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Hisense joins TCL and Sony with its own Google TV-powered TV sets.What you need to knowHisense launches a new lineup of ULED TVs featuring Google TV.The new TVs feature Mini LED and Dolby Vision technologies for impressive picture quality, with refresh rates ranging from 60Hz to a variable 120Hz.The lineup starts at just $580 and will be available in the summer.Last year, TCL and Sony announced the first TV sets to feature Google TV built-in. At this year's CES 2022, Hisense joins in the fun with its own lineup of Google TV sets, ranging from affordable to premium.The high-end U9H series comes with an impressive set of features. This 75-inch TV is equipped with a Mini LED display and more than 1280 local dimming zones, providing black levels and contract nearly as good as an OLED. Picture quality is further enhanced with Quantum Dot technology and Dolby Vision HDR, and the TV reaches up to 2000 nits of brightness. This is thanks to a new processor that enables a native ...

You won't experience the "Metaverse" anytime soon, but Meta is already laying the groundwork for it.The metaverse of science fiction and the Metaverse envisioned by Facebook aren't one and the same. It's clever branding meant to evoke a 3D internet in the vein of Ready Player One's OASIS, with hyperrealistic graphics and fun games accessible to everyone. But Meta's spin of the Metaverse comes with both major upsides and downsides.On the plus side, Meta has a talented team of VR developers responsible for the hugely popular Oculus Quest 2, and has acquired teams of talented game and app developers that could easily make a virtual Metaverse worth "living" in. On the downside, Facebook's history gives us reason to worry about how privacy in the Metaverse will work; and it's unlikely the Metaverse will be as open or accessible as the internet is now.Because of the technological hurdles, the Metaverse won't arrive for years yet. But we already have plenty of info of how it will work...

You can play high-end PC games on your 5G phone at a low price.What you need to knowNVIDIA GeForce Now is a game streaming service allowing users to stream PC games on high-end hardware.Starting on Jan. 4, AT&T 5G subscribers can get a free six-month subscription for NVIDIA GeForce Now Priority. This offer is open to new and existing subscribers.Starting on Jan. 4, 2022, anyone subscribed to AT&T 5G on a compatible plan can get six free months of NVIDIA GeForce Now Priority game streaming service. This is a $50 savings compared to the usual plan and the offer is available for both existing subscribers and newcomers.NVIDIA GeForce Now is powered using racks of RTX graphics cards, allowing users to stream games at a low latency, with different tiers that offer different benefits. Using GeForce Now, players can stream any compatible games they already own across various PC storefronts onto a device like one of the best Android phones, without having to own the expens...

The delay didn't do Samsung any favors, but it's still a great value.It's hard to believe that it's been a year and four months since Samsung redefined the "flagship killer" concept with the Galaxy S20 FE. At the time, the phone blew us away with its quality, delivering a true flagship experience for a significantly lower price than a "regular" Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S21 FE has been rumored for nearly six months, and now we finally got the chance to try it out.The Galaxy S21 FE debuts with some of the expected upgrades over its predecessor but still retains many of the points that made the S20 FE a more affordable device. You won't find a brand new camera array on this phone when compared to last year's device — that's a 12MP sensor for the main and ultra-wide lenses, while an 8MP sensor still resides behind the 3X telephoto lens — but Samsung has upgraded the styling to be more in line with the Galaxy S21 and the rumored Galaxy S22 series.The display got a big touch latenc...

This Alexa-powered smart display is the perfect bedside companion.What you need to knowLenovo has announced the Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built-in at CES 2022.The smart display offers the same design as the Smart Clock 2. Lenovo is also introducing new ambient light docks to use with the Smart Clock Essential.Over the past few years, Lenovo has done a wonderful job when it comes to offering low-cost Google Assistant-connected smart displays. The trend continued in 2021 with the Lenovo Smart Clock 2, as this offered a bit of a redesign along with an optional dock that doubles as a wireless charger for your phone. But the truth is that more options is always better, which is likely why Lenovo has announced the Smart Clock Essential with Amazon Alexa.Instead of being "limited" to using Google Assistant, this new version is powered by Alexa's smarts, while retaining the same great design. As expected, the Smart Clock Essential sports the same LED display, which sho...

The GT 2 Pro has been co-designed by Japanese industrial designed Naoto Fukusawa.What you need to knowRealme GT 2 series is now official.The Realme GT 2 Pro is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and features a 2K LTPO AMOLED display. Realme's vanilla GT 2 is a value flagship featuring the older Snapdragon 888 chipset and a 120Hz E4 AMOLED display. Realme on January 4 announced the GT2 series flagship phones at an event held in China. Unlike previous Realme flagships, the new GT2 Pro is targeted at the premium smartphone segment. What sets the Realme GT 2 Pro apart from its rivals is its design. It is the first phone to use a bio-based polymer design and ships in recyclable packaging.The flagship phone is powered by Qualcomm's 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It sports a 6.7-inch 2K AMOLED flat display with LTPO 2.0 technology and 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate.On the back of th...

