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Looking for a new e-reader? We're here to help.There's no shortage of choice if you're in the market for an e-reader, with Amazon alone offering three Kindles across various price points. Amazon has made e-readers for well over a decade now, and in that time, it has dominated thanks to a combination of hardware chops and an outstanding e-book store.The current Kindle lineup starts at $90 and goes all the way up to $250. Whether you're looking to get started with e-readers or are interested in upgrading to a more feature-rich model, these are the best Kindles you can pick up today.Jump to:KindleKindle PaperwhiteKindle OasisBuying ebooksKindle: The ideal starting pointThe $90 Kindle has a lot going for it: incredible battery life, the ability to stream audiobooks over Bluetooth, and now front-facing LEDs so you can read in the dark.The current-generation Kindle is also thinner and lighter than its predecessor, but there are a few drawbacks. It doesn't offer nearl...

The best part is they don't require a Nest Aware subscription as they have in the previous years.What you need to knowGoogle has rolled out new holiday ringtones to both the Nest Doorbell (battery) and Nest Doorbell (wired).The new ringtones do not require a Nest Aware subscription as they have in years past.You can use the holiday-themed chimes to greet your visitors until January 4, 2022.Nest Doorbell owners can now get into the holiday spirit with the rollout of new holiday-themed ringtones for Google's best smart doorbells, including the battery-powered and wired (formerly Nest Hello) versions of the Nest Doorbell.Like last year, the new holiday ringtones include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Winter, and Christmas. However, unlike in the previous years, these ringtones are free this time around, with no Nest Aware subscription required.Each theme features various tones including Jingle Bells, Winter Sleighbells, Ma'oz Tzur, Hanukkah Dreidel and Auld Lang Syne. The ...

An Android media player with Play Store access and the right price would mean never buying another iPod again.I've had a lot of Android devices over the years. Among all the phones and tablets and TV boxes though, my favorite is the lowly Samsung Galaxy Player. I got more mileage out of it than any other Android device, at half the cost of the others. It was cheap as dirt and had a great Wolfson DAC that drove my headphones almost to the breaking point. I used it until it literally stopped working, no matter how many new batteries I stuck in it.That's why one thing I really wanted to see over the Black Friday weekend was a new Android Media player. My wishlist wasn't very long: it needed to have access to the Play Store, it needed to have a decent set of audio specs with a headphone jack, and it needed to be under $300. Needless to say, I was disappointed.You can buy a media player that runs Android. But unless you're willing to spend a ton of money on something that's already ...

Samsung Internet is the stock browser for every Galaxy phone and tablet out there. It's very straightforward to use, so you can opt to use it as your Android browser even if you don't have a Galaxy device. While the navigation bar sits at the bottom, the URL bar is usually found at the top of the browser. To the delight of many users, a new update enables you to change that awkward position. Here's how you can move the URL bar to the bottom of your screen with the Samsung Internet Browser.How to move the URL bar to the bottom of your screen with the Samsung Internet BrowserOpen Samsung Internet Browser.Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner.Select the Settings option.Tap Layout and menu.Choose Bottom under the Address bar position.With that, your Samsung Internet Browser will show the URL bar at the bottom of your phone's screen. It looks far better and is easier to reach with your fingers. All the other controls sit at the bottom, so it doesn't mak...

The company will wait until the new year to determine when US employees will be able to return to their offices.What you need to knowGoogle has canceled its plan to require US employees to return to their offices on January 10.The search giant is deferring decisions on hybrid work setup timelines to its local offices.Google still encourages employees to work in the office "where conditions allow" to gain "muscle memory."Google appears to have pushed back its target date for the mandatory return to office of its US employees to next year. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, announced in August that employees would be required to return on January 10, 2022, but this will not be the case.In an email to employees, security vice president Chris Rackow said Google will no longer adopt a hybrid work setup come January 10 in any of its US offices (via CNBC). Instead, the search giant will let its local offices decide on the timelines for their employees safe return to their offices. Go...

What is VoLTE, and should I even care about it?VoLTE, or Voice over LTE, is how our phones and carriers transmit our voices during a call, so there's good reason to know how to use it and why you should care. All of the major U.S. carriers have rolled out the red carpet for VoLTE on LTE, or what most of us call 4G. By now, VoLTE is most likely available in your area, and if you upgraded your phone in the last few years, you can probably use it. Once you have the right phone and carrier, setting VoLTE up on your phone is very easy and well worth it.Let's take a deeper look.Jump to:What is VoLTE?Which U.S. carriers support VoLTE?How can I use VoLTE?What else do I need to know about VoLTE?Do I need to upgrade my phone to use VoLTE?What is VoLTE?As the name suggests, Voice over LTE happens when your carrier allows you to place a phone call over your LTE connection instead of the older legacy voice networks. For example, Verizon Wireless traditionally used 1XRTT fo...

