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Best-answer: Sony's purchase policies don't allow retailers other than the PlayStation Store to sell digital game downloads. Because of this, you'll need to buy a gift card if you want to give your friend a digital game.How to buy a digital copy of a PS4 or PS5 game for your friendUnfortunately, you technically can't gift a digital copy of a game anymore, on PS4 or PS5. While this used to be an option, it's no longer possible. Now, if you want to give a digital game to a friend, you'll want to send them a PlayStation Store gift card so they can buy the game themselves. It's far from ideal, but it's the only real option. You can buy someone a physical game, but then you'll have to ship it to them, and they can't play it if they are using a PS5 Digital Edition. While inconvenient, if you truly want to buy a game for someone without them technically purchasing on the PlayStation Store, a physical copy will be your only option.Fortunately, if this is truly the way you want to do it...

Until now, Spaces and voice tweets were the only Twitter products to support auto captions.What you need to knowTwitter has started rolling out automatic captions for videos on its platform.In addition to Android and iOS devices, the feature will also be available on the web.For now, however, there's no way for users to report inaccurate captions. Twitter has finally started pushing automatic captions for videos, making its platform more accessible. As confirmed by the official Twitter Support handle, video captions are now available on the best Android phones and iPhones.Twitter says auto-captions will appear in the language of the device that was used to upload the video. Disappointingly, though, translation isn't available yet.It is important to note that video captions will only appear automatically on new videos uploaded to Twitter. You won't see them on old videos that don't have captions. While auto-captions will appear by default on muted videos on Twitter's mob...

Consider a Google Play gift card for the person who has everything and makes it incredibly difficult to buy for each year. We all know one, right? The gift of choice is universal, making it the perfect option for friends and family. With a Google Play gift card, there's plenty of entertainment for any Android device owner who can purchase everything, including apps and in-app purchases, bestselling books, the latest games, popular subscriptions, and movies deemed the best of 2021.Where to buy Google Play gift cards by countryWhere to buy a Google Play card will depend on the country you're in, as well as whether you want to buy in-store or online to send your gift electronically. Here, we'll break down how you can buy Google Play cards both electronically and in-person in three main locations, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., to help make your shopping a bit easier.Jump to:USACanadaUKWhere to buy Google Play gift cards in the USTo buy a Google Play gift card online...

It's the Wild West of ports out there, and you never know what games may make their way to Android.We're rounding up the best console games with ports you can pick up in the Google Play Store. Nowadays, there are so many options, but we've compiled a list that includes the best across all genres. Platformers? We got 'em. RPGs? Are you kidding me? Of course, we've got those. So no matter what kind of mood you're in, you're bound to find something here that will wow you.Keep in mind that this is a list of best ports, so the quality of the port itself is a defining factor in whether or not a game makes the list. Not every game translates well into the mobile space, and some developers succeed where others fail. These have passed the test and have earned their place in the victor's circle. You'll find many of these titles on our list of favorite Android games overall, too. Ready? Let's jump into some of the best console ports for Android!The gamesCall of DutyCastlevania: Symp...

The phone uses an E5 AMOLED display from Samsung with an Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layer on top.What you need to knowOPPO has announced its first foldable phone.The new Find N comes with a Snapdragon 888 chipset, a 7.1-inch 120Hz inner screen, and 33W fast charging. It starts at 7,699 yuan (about $1,210) in China. OPPO has finally taken the wraps off its first foldable phone, the Find N. The new foldable has an inward-folding design, just like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3.The OPPO Find N comes equipped with a 7.1-inch 1792 x 1920 OLED main display featuring an Ultra Thin Glass layer, a 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 1,000 nits. Unlike Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3, however, the Find N's 5.49-inch OLED cover display only has a 60Hz refresh rate.The phone uses a "waterdrop" hinge that OPPO claims is the "best-designed" hinge on a foldable yet, featuring a total of 136 components. Not only is the hinge claimed to be highly durable, but also helps minimize the crease to...

Amazon's Fire TV streaming sticks are some of the cheapest and easiest ways to upgrade a TV with all of the best streaming apps. Starting with the Fire TV Stick Lite, you can get HD streaming with Alexa voice controls for just $20, or 33% off. This device works with Amazon's Prime Video streaming service as well as most of the other popular services including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and Disney+.If you've upgraded to a 4K TV, you can also save on a 4K Fire Stick with discounts on the Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Each of these Fire Sticks comes with a remote control with some capable of controlling the TV as well. This includes changing volume and powering on the TV so you don't have to search for multiple remotes when it's time to watch a movie. You can even DVR your favorite live TV including local news with the Fire TV Recast.These are the best deals on the best Amazon Fire Sticks but the savings are only available until December 25.Get a deal on Fire TV no matter ...

