvE) mode that supports cross-platform play and saves between Stadia, PC, and consoles. While Rainbow Six Extraction presents some fresh ideas for cooperative gameplay, it fizzles out a lot sooner than expected.Rainbow Six Extraction review:Gameplay, story, and presentationStadia performance and featuresShould you buy it?At a glanceRainbow Six Extraction on Stadia ...

Best answer: Yes. PlayStation VR2 features four cameras on the headset for tracking and the tracking bands on the PS VR2 Sense controllers. This allows for room-scale tracking, but players will still be limited by the USB-C cable that tethers PS VR2 to the PS5.PS5 VR room-scale tracking: Taking a walkOne of the biggest detractors from full immersion on the original PSVR was the limited range of movement options. While some of the best PSVR accessories, like the PlayStation Aim controller, enabled unique experiences that made specific VR games feel quite realistic, you still could only move so far or turn so much before being yelled at by the game. Other VR systems like the Oculus Quest 2 let players play anywhere and move as much as they want, so it makes sense that PlayStation gamers would want the PS5 VR — or PS VR2 — to work the same way.At CES 2022, PlayStation announced that instead of the outside-in tracking method employed by PSVR, PS VR2 would utilize inside-out tra...

It will start displaying a yellow warning banner for phishing and ransomware.What you need to knowGoogle announced a new feature that warns you about suspicious files on Drive.A yellow banner will show up at the top of a document that potentially contains malware.The same security measure was previously rolled out to Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings.Some Google Drive users may not be stranger to various forms of attacks distributed through the platform, including phishing lure and ransomware attacks. To help you stay on top of potentially malicious files, Google has introduced a new security feature to Drive.Google Drive will now start displaying a warning banner when you are about to download and open a potentially dubious document, image, or any type of file. The new feature is rolling out across all Google Workspace, G Suite Basic and G Suite Business tiers.The yellow banner shows up at the top of an attachment page after you click on a link. It should appear bef...

We've got everything you need to watch a UFC 270 live stream online for the Ngannou vs Gane PPV event tonight. Maybe you're already signed up to ESPN, or you're looking for information on joining for the first time. We'll walk you through it.The main card Heavyweight title bout between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane is set to take place around 10pm ET / 7pm PT / 3am GMT. As UFC 270 is a PPV event though, you may as well check out the earlier fights on the card too. The earlier bouts are undeway right now, but you've still got plenty of time before the main card begins, which also includes another title fight as Brandon Moreno defends his belt again Deiveson Figueiredo in the flyweight division.UFC 270 on ESPN+ | $99.98 (new subscribers)UFC 270 on ESPN+ | $74.98 (existing subscribers)The main event is certainly one to watch as an upset could well be on the cards given the French contender is undefeated and his striking and grappling stats compare very favorably about Ngannou'...

Gboard may be the best keyboard app for Android, but it's not infallible. Don't you hate it when you somehow end up in one-handed or floating mode in Gboard? If you're in a similar rut and don't know how to revert back to the full-fledged keyboard, we can help you out. Here's how to get out of one-handed mode or floating mode in Gboard.How to get out of one-handed mode in GboardWhile one-handed mode is designed for ease of use, many find it challenging to exit out of it. Thankfully, getting out of one-handed mode in Gboard is extremely simple and a matter of seconds.Open any app and start typing so you can open Gboard.Tap on the expand icon on the right.Once you've tapped on the expand icon, you'll be out of the one-handed mode in a jiffy. After you've found it the first time, you'll realize how easy it really was to exit the one-handed mode.How to get out of floating mode in Gboard the easy wayGetting out of the floating mode in Gboard isn't nearly as straightforwar...

WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps for Android for some of the best Android phones. You can now use WhatsApp to send payments from within the service if you're in India and Brazil. In India, the feature relies on the country's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) framework to facilitate money transfer. You can use WhatsApp to send and receive money from your friends and family. Here's how you can get started with payments on WhatsApp.How to set up payments on WhatsAppTo get started with payments on WhatsApp, you'll first have to link your bank account to the service. UPI works primarily with your phone number, and the service is available for all major banks in India. The best part is that even if you don't have a UPI account set up with your bank, you will be able to use the payments option within WhatsApp, as it will create a new UPI ID for you. Here's how to set it up:Open WhatsApp from the app drawer or home screen. Select the action overflow menu (three vertical dots...