No matter what your fitness goals are, living a healthier lifestyle is easier when you have a device that can automatically track your activity throughout the day. Fitbits are excellent tools for this, but with so many options to choose from, which one should you buy and why? We think the Fitbit Versa 3 is the best Fitbit you can buy, offering a great blend of features, specs, and design at a price your wallet will love.Best Fitbit overall: Fitbit Versa 3Fitbit makes many fantastic fitness wearables, but if you ask us, the best one you can buy right now is the Fitbit Versa 3.Combining the best bits of a smartwatch and fitness tracker into one, the Versa 3 is lightweight and slim enough to fit onto even the smallest of wrists and not look obnoxiously big the way competing watches can. In addition, it has a gorgeous AMOLED display on the hardware side of things, a battery that lasts over six days on a single charge, and it's waterproof up to 50 meters. Compared to the Versa 2,...

These accessories don't come cheap.What you need to knowWhitestone has launched new tempered glass screen protectors for the Google Pixel 6 series.The screen protectors are more expensive because they use liquid adhesive.Whitestone sells these accessories for as low as $45.The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro already feature Gorilla Glass Victus for both its front and back panel, which is touted as the toughest phone glass available. But that should not give you full confidence that the phones will withstand repeated drops. While you can always buy a screen protector, your options for capable items are likely to be limited due to a number of factors, including the phones' curved display.Fortunately, Whitestone is now back with its tempered glass screen protectors for Google's best Android phones after skipping the Pixel 4 and 5 series (via 9to5Google). Whitestone has a reputation for providing some of the highest-quality accessories on the market for protecting your phone's scree...

Enjoy 5G connectivity on the cheap thanks to TCL.What you need to knowTCL has announced two new budget-minded smartphones.The TCL 30 XE 5G is coming soon exclusively to T-Mobile.Verizon will be the sole carrier for the TCL 30 V 5G.We've already seen some pretty awesome announcements come out of CES 2022, and TCL is next up on the list. The company is debuting a set of budget-friendly smartphones that are definitely poised as contenders for best cheap Android phone.Kicking things off, the TCL 30 XE 5G sports a 6.52-inch display complete with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. Helping to hide the 8MP selfie camera is TCL's V-notch display, which ditches the hole-punch in favor of adding a bit of uniformity to the design.Powering the device is MediaTek's Dimensity 700, which was found in a few of the best Android phones of last year, including the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10. Not only does this bring 5G connectivity to another budget phone, but the Dimensity...

The company has also introduced two new budget Android tablets and three rugged kids tablets.What you need to knowTCL unveiled a bunch of new Android tablets at CES 2022.The new NXTPAPER 10s comes with a paper-like display featuring 10 layers of protection to retain natural colors. The company's latest tablet lineup also includes the TAB 8 4G and three new TKEE series tablets designed for kids. TCL announced a total of six new Android tablets at its CES 2022 press conference in Las Vegas today, including a 10.1-inch tablet with a NXTPAPER screen.TCL's new NXTPAPER 10s is an affordable Android tablet with a paper-like display that is TÜV certified and claimed to reduce blue light by over 50%. Thanks to an anti-glare finish, TCL claims the screen can be viewed clearly from any angle. There's support for TCL's proprietary T Pen too, which means you can use the NXTPAPER 10s to write down notes. Keeping the lights on is a large 8000mAh battery. The tablet has been priced at $...

No, the NXTWEAR AIR isn't an AR device.What you need to knowTCL's new NXTWEAR AIR wearable display glasses are designed for comfort and portability.The NXTWEAR AIR features dual 1080p Micro OLED screens with a 47 pixels-per-degree resolution for a "cinema-like level of clarity." The glasses are compatible with over 100 smartphones and can also be used as a second screen when paired with a laptop. TCL expanded its wearables lineup at CES 2022 with the launch of the new NXTWEAR AIR. The company's second-generation wearable display glasses tout a more comfortable fit and happen to be 30% lighter.Just like the NXTWEAR G glasses that the company announced last year, the new NXTWEAR AIR is basically an external display that you can connect to your phone or laptop. It is equipped with two Full HD Micro OLED displays, which TCL claims can create a viewing environment "equivalent of watching a 140-inch screen, 4 meters away."Thanks to a 47 pixels-per-degree resolution, the wea...

Fossil has an uphill battle against Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4.Wear OS may not be perfect, but its latest iteration shows that Google is serious about giving its wearable platform a fighting chance. Thanks to the Galaxy Watch 4, Wear OS is finally a usable, functional platform with fairly impressive hardware to match. But Samsung isn't the only one making Wear OS smartwatches, and we can't forget that Fossil has continuously produced some of the best Wear OS watches over the years.While Fossil's latest offering brings some notable advancements with a new chipset and refined design, there's still much room for improvement. These are some ways that Fossil can make its smartwatches stand out among the crowd in 2022.Wear OS 3 can't come soon enoughIf you look at any of the reviews of the Fossil Gen 6, many of them come up with the same conclusion: the Gen 6 is a decent smartwatch, but one of the main glaring downfalls is the fact that it's still running the aging Wear OS 2. The ver...