YouTube TV for $50 a month and a new Google TV dongle?What you need to knowT-Mobile will start selling a new TVision Hub based on Android 11 with Google TV.This TVision Hub is powered by a quad-core chipset with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage.Ports include Ethernet, USB-C for accessories, micro USB for power, and integrated HDMI output with 4K support.TVision Hub is free for new T-Mobile Home Internet customers or $50 for everyone else.As reported by The T-Mo Report, T-Mobile has a new TVision Hub streaming device running Google TV. It has a simplified remote and compact Chromecast-like design with a built-in HDMI port. While the available details are light, 9to5Google found a tweet by chipmaker SEI Robotics shedding a bit more light on the internal hardware of the device.A first in the US: SEI Robotics is thrilled to announce, in collaboration with @Google and @TMobile, the new TVision HUB, powered by #GoogleTV!Equipped with the latest #Amlogic S905Y4 (AV1 decoding), #AndroidT...

Your Memories are now front and center on your desktop.What you need to knowGoogle Photos expands its Memories feature to more users on the web.The expansion was first announced back in October.Any changes you set for Memories on the web will carry over to the mobile version and vice versa.Google Photos has long been taking mobile users on a trip down memory lane with a quick tap on the app, which immediately surfaces photos taken from a few years ago front and center on their screen. Now, the service is treating more web users to the same experience.As spotted by German blog site SmartDroid, Google Photos' Memories carousel is now showing up more widely on many of the best laptops (via Android Police). Like its mobile counterpart, Memories on the web sits right at the top of your Google Photos library.The carousel displays a mix of your timed and themed photos, and you can scroll through them to view each collection. When you click on an image or video in the carousel,...

A look at Wear OS 3 sans Samsung and One UI Watch.What you need to knowGoogle releases a Wear OS 3 emulator, giving us a look at the upcoming update.The UI looks a lot like Samsung's One UI Watch implementation on the Galaxy Watch 4.Wear OS 3 is slated to launch on newer smartwatches sometime in 2022.While we've had a taste of Wear OS 3 for some time thanks to the Galaxy Watch 4, we've only really seen it with Samsung's One UI Watch on top of it. However, an updated emulator image gives us a good look at the "stock" Wear OS 3 update that we can expect to see on devices sometime next year.The updated image was spotted on a Reddit post by Mishaal Rahman and shows very rounded, pill-shaped menus, not unlike what we've seen from Samsung. Quick settings are shown with more icons, there's a new look for brightness slider and battery page, and tons more.Much of this has been seen before when Google released the emulator back in May. However, Rahman notes that it now has a bu...

This new AR device may very well not be glasses at all.What you need to knowThe next-generation AR hardware from Google may not be glasses at all, according to a new set of job postings from Google.Google will also be developing a brand new augmented reality operating system for new AR devices.Some job postings are located at the Kitchener-Waterloo location in Canada, which was previously responsible for North AR Glasses.It's hard to believe, but it's been almost nine years since the original Google Glass made its public debut. While Google followed them up with Google Glass 2 in the beginning of 2020, that pair was aimed solely at Enterprise customers. Now, according to a bevy of job postings found by 9to5Google, Google is ready to work on a true next-generation pair of Augmented Reality (AR) glasses and a bespoke operating system to go alongside them.While it's far too early to know what Google's new AR team is working on, many smart glasses like Ray-Ban Stories (pictur...

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

New areas to explore and new machines to discover.One of the biggest, most beautiful games revealed during Sony's PS5 showcase The Future of Gaming was Horizon Forbidden West. This ambitious sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn is being developed by Guerrilla Games, who are using the Decima engine and the newfound power of the PS5 to great lengths. It will no doubt become one of the best PS5 games when it releases.The world of Horizon Forbidden West is one of mystery and one of the highlights is the different kinds of machines that roam, fly, or swim through the world. As Aloy travels into what was the Western USA, she's going to discover plentiful machines, both new types and returning forms. Here's the full list of machines in Horizon Forbidden West that we know so far.Horzion Forbidden West Machines:Machine ClassesBristlebacksClamberjawsClawstridersChargersShellsnappersSnapmawsSunwingsTiderippersTremortusksUnidentified Snake MachinesMachine classesIn the origina...

Google Pay is a fantastic contactless way to pay for stuff when you're out and about. The e-wallet can be used for in-store payments, offers cash back rewards and other benefits, and even shows your vaccine details in some regions. Local payments aside, you can go global with your monetary transactions. Here's how you can send money abroad with Google Pay.Google Pay can only send money internationally from the U.S. to India and Singapore.How to send money abroad with Google PayDownload and install Google Pay on your device.Open the Google Pay app.Search for and select the person to whom you want to send money.Tap the Pay button on the bottom of your screen.Choose Western Union or Wise.Tap Get started to proceed.Fill in all the necessary details about the transfer.Tap Continue after filling everything in.A sign-in prompt from Western Union or Wise will pop up. Tap Sign in to allow access.If you don't have an account, follow the steps to sign up for Western Union or...