If you're looking to improve your fitness routine by tracking workouts with an Android smartwatch, there are several options. We recommend the Garmin Vivoactive 4 as the best fitness smartwatch for many reasons. First, you'll have tons of perks, including GPS, activity/sleep tracking, music storage, and full waterproofing. You get a perfect blend of smartwatch perks and fitness tracking features, so it might be just what you're looking for. But other top picks will fit any style or budget, and they're all right here.Best overall: Garmin Vivoactive 4The Garmin Vivoactive 4 isn't the newest watch on the market anymore, but it's still one of the best fitness smartwatches you can buy. Most importantly, it offers some significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, including on-screen workouts, two size options, and music storage is now a standard feature. It's not quite as expensive as it once was, but it's not the cheapest option either. With that said, it's a phenomenal fitnes...

Sony first-party games wouldn't necessarily launch day one into the service.What you need to knowAccording to Bloomberg, Sony is working on a new gaming service codenamed Spartacus.The service would combine PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus, with different tiers available.The service is currently being planned to launch in early 2022. Sony is planning to launch a service to rival Xbox Game Pass, according to a report from Bloomberg. The service, codenamed Spartacus, is meant to combine PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now, and could launch as early as Spring 2022.Spartacus reportedly has three tiers, with the first essentially being PlayStation Plus as it currently exists. The second would add a library of PS4 and PS5 games. The third tier would bundle in game streaming, including access to older PlayStation titles across PS1, PS2, PS3 and PSP, similar to how PlayStation Now currently allows subscribers to stream games. The report also suggests that with the introducti...

Setting up festive lighting is one of the most fun parts of decorating for the holiday season. But it can also be frustrating, especially for outdoor lighting. Limited outlets makes placement tricky, inclement weather makes outdoor power bars risky, and having to go outside to turn lights on and off is a pain. In each case, smart plugs or smart strips can really help here, just as they can when setting up for other occasions like Halloween. Here's how they can simplify and improve your holiday lighting, both inside and out.Get smart plugs with multiple outlets, power stripThe best way to maximize a single power outlet is to get one of the best outdoor smart plugs with several outlets, so you can plug in more than one string of lights into it. If you have two power outlets on your porch, for example, getting two smart plugs that have two outlets each will turn that into four so you can plug in more lights, as well as things like holiday inflatables.For the inside or a covered ...

The Locked Folder feature rolled out to Pixel phones in June this year.What you need to knowGoogle Photos' Locked Folder feature has started rolling out to more Android phones.The feature lets users save private photos and videos to a folder protected by their device screen lock. You will find the Locked Folder option inside the Utilities section of the Google Photos app. Earlier this year, Google's Pixel phones became the first devices to get Google Photo's Locked Folder feature. Nearly six months after rolling out to Google's best Android phones, the feature is finally making its way to more Android devices (via Android Police.As per reports, the Locked Folder feature has started showing up on several Samsung, OPPO, and OnePlus phones within the "Utilities" section of the Google Photos app. It is likely that the feature will expand to even more Android phones in the coming weeks.As you'd expect, items moved to the Locked Folder will not be backed up to the cloud. In...

It might stop working accurately after December 13, though.What you need to knowA new browser extension brings back YouTube's dislike counts.The extension relies on data from YouTube's own API to show the dislike counts on videos.However, because the extension uses cached data from YouTube, the dislikes are only updated every two to three days.Google's decision to hide the dislike count on videos might have irked many users, but a group of developers has devised a neat trick to restore that feature, at least for the time being.While the latest change has already kicked in for some users, YouTube's dislike count has now returned through a new open-source extension called "Return YouTube Dislike" (via 9to5Google). It uses a combination of Google's API data and scraped data to fetch dislike counts as well as other details such as views and like counts.When used for public data, YouTube's API still displays dislikes and restores the video sharing platform's old layout. This...

Finding the best Android Auto USB-C cables means looking for a few specific qualities. The cable needs to be able to withstand bends, sudden removals, spills, and so much more. Whether you're learning how to use Android Auto for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, there's always a reason to get a new, or extra, cable. We have found some of the best USB-C cables that you can get for Android Auto.Perfect optionAnker Nylon USB-C to USB-C CableStaff PickAnker's charging cables are practically unmatched in terms of quality and value. This Nylon USB-C cable is extremely impressive with the braided nylon exterior, which is said to last for more than 12,000 bends and is offered in a few different colors and two lengths: 3.3 and 6-foot.From $12 at AmazonStrain reliefCable Matters 3-Pack Slim Series USB-C cableIf you want a no-frills, yet reliable cable to use with Android Auto, then Cable Matters is a great option. This 6.6-foot cable offers "molded strain reli...