TP-Link Archer AXE200 OmniWhat you need to knowTP-Link has revealed several new Wi-Fi 6E devices with three new Archer routers, two Decos, a range extender, and two adapters.The Archer AXE11000 is a tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router with mechanical rotating antennas that adjust to ensure optimal coverage and performance.Cheaper Wi-Fi 6E routers are also available as well as a couple of Wi-Fi 6E Deco models.TP-Link has also revealed two new Wi-Fi 6 adapters with a USB model and a PCIe Wi-Fi 6E version.TP-Link has been hard at work preparing an array of new Wi-Fi 6E routers to take advantage of the vast wireless real estate available at 6GHz. TP-Link has several new models including some ultra-fast Archer routers as well as a couple of high-speed Deco mesh routers. TP-Link is also helping customers make the most of their new routers with a PCIe adapter for PCs supporting Wi-Fi 6E and a Wi-Fi 6 USB adapter.TP-Link's Archer AXE200 Omni router comes equipped with a tri-band AXE11000 ...

Roborock's latest vacuum offers a myriad of convenience features and plenty of smart functions.What you need to knowCES 2022 is currently taking place in Las Vegas this week.Today, Roborock revealed the S7 MaxV Ultra, its most recent robot vacuum.It vacuums, mops, and comes with an auto-empty station.Features include object detection, a self-cleaning mop, and other conveniences. This week, CES 2022 is in full swing with several different tech companies showcasing their latest devices and gizmos. As part of this, Roborock has revealed its latest robot vacuum, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, which promises to offer a convenient cleaning experience like no other. Category Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Max Suction 5100Pa Power 74W Dustbin Capacity 400ml/13.5oz Water Tank Capacity 200ml/6.7oz Run Time Up to 180 mins Vacuuming Area 300sqm/3230sqft Mopping Area 300sqm/3230sqft Charging Time Less than 4 hours Robot Vacuum Size 1...

The Vivomove Sport appears to be the spiritual successor to the Vivomove HR.What you need to knowGarmin has introduced a new hybrid analog smartwatch called the Vivomove Sport.The Vivomove sport features real ticking watch hands, with a hidden touchscreen display. It offers a wide range of health and wellness tools, including stress tracking and sleep monitoring. The impressive Venu 2 Plus isn't the only new smartwatch that Garmin launched at its CES 2022 press conference. Alongside the Venu 2 Plus, Garmin has also announced an affordable new hybrid smartwatch dubbed Vivomove Sport.As you can see in the render above, the Vivomove Sport looks like a traditional watch. It even has real ticking watch hands, with the hidden touchscreen display appearing only when you need it. The hands move away dynamically whenever you need to interact with the screen.Even though the Vivomove Sport is only an entry-level smartwatch, it offers many of the health features that are available ...

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

But Garmin still insists on charging an arm and a leg for its premium smartwatch.What you need to knowGarmin launches the new Venu 2 Plus with more software capabilities.The new Venu 2 Plus can make phone calls while tethered to a smartphone.With support for Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby, the Venu 2 Plus can send texts and perform other actions.Garmin has taken to CES to announce its latest premium smartwatch, the new Venu 2 Plus. Taking after its predecessor, the Garmin Venu 2, this smartwatch comes with a few new software features to make the watch more, well... smart.One of the biggest additions to the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is the new connectivity feature, allowing the smartwatch to make and take phone calls with the new built-in microphone and a new button. This was a curious omission from the original Venu 2, even though the feature only works while tethered to a smartphone. That means there's still no cellular connectivity here, unfortunately.Users will also be ...

You can now manage ultra-wideband connections on your Pixel 6 Pro.What you need to knowGoogle has introduced settings toggle for ultra-wideband on the Pixel 6 Pro.The update is part of Google's December 2021 update.UWB allows for more precise positioning, though it works only with devices that have compatible technology.Google has quietly added new settings that allow you to toggle the Pixel 6 Pro's ultra-wideband capability on and off. This feature is part of Google's December 2021 update, though there aren't many use cases for it right now.For starters, UWB allows a device to "identify the relative position of nearby devices" that support this wireless technology. That said, its application on Google's best Android phones is currently limited to the Nearby Share feature, which was upgraded following the December 2021 update. However, due to software bugs, that update is currently on hold.UWB chips also power Google's digital car key feature, which started rolling out ...

Rumors suggest the phone will have an inward-folding design, just like the Galaxy Z Fold 3.Update, Jan 4 (11:35 p.m. ET): Launch date revealed.What you need to knowHonor will soon unveil its first foldable phone.The Magic V is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.Honor hasn't revealed any other details regarding the foldable yet. BBK-owned smartphone maker OPPO recently announced the Find N, its first-ever foldable phone. Now, Honor has started teasing the launch of its first foldable, dubbed Magic V.Sadly, the teaser published by Honor doesn't reveal much about the upcoming foldable. We can only see two panels separated by a hinge. If rumors are to be believed, the Magic V will have an inward-folding design like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 and OPPO Find N.Rumored specs of the Honor Magic V include an 8-inch inner screen with FHD+ resolution, a 108MP main camera, and a 4,500mAh battery. While it remains to be seen if the Magic V can...