Google's latest Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best streaming devices you can buy. Consolidating your services into one Google-Assistant-driven interface is pretty sweet. Chromecast with Google TV comes with a remote, but what if you can't find the remote or if you want to simply use your phone? You've got an app for that, and it's available widely around the globe. You can use the remote control in the app that was previously named Play Movies and TV, now known simply as Google TV. Alternatively, you can now use the Google Home app as well, but the features are limited. Just download either one and you can navigate the interface with your Android phone.Note: This procedure only works if the Google TV device and your phone are both on the same Wi-Fi- network. In cases where no Google TV is detected, the icon will not be where it should be.How to use an Android phone as a Google TV remote (the long way)How to use an Android phone as a Google TV remote (the quick way)Ho...

Know exactly what you sound like before others hear it.What you need to knowWhatsApp has updated its voice message feature to allow for previews.Users can now lock the voice recording so that it doesn't immediately send after a recording is finished.The updated feature is available on all platforms.WhatsApp is rolling out an update to its voice message feature that should make many frequent users happy. The update now allows users to preview a voice clip before sending it.WhatsApp announced the new feature in a tweet, highlighting how frustrating it can be to constantly delete and re-record a voice clip after messing something up. While that can still happen, this new method makes it possible to listen to your recording before it's sent instead and not after. This way, you can really make sure you're conveying exactly what you want in your message.They're not mistakes, they're rehearsals. Now you can preview your voice messages before you hit send. pic.twitter.com/ohnEV...

There's no denying that Google Keep is one of the best note-taking apps for Android available out there. Whether you want to quickly jot down some notes, save a bunch of articles for reading later, or add a few items to your grocery list, this handy cross-platform app can do it all. But did you know that you can set location-based reminders in Google Keep as well? Here's how you can take advantage of this super helpful feature.How to set location-based reminders in Google KeepCreate a new note (or open an existing one) in the Google Keep app on your smartphone, and tap on the bell icon on the top right corner.Now, you'll see a pop-up card menu. Tap the Choose a place option.Next, you'll see a pop-up overlay, with three options: Home, Work, and an Edit location text entry field under the Place tab. Tap on the Edit location field to search for the location's address where you'd like the reminder to appear.Note: The options Home and Work are only available when you've saved t...

Turning your abode into a smart home isn't an easy process, especially when it comes to your wallet. Fortunately, now that automating your home is no longer a novel concept, there are many reasonably priced smart devices out there for you to upgrade your home with, including smart locks for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to help keep your home as safe as it is convenient. We've gathered together a list of the best cheap smart locks, including some of the top August Smart Locks as well as other affordable choices.Best overall: August Smart LockAugust is one of the best-known smart lock companies in the industry. What makes this one so much less expensive than the other August smart locks is that it doesn't come with internal Wi-Fi like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or even a Wi-Fi bridge. As long as you're near enough for your phone's Bluetooth to interact with the lock, you'll be able to open and close this device using the August app. If you really want to, you can purchase t...

When it comes to the best Android phones, it doesn't take long to understand why the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is near the top of the list. And while this modern marvel continues to impress, even months after its release, one sticking point has been the price. This has led to slower-than-expected adoption, with others opting for the Z Flip 3 instead. However, Amazon has slashed the price of the Z Fold 3 down to just $1,350, offering a savings of $450.But the fun doesn't stop there. In fact, you could outfit yourself (or a loved one) with some of the best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatch and save a boatload of cash. Get the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Watch 4, and Galaxy Buds Pro for less than what the Z Fold 3 normally retails for. This isn't some bundle that you need to mix and match and trade in all of your old devices for. Just throw everything in your cart and be on your merry way.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Save $450$1,350 at AmazonThe Galaxy Z Fold 3 is an incredible piece ...

The S22 Ultra is clearly on another level.What you need to knowDummy units of the Galaxy S22 series show up on video.The Galaxy S22 Ultra looks quite different from the other devices in the lineup.The S22 and S22+ sport a boxier design with flatter edges.The lead-up to the Galaxy S22 series launch will be interesting as we attempt to figure out how Samsung plans to position (and even name) the premium S22 Ultra against not only the best Android phones of 2022 but the other phones in the lineup. However, a new leak shows how visually different the device will be from the other S22 models.A video posted by OnLeaks shows three Galaxy S22 dummy units side-by-side. The first thing you'll notice from the video is how different the larger S22 Ultra looks compared to the others.Well, OK... #Samsung #GalaxyS22 #GalaxyS22Plus #GalaxyS22Ultra #Dummy pic.twitter.com/CD8rnHhStx— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) December 13, 2021While the overall design is more similar to the Galaxy No...