The sun is setting on Motorola's budget empire.Considering the price of most new phones these days, $200 is a drop in the bucket. But if you're in the market for something new and only have $200 to spend, it's unlikely that you'll want to pick the new Moto G Power (2022).The best Android phones under $200 are usually well-rounded, but Motorola's latest entry into its G Power series focuses a bit too much on an improved display at the expense of performance. Motorola eschewed Qualcomm for a MediaTek chipset this year, and the dip in performance compared to other Moto phones is painfully noticeable. You'll wait seconds for your phone to respond to inputs or open apps, and you'll rarely notice the 90Hz display upgrade because the processor just can't deliver that refresh rate.Thankfully, the battery life lives up to the series's namesake: it delivers a solid three days on a single charge. But for anyone who wanted an upgrade to one of our favorite budget phones with epic battery l...

The Pixel 6 can be the most personal Android ever — once you fully set it up!The Google Pixel 6 may only be a month old, but Verizon and AT&T were practically giving them away during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. If you got the best Android phone on the market for free last week, congrats! (If you haven't, those deals are still active right now, so go trade up to greatness.With wonderful features, insanely-fast AI thanks to the Google Tensor processor, and a flashy new design to show off its upgraded camera array, Google has worked hard to make it more personal, colorful, and fun. While the initial setup process tries to cover as much as Google can conceivably cram in there, there are always things that you need to configure afterward — assuming you know where to find them. From little-known settings to the most prominent parts of your phone, here's how to make the most of your Pixel 6.Jump to:Call ScreeningQuick SettingsSystem GesturesWi-Fi CallingAss...

You'll need to have the latest Google app beta installed on your phone to use the home screen shortcut.What you need to knowGoogle has added a new home screen shortcut to launch Assistant's Driving Mode.The change appears to have rolled out to users with the latest Google app beta (v12.47). You can also have Driving Mode launch automatically as soon as your phone connects to your car's Bluetooth. Last month, Google made it easier for users to enable Assistant's Driving Mode with a new Bluetooth-based auto-launch feature. As reported by the folks at 9to5Google, the company has quietly introduced a new way to launch Google Assistant's Driving Mode on the best Android phones.The latest Google app beta (v12.47), which began rolling out earlier this week, brings a new home screen shortcut to initiate Driving Mode. If you have the latest Google app beta installed on your phone, you should see the "Add driving mode to Home screen" suggestion chip at the bottom of the app grid. O...

New Alexa features turn your smart speaker into a sound detector for running water and beeping appliances.What you need to knowAmazon has expanded Alexa's sound detection capabilities to recognize water running and appliance beeping.Alexa's motion detection is also now available on more smart speakers to trigger routines when someone is near your device.The Echo Show 15 is also now available for pre-order in the US.Amazon has expanded the sound detection capabilities of Alexa along with more features that make the digital assistant a little smarter.Alexa can now identify the sounds of running water and appliances beeping. This means you can set up an Alexa routine to notify you when the washer beeps to indicate that your laundry is finished. When Alexa detects that your faucet has been left open, it will send you a notification as well so you can take appropriate action.Amazon previously promised at its fall event in September that it would add the ability to program Al...

Spotify Wrapped is getting all the attention, though.What you need to knowYouTube Music Year in Review has started rolling out for some users.It will apparently appear for users with more than 10 hours of listening.Spotify Wrapped has effectively taken over the world in its absence.While everyone is busy posting their Spotify Wrapped stats everywhere you look, YouTube Music appears to be slow on the uptake. However, it seems that some users can access the app's new Year In Review, but the results may vary.As pointed out by 9to5Google, a user on Reddit posted a video of their YouTube Music "2021Recap," which suggests that the feature may be renamed for this year. It appears that the recap is accessible from the settings menu found in the user profile thumbnail.From the video, you can see that the feature lists your top artists, playlists, songs, and even new music discovered over the year and in the last 30 days.Interestingly, the feature doesn't appear to be widely ...

Qualcomm's plan is working.What you need to knowThe Federal Trade Commission has announced that it's suing to block NVIDIA's Arm merger.The Commission claims that the acquisition would stifle competition.The move comes after a lengthy investigation by the FTC that began earlier this year.In what could be the biggest setback to NVIDIA's proposed acquisition of Arm, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has announced that it is suing to block the merger.The reasoning behind the move echoes what other government agencies and regulators have been saying since the acquisition was announced; that the merger would stifle competition and innovation."Tomorrow's technologies depend on preserving today's competitive, cutting-edge chip markets," says FTC Bureau of Competition Director Holly Vedova in a statement. "This proposed deal would distort Arm's incentives in chip markets and allow the combined firm to unfairly undermine Nvidia's rivals. The FTC's lawsuit should send a strong si...

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. So you'll want to experienc...