It's powered by the same Snapdragon 888 that fuels the more premium Galaxy S21.What you need to knowSamsung officially announced the Galaxy S21 FE at CES 2022.It includes some of the flagship specs found in the higher-end models such as a Snapdragon 888 SoC.The flagship killer will be available on January 11 for $699.Despite earlier speculations that it would be canceled, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is now official, adding to the flurry of Samsung's Galaxy S21 models.Like its predecessor, the Galaxy S21 FE has been stripped of some of the more expensive parts of the regular S21, while keeping some of the key flagship specs and features. For instance, it is powered by Qualcomm's 5nm-based Snapdragon 888 chipset, the same processor found in Samsung's best Android phones last year, specifically those sold in the U.S.The phone sports a 6.4-inch FullHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that features a 120Hz refresh rate for super smooth animation and gaming experience. That's sligh...

The second-gen affordable premium phone is better than ever.It's hard to believe that it's been a year and four months since Samsung redefined the "flagship killer" concept with the Galaxy S20 FE. At the time, the phone blew us away with its quality, delivering a true flagship experience for a significantly lower price than a "regular" Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S21 FE has been rumored for nearly six months, and now we finally got the chance to try it out.The Galaxy S21 FE debuts with some of the expected upgrades over its predecessor but still retains many of the points that made the S20 FE a more affordable device. You won't find a brand new camera array on this phone when compared to last year's device — that's a 12MP sensor for the main and ultra-wide lenses, while an 8MP sensor still resides behind the 3X telephoto lens — but Samsung has upgraded the styling to be more in line with the Galaxy S21 and the rumored Galaxy S22 series.The display got a big touch latency upgrade...

Nighthawk RAXE300 AXE7800 Wi-Fi 6E routerWhat you need to knowNetgear launches a new Wi-Fi 6E router and Orbi Pro router.The new Nighthawk RAXE300 makes Wi-Fi 6E more affordable with a $399.99 price tag and tri-band AXE7800 wireless speeds.The Orbi Pro SXK50 is a tri-band WI-Fi 6 mesh router for small businesses and work-from-home professionals.Netgear also announced Game Booster, a service for Orbi mesh systems that improves gaming performance with features including ping heatmap, geo-filtering, and QoS.Netgear announced a couple of new routers starting with the Nighthawk RAXE300 Wi-Fi 6E router and the Orbi Pro SXK50. A new gaming feature called Game Booster is coming to the Orbi RBK750 and 850 series to improve ping and performance for competitive gaming. Netgear is also bringing NFT support to its Meural Canvas II art display.The Nighthawk RAXE300 Wi-Fi 6E router joins Netgear's 6GHz lineup including the blazing-fast Nighthawk RAXE500 and Orbi RBKE963 system. The N...

The camera is developed in partnership with Hasselblad.What you need to knowOnePlus has officially introduced the OnePlus 10 Pro in China.The camera bump on this year's first flagship phone is inspired by the Samsung Galaxy S21 series.In addition, OnePlus collaborated with Hasselblad to develop the phone's optics.OnePlus officially revealed the OnePlus 10 Pro design in China on Monday night, though the element of surprise has been lost thanks to the numerous leaks and rumors that popped up prior to today's unveiling. Oddly, today's announcement didn't mention the vanilla OnePlus 10.The OnePlus 10 Pro first appeared in November of last year, thanks to leaked renders from Steve Hemmerstoffer (@OnLeaks). Today's announcement confirms that leak by revealing the flagship phone's back design.The device is obviously a huge departure from the OnePlus 9 Pro by looking at the rear panel. It features a wrap-around camera bump that seems to be inspired by the Samsung Galaxy S21 s...

Withings latest smart scale takes health measurements up a notch.What you need to knowBody Scan is the latest smart scale from Withings.The scale features a retractable handle for advanced body composition measurements.Body Scan can provide readings for individual body parts and track sweat gland activity for nerve fiber health.The new scale will be available sometime in the second half of 2022.Withings is known for its impressive smart scales that can do more than just tell you your weight. Devices like the Withings Body Cardio smart scale can tell you your BMI, fat percentage, heart health, bone mass, and more in just a few seconds. However, Withings is taking things up a notch with its latest Body Scan smart scale, announced at CES 2022.With the new Body Scan smart scale, Withings aims to top some of the best smart scales by putting an entire health station in your home. However, unlike what you'll find at gyms or health centers, this version is scaled down (no pun ...

Jabra takes its impressive Elite series to new lows.What you need to knowJabra launches the new Elite 4 Active with active noise cancelation.The Elite 4 Active features seven hours of battery life per charge and IP57-rated water and sweatproof durability.The new earbuds are available now for just $120.Jabra adds to its revamped lineup of wireless earbuds with the new Elite 4 Active. The new earbuds were announced at CES 2022 and gives gym-goers a new affordable alternative to the more expensive Jabra Elite 7 Active.These new earbuds feature a similar design language to Jabra's latest offerings, which are some of the best wireless earbuds money can find. Beyond the looks, the new Elite 4 Active have a few similarities to their more premium alternatives, such as the inclusion of active noise cancellation, something you won't find on the cheaper Elite 3 earbuds.There's also an IP57 rating for water and dust resistance, so you can be sure they'll survive an intense, swe...