Time to...hunt.Chorus — not Chorvs, as the stylized title might tell you — is a new title from the developers of the mobile Galaxy on Fire series. The game features third-person combat with a ship containing a great variety of weapons, all of which can be upgraded to feel like a destructive fireball soaring through space.While its story may get bogged down by dense lore and confusing narrative devices, but the moment-to-moment action can be perfect for those who have not picked up an aerial combat title in a while. The Stadia version has been done especially well and is worthy of playing through on the streaming platform.Chorus review:Gameplay, story, and presentationStadia performance and featuresShould you buy it?At a glanceChorus on Stadia Bottom line: Chorus is a space combat game with plenty of chall...

Google has brought over quite a few features from the main Android 12 OS to Android 12 (Go edition) to provide a "high quality experience" to entry-level smartphone users.What you need to knowAndroid 12 (Go edition) is now official.Google's latest Go edition promises a faster, smarter, and more "privacy-friendly" experience than previous versions. Along with Android 12 (Go edition), Google has also announced that there are now over 200 million people with Android (Go edition) phones. Nearly two months after the release of Android 12, Google has finally announced the toned-down version of its mobile OS designed for entry-level devices. Android 12 (Go edition) brings a ton of upgrades to affordable Android devices — including improved features for multilingual users and privacy enhancements.The latest Go Edition promises to deliver a smoother and faster experience than ever before. Google claims apps on devices running Android 12 (Go edition) will launch up to 30% faster ...

Best answer: Not at all. Many Wi-Fi names include "5G," to refer to the 5GHz band, while cell phone networks refer to the fifth generation of broadband cellular networks.What is 5G Wi-Fi?So is 5G Wi-Fi the same as 5G cellular? With wireless communication, it always comes back to frequency. Frequency measures the number of cycles a wave goes through in one second and is represented in hertz (Hz). Most Wi-Fi networks use 2.4 and 5 gigahertz (GHz) bands to communicate with Wi-Fi devices, which is why some are labeled to show the difference. However, the label is entirely optional, and some newer routers with band steering will only broadcast a single Wi-Fi name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz.Wi-Fi also comes from a local wireless router, like the TP-Link Archer AX21 in your home and rarely reaches more than a few meters outside your home. This connection is also data-only, meaning when you connect your phone, it will need to stay in communication with a cell tower. Most carriers, howeve...

Bungie is pulling a "Me Too" of the worst kind. The JP crew talk all about The Game Awards 2021. Which, if we're being honest, is more of an announcements show than a celebration of the present.Hosted by: Jennifer Locke, Carli Velocci, and Rebecca SpearGot feedback? Hit up Podcast@androidcentral.com and tell us something!LISTEN NOW:LINKS:Report: Bungie workplace mired in sexist, toxic behavior | Windows CentralThe Game Awards 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed | Windows CentralHere are all the winners from The Game Awards 2021 | Windows Central...

Get lost in these big worlds on a small screen.Role-playing games are wonderful, story-driven experiences that complement the mobile gaming experience nicely. Despite the relatively tiny mobile screens we're used to (yes, 5.7 inches is still small by gaming standards), RPGs allow us to get lost in fanciful worlds for a while. In the case of some games, especially those ported over from PC, that "while" could be 20, 30 hours, or even more! This makes the best RPGs worth their price in the Google Play Store.Unfortunately, like most game genres, there are some mobile duds. We've hand-picked the best of the best to save you the trouble of digging.If you're looking for more than just RPGs, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android games out there!The gamesAdventure Quest 3DAnimAAnother Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and SpaceArcane Quest 3Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of AmnThe Banner SagaBattle Chasers: Nightwar Chrono TriggerCrashlands Eternium...

The Dimensity 9000 is on par with what Qualcomm is offering in 2022.There's a unified theme across the best Android phones of 2021 — they all feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 platform. Sure, the Galaxy S21 in global markets features Samsung's Exynos 2100, but Qualcomm has an outsized share in the high-end segment.Qualcomm extended its lead in this segment on the back of robust designs along with marketing efforts — the Snapdragon name has a strong recall in key markets like India and China. While Exynos and Huawei's HiSilicon have tried to make a dent in Qualcomm's dominance, they haven't quite managed to do so in the high-end category.Then there's MediaTek. The Taiwanese manufacturer relies on the budget and mid-range categories, but it is increasingly turning to the flagship tier. The Dimensity 9000 is its best showing yet, with the platform featuring Arm's latest cores, a new neural engine, and a decent 5G modem.In fact, the Dimensity 9000 has a lot of similarities to...

Ragnarok is coming — but there might be a way to prevent it.During the Sept. 2020 PS5 games showcase, a sequel to the 2018 God of War was announced through a quick teaser as the "here's one more thing" moment to close the show. I was so excited I could barely comprehend anything that happened afterward, as my coworkers can attest. Initially known only as the next God of War, the official title was revealed during the Sep. 2021 PlayStation Showcase as God of War Ragnarok.There's a lot we know now, from what platforms the game is one, to what the story covers and when it's coming out. If it's anything like the first, this will be one of the best PS5 games available for some time. Here's everything you need to know about God of War: Ragnarok.Jump to:What is God of War: Ragnarok?Check out the trailersWhat's the story?Who are the characters?How is the gameplay changing?Is it a PS5 exclusive?Is it coming to PC?When is the release date?What is God of War: Ragnarok...