Yet another Pixel Watch launch rumor...What you need to knowGoogle's first smartwatch is tipped to launch sometime in 2022.The device will track health metrics and currently requires daily charging.The watch could arrive in the spring, although that depends on feedback from testers.Pixel Watch rumors have been a bit scarce leading up to and following the launch of the Pixel 6 series. However, Insider is drumming up more anticipation for the elusive device with a few more tidbits, including when we might expect a launch.We stress "might" because rumors of the Pixel Watch have come and gone, and years later, we're still left without anything concrete. However, Insider says that the launch could occur as early as spring 2022, depending on how testing goes.Sources told Insider that work on the watch has accelerated this year and that Google has been "dogfooding" the device for feedback. That refers to the process of letting employees outside of the smartwatch team test the ...

Smart home devices are becoming more common these days, and that's in part to the excellent Google Assistant speakers and that the best smart lights don't have to be the most expensive ones. Smart lights are one of the easiest ways to add voice control to parts of your home, and being able to set up smart lights in the Google Home app is the first step to hands-free lighting in your house.How to set up your smart lights in the Google Home appBefore you can add lights to your Google Home app, you'll need to set them up in the app that works with the brand you purchased. So, if you bought Philips Hue lights, you'll first add them in the Hue app, LIFX in the LIFX app, and so on. Once you have done that, you're ready to add them to the Google Home app.Open the Google Home app on your phone.Tap the + in the upper left corner.Select Set up device.Choose the option Works with GoogleFind the brand of the device you added by either scrolling or tapping on the magnifying glass and...

While most eyes are drawn to that distinctive back and camera bump on the Google Pixel 6, the screen upfront is nothing to sneeze at either. This 6.4-inch 90Hz screen already has the protection of Gorilla Glass Victus, but to be perfectly honest, that's not enough. After all, glass can still scratch, and if your phone falls face first, the only real way to avoid a shattered green is a high-quality tempered glass screen protector. While tempered glass screen protectors still have some caveats right now, these are the very best Pixel 6 screen protectors you can buy right now.Made for Google certifiedZagg InvisibleShield Glass Elite+Staff PickZagg's tempered glass screen protector is a slim handful that is certified Made for Google for the Pixel 6. This means you won't have to worry about any wonk with the fingerprint sensor, and you get a top-quality tempered glass protector to help your screen avoid shatters.$50 at Best BuyMilitary toughnessTOCOL Google Pixel 6 Tempere...

Because the U.S. healthcare system is just a hot mess.What you need to knowGoogle is adding new features to Search to make it easier to find healthcare.Users will be able to filter for doctors that accept Medicare.Doctors can now list what languages are spoken at their offices.Open Enrollment is upon us for those of us that live in the U.S. That means it's time to shop around for healthcare plans for 2022. However, if you live in the U.S., you know how much of a mess the healthcare system is and how confusing it can be to find the right doctor. Google wants to help alleviate some of that confusion with a couple of new features it's introducing in Google Search.Google highlights how when using Search or Maps to find doctors in your area, you can quickly look up the types of insurance they accept. This is usually found in the business information under the operating hours.Google is expanding on this by allowing users to easily filter for doctors who accept Medicare, typic...

More party games to stream.What you need to knowThe Jackbox Party Pack 7 launches for Stadia on Dec. 7.Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires will be coming to Stadia, though no release date announced yet.The game will be coming to PC and consoles in North America and Europe on Feb. 15, 2022, but the Stadia version will receive a different launch date.Google revealed two more games coming to the Stadia platform: The Jackbox Party Pack 7 and Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires.The Jackbox Party Pack 7 includes five games with Quiplash 3, the cooperatively chaotic The Devils and the Details, drawing fighting game Champ'd Up, on-the-spot public-speaking game Talking Points, and pop culture guessing game Blather 'Round. The party game collection launches for Stadia on Dec. 7, almost a month after its sequel, The Jackbox Party Pack 8, initially released for Google's service.Dynasty Warriors 9 Empires will also be coming to Stadia, though no release date has been announced specifically for the St...

If you're the proud owner of an Oculus Quest 2 (or Meta Quest 2, whatever you want to call it), PlayStation VR, or are just looking forward to the PSVR 2, developers just unveiled a ton of new games on the Upload VR Winter Showcase for you to celebrate.The bi-annual Upload VR Showcase is now on its fifth show and has previously revealed tons of new titles with every show. It's a bit like the PC Gamer's PC Gaming Show in that it's designed to be an industy-wide showcase of upcoming titles for all of VR, although the industry primarily supports the Quest and PlayStation VR platforms due to their popularity. Without further ado, here's everything announced at the 2021 Upload VR Winter Showcase!Cities: VRQuest 2, Spring 2022Cities: Skylines is coming to VR for the first time ever as the appropriately-titled Cities: VR. Just as you'd expect from the series, Cities: VR brings the city-bulding sim into a more personally interactive medium exclusively on the Quest 2 this coming s...