If you spend hours at a time playing the best PS5 games or even split your time working at your computer and gaming, you're going to want a seat that's comfortable and good for your neck and back. A gaming chair checks all those boxes, but the price tag and array of features can make trying to pick out the best one intimidating. We're making the decision easier with a guide to the best gaming chairs based on your budget and needs.Best overall: AndaSeat Dark DemonIf you're looking for a mix of functionality and comfort that you wouldn't be embarrassed to sit in if you were in a Zoom meeting with a non-gamer, the AndaSeat Dark Demon checks all the boxes. It's pretty simple to assemble solo, with easy-to-follow instructions for linking up the seat and wheels, and the highly mobile armrests already come preinstalled. The detachable head and lumbar support pillows also snap on easily with elastic cords so you can customize whether you're looking to be more alert at your desk or rela...

The best cell phone plan in 2022 is T-Mobile Magenta, thanks to its 5G-focused design with a massive 100GB of premium data and full 5G access included for everyone with a compatible phone. This is a huge bonus, especially as most of the best Android phones ship with 5G support, and T-Mobile's network is comfortably in the lead for 5G coverage. But if you're looking to save some money over the big postpaid carriers, there are more options than ever in prepaid from carriers like Visible and US Mobile whether you need one line or need service for the whole family.What are the best cell phone plans?Cell phone plans aren't just about getting as many minutes and texts as possible anymore. People are using their phones more than ever before and have come to rely on their phone plans as an essential part of their daily lives. Getting the right plan comes down to getting enough data for your needs, using a network with coverage where you need it, and not wasting money on features you don't ...

All legacy BlackBerry services will be terminated this week.What you need to knowLegacy BlackBerry devices are set to reach end of life on January 4.Devices running BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier may no longer be able to reliably make phone calls, access data, or send text messages. BlackBerry Android devices will not be affected by the EOL of the company's infrastructure services. BlackBerry is about to put the final nail in the coffin of its legacy devices. As announced by the company in September last year, legacy services for BlackBerry 7.1 OS and earlier, BlackBerry 10 software, BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 and earlier versions won't be available after January 4, 2022.All BlackBerry devices running legacy software and services may no longer be able to perform basic functions such as making phone calls, sending text messages, or calling 9-1-1. Users will also not be able to access data through either Wi-Fi or their carrier.BlackBerry's best Android phones, on the other...

The phone is currently on sale only in China.What you need to knowOnePlus India has started teasing the launch of the OnePlus 9RT.The Snapdragon 888-powered value flagship was launched in China in October last year.OnePlus Buds Z2 wireless earbuds are also expected to launch in the country soon, alongside the 9RT. The OnePlus 9RT, which debuted in China in October last year, will soon make its way to the Indian market. OnePlus India has confirmed in a new post on its Community forums that the value flagship will debut in the country alongside the OnePlus Buds Z2 earbuds at a "Winter Edition" launch event on January 14.The OnePlus 9RT is a follow-up to the OnePlus 9R that launched alongside the other two 9 series phones. While it isn't a massive upgrade over its predecessor, the phone does offer better performance and comes equipped with an improved triple-camera setup on the back.Unlike the OnePlus 9R, which is powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset, the 9RT features the s...

Xiaomi's latest flagship phones could launch outside China by end of February or early March.What you need to knowThe Xiaomi 12 series could launch globally later than its predecessors did last year.Xiaomi is tipped to release the phones outside China by the end of February or early March.The Indian launch is expected to follow soon after the global debut.Xiaomi may take some time to launch its latest flagship phones outside of China. The Xiaomi 12 series is tipped to be released globally by the end of February or early March.According to Mukul Sharma, a regular tipster, the Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro will make their international debut during these months. MySmartPrice was the first to report on the new claim, and if this is correct, the phones will be available outside of China a little later than when the Xiaomi Mi 11 series was released globally last year.Xiaomi's latest challengers to the best Android phones are also said to arrive in India soon after the global announce...

Samsung teases a January 11 launch for the rumored Exynos 2200 featuring AMD graphics.What you need to knowSamsung has announced the launch date for its next Exynos chip paired with AMD's GPU.The upcoming processor, dubbed the Exynos 2200, will debut on January 11.AMD's GPU architecture also powers the Xbox Series X and Sony PlayStation 5's graphics.Samsung seems to be all set to take the wraps off its next-generation Exynos processor, which will include an AMD-powered GPU; the South Korean tech giant has announced that its Exynos 2100 successor will see the light of day next week.In a tweet, Samsung confirmed that it will hold an event on January 11 for the unveiling of its next Exynos chip featuring a new GPU based on AMD's RDNA 2. For the uninitiated, the RDNA 2 graphics architecture is the same GPU used in the Xbox Series X, Sony PlayStation 5, and AMD's Radeon RX 6000 graphics cards.#PlaytimeIsOver. The gaming marketplace is about to get serious. Stay tuned for the...