The easiest and safest way to charge your Oculus Quest 2 — especially if you're planning on charging while you play — is with a magnetic charger. Not only is it easy to pop the charging cable onto your Quest 2 with a satisfying snap, but it's easy for the cable to safely release if you accidentally snag it with a controller during a particularly grueling VR session. To work with a Quest or Quest 2, though, it must support fast data transfer speeds as well as quick charging, making the compatible picks below your best starting point. That's why our top pick is the Cafele USB-C magnetic adapter. It checks all the boxes.Best overall: Cafele USB-C Magnetic Cable and TipsThese cables and tips come in a matching two-pack or three-pack in your choice of colors. The small USB Type-C tip will plug into your Oculus Quest 2 headset, and the 6.6-feet cables will magnetically connect to the tip. These cables even have an LED light at the end showing the connection status. Thanks to thei...

Every issue and every fix.Smartphones tend to host their fair share of bugs just after launch. In some cases, software bugs or manufacturer errors take both consumers and developers by surprise; in other cases, you'll encounter issues that the devs purposefully masked in order to drum up sales.In the case of the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, people have spotted more than the usual share of bugs or unexpected issues. Heightened expectations have led to some overblown Pixel 6 criticism, but it's also fair to call Google out for not catching many of these issues before launch.Thankfully, Google has addressed or will address many of the Pixel 6 bugs below through updates like the December security and feature update. But other bugs may be an issue across your Pixel's lifespan. So here's what you need to know about Pixel 6 problems and whether or not they can be fixed.Jump to:Fingerprint scannerPhantom callingScreen flickersSlow chargingAndroid AutoCan't call 911Disab...

One of the most essential upgrades Chromebooks received over the last four years is switching from old, proprietary barrel connector chargers to simple, standard, widely-adopted USB-C Power Delivery charging. Because of this, no matter how expensive or affordable, all Chromebooks released in the last few years can use the same reliable USB-C chargers. Here are the best replacement USB-C Chromebook chargers with a few of my favorite single-port and multi-port options.I've got the powerPWR+ USB-C Laptop Charger Power AdapterStaff PickGreat for both laptops and Chromebooks, get 65 watts of power and an extra-long 12-foot power cable that might come in handy, depending on where you're working. The bright blue power light on the brick is useful to confirm there's power to it.$30 at AmazonUltra-smallSLE-TECH Mini 45W USB C Type C Laptop Chromebook ChargerUltra-small in size, you can take this mini 45W charger pretty much anywhere, slipping it into your backpack, briefca...

If you plan to travel to the U.S. and want to avoid expensive roaming charges, getting a prepaid SIM Card for U.S. travelers and tourists is the way to go. As long as you own a GSM unlocked phone that's compatible with local networks such as T-Mobile and AT&T, getting a SIM card online or at a local retailer is both easy and affordable. These are some of the best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists to consider.Best overall: Ultra Mobile TouristUltra Mobile is an MVNO on T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Though Ultra Mobile offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile Tourist plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for three weeks or less. This is a more traditional travel SIM and after 21 days, this plan will expire, convenient for anyone who doesn't want to deal with the hassle of cancellation. On that same note, you won't be able to recharge your Ultra Mobile SIM card, so make sure you'r...

One of these things is not like the other.There has been plenty of talk about how the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 compares to its competition. This makes sense as everyone loves to speculate how any new product will fare compared to current and future products, even if much of it is still just a guess. Tech enthusiasts are just wired that way.Qualcomm is facing tougher competition than ever before, too. The presumed rise of MediaTek has certainly been noticed by Qualcomm, and if products like the new Dimensity series are as good in the real world as they are on paper, Qualcomm must address it by releasing its own amazing new line of chips. And it has; despite some areas of lackluster improvement, real gains in key areas should make the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (I'm already tired of typing that silly name) the best chip the company has ever released.Having said all of this, there is one thing we should remember when we're reading or talking about how one chip matches up against an...

The report says Google and Apple's control of the mobile ecosystem is not only limiting innovation and choice but also leading to higher prices.What you need to knowThe Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its interim report in connection with its market study into mobile ecosystems.The report claims consumers are losing out because of Google and Apple's duopoly. A final report on mobile ecosystems is expected to be released by the CMA in June 2022. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on December 14 published its interim report on mobile ecosystems, expressing concern over the "vice-like grip" that Google and Apple have over mobile devices.Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA, said in a statement: Apple and Google have developed a vice-like grip over how we use mobile phones and we're concerned that it's causing millions of people across the UK to lose out.The report has provisionally found that the two companies have created "l...