Smart lighting isn't just limited to turning your bulbs on and off from your phone or changing their colors by asking Alexa. With the best smart light bulbs, you can even soup up your gaming rig with lights that follow the rhythm and beats of your games, turning your entire room into a living visualizer. These are some of the top smart lights for gaming to consider.Bulbs for your lampsPhilips Hue White and Color Ambiance - LED Smart BulbStaff PickIf you don't already have an elaborate smart lighting rig, why not start simple with a couple of bulbs? You can start with one, two, or however many Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs you want and connect directly to your phone via Bluetooth. No hub needed. Philips Hue partners with gaming brands like Razer so that your lights can match the changing colors of your Chroma-powered peripherals.$100 at Amazon (3 Pack)$100 at Best Buy (3 Pack)$112 at Walmart (2 Pack)Ambient glowPhilips Hue Bluetooth Smart LightstripJ...

The first beta build for the Note 10 series is currently available only in South Korea.What you need to knowSamsung's One UI 4 beta program is now live for the Galaxy Note 10 series phones.The first One UI 4 beta has been rolled out to beta testers in Samsung's home market. Samsung is expected to release the stable Android 12 update for the Galaxy Note 10 series sometime in January 2022. Samsung has released the first Android 12-based One UI 4 beta for the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+. While the beta program is currently live for the two phones only in South Korea, it is likely to expand to users in other countries soon.One UI 4 Beta for Galaxy Note10 / Note10+ has started in Korea.4GB RAM Plus (virtual RAM) included. pic.twitter.com/VBtU0Fmfg4— Tron ❂ (@FrontTron) December 2, 2021Once the beta program goes live in your country, you'll be able to join it from the Samsung Members app. After you finish signing up, head over to Settings > Software update to downlo...

Synology unveils its first Wi-Fi 6 router alongside key updates to Surveillance Station and cloud networking products.Synology had a great 2021; it extended its lead as the manufacturer of the best home NAS servers, and while it hasn't released as many new models as it usually does, its existing portfolio continues to sell remarkably well.The biggest change came not in the form of hardware, but software: the brand's long-running DSM interface got an update to DSM 7.0 with a fresh design and exciting new features. With 2022 around the corner, Synology is showing off what's on the horizon at its Synology 2022 and Beyond launch event.Synology highlighted a lot of products, and in this post I'm going to focus on four areas: networking, DSM updates, Surveillance Station, and the brand's cloud networking products. So let's take a look at what Synology has in store for the coming months, and why you should be excited.Jump to:Wi-Fi 6 routerDSM 7.1Surveillance StationC2 cloud...

While PlayStation Plus is usually a requirement to play online multiplayer, there are notable exceptions to this rule. Most free-to-play games allow people to enjoy online multiplayer matches without needing to be active PlayStation Plus subscribers. If you're wondering which games fall into this category, we've created a list of some of the best online games you can play without PS Plus. Should you want to see the complete list of free-to-play games offered on PS4 and PS5, Sony has an entire section of its store dedicated to just that.Jump to:Genshin ImpactRocket LeagueCall of Duty: Warzone DauntlessApex LegendsFortniteFinal Fantasy 14NeverwinterSmiteBrawlhallaDC Universe OnlineWarframePaladins: Champions of the RealmStar Trek OnlineGenshin ImpactThough it has a PS5 version in the works, Genshin Impact can be played on Sony's latest console through backward compatibility. This fantasy RPG thrusts players into the world of Teyvat, where elemental gods a...

The best tablets and large-screened smartphones are designed for you to use your fingers to navigate menus and screens, type, select, and more. But you can also use the best stylus for Android phones and tablets to do all of the above. A stylus offers better precision, particularly with tasks like coloring, jotting down digital notes, or selecting items in a detailed document or spreadsheet. They're beneficial for those with large hands, fingers, and/or thumbs who find it difficult to manipulate small text on the screen. The absolute best option for a Samsung Galaxy device is an S Pen Pro, but if you're looking for an alternative or have another tablet brand or smartphone, there are alternatives worth considering, too.Fine-point stylusAdonit Dash 4Staff PickThis universal stylus for Android phones and tablets features a fine-tip point that mimics a paper-like drag. You can replace the nibs and top-up the charge via a unique wireless USB C dongle. With a 15 hour up time, thi...

Super advanced smartwatchFitbit Sense$199 at AmazonProsBuilt-in GPSStylish designRobust sleep trackingFitbit Premium free trialUnique skin temperature sensorConsNot a lot of storage for musicDoesn't work with a ton of appsExpensiveThe Sense is Fitbit's newest premium smartwatch, and it doesn't disappoint with all of the bells and whistles you'd expect in a high-end smartwatch and from Fitbit, including built-in GPS, detailed sleep tracking, heart rate tracking and zones, plus interesting new features like Sp02 oxygen saturation measurement and skin temperature sensor. Plus, the Fitbit app is second to none.A fitness winnerSamsung Galaxy Watch Active 2From $149 at AmazonProsRecharge from a compatible phoneSpecial edition options for golfers, runnersTwo size optionsStylish designCool turn and touch bezelConsBattery only lasts a few days per chargeRound face not for everyoneWhile it's a year old now, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Act...