The update is rolling out in India and North America for the time being.What you need to knowOnePlus has begun seeding another OxygenOS 12 update for the OnePlus 9 series.The latest release fixes a few problems including failure to connect to 5G and system upgrade failure.OnePlus promises to bring the update to the European market later this month.The stable OxygenOS 12 update for the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro had a rocky launch in early December, forcing the Chinese phone maker to suspend the rollout until the issues were sorted out. While some fixes were released a few days later, OnePlus still left a few bugs unresolved.A few days before the New Year, OnePlus announced a new stable OxygenOS 12 update based on Android 12 for the company's best Android phones in 2021. The latest release fixes a few lingering issues with the OS, including the system upgrade failure in some scenarios and the problem with accessing the 5G network in some cases.The latest set of patches follows ...

The streaming service will be required to stream 20 state television channels in Russia.What you need to knowRussia is reportedly forcing Netflix to carry its state-owned channels beginning in March.As part of the country's requirements for registered firms, Netflix will also be required to register a Russian subsidiary.The streaming service is also barred from airing programs containing "extremism."Russia's internet and telecom watchdog, Roskomnadzor, will require Netflix to stream 20 state-owned TV channels beginning in March after adding the streaming platform to its "audio-visual services" register, according to a report by The Moscow Times.The register came into being in late 2020 in an effort to require online streaming services with more than 100,000 daily users to carry state TV channels, among other requirements. In addition, companies listed on the register must establish a Russian subsidiary.The flagship Channel One, the entertainment-oriented NTV, and the Ru...

All cloud gaming and consoles found in one place on the television.What you need to knowSamsung's 2022 lineup of Smart TVs will include the Samsung Gaming Hub, one place that combines cloud gaming services and physically connected consoles.The dedicated interface will initially launch with Google Stadia, Nvidia's GeForce Now, and Utomik with the company saying "more to come."The Samsung Gaming Hub will release for select 2022 models later this year.Samsung unveiled a new feature coming to its 2022 Smart TV models at the Consumer Electronics Show today called the Samsung Gaming Hub. This new interface will offer access to cloud streaming gaming services such as Google Stadia, Nvidia's GeForce Now, and Utomik with "more to come."The Samsung Gaming Hub will allow players to launch games from these services directly from one screen and be able to "explore, search, and buy new games" from within the hub. The interface will also include access to YouTube and HDMI-connected cons...

The majority of the population in the U.S. now has 5G coverage from at least one carrier, so it's time to think about getting one of the best 5G cell phone plans with your new phone. T-Mobile has a commanding lead in coverage, with AT&T and Verizon struggling to get off the start line with C-band deployment, so for now, it's the best network to try out 5G. Still, all carriers have some level of 5G coverage and, in some areas, may even come out ahead of T-Mobile. Overall, the best plan for 5G is T-Mobile's Magenta plan with unlimited premium data, Netflix, and great family savings.Best overall: T-Mobile MagentaT-Mobile offers 5G on all of its plans, so if you upgrade to a 5G capable device, you can get connected with no hassle. T-Mobile's 5G network not only has the best coverage, but its use of mid-band spectrum has also made it one of the fastest overall. Best of all, this mid-band spectrum covers more than 200 million people, and it's still growing. With that in mind, the...

The best shows are streaming on HBO Max today.HBO Max launched in 2020 as the digital hub for all your favorite HBO series and WarnerMedia content, from classics like Six Feet Under and The Wire to the latest films released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With so much media already available on the platform, and plans for more shows to premiere in the future, it can be tough to decide what you should watch next. As such, we've rounded up a list of the best shows on HBO Max right now.Best shows on HBO MaxTrending on HBO MaxDrama on HBO MaxComedy on HBO MaxReality series on HBO MaxDocuseries on HBO MaxHBO to the MaxHBO shows and moreHBO MaxFrom $10 at HBO MaxFind both new series and a catalog of classics on HBO MaxHBO Max provides streamers with access to film and television content from HBO, WarnerMedia, and DC. Subscribe now to catch up on your favorite HBO and Max originalsTrending Now on HBO MaxWhen it comes to new and popular series, HBO Max is one o...

ASUS finally made good on its promise before 2021 ended.What you need to knowASUS has released the stable Android 12 update for the ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip.The update included a slew of improvements as well as the application of the Android 12 design to the interface.Some third-party apps are not yet compatible with the most recent Android version.Android 12 continues to make its way to more devices after its debut on the Google Pixel 6 series, despite various issues encountered by other OEMs such as Samsung and OnePlus. The latest devices to receive the update are ASUS' ZenFone 8 and ZenFone 8 Flip.The announcement comes as no surprise given the company's promise in October to update the ZenFone 8 series to the most recent version of Android by December. And, just a few days before 2022, ASUS delivered on its promise.ASUS' answer to the best Android phones released in 2021 is currently getting the update via an over-the-air rollout. For those who prefer not to wai...