Powerful and portableRoku Streaming Stick 4K$40 at RokuProsSupports Dolby Vision Voice remote with TV controlsLong-range Wi-FiConsNo ethernet portNo headphone jack on remoteDoesn't work as seamlessly with Alexa/Google Home speakersThe Roku Streaming Stick 4K is the brand's most powerful and fastest streaming stick yet. In addition to featuring a new compact design, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K boasts long-range Wi-Fi and supports both Dolby Vision and Apple AirPlay. It also comes with the Roku Voice Remote.Casting and moreGoogle Chromecast with Google TV$40 at Best BuyProsSupports Dolby VisionBuilt-in Google Assistant in remoteBetter for gaming optionsConsNo Alexa, AirPlay or HomeKitNo expandable storage No Ethernet connectivityThe Chromecast with Google TV features an excellent app library of free content that, combined with AI recommendations and Google Assistant navigation, makes your fave shows and movies even easier to find....

Bigger and betterLenovo Duet 5 Chromebook$400 at Amazon (4GB/64GB)$500 at Best Buy (8GB/128GB)ProsMuch larger screenKeyboard isn't cramped8GB RAM optionTwo USB-C portsConsTwice the priceAlmost too big at timesLenovo took time and learned from the original Duet what worked and what didn't, allowing the Duet 5 to feel like a much more complete and polished product. Powered by the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2, this 13.3-inch Chrome tablet seems odd on the spec sheet but great in hand.Value-mindedLenovo Chromebook DuetFrom $199 at Amazon (64GB)$299 at Best Buy (128GB)$215 at Walmart (64GB)ProsBright touchscreenLong-lasting batteryFrequent salesSupported until June 2028ConsKeyboard can feel crampedKeyboard doesn't magnetize to screen when closedOnly 4GB RAMThis little tablet began a new era for Chrome tablets, and even 18 months after its launch, the Duet remains one of the best values in Chromebooks. Perfect for weekends on the couch o...

Adidas plants its logo on a pair of decent wireless earbuds.There's no question Adidas comes with plenty of cachet, so brand recognition already comes in spades with a pair of earbuds like the Z.N.E. 01 ANC, even if it might not seem like the combination fits. In a fast-growing category, everyone wants a piece of the action, and this is no different.But to stand out, you need more than just a logo and concept. True to its branding, Adidas considers these sporty earbuds worthy of any active lifestyle. But did it cut too many corners to make that happen, or not go far enough?Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review:Price and availabilityWhat's good What's not goodThe competitionShould you buy?At a glanceAdidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC Bottom line: The Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC are a nice pair of earbuds that fit well and play well but are...

Netflix is getting aggressive in India, with the Basic plan now costing just ₹199 ($2.6).Netflix debuted in India nearly six years, and while the streaming service has a decent-sized following in the country, it is far from the best streaming service in the region — that honor belongs to Disney+ and Prime Video.The latest figures put Netflix at around 5 million subscribers in India, versus 17 million for Prime Video and a staggering 34 million for Disney+. The main reason for Netflix's lackadaisical growth in India has to do with pricing; the service costs roughly the same as its U.S. counterpart, making it a non-starter for a wide swathe of Indians.Netflix even tried with a $3 mobile-only plan with 480p streaming to entice users in India, but it hasn't made much headway in the country. The service is now making another bold play by rolling out huge price cuts on all of its plans in the region, making India the most affordable country in the world for streaming Netflix's va...

Don't let thieves ruin your holidays.You've probably heard of the phenomenon of "porch pirates" in recent years. Perhaps you've even been an unlucky victim of package theft yourself. This can be especially frustrating during the holiday season. If you haven't already taken precautionary measures to safeguard your deliveries for the holidays, we've compiled some tips for how to keep your holiday deliveries safe and your packages from getting into the wrong hands. While there is a bit of overlap, we've broken our suggestions down into three main categories:Jump to:Technology solutionsLogistical solutionsPeople solutionsHow to keep your holiday deliveries safe: Technology solutionsOne of the quickest and easiest solutions to the problem of package theft is to install some sort of security device to monitor your front porch. A video doorbell from Ring or Nest, or a dedicated porch security camera from Blink are ideal because they allow you to monitor your home on a w...

YouTube TV subscribers will have to sign up for Disney's own streaming service to continue watching Disney content.What you need to knowGoogle has started warning YouTube TV subscribers that its distribution deal for Disney's portfolio of channels will expire this Friday.Google and Disney are yet to reach an equitable agreement, which means there's a chance that YouTube TV subscribers will lose access to Disney-owned channels. YouTube TV wants Disney to offer it the same rates that services of a similar size pay.YouTube TV subscribers may no longer be able to access Disney channels, ABC stations, the ESPN networks, and National Geographic channels after December 17.In a service update posted on its website, YouTube TV says it is "working hard" to keep Disney content on its platform, but an equitable agreement hasn't been reached yet. We welcome a renewed agreement provided we can reach equitable terms with Disney.YouTube TV wants Disney to treat it "like any other ...