The Galaxy A73 is rumored to be Samsung's first A series phone with a 108MP main camera.What you need to knowCAD renders of Samsung's Galaxy A72 successor have surfaced.The renders suggest the upcoming Galaxy A73 will have a similar design to the Galaxy A72. It is tipped to feature a 6.7-inch FHD+ display, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 750G chipset, and a 5000mAh battery. Last month, a massive leak gave us our first look at the design of Samsung's Galaxy A53. Popular leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer has now teamed up with Zoutons to publish CAD-based renders of the Galaxy A73.Sooo... By popular demand following my #Samsung #GalaxyA13, #GalaxyA33 and #GalaxyA53 leaks, here comes your very first look at the #GalaxyA73! (360° video + gorgeous 5K renders + dimensions) #FutureSquad On behalf of @Zoutons -> https://t.co/5X2sz9rrx6 pic.twitter.com/qpLZ4qxEn2— Steve H.McFly (@OnLeaks) December 2, 2021The leaked renders suggest the Galaxy A72 successor will arrive with a familiar desi...

Seagate's latest IronWolf and Exos drives have all the storage you could ask for.No matter how many hard drives I get, I always seem to be running out of storage. I'm currently at 148TB, but I'm down to the last 8TB on the primary NAS and need to pick up more drives in a few months' time. Thankfully, Seagate's latest announcement is aimed squarely at my usage needs: the brand has announced 20TB variants of the Exos and IronWolf Pro hard drives, with both models going on sale from later this month.I already have over 40TB spread out over various IronWolf and IronWolf Pro drives, and I recommend them highly if you're interested in picking up one of the best NAS for Plex models. I first got started with two 14TB IronWolf drives three years ago, and they're holding up just fine in my primary NAS — a DiskStation DS1019+ — that runs 24/7.So what do you get with the 10TB Exos and IronWolf Pro drives? Both drives are based on conventional magnetic recording (CMR) tech, so you will ...

OEMs and carriers will take barely-functional phones and lose money to boost sales.Trading in your old smartphone while buying a new one isn't rocket science. Plenty of people get the newest flagship every year, trading in last year's cutting-edge tech for half (or more) off the latest device. But two years after launch, a popular Android phone might get you $200 off, while a budget phone will get tossed straight into the recycling bin. Three years on, it's barely worth bothering to bring to the store.But 2021 proved that old phones are a valuable commodity. If you play your cards right, your wimpy old phone could easily score you a brand new phone. Old phones are a valuable commodity.We first noticed this trend with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. As soon as it launched, AT&T offered the $1,000 phone for free with a trade-in, even if the traded phone's market value was much less. A $200 Moto G Power, a 4-year-old Galaxy S8, a 5-year-old iPhone 7 — all of these are "wor...

Traditionally, you play your game console at home unless it's a Nintendo Switch that's built for easy portability. However, it's not a ridiculous idea that you might want to carry your PlayStation 4 around with you, particularly if you're traveling on a lengthy trip. It's not the most convenient thing you'll ever do, but with the right accessories, you'll be able to travel (fairly) light and have a great experience on the road. Many of the best PS4 travel accessories work with PS5, too, if you've managed to get hold of one.All-in-oneCase Club PS4 Gaming StationStaff PickThis big beastly thing is an all-in-one travel solution for your PS4. It combines a durable, waterproof case with an 18.5 inch HD monitor so that you can play anywhere you have power. Inside, an HDMI cable is included, along with a custom-fit foam base, heavy-duty straps to secure your console, and accessory bags. It's pricey, but has everything you could want if you're planning to take your PS4 traveling....

Best answer: If you're interested in taking advantage of the Fitbit Daily Readiness score feature, you'll be glad to know it can be found on many of the company's best devices. This feature is available on the Sense, Versa 3, Versa 2, Charge 5, Inspire 2, and Luxe.Which Fitbit devices feature the Daily Readiness experience?If you've been torn about whether or not you should invest in a Fitbit Premium subscription, the Fitbit Daily Readiness Score may just sway you. This experience is designed to improve your exercise and recovery routine. With the Daily Readiness experience, users can base their workouts and recovery on their body's needs rather than adhering to a particular schedule.First, you'll want to learn how to use the Fitbit Daily readiness score. So let's start with the basics. This feature uses an advanced algorithm based on well-researched physiological science that's very popular within the athletic community. This science is known as "Fitness-Fatigue."To put it s...

You'll need to have the Wi-Fi version of the tablet to install the preview build.What you need to knowThe first Android 12L Developer Preview has been released for the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro.Android 12L includes a bunch of optimizations for large screens devices such as tablets and foldables. It is expected to be released to the public sometime early next year. Ahead of the release of the first Android 12L Beta, Lenovo has announced the rollout of the first Android 12L Developer Preview for its Tab P12 Pro.Developers can now download and install Android 12L DP1 image on the Tab P12 Pro from Lenovo's website (via 9to5Google). The update includes the November Android security patch and new APIs that enable app developers to "provide a better app usage experience in landscape mode, including easier multitasking."Since it is the first Developer Preview build for the tablet, there are quite a few bugs, and not everything works as expected. Lenovo warns that the build "may displa...