One of the cheapest ways to get Wi-Fi 6.It's a lot of fun to talk about the fastest and most expensive routers you can buy, but at the end of the day, most people just want a simple Wi-Fi solution that has plenty of speed and coverage for their homes. Of course, it also helps if they can get it cheap. The Speedefy KX450 is a Wi-Fi 6 AX1800 dual-band router with a promise of plenty of speed for gaming, video streaming, and smart home devices, and for the most part, it meets these goals.The KX450 lacks many of the bells and whistles that the competition packs in, mainly because it has no bells and whistles. Instead, what you get is a barebones AX1800 router with solid MU-MIMO support, four gigabit Ethernet ports, and an app that makes setup and management quick and easy. If you're looking for a router that does the basics, Speedefy delivers, and the price is right, too.Speedefy KX450 review:Price and availabilityWhat you'll like What you won't likeThe competitionShould y...

The trade show will be a day shorter than planned as some of its biggest exhibitors have dropped in-person attendance.What you need to knowThe Consumer Technology Association has adjusted the CES 2022 schedule amid growing Omicron concerns.CES will conclude on January 7 instead of January 8.More than 2,200 exhibitors are confirmed to attend the trade show in person.Despite major exits in recent weeks, the Consumer Technology Association, which organizes CES, has remained steadfast in its effort to hold this year's iteration of the trade show. Now, the organizers have made some changes to the event's schedule due to an increase in Omicron infections in the United States.CTA has announced that CES 2022 will come to a close one day earlier than initially planned as an extra measure to existing health safety protocols. This means the trade show will commence on January 5, as originally scheduled, but will conclude on January 7. Prior to the adjustment, CES was set to end on J...

Google may be hopping on the AR space with the new project.What you need to knowGoogle is reportedly working on a pair of augmented reality smart glasses.The ongoing AR project is said to be the result of Google's North acquisition last year.Google's recent job postings also suggested that the company was working on its own AR operating system.Google may be kicking its augmented reality efforts into high gear following the acquisition of AR glasses company, North, last year. The search giant is now reportedly working on "a new iteration of smart glasses."According to a report by The New York Times, Google is banking on its North acquisition to jump on the AR bandwagon (via Android Police). The Mountain View-based tech behemoth purchased the Canadian startup in the summer of last year, ostensibly in an effort to gain a foothold in the smart glasses market after its Google Glass project failed to take off.Before the buyout, North was selling the Focals smart glasses. Howe...

As much as we love playing with and testing the latest and greatest phones here at Android Central, there's something we can universally agree on that we're not fans of: paying full price for the best Android phones. So if you're in the market for a quality Android phone, but don't want to spend a thousand dollars, check out the best cheap Android phones, or grab one of the best-refurbished phones that offer a great experience at a fraction of what you'd typically spend. Here are our favorite options.Still a stunnerGoogle Pixel 4a Smartphone 128GBStaff PickAlthough the newer Pixel 5 and Pixel 6 series are already out, the Pixel 4a is still a fantastic value buy. The device sports the same primary camera as the Pixel 3a and 3 XL, along with a clean design. Plus, you'll still get a few more major software updates down the line.$315 at Amazon $390 at Walmart $285 at Back Market2020's bestSasmung Galaxy S20 FEIt's tough to ignore the Galaxy S20 FE, regardless of wheth...

Samsung got a lot right in 2021, but a few areas need attention.Samsung had a strong 2021, with the South Korean manufacturer holding on to its position as the world's largest phone manufacturer. This is mainly due to the Galaxy A series, where Samsung witnessed a massive uptick in sales over the last two years.Samsung's foldable strategy is also paying off; the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 are just as reliable in day-to-day use as the Galaxy S21 series, and they even include water resistance this time.Things are going good on the wearable front as well. Google teamed up with Samsung to integrate Tizen into Wear OS, and the resultant Wear OS 3 platform made its debut on the Galaxy Watch 4 series. Samsung is leading on many fronts, but it isn't without its share of issues; here's what the brand needs to fix as we head into 2022.Launch creaseless foldablesSamsung redoubled its foldable efforts this year with the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3. Both devices featured stronger chassis ...

The results are not too surprising.What you need to knowWe asked what upcoming 2020 flagships users were looking forward to.Roughly half the poll votes were for the Galaxy S22 series.The Pixel 6a and OnePlus 10 series followed with the second and third most votes, respectively.The next generation of flagship smartphones is already upon us thanks to the introduction of phones like the Xiaomi 12 running Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg as we head into 2022, with plenty more smartphones to be announced. That's why we asked what phones our readers were most looking forward to in the first half of the year, as most flagships would be launched at least in the first quarter of 2022.Unsurprisingly, about 50% of the votes indicated that the Galaxy S22 series was the one to look to. That's not too surprising given the changes Samsung is rumored to make with its upcoming smartphones. To start, the standard Galaxy S22 is expect...

The messaging app picks up iMessage-style reactions and a new formatting to hide spoilers.What you need to knowTelegram has rolled out its last major update for this year.The update introduces a few new capabilities that users have been waiting for.It now has iMessage-style reactions, spoilers, translation, and more.Telegram has a new treat in store for its users before 2021 ends. The service has released a new update containing a bunch of new features including message reactions, hidden text formatting for spoilers, themed QR code, and translation.While majority of the best messaging apps for Android such as Facebook Messenger and Slack already support emoji reactions for quite some time, Telegram hasn't had this feature until now. Although it is a little late to the game, it has now added message reactions that clearly take inspiration from Apple's iMessage.You can bring up the emoji reactions by tapping or holding down on the message, just like you can with other me...