Debuting with the next Find X flagship smartphone in Q1 2022.What you need to knowOPPO launches its first NPU to enhance its smartphone imaging.MariSilicon X enables 4K AI Night Video, enhanced RGBW Pro Mode, real-time RAW image processing, and more in a power-efficient design.OPPO says that the chip will debut on its next flagship Find X smartphone, slated for Q1 2022.OPPO took to INNO Day 2021 to unveil its first in-house imaging neural processing unit (NPU), the MariSilicon X. This new chip will enable enhanced imaging capabilities that will take OPPO's smartphones to another level.MariSilicon X is a 6nm chip that combines an NPU and image signal processor (ISP), both of which can take full advantage of the chip's computing power. This should boost performance while simultaneously reducing power consumption. OPPO touts 20x faster performance than the Find X3 Pro, which already produces impressive imaging.OPPO says the MaliSilicon X chip "unlocks the full potentia...

It's not your typical smart glass.What you need to knowOPPO introduces Air Glass, an AR wearable with a monocle design.Air Glass features a Micro LED display and micro projector to display information.The wearable works with the OPPO Watch 2 for hand gestures and can be operated with head movements.OPPO Air Glass will be available in mainland China in Q1 2022.During OPPO's INNO Day 2021, the company has taken the wraps off a new aR (Assisted Reality) wearable, the OPPO Air Glass. The device takes a slightly different approach to other smart glasses like the Nreal Light by offering just a single monocle-like display that attaches to a more traditional frame to give the appearance of normal glasses.At its core, Air Glass is meant to be a fairly discreet way to view information while seamlessly interacting with the world around you. To display information, the device combines a Micro LED display with OPPO's novel Spark Micro Projector, which OPPO claims is one of the small...

It may not be the last update for the LG Wing.What you need to knowLG has begun rolling out the Android 11 update to the LG Wing.The update arrives just as manufacturers start pushing Android 12 to their devices.The Wing was LG's last major smartphone launch before exiting the smartphone industry.Owners of the LG Wing can rejoice, as the company has begun pushing out the Android 11 update, proving that LG has not forgotten about its fans... yet.The update should include many of the Android 11 goodies we're familiar with, such as conversation bubbles and a few other changes that are likely specific to the Wing:Conversation bubbles: notify you of a new message via a floating bubbleWireless Emergency Alert: changed from LG APK to Google APK in R-OSTap&Pay: Tap&pay moves under Settings Connected devices NFC. Tap&pay will be shown when NFC is on, and disappears when it is off.Mobile Hotspot: Removed Manage connections and 802.11 mode menu.The update may se...

This should address some issues users were having with the "stable" build.What you need to knowSamsung has started pushing out a new update for its foldable phones.The latest One UI 4 beta update addresses problems encountered in the stable release.The update is rolling out in S. Korea and is likely to make it to the U.S. soon.Not long after the "stable" One UI 4 (Android 12) update was released for Samsung's best foldable phones, it was reportedly pulled due to some instability. Now, Samsung is hoping to address the issues with another beta update.Samsung announced via its community forum in S. Korea that it's pushing out a new update for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 to address "important issues that occurred after the One UI 4 official firmware was opened." These included problems with the display, such as screen flickering, performance issues, and some users complaining about the phone entering recovery mode after the update.According to the forum post, th...

Only the Pixel 6 Pro can support every feature in the December Pixel Drop.Update, Dec 13 (4:30 p.m. ET): The update is now live for Pixel 6 devicesWhat you need to knowNew Pixel feature and security updates will arrive on eligible phones next week.Along with digital car key support and new wallpapers, you'll also be able to customize your Google Assistant shortcut press time or back tap to snap photos.Google also announced improvements to Now Playing and Nearby Share.You can download the factory images or OTAs now.Google announced a double-whammy of Pixel updates on Monday, with its December Pixel Drop and Security patch arriving to close out 2021. The new Pixel updates, which will arrive next week, will add everything from digital car key support to new shortcuts for Google Assistant and Camera, plus some snazzy new wallpapers.Nothing here is as vital as the fingerprint scanner fix from last month, but these are all nice-to-have features that Google has been advertisi...

Apple finally addresses its AirTag privacy concerns with its latest Tracker Detect app.What you need to knowApple launches Tracker Detect app for Android phones.The app will allow Android phones to locate AirTags and other Find My devices.The app includes instructions on removing the battery from an AirTag.Six months after announcing that it was working on a privacy app for Android users, Apple has finally released its Tracker Detect app aimed at locating unknown AirTags.The new app, which was first spotted by CNET, works by allowing owners of the best Android phones to scan for nearby trackers that are separated from their owners. The app can help users locate the tracker by prompting it to play a sound at least 10 minutes after being separated.If you think the AirTag is being used to track you, the app includes instructions on how to disable it by removing the battery. Otherwise, if the tracker is in Lost Mode, users can tap the tracker with their NFC-enabled phone, a...