Qualcomm partners with Razer to boost its gaming strategy.What you need to knowQualcomm has announced the new Snapdragon G3x gaming platform.The chipset will power Switch-like handheld gaming consoles based on Android.Qualcomm and Razer have collaborated on a reference device for developers to test out.Hot off the heels of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 announcement for smartphones, Qualcomm launches its new Snapdragon G3x gaming platform as the company aims to use its mobile prowess to take handheld gaming to another level.The new chipset will utilize some of the best of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite Gaming technologies, such as an Adreno GPU, which will enable 144fps gaming and 10-bit HDR, with support for 4K when attached to an external monitor or TV. It will also take advantage of Snapdragon Sound for immersive audio while gaming.Qualcomm also touts its industry-leading 5G and FastConnect 6900 with Wi-Fi 6 and 6E support for low-latency gaming, ideal for services like Xbox ...

We might have our first look at Motorola's smart glasses.What you need to knowMotorola says it will be among the first to launch a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 smartphone.The company also plans to utilize the new chip with an upcoming wearable launch.Images of Motorola's upcoming smart glasses may have leaked with an interesting design.Since Qualcomm launched its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform, Xiaomi has claimed that it will be the first to launch a smartphone with the new chipset, which isn't too surprising. Now, Motorola has chimed in, saying it will be among the first to feature the chipset, but it has plans for more than just a smartphone.Motorola's head of customer experience, Ruben Castano, has teased that the company is working on a new wearable launch that will utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Motorola is leading the way with new premium experiences based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile platform, bringing to market one of the first Snapdragon 8 smartphones via ...

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 aims to deliver significant performance gains in all areas.At its annual tech summit, Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the chip manufacturer's 2022 flagship design. The Snapdragon 888 ended up powering the best Android phones of 2021, and Qualcomm is looking to do the same with next year's phones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. To that effect, the platform has picked up a lot of changes.First and foremost is the change in naming. Qualcomm was running out of numerals with its current Snapdragon 8xx convention, and with the series hitting its tenth year, the company wanted to overhaul the naming with this generation.Going forward, all models in the Snapdragon portfolio will feature a single-digit naming system; Qualcomm says this was done to make it easier for users to figure out what they're buying. And you'll notice that there's no Qualcomm in the naming — that's intentional, with the Snapdragon moniker being spun off as its own brand.Of course,...

Qualcomm claims the new chip will "redefine mobile computing."What you need to knowQualcomm has introduced two new SoCs for Always-On, Always-Connected PCs.The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is the first 5nm compute platform for notebooks.Qualcomm is also extending 5G across ecosystems with the mid-tier Snapdragon 7c Gen 3 platform. Qualcomm has unveiled the world's first 5nm chip designed for Windows PCs and Chromebooks at its annual Snapdragon Tech Summit. While the 5nm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is designed for premium devices, Qualcomm has also rolled out a new entry-tier compute platform with integrated 5G connectivity. The announcement comes just a day after the chipmaker introduced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which is expected to power the best Android phones of 2022.Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 chip is built to deliver "breakthrough performance per watt," enhanced AI-acceleration, multi-day battery life, and fast 5G connectivity in ultra-thin laptops with fanless designs. Than...

Verizon partnered with Bang & Olufsen on these new soundbars, so they should sound great.What you need to knowVerizon partnered with Bang & Olufsen to create two high-end Stream TV soundbars.The Stream TV Soundbar costs $399.99 and the Stream TV Soundbar Pro costs $999.99.Android TV powers these soundbars with access to all of the latest streaming apps.Verizon has announced that it has worked together with Bang & Olufsen to create two soundbars featuring its Stream TV. This means customers can access the features of the previous standalone Stream TV box with the expanded audio experience of a soundbar.These soundbars each come with Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, Wi-Fi 6, and run atop Android TV for great app support. These systems have 2GB of system RAM and 16GB of storage which should be more than enough to handle 4K streaming enabled by the HDMI 2.1 port for output with up to 4K 60Hz video support.The cheaper Verizon Stream TV Soundbar has two HDM...

The craziness is finally over.While there might be some deals still shuffling about, the hottest shopping season of the year is finally over. Black Friday deals ran into Cyber Monday, which created a non-stop shopping extravaganza. Yet, amid the global pandemic still ravaging the world, things were probably a lot less crazy for in-store shoppers as more people took to their phones or computers to place orders. And in the age of Amazon, it makes sense.That said, we're curious about how our readers shopped, and we want to know what methods you used to get in on the deals, whether it was on your phone, on the computer, or in person.How did you shop on Black Friday/Cyber Monday?The argument can be made that shipping for things like tech gadgets and the like are more easily done on larger screen devices like the best laptops because it's easier to multitask and research reviews on products that you're considering buying.Meanwhile, if you're shopping for things like clothes, tho...