Back to basics in adorable style.I don't know about you, but the holidays are a hectic time in my world. Between decorating, friends, family, and travel, it's hard to keep up with my usual gaming schedule. So around this time of year, I'm on the hunt for simple games that punch above their weight in fun. Piffle, an adorable arcade puzzler from Hipster Whale, does just that.A silly good time, Piffle doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, but it does give a much-needed facelift to one of the oldest gaming genres around—the brick-breaker. Piffle is proof positive that good games don't have to be complicated, and this one is definitely going on the list of best Android games. Dating back to the late 1970s with games like Atari's Super Breakout, brick (or block) breakers revolve around one of the most simple concepts imaginable: chuck something at blocks to break them.That describes Piffle perfectly, but it doesn't properly encompass the many ways that Piffle elevates its simple ...

2021 was an ignominious year for apps and websites backed by the cloud — which is basically all of them.Cloud service outages are nothing new. However, 2020's shift to working from home exposed tons of vulnerabilities, as carriers, cable and fiber companies, and every popular app under the sun experienced some temporary, catastrophic collapse. It placed an unprecedented burden on the cloud infrastructure systems that back your favorite streaming and productivity sites. These outages were an inevitable consequence.You'd have hoped 2021 would show marked improvement. Instead, it proved that the internet is a deck of cards ready to collapse if the wrong foundational piece folds. Whether it's due to frugalness or poor planning, many sites put all their data and traffic eggs in one cloud basket; just one node failure can take out some of the highest-traffic sites, when we'd expect these sites to have much better contingencies in place.We saw our favorite messaging apps, smart home...

Doing it rightJabra Elite 7 Pro$200 at AmazonProsExcellent audio qualityEffective ANCGreat fit and comfortOutstanding call qualityReliable button controlsSolid battery lifeConsANC must be customizedNo multipoint yetJabra carries on its penchant for making earbuds that find themselves in the conversation among the best in the industry. The Elite 7 Pro fall well within that, starting with fit and comfort to set the soundstage for sonic excellence, clearer call quality, and solid battery life.Standing firmSamsung Galaxy Buds Pro$125 at AmazonProsBolder soundMore custom fitSolid ANC performanceDynamic ambient modeSignificant water resistanceConsLower battery lifeFit requires more fidgetingAmbient mode not as goodSamsung squeezed everything it could into the Galaxy Buds Pro, leading to a collection of features that converge into a successful pair of earbuds worth considering. Fit and comfort are hard to read for everyone, but you...

When it comes to big screens, you'll want to keep them scratch-free, which is why you'll want to use the best screen protectors for your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. The phone measures in at a whopping 6.8 inches, which means there's a lot of real estate that could get scratched. Luckily, there are already quite a few great options if you're looking for the best Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra screen protectors to match up with your new phone.Ultra-thinWhitestone Dome Premium Film (3+2 pack)Whitestone Dome is primarily known for its tempered glass screen protectors. But the company also offers a five-pack of "EPU" film screen protectors. These are designed to be self-healing, and the kit includes three film screen protectors, an installation guide, and two tempered glass protectors for your rear camera bump.$15 at AmazonWorth itamFilm 3D Curved Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorStaff PickThe amFilm 3D Tempered Glass Screen Protector requires a few more steps for installa...

Tons of spectrum and coverageT-Mobile has one of the most ambitious 5G plans of any carrier out there, and with its purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile has a ton of spectrum and a great platform to build a strong 5G network. T-Mobile has already deployed a nationwide 5G network on its low-band Extended Range 5G spectrum and is adding even more speed and capacity with its Ultra Capacity 5G spectrum. T-Mobile also has mmWave spectrum that has been deployed in a few cities. This combined network is poised to be one of the strongest in the nation.Jump to:Do I have 5G coverage?Which phones work with 5G?Which plans supoprt 5G?How is T-Mobile's 5G network different?What happens to Sprint 5G customers?Is 5G worth it?What is 5G For Good?Do I have 5G coverage on T-Mobile and Sprint?Most people that have T-Mobile 5G coverage right now are covered by a low-band network built on its 600MHz band n71 spectrum. T-Mobile calls coverage on this band Extended Range 5G. Reclaimed from bro...

Samsung doesn't operate in the same vein as Dell by releasing new laptops on a semi-quarterly basis. However, those looking for the best Samsung laptops will want to strongly consider the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. This is one of the best laptops you can find, which is impressive considering how stiff the competition is currently in the laptop market.Best Samsung laptop overall: Samsung Galaxy Book ProOur previous favorite, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, has finally been succeeded by the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro. This laptop comes in two different sizes, 13.3-inches or 15-inches, with both options taking advantage of Samsung's gorgeous OLED displays. Powering these laptops are Intel's 11th-gen processors, which have integrated Intel Xe graphics that will help play some games or get some photo editing done on the go.As you might expect from a Samsung laptop, the Galaxy Book Pro includes a suite of apps designed to work in tandem with the best Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S21 U...