What if delivering mail was actually exciting? Postknight 2 dares to dream that dream.As you might be able to guess from the title, Postknight 2 casts you in the role of a titular Postknight, an important job in the land of Prism that combines delivering mail with protecting the people. It's almost an absurd idea, but against the game's rough and tumble medieval fantasy backdrop, it makes a bit more sense that your local mailman might need a sword and shield out in the field.Postknight 2 isn't revolutionizing genres or serving up wild new mechanical intrigue, but it's one of the better casual games I've played that wasn't packed to the gills with ads or aggressive in-app purchases. I'd say this charming little title could easily earn a comfy spot on our list of best casual Android games.As an up-and-coming Postknight trainee, you'll have to successfully complete deliveries to improve your rank and formally graduate to official Postknight status. Deliveries come from main or...

Last year was refinement. This year, we need evolution.The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is one of the best foldable phones for a reason. Aside from actually being small enough to fit in a pocket, its release provided much-needed upgrades over its predecessor like a proper water-resistance rating. But foldable phones are still in their infancy with plenty of room for improvement.With the expectation that Samsung will release a fourth-generation flip phone later in 2022 — especially given how well the Flip 3 is selling — we're hoping for more than just a spec bump. We'd love to see a design evolution that includes a few hardware upgrades.Goodbye creasePeople seeing or using the Z Flip 3 for the first time typically have one consistent concern amidst all the positivity and excitement: the horizontal crease in the display's center. To my recollection, everyone I know who has seen the phone in person has asked me if the crease is a bother. Acting like a crease is ideal isn't any bett...

And so it has begun.Samsung is finally preparing to launch its next flagship smartphone series. The Galaxy S22 is set to launch in February during Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event. While there's no exact date yet outside of rumors, nor do we have any official specs, Samsung has already opened up reservations for anyone expecting to buy the phones.Have you placed your reservation, or are you planning to?Are you reserving the Samsung Galaxy S22?During Samsung's announcement, the company's president and head of MX, Dr. TM Roh, teased what we can expect from the new series. In the process, he dropped plenty of hints that the Galaxy S22 Ultra would be a spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note 20.He spoke about the history of the Galaxy Note series and told us that Samsung would introduce "the most noteworthy S series device" at the February launch.While specs are unconfirmed, we are expecting the Galaxy S22 series to be powered by both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 220...

Advising Olympic athletes to leave personal electronics at home isn't a bad idea at all.The U.S., Canada, and the U.K. have all advised participants in the Winter Olympics 2022, held in Beijing, to leave their phones, tablets, and laptops at home. Instead, asking athletes to rely on burner phones for communication while abroad. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland went a step further and will provide "disposable" devices to their Olympic teams, which will be destroyed once they return home. Expect more of this sort of thing as we approach the Feb. 4 opening for the Winter Olympic Games.It's easy to reduce this reaction as some sort of xenophobic or racially charged screed, but if that's what you're here for I will gleefully disappoint you. Having said that, I do think this is the right reaction from the governments involved.Let me stop you right there. Wonderful people live in and were born in China. I've never been, but I'm told it's also a beautiful country steeped in ric...

Wear OS 3 needs consistent support as much as it needs new features.There's no doubt Wear OS 3 is an exciting endeavor for Google. What we've seen with the Galaxy Watch 4 software is nothing short of impressive compared to Wear OS 2. However, we still don't have a complete picture of what Wear OS 3 will be like for non-Samsung smartwatches, particularly on some of the best Wear OS watches set to receive the update later this year. And while the prospect of receiving the update is exciting, it's what happens after the update that I'm curious about.One of the problems with Wear OS 2 is that Google left the platform largely ignored. Any notable updates to the platform were few and far between, with other smaller updates scattered about over the past few years, and it wasn't very often that new features were added to Wear OS. In 2019, Google added one of the most useful platform updates when it introduced Tiles, which gives users access to apps without necessarily having to open them...

The Galaxy S21 FE is a potential bestseller — it just needs to cost a little less.The Galaxy S20 FE was a big hitter for Samsung in 2021. In a year where the Galaxy S21 series sells anywhere nearly as well as its predecessors, the S20 FE pulled in $10 million sales on its own. A big part of the phone's success was down to its value. It offered similar hardware as the standard Galaxy S20 at a lower price point, propelling Samsung to deliver one of the best Android phones of the year.Samsung is now trying to emulate a similar level of success with the Galaxy S21 FE. The phone features a new design that mimics the Galaxy S21 and comes with updated internals in the Exynos 2100. Other than that, Samsung hasn't really changed much here, with the S21 FE offering the same camera modules as its predecessor, as well as the same battery and charging tech.Still, there's one area where the S21 FE stands out: software. The phone is the first from Samsung to offer One UI 4 based on Android ...