A leaked case reveals the design of Xiaomi's next flagship phone.What you need to knowThe Xiaomi 12 Ultra's rear design has been revealed through a leaked case.It could have an unorthodox camera design, though a key piece from its predecessor might be missing.A Leica logo has also been spotted on the back, implying a collaboration between Xiaomi and the camera manufacturer.Xiaomi took a bold step earlier this year when it introduced the Mi 11 Ultra, which featured a square camera island that took up almost the entire upper portion of the back and a small screen next to the camera array. Its successor appears to have yet another outlandish design.The phone's alleged case has surfaced on Twitter, and the folks at Technizo Concept have created a slew of 3D renders of what the upcoming flagship device, particularly its back panel, may look like. LetsGoDigital, a Dutch blog, was the first to report on the renders.As seen in the images, the Xiaomi 12 Ultra could have an extra...

Aloy is back in action for the next generation.One of the biggest games revealed at the June 2020 PS5 showcase was Horizon Forbidden West. Developed by Guerrilla Games, this PlayStation title brings the custom Decima engine and everything it's capable of to next-generation hardware.Aloy returns as a protagonist, heading into the former western U.S. There are new threats, new machines, and new lush lands to explore. It's currently set to release on Feb. 18, 2022. Here's everything we know about Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 so far.Jump to:What is Horizon Forbidden West?Check out its trailersStory, gameplay, and featuresDoes it have multiplayer?Is it coming to PS4?Is it coming to PC?What we'd like to seeWhen does it release?What is Horizon Forbidden West?Horizon Forbidden West is a sequel to Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn, released in 2017. It's an action role-playing game in the 31st century, in a world where humanity now exists in tribes and gigantic me...

More people want microSD card support, but it seems fewer phones include it.What you need to knowWe asked our readers if they prefer to have support for expandable storage in their smartphones.More than 75% of responses indicate that they'd prefer to have the option.Recent cloud server outages may have affected trust in the cloud.Over the weekend, we asked if our readers cared if their smartphones included support for expandable storage. Between more devices dropping support for microSD cards like the Galaxy S21 and recent outages affecting users' access to cloud services, we wanted to know exactly where our readers leaned towards when it came to expandable storage.Of nearly 2500 responses, 76% voted that they would rather have the option for expandable storage than not. This is interesting because support seems to be waning amongst the best Android phones, similar to the 3.5mm headphone jack. That said, nearly 17% of responses indicate that internal storage is enough, wh...

Better is still not quite good enough.It's been nearly two years since we first got our hands on Nreal Light and, at the time, Nreal seemed like it was finally ready to deliver a consumer AR product that people might actually care about. Considering it's hundreds or even thousands less than the competition and Nreal Light is available at Verizon stores, all the pieces are in place for success.After all, the premise is pretty exciting. Put on a pair of Nreal Light glasses, plug the USB Type-C cable into your phone, and you suddenly have a choice between turning your phone's screen into a giant 220-inch virtual projection — that only you can see, of course — or working via a fully-tracked mixed reality virtual desktop with floating windows and the whole nine yards.Since they're AR glasses, not VR like an Oculus Quest 2, you can see right through the lenses to the world around you.It sounds like something from the pages of science fiction and, indeed, much of it feels just w...

Full smartwatch experienceSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2$235 at AmazonProsGPS, HRM, NFCOptional LTETwo size optionsApp supportActivity/sleep trackingConsMore expensiveShorter battery lifeIt may not be the newest wearable out there, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is still as impressive as ever. It offers advanced health/fitness tracking, built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, optional LTE connectivity, electrocardiogram (ECG), NFC payments, and more.Falls short of a smartwatchOnePlus Watch$159 at OnePlusProsBuilt-in GPSHeart rate + blood oxygen monitoring14 days of battery lifeMusic storageActivity/sleep trackingConsRTOS limits smartwatch featuresLacks NFC, LTEThe primary reason for buying the OnePlus Watch is the affordable price tag. If you're new to wearables, it could be what you're looking for. It has GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and other useful features. However, it falls short in terms of sma...

It could retail for less than €300 in Europe.What you need to knowSamsung's next budget Android tablet has leaked in new renders.The Galaxy Tab A8 10.5 appears to borrow its predecessor's design.It could be available from January 2022 starting at €230 in Europe.Samsung's successor to the Galaxy Tab A7 first popped up in September, thanks to a bunch of high-resolution renders from leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer. Those leaked images revealed a striking similarity between the most recent version and the upcoming model, and a set of new renders has now leaked to corroborate that.Courtesy of WinFuture, a bunch of Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 renders appeared online. The tablet will reportedly sport a 10.5-inch FullHD+ LCD screen, larger than its predecessor's 10.4-inch display. The screen could also have a 16:10 aspect ratio and 60Hz refresh rate.Under the hood, it may be powered by a Unisoc Tiger T618 SoC, coupled with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The internal storage apparently comes in th...