The app will soon remind you to respond to important messages automatically.Update, Dec 1 (3.45 p.m. ET): Rolling out for some usersWhat you need to knowGoogle is working on a new "nudges" feature for its Messages app.The feature will remind you to respond to important texts.It will likely begin rolling out to users sometime later this year.The Google Messages app could soon offer a useful new feature similar to "nudges" in Gmail, according to an APK teardown of the Google Messages app version 9.5 beta by the folks at XDA Developers.Gmail's nudges feature, which was introduced in 2018, reminds users to follow up on emails that it thinks may be important. New strings found in the latest beta update for the Google Messages app suggest the app will soon highlight "messages you might have forgotten to respond to" at the top of the inbox. It will also show you "messages you might need to follow up on."Google Messages already supports chat reminders, but they need to be set...

Though Amazon may be one of the first places that many people think of when it comes to online shopping, it also happens to make some of the best Android tablets on the market today. The Amazon Fire lineup of tablets offers a variety of use cases, from casual content consumption on the Fire HD 8 to productivity on the Fire HD 10. Whichever tablet you use, there may come a time where you want to take a screenshot on an Amazon Fire tablet. Well, not to worry, we have you covered.How to take a screenshot on an Amazon Fire tabletTaking a screenshot is much like it is on popular Android phones like the ones from Samsung. The process is relatively straightforward, and here are the steps to help you take a screenshot on your Amazon Fire tablet.Go to the screen, app, or webpage you want to capture.Press and hold the physical volume down and power button at the same time.You'll see an animation on the screen and hear a sound to confirm the screenshot was taken.At the top of the scre...

Features galore for all your Android devices!What you need to knowGoogle has announced a ton of new features coming to Android devices.The updates include new emoji kitchen mashups, permissions auto-reset support on more phones, and auto-generated Memories in Google Photos.There are also new updates to Android Auto for improved messaging and new widgets for a few Android apps.'Tis the season for Android app updates, courtesy of Google. Every few months, Google drops new features for its Android devices and services, separate from the quarterly feature drops it pushes out exclusively for Pixel devices. In this latest set of features for Android, Google is making it easier to stay in touch with the family while adding a few fun and useful updates.Family Bell on more devicesOne of the most useful features from Google's Nest product family is Family Bell, which allows users to set helpful reminders that are broadcast throughout the house. Google is now expanding this featur...

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

The Genshin Impact memes are out in full force because two more polearm users were announced.Welcome back to Android Central's second monthly Android gaming recap. We always strive to give you the latest gaming coverage surrounding Android, PlayStation, VR, and Stadia, with a roundup of the biggest monthly news in one convenient place. November was fairly quiet on the Android gaming front save for the highly-anticipated launch of PUBG: New State, which didn't exactly go as the developer may have hoped. So let's check out everything that happened and what you may have missed.PUBG: New State has some technical difficultiesPUBG: New State didn't exactly have the type of launch the developer was hoping for. While we called it a "solid entry that builds upon PUBG Mobile" in our review, we also noted its myriad of technical issues and its barebones content — at least at launch.As it turns out, the "next-gen battle royale" isn't so next-gen. It's understandable for any multiplay...

Hey Google, unlock my BeamerWhat you need to knowGoogle is rolling out Android digital car key support.The feature is only available on Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21 devices.Currently, select BMW cars are the only compatible car models.Back during the Google I/O 2021 keynote, the company announced that digital car key support would be arriving on select Android devices. Thanks to the power offered by Ultra Wideband chips, your phone and vehicle can communicate with one another while ditching the physical key in the process. Despite being announced as part of Android 12, the feature was not yet available, at least until now.In a blog post detailing a total of ten different features that are coming to "all" Android users, Google slipped in confirmation that digital car key support is available. There are a few catches to be aware of, however, as the feature is currently limited to the Pixel 6 and Galaxy S21 series of devices. One much larger limitation is that you must be using ...

The flow in Solar Ash is incredible — but only when it works.As an avid lover of indie games, I'm always on the hunt for something unique or different in the world of gaming. So when a game like Solar Ash comes out, promising the opportunity to skate around an otherworldly dreamscape to your heart's content, you know I just had to give it a try.Developed by the same folks behind Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash is an adventure-platformer for PS5, PS4, and PC with a heavy emphasis on movement and flow over combat. You play as Rei, a Voidrunner on a quest to save her planet from a massive black hole known as the Ultravoid that is sucking up entire worlds and destroying everything in its path. Rei and her people believe that they may have a piece of technology that can save their planet from being obliterated by the Ultravoid: the Starseed. You do this by skating and parkouring throughout a gorgeously-rendered world. It's all incredible, until the flow comes to a grinding halt.S...